NEWS RELEASES
CANADA'S WTO AMBASSADOR TO PLAY KEY ROLE IN GLOBAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS
February 15, 2002 (11:30 a.m. EST) No. 15
CANADA'S WTO AMBASSADOR TO PLAY KEY ROLE IN
GLOBAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS
International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew announced today that Sergio Marchi, Canada's Ambassador to the
World Trade Organization (WTO), has been named Chair of the WTO General Council.
The General Council coordinates the WTO's regular work program, including the activities of councils and
committees. It also oversees the global trade negotiations launched by members at Doha, Qatar, in November
2001. The Trade Negotiations Committee for the Doha Development Round, chaired by the WTO's Director
General, will report directly to the General Council.
"Today's decision by WTO members is a strong show of support for Canadian leadership and for Canadian
trade diplomacy," said Minister Pettigrew. "Progress on these negotiations promises real benefits for Canada
and is vitally important for the world's developing countries. I would like to congratulate our Ambassador. In
naming Ambassador Marchi to chair the General Council, WTO members have demonstrated that he has
earned the trust and respect required to move these negotiations forward."
The WTO's 144 members decided on Ambassador Marchi by consensus at today's General Council meeting.
WTO members also selected chairs for the groups that will manage the day-to-day negotiations mandated at
Doha. Mr. Marchi replaces outgoing General Council Chair Stuart Harbinson, Ambassador to the WTO from
Hong Kong, China.
Ambassador Marchi was appointed to his post in Geneva by the Prime Minister in August 1999. He chaired the
WTO's Council for Trade in Services in 2000-2001, and chairs the negotiations for Ukraine's accession to the
WTO. Mr. Marchi also served in the federal Cabinet in the Citizenship and Immigration, Environment and
International Trade portfolios.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Sébastien Théberge
Office of the Minister for International Trade
(613) 992-7332
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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