GS PrelimsInternational relationsInternational Organizations1997

One of the important agreements reached in the 1996 Ministerial Conference of WTO relates to

A

Commerce in Information Technology

B

Multilateral Agreement on Investment

C

Multi-fibre Agreement

D

Exchange of Technical Personnel

Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation

The question asks about an important agreement reached at the 1996 Ministerial Conference of the WTO (World Trade Organization). This conference was held in Singapore.The Singapore Ministerial Conference (December 1996) resulted in several outcomes, including discussions on the 'Singapore Issues' (investment, competition policy, trade facilitation, government procurement).A significant agreement concluded at this conference was the Ministerial Declaration on Trade in Information Technology Products, commonly known as the Information Technology Agreement (ITA). This agreement aimed to eliminate tariffs on a wide range of IT products. Option (A) reflects this.Option (B) Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI): This was discussed (primarily at OECD) but failed and was highly controversial; it wasn't a WTO agreement reached in 1996.Option (C) Multi-fibre Agreement (MFA): This agreement predated the WTO and governed textile trade; the WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing aimed to phase out the MFA, not establish it in 1996.Option (D) Exchange of Technical Personnel: While related to trade in services (GATS), it wasn't the single most defining agreement of the 1996 conference like the ITA.Therefore, the Commerce in Information Technology (ITA) was a key agreement.

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