. /.   WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/MIN(09)/ST/94 
2 December 2009 
 (09-6175) 
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 
Seventh Session Geneva, 30 November - 2 December 2009 Original:   English 
 
  
PORTUGAL 
 
Statement by HE Mr Pedro Lourtie
 
Secretary of State for European Affairs  
   I will make some brief remarks on the two issues  we consider particularly relevant in the 
current trading environment. 
 
 Firstly, let me refer to the trade-related deve lopments of the global financial and economic 
crisis.  The contraction of the global economy ha d a significant impact on international trade and 
investment flows.  And, in this context, the c ontribution of the WTO in mitigating what would have 
been even more severe effects on the world economy must be recognized.  
 As others have already stressed, the WTO help ed restrain the temptation of adopting domestic 
measures affecting world trade.  Multilateral tr ade rules and the dispute settlement mechanism 
continue to provide a strong defence against protec tionism and an effective monitoring process of 
trade measures is a key instrument in this context.  
 Still, slippages have occurred, in particular  behind the border measures that restrict trade 
where WTO rules are less stringent or almost inexistent.   Although we are witnessing some signs of recovery, high unemployment continues to be a cause of great concern for governments.  We need  to remain vigilant.  Any concessions to 
protectionism would undermine the recovery. 
 
 The WTO will also be indispensable in the pe riod of economic recovery that will follow.  
Improvements in the world trading system, in par ticular as regards transparency, efficiency and 
functioning of the WTO will be of utmost value.  
 Furthermore, new global challenges are arising and the WTO should adapt to this new reality.  
Climate change is one of the most important.  Our immediate focus should be in Copenhagen and on 
how to achieve a good outcome for global action, wh ile being aware that trade policy will have to 
contribute to the objectives of the environmental agenda.  
 Secondly, let me address the importance of mu ltilateral trade negotiations.  They remain our 
top priority in the world trade agenda.  Portugal is strongly committed, with the EU engagement, to 
the successful completion of an ambiti ous, balanced and comprehensive Round. 
  This is a development Round which should deli ver results with specific emphasis given to the 
least developed countries (LDCs) and other smaller a nd vulnerable economies.  Closer integration of 
developing countries, particularly the LDCs, into global markets, as well as the achievement of their 
own development objectives, must be one of our priorities. WT/MIN(09)/ST/94 
Page 2  
 
   
 We support significant results in the areas of agriculture and non-agricultural market 
access (NAMA), but similar efforts and results must be achieved on the other subjects.  Services, rules and intellectual property-related issues, in particul ar the protection of geographical indications, must 
be part of the final outcome. 
 
 The Round by itself cannot solve all the problems of the world economy.  But it can contribute to keep the trade engine going on.  We  must act in a responsible manner and grab the 
opportunity to strengthen the multilateral tr ading system and avoid protectionism. 
 
 Finally I would like to welcome Cape Verde,  Tonga, Ukraine and Viet Nam that became 
Members to the WTO since the last Ministerial Conference and encourage those countries currently 
engaged in accession negotiations to continue their efforts.  
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