DFID/BERR statement on the Doha Development Agenda
17 Dec 2008
Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Pascal Lamy, set out today that he could not currently call Ministers to Geneva to agree an outline deal (modalities) on agriculture and industrial goods.
Below is the response of Secretary of State for International Development Douglas Alexander and Business Secretary Lord Mandelson.
"We are deeply disappointed that WTO (World Trade Organisation) members are not currently able to take the final steps to an outline Doha deal.
"This deal would have been good for the global economy in this time of economic uncertainty; it would have provided new opportunities for UK businesses and lower prices for ordinary British families; and it would have provided a vital lifeline to some of the world’s poorest people, who are among the hardest hit by the current crisis.
"We fully support Pascal Lamy, who has taken a difficult decision today and we will continue to work closely with him to secure a deal. In the meantime, we urge WTO members to resist resorting to protectionism.
"Last week’s revised negotiating texts on agriculture and industrial goods have captured the key aspects of the progress we made in July. We must now build on this, as Pascal Lamy set out today, bridging the few remaining gaps to reach agreement.
"The Prime Minister and UK Ministers have worked tirelessly in support of a deal. We will continue our efforts. Our determination to work for fairer trade rules remains undimmed."
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Source: DFID
"We are deeply disappointed that WTO (World Trade Organisation) members are not currently able to take the final steps to an outline Doha deal.
"This deal would have been good for the global economy in this time of economic uncertainty; it would have provided new opportunities for UK businesses and lower prices for ordinary British families; and it would have provided a vital lifeline to some of the world’s poorest people, who are among the hardest hit by the current crisis.
"We fully support Pascal Lamy, who has taken a difficult decision today and we will continue to work closely with him to secure a deal. In the meantime, we urge WTO members to resist resorting to protectionism.
"Last week’s revised negotiating texts on agriculture and industrial goods have captured the key aspects of the progress we made in July. We must now build on this, as Pascal Lamy set out today, bridging the few remaining gaps to reach agreement.
"The Prime Minister and UK Ministers have worked tirelessly in support of a deal. We will continue our efforts. Our determination to work for fairer trade rules remains undimmed."
Read More...
Source: DFID
