Sri Lanka-led G-15 calls for fresh impetus for early conclusion of DDA

Tuesday, 10 December 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Emphasis on development-oriented outcome The G-15, a Summit level Group of 17 developing countries currently chaired by Sri Lanka, in Joint Statement at the WTO’s 9th Ministerial Conference in Bali, Indonesia on Thursday (5 December), called for a fresh impetus for an early conclusion of the DDA with a development-oriented outcome and also emphasises the importance of the accession to WTO by developing countries, particularly the LDCs. Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen made this observation when he addressed the the 9th Ministerial held from 3-6 December. The Conference was attended by all 159 Member countries of the WTO and a large number of think-tanks, donor agencies, NGOs and civil society groups. The G-15 comprises 17 member States - Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Venezuela and Zimbabwe. Following is the full statement:

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Fifteen (G-15), a Summit Level Group of Developing Countries, comprising 17 member states. The Group was established in 1989 on the firm belief that there is a growing interdependence and mutuality of interest among the community of nations for sustainable development. With the global economic and financial outlook in turmoil and growth prospects in developing countries under severe stress, the Group reaffirms the importance it attaches to the rules-based multi-lateral trading system. At the outset, allow me to congratulate you, Chairman, on your election, and to assure you our full support as we work together towards a successful Ninth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC9). The Group also wishes to welcome and congratulate the new Director-General of WTO, Roberto Azevêdo, who at a time played an important role in the Troika of the Group. We are confident that he will be able to provide a credible leadership at this critical juncture in the history of the multi-lateral trading system. The Group emphasises its call for a fresh impetus at MC9 for early conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda with a development-oriented outcome as in it lies much hope for developing countries for boosting their share of global trade and addressing the challenges of the multilateral trading system. The Group also recognises and reiterates the need to enhance efficacy of Aid for Trade for improving trade competitiveness, capacity and better integration of developing countries into the international trading system. The Group emphasises the importance of facilitating accession to the WTO and calls for expediting the accession of developing countries and in particular, the LDCs, in a transparent manner and without any political impediment. The Group underscores that swift advancement in this regard would be critical in enhancing universality and inclusiveness of WTO and the multi-lateral trading system. The Group welcomes increasing trade and investment flows among developing countries and stresses the importance of united and sustained international engagement in favour of a more equitable, inclusive and development oriented multi-lateral trading system. The Group looks forward to an engaged participation in the post-Bali negotiations, with a view to concluding the Doha Round as early as possible, with agreements on all elements of the agenda, and with a clear focus on development, as per our agreed vision when launching the round. Our work ahead must be based on the principles of full transparency and inclusiveness.