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Developing Countries: Trade

Volume 471: debated on Monday 4 February 2008

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions he has had with the World Trade Organisation on the Doha trade round; and what assessment he has made of the prospects for the agreement of a new trade deal in 2008. (183794)

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development discussed the Doha trade round with Pascal Lamy, director general of the World Trade Organisation, during the World Economic Forum in Davos in January.

It is still possible to reach agreement on a Doha trade deal in 2008 if there is movement from all concerned. It is important that all parties show flexibility in the negotiations to try and resolve outstanding issues. We are now waiting for the revised chairs' negotiating texts, which are expected to be issued in February, and which will provide the basis for further negotiations and a possible agreement.