Description
The
outcomes of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) of the fourth WTO
Ministerial Meeting held in Doha, Qatar in 2001 were expected
to help the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to substantively
benefit from the process of globalisation by way of effectively
integrating them in the multilateral process. As the Round is
moving towards the final phase, no significant progress in the
areas of LDCs interest is evident. Whereas, a view is being propounded
that as the LDCs will not have to undertake any liberalization
obligations and with promises for DFQF and Aid for Trade, most
of the LDC concerns has not been met. Hence, it has become imperative
for the LDCs to restrategize their negotiating stances as they
focus themselves on the final leg of negotiations for a successful
DDR.
Objective
and Scope of the Dialogue
The
objective of the dialogue is to evolve a strategy regarding how
the LDCs should position themselves in the penultimate phases
of negotiations of the DDR. This is to be done by way of brainstorming
among LDC negotiators, relevant policy experts and advocacy leaders.
Specifically, the proposed dialogue will seek to do, inter alia,
the following;
a) To take stock of the current state of negotiations in the light
of LDCs interest and concerns
b) To articulate alternative outcome scenarios with an assessment
of possible accommodation of LDCs' position.
c) To support ways and means to enhance pro-LDC development content
in the possible outcome.
Output
of the Dialogue
The
main output of the dialogue will be a clearer vision of the LDCs
regarding their negotiating positions during the final lap of
the DDR. Each of the LDC negotiators is expected to go back with
greater clarity and understanding about how to pursue their countries
specific negotiating stance under the DDR as it strives to achieve
a successful end. All these will contribute towards enhancing
the "development content" in the final outcomes of the DDR.
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