WTO chief buoyant on Doha round
The Doha talks had derailed in July this year following inability of key members to agree on the modalities for liberalising agriculture and industrial goods market.
By TNN |
NEW DELHI: World Trade Organisation (WTO) director general Pascal Lamy has expressed hopes that the on-going the Doha round of multilateral trade talks could successfully conclude next year if all members contribute and stay on track.
In his report submitted to the Trade Negotiations Committee of the WTO, Mr Lamy observed that while no real changes in numbers, notably in agriculture domestic support or tariff protection had shown up in the discussions of the WTO negotiating groups so far, an increasing level of engagement had started to appear. "I believe this indicates a willingness to enter into discussions on substance," he said.
The Doha talks had derailed in July this year following inability of key members to agree on the modalities for liberalising agriculture and industrial goods market.
Mr Lamy said that members continued to have contacts among themselves, in many cases to try to refine their negotiating positions. "I know that further contacts are planned, including some at ministerial level early next year, at the invitation of our Swiss colleagues," he said.
The DG suggested that the rhythm of the informal work which is underway should be maintained and then increased when members returned to the negotiating table after the year-end break.
Warning that failure could be just around the corner, Mr Lamy said that members need not turn that corner. "With everyone contributing and playing their part, we can stay on track to take this round to a successful conclusion next year," he said.
In his report submitted to the Trade Negotiations Committee of the WTO, Mr Lamy observed that while no real changes in numbers, notably in agriculture domestic support or tariff protection had shown up in the discussions of the WTO negotiating groups so far, an increasing level of engagement had started to appear. "I believe this indicates a willingness to enter into discussions on substance," he said.
The Doha talks had derailed in July this year following inability of key members to agree on the modalities for liberalising agriculture and industrial goods market.
Mr Lamy said that members continued to have contacts among themselves, in many cases to try to refine their negotiating positions. "I know that further contacts are planned, including some at ministerial level early next year, at the invitation of our Swiss colleagues," he said.
The DG suggested that the rhythm of the informal work which is underway should be maintained and then increased when members returned to the negotiating table after the year-end break.
Warning that failure could be just around the corner, Mr Lamy said that members need not turn that corner. "With everyone contributing and playing their part, we can stay on track to take this round to a successful conclusion next year," he said.
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