rediff.com: Progress on WTO implementation issues too slow: Maran

India today expressed concern over slow progress made by developed countries in resolving World Trade Organisation implementation issues and increasing subsidies, saying it could erode support for the multilateral trading system.

"Doha and Mexico should not prepare the ground for another set of implementation issues. An impression is created that in matters of interest to developed countries, the work programme in WTO gets accelerated whereas in areas where developing countries have a lot of interest, progress tends to be slow and halting," Commerce and Industry Minister Murasoli Maran said on Thursday.

Speaking at a special session of OECD Ministerial Council in Paris on the Doha Work Programme, Maran said, "This trend should be corrected. Global trade majors who need to play important leading roles should act as role models. Otherwise it will send negative signals. It may also erode support for the multilateral trading system".

The minister said work programme on implementation issues should be given highest priority since there were indications that time-frame fixed for resolution of these issues may not be adhered to.

In respect of certain textile related issues, decision are due by July 31, 2002 and on certain other implementation proposals by December 31, 2002, he said.

Referring to recent increase in subsidies given by the US to agricultural products under its Farm Bill, Maran said, "Poorer countries who were also at Doha really expected that subsidies would be reduced and phased out and they are deeply disappointed. This does not augur well for the future and raises fundamental doubts about the on-going negotiations".



Home > Money > PTI > Report May 16, 2002 \| 2015 IST		Feedback