Roundtable 6: Prospects for concluding the Doha Round: Implications for South Africa
The on again/off again Doha round is officially on again. But
familiar obstacles stand in the way. US trade politics are at the
centre, specifically renewal of President Bush’s trade promotion
authority which must occur by June 2007; and new farm legislation
scheduled to be passed by September 2007. The French Presidential
elections in April/May 2007 will also be critical given France’s
historic opposition to farm trade liberalization. A deal on farm trade
would also have to be acceptable to India and its developing country
allies in the G33 coalition, who labour under significant defensive
concerns. Success will also depend on developing countries agreeing to
substantial industrial tariff liberalization – a particular problem for
South Africa – and services trade openings. Can all this come together
this year; and what are the implications for South Africa either way?
Xavier Carim,
Deputy Director-General in the South African Department of Trade and
Industry and South Africa’s Chief Trade Negotiator, shared his thoughts
on the various complexities at play.
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