Negotiating parameters would also be significantly simplified if Asian and other like-minded countries pushed for the same set-up in agricultural levy cuts that have been agreed upon, for non agricultural tariffs.
The EU and the US must also make significant cuts that would diminish domestic subsidies below what was before now that been determined unilaterally, and was already on cards.
Developing Asia's interests at Doha is not absolutely on agenda. Some of the backward Asian countries, such as Bangladesh, stand to lose from the weaning away of preferences it enjoys in the European textile and clothing markets.
To tackle such concerns, Asia should thrust for a progressive "aid for trade" package that would permit help to be used to meet alteration costs as well as relieve frictions and constraints that hinder poor countries from getting their goods to markets.
Developing Asia must oppose a "elastic" package that allows widespread elimination of "sensitive" goods, conserve tariff peaks, impose little real agricultural liberalization and provides "liberal" supplies for special and differentiated dealing for the least developed countries. In case developing countries are debarred from obligations, they can do little to persuade the negotiations. Thus the idea of a Doha "Round for Free" is a dream.
marketing@alchempro.com
