U.S., Australia call for flexibility to move Doha Round forward

The United States and Australia on Tuesday called on World Trade Organization (WTO) members to show flexibility so that the Doha Round of global trade talks could be moved forward.

"To take this round forward we urgently need flexibility on all sides," said a joint statement issued by U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade Mark Vaile following their meeting in Geneva.

The two senior officials are visiting the WTO headquarters amid uncertainties of the prospects of the Doha Round, which has just missed a crucial April 30 deadline for reaching agreement on cutting agricultural and industrial tariffs and subsidies.

The Doha Round, launched in 2001, aims to boost the global economy and lift millions out of poverty worldwide by lowering trade barriers across all sectors, with particular emphasis on developing countries.

But the complex talks have stalled because of differences between rich and poor WTO members, as well as between the EU and the U.S..

Many people even doubt that the talks could be concluded on schedule by the end of the year after the April 30 deadline was missed.

"We are deeply concerned at missing the April 30 deadline for modalities for agriculture and industrial tariffs, and the implications of this for the conclusion of the Doha Round," the statement said.

"We have agreed to work together and with other WTO members as our top priority over coming weeks to find the various points of necessary flexibility and compromise well in advance of July," it added.

The two officials said a successful conclusion of the talks was actually within reach, but political will was needed to get there.

They also noted that the EU's concession on agricultural tariff cuts was key to resolving outstanding differences.

"We will work closely with the EU and other members to ensure that substantial improvements in market access are complemented by substantial reductions in trade-distorting agricultural domestic support, substantial reductions in industrial tariffs, and meaningful openings in services as part of a balanced and ambitious package for all members," the statement said.

The U.S. and Australia also reiterated their full support and participation in the Doha Round, which they say is an opportunity for advancing global growth and development.

"We are committed to doing everything possible to successfully conclude this round," the statement said.

Last month, Portman was nominated by President George W. Bush as the White House's budget chief.

He is currently visiting Geneva together with his deputy Susan Schwab, who is to take his place in a few weeks. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns is also in the visiting delegation.

Besides meeting with Vaile on Tuesday, the three U.S. officials also met with WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy as well as representatives from a key group of developing WTO members, including Brazil and India, to discuss the state of the Doha Round.

Source: Xinhua