WT/MIN(13)/ST/116  
 
12 February 2014  
(14-0844)  Page: 1/2  
Ministerial Conference 
Ninth Session 
Bali, 3-6 December 2013  Original: English  
 
 STATEMENT BY H.E. MR CARLO CALENDA 
DEPUTY MINISTER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 
ITALY 
Let me start by thanking the Government of Indonesia for hosting the conference and for the 
excellent organization. I would also like to commend DG Roberto Azevêdo for his tremendous efforts in leading us so clos e to reaching an agreement. 
 
This 9th WTO Ministerial Conference is the last call for multilateralism. Unfortunately, a failure of 
this meeting seems approaching. Hence, it is imperative we are clear and straightforward in our statements. 
 
The Italian government considers the so-called “Bali package” presented by Director-General 
Azevêdo a fair and balanced deal. Additionally, a ccording to the majority of speeches made from 
this floor, this opinion seems to be widely shared. 
 The effects of a positive result are potentially very substantial, in particular because of the Trade Facilitation measures. This applies to all countries no matter what stage of development they have 
reached. And, within single countries, the main beneficiaries of this agreement are going to be 
SMEs, which are the backbone of a successful development strategy and a vibrant economic system. 
 
Very good progress has been achieved both on th e disciplines and the flexibilities/assistance for 
developing countries. A very limited number of issues still needs to be resolved, but clear landing 
zones are visible. 
 I must emphasize that given the nature of the measures concerned, a concrete and efficient implementation plan of the TF Agreement will be crucial to achieve all the benefits that it can bring 
about. 
 With regards to agriculture, the interests of developing countries were taken into account 
throughout the negotiations on the Bali package. 
 An interim mechanism for public stockholdings of agricultural commodities could provide flexibility 
for DCs food security policies. 
 Indeed on Food Security, Italy believes that  a good compromise was achieved in Geneva. 
Nevertheless, as a member state of the European Union, we remain ready to continue discussions 
with other WTO Members as long as the fundamental architecture of the original compromise text 
is respected.  
In the area of export competition we consider positively a political declaration of the Conference. 
By the same token, Italy appreciates the improvement of the Tariff Rate Quotas.  
Also the longstanding request of DCs for the Monitoring Mechanism and the four decisions for LDCs 
could be an important part of the package.  Italy believes that there is no concrete reason that can possibly justify a failure of these 
negotiations. WT/MIN(13)/ST/116 
 
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We have entered a new phase of globalization, where benefits can be more evenly distributed 
across countries and also within countries. However, the magnitude of the changes in the last 20 years frightened millions of people also in Western countries. Protectionist and nationalist 
sentiments are coming back. The forthcoming European elections might see a large intake of 
political forces that represent such positions.  
We all know that multilateralism is the most difficult decision-making process. Bilateralism and 
plurilateralism are more effective. After 12 years of stalemate in the DDA, we are all tempted to switch towards the easier path.  
However, we should keep in mind that multilateralism is the only setting in which the uneven 
balance of power among nations is tempered by the need of reaching a large consensus. This 
feature of multilateralism is a crucial one if we want an increasingly balanced and fair international 
economic environment. 
 Globalization is an irreversible process. However, the pursuing of globalization can take different 
forms, and some paths can be very dangerous to cross. The fundamental call we have to take 
today goes far beyond food security and trade facilitation; it is really about which path to choose.  Let’s take the right one. 
 
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