Media releases
Friday 17, May 2002 / MVT 044/2002
OECD Ministers Committed to Doha Round Progress
Trade Minister, Mark Vaile has welcomed the outcome of OECD discussions
by trade ministers on the World Trade Organisation’s Doha Development
Agenda.
Speaking in Paris, Mr Vaile said OECD Ministers have reaffirmed their
pledge not to use protectionism, and to build momentum in the Doha
Round of WTO negotiations.
“Their statement is particularly encouraging, given the concerns
of many members following recent developments in global trading like
the US steel safeguards action and the US Farm Bill,” Mr Vaile said.
“Yesterday Deputy United States Trade Representative, Peter Allgeier,
delivered a message that was particularly positive. He said;
“I’d like to address directly a concern on the mind of probably
everyone in this room. In the light of recent legislation in the
United States, as well as proposals being debated in the US Senate
in the context of TPA [Trade Promotion Authority], many of
our trading partners are asking, “Is the US committed to the Doha
agenda, and indeed to trade liberalisation in general?”
“The answer is unequivocal. Yes, we are committed to exercising
the same leadership in negotiating the Doha agenda as we exercised
– with many others – in defining the Doha agenda last November.”
“Yes, we are committed to an ambitious negotiating result in
agriculture, encompassing all three pillars enunciated in the Doha
Declaration. Proposals we present in Geneva will demonstrate that.”
“Nonetheless the United States will need to work hard to re-establish
their leadership and credibility in this area.”
Mr Vaile said OECD Ministers have also called on WTO members to address
the market access concerns of developing countries in areas such as
agriculture and textiles, which will be essential if the development
aspects of the Doha agenda are to be achieved.
“OECD members have also committed to work together to address tension
in the steel sector and concerns that have arisen in the multilateral
trading system as a result of US steel import restrictions.”
Media Contact: Mark Croxford 02-6277 7420
Local Date:
Thursday, 17-May-2012 16:50:01 EST
