International Chamber disappointed with Doha Round progress

International Chamber disappointed with Doha Round progress    The Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce issued a statement Friday that said its members are disappointed with the progress the World Trade Organization made at meetings in Geneva last week on the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations.
   “This is obviously a missed opportunity to make much-needed progress ahead of the Hong Kong ministerial conference in December,” said ICC Secretary General Guy Sebban. “It also means that WTO members will have to work extremely hard when talks resume in Geneva in September in order to prepare the ground fully for a good result in Hong Kong.”
   He added: “The importance of bringing the Doha round to a successful conclusion cannot be underestimated. An ambitious and balanced outcome to the Doha Development Agenda would be one of the most effective ways to strengthen the multilateral trading system, generate economic growth, create opportunities for development and raise living standards across the world.”