Doha needs US fast-track renewal French trade min

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

SAO PAULO, Brazil, Feb 1 (Reuters) France's trade minister said on Thursday efforts to forge a global trade deal would hit a snag if the Democrats in the U.S. Congress fail to renew President George W.

Bush's Trade Promotion Authority.

''If a majority in Congress, no matter what, is not prepared to renew TPA then we are embarking on a much longer course of negotiations,'' Christine Lagarde told reporters.

Top Democrats demanded on Tuesday better protections for U.S. and foreign workers and tougher enforcement of trade agreements in exchange for renewing Bush's ''fast track'' authority to negotiate trade deals.

The authority, known as TPA, expires at the end of June.

Officials from leading economies called for a conclusion early this year of the stalled Doha round of global trade talks during a summit last week in Davos, Switzerland.

''It's a favorable moment for the resumption of the Doha round,'' Lagarde said.

The Doha round hit an impasse in July over agricultural policies. Rules on farm trade have been a sticking point since the round was launched in the Qatari capital in 2001.

Any deal needs the support of Brazil, an agricultural giant, and France has been reluctant to make bigger concessions on farm trade, which could help European Union Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson close a deal.

Asked if highly technical negotiations for the Doha round could be concluded by April, Lagarde said: ''I personally doubt it very much.'' France holds presidential elections in April and May.

Reuters SBA VP0310

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