5 October 1995
Senator McMullan said the conference, foreshadowed in the Government's Winning Markets trade policy statement in June, will be attended by Singapore Trade Minister Yeo and World Trade Organisation Director-General Ruggiero.
"The Brisbane conference will be an important and influential precursor to the first WTO Ministerial meeting to be held in Singapore in December 1996," Senator McMullan said.
"It will bring together the world's leading trade policy thinkers and practitioners to identify the shape of the new international trading agenda and ways of moving it forward.
"And it will provide a focus for Australia' s leading business people to examine the challenges and opportunities for Australian business in the international trading environment over the coming decade.
"As a global exporting nation, Australia must continue to provide international leadership to reduce barriers to trade.
"Promoting exports creates jobs and wealth for all Australians.
"Australian exporters still face significant impediments in gaining access to overseas markets, particularly in Asia.
"The Government is tackling these barriers through our commitment to APEC, our wide-ranging and rigorous bilateral market access agenda, and our continuing efforts to build on the Uruguay Round outcomes.
"The next major step in shaping the future of the international trading system is the Singapore WTO meeting of Trade Ministers next December.
"This will be the first Ministerial level meeting of the WTO since the conclusion of the Uruguay Round.
"Through active international diplomacy in the lead-up to the Singapore meeting, Australia can help shape the future agenda of the WTO to reflect the interests of Australian industry, farmers and workers.
"The Brisbane conference is a key element in Australia's strategy to build international momentum for further multilateral trade liberalisation."
The Queensland Premier's Department, the Council for the Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are cooperating in staging the conference.
Further information: John Flannery, (06) 277 7420