NEWS RELEASES

October 25, 2005 (2:30 p.m. EDT)
No. 194

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA UPDATE ON WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION DISCUSSIONS

International Trade Minister Jim Peterson and Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Andy Mitchell provided the following statement regarding the recent World Trade Organization (WTO) discussions held in Geneva, Switzerland:

“Canadian agriculture and agri-food producers are relying on the current WTO Doha round of multilateral agricultural trade negotiations to level the international playing field. Canada is actively engaged in the WTO negotiations, seeking the substantial reduction of trade-distorting domestic support, the elimination of export subsidies and significant improvements in market access, while defending the ability of Canadian producers to choose how to market their products.

“With regard to domestic support, on October 10, 2005, the United States came forward with a proposal that was able to move the negotiations forward. While much more remains to be done in this area, particularly with respect to deeper cuts in overall levels of support and the need for strengthened criteria for price-related blue box payments, the U.S. proposal succeeded in showing that it was prepared to seriously engage in meaningful negotiations that would lead toward substantial reductions in trade-distorting domestic support and a major reform of its agricultural support systems.

“On the issue of export subsidies, we support the elimination of export subsidies by 2010 as outlined in the U.S. proposal. Eliminating these subsidies as quickly as possible has been Canada’s longstanding position.

“On agricultural market access, it is clearly up to the European Communities (EC) to make the next move. A signal from the EC on market access is needed. We need the EC to adopt an ambitious tariff reduction formula. At the same time, it will be important to develop appropriate treatment for sensitive products, including flexibility in how market access improvements are achieved.

“The agriculture negotiations are at a critical stage, with only seven weeks remaining until the Hong Kong WTO Ministerial Conference, at which time WTO members are to confirm modalities for the agriculture negotiations and other decisions in the negotiations, and take the steps necessary so that the negotiations can conclude by the end of 2006.

“As a trading nation, our overriding goal is to increase access to foreign markets for Canadian goods and services. We are advocating for changes to the rules governing anti-dumping and countervail, and for new trade facilitation measures. Preference erosion, revenue loss and trade-related technical assistance must be addressed if this development round is to succeed.

“The Government of Canada will continue to consult with a wide group of stakeholders, parliamentarians and provincial governments to best represent the needs of Canadian industries.

“The negotiations remain a priority for Canada and we have participated in a number of recent ministerial-level meetings in Zurich and Geneva. We will continue to participate in these meetings as often as necessary to ensure a deal is reached that contributes to Canada’s prosperity.”

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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
1-866-345-7972