. /.WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/MIN(01)/ST/83
12 November 2001
(01-5720)
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE
Fourth SessionDoha, 9 - 13 November 2001Original:  English
ICELAND
Statement by H.E. Mrs Valgerdun Sverrisdottir
Minister of Industry and Commerce
We have come a long way since our attempt at launching a new Round in Seattle two years
ago.  We are now facing a different world and have learned from our experience in Seattle.
The world trading system is faced with various new challenges and threats.  We have seen
clear signals of cooling of the international trade environment and we are all too aware of the adverse
effects of the recent terrorist outrage.  The stakes are higher and the responsibility to succeed here inDoha is, therefore, heavier than before.  If we do not launch a new round we risk deepening a growing
recession, with unforeseeable consequences.  The WTO and a new round of negotiations is an
important antidote to the malaise the world economy is beginning to suffer.  The world trading system
has furthermore gained a more important role as a tool in building bridges and increasing stability in
the world.
The multilateral trading system has proven to  be a driving force for prosperity in the
international trade environment and we are firmly of the view that WTO will again live up to its
expectations.
On that note I wish to underline that negotiations are an exercise in compromise.  We must
accept that narrow national interest cannot be a basis for progress.  Indeed, in order to achieve a
balanced outcome in which every country sees a benefit, we must also accept to live with some
disadvantages.  Balance is the key to a successful outcome to the benefit of all Member states.
To achieve optimal benefits for all, we have to take closely into account the concerns of the
developing countries.  It is in this light that we see the Draft Declaration on improving disciplines in
subsidies to fisheries while taking into account the importance of this sector to developing countries.
It is ironic that direct government action in this area, through the medium of subsidies, is actually
having widespread damaging effects - direct govern ment action should do the opposite.  If we are able
to improve disciplines in fisheries subsidies, we will win by increasing trade, win by protecting the
environment and win by assisting developing countries.
We must ensure that developing countries can harvest their resources for their long-term
prosperity.  This means that we need to help them acquire the technology and provide the appropriate
trade and economic conditions to make sustainable use profitable.  Sustainable use for the long termmust entail conservation of the marine environment.
TARIFF REDUCTIONS
Lowering of tariffs for industrial goods, including fisheries products, remains in our view a
key priority for the upcoming round.WT/MIN(01)/ST/83
Page 2
IMPLEMENTATION
We are aware that many of the commitments taken on through the WTO demand capacity to
implement them.  We understand that developing countries in particular require understanding in this
area, while at the same time being encouraged to live up to commitments made.  We therefore
welcome the proposals on a concrete action to remedy the problems.
TRIPS
Another area where it is clear that a practical approach is needed to accommodate non-trade
concerns, is medicines.  Here we must ensure a balance between the urgent needs of poorer nations
for pharmaceuticals versus the need to ensure intellectual property rights as a basis for further
scientific and technological progress.
ENVIRONMENT
Balance means looking beyond pure trade concerns.  The launch of negotiations on trade and
environment issues at Doha is an essential element in a balanced outcome.  We hope that we will see
further improvements in this direction in the final DOHA declaration.
AGRICULTURE
Iceland is firmly committed to the Agreement on Agriculture and the continuation of the
reform process as provided for in Article 20.  Iceland is highly dependent on international food tradeand imports more than half of its domestic consumption in calorific terms.  It is, however, imperative
that further negotiations address non-trade concerns in a meaningful and balanced fashion and take
into account the different interests and sensitivities of all Members, be they developed or developing.
Economic, social, environmental and natural conditions vary significantly between countries and the
specificity of each requires a degree of respect within the multilateral trading system.  Iceland willwork constructively towards a balanced outcome of the agricultural negotiations that safeguards its
legitimate trade and non-trade concerns.
INVESTMENT
We would prefer a stronger commitment on investment.  Indeed, we see no need to wait for
the fifth round.
The increasing number of Members to the WTO bears witness to the Organization's success.
With the Membership of China an important step is being taken in the history of the WTO.  I would
like to welcome China and other countries that have joined our Organization since the last Ministerial
Conference, notably Albania, Croatia, Georgi a, Jordan, Lithuania, Moldavia and Oman.
Finally, I would like to congratulate Your Excellency Mr. Yousef Hussain Kamal on your
election as Chairman of the Conference and through you I would like to extend our gratitude to the
State of Qatar and all the organizers of this important event for their warm hospitality.
__________