MILAN (AFX) - Japan's economy, trade and industry minister Akira Amari said his country is ready to make concessions to help the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to reach a deal in the Doha trade liberalisation round.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Amari said he could not discuss his government's position on 'sensitive' farm products, such as rice, which are an issue for the agriculture minister.
'Our market access tariffs in non-agricultural goods are the lowest in the world. The problem for Japan is agriculture,' he said.
Speaking at the same forum session, India's commerce and industry minister Kamal Nath said Japan has offered the 'best' package of market access for the less developed countries, a key target in the Doha round.
Earlier today, 30 WTO trade minister called for a quick resumption of trade talks in Geneva, saying they see scope for making substantial progress, after last July's suspension of the round by ministers. nigel.tutt@thomson.com nt/paw COPYRIGHT Copyright AFX News Limited 2006. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News. AFX News and AFX Financial News Logo are registered trademarks of AFX News Limited