7 February 2008

Australia's WTO Ambassador Appointed to Key WTO Position

I am pleased to welcome the appointment of Australia’s Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Mr Bruce Gosper, as Chair of the WTO General Council for 2008.

The General Council is the WTO’s highest decision-making body and the Chair is one of the key figures guiding the Doha negotiations. This will be the first time an Australian has served in this influential position since the establishment of the WTO in 1995.

The appointment reflects the professionalism of Ambassador Gosper and the high regard in which he is held in the WTO. It also recognises Australia’s strong support for the multilateral trading system and the leading role we are playing in the Doha negotiations.

Media Inquiries: Mr Crean's office 02 6277 7420 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555