October 6, 2003 - WTO Talks Scuttled by Group of Developing Countries

A group of 22 developing countries were responsible for destroying the hopes of U.S. trade negotiators and others during the World Trade Organization’s meeting in Cancun, Mexico last month.  The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s chief economist Gregg Doud attended the event, and has had a chance to reflect on what happened.  He says the lack of a willingness to negotiate was frustrating.

Cut #1     :26        Outcue: "...was stone silence."

Doud says the so-called G-22 countries don’t understand the process.

Cut #2     :12        Outcue: "...do things here."

According to Doud, some of the already-established countries were on board with U.S. negotiators.

Cut #3     :18        Outcue: "...this G-22 group."

Doud says the future at this point remains cloudy.

Cut #4     :17        Outcue: "...gonna have to wait and see."

According to Doud, the failure at these talks in Mexico may influence other international trade efforts that were somewhat dependent on progress there.