HONG KONG, December 17, 2005 (IslamOnline.net) – Major developing countries blocs have agreed to join forces and fight back mounting pressures by rich countries at the World Trade Organization (WTO) summit, currently in session here.

"This is indeed an unprecedented alliance," Brazil’s Foreign Minister and G-20 coordinator Celso Amorim told IslamOnline.net of the nascent alliance, which comprises 110 WTO member states.

"This is the first time we openly address our problems without waiting for the others [developed countries] to do that," he added.

South African Agriculture Minister Angela Thoko Didiza said developing countries were worried about the deadlocked WTO talks on a sweeping multilateral trade liberalization pact.

"Our people are suffering and we need to join forces to serve our common interests," she told IOL.

The coordinators of the G-33, G-20 and the 56-member Africa, Caribbean and Pacific group have formed the coalition to thwart any attempt by the developed world to spread further inequities in global trade.

They said in a declaration that current negotiations must result in removal of distortions that inhibit export growth of developing and Least Developed Countries (LDC), besides giving them adequate policy space to protect livelihood concerns and ensure sustainable socio-economic development.

The G-110 called upon developed countries to agree to complete elimination of export subsidy measures by 2010 while addressing the needs of LDC.

Riot police clash with protesters outside the WTO venue. (Reuters)

International non-governmental organizations applauded the move, saying it could help developing nations punch above their economic weight.

"Now the gloves are off. Poor countries have come together to form an alliance that represents most of the planet's population," ActionAid said in a statement.

Welcoming the initiative, Oxfam trade specialist Phil Boomer said developing countries should maintain their firm stance and resist proposals that would exacerbate poverty.

"The EU and US are trying to undermine developing countries' positions. They are playing groups off against each other, recycling old pledges on aid, and offering market access to some but not others."

He accused both the EU and the US of "backsliding" on promises already made.

"Developing countries must stand firm against this pressure."

Amidst ongoing protests, ministers from the 149-member WTO are due to end their six-day meeting on Sunday, December 18, with what they hope will be a statement pointing the way to approval next year of a multilateral trade liberalization pact.

Supporters of the trade deal say it could inject new zest into the global economy and lift millions out of poverty.

Yet, detractors say it will only bring more profits for rich nations and their companies at the expense of the developing world.

"This situation makes a mockery of the development agenda of this round. We will not accept any agreement in Hong Kong that is made at our expense," said Arvin Boolel, Mauritius Minister of Agriculture and chairman of the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific group.

A plan to grant quota-free and duty-free access for exports from the world's 49 poorest nations has stumbled because of Japan's resistance to opening up its long-protected rice market and US reluctance to allow free access for goods such as textiles and sugar.

US trade officials were assailed at a news conference by West African cotton producers over the $4 billion in subsidies enjoyed by their country's farmers.

The EU has so far resisted pressure to endorse a 2010 date for ending farm export subsidies. It says the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand must agree to reforms of their farm export systems before it can move.