London, Feb 17 - A leading group of sugar exporters has appealed for global trade talks to move in the direction of free trade and to reject calls for protectionism in light of the economic downturn.
After attending the Kingsman Dubai sugar conference last week, the Global Sugar Alliance, which represents exporters of 80 percent of the world's cane sugar, urged world leaders and WTO ministers to push trade talks forward.
"Restricting trade and introducing distorting measures to protect domestic activity, risks worsening the economic downturn and prolonging the malaise," the alliance said in a statement issued after their meeting.
"Finalising the WTO Doha Round will deliver improved market access; reduce trade distorting domestic supports; and remove agricultural export subsidies."
The alliance said calls for protectionism were not the answer to promote fair trade.
"The Global Sugar Alliance urges world leaders and WTO ministers to agree a framework that will lock in gains and prevent the world sliding into a new era of toxic protectionism," it said.
"Further gains are attainable, much will depend on U.S. leadership and the commitment of all WTO members to finishing the round."