. /.  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
WT/MIN(11)/ST/17 
15 December 2011  
 
(11-6555) 
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 
Eighth Session Geneva, 15 - 17 December 2011 Original:   English 
 
  
SWITZERLAND 
 
Statement by H.E. Mr Johann Schneider-Ammann 
Federal Councillor, Head of the Fede ral Department of Economic Affairs 
 
 
Our Conference takes place in a difficult context. 
 
The global economic outlook is bleak.  Risks and uncertainties are increasing. 
 
Multilateral negotiations have not provided the expected responses to the recent global 
challenges.   However, the current predicament should not be a reason for inaction. 
 
 First and foremost, we shall firmly resist protectionist trends.   New import restrictions will only harm the global economy.  
 The same holds true for export restrictions. 
  We shall therefore commit to reversing the protectionist measures that were already introduced.   We shall also commit to removing export r estrictions on food purchased by the World Food 
Programme. 
  We all know that fighting protectionism starts at home.   As policy-makers, we have to persuade stake holders and the wider public that freer trade is 
the recipe for growth, employment and development. 
  At this point, I would like to recall that all aspects of economic policies are interlinked.   Monetary instability impacts trade when it up sets economic fundamentals at a global level. 
 
 A loss of competitiveness resulting from abnor mal currency movements, as experienced by 
my country, can be extremely damageable  and feed into protectionist demands. 
  More sustainable public finances would reduce the need for expansionary monetary policies 
that may negatively affect third countries. 
 
 The WTO and its current agreements rema in central for wealth and job creation. WT/MIN(11)/ST/17 
Page 2  
 
   The WTO has contributed to containing protectionism and its dispute settlement mechanism 
is efficient and highly respected.   The only way to give credence to our commitm ent to the WTO is by complying with its 
rules - when we undertake legislative decisions. 
 
 I am very pleased to see the continued attr activeness of the WTO system, with new Members 
acceding to the Organization.   Switzerland warmly welcomes Montenegro, Russia, Samoa and Vanuatu which will be 
joining the WTO as full Members in 2012. 
  Switzerland is ready to help LDCs and other de veloping countries to reap the benefits of open 
markets, including through the provision of Aid for Trade.  
 Trade has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty in many developing countries. 
  Some of these countries are now showing impres sive growth rates and increasing per capita 
income.   This is very encouraging.  The treatment of  developing countries in respect to WTO rights 
and obligations should, therefore, reflect the progresses made. 
  Switzerland remains committed to the Doha Round.   We are willing to advance negotiations wh ere progress can be achieved and to actively 
explore new approaches. 
  However, there is no easy solution to Doha, an d there is certainly no solution for free.  
Creativity as well as trust and respect amongst all Me mbers will be required if  we wish to have a 
successful outcome.  
 Daunting challenges lie ahead.  To continue work  as usual, however, is not sufficient - in a 
joint effort we need to strive for success!  
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