Eleventh-hour attempts to salvage a World Trade Organisation deal on simplifying global customs have collapsed, leaving the future of the Geneva-based institution in doubt.
Talks to cut red tape on international borders broke down following India's refusal to back a deal unless it included concessions allowing developing countries freedom to subsidise and stockpile food.
An agreement on the deal had been reached in Bali in December, with a deadline of midnight on Thursday to ratify it. But the deal was scuppered after the WTO's 160 members failed to agree over India's demands.
Admitting defeat, Roberto Azevêdo, the WTO's director general, said that despite intense negotiations, disagreement between members had not been resolved.
"We have not been able to find a solution that would allow us to bridge that gap. We tried everything we could. But it has not proved possible," he said.
"The fact we do not have a conclusion means that we are entering a new phase in our work – a phase which strikes me as being full of uncertainties."
Speaking about the future of the organisation, Azevêdo said: "What this means for the WTO will be in the hands of the members. I think we should take the time to reflect and come back in September."
theguardian.com
Talks to cut red tape on international borders broke down following India's refusal to back a deal unless it included concessions allowing developing countries freedom to subsidise and stockpile food.
An agreement on the deal had been reached in Bali in December, with a deadline of midnight on Thursday to ratify it. But the deal was scuppered after the WTO's 160 members failed to agree over India's demands.
Admitting defeat, Roberto Azevêdo, the WTO's director general, said that despite intense negotiations, disagreement between members had not been resolved.
"We have not been able to find a solution that would allow us to bridge that gap. We tried everything we could. But it has not proved possible," he said.
"The fact we do not have a conclusion means that we are entering a new phase in our work – a phase which strikes me as being full of uncertainties."
Speaking about the future of the organisation, Azevêdo said: "What this means for the WTO will be in the hands of the members. I think we should take the time to reflect and come back in September."
theguardian.com
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