World Trade Organization members have made an "excellent start" in talks to revive the Doha Development Agenda, Director-General Roberto Azevêdo announced on March 14, 2014.

The Doha Development Agenda, launched in 2001, seeks to achieve a global agreement to cut trade-distorting agriculture subsidies, phase out tariffs on industrial goods, open trade in services, facilitate customs operations, open trade in clean technology, adjust anti-dumping rules, and offer duty-free and quota-free access to the exports of the world's poorest countries. However, talks stalled when the economic crisis hit, and WTO members have in recent times informally agreed to return to the negotiating table to progress the Doha Agenda at a pace that recognizes the present crisis-time challenges.

The Chairs of the Negotiating Groups confirmed on March 13, 2014 that they have held an initial round of consultations with members.

"It seems that some factors were common among some of the Groups," Azevêdo said. "For example in Agriculture, Market Access and Services, it came across strongly that our approach should be balanced across all three issues – and that all three should be tackled together, simultaneously. There was also a clear emphasis on the parameters during the discussions – particularly on the importance of development, and on ensuring that we focus on outcomes that are doable."

He went on to say: "I think we have made an excellent start. I have heard a lot of good feedback, and I think there is much which we can build on constructively. But, nevertheless, there remains a lot to do."

One of the issues discussed in the initial round of consultations was market access for all non-agricultural products. It was agreed that these tariff negotiations have been hindered by negotiating approaches and different expectations among members. The Negotiating Group on Market Access considered whether to "discuss in a more generic manner the question of what is doable in this area."

In December last year WTO members approved the Bali Package, a selection of issues from the Doha Round designed to streamline trade, improve security in developing countries, and boost trade and development in the least developed countries. Last month Azevêdo urged members to work to implement the package this year.

Source: Tax News