Fed: Doha talks would boost low-income countries - Costello

AAP General News (Australia)
04-26-2004
Fed: Doha talks would boost low-income countries - Costello

Treasurer PETER COSTELLO says a successful conclusion to the stalled Doha round of
world trade talks would be a major boost for development in low-income countries.

The talks stalled last September over the key issue of agriculture, with Australia
and other farm-based nations demanding an end to rural tariffs and subsidies.

Mr COSTELLO says he's highlighted the importance of the Doha talks during meetings
of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in Washington at the weekend.

He says he told the meetings that a conclusion of the Doha round was the largest single
positive factor that could boost development.

Australia's Trade Minister MARK VAILE has previously said he believes the Doha talks
are dragging largely because of the positions of several developed countries fearful of
opening their agricultural markets to competition.





The Doha round is supposed to finish at Hong Kong at the end of the year, but most
involved believe a successful conclusion is unlikely.

AAP RTV bt/sco/gjr

KEYWORD: TRADE COSTELLO (CANBERRA)

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