ID :
63880
Tue, 06/02/2009 - 17:27
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/63880
The shortlink copeid
India, US to make new efforts to narrow gaps on Doha talks
New Delhi, June 2 (PTI) With change in their chief trade
negotiators, India and the US will make a renewed attempt
later this week to narrow differences on the Doha Round of
talks for reaching a market-opening WTO agreement.
Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma, who took
charge last week, will meet new US Trade Representative Ron
Kirk at Bali in Indonesia on June 6-7, on the sidelines of the
meeting of the Cairns Group of farm product-exporting
countries.
Sharma received a call from Kirk Monday. "We had the
preliminary exchange of views on the present economic crisis,
how it is impacting different regions," Sharma told PTI.
He said he would be discussing with Kirk the issues of
common economic interest, including the areas of differences
between the developed and the developing countries that have
stalled the conclusion of the Doha Round of negotiations for
opening up world trade.
He said it is important that India remains committed to
completing the Doha negotiations. "The issues which had come
in the way will have to be discussed and adequately
addressed," Sharma said.
The two countries have serious differences on the level
of protection that can be given to farmers as and when the
global market for farm products is opened up. India has argued
all along that it cannot compromise on food security and
livelihood concerns.
Though India and the US are not members of the Cairns
group, Sharma and Kirk would use the opportunity for exploring
ways to bridge gaps in the protracted WTO negotiations.
The Cairns group comprises countries exporting farm
products like South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Chile,
Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
India's new Commerce Minister, who had a stint as
Minister of State for External Affairs in the previous UPA
Government, said he would also meet trade ministers of
countries like Brazil and South Africa.
India and Brazil have been spearheading the cause of
developing countries in the WTO talks under the G-20 grouping.
Sharma said the drafts put out by the negotiating groups
on agriculture and industrial goods can be starting points for
discussions.
The Doha Round, which was launched in 2001, has missed
several deadlines. PTI RK
AM
NNNN
negotiators, India and the US will make a renewed attempt
later this week to narrow differences on the Doha Round of
talks for reaching a market-opening WTO agreement.
Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma, who took
charge last week, will meet new US Trade Representative Ron
Kirk at Bali in Indonesia on June 6-7, on the sidelines of the
meeting of the Cairns Group of farm product-exporting
countries.
Sharma received a call from Kirk Monday. "We had the
preliminary exchange of views on the present economic crisis,
how it is impacting different regions," Sharma told PTI.
He said he would be discussing with Kirk the issues of
common economic interest, including the areas of differences
between the developed and the developing countries that have
stalled the conclusion of the Doha Round of negotiations for
opening up world trade.
He said it is important that India remains committed to
completing the Doha negotiations. "The issues which had come
in the way will have to be discussed and adequately
addressed," Sharma said.
The two countries have serious differences on the level
of protection that can be given to farmers as and when the
global market for farm products is opened up. India has argued
all along that it cannot compromise on food security and
livelihood concerns.
Though India and the US are not members of the Cairns
group, Sharma and Kirk would use the opportunity for exploring
ways to bridge gaps in the protracted WTO negotiations.
The Cairns group comprises countries exporting farm
products like South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Chile,
Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
India's new Commerce Minister, who had a stint as
Minister of State for External Affairs in the previous UPA
Government, said he would also meet trade ministers of
countries like Brazil and South Africa.
India and Brazil have been spearheading the cause of
developing countries in the WTO talks under the G-20 grouping.
Sharma said the drafts put out by the negotiating groups
on agriculture and industrial goods can be starting points for
discussions.
The Doha Round, which was launched in 2001, has missed
several deadlines. PTI RK
AM
NNNN
