NEWS RELEASES
APEC TRADE MINISTERS SUPPORT NEW WTO ROUND
June 8, 2001 (1:00 p.m. EDT) No. 79
APEC TRADE MINISTERS SUPPORT NEW WTO ROUND
International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew today welcomed Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
support for a new round of global trade talks. Trade ministers from APEC member nations wrapped up a two-day meeting in Shanghai today with a commitment to push for a new round of multilateral trade talks at the
World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting in Qatar. Participants also emphasized the need for capacity building
for developing nations.
"We need to go forward with the launch of a new WTO round in November," Minister Pettigrew said. "This
shows our mutual support for the multilateral rules-based system and openness and continued trade
liberalization. APEC initiatives will also assist developing economies to benefit more fully from international
trade."
APEC members agreed to strengthen the multilateral trading system by implementing an APEC program to
help developing economy members participate more effectively in the WTO.
"Canada has worked hard over the last year to ensure that the capacity-building agenda moves forward," stated
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for International Trade, Patrick O'Brien, who represented Canada at this
year's meeting. "We have taken some very positive steps in Shanghai that will help build confidence in the
multilateral trading system in preparation for a new round of WTO talks," Mr. O'Brien added.
The APEC meeting included trade ministers or their representatives from the 21 Pacific Rim economies. It is a
lead up to the 9th APEC Economic Leaders Meeting to be held in Shanghai on October 20 and 21.
Canada is also co-sponsoring with China the Youth Forum for Young Entrepreneurs in the New Economy in
Beijing and Shanghai from July 9 to15. This initiative is designed to help young people become interested and
involved in the APEC forum.
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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
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