Lamy picks Uganda to press trade talks

KAMPALA, Uganda, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Uganda will coordinate the World Trade Organization's African effort to advance talks to lower trade barriers, a Ugandan official said Thursday.

Ministry of Trade Senior Principal Commercial Officer Peter Elimu said WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy saw Uganda as a potential catalyst for drumming up support of the Doha Round of trade negotiations.

Lamy arrived in Uganda Thursday for two days of official meetings.

The Doha Round -- which began in Doha, Qatar, in 2001 -- seeks to lower trade barriers around the world. The talks have been stalled since July over disagreements over cutting farm subsidies and lowering import taxes.

Lamy told AllAfrica Global Media he would urge Uganda and other African countries to work together if they want to achieve freer international trade.

Lamy also plans to visit Kenya and Tanzania on his African trip.