Its nice to see a good new story about the WTO for a change. Things like the average tariff being so small was news to me - surprisingly good news in fact.

I am afraid that the whole premise of the article is based on business
as usual. There will be no such thing.

The governments at the WTO know that energy depletion is going to change
the whole scene and that production will become progressively local.
World trade is going to decrease not increase and while the governments
understand this they cannot admit to it as it is several election
cycles away.

The governments are not prepared to say that they have no idea on how
to mitigate the effects of oil and coal depletion.

It is well neigh time that governments and academics grasp the nettle
and take the population into their confidence.
It is no co-incidence that the words peak oil never appeared in the
media until fairly recently.

It comes as no surprise, that in challenging times of Economic malaise, inflation, galloping food prices, and the cost of barest of necessities spiraling out of control ( sapping our confidence ) we determinably soldier on. The proverbial tough..get tougher.

Is there much choice ?

Now that the 7th Doha Summit in Geneva has ended - in recriminations, cross-accusations, and stifling embitterment, the attending 40 odd countries involved, can be thankful it didn't result in Pub brawling, pistols at 20 slow paces, or menacing threats of Scud missile apocalypse.

Chairman Pascal Lamy, the paragon of serene patience and rectitude concluded proceedings harmoniously, with promises of WTO resumption next year.

Business as usual.

The collapse, reminiscent of yesteryear was attributed to Agricultural subsidies which have dominated dialogue by wealthier Nations since GATT, World Trade etc inception. G8 countries by virtue of their wealth, expertise and Business acumen have rued the roost in multi-national forums for yonks. On the other hand, emerging Nations, chiefly Third World, and to a lesser degree improvished south Pacific Island enclaves, have much to gain from the liberation of trade barriers , access to markets. Hitherto, almost impossible. In perspective, it raises expectations, incomes and living standards immeasurably. Where population growth, health, welfare and the whole gamut of social services intertwine, they have the most to benefit by. Some say: Not before time.

Underpinning the failures of Doha, is the continued infusion of Agricultural subsidies which is part and parcel of G8 influence and ascendancy. Between US, EU spend an estimated $1 billion a day. Over 6 times the total amount of official aid provided to developing countries. 70 % of Africa's livelihood depend on the Ag sector. Only 2% of Global trade is attributed to African economies.

Subsidies undermine industrial/farm economies, discourages Foreign investment, significantly promotes poverty - contributing to disease, HIV,AIDS pandemics, terrorism,insurrection, dictatorships.
10 million people in West and Central Africa depend directly on cotton production for subsistence. 90% is exported. Yields of dairy products, livestock, meat, non grain crops etc suffer. The average dairy cow in Japan produces $7.50 a day in subsidy

income, whereas 75% of Africans live on less than $ 2.00 a day.

IFP Research Institute, reporting on World Hunger 2004 stated: Ag-trade liberation by all Industrialized countries would lead to 45-50% increases in net Ag-trade in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as 5.1% increase in annual income for farmers and agro-industries.

Historically, the wheels of Government are lubricated by the Rural/pastoral sector. A major factor of every Western Democracy - we all have to eat to survive. Overlooked, is the Trade distortion subsidies create, especially when e.g. US farm subsidies eclipse Gross Domestic Product's of at least 50 member countries in WTO. This disparity,inhibits competitiveness, a level playing field, and fair equalization on those marginalised.

US spokesperson Susan Schwab announced Ag-subsidies comprising Maize ( ethanol) cotton, wheat,jacoba (bio-fuels) etc have substantially been reduced 16 % to $ 15 billion. What became of the Glenagles. Scotland (2005) G8 resolution, committing members states to eliminating all forms of export subsidies ? The backlash and aftermath, principally from India ( festering since 1986) only exacerbated US, EU, Japan resolve to bull-nose the agenda, despite India's perceived opposition - citing " abrogation of the fundamental Principles of Free Trade and WTO protocols ".

Early this year US (110th) Congress in a bi-partisan vote overrode lame-duck, chair-warmer President Bush's veto on the Farm Bill 2007. Farm subsidies were enacted into Law. Bush's tenure ends November and legislative Bill's require considerable filibustering buck-passing between House of Reps/Senate before majority approval. Agricultural subs gained another 5 year extension to 2013. The midwest Green Belt have been given a reprieve and life-line.

Meanwhile, acres of fertile food producing land explicitly ear-marked for America's unquenchable thirst for gasoline. Without generous subsidies, the ethanol, bio-fuel industry would face bankruptcy. Imports from Brazil, Mexico and Canada could staunch the haemorrhage, but the US still rely on 70% imports from the Middle East. Long term reserves in Montana, Continental shelf, California, despite hazardous environmental degradation, will eventually come online, as Peak Oil Armageddon shifts into overdrive.