Japan regrets failure to reach WTO deal this year+

TOKYO, Dec. 15 Kyodo - Prime Minister Taro Aso on Monday voiced regret over World Trade Organization members' latest failure to reach a breakthrough in the Doha Round of free trade talks.

''It is regrettable that a ministerial meeting was canceled and striking an
outline deal by the end of this year now appears impossible'' despite the
recent strong statements by the Group of 20 leaders and the Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation forum leaders calling for a successful conclusion of the
trade negotiations, Aso said in a statement.
Given the current serious economic conditions, growth of the world economy
through expanding trade is necessary, the premier said, adding Tokyo will
remain committed to pushing for an early conclusion of the Doha Round of trade
liberalization talks.
Aso also said Japan will call on other member economies to refrain from raising
new barriers to trade and investment, including restriction of exports, to ward
off protectionism.
Earlier in the day, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Toshihiro Nikai also
voiced disappointment over the latest developments such as the aborted
ministerial conference in December.
''We are disappointed to lose the final opportunity'' to strike an outline deal
this year, Nikai said in a separate statement.
On Friday, the WTO decided to cancel a ministerial meeting this month due
mainly to disagreements between the United States and emerging heavyweights,
such as China and India, over how to lower trade barriers in agriculture and
manufactured goods.
The WTO canceled the meeting even though the G-20 leaders and those of the APEC
last month voiced their strong determination to make another attempt to hammer
out an outline deal.
Nikai said Japan is hoping a ministerial meeting ''can be held as early as
possible.''
''Under the present economic and financial circumstances, the importance of
maintaining and strengthening a free and open trade system has increased
further,'' he said.
==Kyodo