Permanent Mission of India
Geneva

Statement by India at the General Debate during the 14th Ministerial Meeting of G77 + China delivered by H.E Ambassador Mr. Ajit Kumar, Permanent Representative of India to UN, Geneva on 17 July 2016; UNCTAD XIV Nairobi

Excellencies, Ministers and Heads of Delegations of the Member States of the Group of 77 and China,Distinguished Delegates,Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the outset, the delegation of India would like to put on record its sincere appreciation for the the exemplary leadership displayed by Jamaica as the Chair and Tanzania as the Vice Chair in providing cohesion and direction to the Group of 77 and China. We would also like to express our gratitude on the generous hospitality provided by Kenya, our hosts. The arrangements made for UNCTAD XIV are excellent. This deserves earnest compliments from the delegation of India.

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

Today is an opportune moment when the group can reaffirm its solidarity and unity of purpose as we embark upon drawing the roadmap for UNCTAD in the coming 4 years. This is the first Ministerial Meeting after 2015 -  the year when the spirit of multilateralism triumphed. Now the challenge before us is how to convert them into concrete actions.

We need to be frank in our analysis and acknowledge the fact that there is a continuous effort on part of our partners from to dilute the mandate of UNCTAD. The Group of G77 and China has to resist these efforts by working in a coherent manner, minimising our differences, building upon our common interests and accentuating our strengths.

The success of our negotiations will be measured in terms of reaffirming the Doha Mandate which will allow UNCTAD to continue the present activities as well as to take up emerging issues in the next four years. We look forward to an effective role of UNCTAD on Trade and Development related issues and its role in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals.

In the outcome document primacy should be given to the well established, noble principles of equity, inclusiveness, common but differentiated responsibilities between developed and developing countries and special and differential treatment for developing countries.

India is concerned at the attempts to compare South-South Cooperation with the North- South Cooperation. South-South Cooperation, is essentially a solidarity based cooperation, voluntary and collaborative in nature and therefore South-South Cooperation cannot alone be ‘major vehicle for implementation of 2030 Agenda for Development’. We also believe that the South-South Cooperation is not amenable to measurement by any statistical or mathematical tool.

India would also like to stress on the importance of respecting policy space, recognising the importance of national priorities, where each Member State can pursue the optimal balance of economic and social policies to achieve equitable and sustainable development.

Therefore, UNCTAD must re-possess its ground and regain its voice as the unique focal point within the United Nations for providing an integrated treatment of all trade and related development issues.

In conclusion, I would like to reassure India’s support and commitment tothe congruence that exists in our group towards build a shared understanding and advance the common interest of the Global South.

I thank you Mr. Chairperson.