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Least-developed countries meet to discuss WTO strategy
Dhaka, May 31: Trade ministers and officials from 38 least-developed countries (LDCs) began a three-day meeting here today to formulate a common strategy to protect and promote the interests and trading rights of world`s poorest nations, ahead of a crucial WTO meeting.
Dhaka, May 31: Trade ministers and officials from 38 least-developed countries (LDCs) began a three-day meeting here today to formulate a common strategy to protect and
promote the interests and trading rights of world's poorest nations, ahead of a crucial WTO meeting.
Inaugurating the meeting, Bangladesh commerce minister
Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury underlined the need for "quota
and duty" access of goods from LDCs to the developed and
industrialized nations.
The meeting, which is being attended by trade ministers of 23 countries, is likely to come out with a "Dhaka Declaration" chalking out plans for redressal of the trade difficulties of LDCs, officials said.
The strategy would be placed at the WTO meeting scheduled to be held in Cancun, Mexico in September, they said.
Chowdhury said the Dhaka meeting "is expected to forge a common position of LDCs on WTO issues and international trade."
Several representatives expressed dissatisfaction at developed countries for not fulfilling their pledges.
Other issues likely be come during the discussions include lifting of restrictions on temporary movement of labour and moratorium on imposition of anti-dumping and countervailing duties on products from the LDCs by developed countries, sources said.
The inclusion of countries like Bhutan, Cambodia and Nepal in WTO may also be discussed, they added.
Forty-nine countries from Asia, Africa and Latin America make up the LDC bloc. Bangladesh took over its presidency from Tanzania recently.
Bureau Report
The meeting, which is being attended by trade ministers of 23 countries, is likely to come out with a "Dhaka Declaration" chalking out plans for redressal of the trade difficulties of LDCs, officials said.
The strategy would be placed at the WTO meeting scheduled to be held in Cancun, Mexico in September, they said.
Chowdhury said the Dhaka meeting "is expected to forge a common position of LDCs on WTO issues and international trade."
Several representatives expressed dissatisfaction at developed countries for not fulfilling their pledges.
Other issues likely be come during the discussions include lifting of restrictions on temporary movement of labour and moratorium on imposition of anti-dumping and countervailing duties on products from the LDCs by developed countries, sources said.
The inclusion of countries like Bhutan, Cambodia and Nepal in WTO may also be discussed, they added.
Forty-nine countries from Asia, Africa and Latin America make up the LDC bloc. Bangladesh took over its presidency from Tanzania recently.
Bureau Report