By and large, state owned enterprises in India are performing well. But to meet the challenges of globalisation, it is essential that they are run on market economy principles, and are provided a level playing field with greater functional autonomy (?China shows the way?, Nov 28). The government must limit its role to that of promoter-owner, as excessive regulation restricts entrepreneurial drive and makes the management risk averse. It is wrong to presume that privatisation is the panacea for fostering entrepreneurship, as many of our public enterprises have demonstrated that they are second to none, given the opportunity to prove their mettle. The need of the hour is to create an appropriate environment that encourages risk taking. In this regard, why should the country not emulate China?s example?
?Srinivasan Umashankar, Nagpur
Squaring the circle
As trade representative of the European Union, Pascal Lamy was very critical of WTO?s consensual method of decision-making. However, after becoming WTO chief, he seems to have softened his attitude to the flaws of the organisation he now leads through a time of considerable strains on the multilateral trading system. It?s fair enough that Lamy has issued a forceful plea to save the Doha Round (?Clarion call for a Doha revival?, Dec 1). However, it would be more useful for him to realise that the WTO is in serious need of reform, or else trade talks will keep going in circles.
?VN Sinha, Mumbai