APEC Ministers have strongly supported the launch of a new round of negotiations in the World Trade Organisation in Doha, Qatar, Trade Minister Mark Vaile announced today.

"APEC, comprising both developed and developing economies and accounting for over 60 per cent of the world's GDP, has used its pre-eminent position to build momentum for the launch of a new WTO round," Mr Vaile said.

"This support has been provided at a crucial time in WTO preparations, arriving only a few weeks before the Doha WTO Conference.  Slowing global economic conditions have increased the urgency for the launch of a new round."

"The launch of a new broad-based round of multilateral trade negotiations is a key trade priority for Australia of enormous potential benefit for our exporters and our farmers in particular."

Mr Vaile said APEC recognised the benefits that flowed from the WTO process of engaging developing and developed economies alike.

"APEC has been instrumental in building capacity to support the WTO process, and has sponsored a number of projects to enable regional economies to participate in the multilateral trade negotiation process," Mr Vaile said.

"Australia welcomes the support shown by APEC Ministers for the rapid accession to the WTO of China and Taiwan."

"Australia stands to gain enormously from their membership of the WTO.  This will generate significant new opportunities for our exporters and, importantly for Australia, both China and Taiwan will undertake not to introduce export subsidies in the agricultural sector."