Robb calls for overhaul of WTO

Trade Minister Andrew Robb has launched a scathing attack on the World Trade Organisation's negotiating role saying it faces a "genuine crisis".

Speaking at a WTO ministerial meeting in Kenya, Mr Robb said the Doha round of trade talks had been under way for 14 years.

And while a deal appeared close in 2008 it was now clear "a comprehensive outcome from the round is no longer in prospect", he said in Nairobi.

"We have long tested the patience of the governments and the peoples that we represent," Mr Robb said.

"The credibility of the WTO is at stake. If this situation is allowed to continue unaddressed it will even start to undermine the critical dispute settlement functions of the WTO."

He said a new system was needed to liberalise global trade and deliver benefits to business.

"The WTO has not been able to agree to lower one tariff multilaterally since the Uruguay round - not one tariff," he said.

"Nor has it cut trade-distorting subsidies by one dollar ... that must be a sobering reflection for all of us."

At the same time, there were around 300 completed free trade agreements worldwide, and another 100 being negotiated.

"There is clearly no lack of interest in pursuing trade liberalisation and reform through preferential arrangements."

A possible way forward was for the WTO to conclude specific agreements, such as in the areas of information technology and environmental goods.