Similarly, access to overseas markets in services could be a powerful instrument to banish poverty in developing countries by giving stimulus to economic growth, Mr. Kamal Nath said and pointed out that: “This is why the liberalization of professional services trade in Modes 1 & 4 needs to figure high on the development agenda. It is also, of course, a paramount need of businesses everywhere in a globalised economy. The services negotiations need a clear direction, without undermining the flexibilities available to developing countries under the GATS architecture”.
He called upon the Hong Kong Ministerial to pave the way for launch of negotiations on issues relating to the TRIPs Agreement and the Convention on Bio-diversity (CBD) that is required to prevent bio-piracy and preservation of the vast bio-diversity of developing countries and also to finalise, without hedging, the proposal for duty-free, quota-free access for exports of least developed countries (LDCs) to developed country markets.
Besides making the important statement at the Plenary, Mr. Kamal Nath had a busy schedules of bilateral meetings today with – Mauritius Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Trade, Mr. Dulloo; Minister of Agro Industries & Fisheries, Mr. Boollel; and Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Jeepah; and the Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Mr. Toshihiro Nikai and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Mr. Shoichi Nakagawa.
He also had a meeting with Mr. Clement Rohee, who is the Facilitator on Development Issues.
Press Information Bureau Government of India
marketing@alchempro.com
