The World Trade Organisation held its fifth Ministerial Conference in Cancún, Mexico on 10th-14th September 2003. SITPRO has been working to promote a WTO agreement on trade facilitation, which was one of the "Singapore Issues" under discussion.
Following the conclusion of the conference, which ended with a lack of consensus on the major issues, SITPRO released the following statement:
The outcome of the WTO Ministerial Conference in Cancún is a disappointment, especially to all those who have worked so hard to progress the Doha Development Agenda.
However world trade continues, and for the benefit of all WTO members, especially developing countries, every effort must be made to build upon the real progress that was made at Cancún, particularly on agriculture and the more flexible approach to the Singapore issues.
We are encouraged to see the positive role now being taken by developing countries which will give strength to future WTO agreements. A multilateral approach to trade agreements is the best solution for all WTO members. The failure to conclude the negotiations successfully in Cancún should not be used in the short term to promote bilateral and regional agreements.
Regarding SITPRO's specific interest, it is our view that an agreement on trade facilitation is manageable. It will effectively underpin the efficient movement of goods across borders and help to stimulate trade between developing countries and their trade with developed countries.
In our eyes these negotiations are a success waiting to happen. We are hopeful that given the underlying real progress made in Cancún, all member countries will strive to resolve the outstanding issues before the next meeting of the WTO General Council on December 15th 2003.
SITPRO, in association with the CBI and ICC.UK, held an International Trade Conference, on Tuesday 21st October, to discuss 'World Trade Post-Cancún'. It was an opportunity to brief the business community on the implications of the WTO meeting and to encourage continued commitment to these important negotiations. A special edition of SITPRO News, covering this event and transcripts of the speeches are now available.
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