Parliamentarians and business call for WTO reform at MC14

At the opening of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14), parliamentarians and business leaders presented documents calling for urgent reform of the multilateral trading system. Key calls include restoring the dispute settlement system, advancing digital trade, and renewing the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions.

Plastics Dialogue coordinators issue MC14 ministerial statement and technical package

WTO Plastics Dialogue coordinators presented a ministerial statement and a package of five technical documents at MC14. These documents reflect progress in addressing plastics pollution and outline a roadmap for trade-related cooperation, with 83 co-sponsors representing nearly 90% of global plastics trade.

China Pledges USD 1.1 Million for WTO Accession Support and LDCs

China has pledged USD 1.1 million in 2026 to support the WTO's Least-Developed Countries (LDCs) and Accessions Programme, as well as the general fund for WTO technical assistance. The contributions were confirmed through two memoranda of understanding signed on March 25th.

UK Donates CHF 1.56 Million to WTO Development Programmes

The United Kingdom has donated approximately CHF 1.56 million to the WTO's Global Trust Fund and the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF). This contribution aims to enhance the capacity of developing economies to participate in the multilateral trading system and improve food safety and animal/plant health for safe trade.

WTO Members Showcase Investment Facilitation Agreement Progress

WTO members participating in the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement showcased implementation progress and urged its incorporation into the WTO legal framework at a high-level event. The Agreement, concluded in 2024, aims to enhance transparency and efficiency of investment procedures, particularly for developing economies.

Proposed Merger Comment Period

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is providing a comment period for a proposed merger. The deadline for submitting public comments is May 14, 2026. This notice allows interested parties to provide feedback on the proposed merger.

DoD RFI: State Priorities for Service Members Families

The Department of Defense (DoD) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather public input on issues impacting Service members and their families that State governments can address. The DoD will use these submissions to set its annual State policy priorities, focusing on barriers arising from military life. Submissions are due by April 23, 2026.

DoD Information Collection Notice - GlobalNET System

The Department of Defense has issued a 30-day notice regarding the GlobalNET collection (OMB Control Number 0704-0558). This is an extension request for an information collection used to manage students and provide a collaborative networking environment. The notice seeks public comments by April 27, 2026.

DOD Notice on Information Collection Activities for OMB Review

The Department of Defense has submitted a 30-day information collection notice to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. This notice pertains to the DD Form 2813, Department of Defense Active Duty/Reserve Forces Dental Examination, with an estimated 150,000 respondents and an annual burden of 37,500 hours.

DOD Proposes Information Collection for JCOC Program

The Department of Defense has issued a 60-day notice proposing a new information collection for the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC) Program. The proposed collection, associated with JCOC Nomination and Registration Forms, aims to verify eligibility and select participants. Public comments are requested by May 26, 2026.