Modest WTO free trade deal seen better than nothing

(Reuters) - Even a modest global trade pact may be better than nothing, according to economists and analysts who say the implosion of faltering World Trade Organisation talks would carry big costs.

Countries have missed deadline after deadline in their near six-year pursuit of a new WTO accord meant to give poorer nations a leg-up in world trade and reduce worldwide barriers to commerce in agriculture, manufacturing and services.


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G8 appeals for WTO trade deal, deal seen doable

(Reuters) - G8 leaders called for a prompt conclusion to long-delayed global free trade talks on Friday and the head of the European Commission and the WTO both expressed optimism that a deal could be done.

"We ... call on all WTO members to demonstrate constructive flexibility to bring these negotiations to a prompt successful conclusion," said a statement issued by Germany in its role as president of the G8 group of industrialised countries.


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