Media release

Australian Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile

August 29, 1999

Cairns Group Calls for Rapid Reform

Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile, said that the Cairns Group of agricultural fair trading nations have delivered a strong political message to major developed countries on the need for rapid and substantial international agricultural trade reform.

Mr Vaile was speaking form Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he had chaired the 19th Ministerial Meeting of the Cairns Group on 28-29 August.

"The key outcome from our Buenos Aires meeting is the clear message we are sending in advance of the crucial Seattle World Trade Organisation Ministerial meeting in November that there is no justification to discriminate against agriculture. We reaffirmed the need for freer and fairer trade in agriculture through the elimination of exports subsidies and trade-distorting domestic support, and major gains in market access."

"In the lead up to Seattle the Cairns Group will be pushing for decisions to ensure agriculture negotiations begin on time, conclude before 2003 and deliver significant outcomes. It is simply unacceptable for major developed countries to argue for liberalisation in areas like industrial goods and investment while at the same time claiming that agriculture is different".

Mr Vaile said "it is time to rule out unfair subsidies and market access barriers that block exports of our farm and agrifood products. This is critical for Australia where agriculture accounts for around 30% of our merchandise exports and is a major source of employment."

Mr Vaile said Cairns Group Farm Leaders, including the NFF, held a parallel meeting in Buenos Aires and reinforced this strong message on the need for reforms. "Farmers and Government in Cairns Group countries are united in our determination to put trade in farm and agrifood products on the same basis as other goods".

Mr Vaile said he was also pleased that the United States Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman had participated in the Cairns Group meeting as a guest.

"The US agreed with the Cairns Group that upcoming trade negotiations will have to give agriculture a fair go. Following discussion in Buenos Aires, the US has assured us that it will cooperate more closely with us in the lead up to the Seattle meeting".

Mr Vaile said he had reaffirmed with Secretary Glickman Australia's continuing concern over the decision to restrict Australian lamb exports and Congressional approval of a US$7.5 billion emergency farm aid package.

The Cairns Group comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Fiji, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Paraguay, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Uruguay. Bolivia, Costa Rica and Guatemala attended the meeting as observers.