Green Room Hits Snag in Geneva
As J.P. noted last night, the second day of this week's Ministerial in Geneva ended with a decision by WTO Director General Pascal Lamy to slow down the Green Room process. Apparently last night's session was full of animated discussion on agriculture and non-agricultural market access (NAMA). There as also discussion about the adequacy of the US agricultural proposal yesterday. India called it "laughable", which is certainly not a helpful sign.
Today, Lamy has decided to proceed to small group meetings instead of a larger group meeting in the Green Room. These small group meetings, it is hoped, will help narrow some of the differences between the key players. So things have been pushed back some with the anticipation of going back to the Green Room process tomorrow and a Services Signaling Conference on Friday. Many of us are hopeful that these small group meetings will spur some progress. Perhaps these small group meetings should take place outside in Geneva as it is another beautiful day. Nice weather should bring out the best in people after all.
The other significant development of the day was of the return of Indian Minister Kamal Nath fresh off a no-confidence vote victory in New Dehli yesterday. He plans an afternoon press conference to lay out India's position on where things stand. There will certainly be something to report on that. Stay tuned.
The question of the day remains: Where is the leadership from advanced developing countries to seek a successful conclusion to the Round?
The world is watching you ABICS (Argentina, Brazil, India, China and South Africa). Speak now or forever hold your peace.
Separately, there are continued rumblings about this Ministerial spilling into next week. As always in a trade negotiation, the situation remains fluid, which is the beauty of having continuous coverage, stay tuned.
Comments