NEW DELHI, MARCH 18 The G20 combine on Friday pledged to back developing nations on agriculture-related issues in the forthcoming World Trade Organisation (WTO) discussions at Hong Kong. In its first two-day meet before the Hong Kong ministerial, the increasingly powerful grouping adopted a draft statement that supports a ‘‘balanced approach’’ at the WTO talks.

G-20 member nations include Brazil, China, South Africa, Argentina, Venezuela, Pakistan, Chile, Egypt, Mexico, Nigeria, Thailand, Philippines, Paraguay, Cuba, Guatemala, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, India and, since Friday, Uruguay. On Friday, they favoured export subsidies being gradually phased out over five years in the joint statement. The statement reads, ‘‘In export competition, a key decision to be taken is on the date of elimination of all forms of export subsidies. Countries that apply such instruments agree to arrive at an early decision on the matter, contemplating their elimination in a period no longer than five years.’’

The G20 statement also says developed countries should not hold market access commitments to ransom or push through inappropriate conversion methodology. It adds that all non-ad valorem duties need to be bound to their ad valorem equivalents to support tariff reduction. ‘‘Tariff reduction formula is the main component of the market access pillar and should be negotiated before addressing flexibilities,’’ the G20 statement says.

India has supported the grouping to push for the ‘‘legitimate concerns’’ of resource-poor, developing and agricultural nations. It said special and differential tariffs were integral to all WTO commitments towards preserving food security and livelihood concerns.

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