In two different parts of the globe there are leaders meeting to keep aside differences and push ahead with negotiations to lower global trade barriers seen as impediments to the planet's economic growth.

Here in our part of the world, SAARC Commerce ministers were meeting to facilitate faster progress of negotiations on SAARC Free Trade Area (SAFTA), due to come into effect from January, 2006 as per the agreed time-frame. The meeting was also a step to give a major and renewed thrust to trade and economic cooperation among the nations of the SAARC countries.

Elsewhere, Leaders of 21 Pacific Rim economies met to discuss liberalizing trade and addressing global security concerns.

No doubt, unlike WTO trade rules, which are standard across the world, bilateral and other regional free trade agreements vary widely and are largely discriminatory against other partners. However, it should understand that bilateral and regional trade between like-minded countries is here to stay.

I would say instead of criticizing, the WTO should encourage both bilateral and regional trade pacts but within the frame-work of the body’s guidelines.