. /.WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/AG/NG/W/153
4 April 2001
(01-1685)
Committee on Agriculture
Special SessionOriginal:  English
SEVENTH SPECIAL SESSION OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE
26-28 MARCH 2001
Statement by New Zealand
New Zealand believes that Members have worked in a constructive and business like way to
date in Phase 1 of the Special Sessions.  I am confident that we can continue to do so if we all keep
the objective in mind and have the will to proceed.  We seem to have consensus on a work
programme for the next 12 months which, with the help of the Chair, will guide us and allow us to
intensify our work.
In Phase 1 of the process, however, we have all been talking at a level that was rather general.
A level that, perhaps, suited some of us for domestic reasons, but is not sufficient to make our
ambitions clear to trading partners or to progress the negotiation.
We now need to clarify the 47 proposals and submissions we have on the table and look at
options for operationalizing them.
The proposals tabled represent quite different levels of ambition, but to New Zealand
common threads can be drawn which point us to the work that needs to be done in Phase 2.
Of the common threads, the most important is that all proposals have been based on the
structure of the Agreement on Agriculture – they all reaffirm the basis for the negotiations –
Article 20.  That Article sets the long-term objective of "substantial progressive reductions in support
and protection resulting in fundamental reform".
And it is clear that there are many common elements at a greater level of detail as well.We see consistent calls for tariff reductions and the rectification of the problems caused by
tariff peaks and tariff escalation.  We see consistent calls for improved tariff quota access.  Other
problems in the market access area have also been raised – the special safeguard provisions and the
complexity of some tariffs amongst them.
There are also many calls for the elimination of all forms of export subsidies.  In fact more
than half of the proposals on the table have called for the elimination of export subsidies – from the
majority of individual Members.
Moreover, there has been expressed in the proposals, a recognition that trade-distorting
domestic support must be reduced.
On non-trade concerns Phase 1 has, in our view, also shown us that a rational discussion is
possible on this subject, in this group.
Non-trade concerns are important – albeit different ones may be important to different
countries and at different times.G/AG/NG/W/153
Page 2
But as most proposals show there are well-established means of pursuing them which do not
conflict with trade liberalization.  Progress will be made in these agricultural negotiations as long as
Members get down to practicalities.
Importantly, all proposals to date have recognized that special and differential treatment for
developing countries is an integral part of the negotiation.  It is up to all of us to convert that
recognition into operational measures which will provide developing countries the flexibility
necessary to accommodate their particular needs and conditions and to ensure that agriculture
development – often the cornerstone of economic development – is enhanced.  At the same time – and
in the interests of all of us – we must move positively towards a more open multilateral trading
system.
Conclusion
As we have said, we are positive about the scope to make progress – there are clear ways
forward which will allow the objectives of all countries to be satisfied.  And we have a work
programme that will allow us to do the substantial amount of work which is necessary.
All of us are, of course, aware that the Qatar Ministerial Conference is set for half way
through Phase 2 and that Ministers there will be faced with decisions about the nature of our work and
timeframes.  We cannot prejudge what they will decide.
But that does not stop the regular work of the Organization from continuing nor need it affect
the ongoing work of this Special Session.  In our view we need to separate the work in this forum
from the Qatar preparatory process and continue to work in a positive manner on the basis of the
mandate we have in Article 20.
Finally, we would like to thank you for your contribution to Phase 1 and the work programme
and, at the same time, look forward to welcoming Ambassador Apiradi of Thailand back to the top
table.  New Zealand remains ready to assist the Chair in any way possible.
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