Media Release
16th February, 2003 - MVT10/2003
WTO Agriculture Negotiations at Critical Stage
Australian Trade Minister Mark Vaile has called on all members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to agree to an ambitious WTO agriculture reform agenda.
Speaking at the close of a three-day WTO Mini-Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo, Mr Vaile said that it was disappointing that some countries, particularly the European Union (EU) and Japan, appeared not to want to move forward on the agriculture trade reform commitments they undertook at Doha.
"I was very pleased with the support Australia, as chair of the Cairns Group, received from developing countries, including India and Egypt as well as the United States. There was a clear acknowledgment from all of these countries that an ambitious outcome on agriculture remains the linchpin of the Doha negotiations," Mr Vaile said.
The meeting focused on a draft paper on modalities outlining possible negotiating methods.
"I made it clear that whilst Australia, along with a majority of countries, could accept the text as a base, it did not go far enough on the road to fundamental reform," Mr Vaile said.
"Unfortunately, the EU and Japan wanted to further diminish what little ambition there was, and failed to acknowledge that the text could be used as a base to work on. This was not helpful."
"Australian and other members of the Cairns Group are becoming increasingly concerned that if Europe and Japan are not prepared to play a constructive role, the round could be headed for trouble," Mr Vaile said.
"The negotiations are at a critical stage and its time for the EU and Japan to step up to the plate."
Mr Vaile said that a final outcome would only be achieved if the needs of Australia, which are shared by the majority of WTO members, were met on agriculture.
Agriculture and access to cheaper medicines (to combat diseases like HIV/AIDS) dominated discussion throughout the three-day meeting.
"As Chair of the last informal meeting in Sydney in November, where there seemed to be a basis to resolve the public health concerns, I am naturally disappointed that we are yet to resolve this matter," Mr Vaile said.
At the meeting, Mr Vaile acted as a facilitator during the discussion on rules and other issues.
"I made it quite clear during the meeting that balance needed to be achieved across all areas, including agriculture, if the round is to successfully conclude," Mr Vaile said.
Media Contact: Robyn Bain +61 02 6277 7420