RI seeks clear schedule to end farm subsidies

RI seeks clear schedule to end farm subsidies

The Indonesian government has sent a delegation, led by
representative from the Ministry of Industry and Trade
Directorate General of International Cooperation Pos M.
Hutabarat, to the World Trade Organization (WTO) general council
meeting in Geneva.

He was accompanied by five subordinates, including Director of
Multilateral Cooperation Djunari Inggih Waskito, according to a
member of the delegation.

Last week, the government announced its stance against the
initial draft proposal aimed at reviving that stalled global
trade talks, saying the proposal failed to meet the requests of
developing countries.

Indonesia's agenda in the meeting is as follows:

* Along with other G-22 members, Indonesia demands a clear
timetable on when developed nations will end their heavy farm
subsidies.

* As the G-33 leader, Indonesia demands clear status and the
schedule of Special Products (SP) and Special Safeguard Mechanism
(SSM).

* Indonesia also demands tariff reductions on industrial
products be on a voluntary rather than a mandatory basis.

* Rejecting a linear reduction on tariffs on industrial
products, which is considered a major disadvantage for most
developing countries that usually impose high tariffs.

* Indonesia accepts only one of four "Singapore Issues" --
trade facilitation -- but through clarification of the details on
freedom of transit, and cost and procedures. The rejected three
items of the Singapore Issues are investment, competition
policies and transparency in government procurement. --JP