27 May 2008

WTO: Services Text and Signalling Conference

The Minister for Trade, the Hon Simon Crean, said the release today of WTO negotiating text on services – the third pillar of the Doha Round market access negotiations – was another important step in bringing the Round to a successful conclusion.

The new text on services will help guide the services negotiations. It captures the common ground where there is agreement amongst the Membership.

"However, pressure will need to be maintained to ensure suitably ambitious language on services market access is retained," warned Mr Crean.

Given the importance of services, Mr Crean is also actively pursuing an early ministerial signalling conference. This should be held at the same time as negotiators finalise modalities on agriculture and industrial products.

"A services conference will provide a critical opportunity for Ministers to foreshadow the sorts of market access improvements that can be won through the Doha Round," said Mr Crean. "To get the most out of the conference, I have written to 26 other Ministers encouraging them to make a strong contribution."

Mr Crean said all Members need to make a contribution.

"Developed countries wanting an ambitious services outcome – like Australia – will have to demonstrate leadership at the conference by providing clear-cut signals that respond to the developing world’s market access issues," he said.

"I believe the conference is critical for maintaining the momentum for a substantive services outcome in the Doha Round."

"As I have consistently said, Australia cannot support a Doha outcome that is not ambitious on services," he said.

"The expected release shortly of a fresh text on trade rules that clarify and improve disciplines relating to anti-dumping, subsidies, and fisheries subsidies will be another welcome step in the negotiations and also an important element in maintaining the momentum in the Doha Round", he said.

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