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The target of the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference (HKMC) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) remains to build a platform in Hong Kong so that the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) negotiations can make their final drive towards successful conclusion in 2006, the Chairman of the World Trade Organization Hong Kong Ministerial Conference, Mr John Tsang, said today (December 12).
Speaking at the "Dialogue with Ministers and Senior WTO Officials" session of the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO, which is held in Hong Kong from December 12 to 15 in conjunction with the HKMC, Mr Tsang emphasised that WTO Members remained fully committed to the high level of ambition that they set for themselves when they launched the Doha negotiations four years ago.
"After the opening session of the HKMC tomorrow afternoon, Ministers will be working almost around the clock. As Chairman of the Conference, I believe we must inject fresh momentum into the negotiations and enrich the draft text of the Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration as much as possible.
"Even more importantly, Ministers must give a clear direction on how we intend to move forward after Hong Kong, so that full modalities on agricultural and non-agricultural market access and all of the issues on our agenda can be sorted out as quickly as possible, preferably by early spring next year. We'll need to do that if the Round is to conclude by its deadline of end 2006," Mr Tsang said.
Mr Tsang pointed out that he was particularly keen to see a number of development issues resolved this week that would bring real benefits to the developing and least developed Members.
"I am encouraged by the recent agreement to extend the transition period for (Least Developed countries (LDCs) under the Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement for seven and a half years. I am further encouraged that the General Council has agreed to amend the TRIPS Agreement, and make permanent the flexibility of developing and least developed Members to produce or import generic drugs to deal with epidemics.
"The other issues I will be pursuing include agreement on Duty Free Quota Free market access for LDC products; agreement on Special and Different Treatment proposals, especially those put forward by least developed Members; and progress on an Aid for Trade programme to enable implementation of WTO obligations, including trade facilitation.
"As Chair, I will do my utmost to foster the best possible transparent and inclusive environment for Members to engage in serious negotiations on these, and all the other issues on our agenda. But I must stress that the outcome of the Conference is in the hands of all WTO Members.
The WTO is a member-driven organization. No one can force a decision when the conditions to forge consensus are not there. But I take it as a good sign that WTO Members, particularly those from developing economies, are taking part in discussions with real vigour. I believe they realise that pragmatism and flexibility are the prime requirements as we head down to the wire," Mr Tsang said.
Ends/Monday, December 12, 2005
Issued at HKT 13:52
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