. /.   WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/MIN(09)/ST/6 
1 December 2009 
 (09-6080) 
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 
Seventh Session Geneva, 30 November - 2 December 2009 Original:   English 
 
   
HONG KONG, CHINA 
 
Statement by Mrs Rita LAU NG Wai-lan
 
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development  
  1. It has been four years since we last gath ered in Hong Kong for the Sixth Ministerial 
Conference.  Our meeting this week gives us a long- awaited opportunity to get together to review the 
activities of the WTO and provide the necessary guida nce to this institution in moving forward. 
2. The unprecedented economic and financial crisis in the past 15 months has underlined the 
need for us to take a critical look at all aspects of  WTO work.  Pascal Lamy in his recent annual report 
on trade developments has identified some areas that  deserve our attention.  We agree with these 
issues and fully share the sense of urgency for impr ovement.  In particular, we support enhancing the 
completeness and coherence of the information system s and the monitoring mechanisms of the WTO.  
The availability of comprehensive, accurate and up- to-date information on trade policy developments 
will facilitate Members' evaluation of thei r impact on the multilateral trading system. 
3. Over the years, we have built a system that has served us well.  We must now work to ensure 
that the WTO remains relevant, agile and responsive to the many challenges that will confront us, be 
they brought by a future economic crisis or other unpredictable occurrences.  We must seek ways to 
continue improving the functioning, efficiency, incl usiveness and transparency of the WTO.  Earlier, 
Hong Kong, China and some other Members have join ed a proposal spearheaded by India, suggesting 
that a deliberate process be set in train to improve th e WTO.  I urge other Members to join us in this 
endeavour.  This task calls for hard work.  But I am  sure that with commitments and perseverance, we 
can make it happen. 
4. This Conference also provides us with an opport unity to stocktake and discuss how best we 
can further contribute to the recovery, growth a nd development of the global economy.  Since the 
onset of the crisis, the rules-based multilateral trading system and the collective surveillance by 
Members have averted a downward spiral of protecti onism.  We have seen the WTO playing its role.  
But as unemployment may continue to rise and the road  to recovery may still be bumpy, the real stress 
test lies ahead. 
5. As a true believer in free and open trade, Hong Kong, China is convinced that this remains a 
proven way to realize economic potential - not ju st for ourselves, but for all.  The successful 
conclusion of the Doha Round in 2010 remains our top priority.  Despite the efforts that we have all 
put in and the many political pronouncements on the conclusion of the Round, there has not yet been 
sufficient progress made on the ground to get us th ere.  The milestones which have been set, have 
come and gone.  The credibility of this organisation and the multilateral trading system is at risk.  We 
must demonstrate to the world that the system still works and merits our continued support.  Indeed, 
we cannot afford to miss this critical window again.   I urge that we, as Ministers, should be actively WT/MIN(09)/ST/6 
Page 2  
 
  engaged.  We must together build on the progress made over the years, lock in the consensus, and 
make practical compromises to clinch the deal.  Th is is the most important, if not the only way to 
ensure that this institution remains releva nt and contributes to the world economy. 
__________