'New issues at WTO need not be at cost of development agenda'

India is not against discussion on new issues such as e-commerce at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) but these should not be used as a ploy to overshadow the important development agenda especially the Doha Round, Union Minister Suresh Prabhu said today.
The commerce and industry minister said that the "plate" for negotiations is already full and the pending issues like the agenda of Doha Development Round should be concluded first.
"Some countries are raising the issue of e-commerce. But if you want to discuss that, let it be discussed in a work programme first. It should not be taken to negotiating position," Prabhu told PTI in an interview.

"We are not against any thing. We are only saying but let us follow a process," he added.
While India is pitching to fulfil the pending agenda which includes finding a permanent solution to the issue of food stockpiling, developed countries are pushing for inclusion of new issues like investment facilitation, e- commerce and rules for MSMEs in the WTO agenda.
Prabhu said that conveniently the issues of Doha Round are getting relegated and virtually people want to call it off.

"We feel that the agenda items which came through Doha have relevance even today. Therefore, the developmental aspect of trade negotiations cannot be overlooked," he added.

He also said that one should not bring new issues everyday and instead first focus on the most important matters.
"By raising new issues, you are relegating the previously identified priorities in the background," he said.
These remarks assumes significance as the trade ministers of 164-member WTO will assemble at Buenos Aires, Argentina for ministerial conference next month.
The ministerial conference is the highest decision making body of the Geneva-based multi-lateral organisation.
Talking about India's focus during the meet, he said the country's priority would be to ensure that "WTO remains intact, stonger...better".
On fisheries issue, the minister said: "We must have fisheries which will be allowed for small fishermen so that there livelihood should not be affected. Sustainable fishery will help all countries".

On finding permanent solution to public stock holding issue for food security purposes, Prabhu said this is in the interest of India's food security and it should not be equated with trade issues.
The Doha Round of negotiations launched in 2001 have remained stalled since July 2008 when the trade ministers' meeting in Geneva collapsed due to differences between the rich and the developing nations mainly on the level of protection for farmers in developing countries.