Doha Round in its last lap of 25-mile marathon, says Sharma

Lalit K Jha

Washington, June 19 (PTI) Comparing the Doha Round of
World Trade Organisation (WTO) trade negotiations to a 25-mile
marathon, India's Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma
said the talks are in its last lap and hoped that countries
would show flexibility in arriving at an agreement.

The need of the hour is a rule-based multilateral trading
regime, which takes on board developmental aspirations of the
poor countries and at the same time ensures better access for
all. "That is what we shall be striving for," Sharma told
reporters at a press conference here.

He said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has made
commitments that the Doha trade talks, the latest round of
which was stalled in July 2008, be concluded successfully.

"That is the mandate I have from the Prime Minister, who
feels that the present economic crisis, which the world is
facing there should be a positive message for global trade
barriers to be broken down further and global trade to move,
which will help economies across the globe," Sharma said.

"I am sure that President Obama wishes the same, and
that's the feeling I got from (US Trade Representative) Ron
Kirk. When political leaders discuss issues, they paint the
larger canvass and not be bogged down by smaller details. If
you have the larger picture in mind and you are committed to
take it forward the details can always be filled," he said.

Observing that the present dismal global economic
scenario is both a challenge and an opportunity, he said the
countries who can play a role, who can define the road map,
must work with sincerity and openness to give hope to millions
across the world that "we will allow free movement of people
and free movement of trade and service".

Terming the logjam that hit the Doha Round as
unfortunate, he said this was because of non-convergence on
many issues. "We hope that we would find a common meeting
ground. We must try and harmonize the respective positions,
which are important," he said.

A practical and correct approach is not to let go waste
what was invested over years. But to accept the progress,
which is substantial and significant, he argued.

Noting that there is a need to correct the distortions
and to harmonize respective positions, Sharma said: "That
could only be done by give and take to find the middle route.
That is what we intend to do. It is achievable. If you remain
rooted and frozen in the pre negotiating position then no
negotiations for global treaties is possible." PTI