SITPRO, the UK’s Trade Facilitation Agency, today expressed its great disappointment at the suspension of the Doha Round negotiations in Geneva, but welcomed the efforts by EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson to move ahead with a development package that includes trade facilitation.
Malcolm McKinnon, SITPRO’s Chief Executive, said, “We regret that the Doha negotiations have been suspended indefinitely. The suspension of negotiations on a trade facilitation agreement, which SITPRO has long advocated and which had the broad support of WTO Members as a win-win issue, will particularly hit developing countries.
“In recent months, a clear consensus has emerged amongst WTO members that the trade facilitation negotiations offer real hope for bringing tangible benefits to the developing world. The estimated worldwide gains of $40 billion from each 1% reduction in trade transaction costs – with two thirds accruing to developing nations - are just too important to throw away.
“SITPRO stresses the importance of continuing work on the most deliverable aspects of the Doha agenda for developing countries. We call on negotiators not to abandon the good work they have achieved on a draft trade facilitation agreement, and to look for a way forward that ensures that its benefits can still be realised. We hope that this would be through an early resumption of full negotiations.
“We also welcome Peter Mandelson’s efforts to continue making progress on the key components of the development agenda. Trade facilitation is foremost among these, and we hope that all parties to the negotiations will work together in this area for the benefit of developing countries.”
For further information contact SITPRO’s Head of Communications, Paul Hiscock, on 020 7215 8158 or paul.hiscock@sitpro.org.uk.
SITPRO News Release - 27 July 2006
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