Minister Of Commerce And Industry Of India Threatened To Withdraw From The July 21St Ministerial Meeting

In July 16th, India's minister of Commerce and industry, New Delhi, said in New Delhi that if India's core interests - protecting farmers and immature industries - were not met, India would withdraw from the walk WTO's small ministerial meeting in July 21st.

This is also the position of prime minister Singer of India.

Nat said at a news conference held on the same day: "our alliance, G-20, G-33 and NAMA-11 are a whole. We can completely withdraw from negotiations.

Unless India agrees, the agreement can not be reached, and we are not prepared to make any compromise. "

At the same time, NAT expressed his desire to make progress at the Ministerial Conference. "I am optimistic and look forward to the fact that the developed countries face up to the current global economic situation, the food situation and the structural defects in the agricultural sector and become the givers rather than the requestor."

Nat restated India's position on the Doha negotiations.

In agriculture, NAT mentioned three points: first, special goods (SPs) and special insurance mechanism (SSM) are the decisive issues and can not be discussed; if the requirements are not met, India will not agree to any other agreement in other areas.

Second, India's proposal on fisheries subsidies must also be included in the agreement.

Third, the United States must reduce agricultural subsidies from 55 billion US dollars to 130-160 billion US dollars, while the European Union must cut 70% of its agricultural subsidies.

On the service side, NAT said that the service industry is very important to India, the service sector accounts for 55% of India's GDP, 140 million people are employed, and the service exports account for 40% of the total exports of goods and services in India.

Nat called for developed countries to make binding commitments, otherwise the agreement could not be reached.

In non-agricultural areas, NAT specifically mentioned the "anti concentration provisions" and the terms of the industry.

Nat points out that India needs flexibility to protect its childish industries such as automobiles, textiles and chemicals. India will not agree to liberalisation in these industries.

"Most American and European auto companies have set up production plants in India," he said. "These investments indicate that they have already jumped over the tariff barriers."

Nat also mentioned that since the India parliament will hold a confidence vote on the government in July 21st and 22nd, he will not be able to attend the Council of ministers before Geneva. The Secretary of the commerce department (Vice Minister) will be represented by India.