World Trade Organization Director-General Pascal Lamy said that he saw "good signs" for launching a ministerial conference in order to conclude the global trade talks. But he said that the members of the WTO were not still at that stage since they needed to reach a compromise in the global trade negotiations. The WTO chief made these comments to some agencies during his recent visit to Indonesia.

It must be noted that Mr. Lamy visited Jakarta in order to promote the global trade talks and attend an economic meeting. A month ago, he said that he sensed an increased determination among the WTO members to complete the Doha Development Round of Trade Talks. However, he added that more substance was needed on the negotiating table in order to start a ministerial meeting.

When he was asked about the status of the global trade talks during his visit to Jakarta, Mr. Lamy said that he saw some good signs. But he also stated that key players such as the US, the EU, Brazil, and India needed to improve their concessions on the table. According to him, the willingness of the four parties to reach a compromise was vital in the progress of the Doha Round.

In his speech during the conference in Jakarta, the WTO chief said that the success of the global trade talks was a question of months, not quarters or semesters. According to him, concessions must come not only from wealthy countries, but also from developing nations. It must be noted that the G33, which is a group of developing countries, seeks the protection of 20% of tariff lines.

The Doha Round was launched in 2001 in Qatar with the goal of removing or cutting barriers to global trade. It has also been considered as a key solution in resolving poverty in many nations and in boosting the world economy. But the Doha Round has been delayed several times due to the failure of the WTO members to reach an agreement, particularly in terms of farm subsidies and import duties. After several months of delay, the global trade talks finally resumed in Geneva last January with more commitment from the members of the WTO. One of the pressures faced by the WTO is the impending expiration of the TPA (trade promotion authority) of President George W. Bush. The TPA plays a crucial role in the negotiations. The Bush administration is currently negotiating with the US Congress for the renewal of the trade authority.