This
week in Geneva, World Trade Organization (WTO) members formally called
off efforts to craft a smaller, scaled back package that trade ministers
could consider at the upcoming ministerial meeting in December. Efforts
had focused on a deal that would focus on least-developed countries
(LDCs). On July 26, WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy told an informal
meeting of the Trade Negotiations Committee that while member countries
"have worked intensively" over the last few weeks, "the LDC-plus package
as we framed it in May is not taking shape as we would have wished."
The current situation reflects "the paralysis in the negotiating
function of the WTO, whether it is on market access or on the
rule-making," he said. U.S. Ambassador to the WTO Michael Punke told the same gathering:
"In conclusion, let me say that I have listened carefully to my
colleagues over the past few days and weeks and it is clear that none of
us is happy with the position in which we find ourselves. And yet here
we are. Today, we hope, begins a new process of facing up together to
our situation as it exists, and planning a realistic path forward.
In September, after Geneva negotiators return from the August break, Lamy said he would intensify his talks on the path forward for the Doha Round after the December ministerial, which will likely focus on non-Doha related issues.
In September, after Geneva negotiators return from the August break, Lamy said he would intensify his talks on the path forward for the Doha Round after the December ministerial, which will likely focus on non-Doha related issues.
