Joint Statement by Business Organisations

Fresh momentum for the WTO:
MC10 Nairobi must deliver
JOINT STATEMENT BY BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS WORLDWIDE
7 December 2015

International trade is going through a profound and accelerated transformation. This is mainly due tochanged trade patterns, the globalisation of value chains, the advance of new technologies, and the callfor more sustainability in cross-border commerce. All of these changes are taking place in a by now
multi-polar world. The World Trade Organisation (WTO), as the unique trade organisation with global
reach, is the ideal forum to meet the challenges.
Ahead of the 10th Ministerial Conference in Nairobi in December 2015, the undersigned
organisations call upon the WTO members to:1.

Speedily ratify and implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA)
Once in force, the TFA concluded 2013 in Bali will offer a significant boost for the global
trading community during these critical economic times. Businesses around the globe are
waiting for the speedy ratification and implementation of the deal.

2.

Seal agreements on Information Technology (ITA) and Environmental Goods (EGA)
The progress made in recent months on information technology and environmental goods
needs to result in a successful conclusion of both agreements in Nairobi.

3.

Harvest the low-hanging DDA fruits and allow for a thorough reflection on the launch ofnegotiations on new issues
In times of immense challenges, economic operators worldwide are waiting withconcern for negotiators to show leadership and demonstrate the ability of the World Trade
Organisation to deliver. Started in 2001, the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) has yet
to deliver on many issues under negotiation. In the meantime, global value chains anddigitalisation have created new trade realities requiring multilateralapproaches. Startingin Nairobi, the WTO needs to discuss a new set of issues and new negotiating dynamics with
better prospects to reach agreement.

We believe that by achieving these objectives above, the WTO can show its determination and capacity
to deliver on the current and future challenges of world trade on a multilateral basis.

Australian Services Roundtable (ASR)
Ms Alina BAIN
T: +61 400 202 804
alinabain@australianservicesroundtable.com.au www.australianservicesroundtable.com.au
ASR is the voice of professional services, aiming to secure Australia’s place in the global economy
ASR is the only dedicated whole-of-services industry organisation and is part of the Global Services Coalition (GSC).
Currently, services do not register sufficiently on Australia’s public policy radar. There has been no national research
effort, and services do not feature in any of the Government’s national competitiveness strategies. Creating a national
services competitiveness strategy is essential as we move away from a resource focused economy. With up to 1.5
billion people moving into Asia’s middle class over the next 15 years, Australia must ensure it is in the best position totake advantage of the opportunities at our doorstep.
Services employ 85% of Australians, represent 78% of industry value-add, yet comprise only 20% of Australia’s totalexports. Our purpose is to address these gaps in understanding and realise opportunities for the benefit of ourmembers, professional service industries, SMEs, and micro-multinationals. We believe this is vitally important for all
aspects of Australia’s economic, environmental, social and cultural future.
China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC)
Ms Rochelle HUANG
T: +86 10 85229001, 85229597 F: +86 10 85229283
foreignaffairs@cntac.org.cn www.cntac.org.cn
China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC), is a national federation of all textile-related industries and a nonprofit organization formed on volunteer basis. The mission of CNTAC is to promote the sound development of China's
textile and apparel industry.
COMESA Business Council (CBC)Ms Sandra UWERA
Chief Executive Officer
T: +260 211 229725/32 +260 211 229725/32, Ext: 7306 F: +260 211 225107
suwera@comesa.int www.comesabusinesscouncil.org
COMESA Business Council is a business member organization, and a private sector institution of the Common Market
of Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). Established in 2005, under the Treaty of the Common Market for Easternand Southern Africa (COMESA) - Chapter Twenty Three and Twenty Four, the CBC is defined as a consultative
committee for the business community at the policy organs level.. As per the treaty, CBC is the recognized regional
apex body of the Private Sector and Business Community in the COMESA region. The CBC began its operations 2010,
with the objectives structured on key focus areas of: i) Private sector representation through direct advocacy ofbusiness interests from our membership to all levels of policy formulation and the highest levels of decision making in
the region: and ii) Private sector development in growth sectors that contribute to the overall competitiveness ofbusinesses in regional and global markets.
CBC services her membership through demand driven services tailored through core delivery pillars namely Businessand Policy advocacy, Business Support Services and Membership development. CBC corporate governance structure ismade up of 9 Board of Directors, who are Presidents of National Apex Business Associations, and the General Assembly
made up of memberships from national and regional associations, regional companies, quasi-government institutions,and international companies with substantial operations in the 19 states COMESA region.
Confederaçao Nacional de Serviços (CNS)
Mr Luigi NESE
T: +55 61 3321-4558
cns@cnservicos.org.br www.cnservicos.org.br
CNS is the national services confederation in Brazil.
Canadian Services Coalition (CSC)
Mr Warren EVERSON
T: +1 613 238 4000 (243)weverson@chamber.ca
The services sector forms an important part of the Canadian economy. Today, the services sector represents two-thirds
of Canadian GDP and employs more Canadians than ever before. There is a need for a cohesive Canadian voice on theimportance of the services sector both domestically and internationally.
The Canadian Services Coalition (CSC), supported by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, provides this voice by
actively promoting a supportive domestic and international regulatory environment to encourage growth; by increasingawareness of the need for better services sector metric; and, by providing Canadian views on the liberalization ofservice markets.
The CSC also provides a valuable conduit for members to gain insights on developments affecting the sector, including
how current trade negotiations could change their competitive environment. As the Canadian representative of the
Global Services Coalition, the CSC works closely with its international counterparts in ensuring industry's call for
liberalization is strong and persuasive in these trade negotiations with the final outcome reflecting the needs ofCanadian businesses. The CSC invites all Canadian companies, from both the traditional services sectors and those in
the manufacturing sector whose businesses include services (e.g. pre-sales, warranty, serving) to join its efforts.
Coalition of Services Industries (CSI)Mr Peter ALLGEIER
T: +1 202 289 7460
allgeier@uscsi.org www.uscsi.org
The Coalition of Services Industries (CSI) represents the broad array of U.S.-based entities that provide services
domestically and internationally, including, but not limited to banking, express delivery and logistics, insurance, media

