FRENCH G8 FASS ON DOHA, GLOBAL ISSUES AND THE

C O N F I D E N T I A L PARIS 001994 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/30/2018 TAGS: ECON ETRD EFIN FR SUBJECT: FRENCH G8 FASS ON DOHA, GLOBAL ISSUES AND THE FINANCIAL CRISIS REF: STATE 115017 Classified By: Econ Counselor Stuart Dwyer for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) In response to pre-GAERC points on Doha (reftel),MFA Econ Director Christian Masset told EMIN on 10/28 that the "parameters (of Doha) had changed." In the current context it would be impossible to return to the deal with a business-as-usual approach. Getting Doha back on track would require finding ways to integrate broader global concerns, such as food security and climate change, into the equation. The international community needed to send a message on the importance of avoiding protectionism and isolationism. But it also needed to show that it understood the "world had changed." ¶2. (C) Looking to the November 3 ) 4 G8 FASS meeting, Masset said he thought it important to discuss how issues in the G8's purview would be affected by the financial crisis, and how appropriate policy responses could contribute to recovery in the real economy. Coordinated action among partners on such issues might contribute to a growth strategy. For example, how climate and energy issues are handled now could determine the extent to which energy prices rise at the first sign of recovery, and the impact that will have on future growth. In an aside, Masset suggested that coordination of pro-growth policies as pursued by the G7 at various points in the 1970s could hold lessons for today. ¶3. (C) Determining an approach to the Doha Review Conference would be an equally important topic for Japan. The Doha meeting would be "very tough" in the current environment, and the November 15 Summit could well set the tone for the meeting. Financial architecture, IMF and IMFC reform, as well as broader global issues, including trade, would be among topics France would look to address. STAPLETON