. /.  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/MIN(05)/ST/139 
17 December 2005 
 (05-6156) 
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 
Sixth Session Hong Kong, 13 - 18 December 2005 Original:   English 
 
  
SWEDEN 
 
Statement by HE Mr Thomas Östros
 
Minister for Industry and Trade  
  
Concluding an ambitious Doha Round is a great  responsibility.  It is our job to inject 
confidence and prosperity into the global economy.  It is our job to create conditions for growth and 
new jobs. 
We must respond to the challenges of globalization.   We have a moral imperative to meet the 
UN Millennium Development Goals and trade is a crucial tool. 
The Doha Round is the way forward to strengthe n the multilateral trading system.  We don't 
know when, or if, we will get a second chance.  Bila teral deals can never substitute multilateral rules. 
If we fail, small and vulnerable c ountries will take the hardest hit. 
To set the stage for the end game in 200 6, we need to focus on three things:  
• High ambitions 
 
• poor people 
 
• socially responsible change 
First, an ambitious final outcome means: 
- Radical reforms of agricultural policies to the benefits of poor farmers in 
developing countries; 
- it means reducing tariffs for industrial goods as close to zero as possible for 
all industrial and advanced  developing countries; 
- it means new business opportunities in the service sector; 
- it means more South-South trade; 
- and it means making real progress on trade facilitation to save enormous 
amounts of time and money. 
Ambitions need to be raised, not lowered. Second, we need to target the interests and c oncerns of poor women and men.  The core of a 
development package is ambitious results in agri culture, industrial products, services and rules.  A WT/MIN(05)/ST/139 
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 delivery on duty- and quota-free access to all products  from all least developed countries is crucial.  A 
development outcome must also include agreement on special and differential treatment proposals from developing countries. 
Many poor countries have difficulties to seize the opportunities of open markets.  We need to 
improve the quality and quan tity of trade-related technical assistan ce and capacity-building.  The "Aid 
for Trade" package is key. 
Third, we need to facilitate change both in de veloping and developed c ountries.  In order to 
pursue high ambitions in the Doha Round, governme nts must ensure socially acceptable adjustment. 
To be successful, we have to address the costs of gl obalization.  We need to pursue policies that help 
workers and farmers adjust without fear.  Everybody has something to contribute and must be given 
the chance to do so.  Likewise, everybody has the right  to share the benefits of increased trade.  
Justice, welfare and respect for core labour sta ndards and the environment are competitive advantages 
in the globalized economy.  My ambition, for the future, is closer cooperation between the WTO and 
the ILO on core labour standards.  A break-through on  the environmental agenda is equally desirable. 
Hong Kong has to make a difference. 
The Doha Round is a unique opportunity to  enhance prospects for global growth and 
employment.  The trading system must become more  equitable and responsive.  Let us inject new 
momentum.  Let us provide examples to follow.  To gether we have the power to realize an enormous 
untapped potential.  We owe it to ourselves, a nd more importantly, to generations to come. 
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