Trade Minister, Mark Vaile, today invited members of the public
to give their views on Australia’s negotiating objectives for the
World Trade Organisation (WTO) Doha round of multilateral trade
negotiations.
Last November, the Fourth WTO Ministerial Conference in Doha launched
a new global round of trade negotiations. The negotiations aim to
further liberalise trade to benefit both Australia and the global
economy. They are scheduled for completion in early 2005.
“The opinions of all sectors of Australian society including State
and Territory governments, industry, non-government organisations,
community groups and the general public on our objectives are important
in helping to develop Australia’s position for the trade negotiations.
Seeking the views of Australians is an integral part of the Government’s
comprehensive consultation process for the Doha negotiations. We
are particularly interested to hear from individuals or businesses
that are experiencing impediments to trade in overseas markets,”
said Mr Vaile.
A background paper on the Doha negotiations can be found on the
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website at www.dfat.gov.au/trade/negotiations/consultations_australians.html,
or can be obtained by writing to: Trade Policy Section, Department
of Foreign Affairs and Trade, R. G. Casey Building, John McEwen
Crescent, Barton, ACT, 0221.
Public submissions on the negotiating objectives should be typed.
They can be lodged electronically at wto.submissions@dfat.gov.au or in
writing to:
Trade Policy Section
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
R. G. Casey Building
John McEwen Crescent
Barton ACT 0221
Comments must be lodged by 31 May 2002
