WTO talks enjoy top priority in US trade agenda

Washington, Nov 30 (UNI) US Trade Representative (USTR) Susan Schwab has described World Trade Organisation (WTO) talks as the number one issue on the Bush administration's trade agenda and wants the United States to 'speak with one voice' on the global trade negotiations in the coming months.

Officially known as the Doha Development Agenda, these negotiations collapsed in July as countries failed to narrow their differences on agricultural issues.

''We walked away from a bad deal in July, if necessary we will do so again - but we cannot let a strong, potential Doha deal slip through our fingers,'' Schwab told a conference organised here by the US Chamber of Commerce.

In a major speech since the November 7 elections in which the opposition Democratic Party won control of Congress after 12 years, Schwab acknowledged that some legislators 'in the extremes of both parties' espouse protectionism. ''The good news is that the leaders and people in responsible positions in both parties know better,'' she said.

Former US Trade Representative Clayton Yeutter agreed with Schwab's view that the Doha round is not doomed.

Yeutter said developing countries would make a huge mistake by giving up on the Doha round because what already had been agreed -- the elimination of farm export subsidies in particular-- would give them a great advantage.

Schwab said the Bush administration's trade agenda would remain basically unchanged as the Democrats take control of the Congress in January.

Despite differences on the labour and environmental issues, she pointed out, many republicans and democrats shared the view that trade liberalization on its own promoted higher standards and protections in both areas.

She, however, acknowledged that more dialogue and consultations with Congress may be necessary on these issues.

Schwab was hope full of the administration and key Democratic and Republican leaders in Congress working together, building on shared trade principles and objectives.

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