The draft texts released today by the chairs of the
Agriculture and NAMA negotiating groups are, as expected, wide-ranging and
complex. We thank the chairmen, Crawford Falconer and Don Stephenson, for
their thoughtful work. Both of the texts will demand close analysis as we
develop a comprehensive U.S. reaction.
During this period we will continue to work closely with
the
Congress and our key domestic stakeholders. We look forward to next
week’s work in Geneva, when we will exchange with our trading
partners initial reactions to the texts and discuss how to take the
negotiations
forward into the fall.
It is important to note that the Chairs’ issuance of draft
texts at
this stage is a single step in a longer term process aimed at
establishing “modalities” -- the detailed negotiating framework needed
for both
agricultural and non-agricultural market access in order for
the Doha
negotiations to enter
their final stage.
Both chairs have indicated that revisions of these drafts
will
follow, based upon Members’ comments and consultations.
It is also important to note that Agriculture and NAMA are
only two
pillars of the negotiation. The United States
will continue
to press for an ambitious result for the third pillar, Services,
which
is essential in order to reach a successful conclusion to the Doha
Round.
The United
States will participate
actively and
constructively in the upcoming consultations and negotiations over
the
Agriculture and NAMA texts, with the aim of ensuring that the revised texts
define a clear path for an ambitious and balanced result that generates
economic
growth and development through new trade flows and new market
opportunities.
