. /.WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/MIN(99)/ST/121
2 December 1999
(99-5322)
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE
Third SessionSeattle, 30 November - 3 December 1999Original:  English
KUWAIT
Statement by H.E. Mr. Hamad A. Al-Ghanim ,
Assistant Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs
First of all, on behalf of the Government of the State of Kuwait, myself and the members of
the accompanying delegation, I would like to extend my congratulations to you for being elected as
Chairman of the Third Ministerial Meeting of the WTO. I also congratulate the members of the
Executive Bureau wishing them all success.
On this occasion, let me convey to both the American Government and the friendly American
people our appreciation for hosting this big well-organized conference. I would like also to
congratulate both Mr. Mike Moore and his colleague Mr. Supachai for being selected to lead the
WTO during the next six years. I am confident that bot h of them will be able to realize his aspirations.
While this meeting is being held, we are about to celebrate a few spiritual occasion which
embody the best meanings of humanitarian cooperation and unity among all peoples to the best
interest of man who has been dignified by the creator.
The auspicious month of Ramadan will start within a few days, and in its simplest meaning
means the assistance given by the rich to the poor without favour, followed by the world celebration
of Christmas, the birthday of Christ, the spirit of tolerance and solidarity, culminating in the NewYear and the new millennium during which I wish prosperity and stability for all people.
In my brief speech, I have to point out the dramatic economic changes that took place during
the 1990s, and the nations attitude towards adopting the principle of liberal economy instead of other
prevailing economic theories. The State of Kuwait has adopted this principle since its independence
and even before out of its firm belief of the importance of the open economy in pushing forward
towards prosperity and meeting human needs.  In this regard, it is my pleasure to inform you that an
international investment forum will be held in Kuwait from 4-5 March 2000 to serve this worldwide
tendency.
Our meeting follows a series of regional, intern ational and even local intensive meetings.  I
personally think that these meetings as well as our next meetings will spontaneously shape the
futuristic picture which will lead to globalization imposing itself as a historic inevitability.
On the other hand, there is no doubt that the forces of globalization are humanitarian forces
based on humanitarian work and it is not a commodity with specific expiry.  This globalization "the
picture" is to be finally drawn after negotiations and conferences so as we can share it and not face it.WT/MIN(99)/ST/121
Page 2
I have read and scrutinized, with my work team, the draft statement to be declared at the end
of our meeting which includes some paragraphs reflecting the discussions and negotiations conducted
by the permanent delegations to the WTO in Geneva.  Let me share with you a few suggestions
hoping that they will be tackled during the next round of negotiations, to be an element of stability
and optimism for the developing and least developing countries, they are as follows:
1. To take into consideration the developing and least developing countries view points which
constitute the majority not in the WTO but in the world, they are competing to join your esteemed
organization hoping for prosperity.
2. To take into consideration the "implementation principle" which is a collective request for all
WTO Members, unfortunately, the developing and least developing countries faced and are still
facing some difficulties regarding implementation, therefore, I suggest to give them time to  organizetheir internal matters.
3. The exchange of privileges between the World's North and South countries for the common
good, putting into action the principle of balance and justice.
4. Within the context of the previous suggestion, we see that the transfer of technology among
the WTO Member states is a vital issue for the developing and least developing countries.  The above-mentioned transfer should be without heavy financial burdens.
5. The opening of markets for the developing and least developing countries emerging
industries, and assisting them to reach new markets through an information database to be established
by the WTO will inevitably develop their economy.
6. The most upsetting issue for the developing and least developing countries wishing to join the
WTO is that they face a lot of requirements wh ich sometimes are impossible with respect to their
national capabilities.  We think that the WTO should have a clear and streamlined strategy for the
joining of countries to the WTO without having to wait for a long time or constituting a burden on
them.
7. The State of Kuwait diligently endeavoured since 1994, at the time of signing the final
document of Uruguay Round.  To update its national laws and legislations to cope with the WTO
Agreements.  Further to this, and with respect its regional membership to the Gulf Cooperation
Council, calls upon the Members to accept the joining of our brotherly countries:  the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman.  So as our region will have full membership, this will
undoubtedly push the WTO forward.
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