This Workshop is a unique and the only event of its kind globally, Mr. Johann Human, Director, Rules Division of the WTO Secretariat, noted. The Workshop aims to assist Asian developing WTO Members’ investigating authorities to further enhance their technical capacity to conduct anti-dumping investigations in a fair and efficient manner, in conformity with WTO rules.

Dr. Surajit Mitra, Director, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade pointed that the conduct of sunset reviews by different countries and the extension of anti-dumping and countervailing duties after such reviews is a matter of grave concern which the participants of the Workshop should dwell upon. In addition to sunset reviews, the Workshop will also discuss transparency and rights of defence, Questionnaires, information-gathering and verification, use of facts available, standing and domestic industry definitions etc.

Mr. A. K. Bhalla, Additional Secretary and Designated Authority observed that anti-dumping rules helps countries to ensure free and fair trade within its domestic market and is an important tool available with India, considering its stage of industrial development. Mr. Bhalla also informed that steps are being taken to make the Indian anti-dumping investigation process ISO compliant and the government will also soon launch an interactive website to keep all the stakeholders in the process informed.