Developments in the multilateral trading system

The case of cotton in Benin illustrated the inequity of the multilateral trade system.

What is at stake is the very future of the multilateral trading system.

The future of the MTS would be undermined if it did not meet the needs of developing countries.

It was suggested that an adequate financing facility needs to be built into the MTS ex ante.

There was a serious lack of democracy at the heart of the multilateral trading system.

At the same time, smooth integration of developing economies into the MTS had yet to be achieved.

He highlighted the importance for Yemen of integrating into the MTS.

(e) The positive consideration of trade related issues pertaining to the commodity sector in the multilateral trading system

Ensure that the rule based multilateral trading system properly takes into consideration the economic vulnerabilities of small island developing States.

Greater policy space was necessary for developing countries to enable them to apply an appropriate mix of policy instruments.

Such an approach does not contradict multilateral trading system rules, which provide ample scope for industrial policy.

12. Acknowledges the need for continuing flexibility and special provisions for developing countries in the multilateral trading system

It was noted that the fear that a special treatment of small island developing States might undermine the multilateral trading system was unfounded.

The European Union trading system was cited as a successful model with regard to granting special and differential treatment to weaker and smaller economies. This has allowed such countries as Greece and Portugal to make structural adjustment to the global economy and fully integrate into the multilateral trading system.

Multilateral liberalization of temporary movement through commercially meaningful GATS commitments could be one of the best ways to attenuate permanent or illegal migration and maximize gains for sending and receiving countries.

The importance of positive engagement by all members in the multilateral trading system (MTS) was underscored.

The responsibility of all to contribute to a successful and development focused outcome of the Doha Work Programme (DWP) and a strengthening of the MTS was highlighted, as the multilateral route offers the best solution to the liberalization and promotion of trade.

We also recognize the special difficulties and concerns of landlocked developing countries in their efforts to integrate their economies into the multilateral trading system.

Systemic issues strengthening the multilateral system to promote development

Integrating the least developed countries into the global economy requires their voice and effective participation in the rule based multilateral trading system.

They called for efforts to combat protectionism and to strengthen the multilateral trading system.

The multilateral trading system should play an effective role in that process.

Thanks to the role played by the G 20, it has been possible to combine trade liberalization with social justice in the context of the multilateral trading system.

Regional initiatives were a stepping stone, not an alternative, to the multilateral trading system.

That is why I would like to associate my country's voice with the call for justice and equity in seeking sustainable solutions to problems arising from the multilateral trade system.

There was a need for adequate financing and resources for the LDCs to enable them to integrate properly into the multilateral trading system.

Pursuant to paragraph 35 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration, work has taken place on framing trade related responses for the fuller and more beneficial integration of small, vulnerable economies into the multilateral trading system.

The swift and successful conclusion of the Doha round would strengthen the MTS and lay the foundations for the next wave of global economic expansion.

The Doha negotiations provide a major and unique platform for increasing the contribution of the multilateral trading system to poverty alleviation and human development objectives.

The multilateral trade system should be adapted to the specific needs of developing countries in order to enable them to increase their exports and generate resources.

The ongoing GSTP negotiations in UNCTAD will lend further impetus to South South trade, and also strengthen the MTS.

Technical cooperation and capacity building are core elements of the development dimension of the multilateral trading system.

Developing countries may also use RTAs proactively with a view to furthering their developmental objectives and allowing for lessons learnt for the multilateral trading system.

The 2005 world summit unequivocally recognized the special difficulties and concerns of landlocked developing countries in their efforts to integrate their economies into the multilateral trading system.

This same principle in the MTS needed to be observed in the negotiations on economic partnership agreements between the European Union and the LDCs.

The main objective of the World Trade Organization in its technical assistance for African countries is to enhance Africa's capacity to participate in the multilateral trading system.

The oppressive measures against Cuba are contrary to commitments in the global partnership to support the development efforts of developing countries and are in contradiction with the principles of the multilateral trading system.

The essence of the multilateral system consists in two principles non discrimination and national treatment.

It would prevent the widening of differences within the multilateral system.

This proposal would avoid increasing the differences in the multilateral system.

Recognizing also the efforts of small island developing States to achieve sustainable development and the need to continue to enhance their capacities to participate effectively in the multilateral trading system,

UNCTAD's assistance to Africa's integration into, and participation in, the multilateral trading system through the intensification of efforts in the delivery of technical assistance was important.

A fair multilateral trading system and meaningful trade liberalization can benefit countries at all stages of development, serving as an important source of development financing.

It reflects the collective political will of Member States and their interest in strengthening the multilateral system.