Setback to Doha Round ; April 30 deadline going to be missed

Hannover, April 24 (UNI) The Doha Development Round of the World Trade Organisation has suffered a severe blow with the crucial players including the G-20 and the developed countries like the US and the EU missing the April 30 deadline for completing the modalities for concluding the deal.

"The April 30 deadline is not happening. That is clear,Ғ Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath told reporters here on the sidelines of the Hannover 2006 Fair.

The Hong Kong Ministerial Meeting of the WTO had set the April 30, 2006 deadline for completing the modalities of the Doha Round of negotiations so that the Round could be completed by the end of 2006.

The completion of the Doha Round by the end of this year is crucial because the Fast Track Authority of US President George W Bush would expire next year.

India and the other developing countries in the G-20 grouping has a major stake in the successful completion of the Doha Round of negotiations since it is mounting pressure on the developed countries to drastically reduce the price-distorting farm subsidies.

UNI PC SS BST1858