. /.WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/AG/NG/W/177
11 April 2001
(01-1831)
Committee on Agriculture
Special SessionOriginal:  English
SEVENTH SPECIAL SESSION OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE
26-28 MARCH 2001
Statement by India
1. We share the satisfaction expressed by various other delegations on the progress made in the
first phase of negotiations.  We also note that 44 proposals have been submitted by 125 Membersduring the first phase. Still heartening to note is the active participation by many developing countries
in the discussions on these submissions in the six Special Sessions of the Committee on Agriculture.
2. In an organization with a membership of 140, representing every conceivable stage of
economic development, it is almost axiomatic that no single set of proposals could ever fully satisfyall the country-specific needs, as well as aspirations of the entire global community.  At the same
time, country proposals must go beyond not only their national concerns but must also respect and
take account of the developmental and societal needs of other countries and regions and seek out
common elements which, in the first place, brought us  all to this multilateral negotiating table.  I am
indeed happy that the proposals made by the national delegations fully reflect this approach – ofidentifying those issues where there is convergence as also where search for greater symbiotic action -
is a desirable objective.
3. The proposals which have been submitted have also clearly brought out the concerns of all
countries and have brought out the peculiarities and special characteristics of agriculture and the
sensitivities involved.  We have noted the overwhelming concerns expressed by several developing
countries about the inequitous nature of the exis ting agreement and the need to carry forward the
reforms while removing the trade distortions caused by the developed countries.
4. The developing countries, during the 6 years of implementation of AoA, experienced the
adverse effects of the trade-distortive policies pursued by developed countries in terms of threatening
the livelihood of their people and also in impeding their export of agricultural products.
5. In this context, we are confident that the second phase of negotiations would address upfront
these distortions being caused by high levels of support and projectionist policies being followed by
many developed countries.  This is neither ambitious nor should be construed as a precondition to
negotiations.  We would also underline the need for concretizing special and differential treatment for
developing countries in a clearly implementable manner as opposed to best endeavour clauses.  These
S&D provisions should be drawn up as an integral part of the negotiating process to enable
developing countries to tackle their special concerns such as food and livelihood security while
reforming agricultural trade.
6. It has more or less been established that Marrakesh, was long on promise but short on
performance.  Our perception is that the reason for hiatus in the expectations and achievements is to a
great extent due to existing ambiguities and lack of rigor in the reduction commitments in the
Agreement leading to circumvention of these commitments by some Member countries.  Removal of
these ambiguities and flaws lies at the heart of the Agreement on Agriculture, to improve theimplementation of the commitments.  Existence of  these flaws undermines the public trust in the
sanctity of the negotiated outcome as well as the motivation for taking the iniquitous reform process
any further through new obligations.G/AG/NG/W/177
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7. In today's world, where plurality of institutions in a civil society is a global reality, WTO
agricultural negotiations in the future will be ab le to withstand public scrutiny and win wider support
only when the negotiated outcomes are fair and equitable and are respected, observed and sincerely
implemented by all Members.
8. During the 2nd phase, we underscore the need to facilitate equally active participation of
developing countries in this phase – in terms of better logistics for meetings and the technical work to
be done by the Secretariat.
9. In conclusion, please allow me to join the previous speakers in congratulating you for your
eminent leadership in safely steering the first phase of negotiations.  We also wish God's speed to the
new Chairperson for an equally successful conclusion of the second phase of the reform process.
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