China to continue working for WTO Doha talks

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-09-04 08:23

NEW DELHI: Chinese Minister of Commerce Chen Deming said here on Thursday that China will continue to play a constructive role in working for an early conclusion of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha Round Talks.

When addressing the WTO Mini-ministerial meeting held here, Chen said that at a time when global economy has been severely hurt by the financial crisis, an early conclusion of the Doha Round of Talks will expand the opportunities of all countries to take advantage of international trade, push forward global economic growth, raise confidence in a global economic revival, and successfully fend off trade protectionism.

Chen presented five proposals over this issue:

First, WTO member countries strictly safeguard the fruits achieved so far in the Doha talks. All sides of the talks have achieved common stand over the right of developing countries to be flexible in certain parts of the negotiations, especially in terms of farm products.

Second, while bilateral talks are needed to enhance understanding, multilateral talks must be the core channel of the WTO talks.

Third, maintain the negotiation process of reaching an agreement upon agriculture and non-agriculture models first.

Fourth, keep the balance of speed and quality, in order to obtain a balanced and fair outcome of the negotiations.

Fifth, stick to the principle of development which is the ultimate aim of the Doha talks, and help tackle concerns of developing countries, especially under-developed countries.

Chen and his delegation arrived here Thursday for the mini- ministerial WTO meeting.

Chen also met with Doris Leuthard, the vice president of the Swiss Confederation, Indian Minister of Industry and Commerce Anand Sharma, US Trade Representative Ron Kirk and EU Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton.