Minister on food mission in US

THE prospects for a successful conclusion to the current round of world trade talks were discussed in Washington yesterday between Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan and US Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns.

It was the first meeting between Ms Coughlan, who is in the United States on an eight-day business development visit, and Mr Johanns.

The discussions took place as the trade talks intensify ahead of next December’s scheduled meeting in Hong Kong of ministers from the 148 World Trade Organisation (WTO) member countries.