Vaile Continues to Argue for Better World Trade Deal

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile, will travel to Geneva today to continue to argue for a better deal for Australia's farmers, exporters and the world's poor through the World Trade Organisation's Doha Round.

"This is proving to be a tough fight but we will continue to put every effort into ensuring a successful agreement on new rules that will free up world trade, particularly in agriculture," Mr Vaile said.

Mr Vaile will call for renewed momentum within the round and will take the opportunity to meet with USTR Rob Portman and President Bush's nominee as new USTR, Susan Schwab, along with US Agriculture Secretary, Mike Johanns.

He will also meet with WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy and key WTO Ministers including those from Brazil and Japan.

Mr Vaile will deliver Australia's statement on the state of the Doha Round to the Trade Negotiations Committee of the WTO and will also take part in a meeting between US Ministers and the Cairns Group.

Mr Vaile said while it was disappointing that a deadline for agreement on methods to cut agricultural and industrials tariffs had been missed, a concerted effort by the WTO could still lead to a successful outcome.

Contact: Mr Vaile's Office 02 6277 7420, Departmental 02 6261 1555