Do More With Reuters
Partner Services

Trade negotiators argue about scope of Doha meeting

Thu Jan 31, 2008 11:32pm IST
 
Email | Print | | Single Page
[-] Text [+]

By Jonathan Lynn

GENEVA (Reuters) - Big differences are emerging on what ministers should cover when they meet in the next few weeks to discuss an outline deal to open up world trade, a meeting of trade negotiators heard on Thursday.

Diplomats from 151 countries working at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreed that the long-running Doha round should be concluded this year, officials said.

That implies a meeting of ministers around Easter to agree the headline issues like the size of tariff and subsidy cuts, to leave officials time to fill in the details by the end of 2008.

A group of key ministers gave the Doha talks new impetus last week when they agreed at the World Economic Forum in Davos, against a background of concern about the global economy, to meet in March or April with a view to reaching a final trade deal that would add confidence by the end of this year.

Ministers are also keen to wrap up a deal while President George W. Bush is still in the White House, as the new U.S. administration taking office next year will need at least 6 months to settle in and not be able to focus on a trade pact.

All WTO members agree the meeting of ministers at Easter must focus on the key sectors of agriculture and industry.

But many countries want the meeting to lay down firm guidelines on other sensitive issues, such as the liberalisation of the services sector, or rules on unfairly priced imports.

  Continued...

Russian Finance Minister Alexey Kudrin poses with his G20 colleagues and central bank leaders during the family photo at the G20 Finance Ministers meeting at a hotel in St. Andrews, Scotland. REUTERS/POOL New
Pledge to support economies

G20 financial leaders pledged to prepare strategies to end emergency support for their economies, but to keep the aid flowing until recovery was assured.  Full Article | Related Story 

special coverage

Photo
Central Banks Cautious

Reuters tracks the policies of the world's top central banks as the debate over global economic recovery rages on.  Full Coverage 

Market Update

  • IndiaIndia
  • USUS
  • UKUK
  • Asia
  • Most Actives

SHOWCASE

Sanjay Sinha
Balancing Act

In India, it is a tough choice between growth, managing inflation and financial stability.  Full Article 

 
Nipun Mehta
Road to Recovery

There needs to be an acceptable balance created between education and healthcare and infrastructure spend, says Nipun Mehta of SG Private Banking.   Full Article 

 
Robot Asimo

Snapshots of Honda Motor's humanoid robot Asimo  Slideshow 

 
Marketing Strategy
Marketing Strategy

Companies are now using direct marketing methods to sell their products.  Full Article 

 
Exit Plans
Exit Plans

Factbox - Stimulus exit plans for Asia-Pacific's big 5 economies  Full Article