'Conclusion of Doha round of trade talks urgent for economic growth'

---

TOYAKO, Japan, July 8 (AFP): The Group of Eight (G8) club of rich economies today said they would resist protectionism in international trade and called for the urgent conclusion of the Doha round of trade talks.

"We will resist protectionist pressures against international trade and investment in all its manifestations," the leaders said in a special statement on the global economy issued at a summit here.

The leaders said concluding the stalled round of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) was necessary for global economic growth.

"A successful conclusion of an ambitious, balanced and comprehensive WTO Doha agreement is critical to economic growth and development," they said.

"Given the crucial stage of negotiations, we reiterate our determination to work as a matter of urgency toward the conclusion of the negotiations and call on all WTO members to make substantial contributions," they said.