FICCI seeks market access for Indian service-providers at WTO

New Delhi, Jul 21 (UNI) Ahead of signalling conference on July 24 at the ongoing WTO's ministerial in Geneva, Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce has sought a meaningful market access for Indian service-providers and professionals in developed countries.

Commerce Minister Kamal Nath, too, had said India would be flexible in agriculture and industrial goods (Nama) trade negotiations at the ministerial meeting, which began today, if the developed countries agreed to providing binding commitments to developing countries in the services at the signalling conference.

FICCI said the signalling conference should be held in negotiation mode and reflect significant commitments by the United States and the European Union.

FICCI Secretary General Amit Mitra said, "Indian business is relying on the services negotiations to have effective market access in the areas of professional and other business services in developed countries. These negotiations could play a vital role in dismantling the domestic regulation barriers restricting the supply of services by our professionals in the developed markets provided the EU and the US firmly indicate in the signalling conference that they are willing to offer effective market access in these areas".

"Positive outcomes in the area of services, particularly in Mode 4 (Movement of service persons/professionals) and Mode 1 (Cross-border supply) will be essential for ensuring a balanced result of the Doha negotiations", added Dr Mitra.

The Chair on services' report of July 17 could be taken up at the Conference.

Bolivia, Cuba and Venezuela have been opposing a services negotiating text on the grounds that it was not appropriate and unnecessary since the 2005 Hong Kong Ministerial had already concluded the modalities.

UNI SAA SG CS1455