China and India have teamed up by issuing a joint statement asking for a more prominent role for their two countries during the World Trade Organization’s Doha Round of talks, which are slated to conclude at the end of the year. From the Hindu:
The statement followed a meeting between Indian Commerce Minister Kamal Nath and his Chinese counterpart Bo Xilai HERE on Monday. It is one of the clearest indications yet of a serious effort on the part of the two countries to harmonise a common position in the WTO.
During their discussions, the two ministers emphasised that the economic and trade relationship between India and China is of “global and strategic significance.” They thus concluded that “an increased participation and a constructive role of the two countries in all key issues, including issues of international trade, can further strengthen their partnership for international efforts to deal with global challenges and threats.” [Full text]
Nath visited China after hosting a meeting of India, Brazil, the U.S. and the E.U., during which participants agreed on a deadline of the end of the year for concluding the Doha Round of talks. Their joint statement follows a statement from the G-7 nations about their aims for the completion of the Doha Round.
