Doha conference reaches conciliatory declaration
Regional, Economics, 11/15/2001

The final communique of the WTO ministerial conference in Doha reflects too many a compromising Formula for various issues of dispute.

After the six-day marathon in Doha, the final statement, formally known as the Doha Declaration, sounds satisfactory to all parties.

The conference succeeds in hammering out an agreement to extend a new round of negotiations on free trade and ending a fierce battle between developed and developing countries over a range of complex farm, textile and environment issues.

The final declaration stresses the importance of establishing a fairer agricultural trading system to eliminate all obstacles in the global agricultural market.

The developing countries have walked out with a major gain on an international treaty of intellectual property copyrights.

The final declaration notes that the treaty should be applied in a way that would ensure the availability of pharmaceuticals and public health service boost.

Summit Declaration Serves Egypt's Interests, Ghali Says

The final communique of the fourth ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization wound up work in Doha yesterday serves the interests of Egypt to a great extent, a minister said Wednesday.

The statements were made by Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade Youssef Boutros Ghali before returning to Cairo from Doha after informing the WTO of Egypt's approval of the draft final declaration. ,

Foremost among the issues that are in the good of Egypt is farm liberalization, which will give Egyptian products access to foreign markets, Ghali said, noting that the draft final declaration would provide for phasing out farm subsidies to allow for a better competition.

The document will also provide for offering technical assistance to developing countries.

On the issue of trade, investment, and competition, Egypt achieved its demands, which fall in line with those of most developing nations, he said, adding that the requests were based on the necessity of conducting studies and analytical work before entering into negotiations in this regard.

It was agreed that no negotiations would start on the issues before two Years, Ghali said.

The issue of the environment, which was included in the draft final declaration, is very limited and there should be no fear about its effect on Egyptian exports.

Previous Stories:
  WTO's Doha conference   (11/14/2001)
  Arab economist for encouraging inter- Arab investment   (11/14/2001)
  Moroccan Minister in Arab Businessmen Conference   (11/12/2001)

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