Swiss optimistic ahead of WTO talks

GENEVA, July 20 (Chinese media) -- Swiss Economics Minister

Doris Leuthard expressed confidence Sunday that a ministerial meeting in Geneva

this week aimed at concluding global trade talks would be successful.

Swiss Economy Minister Doris Leuthard looks on during a news conference of G-10 Group in Geneva July 20, 2008. World trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Pascal Lamy called a ministerial meeting in Geneva, which starts formally on July 21 and is set to last a week, to push for a breakthrough in the long-running Doha round. (Chinese media/Reuters Photo)
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The gathering of more than 30 trade ministers will attempt to make a breakthrough in the so-called Doha Round,

which calls for cuts to tariffs and subsidies that constrain exports but has

stumbled so far on sensitive issues such as agriculture.

At a press conference on Sunday, Leuthard said that

Switzerland considered the conclusion of the Doha Round important.

She added that she would try her best in the

negotiations and refuse to consider failure an option.

"We are optimistic and pragmatic, and we want a

result," she said.

Leuthard said the Swiss government wanted solutions

that went beyond the agricultural and industrial goods sectors.

"For Switzerland, areas such as services and

geographical indications are also very important," she added.