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USCIB Welcomes Progress on Doha Round
New York, N.Y., August 2, 2004 – Progress by trade negotiators in agreeing to a framework for completing the World Trade Organization’s Doha round negotiations brightens the outlook for American firms and the U.S. economy, according to a leading pro-trade group.   The United States Council for International Business (USC IB), which represents hundreds of U.S. multinational companies, said the past week’s round-the-clock meetings had produced a good road map for completing the much-needed package of trade liberalization measures.   “The announced WTO framework agreement, while appropriately short on specifics, nevertheless points the way toward completion of the Doha round,” said USCIB President Thomas Niles.  “Final agreement would provide a tremendous shot in the arm for U.S. companies and the world economy.”	USCIB President Thomas Niles: A WTO agreement would be “a tremendous shot in the arm for U.S. companies.”
The interim WTO accord commits wealthy countries to cutting billions of dollars of trade-distorting farm subsidies.  It maps out the broad reduction or elimination of tariffs and other market-access barriers to agricultural and industrial goods, as well as services, as part of the Doha round, which takes its name from the Qatari capital where talks were launched in 2001.  It also pledges WTO members to work towards meaningful modernization of customs practices and other trade-facilitation measures.   “Special credit for the accord should go to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick,” said Mr. Niles.  “It was his plea in January to WTO members to recommit themselves to the Doha round talks that provided a needed push to all parties.”  Mr. Niles also praised WTO Director General Supachai Panitchpakdi and leading WTO member governments for demonstrating the stamina and political will to make necessary concessions and achieve an ambitious framework agreement.   “All parties demonstrated a remarkably positive approach to negotiations, especially during the crucial last few days,” he said.   Citing negative initial comments from some U.S. lawmakers, Mr. Niles urged all concerned to examine the framework agreement closely before passing judgment, and to avoid turning the WTO into a political football in an election year.  He said grandstanding would only serve to distract negotiators from their important work.   “This framework agreement is an important step, but it’s important to recognize that the real negotiations lie ahead,” said Mr. Niles.  “Much difficult work faces WTO members over the coming months.”   USCIB promotes an open system of global commerce in which business can flourish and contribute to economic growth, human welfare and protection of the environment.  Its membership includes some 300 U.S. companies, professional service firms and associations whose combined annual revenues exceed $3 trillion.  As American affiliate of the leading international business and employers organizations, USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide and works to facilitate international trade.   Contacts: Timothy E. Deal, Sr. VP - Washington, USCIB (202) 316- or tdeal@uscib-dc.org   Jonathan Huneke, VP Communications, USCIB (212) 703-5043 or jhuneke@uscib.org   WTO website   More on USCIB’s Trade Policy Committee

 

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