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<p><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 14pt">November 9, 2005 <i>(9:30 a.m. EST)</i><br>
No. 212</span></span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 14pt"> </span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 14pt">STATEMENT BY THE MINISTERS OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND
AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD IN ADVANCE OF WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATION MINISTERIAL MEETING IN HONG KONG</span></span></p>
<br>
<p>International Trade Minister Jim Peterson and Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Andy
Mitchell today provided this statement following World Trade Organization (WTO)
discussions in Geneva, Switzerland:</p>
<br>
<p>“After intense negotiations in Geneva on November 8-9, 2005, WTO members continue
to push for an ambitious outcome for the round. Significant challenges remain,
however, including on what can be achieved in Hong Kong in December, so we need to
continue to press as hard as we can.</p>
<br>
<p>“We are encouraged that while WTO members have their differences, there remains a
strong commitment to an ambitious result.</p>
<br>
<p>“We want to conclude this round by the end of 2006—Hong Kong is an important
milestone. </p>
<br>
<p>“In Geneva this week, we discussed vital issues on the table at the WTO and how to
move them forward. In Canada's view we need ambitious outcomes across the board: a
level playing field for agriculture, better market access for agriculture, industrial goods
and services, improved trade rules, and deeper integration of developing countries into
the global economy. This round needs to be about fundamental change—real
reform—not just modest improvements. Above all else, this must be a development
round.</p>
<br>
<p>“Canadian businesses, farmers and workers are among the world's most competitive.
We all stand to benefit from better access to global markets, especially in emerging
economies like China, India and Brazil. Open markets must be supported by improved
trade rules and new measures to cut red tape at the border. These reforms will also
help developing countries benefit from the global economy. Our goal is global economic
prosperity.</p>
<br>
<p>“Agriculture is the lynchpin in these negotiations. Canada is seeking the elimination of
agriculture export subsidies as quickly as possible, substantial reductions in
trade-distorting domestic support, and substantial improvement in market access for
agriculture and food products. We also stressed that greater ambition can only be
achieved if countries have the flexibility to accommodate their domestic sensitivities.
For Canada, this means ensuring that our producers continue to have the ability to
choose how to market their products, including through orderly marketing structures
such as supply management and the Canadian Wheat Board.</p>
<br>
<p>“We acknowledge how important these negotiations are to Canadian stakeholders. We
will continue to work closely with them to achieve results that benefit all Canadians.”</p>
<br>
<p style="text-align: center">- 30 -</p>
<br>
<br>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<br>
<br>
<p>Jacqueline LaRocque</p>
<p>Director of Communications </p>
<p>Office of the Minister of International Trade</p>
<p>(613) 992-7332</p>
<br>
<p>Media Relations Office</p>
<p>International Trade Canada</p>
<p>(613) 995-1874</p>
<p><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221014529/http://www.international.gc.ca/"><span style="color: #0000ff"><span style="text-decoration: underline">http://www.international.gc.ca</span></span></a><span style="color: #000000"></span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="color: #000000">Elizabeth Whiting</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000">Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000">(613) 759-1761</span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="color: #000000">Media Relations Office</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000">Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000">Toll-free: 1-866-345-7972 </span></p>
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