Hyderabad: Cautioning that spirit of multi-lateralism could be in jeopardy if member countries fail to conclude negotiations on Doha Development Agenda, the WTO (World Trade Organisation) Director General Supachai Panitchpakdi on January 8 urged India to come forward with 'bold proposals' on issues of market access.

"If the current round (of negotiations) fail, we all will lose, not only in terms of more market access but also in terms of multilateral process and there will be a threat to all of us," he said while addressing the CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) Partnership Summit 2003 in Hyderabad.

Terming as 'watershed development' the forthcoming Mexico round of talks, Panitchpakdi, however, expressed concern over 'uneven progress' in negotiations on the Doha Work programme covering agriculture, services, market access for non-agricultural goods, WTO rules and regional trade agreements.

He was speaking at a session on 'Build up: The road to Mexico', chaired by CMD of Bajaj Auto Limited Rahul Bajaj.

Seeking India's 'constructive engagement and leadership' to help in successful conclusion of the current round of negotiations, the WTO Director General wanted the member nations to adopt 'flexible approach' as they have a stake in building a stronger multilateral trading system and a more open world economy.

PTI