In a speech at the 56th session of the UNCTAD Trade and Development Board on September 16 2009, Director Pascal Lamy stated: “What remains to be done in the Doha negotiations is doable and a deal is within reach, but to get there, we still need existing global political support to be translated into tangible moves.” Following the meeting of ministers in India1, high-ranking civil servants responsible for trade matters are currently meeting in Geneva to find “a compass to guide the negotiations over the coming months, so that we can wrap them up in 2010”, he added.
A compass, yes, but are we sure that the north isn’t missing from the one that belongs to the WTO? By wishing to avoid protectionist measures at all costs during a crisis, the WTO has in fact promoted an acceleration in unregulated trade liberalization, without having measured the extent of the risks. Are we sure that resumption of the Doha Round, which will presumably weaken the agricultural sector in all poor countries, will not lead to protectionist responses by states wishing to ensure the food security of their population? More than ever, we need to be prudent in the enforcement of policies to exit the crisis.
1 3 and 4 September 2009
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