Media Release
26 November, 2009
Geneva meeting pushes for conclusion of Doha next year
Trade Minister Simon Crean departs tonight for Geneva to attend the World Trade Organization’s Seventh Ministerial Conference from 30 November to 2 December 2009.
The Conference will be the first full WTO Ministerial meeting in four years and comes at a crucial time with growing signs the global economy is emerging from recession.
Mr Crean will use the opportunity to drive forward crucial services negotiations and work towards creative solutions on key Doha issues.
"Services makes up only one fifth of world trade. But services trade is crucial to most economies and is crucial to development. I am convinced we can further free up services trade - and use this to help unlock the Round." Mr Crean said
The meeting will consider the way forward for the WTO and the multilateral trading system.
Mr Crean said the Conference would provide an important opportunity to build momentum towards conclusion of the Doha Round in 2010, as called for by G20 and APEC Leaders.
"A successful and ambitious outcome to Doha in 2010 will help deliver sustainable economic growth as part of global efforts to create ongoing employment and deliver higher living standards," Mr Crean said.
"World leaders and ministers have built political support for concluding the Doha Round next year."
Mr Crean said the Conference would also be an important demonstration of the WTO’s capacity to respond to contemporary challenges such as combating protectionism and contributing to sustainable development.
"The WTO has played a key role in monitoring protectionist responses to the global recession. It will be important that it strengthens this role as there are signs the global economy is emerging from recession," Mr Crean said.
"In the lead up to the Geneva meeting, the decision by the European Union to stop dairy export subsidies sends an important and welcome message there is no place for trade protectionist measures. This is why I have been also urging a similar message from the United States on this issue," Mr Crean said.
In the margins of the Conference, Mr Crean will chair a meeting of Cairns Group Ministers to reinforce Australia’s and the Group’s commitment to an ambitious package of agriculture reforms in the Doha Round.
Media Inquiries
- Mr Crean’s Office 02 6277 7420
- Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555