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Written by Truth About Trade & Technology
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Tuesday, 15 September 2009 13:33 |
International Food & Agricultural Trade Policy Council
September 10, 2009
International Food & Agricultural Trade Policy Council
Contact: Alexis Starkey 202-328-5056
starkey@agritrade.org
September 10, 2009
For Immediate Release
IPC Applauds Trade Ministers’ Commitment to Completion of the Doha Round (Washington, DC) September 9, 2009 – Responding to the announcement that WTO negotiations will resume in Geneva in mid-September with a view to completing the Doha Round in 2010, the
International Food & Agricultural Trade Policy Council (IPC) praised the perseverance and foresight of the participants in the Mini Ministerial Meeting in New Delhi. “We applaud the dedication of the Ministers,” stated IPC Chairman Carlo Trojan, “and look forward to genuine progress in the future negotiations.”
Said Trojan, “With protectionist sentiments on the rise and the world facing a global food security crisis, it is more important than ever to maintain and expand access to international markets. Better access to
markets will facilitate increased income for developing country farmers and promote food security. An open trading system, including improved disciplines on export restrictions, provides more affordable, reliable access to agricultural inputs and food at more stable prices.”
IPC noted that by reaffirming their dedication to completing the Doha Round, the ministers are recognizing not only the long-term benefits of further liberalization, but the vital contribution liberalization can make to economic recovery. The organization also explained that the timing of the ministers’ statement of rededication to the talks ensures that it will have a significant impact on the G-20 meeting of finance ministers in Pittsburgh later this month.
“We have looked closely at alternative options, but the fact is that the multilateral process still provides the best route for advancing agricultural reforms in particular,” said IPC member and former Chairman of the WTO General Council Carlos Perez del Castillo. “We need to keep moving forward.”
About IPC The International Food & Agricultural Trade Policy Council (IPC) promotes a more open and equitable global food system by pursuing pragmatic trade and development policies in food and agriculture to meet the world's growing needs. IPC convenes influential policymakers, agribusiness executives, farm leaders, and academics from developed and developing countries to clarify complex issues, build consensus, and advocate policies.
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