NEWS RELEASES
July 16, 2004 (6:45 p.m. EDT) No. 80
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA VIEWS ON DRAFT WTO FRAMEWORK
International Trade Minister Jim Peterson, Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister
Bob Speller and Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board Reg Alcock today
issued the following statement regarding the draft text on decisions and frameworks
from World Trade Organization (WTO) General Council Chair Shotaro Oshima and
WTO Director General Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi.
"We see the draft text released today as a serious effort to move the entire Doha
Development Agenda forward, and to bridge the key differences between members.
"The key for Canada in these negotiations is agriculture.
"The draft framework on agriculture strongly supports many of Canada's key objectives
and builds on many of the ideas that Canada has been putting forward since the
negotiations began.
"These include the elimination of export subsidies; substantial and meaningful
reductions to trade-distorting domestic support; and substantial improvements in market
access, while still providing flexibility for sensitive products.
"Canada does, however, have serious concerns with other parts of the draft framework
on agriculture, such as proposed new disciplines on exporting state-trading enterprises
and some aspects of the proposed approaches on market access and domestic
support.
"The Government of Canada is committed to defending the ability of Canadians to
operate orderly marketing systems such as supply management and the Canadian
Wheat Board.
"We will continue to press our views strongly on these issues to get a positive outcome
for the entire agri-food sector.
"As we work toward agreement in July and move to the next phase of negotiations, we
will continue to seek results that benefit all Canadians and that help make trade a
strong engine for development."
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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
Foreign Affairs Canada and International Trade Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
(613) 759-7972
Lise Jolicoeur
Press Secretary
Office of the President of the Treasury Board and
Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board
(613) 957-2666
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