. /.  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/MIN(05)/ST/69 
15 December 2005 
 (05-6055) 
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 
Sixth Session Hong Kong, 13 - 18 December 2005 Original:   English 
 
  
PORTUGAL 
 
Statement by HE Mr Manuel Pinho
 
Minister of Economy and Innovation  
   Let me start by expressing, on behalf of my Government, the appreciation to Hong Kong, China, for the organization of this C onference and for the warm welcome provided to the 
delegations. 
  Let me also add that Portugal fully subscrib es to the statements made on behalf of the 
European Union.   We are gathered here to im prove sustainable development a nd to promote economic growth.  
These two concepts are mutually supportive and they are our main priority. 
  Trade is one of the most important engin es for growth and for creating employment.  
Deepening trade liberalization and strengthening the rules that govern international trade relations are 
WTO's main contribution to achieve that priority. 
 
 Trade openness, is a key feature of globalization,  and it creates many challenges to all of us.  
Stronger competition among enterprises and count ries increases the pressure on industries and 
employment.  This competitive pressure raises the n eed for structural adjustment measures at the 
domestic level, in order to profit the most from globalization opportunities whilst limiting its potential 
negative effects. 
 
 But this is not enough.  The international community, and especially the WTO, must continue to work hard towards creating a more level playin g field.  We must continue to develop higher 
environmental and social standards, in a coopera tive manner, and to apply legitimate trade defence 
instruments with a view to correcting the effect s of unfair practices, in accordance with the WTO 
rules. 
  Results on the development dimension are a priori ty.  We must achieve substantial results is 
this area namely through a development packag e, including the "Aid for Trade Initiative". 
 
 Both developed countries and developing countries should be w illing to contribute to this 
package in favour of the least developed countries.   Our expectations for this Conference are high.  Although the negotiations are not expected to 
deliver the initially desired outcome, the Conferen ce can provide a new and strong impulse to the 
Doha negotiations. 
 
 The Hong Kong Ministerial Conference offers an unique opportunity to evaluate and consolidate the progresses already made since the Fr amework Agreement of July 2004 and to achieve WT/MIN(05)/ST/69 
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 specific results concerning measures in favour of de veloping countries, especially the least developed 
ones.   The Doha Round is due to be completed by the end of 2006.  To that end, we must 
concentrate our efforts at this Conference in cr eating the political impulse which is necessary to 
overcome our main differences.  
  Let me now address some specific points:   A comprehensive and balanced outcome am ong and within all themes under discussion is 
essential for the success of the negotiations. 
  Regarding Market Access for Non-Agricultural Products (NAMA), we should aim at the reduction of high tariffs and at the elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers. 
 
 The accomplishment of these two objectives demands not only an effort by Developed 
Countries but also from the more competitive amongst the developing countries.   On services, the commitments and offers th at have been made are clearly below our 
expectations.  We must work hard in finding soluti ons to obtain additional and stronger results in this 
regard. 
 
 The European Union has taken important steps fo r the achievement of a realistic and balanced 
agreement on agriculture.  We call other countries to show the same flexibility that is needed to 
achieve a more balanced outcome.  
 Geographical Indications are a very important issue for Portugal.  The quality of regional 
products that are part of the cultural, historical and economic heritage of each specific region must be recognized and protected.   For that reason I would like to underscore  our commitment to the establishment of a 
Multilateral Register for wine and spirits and the ex tension of additional prot ection to other products.  
We believe that developing countries can also benefit from this proposal. 
  Since the last Ministerial Conference, Ca mbodia, Nepal and now Saudi Arabia became 
Members.  I would like to welcome them to the WT O.  I would also like to greet Tonga which has 
concluded accession negotiations and w ill became a full Member soon. 
 
 Accession negotiations are an important element of the WTO activities.  We encourage those countries currently engaged in accession nego tiations to continue their efforts. 
  I would like to send a special word of encour agement to Cape Verde, hoping that it will be 
possible to complete the accession negotiations very soon. 
 
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