Media Release
Friday, 27 June 2003 - MVT49/2003
Call for Public Comment on World Trade Negotiations
Trade Minister Mark Vaile today called for public comment on Australia’s approach to the 5th World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference to be held in Cancun, Mexico, from 10 to 14 September.
This is the third round of public consultations on Australia’s approach to the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations. The Cancun Ministerial Conference will set the course for the next stage of the Round which is scheduled to conclude by 1 January 2005.
“Success in the Doha Round will be vital to reducing barriers to world trade and thus improving access to world markets for traders everywhere,” Mr Vaile said.
“WTO members must achieve outcomes on agriculture, market access for goods and services, and development-related issues to ensure the successful conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda.
“Trade distorting agricultural policies must be tackled. Export subsidies must be removed, farm support significantly reduced, and trade barriers substantially lowered.
“Seeking the views of Australians is an integral part of the Government’s comprehensive consultation process for these vital trade negotiations. We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals or businesses who are experiencing barriers to trade in overseas markets.
“The opinions of all sectors of Australian society, including state and territory governments, industry, non-government organisations, community groups and the general public are important in helping to formulate Australia’s position.
“Australia has much to gain from the current Doha Round negotiations and I am determined to continue the push for world trade reform and improved access to world markets to help deliver benefits for Australian farmers, manufacturers and services industries.”
A background paper on the Doha Round negotiations can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) website at www.dfat.gov.au/trade/consultations.html or by writing to: Trade Policy Section, DFAT, R.G. Casey Building, John McEwen Crescent, Barton, ACT 0221.
Public submissions should be typed. They can be lodged electronically at trade.consult@dfat.gov.au or in writing to: Trade Policy Section, DFAT, R.G. Casey Building, John McEwen Crescent, BARTON ACT 0221.
Comments must be lodged by 15 August 2003.
Contact: Matthew Doman 02 6277 7420, Nicole Guihot (Departmental) 02 6261 1555