The Hindu, March 29, 2012


The BRICS and Trade and Economic Research Network (BRICS-TERN) have called up the BRICS nations to start building consensus for fielding a common candidate from among the developing countries for the post of the next Director General of the World Trade Organisation.

Former Home Secretary, G.K. Pillai, who is now the chief adviser to BRICS-TERN, said BRICS should develop clear position on some common issues of interests and coordinate among ourselves to make them happen. “There is a tremendous amount of goodwill among our leaders but they do not always get reflected at the local level,’’ he added.

A resolution passed at the meeting said BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) should strive to achieve an intra-BRICS trade of $500 billion by 2015, with particular emphasis to better balance bilateral trade; the BRICS nations should voice their concern against unilateral protectionist measures on climate change like aviation tax, border adjustment taxes and related issues being taken by some developed countries and that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities should be maintained, taking into account historical responsibilities; and that BRICS should adopt proactive measures to counter such unilateral measures adopted by some developed countries.

The BRICS should propose for adaptable and affordable green technology transfer including through appropriate amendments to the TRIPs agreement and that there should be enhanced green technological cooperation among BRICS, multi-stakeholder consultations and research including cost-benefit analysis towards a green economy in relation to sustainable development. It should work towards common position on climate change, food security and trade linkages and work in close partnership with other like-minded countries to conclude the Doha Round of multilateral negotiations, in line with its development mandate.

Bipul Chatterjee, deputy executive director, CUTS International said the emerging South has a major role in balancing the architecture of global economic governance. The activities of this network will be an important contribution to that architecture.

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