The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Concern over India’s stance at WTO talks

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Thursday, Jul 31, 2008
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Concern over India’s stance at WTO talks

Special Correspondent

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Swatantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation (KSMTF) representing traditional fish-workers in the State has expressed concern over the Indian position in the negotiations at the ongoing ministerial-level talks at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) meet in Geneva.

A press note quoting KSMTF president T. Peter here on Wednesday urged Commerce Minister and leader of the delegation Kamal Nath to refrain from making a deal under pressure from corporate interests.

The press note said the presence of fisheries in the WTO’s NAMA (Non-Agriculture Market Access) negotiations was a fundamental mistake. Firstly, fish is not an industrial product. Further, trade liberalisation is bad for fish, for the environment and for community groups such as traditional fish-workers across the world who depend on fish for their livelihood.

The federation expressed strong protest over the current NAMA text issued by WTO Director General Pascal Lamy. “The presence of fisheries in the sectoral negotiations flies in the face of the principle of ‘special and differential’ treatment. Further, the proposed norms will open the flood gates for mass imports of fish into the country, affecting the livelihoods of millions,” it said.

Pointing out that four-fifths of the WTO members had been excluded from the mini ministerial meet, KSMTF urged the Indian delegation to negotiate keeping national interests in mind.

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