Kind Words and Empty Hands
As reported in a previous posting, Indian Commerce Minister Kamal Nath returned this morning to Geneva from the no-confidence vote that took place in New Delhi yesterday. He spoke of the big victory by his Government in that vote; which could have propelled him to bring something to the table on Doha.
Unfortunately, all we got were kind words - "The first thing we must appreciate is that the U.S. is moving," - and empty hands, as no new offer was tendered on Agriculture and Manufactured Goods trade (NAMA).
Even the kind words were tempered, as Minister Nath said that even more needed to be done by the US, and others, for India to even show their cards. That is disconcerting, as this is a back and forth trade negotiation, and India needs to play a leadership role if the Round is going to conclude.
Time and time again, people ask in Geneva and elsewhere whether India wants the Round to succeed. Prime Minister Singh has said yes on a variety of occasions, but actions speak louder than words. At this critical time in the Ministerial, we need actions and not words.
If this Round is going to achieve the "Development Goals" that Nath continues to raise, the Round needs to address the fact that 70% of the tariffs which developing countries pay, they pay to developing countries (not the US or EU where they all have almost carte blanche duty free access already).
Mr. Minister - Put a serious offer on the table or go back to New Delhi.
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