. /.  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
WT/MIN(11)/ST/41 
16 December 2011  
 
(11-6596) 
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 
Eighth Session Geneva, 15 - 17 December 2011 Original: English 
 
  
PORTUGAL 
 
Statement by H.E. Mr Álvaro Santos Pereira 
Minister of Economy and Employment 
  
It is a great pleasure for me to have the possi bility to address such a distinguished audience on 
the occasion of the Eighth WTO Ministerial Conference. 
 
Commissioner De Gucht has alre ady expressed the views of the EU, which I fully endorse. 
 
As we all know, these are no ordinary times.  Fu rther to some encouraging signs in late 2010, 
the world economic recovery has slowed over the l ast few months.  Consequently, uncertainty is 
rising, combined with high unemployment. 
 
Against this backdrop, a strong multilateral tradi ng system is essential in order to stimulate 
economic growth and employment.  
In that regard, the WTO has undoubtedly a fund amental role to play.  This Ministerial 
Conference is a timely occasion to send a strong sign about the need to keep markets open, resist 
protectionism and preserve and strengthen the global trading system, so that it continues performing 
its vital function in the future.  
To this end, the conclusion of the Doha Round should remain a priority. 
 
More than stressing the areas of divergence, I would prefer to point out the resolve from 
Members to keep with the negotiation process in  2012, with a view to achieving an ambitious, 
comprehensive and balanced outcome of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA). 
 
As already stated in the Elements for Political Guidance, work should continue on the basis of 
progress already made.  Members should explore, to the fullest extent possible, different negotiation 
approaches, while respecting th e principle of transparency. 
 
Not least important, any agreement reached w ill have to respect fully the "development" 
component of the DDA mandate. 
 
In this regard, the special needs of the deve loping countries, especially the least developed 
ones (LDCs), must be duly taken into account, bearing in mind the principle of differentiated responsibilities.  
That can be achieved through the concession of  duty-free quota-free schemes to all LDCs, 
building from the positive results of ongoing bilatera l initiatives, such as the "Everything But Arms", 
implemented by the EU, or the waiver providing pr eferential treatment to services suppliers in LDCs. WT/MIN(11)/ST/41 
Page 2  
 
  The role of the WTO is not restricted to the rounds of trade liberalization like the current 
Doha Agenda.  It has other very important functions , namely the supervision of trade policies in the 
world and the dispute settlement mechanism.  All th ree functions are of importance to the Members of 
the Organization.  
One final word to congratulate the Russian Fe deration, Montenegro, Vanuatu and Samoa for 
their accession to the WTO.  This is clearly one of the most important events of this 
Ministerial Conference.  Their formal integration into the global trading system – especially Russia, 
considering it is currently the 10
th largest economy in the world – is a result of major significance. 
 
I take the opportunity to express you all my best wishes for 2012. 
 
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