ID :
14445
Thu, 07/31/2008 - 10:43
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/14445
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Fukuda regrets collapse of WTO talks, vows to continue effort
TOKYO, July 30 Kyodo - Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda voiced concern Wednesday about the breakdown of global trade liberalization talks under the World Trade Organization in Geneva.
''It is very regrettable that an accord on modalities was not reached at a WTO ministerial meeting, despite more than a week of all-out effort by ministers,'' Fukuda said in a statement, referring to an abortive agreement on numerical targets in lowering trade barriers in farm and industrial sectors.
But Fukuda also pledged to make efforts to explore ways to continue the Doha Round talks by collaborating with other WTO member economies.
''Although the chance of concluding the Doha Round of free trade talks by the end of this year has receded, Japan, with other member economies, will seriously consider how to promote talks, based on achievements in previous negotiations.''Echoing Fukuda's view, Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura told a news conference that each WTO member will need to move forward toward a new accord, although it is uncertain whether the WTO will be able to resume negotiations immediately.
Despite difficulties to open up its agricultural sector, Japan has been pushing for the Doha Round of talks as lowering trade barriers is desirable for Japan which relies on trade, the top government spokesman said.
Key free trade talks under the WTO collapsed Tuesday as the United States and emerging economies -- notably China and India --clashed over politically delicate farm issues at the very last minute.
Machimura urged China and India to be fully aware of their growing clout in the global economy when they sit at the international negotiating table in the future.
Asked about the malfunction of the multinational free trade system under the WTO, he said Japan's position remains unchanged that bilateral or regional free trade agreements supplement the WTO framework.
''It is very regrettable that an accord on modalities was not reached at a WTO ministerial meeting, despite more than a week of all-out effort by ministers,'' Fukuda said in a statement, referring to an abortive agreement on numerical targets in lowering trade barriers in farm and industrial sectors.
But Fukuda also pledged to make efforts to explore ways to continue the Doha Round talks by collaborating with other WTO member economies.
''Although the chance of concluding the Doha Round of free trade talks by the end of this year has receded, Japan, with other member economies, will seriously consider how to promote talks, based on achievements in previous negotiations.''Echoing Fukuda's view, Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura told a news conference that each WTO member will need to move forward toward a new accord, although it is uncertain whether the WTO will be able to resume negotiations immediately.
Despite difficulties to open up its agricultural sector, Japan has been pushing for the Doha Round of talks as lowering trade barriers is desirable for Japan which relies on trade, the top government spokesman said.
Key free trade talks under the WTO collapsed Tuesday as the United States and emerging economies -- notably China and India --clashed over politically delicate farm issues at the very last minute.
Machimura urged China and India to be fully aware of their growing clout in the global economy when they sit at the international negotiating table in the future.
Asked about the malfunction of the multinational free trade system under the WTO, he said Japan's position remains unchanged that bilateral or regional free trade agreements supplement the WTO framework.
