CLEAN : WTO says goods trade surging past pre-pandemic level (2)

The transcript discusses the upcoming 12th Ministerial Conference and emphasizes the need for member states to collaborate on a strong WTO response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the significant impact of the pandemic on global trade, with a 5.3% shrinkage in merchandise trade volume in 2020. The text also addresses the issue of vaccine inequity, which is worsening economic disparities and could lead to more dangerous COVID-19 variants. The speaker stresses that vaccine policy is integral to economic and trade policy, advocating for rapid vaccine production and equitable distribution to sustain global economic recovery.

What is the significance of the 12 Ministerial Conference in relation to the pandemic?

In what ways is vaccine policy related to economic and trade policy?