NEWS RELEASES
October 28, 2005 (7:10 p.m. EDT)
No. 199
CANADA DISAPPOINTED WITH EUROPEAN UNION AGRICULTURE
PROPOSAL IN DOHA ROUND OF WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION
NEGOTIATIONS
International Trade Minister Jim Peterson and Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister
Andy Mitchell today issued the following statement regarding the new proposals that the
European Union (EU) tabled in the Doha Round of World Trade Organization (WTO)
negotiations.
“Canada is very disappointed in the EU proposal and feels that significantly more is
needed to move the negotiations forward. The proposal does not go nearly far enough
with regard to providing market access and reducing trade-distorting subsidies, while
going much too far on state trading enterprises (STEs). In the WTO agriculture
negotiations, Canada is seeking to level the international playing field. We are looking
for key members, such as the U.S. and the EU, to make big reductions to their high
levels of support and protection, so that Canadian producers and processors can
compete fairly and equitably in global markets.
“Canada and other key WTO Members were looking for the EU to propose a much
more ambitious tariff reduction formula, as well as appropriate treatment for sensitive
products. On improving market access for sensitive products, the EU proposal places
too much emphasis on tariff reductions, as opposed to Canada’s view that the best way
to improve access for sensitive products is largely through tariff quota expansion. The
EU proposal does not provide for meaningful access improvements or the flexibility
called for in the July 2004 framework agreement. We were also looking for the EU to go
much further on reducing its trade-distorting subsidies.
“On STEs, such as the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB), Canada has said repeatedly
that it is prepared to address issues related to financing, but that there is no justification
for further disciplines, including on STE monopoly powers. The WTO has found, time
and time again, that the CWB is a fair trader.
“In addition to real progress in agricultural trade reform, Canada is working hard with
members to achieve substantive outcomes in the other negotiating areas. Canada is
actively promoting improved access and a substantial reduction in tariffs on goods;
greater access to key foreign markets and a more transparent and predictable
regulatory environment in services; improvements in anti-dumping and countervailing
duty rules; and modernized processes to facilitate trade at the border. There must be
an ambitious outcome across the negotiations in order to provide real benefits to our
exporters and consumers.
“Canada remains committed to the Doha Round of negotiations and will continue to
seek an ambitious outcome that will contribute to the long-term prosperity of producers,
all Canadians and the citizens of the developing world. The Government of Canada has
defended and will continue to defend the ability of producers to choose how they
market their products.
“We are fully prepared to do our part to make the Doha Round a success, and we are
counting on major players, such as the EU and U.S., to show leadership. Canada will
continue to work with other members to advance key issues in preparation for the
December WTO Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong.
“The Government of Canada will continue to consult closely with stakeholders, the
provincial governments and Canadians on all areas of the Doha Development Agenda,
as the negotiations progress toward Hong Kong and beyond.”
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Jacqueline LaRocque
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade
(613) 992-7332
Media Relations Office
International Trade Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca
Matt Tolley
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
(613) 759-1059
Media Relations Office
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Toll-free: 1-866-345-7972
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