Dear
Ministers,
I
take this opportunity to refer to the joint Declaration of Andean
Trade Ministers to launch a new round of multilateral trade
negotiations. I am in full agreement with you that multilateral trade
liberalization has an enormous potential to lift people out of poverty
and to increase the standard of living in all countries.
Your
support comes at a critical juncture for the WTO. Over the past year,
we have successfully rebuilt confidence in the WTO, but much remains
to be done. Developing countries' difficulties in implementing the
Uruguay Round agreements, as well as its perceived iniquities, remain
one of our prime concerns. I share your view that more substantial
reforms can best be achieved through new negotiations.
I
am determined to ensure that trade liberalization efforts work towards
development. Technical assistance efforts must be further enhanced to
strengthen developing countries' capacities in making use of increased
opportunities. Let me reiterate my conviction that developing
countries have most to gain from further trade liberalization.
I
am grateful for your strong encouragement of my work and the guidance
you provide in the Declaration. I shall make every effort that the
important issues you raise be fully taken into account in preparing
for future multilateral trade negotiations.
Yours
sincerely,
Mike
Moore
Director-General |
