EU, US must move on farming to ease WTO deal

BEIJING, Nov 18: The United States and the European Union need to make concessions on the key issue of farm subsidies to break a deadlock in global trade talks, according to Chinese Commerce Minister Bo Xilai.

Bo relayed the message to US Trade Representative Susan Schwab yesterday in Hanoi during an Asia-Pacific summit, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said.

''Agricultural subsidies in the major developed countries are at extremely unreasonable levels. We hope the members of the EU and the United States will demonstrate sincerity and flexibility on the farm issue, which would move matters along in other areas,'' Bo said, according to the ministry's Web site, www.mofcom.gov.cn.

Bo said the United States, as the leading financial power, had a particular responsibility to help revive the talks, which were suspended in July, mainly due to an impasse over farm handouts.

In crafting a deal, rich states must not expect developing countries to shoulder an excessive burden, Bo added.

Leaders of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum will pledge in Hanoi to break the deadlock by shifting from their current negotiating positions, according to a draft communique.

REUTERS