Doha Round of talks to wind up

The WTO Ministerial Conference has been suspended since the Hong Kong meeting in 2005 over differences on protecting national interests. However, the world economic slowdown has forced members to conclude the Doha Round on July 21, finally ending this meeting of the world's largest trade group with its goal to stimulate the world economy.

"I am confident that this meeting will have a positive conclusion. The Doha Round of talks has been in limbo for seven years. It is a time to step forward together in order to drive world trade growth," Mingkwan said.

The talks involved all trade areas including agricultural, non-agricultural and service sectors. The July 21 meeting should reach a position where officials of each country can wrap up agreements in detail, he said.

WTO director-general Pascal Lamy wants a conclusion to the world's largest trade agreement to solve the world crises on food and energy, Mingkwan said.

Asked that if Thailand signs the agreement, whether it would breach article 190 of the Constitution regarding international contracts, Mingkwan said  no obligations would arise from the meeting.

"I will only accept the agreement in general. Any commitment to be signed, requires  the ministry examining the details and then passing it through the parliamentary process," Mingkwan said.