Brazil looks to WTO talks to boost biofuel exports

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GENEVA, July 24 (AFP): Brazil said yesterday it hoped to gain better market access for exports of ethanol to the United States and Europe as part of global trade talks here but is facing resistance from Washington.

"Ethanol should be part of a deal this week," said Carlos Conzendey, head of the economic department at the Brazilian Foreign Ministry.

"For the moment, the United States has said 'no'," he said.

Brazil is one of the world's leading ethanol producers, with the bulk of its production going to its domestic market as fuel or additive for gasoline.

The country wants the World Trade Organization and its members to classify ethanol as an environmental product rather than an agricultural product, which would give it greater access to export markets.

The WTO has convened a meeting here of 30 leading trade negotiators this week with the aim of mapping out a deal to conclude the long-delayed Doha round of global trade talks.

The Doha round began seven years ago with the aim of helping poor countries, but it has been delayed by disputes between developed and developing nations over subsidies and tariffs for farm and industrial products.

Brazil is a powerful representative of emerging countries in the negotiations.