In a rare demonstration of trade and political unity, over hundred developing countries led by South Africa, India and Brazil, on Tuesday, closed ranks and issued a comprehensive message that developmental parameters must be met in order to to cut industrial tariffs in the languishing Doha trade negotiations.

At a crucial General Council Meeting, they reminded the chair for Doha negotiations on market-opening for industrials to redrafting the modalities in such a way that developmental dimension of Doha Round is fully captured in the final results.

Greater reduction
“This is the first time in the trade negotiations that a large majority of members came out openly to demand the inclusion of developmental flexibilities in the modalities as well as need for industrialised countries to undertake greater reduction commitments in the drafting of the text,” said India’s Ambassador Ujal Singh Bhatia.
In July this year, developing countries rejected the chair for Doha negotiations on industrials Ambassador Don Stephenson’s proposals on the ground they lacked equity and not in line with Doha Developmental Agenda. Following a concerted move by India and other developing countries, a common proposal by ACP Group, the NAMA11 Group of developing countries and Small, Vulnerable economies was unveiled at the General Council meeting on Tuesday.

Full reciprocity
The developing countries reminded the chair that “development of developing countries” is at the core of Doha agenda arguing that the crucial aspect to cut tariffs is based on the principle of less than full reciprocity.
The developing countries demanded industrialised countries “should offer greater reductions than developing countries” adding that reduction commitments shall be in percentage terms and shall be higher for developed countries that developing countries.

 The United States expressed sharp disappointment over the proposal submitted by developing countries saying it does not augur well for the negotiations.