Trade Minister Mark Vaile has chaired the first meeting of the new advisory group established to ensure the views of industry and the wider community are taken into account on WTO matters.

"The establishment of the WTO Advisory Group reflects the Government's commitment to receiving expert advice on WTO-related issues.  The Advisory Group will play an important role in defining Australia's position in advance of the WTO Ministerial Conference in Doha, Qatar, in November," Mr Vaile said.

"Advisory Group members welcomed the opportunity to put their views on WTO issues and discussed the priority areas for future meetings.  I also used the meeting to outline the extensive consultation process the Government has put in place for Doha.

"The WTO Advisory Group is one of a number of initiatives designed to enhance consultation with interested groups.  The Government has also called for public submissions (1 August deadline) and held industry and NGO consultations in Canberra with follow up meetings in all state capitals scheduled over the next month," Mr Vaile said.

"I also advised the Group that Australia continues to be a strong supporter of the launch of a new round in Doha.  I have used the recent APEC and OECD meetings, as well as my ongoing contacts with key developing countries, to encourage greater convergence on key issues.

"Many difficult issues remain.  The key sticking point continues to be the high level of ambition from some WTO members on issues like investment, competition and environment, and the reluctance of many developing countries to agree.

"The WTO Advisory Group will next meet in the week beginning 24 September - just over a month out from the Doha Ministerial," Mr Vaile said.

Contact:
James Baker (Ministerial) 02 6277 7420
Nicole Guihot (Departmental) 02 6261 1555