Written Answers. - WTO Meeting.
Michael Joe Cosgrave
Question:
112
Mr. Cosgrave
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment
if she will clarify the position that will be taken by her Department at the international Ministers' meeting of the World Trade Organisation in November 2001.
[23251/01]
Charles Flanagan
Question:
131
Mr. Flanagan
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment
the position to be taken by the Irish Government at the international Ministers' meeting of the World Trade Organisation at Qatar in November 2001; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[23059/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 131 together.
It is hoped that the Fourth ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organisation, scheduled to be held in Doha, Qatar from 9 to 13 November 2001, will take the necessary decisions to launch a new round of trade negotiations in the WTO. The failure of the Seattle ministerial meeting in December 1999 to launch a new round of negotiations was a great disappointment.
The launching of a new round would be a very positive signal in the context of the current global economic downturn, particularly in the aftermath of the events of 11 September.
The European Union has been, and is, engaged in the detailed work, within the WTO, preparing for these negotiations. Ireland has participated fully in the preparation of EU positions and subscribes fully to the European Council conclusions of October 1999, which form the mandate for European Community negotiators.
The EU is firmly convinced that a comprehensive trade round, involving a broad range of issues is the best way to address the challenges resulting from rapid and far-reaching economic changes, to manage properly and effectively the globalisation process, to promote equitable growth and development and to respond in a balanced manner to the interests of all WTO members, in particular the developing countries.
The position of developing countries is central to the whole preparatory process and Ireland has ensured that the legitimate concerns of developing countries are taken into consideration. Implementation issues and special and differential treatment across a broad range of negotiations are key concerns for developing countries.
Eight rounds of trade liberalisation and strengthening of multilateral trade rules have made a major contribution to global prosperity, development and rising living standards. Since 1951, global trade has grown seventeen-fold, world production has more than quadrupled, and worldper capita income has doubled. The multilateral system has helped a large number of developing countries to successfully integrate into the international economy and developing countries' share of world export trade has increased by nearly 50% over the past three years.
The WTO, since the conclusion of the Uruguay Round, has brought about major improvements in market access and more predictable rules that have benefited the membership as a whole, in particular smaller countries. In recent years, the volume of global trade has increased substantially. WTO and OECD studies on the impact of the Uruguay Round have confirmed the positive impact on the world economy as its results are taking effect.
