India, Brazil, S Africa deeply disappointed over Doha impasse

Davos, Jan 28 (PTI) Expressing disappointment over impasse in WTO Doha talks for a global trade deal, India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) today underscored the need for resisting protectionism in the current economic scenario. "Global economic conditions are challenging. This is almost fourth year of recession. The only way is to engage more and work for a multilateral trade regime," Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma told reporters here. At an IBSA meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual event, the ministers of the three countries said developed countries had caused distortions by high-level of protection in the form of tariffs and subsidies in agriculture. These distortions "continue to undermine the development prospects of developing countries, especially the least developed among them," an IBSA declaration said. It said, "The ministers expressed deep disappointment at the current impasse in the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) negotiations..." Besides Sharma, Brazilian Foreign Minister Antonio Patriota and Rob Davis of South Africa were present at the meeting. The IBSA ministers met ahead of the informal meeting of important WTO members, including India, US and South Africa. The meeting hosted by the Swiss authorities was also attended by Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Pascal Lamy. US Representative Ron Kirk said "We need to have a new start and have a beginning towards putting something concrete on the table.... I am hopeful." Kirk's remarks are important given the impression among the developing countries in the midst of slowdown and the US elections that America does not seem to be keen on pushing for opening up of its economy. PTI