Senior trade diplomats of about 35 countries met on Wednesday here deliberated intensely on the process by which the Doha Round of trade talks could be taken forward.
According to sources present in the meeting, a key point of discussion was when should negotiators meet again to discuss specific issues on the Doha Round. A discussion paper prepared by India asked if the next meeting of senior trade diplomats could meet in October, 2009.
?While some countries were not comfortable with having a senior official level meeting this early, a few countries with large muslim population maintained that festivals could prevent them from attending such a meeting,? said a foreign trade diplomat who attended the meeting.
The official meeting, which was chaired by commerce secretary Rahul Khullar saw statements made by participating members on a discussion paper circulated by India on the summit. The paper lays down the objectives of the meeting, which basically is to agree on a road map that takes the Doha negotiations forward.
?On the basis of this discussion paper, participants discussed the issues of timelines for completing modalities in agriculture and Nama and revised offer in services,? a commerce ministry statement said.
The officials will now brief their respective ministers, who will attend the main ministerial meeting that will formally begin tomorrow afternoon at a lunch session hosted by commerce minister Anand Sharma
But before that, Sharma will meet United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Chinese trade minister Chen Deming to discuss issues related to Doha Round and bilateral trade relations.
WTO director general Pascal Lamy, as well as chairmen of goods, services and non agricultural market access will tell the members about their views on how the negotiations can be taken forward. Various WTO lobby groups will also put forth their views on the talks.