"A successful outcome of the Doha Round, balanced across the full range of market access issues in agriculture, industrial goods and services, is essential to secure growth in trade and boost the global economy," a joint statement by India and the European Union said.
The statement was issued after Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath met EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson in London last evening to discuss the current state of play in the Doha talks.
"We are determined to ensure in particular that ministerial engagement on services is substantial and leads to strong future offers. We also remain firmly committed to taking forward issues relating to geographical indications and biodiversity," the statement said.
It said a successful Doha Round would further integrate developing countries into the world economy while reflecting the developmental objectives of the round, including sensitivities in agriculture.
Trade ministers from 30 nations will meet in Geneva on July 21 for the WTO 'Mini-Ministerial Meeting' in what is seen as last ditch efforts to conclude the Doha Round, the negotiations for which have been going on for last seven years.
The US as well as WTO Director General Pascal Lamy is pushing for a global trade deal within the tenure of President George Bush that ends in 2009.
