Drop anti-concentration clause in Nama;Ficci

New Delhi, Jul 21 (UNI) Even as India is engaged in trade negotiations on agriculture and industrial goods(Nama) at the mini-ministerial in the World Trade Organisation in Geneva, an industry chamber today demanded deletion of anti-concentration clause in the Nama draft because it restricted flexibity.

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry said; "Para 7(d) of the 10 July text on Nama is restrictive because it would seek to put restraints on the use of flexibilites by developing countries like India".

Ficci secretary general Amit Mitra said India should resist the attempt of developed countries to insert the anti-concentration clause in any form that goes beyond the July 2004 Framework Agreement.

Under anti-concentration principle, senstive tariff lines not subject to full-formula tariff cuts can not be concentrated in a particular sector or sub-sector of industry. This restriction,Dr Mitra pointed out will circumscribe the scope of flexibility provision to be used by developing countries in the context of Nama tariff reduction.

He said since flexibilties are important for addressing legitimate concerns of India's micro, small and medium enterprises as also senstive sectors such automobiles, auto components, textiles, marine products and chemcials.

Ahead of the week-long ministerial, which began in Geneva today, Commerce Minister Kamal Nath has already stated ''If the sensitivities of our agriculture sector and infant industry like textiles, chemicals and auto are not respected, there will be no deal.'' UNI SAA AK HT1718