Vol. 547 No. 3
121 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will report on the World Trade Organisation ministerial meeting in Qatar in November 2001; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3184/02]
The Government is pleased with the outcome of the WTO ministerial meeting in Doha in November 2001. The final declaration agreed at the meeting provides for a new round of multilateral trade liberalisation negotiations across a broad range of trade related issues. The negotiations will commence shortly following agreement on the WTO structures and reporting arrangements which are now being finalised. The negotiations are scheduled to conclude by 2005.
The launch of a comprehensive trade round involving a broad range of issues is the best way to address the challenges resulting from significant and far-reaching economic and technological 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.
