Negotiators at the World Trade Organization (WTO) found themselves entangled in a gripping saga, extending their talks amidst a political standoff after five days of high-stakes discussions. The air buzzed with uncertainty, leaving onlookers to ponder whether the 164 WTO members could forge a consensus before the clock struck 10 p.m. local time, introducing a fresh layer of suspense to an already tense situation. Doubts lingered about leaving the negotiation table empty-handed, with one delegate expressing skepticism about the possibility of a breakthrough. As most ministers had already retreated, the scene was set, yet the presence of India’s Piyush Goyal and European Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis hinted at lingering hopes for a resolution.

Delegates, huddled in small groups next to coffee stands, exchanged worried glances, their discussions punctuated by the release of new draft deals that revealed the overnight talks had failed to yield a breakthrough. The scene painted a vivid picture of the complex challenges faced by the biennial high-level meeting, where trade ministers from across the globe sought to rewrite the rules of global commerce, spanning issues from fishing and farming to e-commerce.

Amidst the chaos, India’s Piyush Goyal and European Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis stood as last men standing, a stark contrast to the majority of ministers who had already departed. Goyal, with a smile on his face, shook hands outside a meeting room, embodying a mix of optimism and determination. Yet, the whispers among delegates suggested a prevailing skepticism, with one stating, “I think we’re leaving here empty-handed.”

The stakes were high, with a document circulating within the WTO emphasizing that “time is running out.” As negotiators grappled with intensive and difficult discussions, a sense of urgency permeated the atmosphere, underscored by the looming deadline.

The fissures between some of the world’s top economies came to the forefront in the oil-rich Gulf state of the United Arab Emirates. Disagreements on crucial issues, such as the extension of a moratorium on digital trade tariffs, pitted nations against each other. The BRICS group, including core members India and China, found themselves at odds, reflecting the broader challenges facing global trade cooperation.

U.S. President Joe Biden’s trade chief, Katherine Tai, warned of potential fragmentation within the BRICS group if talks failed. Against the backdrop of this geopolitical drama, Pacific island nations voiced their concerns about feeling marginalized and overlooked by major powers.

With the fate of global trade hanging in the balance, the negotiations in Abu Dhabi took center stage. The United Arab Emirates, itself a proponent of multilateralism and dialogue, awaited a resolution that aligned with its recent shift towards a more cooperative foreign policy. As the world watched, the diplomatic stage was set for a potential breakthrough that could reshape the dynamics of global trade.

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