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So Far, So Good

India got most of what it wanted, and some more that it didn't

  • Implementation: India managed to get its concerns on outstanding implementation issues recorded in the declaration and made part of the work programme

  • Drug patents: National governments allowed to disregard patent rights in case of epidemics and health emergencies. Blow to US drugmakers but may also hit India and Brazil, the Third World's biggest exporters.

  • Agriculture: Work programme to review market access and reduction and ultimate phaseout of support and subsidies in rich nations. Brightens farm export prospects.

  • Environment: EU brings it to negotiating table but nobody's talking of expensive standards yet. India faces similar standards in multilateral loans. And negotiations can only benefit the Third World.

  • Competition and other Singapore issues: India manages to postpone negotiations by two years on what it calls non-trade issues. Inclusion of issues good for domestic reform.

  • Anti-dumping: US agrees to review laws that can be manipulated to shut out foreign competition. Round one to the Third World.

  • Textile & garments: Demand to advance quota rejected and matter sent to WTO panel. Not much loss as quotas are ending in 2005.
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