. /.   WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/MIN(09)/ST/131 
15 January 2010 
 (10-0236) 
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 
Seventh Session Geneva, 30 November - 2 December 2009 Original:   English 
 
  
SWEDEN 
 
Statement by H.E. Mrs. Ewa Björling
 
Minister for Trade  
   I am honoured to address this 7
th Ministerial Conference of the WTO. In particular, since 
these times of global economic crisis and widespr ead recession remind us of the origins and the 
fundamental importance of this organisation. During  the past year, the WTO has demonstrated its key 
role in providing stability and predictability to our global economic system, and in safeguarding 
market openness, when most other fundamental elemen ts of the same system have been shaking. We, 
as members of the WTO, have good reason to be proud  of this organisation – its functioning and its 
workings.   
 But we need to continue, and indeed we ha ve a responsibility, to further strengthen and 
develop the WTO. Besides continued crisis manageme nt, this has been a priority for Sweden during 
its term as President of the Council of the Europe an Union. Consequently, I warmly welcome the 
opportunity that this Ministerial Conference gives us to discuss and exchange views on how this can 
be achieved. In this regard, allow me to mention three key challenges
 that, in my view, need to be 
addressed in the years to come in order to ensure that the multilateral trading system continues to act 
as the centre of gravity of world trade and its important contribution to the global economy.   First and foremost,  the challenge
 of resisting the most severe financial and economic crisis of 
our generation and contributing to global economic rec overy. We are slowly but surely seeing light at 
the end of the tunnel and the global economy is picking up. But the crisis has left many countries with 
considerable budget deficits and high unemployment leve ls, two factors that bring a risk of increased 
pressure for protectionism. We must continue to k eep protectionism at bay. Complacency is not an 
option. In this regard, the continued monitoring of protectionism by the WTO has proved effective 
and is absolutely key.   
 The WTO and the international trading system  must assume the responsibility of contributing 
to and leading the way towards global economic recovery. Open markets and a strong multilateral 
trading system are important pre-conditions for gr owth and employment. Bringing the Doha Round to 
a successful conclusion in 2010 would provide a strong and timely stimulus to the world economy. It would send a clear signal that the world rejects pr otectionism and it would confirm and promote the 
role of the WTO as a leading global institution. Le t us inject new momentum into these negotiations 
by reminding ourselves and others that it is in our power to realise an enormous potential.  
 
 Second , the challenge
 of adapting the international trading system to the fundamental changes 
that have taken place in the global economy in recent years. The environment in which companies operate has fundamentally changed. Trade today is  only to a limited extent an activity between two 
countries. Instead it is a matter of interaction betw een or within corporations. Most economic actors 
today are part of and depend on global production chai ns. We need to ensure that the international WT/MIN(09)/ST/131 
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  trading system remains relevant in this new economi c environment. This is why trade negotiations in 
the years to come must address the most relevant issues for today’s global economic operators.   Third , the challenge
 of finding ways for the trading system to help solve today’s most 
compelling global problems. Ultimately this is a test of our willingness to equip the multilateral 
trading system to meet the challenges raised by glob alisation, but it is also necessary in order for the 
WTO to remain relevant. For instance, one week be fore the Copenhagen summit, we must ensure that 
trade contributes to overall effort s in the climate area. We need to make positive use of trade policy 
instruments and not fall into the trap of using clim ate change as an excuse for raising trade barriers. 
Trade must also assume its responsibility in the fight  to reduce poverty. Trade liberalisation can play 
an important role in promoting economic growth  and fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals.  
  To conclude
, it is essential that we strategically address these three challenges. This is 
necessary if the trading system is to maintain an d develop its role as a key pillar in international 
governance – as it must. This is not the time for big decisions on new agendas or for formulating new 
policy directions. But I hope and believe that th is seventh WTO Ministerial Conference can be the 
beginning of a debate that needs to be ongoing and to  develop over time if we are to ensure that this 
institution remains a solid and relevant pillar of our global governance system. 
 
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