WTO: No major Chinese help likely

“China will use its bilateral weapons more aggressively than India. In this context, while many believe that there are complimentarities between India and China as seen in the context of TRIPS, it is unlikely to support India on all issues under WTO,’’ said Jairam Ramesh, secretary, Economic Affairs Cell of AICC.

Speaking at the CII seminar ‘One Year of China in the WTO’, Ramesh said, ‘‘China is unlikely to put all its eggs in the WTO basket and this has been made evident by its announcement of a free trade agreement with ASEAN. Now it is talking of a FTA with Japan and it won’t be long before it talks of one with US.’’

Outlining the issues, CII’s senior advisor T.K. Bhaumik said ‘‘China was likely to support India on WTO issues such as TRIPS and public health, mode 4 of services and non-tariff barriers (NTBs) but would not side on issues of market access, agriculture and singapore issues—investment, competition, government procurement and trade facilitation.’’

Referring to fears in certain quarters that China may not be able to fulfil all its WTO commitments, Ramesh said, ‘‘though the honeymoon may not last, China will use its market leverage to ensure that uncomfortable questions on non-compliance to WTO are not asked.’’

Asking industry to use safeguard measures over anti-dumping, he said India must engage China commercially. he pointed out that China today is among the world’s largest exporters and importers. And hence while it’s role as a global supplier is a threat to India, it’s importance as a global buyer is a huge opportunity for India.