. /.   WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/MIN(09)/ST/47 
1 December 2009 
 (09-6115) 
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 
Seventh Session Geneva, 30 November - 2 December 2009 Original:   English 
 
  
THAILAND 
 
Statement by HE Mrs Porntiva Nakasai
 
Minister for Commerce  
   First of all, let me begin by thanking th e Swiss government for their warm hospitality and 
organization of this important Conference.  Give n the global economic downturn facing all of us, we 
feel that it is a timely and much needed gather ing of the WTO Membership at the highest level. 
  The WTO is an indispensable institution that  helps to enhance trad e flows by using its 
rules-based mechanism to e nhance stability, transparency and predic tability of international trade, and 
to keep trade discrimination to a minimum.  It is  especially vital during the current economic climate, 
where protectionism has threatened to take over from our very efforts to become more outward 
looking. 
  The WTO aims to provide a level playing fiel d for all its Members, which is particularly 
important for small nations like Thailand.  I encour age all developing countries to actively engage in 
the WTO and make full use of its f unctions and opportunities.   The WTO database, for example, is an 
important source of information for all its Members and therefore must remain sufficiently transparent 
and accessible.   Thailand fully agrees that the WTO needs to be improved to keep pace with the changing 
global economy and to continue to be a reliable institution for intern ational trade.  These include the 
work programmes of the Committees which must be  streamlined with those of other relevant 
international bodies, such as the UN, the IMF and the World Bank. 
  It is undeniable that a major tool which would help strengthen the WTO is the early 
conclusion of the Doha Development Round.  The final package is within our reach, so Members 
should not waste any more time in settling their di fferences.  I believe we  already possess the key to 
success, which is embodied in the December 2008 Chai rman's text for Agriculture and NAMA that 
we have all worked so hard, for so many years, to  develop.  I believe this text captures the delicate 
balance in the negotiations and provides the essen tial developmental objectives so crucial to the 
interests of developing countries, especially the least-developed ones.  
 Mr Chairman, on behalf of the group of ASEAN member countries, we have circulated a joint 
statement earlier this morning reflecting the ASEAN position on the Doha negotiations.  ASEAN's 
message to the WTO Membership is  clear and simple.  Show greater pragmatism and flexibility in the 
pending difficulties so that a breakthrough will be possible by next year.  WT/MIN(09)/ST/47 
Page 2  
 
   Finally Mr Chairman, we must keep in mind the fact that the global economy is slowly 
recovering from the crisis.  Failure of the Round would very likely extend the recession through 
prolonged unemployment and increased trade protect ionism.  The longer we allow the Doha Round to 
be delayed, the slower we will move towards sustainable development, economic growth, and 
recovery for all.  Thailand reiterates our readiness  to work with all Memb ers to help facilitate a 
successful conclusion to the Round. 
 
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