Trade Ministers and officials from 159 countries have begun formal negotiations at the WTO ministerial meeting at Bali, Indonesia, in a bid to reach consensus on issues such as food security and trade facilitation. In a joint statement, Indonesian Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan, Chair of the Ninth Ministerial Conference, and the three Vice Chairs, have urged all WTO members to come together over the next few days to make the necessary breakthroughs, working closely with WTO Director General Roberto Azevedo. The Vice Chairs are UK Minister of Trade and Investment Lord Stephen Green, Rwanda Minister of Trade and Industry Francois Kanimba and Peru Minister for Trade and Tourism Magali Silva Velarde-Alvarez.India, which is an important member of the G-33 grouping, is demanding amendments in the WTO draft on agriculture to ensure its food security programme doesn't attract penalties if subsidy limits are breached. India yesterday made it clear it would not compromise on the food security issue. On the other hand, developed countries such as the US, are opposing any amendment and are pitching for a facilitation agreement to free global trade from procedural hassles at customs.Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma, who heads the Indian delegation, met Zimbabwe Minister of Industry and Commerce Mike Bimha on the sidelines of the conference andapprised him of India's position. Reports say Zimbabwe supported India's stand. Mr. Anand Sharma also conveyed to the minister that it would be difficult to reach a consensus where India's key concerns are diluted. Mr. Sharma also held a luncheon meeting with the trade ministers of Brazil and South Africa.During the four-day meeting, trade ministers and officials will hold tough negotiations to reach consensus onthe five main issues, including the trade facilitationn agreement, public stock-holding for food security, tariff rate quote administration and export competition.