Selection of Pascal Lamy as New WTO Director-General

Trade Minister Mark Vaile has welcomed Pascal Lamy as the consensus candidate for the next Director-General of the World Trade Organisation and looks forward to working with him to achieve an ambitious outcome to the Doha Round of Global Trade talks.

"Over the many years in which we have both worked together in the WTO I have developed a deep appreciation for Mr Lamy’s skills and experience, he will make an excellent Director General," Mr Vaile said.

"I believe Mr Lamy will play a neutral and balanced role in his new position. Although Mr Lamy and I did not always see eye-to-eye on issues when he was European Commissioner for Trade, I have always valued his professionalism, frankness, knowledge and integrity".

Mr Lamy was EU Trade Commissioner from 1999 to 2004 and is currently President of the Association "Notre Europe". In his previous role, Mr Lamy was closely involved in reform of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Mr Vaile said, "Mr Lamy was instrumental in brokering an historic agreement among EU members last July for the elimination of agricultural export subsidies in the Doha Round. That agreement is estimated to be worth $600 million a year to Australian dairy farmers alone. Mr Lamy is no stranger to building consensus to address difficult issues."

Mr Vaile said he was pleased the selection process had been smooth and without controversy, clearing the path for WTO members to focus exclusively on the job at hand - a truly liberalising outcome in the Doha Round.

"I thank those who conducted the selection process, particularly Chair Mohamed, all WTO members and all candidates, for the smooth way in which the consultation process took place," Mr Vaile said.

"We now need to get back to the main game - the Doha Round. Securing a successful and ambitious conclusion to the Doha Round negotiations as soon as possible must be our highest priority."

Mr Lamy has emerged as the consensus candidate following a consultation process in Geneva. It is expected he will be confirmed as successor to current WTO Director-General, Dr Supachai, at the next meeting of the WTO General Council on 27 May. Mr Lamy will then take over formally from Dr Supachai on 1 September 2005.

Contact: Mr Vaile's office 02 6277 7420, Melissa Bordogna (EFIC Marketing Executive) 02 9201 2129