Sri Lanka, chair of G-15, calls for early conclusion of Doha trade round
View(s):G15 (a group of developing countries), currently chaired by Sri Lanka, has called for a fresh impetus at the ongoing ninth Ministerial Council in Indonesia for an early conclusion of the Doha with a “development” oriented outcome.
Minister Rishad Bathiudeen
Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka , expressed these views while addressing the 9th WTO Ministerial Conference in Bali, Indonesia.
G15 has emphasized the importance of the accession to WTO by developing countries, particularly the LDCs. An early outcome on the intended Bali package is also an imperative for us to restore the credibility of both the WTO and the multilateral trading system it leads, he said. The Doha Development Agenda has been on hold for 12 years but despite these challenges, Sri Lanka extends its fullest support and flexibility to a balanced WTO Bali package, he added. All the 159 member countries of the WTO and a large number of think-tanks, donor agencies, NGOs and civil society groups, attended the December 3-5 meeting.
“The Ninth Ministerial is taking place at a very decisive juncture in the global economy. The sluggish growth witnessed since the 2008 financial crisis has already posed serious policy challenges for every country, both big and small,” he said, adding that members, should make every possible effort to ensure that the Bali Ministerial delivers at least a small, but balanced package, which can unblock the Doha impasse and provide a fresh start for negotiations.