U.S. – Australia Relations

U.S., Australian Trade Ministers Urge Flexibility in WTO Talks

Washington, D.C. — 2 May 2006

(Welcome signals from EU on cutting agricultural tariffs) (380)

U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Mark Vaile issued a joint statement May 2 in Geneva on the status of the current round of World Trade Organization talks, also known as the Doha round.

Following is the text of the joint statement as released by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative:

(begin transcript)

Office Of The United States Trade Representative
Executive Office of the President
Washington, D.C.
May 2, 2006

Joint Statement

By U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Mark Vaile
Geneva, Switzerland

"We are deeply concerned at missing the 30 April deadline for modalities for agriculture and industrial tariffs, and the implications of this for the conclusion of the Doha round.

"We now have a short time to make the necessary breakthroughs in the negotiations. We know the essential elements for concluding the round. A successful conclusion is within reach, with the right level of political will.

"To take this round forward we urgently need flexibility on all sides. We have agreed to work together and with other WTO Members as our top priority over coming weeks to find the various points of necessary flexibility and compromise well in advance of July.

"We fully support the process of intensified negotiations suggested by the Director-General and the negotiating group chairs, and will participate fully in this process.

"We welcome the clear public statements from Commissioner Mandelson in recent days indicating that the EU is prepared to strengthen its offer on agricultural market access. This has been and will continue to be the key to resolving outstanding differences.

"We will work closely with the EU and other Members to ensure that substantial improvements in market access are complemented by substantial reductions in trade-distorting agricultural domestic support, substantial reductions in industrial tariffs, and meaningful openings in services as part of a balanced and ambitious package for all Members.

"In launching this round in Doha, we saw a major opportunity to advance global growth and development, and to strengthen the multilateral trading system. We cannot miss this opportunity. We are committed to doing everything possible to successfully conclude this round."

(end transcript)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

Original document from Washington Hyperfile [EPF205].

Last update: Monday, 19 November 2007 GMT+1000