The European Union was singled out today by some Asia-Pacific Rim leaders over the need for greater access to its markets for farm products to break a trade talks deadlock, South Korea said.
"There were comments made that a proactive and flexible stance from the EU side regarding agricultural tariffs and subsidies are now needed," Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon said after the first session of a two-day summit in the South Korean city of Pusan.
He did not elaborate on which Asia-Pacific Economic Coooperation (Apec) members made the remarks, though the United States and Australia have voiced their concern over Europe's resistance to deeper cuts in import tariffs for farm goods.
He said President Bush had expressed Washington's resolve to eliminate agriculture export subsidies, which was welcomed by many of the 20 other Apec leaders.