Doha pact likely in 2011, says commerce min

The Doha round of trade talks under the World Trade Organization (WTO) is likely to be concluded by 2011, even as negotiators from all 153 member nations would get ready to complete the modalities by this December.

“The Doha deal is not going to get done in 2010. It has been held up because the US is not ready for it, due to its political or economic compulsions. Right now, it is not happening. They (US) need more on everything … Let the elections get over in the US, then only will there be a clearer picture. At best by 2011; the talks could be wrapped up, however, for that the groundwork has to be done by 2010,” Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar said during an interaction with CII here today.

He also said there would be a meeting amongst the ambassadors from the US, EU, India, China and Brazil during September, after which full-fledged negotiating rounds would resume within smaller groups.

Prospects of having a deal by 2010 became bleaker with developed countries resorting to creation of jobs by strengthening their domestic industries, thereby resorting to more protectionist measures than encouraging free trade.

On the other hand, US Trade Representative Ron Kirk had been reiterating that the country would not be in a position to move in the Doha Round of talks unless emerging economies like Brazil, India, China and South Africa were willing to open their markets to benefit its business and industry.