Smith to pursue Ireland’s interests in event of new trade talks

THE United States and India, the countries held primarily responsible for the world trade talks collapse in Geneva last year, are now trying to kick-start the process.

US deputy trade representative Demetrios Marantis is likely to visit New Delhi later this month to thrash out differences with India on contentious issues. The idea is to try and reach some sort of consensus before trade ministers from key World Trade Organisation (WTO) member countries meet in India for an informal meeting in September.

Attempts are likely to be made to narrow differences over issues such as tariff protection for poor farmers and duty elimination for certain industrial goods.