Resolution for a New WTO Round in 2001 and a Balanced and Appropriate Agenda to WTO Members

9th Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum
14-19 January 2001

Resolution for a New WTO Round in 2001 and a Balanced and Appropriate Agenda to WTO Members

APPF09/RES/19

The 9th annual meeting of APPF in Valparaíso, Chile in January 2001

Recognizing that a more predictable environment for trade as well as a reduction in trade barriers has contributed to unprecedented economic prosperity for the majority of the world’s countries;

Noting that world exports in 1998 were 18 times those of 1950, while world GDP in 1998 was 6 times that of GDP in 1950 and that the rapid growth in exports likely contributed substantially to the growth in GDP.

Observing that trade has been particularly important in raising living standards for many developing countries.

Recognizing that the World Trade Organization functions to provide a more predictable environment for trade and a reduction for trade barriers through an agreed upon set of multilateral rules and principles for trade, the provision of a mechanism to enforce the rules and a forum for negotiations to reduce trade barriers;

Noting that the WTO has come under criticism for not being able to sufficiently respond to the concerns of civil society. Accepting that the WTO was unable to come to an agreement on the agenda for a new round of multilateral trade negotiations at the Seattle Ministerial Conference; and

RESOLVES TO:

Renew its call upon WTO members to achieve a consensus on an appropriate agenda for, and an early launch of, a new round of negotiations.
Welcome the strong call by the APEC Economic Leaders in Brunei Darussalam in November 2000 for the launch of a new WTO round in 2001 and the definition of a balanced and appropriate agenda that responds to the interests of all WTO members;
Highlight the importance of the WTO enhancing its transparency in order to address legitimate concerns over its activities, to encourage more active participation in orderly negotiations by members and to promote the benefits of international trade.