Lamy welcomes revised agriculture and NAMA texts, considers next steps
6 Dec 2008
Director-General Pascal Lamy today welcomed revised negotiating documents on agriculture and industrial goods which, he said, should move the Doha round of global trade negotiations closer to completion. He praised Agriculture Negotiating Group Chair Crawford Falconer and Non-Agricultural Market Access Committee Chair Luzius Wasescha for their contribution in advancing the Doha round. These texts are the fourth revisions of negotiating documents first submitted to members in July 2007.
The Director General said the agriculture and non-agricultural market access texts faithfully reflect the state-of-play in the Doha negotiations. He said the documents were balanced and accurately capture progress made since the last texts were issued 10 July. Mr. Lamy said the texts also clearly define those areas where members disagree. Although these areas of discord are few in number, he said, they involve politically sensitive issues. He urged governments to show flexibility and diligence in bridging these gaps as soon as possible.
“With these revised texts we are closer to our goal of clinching modalities in agriculture and industry, a stepping stone towards the conclusion of the Doha Round. We still have a long way to go before the Round is concluded and all Members are asked to cast their ballot on the final package. However, the modalities step would send a signal that all WTO members stand united to face the challenges of the current economic crisis. It will confirm that they reject unilateral beggar thy neighbour solutions.” Mr. Lamy said.
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Source: WTO
“With these revised texts we are closer to our goal of clinching modalities in agriculture and industry, a stepping stone towards the conclusion of the Doha Round. We still have a long way to go before the Round is concluded and all Members are asked to cast their ballot on the final package. However, the modalities step would send a signal that all WTO members stand united to face the challenges of the current economic crisis. It will confirm that they reject unilateral beggar thy neighbour solutions.” Mr. Lamy said.
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Source: WTO
