The director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Supachai Panitchpakdi this week urged least-developed countries (LDCs) to be more flexible in the negotiations so as to ensure progress on the Doha Development Agenda (DDA).

He was speaking at the Third LDC Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Dakar, Senegal.

Panitchpakdi revised the key issues that need attention in order for the DDA to be successful in facilitating further negotiations.

The priority issues include “agreeing on frameworks for modalities in agriculture and nonagriculture market access as well as reaching a modus vivendi on the way ahead for the Singapore issues and cotton”.

He also emphasised that if these crucial issues are not tackled adequately by July, much of 2005 will be wasted time.

Panitchpakdi said in the meeting that it would not be wise for least-developed countries to take rigid stances in the negotiations prior to July.

He also encouraged the LDCs to focus on how they can contribute to achieving a meaningful result.

“Building substantially upon the efforts to integrate LDCs into the multilateral trading system can only be achieved through progress in the Doha Development Agenda. It is essential that all members do not take purely tactical and inflexible positions now,” Panitchpakdi said.

“On the Singapore issues, I think you do need, at this stage, to build in a little more flexibility in your position if we are going to reach a consensus in July. Others have already shown considerable flexibility in the area. In a spirit of goodwill you need to go part of the way to meet them.”