NEWS RELEASES
CANADA WELCOMES U.S. COMMITMENT TO REVIVE DOHA ROUND OF GLOBAL TRADE TALKS
January 14, 2004 (8:00 p.m. EST) No. 5
CANADA WELCOMES U.S. COMMITMENT TO REVIVE DOHA ROUND OF GLOBAL
TRADE TALKS
International Trade Minister Jim Peterson today welcomed and commended the decision by the U.S. to support moving the
World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha Round of trade negotiations forward, a commitment which was conveyed by U.S.
Trade Representative Robert Zoellick in a January 11 letter he sent to all of his WTO counterparts.
"Canada is pleased to see such a clear signal of support from the U.S. for the Doha Round and multilateral trade," said
Minister Peterson. "U.S. engagement in this Round is key if we are to achieve our goals of an ambitious outcome and a
strengthened global economy."
Mr. Zoellick's letter outlined the U.S. desire to re-engage in the negotiations and called for more ambitious talks, by both
developed and developing countries. "I welcome Ambassador Zoellick's commitment to generate more momentum in
2004, especially in agricultural trade reform and market access, the key areas required for success in these negotiations,"
added Minister Peterson. "Canada is particularly pleased that the U.S. supports setting a date for the elimination of all
export subsidies in agriculture, as this is a long-standing Canadian objective."
Minister Peterson emphasized that while Canada and the U.S. do not see eye to eye on all issues, such as the U.S. call for
discipline against state trading enterprises such as the Canadian Wheat Board, both countries agree that an ambitious round
will provide benefits to all, especially developing countries.
Minister Peterson called on other WTO ministers to voice their support. "We need to show that we are ready to roll up our
sleeves and do the work. I look forward to discussing concrete ways to make progress when I meet with many of my
colleagues in Davos next week."
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