. /.   WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/MIN(09)/ST/42 
1 December 2009 
 (09-6105) 
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 
Seventh Session Geneva, 30 November - 2 December 2009 Original:   Spanish 
 
  
CHILE 
 
Statement Mr Carlos Furche
 
Vice-Minister of International Trade  
  
 Chile is a country whose development a nd well-being depends in large measure on 
international trade.  We have pursued a dynamic trade negotiation policy, as exemplified by numerous 
free trade agreements and the opening up of our market s.  At the same time, we are active participants 
in the regular work of the WTO, whose validity and legitimacy we consider  crucial to guaranteeing 
compliance with the rules that govern international trade.   Chile welcomes the fact that, after four years, we are giving renewed continuity to the Ministerial Conference process.  We must ensure th at the WTO continues to carry out its work on the 
basis of the fully effective commitments of its Me mbers, and that it does not expend its political and 
institutional capital exclusively on trade negotiations.   Accordingly, Chile wishes to emphasize that, at this Seventh Ministerial Conference, we 
should evaluate the ongoing work of the Organizati on and discuss how its activity is to develop in the 
future.  The international economic crisis has highli ghted the need to strengthen the institutions of 
global governance, including the WTO, which is called upon to play a major role.   One example among many of the effectiveness of the WTO's regular work are the periodic reports on the measures that Members have been ta king in the context of the economic and financial 
crisis.  This work has contributed to discouraging the adoption of more protectionist measures, and we 
therefore suggest that it should be cont inued and refined in the coming months. 
  Chile sees particular merit in avoiding a focu s, in the work of this Conference, on the 
furtherance of the Doha Development Round negotia tions, and the mere fact that the Conference has 
so many participants constitutes a success.  Nevert heless, we wish to reiterate the importance of 
concluding the negotiations in 2010, as that coul d be a powerful instrument for reviving economic 
growth, especially in the developing countries.  W ithout economic growth, it becomes very difficult to 
deploy sustainable policies of inclusion and so cial protection, these being the hallmark of the 
government led by President Michelle Bachelet.  
 We have accomplished much in all the areas of  negotiation.  We hope that it will be possible 
to make an assessment, in the first quarter of 201 0, which gives the necessary impetus to concluding 
the Round, and Chile will continue making a constructive contribution to that process. 
  Further technical work will no doubt be necessary to conclude the Round, but the 
commitment and participation of the political author ities is crucial.  It does not seem reasonable to 
expect the political uncertainties involved in any nego tiation to be resolved by our technical experts. 
 WT/MIN(09)/ST/42 
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   In conclusion, let me say that it is a great honour for my country to chair this Ministerial 
Conference, and this strengthens our con tinued commitment to the WTO and its work. 
 
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