About 30 trade ministers are in Geneva for what is seen as a make-or-break meeting. After 7 years of negotiations, the ministers hope to conclude an agreement which will make trade fairer and boost economic growth. WTO Director General / Pascal Lamy says there has been enough for foot-dragging. He says now it’s time for action.

“The time has come to move from discussions to negotiations, we’ve talked the talk, we now have to walk the walk to finish the round.”

Lamy/ says the WTO’s 153 member states are within reach of achieving an agreement. He says with patience and determination, this can happen. He says he can think of no stronger spur for action than the threats basing facing the world economy. He says the rising cost of food, the high energy prices and turbulence in the financial markets should be reason enough for governments to conclude a trade deal.

“There’s widespread recognition that the a balancedwould comeoutcome of the Doha round, could in these circumstances, provide a strong boost push to stimulate economy growth, providing backup both backsbetter prospects for development and ensuring a stable and more predictable trading system.”