India and the EU have issued an encouraging statement on the WTO Ministerial meeting. This emphasises the importance of progress on services
Ahead of a meeting of trade ministers of select WTO member countries later this month, India and EU today said they would ensure talks on services, along with farm and industrial goods, are pushed through for a balanced market-opening deal under the Doha Round.
"A successful outcome of the Doha Round, balanced across the full range of market access issues in agriculture, industrial goods and services, is essential to secure growth in trade and boost the global economy," a joint statement by India and the European Union said.
The statement was issued after Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath met EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson in London last evening to discuss the current state of play in the Doha talks.
"We are determined to ensure in particular that ministerial engagement on services is substantial and leads to strong future offers. We also remain firmly committed to taking forward issues relating to geographical indications and biodiversity," the statement said.
