World trade blocs: Cairns group

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The Cairns group of agricultural exporting nations was formed in 1986 to lobby at the last round of world trade talks in order to free up trade in agricultural products.

It is named after the town in Australia where the first meeting took place.

Highly efficient agricultural producers, including those in both developed and developing countries, want to ensure that their products are not excluded from markets in Europe and Asia.

Canada, Brazil and Argentina are other leading members.

Recently key developing country members like Brazil, India and China appear to be working towards forming a separate negotiating group.