China is on the verge of entering the global trade forum. Officials said Wednesday that after six days of talks at WTO headquarters, just about every aspect of terms of membership was settled, clearing the way for China to join the Geneva-based body soon.

　　``This meeting has resulted in a major breakthrough in all the issues regarding China‘s accession,‘‘ said Pierre-Louis Girard, the Swiss diplomat chairing the talks. ``As a result of this development I think we can with some confidence envisage a wrapping up of this process, which has lasted now for 15 years, in what I hope will be the very near future,‘‘ he said.

　　The European Union ‘s chief negotiator, Karl Falkenberg, holding a glass of wine in his hand, commented that ``the process is beginning to look very good.‘‘

　　Chinese chief negotiator Long Yongtu said he would stay in Geneva until the next round of talks, scheduled for the week of July 16, to speed things along. Even if there is agreement at the next session, the volume of paperwork means that the China working party is unlikely to sign off on the deal before September.

　　The hope is that China‘s entry into the WTO can be officially endorsed at November‘s ministerial meeting in Doha, Qatar, to add gloss to what are otherwise likely to be tricky discussions on whether to launch a new round of trade talks following the collapse of the Seattle conference in 1999.

　　“If we can continue in the same spirit, this goal is achievable,‘‘ said Falkenberg. WTO Director-General Mike Moore said in a statement that it would be ``a splendid thing‘‘ if China could be formally approved in Doha. If the decision is made in Qatar, China would become a full member early next year.

　　``After going through this long negotiation process we know it is still not time for celebration, and there is still a lot of work before us,‘‘ said Long.