Press Releases
Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan on the Conclusion of the “Bali Package” at the World Trade Organization (WTO)
1. The “Bali Package”, a trade deal concerning part of target fields of the Doha Round negotiations, was agreed at the Ninth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC9) held in Bali, Indonesia, from December 3 to 7. The Government of Japan welcomes the conclusion of the package and pays respect to the leadership of Mr. Roberto Azevêdo, Director-General of the WTO.
2. The “Bali Package” concluded at the ministerial conference consists of three fields: (1) Trade facilitation; (2) part of the field of agriculture; and (3) development. Trade facilitation, in particular, is expected to benefit both developed and developing countries through transparent and speedy customs procedures, and to have a significant effect of promoting of trade. Moreover, the conclusion of the Agreement on Trade facilitation will be the first multilateral trade rule agreed by all the members of the WTO since its foundation and is expected to lead to vitalization of the tangled Doha Round negotiations. The Government of Japan will continue its efforts for maintenance and reinforcement of the multilateral trading system.