WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/MIN(09)/ST/25 
1 December 2009 
 (09-6110) 
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 
Seventh Session Geneva, 30 November - 2 December 2009 Original:   English 
 
  
GERMANY 
 
Statement by Dr Bernd Pfaffenbach
 
Vice-Minister of Economy and Technology  
  
I. Introduction 
 It is of utmost importance to conduct this  discussion on "The WTO, the Multilateral Trading 
System and the Current Global Economic Environment" right now. 
  We are on the verge of doing serious harm to the important achievements we have made over 
the past 62 years.   The multilateral trading system, starting in 194 7 with the General Agreement on Tariffs and 
Trade, has opened up markets and established transpar ent trade rules.  And this has contributed to 
prosperity and growth on a global level for over six decades.   If we want to define our tasks properly, an d if we want to cope effectively with the 
responsibilities and challenges we face in the world of  the twenty-first century, we should continue to 
pursue the approach that has proved to be successful over six decades. 
  At the same time, many WTO members have proposed that we engage in a deliberative process to "strengthen the WTO".  This could also be a key element in our efforts to enhance the 
efficiency, transparency and overall functioning of  the WTO in the face of new global challenges. 
 II. Concluding the Doha Round 
 It is of paramount importance to bring the Doha Round to a successful conclusion. 
  Reaching agreement in the Doha Round would he lp us take a significant step forward in 
stabilizing the world economy.  This is something we urge ntly need in this time of crisis.  In addition, 
completing the Doha Round will serve to solidify th e integration of developing countries within the 
global trading system.  This is absolu tely necessary in our globalised world. 
  Furthermore, the Doha Round will strengthen the rules-based multilateral trading system of the WTO.  This is essential for en suring stable and predictable cond itions both for industry as well as 
for all of the members of the WTO. 
  I am convinced that we found sufficient common ground last year that will enable us to overcome the remaining difficulties and to conclude  the Doha Round, for the benefit of all WTO 
members.  WT/MIN(09)/ST/25 
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   As Pascal Lamy has frequently said:  Doha is  doable.  I fully agree with this position.  
Bringing Doha to a successful conclusion now depe nds on political will and political leadership.  
Neither the Uruguay Round nor any other previous  Round would have been concluded without the 
necessary political leadership.  
 Therefore, distinguished delegates, the mes sage I want to convey to you is straight and 
without ambiguity:  the time is ripe.  Let's take our  responsibility.  Let's make the political decisions 
necessary to conclude the Doha Round.  
 We cannot simply rely on − and make use of − the well functioning WTO dispute settlement 
system on the one hand but neglect our commitment towards the multilateral system and the Doha 
Round at the same time.  
III. Fighting protectionism 
 There is another major threat to the multilateral trading system, and this is protectionism.  In 
this period of global economic crisis, the fight agai nst protectionism is more important than ever.  
Eliminating trade barriers and fighting protectionism represent two sides of the same coin.  It is an alarming signal if "protectionism" becomes popular  while the elimination of trade barriers is 
perceived as unpopular.  
 It has always been one of the WTO's key task s to observe and monitor trade policy measures, 
for example, through the trade policy review mechanism.   The Director General has taken the initiative to  improve the transparency of trade measures 
that countries have adopted during the crisis.  And the G-20 and G-8 have supported him in this aim.  
Thanks to these efforts, it has been possible to  fend off attempts to erect new trade barriers. 
  Ongoing monitoring is crucial if we want to avoid a return to failed policies of the past.  
Protectionism is a poison pill in times of crisis .  Thus, Germany strongly supports the WTO in 
continuing this work. 
 
IV. Liberalising trade in environmental goods 
 As we work to address the overarching challenge  that climate change poses for all of us, I 
think we should seriously consider what kind of  contribution the WTO can make in this regard. 
  In my view, trade policy can best protect the environment and fight climate change by 
adopting measures to dismantle trade barriers rather  than measures such as border tax adjustments. 
  Eliminating trade barriers on environmental goods is one of the aims that the Doha mandate 
calls for.  
 The Copenhagen Conference is a few days ahead. 
  Reducing tariffs on environm ental goods would send both a sign of hope and a sign of 
determination.  I believe that this is doable if we all exercise the necessary political determination. 
  And this would prove that trade policy can ma ke a concrete and positive contribution to fight 
climate change. 
  WT/MIN(09)/ST/25 
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  V. Enhancing the transparency of RTAs 
 Before concluding, I would like to draw your  attention to the rapidly growing number of 
regional free trade agreements.   I appreciate the new mechanism for greater tran sparency.  But I believe that an enhanced 
approach is necessary to improve transparency of  RTAs themselves and maybe  even work towards a 
"WTO-standard" for RTAs.  The WTO should, th erefore, consider relevant approaches and 
possibilities as soon as possible in the near future.  
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