Oxfam hails tough stand of G-20

NEW DELHI: Leading civil society organisation Oxfam on Saturday welcomed the tough stand taken by the G-20 group of developing countries demanding elimination of export subsidies within five years.

"Calling for countries to eliminate all forms of export subsidies within five years with front loading of commitments is a very positive move", Celine Charveriate, Head of advocacy office Oxfam said.

"It is heartening that the G-20 statement also calls on countries to abide by the spirit of the Doha mandate and desist from reintroducing export subsidies," she said.

Charveriate said it was important that the Third World sticks together on a pro-development agenda for the Hong Kong Ministerial and beyond.

"G-20 needs to ensure that developing countries negotiate in unison to bring about a pro-poor outcome at Hong Kong", she added.