. /.WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/MIN(99)/ST/134
2 December 1999
(99-5343)
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE
Third SessionSeattle, 30 November - 3 December 1999Original:  English
SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY OF TAIWAN,
PENGHU, KINMEN AND MATSU
Statement by Dr. Wang Chih-Kang
Minister for Economic Affairs
(Speaking as an Observer)
On behalf of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu
("Chinese Taipei"), I wish to express my deepest appreciation to the Government of the United Statesand thank the State of Washington and the city of Seattle for hosting the Third WTO Ministerial
Meeting.
This meeting is particularly significant as the outcome will set the pace for the global trade
liberalization process for the next decade.  The challenge for us is, on the one hand, to conclude thenew round within a reasonable timeframe, while on the other, to maintain a balanced work
programme that effectively addresses developing countries' concerns.  We believe the results of the
new round will add impetus to the current WTO trade liberalization agenda.  The world will enjoy not
only greater and freer trade flows, but also a stronger world economy that generates global prosperity
and income growth.
We have been an observer to the GATT/WTO since 1992.  During this time, although we did
not participate in WTO discussions as a full member, we have closely followed the WTO multilateral
rules and principles to initiate the necessary domestic reform.  We have made major efforts to
improve our trade regime and to work towards its compatibility with WTO rules.  Our accession
commitment is a further reflection of Chinese Taipei's  determination to meet the requirements of the
WTO.  Given the opportunity, we also intend to share our experience, and contribute to developingWTO Members through means such as capacity building and technical assistance in their
implementation of WTO obligations.
As trade ministers discuss the new agenda for the new round, we hope that WTO Members
will continue with their support for Chinese Taipei's accession as early as possible.  Needless to say, amore universal WTO would make future liberalization efforts more encompassing, and would
particularly benefit policy coherence during the implementation process.  This becomes even more
crucial when we are launching the new round of trade negotiations at this stage.
As for Chinese Taipei's perspective on the new round, we are of the view that full
implementation of the Uruguay Round commitments w ould serve as the basis for moving forward in
constructing a liberal trading order.  Chinese Taipei also fully recognizes the importance of continuing
negotiations on reduction of tariff and non-tariff trade barriers to further the liberalization objectives.
On the new issues, we believe it is important to factor environmental considerations into the
development of the WTO trade policy agenda, to fully reflect the spirits of sustainable developmentestablished in the Marrakesh Agreement.  Efforts in this direction could include ensuring policy
coherence between WTO measures and multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs).  With the fastWT/MIN(99)/ST/134
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changing global trading environment, it becomes increasingly important to turn to "behind-the-
border" measures, such as competition and investment policies.  However, these issues are complex,
and the divergence in economic structures and levels of economic development should be accounted
for in exploring means to address the relevant concerns.
Finally, I wish to thank all concerned for providing us with this precious opportunity to
convey our messages to the WTO Members.  And we look forward to working alongside our WTO
colleagues as a full Member during the new round of trade negotiations.
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