WTO deal ‘could be agreed soon’

Brussels: A World Trade Organisation agreement on cutting tariffs and farm subsidies is possible by the end of this month, European Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler said.

“It’s full steam ahead for an agreement by the end of July,” Mr Fischler said after he and Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy discussed a WTO draft with their counterparts from the US, Brazil, Australia and India.

The blueprint includes proposals for phasing out agricultural export subsidies, reworking rules for farm aid and slashing tariffs on farm and manufactured goods.