Do More With Reuters
Partner Services

Developing countries split over WTO farm protection

Mon Jul 28, 2008 9:05am IST
 
Email | Print | | Single Page
[-] Text [+]

By Jonathan Lynn

GENEVA (Reuters) - The world's poorer countries are divided over proposals for a new global trade deal, with developing country food importers pitted against exporters pushing for greater liberalisation.

The differences turn on two technical measures in the proposals on agriculture in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Doha round talks -- "special products" and the "special safeguard mechanism".

"These safeguards are at the core of the development outcome of the round as they involve the concerns of food security, livelihood security and rural development in developing countries," several developing-country alliances accounting for half the WTO's 153 members said in a joint statement.

Developing countries such as India, China and Indonesia have argued for measures at the WTO to protect their millions of subsistence farmers from the impact of trade liberalisation.

But developing-country food exporters like Thailand and Uruguay believe increased sales of farm produce to other poor countries are a key source of growth and development.

"India does not have a monopoly on poverty," said Ronald Saborio Soto, Costa Rica's ambassador to the WTO. "When an employee wants to keep his job he doesn't care whether exports go to a developing or developed country," he told Reuters.

NORTH-SOUTH DIVIDE  Continued...

Photo

special coverage

Budget 2009
Budget 2009

The government presents the budget for the full fiscal year 2009/10 on July 6.  Full Coverage 

Market Update

  • IndiaIndia
  • USUS
  • UKUK
  • Asia
  • Most Actives

SHOWCASE

Photo
Is the budget over-rated for personal finance?

Expectations are high given the outcome in the general elections.  Commentary 

 
Nilekani: Infosys' loss or govt’s gain?
Nilekani: Infosys' loss or govt’s gain?

Nandan Nilekani has resigned from the Infosys board to join the government.  Commentary | Slideshow 

 
Launched

Tata Motors announced the launch of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles in India.  Slideshow | Video 

 
Satyam
The new Satyam

Stay updated with the developments at Satyam.  Full Coverage 

 
M&A Review
M&A Review

A review of mergers and acquisitions.  Full Coverage 

 
Financial Turmoil Timeline
Financial Turmoil Timeline

A round-up of measures taken by the U.S Federal Reserve since June 2007 to tackle the financial crisis.  Full Coverage