. /.WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/MIN(01)/ST/118
12 November 2001
(01-5710)
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE
Fourth SessionDoha, 9 - 13 November 2001Original:  English
MACAO, CHINA
Statement by Mr Tam Pak Yuen
Secretary for Economy and Finance
1. First and foremost, on behalf of Macao, Ch ina, I would like to convey my strong
determination to contribute to the success of this Ministerial Conference.  I would also like to express
my sincere gratitude to the Government of Qatar a nd the city of Doha for hosting this conference, as
well as to the WTO Secretariat and all those who have made tremendous efforts in the preparation
process for this meeting.
2. The multilateral trading system has undeniably contributed, in the past five decades, to global
economic growth and prosperity.  Trading partners, whether developed, developing or the least-
developed have, in some way or another, benefited from liberalization, by witnessing increased
opportunities for trade and investment, thus growth  and development.  Moreover, in view of the
challenges we face today, i.e. world economic slowdown and increased risk of protectionism, the need
to promptly address these issues at a multilateral level is evident.  Global problems call for solutions
at an international level.  Hence, at this point in time, the economic argument for a new round of trade
liberalization is a very strong one indeed.
3. Unquestionably, this meeting is of particular significance, as its outcome will set the pace for
future work related to global trade liberaliza tion and the strengthening of the world economy.
Furthermore, this meeting is also of vital importance, as it will witness the accession of the People's
Republic of China to the WTO, as with this historical event, the WTO will truly become a universal
organization.  Macao, China firmly believes that the integration of the Chinese economy into the
rules-based multilateral trading system will strengthen the system itself and greatly benefit all WTO
Members, by contributing further the expansion of international trade relations and investmentopportunities.
4. Macao, China is open to future work related to the mandated negotiations on agriculture and
services.  In view of the importance of this agricultural sector for many Members, we believe it is
imperative for WTO Members to, at their best endeavour, work out a balanced and universallyacceptable programme for the establishment of a fair agricultural trading system.  Turning to the on-
going services negotiations, Macao, China's commitment to the WTO principle of progressive
liberalization under the GATS goes hand-in-hand with its long-term objective of gradual and orderly
opening-up of our services sector.  We are open to further negotiations on services on a reciprocity
basis, taking into account the needs and concerns of developing Members.
5. Macao, China also attaches great importance to the developmental dimension of the future
new round.  We believe that all Members must strive to collectively solve implementation-related
problems in a committed and productive manner.
6. Macao, China supports the strengthening of the WTO system and believes that a new round
of trade negotiations is crucial to the future of the multilateral trade framework.  However, Macao,WT/MIN(01)/ST/118
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China concurs that, at this point in time, we should dedicate more analytical work to the relationship
between trade and issues such as competition, inve stment and environment, returning to them, with
clearer insight, in the next Ministerial Conference.
7. To conclude, Macao, China believes that WTO Members have a special responsibility in
overcoming the challenges facing world economy today.  We must collectively do our best to seize
this opportunity and contribute constructively to the future work of the WTO.  On its part, Macao,
China is determined to unswervingly uphold its intern ational obligations and continue to play its part
in the multilateral trading system as a fair, credible and equitable trading partner.
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