Singapore, who will take over the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) chairmanship in January, said Wednesday it will push for resumption of the Doha Trade Talks at next year's meeting.
According to a local TV Channel NewsAsia report, at a meeting to draw up next year's policy agenda on Wednesday, Ravi Menon, Second Permanent Secretary of Singapore Trade and Industry Ministry, said the Doha deadlock, if left unchecked, will lead to a much longer period of slower growth among most economies.
"This impasse is bad in itself, without the financial crisis. But if you take the financial crisis, the economic slowdown and the impasse in Doha together, it is a deadly concoction," Ravi Menon was quoted as saying.
The Doha Round talks, which aims to lower trade barriers worldwide and increase global trade, have stalled due to disagreements on issues such as agriculture and industrial tariffs.
Singapore said APEC, as a bloc, can help businesses by pushing for integration efforts to remove trade barriers, facilitate investment flows, and boost connectivity through improved transport and logistics networks, according to the TV news.
The year-long chairmanship will see about 90 meetings being held in Singapore, including the APEC Leaders' Meeting next November. |
About Us 
