Doha trade talks may take longer

The chances of striking a deal during the World Trade Organisation talks are slim, a minister has said.

Trade minister Amos Kimunya, consequently told Comesa member states to cash in on existing regional business opportunities before the conclusion of negotiations.

“The target of finishing the talks by the end of this year may not be realised,” Mr Kimunya told a Comesa workshop.

Lack of an amicable settlement at the Doha Round is predicted to pose serious implications to developing countries that have grossly been disadvantaged in international trade circles.

The talks were meant to address the inequalities of current trading system and create new opportunities for development.

“Under these circumstances, we should evaluate and collectively strategise and adopt suitable responses to the prevailing challenges,” the minister told participants drawn from the bloc and ACP countries on Tuesday.

One such opportunity is the Comesa Regional Organisation hailed for providing appropriate and viable framework through which the area can pursue common interests while vigilant of the regional integration imperatives.

Besides, the region is in the process of revitalising the Comesa Working Group on WTO which has been dormant since its creation in 2002.

The group, Mr Kimunya said, would assist member states and invigorate trade talks.

Policy analysis

“One of the key constraints faced by our region has been lack of sufficient resources for undertaking preparations for negotiations in such areas as policy analysis and training to enhance skills for negotiations,” he said.

Agriculture and trade have been contentious issues in the implementation of the Doha Declaration.

Developing countries have demanded for equality while some rich nations continue to apply support measures and subsidies that distort global market prices.