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Delegations concerned over success of September round of talks at WTO

11 Sep 2007

The mood at WTO at the onset of at least a month-long talk on the agricultural modalities is serious, somber, tough and business-like. Underlying such a mood of apparently calm surface, there’s a layer of anxiety among the members over the chances of the success of this round of negotiations. There are speculations going on about the consequences in the event of the collapse of this round.

Further, there’s apprehension related to a possible ‘blame game’ among the member countries in case there occurs no substantive conclusions. The diplomats are worried over negative media coverage that took place after the collapse of the G$ talks at Potsdam, Germany, a month ago. None of the member countries want to shoulder the responsibility of the Geneva round being unsuccessful. Thus, even as the diplomats prepare their technical points and positions for the talks ahead, they will be careful to avoid giving others the opportunity to blame them if something goes wrong.

Although there exists a possible time constraint, yet certain diplomats are optimistic that the talks on modalities of agriculture and NAMA can be concluded within the next few weeks. But given the affairs continuing in the US regarding the Farm Bill 2007, a lot of the diplomats do not seem to be pretty confident about the state of affairs. They are worried about the concessions to be provided by the US.

Another area of concern is that while the process of the agriculture negotiations has been clarified, it is unclear how the NAMA negotiations will proceed, or even when they will start, and on what basis. Although many developing countries have argued that agriculture is the main focus of the Doha Round, and that reduction of agricultural trade distortions by developed countries is the priority objective, yet the round cannot be successfully concluded without getting the NAMA modalities straight.

Meanwhile, developing country groupings including the G20, the G33, the ACP Group and the Africa Group and the others have been preparing their positions in relation to the Chair's modalities paper, and will be willing to discuss the issues based on the details prepared.

Resource: TWN Info Service on WTO and Trade Issues
Released on: 11 September 2007