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Lamy to hold chat on Internet tomorrow

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: European Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy will hold a chat on internet on the need for launching a new round of trade negotiations on April 5.

A press release of the European Commission says that the chat would exchange views with a maximum number of people from all countries as EU stands for relaunching a new round of trade talks this year.

The internet chat will be held at 10 p.m. to 12 midnight on Wednesday.

The topic is "Relaunching the new round of trade negotiations this year - why we want everyone on board."

Announcing the dialogue, the European Trade Commissioner has said, "there are shared views for launching a new round particularly one that deals with the reality of globalising economy. The new round could not be just about market access, but most to overhaul how the WTO's rules work."

According to him, developing countries must be on board in regard to issues of investment, competition, labour, environment and trade facilitation if the WTO is to remain relevant and respond to public opinion.

The debate would also focus on what direction should the trading system take and what are the right principles for real international economic governance. He has invited questions and suggestions from all "to share their hopes and worries with him".