India to support Pascal Lamy in WTO polls

India is keeping its options open on supporting a candidate for the post of WTO Director- General, although Commerce Secretary G K Pillai stated that New Delhi would back Pascal Lamy for a second term.     

"Lamy is going to seek re-election...we are likely to support him," a senior Commerce Ministry official today said but quickly added, "what decision will finally be taken, ask me closer to the time of elections, not now".     

Lamy, who has been associated with the Doha round of talks for the last three years will be completing his tenure as WTO head in August, 2009.     

He has made his intentions to seek re-election clear in a letter to General Council Chairperson Bruce Gosper, who presides over the selection process of the Director General.     

"I would...like to notify you of my decision to seek reappointment as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation for a further term upon the expiry of the current one on 31 August 2009," Lamy said in his letter.     

Lamy said though the WTO members are closer to their goal of reaching a trade-opening agreement "much remains to be done, not only to conclude the Doha Round negotiations, but also to ensure a better functioning of the multilateral trading system".     

During his tenure, Lamy has made several concerted attempts to complete the much-delayed trade negotiating round among 153 WTO members.     

Pillai had yesterday said that India would support Lamy's candidature for a second-term.