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In a radio interview today (July 30), the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mrs Rita Lau, expressed disappointment with the outcome of the latest round of ministerial meetings on the Doha Development Agenda. Followings are the main points of her remarks made in the interview:
¡Ð¡@It is disappointing to see efforts made so far to bring the negotiations to a success have not borne fruits, but we should not despair. Hong Kong should continue to work closely with other WTO Members with a view to bridging differences and to bringing the DDA negotiations to a successful conclusion. This is in the global interest because the DDA negotiations aim at increasing agricultural production and opening markets for farm products, industrial goods and trade in services.
¡Ð¡@Mrs Lau was in Geneva for more than a week actively participating in the discussions. Hong Kong has been trying, as a middle grounder, to facilitate and try to present some middle ground views to bring different parties together.
¡Ð¡@In fact, in the middle of last week, there had already been some positive signs coming up from those talks. There was the tabling of a package which could be the basis for everyone to work on. But apparently, members had not been able to agree on certain issues which they regarded to be too important, resulting in what is seen to be a setback to this round of negotiation.
¡Ð¡@Despite the latest developments, much progress has been achieved in the recent negotiations in Geneva. Particularly, members have furthered their common understanding and commitment in the services negotiations. Hong Kong would continue to work closely with other WTO members to preserve and advance these achievements.
Ends/Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Issued at HKT 22:14
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