Statement by the Foreign Minister on the launch of the new WTO Round at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Doha, Qatar
November 15, 2001
Japanese
With regard to agriculture, we welcome the fact that the negotiations were placed as an important element of the broad-based agenda of the new round. In the subsequent negotiations, Japan will endeavor to establish agricultural trade rules that enable the coexistence of various types of agriculture.
As for the negotiations on services, Japan values the establishment of a negotiating framework that contributes to the smooth progress of the negotiations. It will actively engage in the negotiations so as to further liberalize trade in services.
Japan has strongly advocated the need of clarifying and improving the disciplines on anti-dumping measures. It is therefore gratifying to find the declaration to have included the disciplines as the subject of negotiations. Japan hopes to strengthen the rules on anti-dumping measures so as to prevent their abuse.
On investment rules, Japan welcomes the fact that the negotiations would commence after the Fifth Ministerial Conference despite some differences of opinions among Members on this subject. The declaration stipulates that work to clarify the elements of a multilateral framework should start immediately. Japan intends to actively participate in such work.
Concerning the issue of trade and environment, Japan appreciates the declaration which pointed out the issue as an important area to be seriously addressed by the WTO. It is Japan's view that the trade negotiations should duly take into account aspects of global environment as well as sustainable use of natural resources.
In the separate declaration, WTO members have reaffirmed that the WTO Agreement on intellectual property rights (TRIPS Agreement) can provide necessary flexibility for the issue of access to medicines particularly by developing Members. Mindful of the gravity of the issue, Japan will continue to tackle the problem of infectious disease, including HIV/AIDS, through taking various approaches.
Japan attaches great importance to the fact that the Ministerial Declaration has referred in various sections the interests of developing Members. Japan has been actively involved in addressing this issue, and firmly intends to make efforts in such areas as implementation-related issues, improvement of market access for products originating from least-developed countries (LDCs) and trade-related capacity building.
Last but not least, I would like to pay respect to efforts made by our delegation and share the achievements they have made in Doha.
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