Former WTO appellate body head supports Bush administration’s calls for cuts in agricultural subsidies to revive Doha round of trade talks

Former Democratic congressman James Bacchus, also former WTO appelate body chairman, speaking at the Americas Conference in Miami, said he supported the adoption of the current trade agreements before the US Congress and is optimistic that the Congress would do so.

He applauded the Bush administration for calling for cuts in agricultural subsidies that have held up the Doha round of trade talks. He singled out the United States, saying “I am increasingly concerned not able to muster the will and votes to lower trade barriers in the United States unless we understand that trade is linked to the need for domestic reform.”

He said he was concerned that “the Democratic party does not understand the necessity of trade,” and added that “I would encourage Democrats to keep in mind that trade is necessary to all we hope to do”.

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