Success of post-cancun negotiations depends on serious commitment of developed countries
Regional-Morocco, Economics, 11/6/2003

Morocco has said during the debate of the UN economic and financial committee that the success of negotiations after the World Trade Organization's (WTO) 5th ministerial conference held last September depends on a serious commitment of developed countries.

Morocco's representative, Abdellah Benmellouk, highlighted developed countries' role in re-launching WTO trade negotiations through the materialization of the commitment made in Doha to place the interests of developing countries at the heart of negotiations.

Benmellouk, who spoke in the name of the group 77 and China, deplored that the stiff stance of rich countries that leads to weakening the multilateral trade system, the marginalization of developed countries and the rise of protectionism.

The Moroccan delegate also blamed developed countries that refused to participate in the Committee's debate which raised a deep concern for Group 77 and China.

According to Benmellouk, the failure of Cancun is due to the non-respect of the deadlines set by Doha action program and the lack of interest as regards the implementation of Marrakech accords on borders' protection and the support of production.

Benmellouk added that it is crucial to examine the coherence of monetary, financial and trade policies, reinforce developing countries' production and exports capacities and seriously probe issues related to basic products.

Thirty developing countries, among which several LDCs (Least Developed Countries), rely on the export of one product in their income of foreign currency, Benmellouk pointed out, adding that a better management of the basic products sector is essential to fight poverty.

Previous Stories:
  Development funds moving from poor countries to rich ones, Annan says   (10/31/2003)
  WTO draft declaration not enough for developing countries, Moroccan minister   (9/15/2003)
  Morocco calls WTO member countries to renew adherence to doha round   (9/13/2003)

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