Tal
Genève 15 december 2011
Ewa Björling, Handelsminister

Ewa Björlings tal vid WTO:s ministermöte

Det talade ordet gäller.

Fellow ministers, Director-General, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen;

The world economy is facing tremendous challenges and is performing well under capacity. More open trade can contribute to jobs and growth when we need it the most. In this sense, an ambitious conclusion of the Doha Round of trade negotiations constitute the best option for the world trading system, global trade, development, and the climate.

With this in mind, we must do everything in our power to act responsibly and constructively to move ahead with the negotiations, and also to be creative in identifying solutions that deliver more open and transparent markets.

The WTO is the cornerstone of international trade, and its role as a guardian against protectionism has been emphasized during the past few years. In this context, the Trade Policy Review Mechanism has played a crucial role and should be strengthened.

Nevertheless, in order for the multilateral trading system to be relevant in today's turmoil world, we have to be proactive. Results must be the central theme.

In this regard, special attention must be put on issues that deliver real market access, and that contribute to development.

Trade facilitation, NTBs and services are vital components to this aim. We all know that the bulk of estimated gains of a Doha deal derive from these areas.

What has been achieved on development, particularly with respect to LCD issues, is good but still insufficient. We must never forget that development is at the heart of the Doha Round. It is necessary to live up to pledges made in Hong Kong to give LDCs duty-free, quota-free access to markets.

There are clear linkages between trade, development, and the climate. All countries must together face the challenges posed by both global warming, and the global economic downturn. What is clear is that all areas of public policy need to step up for the climate. Trade is no exception!

We should therefore consider to move forward on deals specifically targeted at liberalizing trade in environmental and climate friendly goods, services, and technologies.

Information and communication technology can play an import role in this sense. ICT products and services lower the carbon footprint, build social capital, and facilitate for free speech. In other words, to support trade in these goods is to support the climate, development, and democracy.

In light of this, I say it is high time to update and expand the Information Technology Agreement. Hopefully negotiations can be initiated in a matter of months as to lay the foundation for an ambitious expansion of this very successful agreement.

Further, we should consider to move ahead on a fisheries subsidies agreement, which would remove trade distortions that are especially hurtful for the climate and the environment.

It is essential to bear in mind that the WTO is greater than individual meetings and negotiations. We should never lose hope and willingness to move forward. Results can always be accomplished.

The successful agreement on the Government Procurement Agreement is proof of this. This agreement will contribute to jobs and growth. Moreover, delivering on the GPA will send an important signal that we can act forcefully and deliberately when needed. I hope China and others will shortly accede to the GPA in a truly ambitious manner, which will further enhance the positive effects.

In order to deal with the most pressing global challenges, in terms of growth, development, and the climate, we need to seek a common understanding on how to move forward. We need more free trade, not less. And we need the WTO.

Thank you.