. /.  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
WT/MIN(11)/ST/45 
16 December 2011  
 
(11-6603) 
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 
Eighth Session Geneva, 15 - 17 December 2011 Original: English 
 
  
SWEDEN 
 
Statement by Dr Ewa Björling 
Minister for Trade 
  
The world economy is facing tremendous challe nges and is performi ng well-under capacity.  
More open trade can contribute to jobs and growth when we need it the most.  In this sense, an 
ambitious conclusion of the Doha Round of trade negotiations constitutes the best option for the 
world trading system, global trade, development, and the climate.  
With this in mind, we must do everything in our power to act responsibly and constructively 
to move ahead with the negotiations, and also to be creative in identifying solutions that deliver more 
open and transparent markets. 
 
The WTO is the corner-stone of internationa l trade, and its role as a guarantor against 
protectionism has been emphasized during the past few years.  In this context, the Trade Policy 
Review Mechanism has played a crucia l role and should be strengthened. 
 
Nevertheless, in order for the multilateral tradi ng system to be relevant in today's turmoil 
world, we have to be proactive.  Results must be the central theme.  
In this regard, special attention must be put on issues that deliver real market access, and that 
contribute to development.  
Trade facilitation, NTBs and services are vital comp onents to this aim.  We all know that the 
bulk of estimated gains of a Doha deal derive from these areas.  
What has been achieved on development, particul arly with respect to LDC issues, is good but 
still insufficient.  We must never forget that devel opment is at the heart of the Doha Round.  It is 
necessary to live up to pledges made in Hong Ko ng to give LDCs duty-free quota-free access to 
markets.  
There are clear linkages between trade, devel opment, and the climate.  All countries must 
together face both the challenges posed by both global warming, and the global economic downturn.  
What is clear is that all areas of public policy need  to step up for the climate.  Trade is no exception! 
 
We should therefore consider to move forward on deals specifically targeted at liberalizing 
trade in environmental and climate friendly goods, services, and technologies.  
Information and communication technology can play an import role in this sense.  ICT 
products and services lower the carbon footprint, build social capital, and for facilitate free speech.  In 
other words, to support trade in these goods is to  support the climate, development, and democracy. WT/MIN(11)/ST/45 
Page 2  
 
  In light of this, I say it is high time to update and expand the Information Technology 
Agreement.  Hopefully negotiations can be initiated in a matter of mont hs as to lay the foundation for 
an ambitious expansion of this very successful agreement.  
Further, we should consider to moving ahead on a specific agreement, which removes trade 
distortions that are especially hurtful for the climat e and the environment, such as fishery subsidies. 
 
It is essential to bear in mind that the WT O is greater than individual meetings and 
negotiations.  We should never lo se hope and willingness to move forward.  Results can always be 
accomplished. 
 
The successful agreement on the Government Procur ement Agreement is proof of this.  This 
agreement will contribute to jobs and growth when we  need it the most.  I hope China and others will 
shortly accede to the GPA in a truly ambitious manner, which will further enhance the positive 
effects. 
 
In order to deal with the most pressing global  challenges, in terms of  growth, development, 
and the climate, we need to seek a common understa nding on how to move forward.  We need more 
trade.  We need freer trade.  And we need the WTO.  
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