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<html> <head> <meta name="generator" content="Corel WordPerfect 12"> <meta http-equiv="content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <style> p { margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1px } body { font-family: "Arial", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal } </style> </head> <body> 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.” - 30 - 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 <a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221022704/http://www.international.gc.ca/">http://www.international.gc.ca</a> 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  </body> </html>

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Last Updated: 2006-10-30	Top of Page	Important Notices