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WTO: EU to back India on services

May 11, 2004 15:00 IST

India's efforts to include services in the proposed Framework on Agriculture and Non-agriculture Market Access have received a shot in the arm with the European Union showing willingness to extend its support.

"Absolutely," said Anrancha Gonsalez, the spokesperson for EU Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy, on being asked as to whether EU was ready to give that extra push.

"It will be included in the Framework...we would be calling for more attention from the member countries," Gonsalez told PTI in Brussels.

India and some other developing countries are pushing for inclusion of services in the Framework which is expected to be ready by July.

India had also circulated a paper on Mode 4 of supply of services (temporary movement of natural persons) at the World Trade Organisation seeking greater flexibility.      

New Delhi's initiative on services at WTO has also received support from the United Kingdom, a constituent of EU, and Australia, sources said.

Gonsalez said services was one area where a strong message was needed to be given and it should be reflected in the Framework.

Gonsalez said services was one of the growth areas of the world, which offered huge potential.

She said EU had already made offers on services and there would be no backtracking on those commitments.

However, she said, other countries should also have to show to service providers in EU that it would be a win-win game for everyone, by opening their markets for Europeans.


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