1 June 2008

Minister Crean Welcomes Strong Doha Statement at APEC Trade Ministers' Meeting

The Minister for Trade, the Hon Simon Crean MP, welcomed the strong statement of support for a successful conclusion of the WTO Doha Round of negotiations issued by APEC Trade Ministers at their meeting in Arequipa, Peru on 31 May.

"APEC Ministers agreed on the importance of bringing the Doha round to a successful conclusion this year." Mr Crean said.

"Importantly, APEC Ministers indicated that they are ready to engage to deliver expeditiously a modalities agreement and urged other WTO members to do the same".

"This is an important message of political commitment at a time when the completion of negotiations in Geneva is within our grasp."

"The twenty one members of APEC account for around half of world GDP, and over half of world trade. I was encouraged by the overwhelming consensus within APEC to support the Multilateral Trading System in recognition of its critical role in raising living standards around the globe, and in the Asia-Pacific specifically."

"The statement also highlighted that a prompt, ambitious and balanced conclusion to the Round will be one of the important factors in overcoming the serious international situation caused by recent food price escalation" Mr Crean said.

A copy of the APEC Ministers' statement is attached.

Media Inquiries: Mr Crean's office 02 6277 7420 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555