. /.  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
WT/MIN(11)/ST/125 
15 December 2011 
 (11-6876) 
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 
Eighth Session Geneva, 15 - 17 December 2011 Original:   English 
 
  
NORWAY 
 
Statement by H.E. Mr. Jonas Støre 
Minister of Foreign Affairs 
 
 
This Ministerial comes at a crucial juncture – with the global economy, multilateral 
cooperation and the Doha Developm ent Agenda all at crossroads. 
 
The multilateral trading system has served Norw ay well as a bulwark against protectionism 
and as a basis for growth and welfare.  We are fortuna te to have this architecture firmly in place as the 
global economy is thrown into disarray.   
Turning to protectionist measures in this situation would be a major mistake – with 
devastating consequences for multilateral cooperation,  economic growth and development, not least 
for the poor.  Ten years after Doha, in the midst of co mplexities, let us recall that the prime purpose of 
this round is development.  
We are pleased that all Members underscore the vital role of WTO in the fight against all 
forms of protectionism while recognizing the rights and obligations of Members.  In this spirit, 
Norway is pleased to join a group of Members in a strong pledge against protectionism.   
Norway reaffirms its commitment to the rules, obligations and decision making authority of 
the WTO.  We welcome Russia, Montenegro, Sa moa, and Vanuatu into this organisation.  
 
Ten years of negotiations without agreeing means ten years of not delivering on the 
development promise.  While members remain co mmitted to the Doha mandate, we differ on how 
much, how fast and for whom.  
The key question is how a changing world should be reflected in the distribution of rights and 
obligations between Members.  
 
Norway stands by the Doha mandate, and wishes  to see the single undert aking succeed.  This 
should not dissuade us to consider whether several sm aller steps rather than one giant leap could build 
momentum.  We are ready to explore new appr oaches to overcome stalemates in market access 
negotiations. 
 
WTO should continue to be a place for ambiti ous endeavours.  Let me mention a few: 
 
 We need to step up our efforts to  deliver on our promises to LDCs.  
 We must maintain Aid for Trade commitments .  Norway will increase its contribution to 
the Doha Development Agenda Gl obal Trust Fund by 50 per cent.  WT/MIN(11)/ST/125 
Page 2  
 
   We need to address food price volatility and food security;   starting with how export 
restrictions create challenges for humanitarian food aid.  
 We need to develop ambitious, effective disci plines on fisheries subsidies that contribute 
to the depletion of marine resources.  
 We must see to it that the multilateral tradi ng system and agreemen ts on climate change 
remain mutually supportive.  
 We will look forward to the moment when issues related to the social dimension and 
decent work will be put on our post-Doha agenda. 
 
Succeeding will require political dedication.  This is a ministerial responsibility.  My last 
remark is this; we should adapt our decision-shaping to realities of a multipolar world.  Most of us 
organize part of our interest in interest groups – we are a collection of G-affiliations.  I believe we 
need to work across the trenches – beyond groups of G-4, -5, -20, -33 and -90 - to build trust and explore how much we have at stake together.  
The history of this organization is filled with ex amples of courage and leadership.  We will all 
have to do our part, but we also expect the major play ers to provide leadership at  this crucial juncture.  
  
__________