G20 Osaka summit statement stresses on free, fair trade

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) – Calling for “free and fair” trade, the joint statement from G20 Osaka summit skipped mentioning trade protectionism in the free market.

“We strive to realize a free, fair, non-discriminatory, transparent, predictable and stable trade and investment environment, and to keep our markets open," Japanese Kyodo news agency quoted the G20 joint statement issued at the end of the G20 summit held in Japan’s Osaka province.

Conceding major downside risks in global economy of which G20 member-states represent 85%, the G20 leaders reaffirmed to use "all policy tools" to realize sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth without pledging to fight protectionism.

The global market has witnessed intense trade war between world’s top two economies U.S. and China both of which hiked tariffs on each-other's goods. However, Washington and Beijing have agreed to restart trade deal negotiations in near future.

The statement said, “trade and geopolitical tensions have intensified.”

“International trade and investment are important engines of growth, productivity, innovation, job creation and development," the G20 leaders said.

The gathering of the G-20, which represents about 80 percent of the world's economy, came as the leaders face an uphill battle to keep the group relevant as multilateral arrangements have come under attack by Trump.

- Paris climate deal

United States was the only one G20 member-state to differ on Paris climate deal.

All the 19 other members including Turkey and European Union pledged to work toward the full implementation of the 2015 Paris climate change accord.

U.S. withdrew from the accord after Trump came to power.

Washington during the G20 summit reiterated its position to pull out of the deal.

The G-20 consists of Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Britain, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United States and the European Union.