Leveraging WTO rules to tackle malnutrition
Food trade is not a luxury — it is a must. Over 30 countries would face starvation if international food trade were to come to a halt. While the risk of food insecurity is severe for less developed countries that rely upon trade, dependence on trade for food security is also a concern for wealthier nations. Gulf Arab nations, facing severe water shortage, import 80-90 per cent of their food, Singapore imports 90 per cent, and Haiti imports 50 per cent. Globally, 25 per cent of food production is traded internationally.
Food trade is not a luxury — it is a must. Over 30 countries would face starvation if international food trade were to come to a halt. While the risk of food insecurity is severe for less developed countries that rely upon trade, dependence on trade for food security is also a concern for wealthier nations. Gulf Arab nations, facing severe water shortage, import 80-90 per cent of their food, Singapore imports 90 per cent, and Haiti imports 50 per cent. Globally, 25 per cent of food production is traded internationally.
