African ministers state side

Dec 16, 2005

THE African Group of ministers is cautiously optimistic about achieving an agreement on the issue of agricultural subsidies at the ongoing World Trade Organisation (WTO) ministerial meeting underway in Hong Kong, China this week.

By Sylvia Juuko
in Hong Kong

THE African Group of ministers is cautiously optimistic about achieving an agreement on the issue of agricultural subsidies at the ongoing World Trade Organisation (WTO) ministerial meeting underway in Hong Kong, China this week.
The ministers said in a joint statement at the conclusion of their meeting on Wednesday that their position is based on two ministerial declarations in Cairo, Egypt and Arusha, Tanzania, which revolve around advancing negotiations especially on agriculture.
“Agriculture is certainly an important negotiating track for African countries especially on the cotton issue.
“On non-agricultural market access, the group’s view is that final outcome should ensure a balance between liberalisation and flexibilities,” said the statement.
Uganda’s trade minster Daudi Migereko said the African group’s position regarding food aid was clear. “We want food distributed directly.”
,” he said.
from donor countries,” he said.
. Alternatively cash can be provided for procurement of food such that for institutions where food is needed it can be easily accessed,” he said.
Migereko was optimistic about the outcome from ongoing ministerial meeting especially on agriculture.
The ministerial meeting which commenced on December 13th -18th was punctuated by demonstrations that led to hundreds of riot police swing into action to prevent them access the site of the meeting.
A dozen of Asian farmers dived into the harbour facing the Hong Kong convention and exhibition centre in Wan Chai city where the meeting is taking place.
During the official opening of the talks on Monday, Donald Tsang Chief Executive Hong Kong pointed out that a global trade deal would help alleviate the pains of poverty for millions of people.
He said Hong Kong’s successful economy has thrived on the benefits of global trade under the WTO.
Pascal Lamy, WTO director General said decision making in the global trade body was slow because all nations had the right to speak.
“WTO is democratic and decisions made by WTO directly impact lives of billions of people. You should care about WTO’s future,” he told delegates.
Ends

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