With the WTO Ministerial Conference less than a month away, this issue focuses on SITPRO's work in the international arena. In the two years since the WTO's fourth session in Doha, SITPRO has been encouraging all WTO members to agree to negotiate a Trade Facilitation Agreement.
There is already broad agreement in the international community that measures leading to improved trade facilitation would be very beneficial, but the challenge has been to define an agreement that developing countries can cope with and that gives all members benefit. Developing countries, virtually without exception, recognise the benefit of trade facilitation but still have reservations about a WTO Agreement.
The competitiveness of the UK in international trade is vital for our economic wellbeing. SITPRO's Conference in October is being held in conjunction with the CBI and ICC.UK to ensure that UK business is fully aware of the opportunities and threats that will arise from the agreements reached at the WTO Ministerial Meeting in Cancún.
Closer to home, European enlargement will radically alter trade within the European Community and create new markets for UK businesses. The virtual elimination of border constraints between the enlargement countries and current EU members will enable countries to reach their full trade potential. A WTO agreement should also improve the trading process both within Europe and between Europe and third countries.
Return to SITPRO News: Issue 46, August/September 2003
