Collapse of Doha round of global trade talks disappointing, says Ban
30 Jul 2008
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced disappointment at the collapse of the Doha round of trade liberalization negotiations, expressing concern over the effect of the breakdown of the talks on developing nations.
Negotiations broke down yesterday after nations failed to reach agreement on a safeguard that would allow developing countries to raise tariffs temporarily in the face of import surges and falling prices.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban said that “success was particularly important at this juncture when the world faces major development challenges,” including climate change, poverty, increasing protectionism, limited progress towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and the current food, fuel and financial crises.
The Secretary-General is “convinced that a successful conclusion to the talks was needed to energize international cooperation toward ameliorating conditions for developing countries to derive gains from trade and investment-led globalization.”
Concluding the seven-year-long round of global trade talks would help boost livelihoods in such nations, particularly the most poor and vulnerable. It would also serve to enhance the world’s economy by eliminating market distortions and reinforcing trade governance, he added.
Regarding the global food crisis, Mr. Ban said that he has called on countries to reassess their policies regarding agricultural imports and exports, urging them to exempt humanitarian food aid.
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Source: UN News Centre
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban said that “success was particularly important at this juncture when the world faces major development challenges,” including climate change, poverty, increasing protectionism, limited progress towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and the current food, fuel and financial crises.
The Secretary-General is “convinced that a successful conclusion to the talks was needed to energize international cooperation toward ameliorating conditions for developing countries to derive gains from trade and investment-led globalization.”
Concluding the seven-year-long round of global trade talks would help boost livelihoods in such nations, particularly the most poor and vulnerable. It would also serve to enhance the world’s economy by eliminating market distortions and reinforcing trade governance, he added.
Regarding the global food crisis, Mr. Ban said that he has called on countries to reassess their policies regarding agricultural imports and exports, urging them to exempt humanitarian food aid.
Read More...
Source: UN News Centre
