The Fate of Doha Development Agenda
Conclusion
Ten years have passed since launching of the Talks yet no prospect of early conclusion is in sight. The target date of end 2004 was revised twice and, since suspension of formal talks in July 2006, no target date has been suggested. Attempt made by the WTO Director General in May 201l to salvage the Talks by suggesting a ‘Three Speed Search’ for Doha outcome was ignored by members. The current strategy seems to be to focus on ongoing work of the WTO, show progress in such non-controversial areas as ‘aid for trade’, and continue with informal discussions.’ The Ministerial Meeting in December 2011 had a session devoted to Doha Round but it was meant for exchanging views and reaffirming confidence in the WTO rather than resolving outstanding issues. The Meeting adopted the ‘Political Guidance’ expressing determination of members to continue the Talks. It committed to’ advance negotiations, where progress can be achieved, including focusing on the elements of Doha Declaration that allow Members to reach provisional or definitive agreements based on consensus earlier than the full conclusion of the single undertaking.’ It also reaffirmed that ‘any agreements reached, any time, have to respect fully the development component of the mandate.’
The Multilateral Trade Talks have a history of delays and prolonged negotiations with a successful end, finally; the Tokyo Round took six years, Uruguay Round eight years, and the current Round may take thirteen years or more. The current economic situation warrants bold steps to resolve the impasse that will build the confidence so urgently needed to revive the sagging world economy. Despite their vocal support to the Talks, the world leaders are so preoccupied with their domestic issues to have the courage and far sight to set aside their narrow interests in favor of global prosperity. Thus the world, in particular the poor, continues to suffer. The ‘Copenhagen Consensus’ which evaluates solutions for global problems ranks the Doha Development Agenda (2008) as the ‘second best investment for global welfare, after the provision of vitamin supplements to world’s 140 million malnourished children’. That global welfare continued to elude.
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