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US takes on 'developing countries' on Doha talks

May 29, 2008 11:27 IST
Accusing a "handful" of "advanced  developing countries" of "masking" their "narrow interests"  behind claims for speaking for the rest of the developing  world, the US said it is concerned the way trade negotiations are moving ahead of crucial talks for concluding Doha round.

"It is basically the case of the elephant hiding behind the mice," US Trade Representative Susan Schwab said on Wednesday, stressing that recent developments have moved the negotiations towards less balanced outcome than Washington can  support.

Schwab did not name the countries but her reference to  India and China was quite clear as they are among the nations  seeking reduction in US farm subsidies which they contend  distort trade and put the farmers in developing countries at
disadvantage.

The United States is currently in the process of  approving
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a massive new farm subsidies bill.  Maintaining that the US is committed to conclusion of the  Doha round of trade negotiations during the current year, she  warned that agreement will not come at any price.

Both developing and advanced developing countries need to make  contribution in opening up the markets, she stressed.  "I can tell you frankly, we are concerned about the directions the Doha negotiations are making at Geneva," she  said, opposing new drafts on agriculture and manufacturing.

Of particular concern is the "continued" unwillingness of  a "handful" of "advanced developing countries" to make  meaningful market access contribution as a part of the round  that are commensurate with their stake in global trading  system and benefits they derive from it, she said. Dharam Shourie in New York
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