Contenders for top WTO post seek India's support at Davos

Four contenders for the post of director general, World Trade Organization - Ms Anabel Gonzalez, minister of foreign trade, Costa Rica; Dr. Hermino Blanco Mendoza, minister of economy, Mexico; Tim Groser, minister of trade, New Zealand and Dr. Mari Elka Pangestu, minister of tourism and creative economy, Indonesia met Shri Sharma and sought India's support for their candidature.

They met Union minister for commerce, industry and textiles Anand Sharma, who welcomed their candidature and expressed India's stand for the need for some one from developing countries, who is committed to the development dimension of WTO negotiations.

Sharma also met Rob Davies, minister for trade, South Africa and Ms Ait Zhanova Zhanar, minister for economic integration, Kazakhastan and Chief Negotiator on WTO accession for Kazakhstan for bilateral meetings. Zhanar briefed Sharma regarding her country's accession to WTO.

Among the business leaders, Sharma met Tesco chairman Sir Richard Braodbent who sought clarifications on conditionalities in the new FDI policy for the retail sector. Sharma said that all foreign investors would be provided hand holding and offered all help if Tesco decided to send a team to the Department for Industrial Policy and Promotion for consultation.

Paul S Walsh, chief executive of global liquor giant Diageo, briefed Sharma about the company's investment plans in India, which Walsh as a 'fantastic market', which had provided his companywith 'great' experience.

Walsh also said Diageo was exploring opportunities to market Indian spirits overseas.