OECD meeting next step in Doha trade reform

Australian Government Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, will chair a ministerial meeting during the OECD on the World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha Round negotiations in Paris on 16 May.

Those attending the meeting will include Ministers from the United States, European Union, Brazil, India, Japan, Mexico, Argentina, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway and Hong Kong. The Director-General of the WTO, Pascal Lamy will address the meeting.

Mr Truss will also attend the 2007 OECD Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) from 15 to 16 May and meet with the Australia Business in Europe Chairman’s Club on 14 May.

“The Doha Round remains Australia’s highest trade policy priority,” Mr Truss said.

“While recent activity between the major economies has been encouraging, more needs to be done.Countries need to demonstrate a shared resolve to conclude the Round with an ambitious outcome.

“The lack of clear progress remains a real concern and political will is needed if we are to break the impasse.

“The bottom line is that the only Doha package that will attract consensus is one which results in new commercial opportunities in agriculture, NAMA (non-agricultural market access) and services,” he said.

Issues to be discussed at this year’s MCM include the role of innovation for growth; how to ensure the benefits of globalisation and growth are widely shared; the current situation and prospects for the world economy; the political economy of reform; the OECD’s future enlargement strategies; and the future challenges for an open global trading system.

Media Inquiries: Minister Truss' office 02 6277 7420 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555