African nations appeal for quick Doha trade pact

By Patrick Werr

CAIRO (Reuters) - African nations will ask developed states to speed up work to conclude the Doha round trade talks and to make early concessions on reducing cotton subsidies that hurt poor farmers, a South African minister said on Thursday.

Trade ministers from Africa have been working on a unified position in Cairo this week to try to pry open the markets of developed countries ahead of a World Trade Organisation ministerial meeting Geneva on November 30.

The ministers approved a draft communique without changes, South African Trade Minister Rob Davies told Reuters.

"We underscore that the early and successful conclusion of the Doha Development Round, with the developmental component at its core, has become imperative as a stimulus for African economies," the draft communique said.

The draft, obtained by Reuters, said political statements by developed countries had not been translated into concrete negotiating positions.

"We therefore call on the major players, particularly the developed countries, to show the required leadership and move the negotiations forward," said the communique said, which is to be issued later on Thursday after the three-day conference.

Delegates at the conference said continuing delays on a new global trade deal was crippling African development, especially in the wake of the global economic crisis.

One of the most urgent demands by Africa is that developed countries, particularly the United States, reduce subsidies to their cotton producers which they say are distorting world trade to the detriment of farmers in poorer countries.