The BRICS Trade & Economic Research Network (BRICS-TERN) has called upon Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to build consensus on fielding a common candidate from among the developing countries for the post of Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.
The former Home Secretary, G.K. Pillai, who is now chief adviser to BRICS-TERN, said the BRICS members should take a clear position on some common issues of interest. “There is a tremendous amount of goodwill among our leaders but it does not always get reflected at the local level,” he added.
A resolution passed at the Network's meeting here on Tuesday said BRICS should strive to achieve an intra trade of $500 billion by 2015, with particular emphasis on a better balance in bilateral trade; the member- nations should voice their concern against unilateral protectionist measures on climate change like aviation tax, border adjustment taxes and related issues being taken by some developed countries, and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities should be maintained, taking into account historical responsibilities; and BRICS should adopt proactive measures to counter such unilateral measures adopted by some developed countries.
BRICS should propose adaptable and affordable green technology transfer including through appropriate amendments to the TRIPS (trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights) agreement and there should be enhanced green technological cooperation among the BRICS members, and multi-stakeholder consultations and research including a cost-benefit analysis towards a green economy in relation to sustainable development. BRICS should work towards a common position on climate change, food security and trade linkages and work in close partnership with like-minded countries to conclude the Doha Round of multilateral negotiations, in line with its development mandate.
Bipul Chatterjee, deputy executive director, CUTS International, said the emerging South had a major role in balancing the architecture of global economic governance. The activities of this network would be an important contribution to that architecture.
