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10/09/2003
Fair trade tops agenda in Cancun
At the first day of the World Trade Organisation talks in Cancun, staunch economic rivals Europe and America will be aligned against many of the world’s poorer nations.
Delegates from the 146 nations attending the talks at the Mexican resort will be seeking ways to revitalise the global trade body behind a security cordon that is expected to have to hold an estimated 15,000 protestors at bay.
Four years ago in Seattle the talks ended in deadlock and arriving at some sort of a consensus before the end of the talks next year will be problematical. The WTO has consistently failed to meet targets as trade issues have increasingly polarised the nations. Few believe that the talks can be productive.
One of the main areas under dispute will be agriculture. Rich nations want to maintain tariff charges, while poor nations want the removal of subsidies. All in the interests of fair trade and of obtaining a level playing field in an open global market, but ideologically worlds apart.
EU Agriculture Commissioner has already warned developing countries, not to “reach for the stars” as they may come away from these talks with nothing.
Comments that will have done little to dissuade the band of smaller nations which have proposed a plan to abolish farming subsidies and open up the markets.
The EU is also determined to attempt to push through measures aimed at protecting some world famous product names that are derived from geographical locales in Europe.
These protectionist measures are not going to be to the taste to many of the smaller countries throughout the world where similar products are marketed on the strength of the name.
In a tense climate, both within and without the trade summit talks, the Head of the World Trade Organisation Dr Supachai Panitchpakdi has warned that the talks must not fail as the cost to the world economy without trade agreements will be substantial.
Firmly on the back foot, the WTO has recently agreed that “special treatment” will be accorded to some of the least developed countries in ongoing services negotiations due to their special economic situation.
Whether this approach will be extended to the main global trade agreements under consideration is sure to be a key factor on the outcome of the talks.
(SP)
Delegates from the 146 nations attending the talks at the Mexican resort will be seeking ways to revitalise the global trade body behind a security cordon that is expected to have to hold an estimated 15,000 protestors at bay.
Four years ago in Seattle the talks ended in deadlock and arriving at some sort of a consensus before the end of the talks next year will be problematical. The WTO has consistently failed to meet targets as trade issues have increasingly polarised the nations. Few believe that the talks can be productive.
One of the main areas under dispute will be agriculture. Rich nations want to maintain tariff charges, while poor nations want the removal of subsidies. All in the interests of fair trade and of obtaining a level playing field in an open global market, but ideologically worlds apart.
EU Agriculture Commissioner has already warned developing countries, not to “reach for the stars” as they may come away from these talks with nothing.
Comments that will have done little to dissuade the band of smaller nations which have proposed a plan to abolish farming subsidies and open up the markets.
The EU is also determined to attempt to push through measures aimed at protecting some world famous product names that are derived from geographical locales in Europe.
These protectionist measures are not going to be to the taste to many of the smaller countries throughout the world where similar products are marketed on the strength of the name.
In a tense climate, both within and without the trade summit talks, the Head of the World Trade Organisation Dr Supachai Panitchpakdi has warned that the talks must not fail as the cost to the world economy without trade agreements will be substantial.
Firmly on the back foot, the WTO has recently agreed that “special treatment” will be accorded to some of the least developed countries in ongoing services negotiations due to their special economic situation.
Whether this approach will be extended to the main global trade agreements under consideration is sure to be a key factor on the outcome of the talks.
(SP)
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15 November 2005
Blair urges nations to honour G8 pledges
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Blair urges nations to honour G8 pledges
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23 September 2004
Trade minister calls for closer Anglo-French cooperation
New trade minister Douglas Alexander has today called upon UK and France to work together to keep Europe "at the forefront of world trade negotiations" following the recent Geneva agreement.
Trade minister calls for closer Anglo-French cooperation
New trade minister Douglas Alexander has today called upon UK and France to work together to keep Europe "at the forefront of world trade negotiations" following the recent Geneva agreement.
09 December 2003
Globalisation not a panacea for reducing poverty: UN report
Globalisation is "not a panacea for poverty reduction" and trade protectionism in wealthy countries is "the biggest threat" to the people of poorer countries, according to the United Nations annual World Economic and Social Survey, released yesterday.
Globalisation not a panacea for reducing poverty: UN report
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09 May 2005
Queen marks Channel Islands liberation
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have visited Guernsey to celebrate the liberation of the Channel Islands from Nazi occupation 60 years ago. During the visit, the Queen will meet with islanders who lived through the occupation, as well as forces veterans.
Queen marks Channel Islands liberation
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have visited Guernsey to celebrate the liberation of the Channel Islands from Nazi occupation 60 years ago. During the visit, the Queen will meet with islanders who lived through the occupation, as well as forces veterans.
12 March 2014
PM In Israel For Trade Talks
The Prime Minister has begun his first official visit to Isreal, where he is to hold talks with counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. Mr Cameron is expected to discuss the conflict in Syria alongside UK-Israel trade. He is also due to address the Israeli parliament, the Knesset.
PM In Israel For Trade Talks
The Prime Minister has begun his first official visit to Isreal, where he is to hold talks with counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. Mr Cameron is expected to discuss the conflict in Syria alongside UK-Israel trade. He is also due to address the Israeli parliament, the Knesset.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
