APEC trade ministers meet in Vietnam for talks

Photo: APEC trade ministers meet in Vietnam for talks

Ministers from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum gathered in Ho Chi Minh City to hold talks on how to move forward on the Doha round of World Trade Organization talks, which have been held up over disagreements over cutting tariffs and subsidies.

Vietnam's Trade Minister Truong Dinh Tuyen said APEC members plan to offer specific recommendations to reignite the stumbling talks that began in 2001 in Qatar's capital Doha.

"APEC trade ministers will deliver a strong and credible message to advance WTO negotiations that goes beyond a political statement and includes specific proposals," he said. "APEC has a crucial role to play in salvaging WTO negotiations."

WTO Director General Pascal Lamy is among those attending the meeting, which is also expected to address free trade and investment goals for the region, the AP reports.

During a break in the morning talks, New Zealand's Trade Minister Phil Goff said APEC members have a "strong level of ambition and commitment" to helping resolve the Doha round.

"APEC countries are countries that understand the benefits of open market access," he said. "I think a strong statement coming out of this meeting will lead the way for other countries..to make the progress we need to to make this round a success."