Phl joins other countries in pushing forward Doha talks

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines has joined other countries in moving forward the negotiations in the long-stalled Doha Development Agenda, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

Trade officials were in Geneva last week to respond to the appeal filed by Thailand before the Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The delegation took the chance to assess the state of play in the ongoing trade negotiations.

In a statement, the DTI said the Philippines is joining the rest of the countries clamoring for the conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda by the end of this year. Despite some setback, it seems that members are also exerting great effort to bridge their differences in the negotiations. The department noted that what is essential at this point is for the key members to take the leadership to move the negotiations to its final conclusion.

The Doha Round of the World Trade Organization (WTO), dubbed as the “Development Round” began in 2001 and is designed to aid developing countries. The completion of this comprehensive agreement has been beset by wide divergences among members, particularly on commitments in areas such as agriculture, industrial goods, and services.

WTO director general Pascal Lamy had met with the negotiating group chairpersons to finalize the release of the negotiating documents, ahead of the Trade Negotiations Committee meeting involving all 153 WTO members scheduled on April 29.

The DTI said the Philippines is prepared to play its role in contributing to the conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda and to clarify strategic issues. Further, the outcome of the Doha Round will serve as a stimulus package to address the current global economic challenges, specifically for developing countries which will stand to gain from additional market access and more transparent trade rules.

The release of the revised negotiating documents in the Doha Round is envisioned to be a critical first step in assisting WTO members to move out of their comfort zones and sit down and hammer out an agreement before July 2011. Should this happen, the rest of the year will be dedicated to a legal review of the final agreement and the scheduling of the Member’s commitments. –Ma. Elisa P. Osorio (The Philippine Star)