Friday, 13 June 2003 - MVT44/2003

Agriculture Talks to Head Vaile Visit Agenda

Trade Minister Mark Vaile will push for greater progress in opening world trade markets, particularly for farmers, when he visits the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Egypt, 15-24 June, for trade talks.

In London (16-17 June), Mr Vaile will meet with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, and the Minister for Trade.  The UK is Australia's fourth largest trading partner, with two-way goods and services trade worth $18.9 billion last year.

"My discussions in London will focus on the major challenges ahead for the World Trade Organisation Doha Round, emphasising the value of the UK as a partner for Australia in taking the process forward," Mr Vaile said. 

In Geneva (17-20 June), Mr Vaile will discuss the scope for greater cooperation and coordination in the WTO agriculture negotiations with key players, including the WTO Director General, Cairns Group ambassadors, developing countries and the non-government sector.

Mr Vaile will also address a WTO Public Symposium on issues critical to developing countries.  Mr Vaile will discuss Australia's strategy towards engaging developing countries in the negotiations, and to deepening linkages between the Cairns Group and African countries. 

In Sharm El Sheikh (20-22 June), Mr Vaile will attend a meeting of key WTO ministers to discuss the state of the Doha Round negotiations. 

"The Egypt meeting of ministers from 29 developed and developing countries is vitally important for the Doha Round negotiations, with the next WTO Ministerial Conference coming up in Cancun, Mexico, in September which will have a number of decisions to make," Mr Vaile said.

"The meeting will discuss how best to make progress on market access, agriculture, services and industrial products issues, given important deadlines have now been missed.  This will be an opportunity for ministers to affirm their commitment to the Doha mandate and to meeting the deadline of 1 January 2005 for completion of the Round.

"Australia's invitation to this meeting is recognition of the Government's strong commitment and leadership in the WTO and the Doha Round negotiations."