DDA press statement - 17 December 2008
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Date: 17 Dec 2008
Secretary of State for International Development Douglas Alexander and
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said;
"We are deeply disappointed that WTO members are not currently able to take
the final steps to an outline Doha deal.
"This deal would have been good for the global economy in this time of
economic uncertainty; it would have provided new opportunities for UK businesses
and lower prices for ordinary British families; and it would have provided a
vital lifeline to some of the world's poorest people, who are among the hardest
hit by the current crisis.
"We fully support Pascal Lamy, who has taken a difficult decision today and
we will continue to work closely with him to secure a deal. In the meantime, we
urge WTO members to resist resorting to protectionism.
"Last week's revised negotiating texts on agriculture and industrial goods
have captured the key aspects of the progress we made in July. We must now build
on this, as Pascal Lamy set out today, bridging the few remaining gaps to reach
agreement.
"The Prime Minister and UK Ministers have worked tirelessly in support of a
deal. We will continue our efforts. Our determination to work for fairer trade
rules remains undimmed."
Notes
Pascal Lamy set out today at the Trade Negotiations Committee his view that
he could not currently call Ministers to Geneva to agree an outline deal
(modalities) on agriculture and industrial goods.
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Article Published/Sorted/Amended on Scopulus 2008-12-18 12:48:01 in Business Articles
