APEC Trade Ministers support Doha Round

Media release

22 May 2011

Trade Minister Craig Emerson has used talks at the APEC Trade Ministers' meeting in Big Sky, Montana, to encourage countries to continue to work to achieve a successful conclusion to the WTO Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations this year.

"While there was deep concern about recent developments, I was pleased there was a unanimous view amongst APEC members that we cannot abandon the Round," Dr Emerson said.

"There was agreement that APEC members must work together to deliver an outcome in as many areas of the negotiation as possible by the time of the WTO Ministerial Conference in December."

APEC members agreed to uphold the primacy of the multilateral trading system and reaffirmed that this strong, rules-based system is an essential source of sustainable economic growth, development and stability.

Negotiators have been instructed to urgently review all options to determine the next steps and to build on progress already achieved.

"I will be drawing on these discussions when I host a meeting on 26 May in Paris of key WTO Members attending the OECD Ministerial meeting to build momentum for an outcome in December", Dr Emerson said.

"Ministerial engagement will be essential if we are to ensure an outcome in 2011."

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