World Trade Organization (WTO)
WTO Doha Round Bulletin
Week ending 4 June 2004 (Issue 2004/17)
Key Issues
- APEC Trade Ministers Meeting
- African Union Trade Ministers Meeting
- Dispute Settlement Review
- Forthcoming meetings in Geneva
- Contact us
APEC Trade Ministers Meeting
Mr Vaile is attending a meeting of APEC Ministers responsible for Trade in Pucon, Chile on 4-5 June 2004. The meeting will focus on ways APEC can support the Doha Agenda. A report will be included in next week’s bulletin.
African Union Trade Ministers Meeting
The African Union Ministers of Trade Conference was held in Kigali, Rwanda from 27-28 May 2004. The Conference reviewed the current state of the Doha Round negotiations, and adopted a "Kigali Consensus" paper on the post-Cancun Doha Work Programme (which can be accessed at: http://www.uneca.org/cfm/2004/index.htm).
Rwandan President Kagame emphasised the importance of international trade in creating sufficient wealth to allow developing countries to grow out of poverty. While Africa contains about 12 per cent of the world’s population, it represents less than 2 per cent of the global economy (in terms of international trade, gross domestic product and foreign direct investment). According to the President, "in Africa today, we recognise that trade and investment, and not aid, are pillars of development".
Dispute Settlement Review
The special session of the Dispute Settlement Body discussing the Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU) Review met on 24 and 28 May 2004. At the meeting, members agreed with a suggestion by the Chair (Australian Ambassador to the WTO David Spencer) that the deadline for negotiations on the DSU Review be extended beyond the end of May 2004.
Forthcoming meetings in Geneva
JUNE
7 Sub-Committee on Least-Developed Countries
7 Negotiating Group on Rules (AD/SCM, incl. FS)
8 Negotiating Group on Rules
9 Committee on Trade in Civil Aircraft
11 WTO Introduction Day
11 Negotiating Group on Market Access
14 Trade Policy Review Body - Singapore
15 Working Party on the Accession of Viet Nam
16 Trade Policy Review Body - Singapore
16-17 Council for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
17 Committee on Agriculture
18 Council for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights - Special Session
Contact Us
Trade Policy Section
Office of Trade Negotiations
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
BARTON ACT 0221
Fax: (02) 6261 3514
or e-mail trade.consult@dfat.gov.au
This bulletin is issued by the Office of Trade Negotiations, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It summarises key WTO Doha Round-related activities over the past week.