Developing countries' trade talks in 'critical stage'

Leaders of Brazil, India and South Africa said the struggling global trade talks were at a critical stage and should not be held hostage by “disproportionate” demands of richer nations.

In a declaration signed at the end of a summit in Pretoria, South Africa, the three regional powerhouses, who form a developing country bloc in world trade negotiations, reaffirmed their commitment to the Doha round of World Trade Organisation talks.

The stalled talks have loomed large over the summit after the US accused developing countries of putting the talks in peril by refusing to open up their manufacturing markets. But the three leaders said the negotiations could not be held hostage to “who goes first” and all members must “move together to arrive at a balanced and fair outcome”.