WTO

A SWOT analysis of the Indian pharmaceutical industry (IPI) in the WTO regime reveals that the much acclaimed IPI's expertise in process development skills were made possible by amendments made to the Indian Patents Act 1970. This strength should be utilised to the hilt to benefit from opportunities that arise from vertical disintegration of research, clinical trials and manufacturing by the multinationals. IPI faces threats in the form of competition from other Asian giants, particularly China. This paper argues that the IPI should adopt various strategies like producing off-patented products, new patented products by acquiring compulsory licensing or cross licensing, collaborate with multinationals not only in R and D and manufacturing, but also in marketing new patented products and improving the standards of production to widen the export market.

This article examines whether the amendment to the Indian Patents Act, 1970 has taken advantage of the provisions available under the TRIPS agreement, and look at the exemption, exception and compulsory licensing provisions in pharmaceuticals.

Immigration of ordinary labour from the poor to rich countries fouls up the ethnic mix; but some kinds of immigrants, scientists, and such others even of poor countries are allowed in. James Tobin has suggested the payment of a tax to the poor country for every such person. If the principle is conceded, why not then concede the legitimacy of the demand for the liberal movement of all labour from the poor to rich countries?

This paper focuses on the ongoing changes in the business environment and the analysis of their implications for small-scale units. Specifically, it looks at possible ways of improving the competitive strength and commercial viability of small-scale units in the changing context. For this, substantial improvements will be needed in technology, such as mechanisation, organisation and information and the revamping of policy measures to encourage the growth of small units through collective efforts, ending their isolated mode of operation.

The Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation was launched to affect a quicker process of liberalisation in countries disadvantaged in one way or other in the WTO regime, so that through open regional arrangements and agreements they could all gain quickly from the transforming trade and investment environment. An assessment of its five-year existence.