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KAMAL NATH AND CELSO AMORIM DISCUSSES PRESENT
SITUATION OF DOHA ROUND NEGOTIATIONS
JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ
Date : 14 Oct 2008
Location : New Delhi
Shri Kamal Nath, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Mr. Celso Amorim, Minister of External Relations, Brazil, met here last evening to exchange views on the present situation of the Doha Round negotiations. Their meeting was preceded by a session of Senior Officials on 12 October 2008, who reviewed the pending issues for the achievement of modalities on agriculture and non-agricultural market access (NAMA). They noted with satisfaction the high degree of convergence between the two countries on those matters. They recalled the centrality of agriculture in the negotiations and in the efforts to assist the development efforts of the poorer members of the Organisation.
Both sides reiterated the importance to maintain the coordination of the two negotiating teams throughout the discussions in Geneva. In this context, they stressed the key role the G-20 must continue to play in the search for solutions and compromises that uphold the development objectives of the Round and attract wide support among WTO members. They also expressed concern with late attempts to increase demands on developing countries in the context of the modalities negotiations.
Ministers Amorim and Nath welcomed the resumption of the multilateral process in Geneva and expressed their support to the work program devised by the chairs of the agriculture and NAMA negotiating groups. They believe it is still possible to conclude modalities before the end of the year and reaffirmed their commitment to realise such an outcome.
Both the Ministers exchanged views on possible trade impacts of the current international financial crisis. They emphasised the need for a prompt breakthrough in the DDA negotiations, which would be an unequivocal sign of the political will of governments around the world to act collectively to address the present challenges and risks to the global economy.
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