WTO chief seeks support for Bali ministerial meet

Although it expired in 2003,some countries want it extended,while others want agriculture to be brought under general WTO discipline that deals with a state’s ability to act against subsidies.

“Food security is a squarable circle. The line between price support and food security is very flimsy and not easily drawn. It is going to be a complex task. What we have agreed in Geneva is we are going to be working on a Peace Clause… which allows negotiators to find a more permanent solution for the long term,” he while addressing members of industry chamber CII.

Negotiations for a deal at the Bali meet are stuck over the tenure of an interim resolution on the demand by G-33 developing countries on food security. While the G-33 is demanding the tenure of the peace clause to be 10 years,developed countries such as the US are ready to accept only a 2-3 year period.

Azevedo,who is visiting India for the first time after taking over from Lamy,met commerce and industry minister Anand Sharma to garner support from India for the Bali ministerial.

Sharma urged Azevedo to persuade all parties to discuss the food security proposal constructively even as he underscored the importance of trade facilitation and upgrading infrastructure at borders.

Addressing the press after the meeting,the Sharma said that there is “appreciation of the legitimacy of food security and associated concerns in India and other developing countries and poor countries”.