. /.   WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/MIN(09)/ST/117 
1 December 2009 
 (09-6460) 
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 
Seventh Session Geneva, 30 November - 2 December 2009 Original:   Spanish 
 
  
GUATEMALA 
 
Statement by HE Mr Rubén Morales Monroy
 
Minister of the Economy  
   The World Trade Organization is undoubtedly  the trade forum of greatest importance for 
Guatemala. 
 
 Since its establishment, the WTO has proved to  be an important engine of development 
through the introduction of a set of rules that ensure  stability, certainty, predictability and, above all, 
fairness in the trading relations of its Members.   Consequently, in view of the fact that ec onomic development through trade promotes not only 
the common good but also peace, the universality of  the WTO must be one of the common objectives 
of all its Members.  Thus, the accession of more developing countries to the WTO is a task that we should regard as a priority.   Furthermore, the current situation induces us to  reflect on the important lessons that the recent 
financial and economic crisis has given us. 
  At the present time, when all our economies are interconnected, the crises affecting some 
affect all;  consequently, we have a shared res ponsibility to take measures that will ensure the 
development and economic stability of all.  
 In this connection, I cannot fail to emphasize  the urgency of achieving a speedy completion of 
the Doha Round.  We need to reinvigorate the world economy without loosing sight of the development dimension.   Thus, Guatemala considers it to be essential to preserve the advances achieved and, moreover, 
build on the preliminary outcomes of the negotia tions, especially those relating to special and 
differential treatment, and, in particular, tr eatment for smaller economies, like Guatemala. 
  The conclusion of the Doha Round would, moreover, send a clear signal of confidence to all those engaged in trade and to civil soci ety, which is so necessary in these times. 
 
 On the other hand, it is also important to recognize the WTO's su ccess in preventing and 
combating protectionism.  Guatemala strongly supports  therefore any initiative to improve the dispute 
settlement mechanism, transparency a nd the monitoring of trade measures. 
  The clear interrelationship between the areas covered by different or ganizations shows the 
need for greater consistency between international commitments.  There is also a need for greater WT/MIN(09)/ST/117 
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  intergovernmental and interinstitu tional cooperation.  Guatemala w ill support any additional effort 
along these lines.   Finally, Guatemala observes with concern that  there is still a serious lack of connection 
between the commitments accepted by some Members at the political level and the actions of their 
respective technical bodies in Geneva.  The achieve ment of the objectives that we have formulated 
together in this Organization over several years depends not only on political  will, but also on proper 
intergovernmental coordination by all its Members.   I should like to conclude this statement by em phasizing that it is our historic responsibility to 
take the actions necessary to leave a legacy of  peace and prosperity for future generations. 
 
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