Business | Economy
Time running out for trade talks: WTO
Deadlocked global trade talks will fail unless countries can find compromise in the coming hours, the chair of World Trade Organisation negotiations said on Friday.
- Agencies
- Published: 17:31 July 25, 2008
Geneva: Deadlocked global trade talks will fail unless countries can find compromise in the coming hours, the chair of World Trade Organisation negotiations said on Friday.
"This is the blunt reality ... The situation is critical, edging between success and failure," WTO chief Pascal Lamy told delegates at the talks, according to his spokesman.
"Time is running out and the next 24 hours are crucial."
Trade ministers from around the world have made little progress since talks began on Monday aimed at saving the long-delayed 'Doha' trade round which seeks to liberalise trade by reducing import tariffs and trade distorting subsidies.
A group of seven ministers representing the world's major exporters was reconvened for talks that European Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson said were a chance for "one final attempt to close the gaps".
Share this article
Popular in Business
-
Global Village
A world of fun
Revamped layout featuring four cultures to greet visitors this season
Business Editor's choice
-
India's economic growth rockets
Smashes expectations, adding pressure to raise interest rates
-
No regrets as shoppers cut holiday gift lists
Many Americans are not buying for co-workers and extended family this year
-
Emirates expects profits to cross $1b
Official confident Dubai World will tackle challenge
