Sticking to Doha talks, removing impediments to trade need of the hour, emphasised Anand Sharma

NEW DELHI: Union Minister of Commerce, Industry and Textiles, Anand Sharma has emphasised on the dire need to remain committed to the mandate of the Doha Round of business talks and crating a fair opportunistic situation by removing checks to trade.

While intervening at the session on 'understanding global value chains: towards a new trade narrative' at G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting at Puerto Vallarta, Mexico held recently, Sharma said, “We must strive to create a level playing field before we ask all to compete as equals. There is a need to fulfill the promises made in the past, implement decisions taken over years and remain faithful to the mandate of the Doha Development Round.”

Furthermore, the minister also cautioned against any attempt to selectively open up certain services sectors or to negotiate a closed club agreement as it will not only overturn the delicate balance of the Doha Round but would also sabotage the WTO.

As per his opinion, the current proposals for freeing up trade in the service sector are not satisfactory as there are limitations on free movement of professionals across borders.