20 May 2008

Release of Revised WTO Text on Industrial Products

The Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, said the release today of another key WTO negotiating text on industrial goods represented another important step in efforts to conclude the Doha Round.

The text on non-agricultural market access (or “NAMA”), issued by Canadian WTO Ambassador Don Stephenson, outlines possible ranges for tariff cuts for developed and developing countries.

“The text makes clear that the key choices now are the level of cuts that will be made to industrial tariffs – as well as the “flexibilities” that will apply to these cuts in developing countries”, Mr Crean said.

“There are clearly elements in here which won’t please everyone”.

“Our own view is that the gap between the developed and developing country cuts needs to narrow, not widen”.

“We’ll be pursuing that priority in the discussions in Geneva”.

“With the two revised texts in the key areas of agriculture and NAMA now on the table, we need an injection of political will soon to advance the negotiations.”

“We will also be pressing for a substantial outcome on services – and look forward to the release of a revised services text shortly.”

“As I said on the release of the agriculture text overnight, I am looking forward to meeting soon at Ministerial level to work towards the much-needed breakthrough on these key issues.

“I’ve been pleased to host in Australia today Indian Commerce Minister Kamal Nath and we have had an initial exchange of views on the revised texts on agriculture and NAMA.

“Importantly, we have today reaffirmed our common commitment to concluding the Round this year”.

“I will also be speaking to other key colleagues in the next few days to discuss how we might engage soon in Geneva towards this objective”.

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