Rising food prices, bio-fuels top govts agenda at WTO

  • 22/04/2008

  • Financial Express (New Delhi)

Even as the World Trade Organisation director general Pascal Lamy is expecting a break-through in the Doha Round negotiations in the next few weeks, several countries, including India, are expected to factor in rising food prices and use of bio-fuels in their discussions. However, this will not necessarily lead to a change in the strategies of individual countries on tariffs and subsidies, an official in the know of developments at WTO said. India is also eagerly waiting to see whether the revised compromise texts on agriculture and industrial goods at the Doha Round negotiations in WTO, expected to be out by this month-end or beginning of May, would include its demands on ensuring that the conclusion is 'development' oriented. Recently Argentina, which had been asking for greater market access for its products, was trying to curb its exports, while India, which was all along protecting its market from imports, had cut duties to allow cheaper imports. Meanwhile WTO deputy director general Harsha V Singh, speaking at a CII conference on WTO Negotiations here today, said the negotiations are at a crucial phase as the recent days have seen increased political will among member nations to conclude the Doha talks successfully. He said a fresh draft negotiating text on agriculture and industrial goods will set the tone for a successful conclusion of the Round. A ministerial meeting is likely in May if the unresolved items on agriculture and NAMA are reduced. Singh said NAMA (Non