RI Ready To bridge Developed, Developing Countries Interests

Jakarta , Nov 11 (Antara) - Indonesia is ready to bridge the varying interests of developed and developing countries at the World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting this December, said Indonesian Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan. The minister had made this statement at the ASEAN Student Conference at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Singapore on Saturday, Nov. 9. Gita noted that the agreement resulting from the previous meeting of APEC member countries on Oct. 2013 will be submitted to the WTO meeting in Bali in Dec. 2013. The meeting is expected to produce the "Bali Package," Gita pointed out in a press release received here on Saturday The minister admitted that there is a difference in perspectives between developed and developing countries in applying their interests. For example, in the agricultural package, developing countries want protection in ensuring food security for its citizens, allowing them to store their food to ensure its availability. However, he added, developed countries had disapproved of this policy because they wanted transparency in the food markets. "Developed countries are obliged to feed their citizens, and they want to ensure their food security by protecting their food products," he said. Such levels of polarization need to be bridged so that developing countries and developed countries can find common ground. The WTO is a forum to communicate and bridge the gap between the interests of its members.