In his first visit to India, United States trade representative Ron Kirk had a packed schedule, as he represented his country at the Doha Round Summit held in New Delhi. He shared his views with FE on India?s current initiative lead to re-energise the talks. Excerpts:
The US has some new ideas on taking the multilateral process forward. These include bilateral engagements by which you can explore how processes can be fast-tracked. But, in seems that there has been opposition to these ideas.
Understanding (the Doha Round) is a horribly complex process where you are trying to harmonise interests of more than 140 countries, all with different interests. These countries have different political dynamics as well, but if we are committed to the goal, we should be open to exploring any avenues that will get us there. An extraordinary amount of good work has gone into this round to bring us to this point. But, the reality is that we have three successive failed rounds to reach a conclusion. We believe that it is imperative to look at other alternatives inclusive of continuing our multilateral engagements, specifically the sustained bilateral acts of negotiations that will bring clarity. We think it is necessary so that all the parties can have a clear picture of what to gain from the Doha round. I think that was amplified somewhat here today by reservations of some nations that have been reluctant to talk perhaps can be dealt with.
Many participants in the Delhi Summit have said that the developed countries engage only in lip services when they say that development is at the core of the Doha agenda. What do your take on this?
I cannot comment on what others are saying. I would challenge you to examine the track record in terms of our engagements with LDCs by generalised system of preferences which allow them to export their goods to the US duty free. I still believe the Doha Round would have failed if all we do to examine it in terms of increased market access to traditional markets. Every economist on the world has told us that 60% of the world?s growth in the next 15-25 years will come from these emerging advanced developed countries?India, China, Brazil, South Africa and Asean. I believe it is just as important to those LDCs to have an opportunity to expand trade to these countries just as the United States does. At the Doha Round, I believe we will make a much greater contribution to the world economy.
When will you push for the establishment of a fast track authority?
At an appropriate time when we believe we have something to report to the Congress.
What are your views on climate change?
The US is extraordinarily proud of climate change (initiatives that it has taken). We think that the best way to address that is through an international treaty. In the trade context, we do not want to do anything in climate change that penalises those countries that are moving more quickly and creating an unhealthy environment in a commercial sense.