Article Writing Competition on International Trade by Centre for WTO Studies, IIFT: Submit by March 30

About the Organiser

Centre for WTO Studies, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) is an independent think-tank working in the area of international trade under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

About the Competition

The Centre for WTO Studies (CWS) is organizing an article writing competition for young researchers in the field of international trade, marking the 25th Anniversary of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Twenty-five years after the establishment of the WTO, there loom many uncertainties and difficulties in the world of trade. As the world leaps into the new decade that is posed to be replete with new technological developments while still retaining several unresolved issues, it is important to assess how law and economics have addressed and will address these challenges in unstable geopolitics.

They are inviting submissions of extended abstracts (1500-2000 words) from young researchers based in India in the field of international trade, up to the age of 35 as of the deadline for abstract submission, on topics given below. Authors of accepted abstracts notified thereafter will be expected to submit full-length, well-researched articles (up to 7000 words). The authors of shortlisted articles will be invited to make a presentation at a seminar organized by CWS, whereby winners will be adjudged.

Submissions are invited on the following topics

• Future of multilateral trade rules
• Resolving the Appellate Body crisis
• Relevance of Special and Differential Treatment in multilateral trade rules
• WTO’s role in the facilitation of economic development
• Rewriting the Agreement on Agriculture for the 21st Century
• FTAs as blueprints for future multilateral trade rules and negotiations
• Significance of data localisation for developing countries
• Technological neutrality of TRIPs in the context of e-commerce
• Role of TRIPs in stimulating innovation in India, amidst other factors that promote innovation
• Novel approaches for utilisation of IPRs to enhance access to medicines
• Relevance of Non-Agricultural Market Access negotiations in the present context
• Food security and livelihood security under WTO and FTAs
• Designing digital trade rules for developing countries

Submission Guidelines

The extended abstract should be about 1500-2000 words including references. Co-authorship of up to two persons is allowed. The first page should contain the title of the paper, name and contact details of the author(s), with short bio(s). Please make all your submissions to cwssubmissions[@]iift.edu. All submissions will be blind reviewed.

Important Dates

• Extended Abstract Submission: 30th March, 2020
• Abstract Acceptance Decision: 22nd April 2020
• Full length Paper Submission: 1st August 2020
• Conference Dates: October 2020 (Dates to be finalized)

Prizes

• 1st Position: Rupees Fifty Thousand
• 2nd Position: Rupees Forty Thousand
• 3rd Position: Rupees Thirty Thousand

Contact Details

For any assistance or query, please contact: cwssubmissions[@]iift.edu.

For full details, click here.

For the website link, click here.