Developing countries gloomy on WTO farm talks

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

GENEVA (AFP) — Brazil and other developing countries have complained that agriculture proposals at the World Trade Organisation do not open up markets enough, dimming prospects of a deal being reached this year.

"The options on the table do not seem to fulfil the mandate for substantial improvements in market access," the G20 group of developing countries said in a statement issued late Friday, referring to proposals on the farm sector.

The G20 blamed developed countries, saying: "we have no indication of what those countries are prepared to do" in terms of cutting subsidies.

The WTO's 152 member states remain mired in an impasse over the Doha round, which was failed to make significant headway since it was first launched in the Qatari capital in 2001....