WT/MIN(13)/ST/38  
5 December 2013  
(13-6685)  Page: 1/2  
Ministerial Conference 
Ninth Session 
Bali, 3-6 December 2013  Original: French  
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. DR ROSA ESCÓRCIO PACAVIRA DE MATOS 
MINISTER OF TRADE 
ANGOLA  
 
On behalf of the Republic of Angola, I would like to begin by thanking the Government and people of Indonesia for the welcome extended to our dele gation and for the perfect conditions they have 
provided for the organization of the 9
th WTO Ministerial Conference. 
 
I also take this opportunity to congratulate Ambassador Roberto Azevêdo for his appointment as Director-General of the WTO. 
 
We feel certain that with his skills and tenacity, we will be able to achieve a satisfactory outcome, not only here at this Conference, but in the WTO negotiating process as a whole. 
 
It has been 12 years since the launch of the Doha  Round, known as the "Development" round. It is 
the round of hope for multitudes of human beings, particularly those suffering from hunger and poverty, who believed and continue to be lieve that growth in trade is a guarantee 
of sustainable economic development in our countries, the more so since it contributes 
to alleviating the impact of the financial crisis that is still felt throughout the world.  
Angola has embarked on a process of economic  diversification, supported by a national 
development plan for the period 2013-2017, the main focus of which is the fight against famine and poverty. 
 
A considerable number of the measures contained in this national programme are directly linked to the Doha Development Agenda, and we are certain that disagreements in these trade negotiations could have a negative impact on international trade. 
 
Angola's development prospects, coupled with  our rapid economic growth, provide a solid 
foundation for strengthening and expanding our trade relations. 
 
This is why Angola is able to reaffirm its commitment to a balanced multilateral trading system.  
Thanks to the intensive work conducted over the past few weeks in Geneva, we now have positive 
results, which need to be consolidated with a view to ensuring a successful conclusion of the multilateral trade negotiations under the Doha Development Agenda.  
As regards the "Bali Package", Angola acknowledge s the significant progress that has been made 
regardless of the conflicts that still remain, and appeals to all Members of this Organization not to miss this window of opportunity. 
 
Everything must be done to reach an agreement at this 9
th Ministerial Conference.  
 
At this critical juncture, we need a firm commitment by all Members to the multilateral trading 
system. Without this, the WTO would run the risk of becoming fragmented, and would be deprived 
of all substance. This would have damaging consequences for the system, particularly as regards the least developed countries.  
 WT/MIN(13)/ST/38 
 
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  In conclusion, Angola associates itself with the statements made by the coordinators 
of the African Group, the LD C Group and the ACP Group. 
 We hope that by the time we leave Bali, the multil ateral trading system will have been given a new 
impetus so that it can face the challenges involved in promoting a balanced and fair system for the 
benefit of those that are suffering and have placed hope in our conclusions. 
 
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