2NDLD WTO 2 LST

Sharma said the discussions "ought to mainly focus on the
best way to spark the multilateral negotiations to move the
round to a quick closure."

International leaders at various fora like G-20 summit
have set a set a deadline of 2010 for concluding the Doha
negotiations.

The Doha negotiations had collapsed in Geneva in July
last year mainly on the issues of farm subsidies and level of
protection being given to farmers by different members
countries.

The final outcome of the Doha round, Sharma said,
"must correct the historical distortions and address
structural flaws in the global trading regime, while
responding to the legitimate concerns and aspirations of the
poor in the developing world".

Making a case for taking forward the other items on
agenda, besides agriculture and industrial goods, he said,
"can parallel negotiations in services and other areas be
taken on board in a more proactive manner?" PTI