Vaile Welcomes Lamy Term as WTO Director-General

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Mark Vaile has welcomed the commencement today of Pascal Lamy's term as Director-General of the World Trade Organization.

"I have worked with Mr Lamy for many years in the WTO. While we did not always agree on issues when he was European Commissioner for Trade, I have developed a deep appreciation of his skills, experience and professionalism," Mr Vaile said.

"Australia looks forward to working with him to achieve an ambitious outcome to the Doha Round of global trade talks.

"Mr Lamy was EU Trade Commissioner from 1999 to 2004 and was closely involved in the launch of the Doha Round. He also played an important role in brokering a deal last year which included a commitment to eliminate agricultural export subsidies, which will be worth millions of dollars a year to Australian farmers. He is no stranger to building consensus on difficult issues."

Mr Vaile said the new DG would need to utilise all his skills to achieve a successful outcome at the WTO Ministerial meeting in Hong Kong in December.

"Securing a successful and ambitious conclusion to the Doha Round negotiations as soon as possible must be our highest priority," Mr Vaile said.

"This will require strong leadership from the EU and US and a willingness to be flexible and I think Mr Lamy can work with all members to ensure success in Hong Kong.

"We have just over 14 weeks until the meeting and a lot of work still needs to be done. All members must redouble their efforts in order to achieve a successful conclusion to this Round."

Mr Vaile also paid tribute to outgoing Director-General Dr Supachai Panitchpakdi and wished him all the best in his new role as Secretary-General of UNCTAD.

Contacts: Ministerial - 02 6277 7420, Departmental - 02 6261 1555