RULES OF ORIGIN - A NECESSARY EVIL

While there are valid doubts about the value of the protracted negotia tions to frame rules of origin, if is unlikely that the international community, having invested a great deal of money and person hours, wil l accept suggestions that they be terminated. India's continued partic ipation in the deliberations is also necessary far, at this stage, we can block a consensus if it is against our trade interests, whereas on ce a rule is made is would be an uphill task to get a consensus on rev ersing it later an.