MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
THE HON ALEXANDER DOWNER MP, MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND THE HON WARREN TRUSS MP, MINISTER FOR TRADE
Australia will help developing countries to participate as fully as possible in the Doha Round of world trade negotiations, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer and Minister for Trade, Warren Truss announced today.
Australia will contribute $500,000 to the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Global Trust Fund to provide developing country members of the WTO with training and expertise to participate in and benefit from the Doha Round of trade negotiations.
Activities under the Global Trust Fund include regional trade policy courses for government officials from developing countries. The courses are delivered by officials from the WTO Secretariat, academics and trade policy specialists, including from the Asia Pacific region.
It is essential that developing countries, which stand to gain significantly from a successful conclusion to the Round, be able to participate effectively in the negotiations.
Since 2002, Australia has contributed $2.46 million to the Global Trust Fund to assist developing countries to participate effectively in multilateral trade negotiations.
This further contribution highlights Australia's commitment to help developing countries increase economic growth and reduce poverty in our region.
In 2006-7, the Australian Government, through Australia's international aid agency, AusAID, will provide more than A$17 million in trade-related assistance, including support through the Global Trust Fund.
Media inquiries:
Malcolm Cole (Mr Downer's office) 02 6277 7500
Kylie Butler (Mr Truss's office) 02 6277 7420