Archive - déc. 8, 2005

Two key critics of the World Trade Organization said today they do not believe the Doha round of negotiations is moving toward an agreement that would help most developing countries.

Senate Agriculture Chairman Chambliss struck a strong negative note on the Doha round of worldwide trade negotiations Wednesday, saying several proposals would cause Congress to reject a deal if they are included in the final agreement.

Kenya has renewed its call for a reduction of domestic subsidies on agriculture in developed countries that have restricted access of exports to their markets. The other area of concern for Kenya is the elimination of subsidies to support exports that compete unfavourably with those from developing countries.

As delegates from Geneva prepared to leave for Hong Kong (some of them via their own capitals), many were uncertain how the WTO's Ministerial meeting would be run, and how much negotiations are to be expected on the key issues, as against stock-taking and planning the post-Hong Kong schedule.

Lamy has proven himself to be a dishonest broker for developing countries. Members have been given an assurance on the 2nd December General Council meeting that the cover note that was attached to the 1 December draft would be retained on the draft text transmitted to Hong Kong.