Officials in Geneva say it will be impossible to conclude the Doha round of World Trade Organization negotiations by the end of 2011. Word is, negotiators are discussing a potential smaller package of trade concessions, however no consensus has been reached on what is to be included.  Earlier, World Trade Organization Director General Pascal Lamy indicated that the package should focus on benefits to least developed countries.

Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Michael Punke says – for the United States, a core principle of our work going forward is this: all major players must make a meaningful contribution to any package deliverables for 2011. According to the USTR Deputy, – we are frankly concerned that we are hearing more from some about what they cannot do rather than what they can do.

Many questions remain unanswered including if WTO members can agree to a smaller deal by the December ministerial and the path forward for remaining negotiations.