. /.  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/MIN(05)/ST/2 
15 December 2005 
 (05-6052) 
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 
Sixth Session Hong Kong, 13 - 18 December 2005 Original:   French 
 
  
SWITZERLAND 
 
Statement by HE Mr Joseph Deiss
 
Federal Councillor, Head of the Fede ral Department of Economic Affairs  
   The Hong Kong Conference should serve as a launch pad for the rapid completion of the 
Doha Round. 
 
 It is true that our objectives for Hong Kong ha ve been revised downwards.  But the overall 
aim must be maintained.  Failed negotiations will ser ve nobody's interests.  Indeed, history has shown 
that openness to change stimulates growth.   The question is no longer one of whether or not we favour international trade and 
globalization.  These are indisputable realities.  Today, we should be thinking about ways of 
extending their benefits to as many people as possible.  That is the crux of what is at stake for the WTO and the negotiations under way.   Switzerland is convinced that a balanced result is  within reach.  We shall be successful if we 
all show realism and flexibility.  The decisions we are to take here, in Hong Kong,  will help us in this 
respect.   In the case of agriculture and industrial produc ts, we need to conso lidate the gains already 
made.  It will also be worthwhile to explore aven ues of approach that reconcile the interests of 
exporters and importers.  We would then be better equipped to finalize the modalities in the first half 
of 2006.  To that end, we must abandon tactical  postures and enter into genuine negotiation.  A 
negotiation in which we all listen to one a nother and seek politically viable solutions. 
  A tangible outcome on services is the prerequisite for striking an overall balance.  All Members, whether developing or developed, would benefit.  Un fortunately, services are lagging far 
behind agriculture and industrial products in the nego tiations.  We have an opportunity this week to 
rectify that anomaly.  The success of the Round is at stake.   Trade facilitation and rules are essential comple ments to the market access negotiations.  The 
proposed solutions will impart new impetus to th ese issues.  The elimination of customs duties on 
environmental products will also contribute to sustai nable development, provided that the approach to 
this matter is informed by transparency and predictability.  Lastly, extended protection for 
geographical indications is in our view a key factor for the success of the negotiations. 
  The developing countries have much to gain from an open, rules-based trading system.  And they would have much to lose if the system were placed in jeopardy.  We face a towering challenge:  
to give meaning to the principle of "special a nd differential treatment" without creating a two-tier 
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  Today, many developing countries are unable to take full advantage of the possibilities 
offered by the WTO.  These problems of capacity must  be tackled with determination.  Switzerland is 
one of those countries which have honoured their post-Doha commitments a nd have substantially 
increased the volume of their trade-related official development assistance.  It is the second largest bilateral donor.  We are determined to continue on this track togeth er with all our partners.  The 
erosion of preference margins is another challenge that calls for courageous and innovative solutions. 
  But more needs to be done here and now, in Hong Kong.  The developed world and the 
emerging countries should eliminate quotas and tariffs  on all LDC products.  However, the successful 
implementation of this commitment depends on pred ictability and stability.  Cotton is of similarly 
vital importance for many farmers living on less than one dollar a day.  Here again, a solution depends 
on early and effective action.   Finally, I should like to recall the decision taken last week concerning access to medicines, 
which is another crucial factor for development. 
 
 In conclusion, I wish to extend my thanks to our hosts in Hong Kong for their warm welcome and the considerable efforts they have made  to provide optimum conditions for our work. 
 
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