US trade diplomat says Doha deal in reach by year-end

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

GENEVA (AFP) — The US ambassador to the World Trade Organisation voiced optimism Friday that an international trade liberalisation deal could be reached this year.

The Doha Round of talks aimed at opening up markets has floundered since its launch in 2001.

But the top US trade diplomat, Peter Allgeier, sounded upbeat that a deal could be reached this year.

"We are still concentrating on a successful round this year. I actually think that we can do it," he said during a luncheon organised by the American International Club in Geneva.

"There are a few basic political decisions that have to be made," he said, but added that once they were, outstanding issues could be resolved.

Addressing concerns that a change in the US presidency could scupper...