We attach due importance to the smooth functioning of the multilateral trading system. We are determined to ensure that, as negotiations proceed based on the Framework that has been recently agreed upon, our core concerns continue to be adequately addressed. Our approach to the negotiations will be dictated by our national interests, especially our concerns for the millions of farmers who are dependent for their livelihood on agriculture, as also our objective of stimulating economic activity through export of our Goods & Services. We are determined to pursue our interests in this and other areas vigorously.

- Kamal Nath
16 August, 2004