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<p><span style="font-size: 14pt"></span><span style="font-size: 14pt"><strong>July 31, 2004 </strong></span><span style="font-size: 14pt"><strong><em>(7:00 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 86</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: CENTER"><span style="font-size: 14pt"><strong>DOHA NEGOTIATIONS BACK ON TRACK</strong></span></p>
<p>Canada today joined other World Trade Organization (WTO) members in welcoming a
framework for negotiations that will allow the WTO's Doha Development Agenda to go
forward. International Trade Minister Jim Peterson and Minister of Agriculture and
Agri-Food Andy Mitchell were in Geneva this week to help advance the negotiations
and promote Canada's interests. The ministers will continue to press for the best
possible outcome for Canada as the negotiations proceed.</p>
<p>The WTO's 147 members adopted, by consensus, a framework that provides a road
map for the next stages of the global trade talks. Much negotiation lies ahead before a
final outcome is achieved. However, the framework established today sets the stage for
Canada to pursue all of its objectives in the world trade negotiations.</p>
<p>"The world was watching, and WTO members delivered," said Minister Peterson.
"Together, we have put the legacy of Cancun behind us and achieved important
progress. More than 40 percent of everything Canadians produce is exported, and trade
supports one in every four Canadian jobs--so making the Doha Round work is
absolutely crucial for Canada."</p>
<p>"The Canadian agri-food sector needs a level playing field to compete on, and this
framework allows us to keep working toward that goal," said Minister Mitchell. "Canada
obtained much of what we were seeking in the framework, and we will continue to work
toward our objectives in the next stage of the negotiations. As we move forward, the
federal government will continue to vigorously advocate the interests of all Canadian
farmers."</p>
<p>The framework commits WTO members to eliminating agricultural export subsidies, and
points the way toward improved market access for all agricultural products and
substantially lower levels of trade-distorting domestic support by those countries that
subsidize the most. As detailed negotiations proceed, the federal government will
continue to defend the ability of producers to choose to market their products through
orderly marketing systems such as supply management and the Canadian Wheat
Board.</p>
<p>Today's text provides a solid basis for Canada to advance its other negotiating priorities
in the Doha Round, including opening global markets to Canadian goods and services,
cutting red tape at borders, improving the rules governing anti-dumping and countervail
actions, and better integrating developing countries into the global trading system.</p>
<p>Many Canadian agricultural stakeholders were in Geneva with the ministers this week,
where the Canadian team worked relentlessly to improve the language setting the
direction of the future negotiations. Ministers Peterson and Mitchell said, "We are
grateful for all the support and advice we received from Canadian stakeholders, both in
Geneva and at home, as well as from our provincial colleagues, and we look forward to
working with them as we go along." Canada succeeded in obtaining key improvements
to the framework. Canadian negotiators will continue to press to have Canada's
priorities and concerns addressed in the next phase of the negotiations.</p>
<p>More information on Canada and the WTO is available at <a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20071123092859/http://www.wto.gc.ca/">http://www.wto.gc.ca</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Jacqueline LaRocque<br>
Director of Communications<br>
Office of the Minister of International Trade<br>
(613) 265-8632 (international cell)<br>
(613) 992-7332<br>
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20071123092859/mailto:jacqueline.larocque@dfait-maeci.gc.ca">jacqueline.larocque@dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
<p>Media Relations Office<br>
Foreign Affairs Canada and International Trade Canada<br>
(613) 995-1874<br>
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20071123092859/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
<p>Christine Aquino<br>
Director of Communications<br>
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food<br>
(613) 759-1059</p>
<p>Media Relations<br>
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada<br>
(613) 759-7972</p>
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