Marchi hails roster of 2003 WTO chairpersons

Amb. Sergio Marchi of Canada, the 2002 Chairman of the General Council, today praised the wisdom of WTO Member governments in their selection of chairpersons to head the organization's bodies in 2003.

> WTO chairpersons for 2003

“This group of chairs brings a good blend of experience and new energy which will be vital in the coming year. If 2002 was a year to tackle some of the WTO’s systemic challenges, initiate procedural reforms and keep the Doha Development Agenda negotiations on track, 2003 will be a year of preparation for our 5th Ministerial Conference in Cancún, Mexico. Much work remains to be done between now and that meeting, and narrowing the gaps in DDA negotiating positions held by Member governments will be key to success in Cancún,” Amb. Marchi said.