Global Sugar Alliance members are active participants in processes to improve the world sugar trading environment. Members works closely together to ensure the fair and equal treatment of sugar in the WTO negotiations on agriculture.
Doha Round a Phoenix from the ashes
Published: 26/07/2006
Abstract: The Doha Round is all about creating significant new commercial opportunities, especially for Developing Countries. Its collapse reflects an underlying lack of good will by the EU and US towards the creation of these opportunities, according to the Global Sugar Alliance.
Global Sugar Alliance Chairman, Mr Keith De Lacy said, ?the world?s richest economies have allowed domestic political expediency to stand in the way of good economic sense, to the detriment of us all.?
Full Article:
The Doha Round is all about creating significant new commercial opportunities, especially for Developing Countries. Its collapse reflects an underlying lack of good will by the EU and US towards the creation of these opportunities, according to the Global Sugar Alliance.
Global Sugar Alliance Chairman, Mr Keith De Lacy said, “the world’s richest economies have allowed domestic political expediency to stand in the way of good economic sense, to the detriment of us all.”
The only way to break the deadlock is for the world’s richest economies to show the way.
“They must stop the hypocrisy, show real leadership and deliver worthwhile increases in commercial access to their own agricultural markets, especially for ‘politically sensitive’ sugar”, Mr De Lacy said.
“All is not lost. The present crisis may be what is required to break the impasse.”
The Round has already produced the beginnings of a development package.
In Hong Kong WTO Members agreed to the elimination of Export Subsidies by 2013 and to duty free-quota free access for Least Developed Countries.
WTO Members have also agreed that special and differential treatment of Developing Countries is a keystone of the Round.
“Locking in these important and agreed elements would deliver an interim development dividend and enable negotiators to focus more clearly on the key issues of Market Access and Domestic Support”, Mr De Lacy said.
The final dividend – global benefits of increasing GDP and improving global security and the social and economic benefits of alleviating poverty – will follow the successful conclusion of the Round.
“Trade negotiators have lost sight of the fact that their own countries will benefit from granting increased Market Access, creating more competitive industries and generating employment and income growth.”
Mr De Lacy said, “a Doha Phoenix can arise from the ashes”.
ENDS
Further information, please contact:
Warren Males +61 417 002 325
www.globalsugaralliance.org
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