The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) yesterday suggested the government to demand special support for food-importing countries from the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to offset the negative pressure of gradual elimination of export subsidies.

"Elimination of export subsidies as well as domestic supports are likely to increase globally, which will negatively affect the net food-importing countries like Bangladesh. Bangladesh must demand special support for net food-importing countries," CPD executive director Prof Mustafizur Rahman told a press briefing describing their findings in Geneva visit.

A four-member CPD team, including Prof Mustafizur Rahman, Uttam Kumar Deb, Fahmida Khatun and Khandaker Golam Moazzem had been in Geneva for a week and had a series of meetings with different stakeholders of the WTO.

CPD has been closely following the negotiations on the Doha round agenda in Geneva. Former Executive Director of CPD Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya is now posted as the permanent representative of Bangladesh to Geneva.

Mustafizur Rahman said reduction in domestic support and export subsidy for agriculture by developed countries is likely to increase relative advantage of some Bangladeshi agricultural products (fruits, vegetables etc.).

The CPD executive director said Bangladesh may be able to offset the negative pressure if she can export more of their other agricultural produces, particularly fruits and vegetables.

He said Bangladesh should raise its voice to take funds under aid-for-trade on any condition. "The government has to prepare its own list of projects, which may be submitted for funding under aid for trade."

Mustafiz said the Bangladesh mission in Geneva is contributing a lot in advancing Bangladesh's interests, but the capacity of the mission is over-stretched. "The mission needs to be further strengthened with additional resources," he added.