Even as hectic parleys are on for the Hong Kong round of talks I still doubt that the outcome would be any different.

I strongly feel that trade negotiators should agree on a detailed work plan for finishing stalled world trade talks as soon as possible.

And perhaps now is the time for ministers to abandon posturing tactics and demonstrate creative and strong political leadership to avoid stalemate in the negotiations.

Although it is almost next to impossible to wrap up the talks in just one sitting, countries must agree on the basic framework of a deal by late March to reach a
final pact by the end of 2006.

I would strongly favour a tariff reduction formula for Non-Agriculture Market Access (NAMA) at WTO and adequate flexibilities for developing and least developed countries in all areas of negotiations.

From India’s point of view, the important issues of agriculture, NAMA and services have to be resolved.

Although there is very little time left before the Hong Kong talks, a middle path has to be worked out between countries before the talks so that the ministerial provides the roadmap for an urgent completion.