Passage 1
In the past few days differences between the United States and the European Community on farm trade have narrowed almost to nothing. As a result the world is now close to concluding the Uruguay round of GATT talks. That deal is admittedl

Passage 1
In the past few days differences between the United States and the European Community on farm trade have narrowed almost to nothing. As a result the world is now close to concluding the Uruguay round of GATT talks. That deal is admittedly 【far from】 perfect, a series of messy compromises. The cause of free trade will have many more battles to fight. Never mind. On a conservative estimate the Uruguay round would permanently raise global welfare by more than $100 billion a year, spur economic growth everywhere and extend competition to hitherto 【sheltered】 ，and therefore backward, parts of all economies. By any standards, it would be a hugely valuable achievement.
36.Why does the passage say that the Uruguay round is close to conclusion?

Because the differences between the U.S. and EC have narrowed almost to nothing.
(Because the gap between the U.S. and EC has almost been closed.