This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Find out more here.  
  • Delicious




WTO Head-To-Be Supports Developing Countries

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

20 May 2005

Former European Union Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy, who is set to be confirmed as new head of the WTO later this month, called for the WTO to be more responsive to developing countries when addressing a CARICOM forum this week.

Mr Lamy also stressed the importance of increased coordination and coherence between the WTO and the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Speaking in Georgetown, Guyana, Lamy said that he would respect the "diversity" of all members' views when he is confirmed in the new position.

CARICOM Ministerial Spokesperson on the WTO and Guyana's Trade Minister Hon. Clement Rohee led the Ministerial interchange with Mr. Lamy, highlighting that for CARICOM, preferences, Special Products, and special and differential treatment remain key issues at the forefront of the Region's interests in on-going WTO talks.

"The Doha Round can only be judged a success to the extent that development permeates every aspect of the Agreement that is eventually clinched, and so the Caribbean is keen on seeing far-reaching development dividends emerge from Doha Round negotiations," said the Director-General of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (RNM), Ambassador Dr. Richard Bernal, in response to Mr. Lamy's address.

Added Dr Bernal: "Over the years, CARICOM Countries have forged a strong working relationship with Mr. Lamy, having interfaced regularly with him in his capacity as European Union Trade Commissioner in various forums. Because of this, he is very well versed as regards the Region's goals and priorities in global trade talks."

"The WTO must be supportive of development, as developing countries now account for two-thirds of its membership. Extending concessions in this regard, especially to the smallest and most vulnerable Members, must not be seen as a serious deviation from free trade at the multilateral level," Ambassador Bernal added.

Pascal Lamy emerged as the clear 'consensus' candidate for the WTO post last week after several rival candidates withdrew from the race. Out-going WTO Director General Dr. Supachai Panichpakdi's term expires on August 31, 2005, and he will lead the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) for the next four years.

Lamy is expected to elevate the profile of the WTO as its new director general when he takes over on Sept. 1, but he will have a baptism of fire in attempting to rescue the Doha Round, which was becalmed until a recent agreement on agriculture opened up new possibilities for success. In a famous partnership with Robert Zoellick, US Trade Representative, the marathon-running pair succeeded time and again in overcoming the more bloodthirsty of their colleagues in reaching compromises on a range of troublesome trade disputes, often with the direct involvement of the WTO.

"Trade is good and it is a necessity but it is not sufficient for economic development and poverty alleviation," Lamy said in a recent interview. "It's fine in theory to open up markets but someone has to push for the full benefits of all nations," he added.

.

 

 






Write a comment