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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.”
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