Press Trust of India / New Delhi/Geneva May 26, 2009, 21:14 IST
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) today said it is awaiting nomination of India's Commerce Minister for making headways towards reaching a global trade agreement under the protracted Doha round of negotiations.
"We have seen elections in India and are awaiting the nomination of the Commerce Minister," WTO Director General Pascal Lamy said in his report to the General Council of the 153-member multilateral trade body.
Lamy said while the economic crisis has worsened since the beginning of the year, "the political atmosphere in the negotiations has improved. We have seen an increasing level of political engagement and clear signals of renewed commitment and support for a rapid conclusion of the Doha Round".
India, Brazil, South Africa and China are the key leaders of the developing nations at the WTO negotiations. The US and the European Union mainly represent the developed countries.
India's senior Cabinet Minister Kamal Nath, who held the Commerce portfolio in the previous United Progressive Alliance government, spearheaded the cause of the developing countries in crucial fora like the G-20 and G-33.
The Cabinet expansion and naming of key portfolios, including Commerce, is scheduled for Thursday.
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