It also heard a report from
Director-General Mike Moore on consultations he has been holding
since the New Year on many of the issues which remain outstanding after the inconclusive
Third WTO Ministerial Conference in Seattle late last year.The topics he covered
included: a package of measures for least-developed countries, expanding technical
cooperation, proposals to extend transition periods for developing countries to implement
various provisions of WTO agreements, other implementation issues, and improving WTO
decision-making so members can participate more fully, in a more transparent system that
preserves the rule that decisions have to be made by consensus (see
press release 166). The General Council agreed that he and
the council’s chairperson should continue consultations with members.
Right at the
end of the meeting, the council elected a new chairperson for the year and took note of
the chairpeople for other key councils and committees (see press
release 165).
The decisions
and the discussions were the result of several weeks of consultations in a variety of
groupings, culminating in two informal meetings of the full General Council (i.e. the full
WTO membership) on 2 and 4 February.
The debate Back to top
In the
7–8 February formal meeting, members emphasized the need to show that the WTO is
clearly in business despite the failure to reach agreement in Seattle. Many stressed a
confidence-building approach in which they acknowledged the importance fellow-members
attach to various issues and agreed to try to act swiftly on these. They also agreed that
mandated reviews of the implementation of current WTO agreements should look at trade and
developmental aspects and their impact on developing countries. A number of developed
countries, including the United States, supported developing countries on this.
There was
also concensus on the need to move ahead quickly on various proposals for least-developed
countries, including scrapping import duties on the bulk of their exports and increasing
technical assistance so they are better equipped to participate in international trade and
the WTO (“capacity-building”).
The debate on
implementation included the question of whether and how to extend 1 January 2000
deadlines for developing countries to implement a number of provisions, including
provisions on intellectual property, trade-related investment measures, customs valuation
and subsidies. Some countries argued for “multilateral” solutions which would
apply to all countries concerned. Others argued for a case-by-case approach which would
preserve the multilateral agreements that were the outcome of negotiations. Some proposed
blending the two approaches: multilateral principles for making case-by-case decisions.
Members
broadly supported developing countries’ calls for these and other implementation
issues to be given priority. The subject will be on the agenda of the next General Council
meeting.
On internal
transparency and participation, many delegations argued that the WTO’s
decision-making system is not seriously flawed, but may require some modification. Several
rejected the view that the decision-making process was the reason for the failure of the
Seattle Ministerial Conference. But some delegations did have serious complaints about the
system’s transparency and what they said was certain countries’ exclusion from
small-group consultations. However, the principle of decision by consensus was not called
into question and several members said it is “non-negotiable”.
At the close
Norwegian Ambassador Kåre Bryn was elected the new chairman for 2000. The next regular
meeting of the General Council is on 3 May 2000, although meetings can be called
earlier if the need arises.
WTO General Council, 7
February
Agenda Items 3 and 5,
Chairman's concluding remarks
“I wish
to thank all delegations for their inputs into what I am sure we would all agree has been
a very positive and constructive discussion. It is clear that we all agree too on the need
to build confidence among ourselves and I think this discussion has been a significant
step in that process. Working together on a series of realistic and achievable measures is
the way in which we will give substance to our renewed confidence. In this respect I take
note – and encouragement – that the issues identified by the Director-General in
his report (measures in favour of LDCs; technical co-operation; transition periods and
other implementation issues; internal transparency and effective participation of all
Members) are widely considered to be priorities for further consultation. I have also
noted the high importance Members place on addressing the range of implementation issues
in an effective way. I suggest that implementation should be an item on the agenda of the
next General Council. In this light, and bearing in mind all the additional points that
have been made by delegations, I ask the General Council to take note of
the Director-General's statement and the other statements made, and to agree
to further consultations by the Chairman of the General Council and the
Director-General.” |
See also Back to top
Press release 165: Chairpersons for 2000
Press release 166: WTO Director-General’s report to General
Council on consultations after Seattle
Press release 167: WTO services and agriculture negotiations
— meetings set for February and March
Outgoing chairperson’s farewell statement: On the D-G
selection and Seattle — “One of the most difficult chairmanships in the history
of our organisation”
New chairperson’s statement: Priority — to preserve
and consolidate the system |
