Doha deal unlikely in 2010: Commerce Secretary

New Delhi : Doha Round of Talks at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is unlikely to happen in 2010 because of unwillingness of US to conclude the deal, said Rahul Khullar, Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, here on Monday.

Khullar however, expressed hope of a successful Doha conclusion in 2011, when pace of negotiations will pick up after the elections in US in November 2010.

He assured Indian industry that there will be no major changes in India?s position at the WTO, including on issues like compulsory participation on sectoral negotiations.

Speaking at the Conference on WTO and Bilateral Agreements, ?Intelligent Economic Engagement, India?s trade strategy for the coming decade? organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), here, Khullar said that the next decade, will see trade emerge as the major engine of India?s economic growth.

He further added that the trade agenda over the next ten years would be determined by India?s vision for the future. He encouraged Indian industry to look beyond short-term narrow interests and focus on the future prospects.

He said that there was fear of rise of protectionism in developed countries because of movement of industry from developing to developed countries. He however expressed hope that this wave of protectionism would diminish in the next three to five years, paving the way for Indian industry to reap the opportunity.

Khullar predicted India?s participation in several bilateral trade deals, surge in international demand for services, including movement of skilled workers, and a successful conclusion of WTO Talks as the major area of trade reform over the next decade.