“We welcome the release of the Sutherland report, and extend our
appreciation to former DG Peter Sutherland and his colleagues for producing their report. It is a serious and constructive review of the WTO after its first ten years of operation and should
be the basis for an open discussion with DG Supachai Panitchpakdi
and his successor of how, together, we can improve the effectiveness and
operation of the WTO.
“As the report states ardently, opening markets and reducing
trade barriers globally offer the world the best hope to expand economic growth,
development, and opportunity both for developed and developing countries.
“We agree. That is why
the United States
took a leading role in launching the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) in 2001,
advancing ambitious goals and proposals, and getting the negotiations back on
track in 2004. We appreciate the
strong emphasis that the report places on continued, ambitious multilateral
trade liberalization and the DDA.
“The United
States has also urged other key WTO members,
both developed and developing, to join us in assuming this mutual
responsibility. All must contribute
to expanding market access for all Members.
“Like others, we may take issue with some of the points and
recommendations, but we think that it raises the right questions for reflection
while making a compelling case for an open trading system based on agreed
multilateral rules.
“The United
States especially welcomes the report’s call
for greater transparency, particularly in its recommendations to make dispute
settlement proceedings public and for greater outreach to the public. We have long advocated public meetings
in dispute settlement. Keeping the
proceedings closed detracts from the credibility of the system. Similarly, we have long supported
ensuring that government officials and others have a good understanding of how
the WTO operates, the dispute settlement system, so also welcome the report’s
call for efforts to provide officials and the public with a better understanding
of the system.
“The report recognizes that many WTO Members are pursuing global
liberalization at the same time as they are proceeding with bilateral and
regional agreements. We believe it
is important for new agreements -- including those negotiated among developing
countries -- to be consistent with the WTO and its principles, so as to promote
global trade and openness. Too many
agreements are making large-scale exclusions -- especially in agriculture -- the
rule, not the exception. We welcome
a further dialogue on these important issues. Our own experience with FTAs demonstrates
that comprehensive, WTO-consistent FTAs can be effective vehicles for
liberalization, economic reform, and economic development. Our FTA partners have also been among
the strongest advocates for an ambitious DDA result. In addition, many developing countries
have gained significantly from the special trade preferences the
United States
has provided.
“We will study the report carefully, consult with Congress and other
stakeholders, and participate with other Members in discussions that will take
place in Geneva in the coming
months.
“Our top priority will continue to be the successful conclusion of
the DDA negotiations. U.S. Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellick will be
attending the informal meeting of Ministers in Davos later this month to help
give the DDA impetus in 2005. The
results of the report certainly compel us to move ahead expeditiously in the
negotiations without delay.”