2 of 6and entertainment, retail and wholesale services, technology, and telecommunications. CSI advocates for internationalrules, modernized customs processes, market access commitments, and regulatory systems that ensure faircompetition for all service industries. It works globally to obtain solutions to significant international services issues,
such as interference in cross-border data flows, unfair competition from state-owned and state-sponsored enterprises,
domestic content and localization requirements, and lack of transparency and due process in regulatory regimes.
East African Business Council (EABC)
Mr Lilian AWINJA
T: +255 27 2543047 F: +255 27 2543047
lawinja@eabc-online.com www.eabc.info
The East African Business Council (EABC) is the apex body of business associations of the Private Sector andCorporates from the 5 East African Countries. It was established in 1997 to foster the interests of the Private Sector in
the integration process of the East African Community. Originally comprising members from Kenya, Tanzania andUganda, its membership was expanded after 2007 to include private sector from Burundi and Rwanda.
Currently, EABC has 54 Associations and 102 corporate Members. Amongst the associations are all the national Private
Sector Apex Bodies; four manufacturers’ Associations; 5 Chambers of Commerce, 3 Employer Associations; 2 Women
Associations, 2 Bankers Associations and the Confederation of Informal Sector Associations of East Africa. Given that
the Secretariat is based in Arusha, EABC’s structure includes National Focal Points (NFPs) – who are all currently thenational private sector apex bodies.
EABC’s overarching objective is to be an effective change agent for fostering an enabling business environment and topromote private sector’s regional and global competitiveness in trade and investment. EABC therefore provides aregional platform through which the business community can present their concerns at the EAC policy level, with theoverall aim of creating a more conducive business environment through targeted policy reforms. Additionally, EABC also
work towards promoting private sector’s regional & global competitiveness in trade and Investment through addressing
challenges experienced by Members at organizational and firm level; and through provision of tailored market
intelligence.
Eurochambres
Mr Dominic BOUCSEIN
T: +32 2 282 08 53 F: +32 2 230 00 38
boucsein@eurochambres.eu www.eurochambres.eu
Eurochambres – The Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry represents over 20 million
enterprises in Europe – 98% of which are SMEs – through members in 43 countries and a network of 1700 regional andlocal Chambers.
EuroCommerce
Mr Ralph KAMPHÖNER
T:+32 2 737 05 88 F: +32 2 230 00 78
kamphoener@eurocommerce.be www.eurocommerce.be
EuroCommerce is the principal European organisation representing the retail and wholesale sector. It embraces 5.4
million companies, both leading multinational retailers such as Carrefour, IKEA, Tesco and REWE and many small family
operations. Retail and wholesale provide a link between producers and 500 million European consumers over a billion
times a day. It generates 1 in 7 jobs, providing a varied career for 29 million Europeans, many of them young people.
It also supports millions of further jobs throughout the supply chain, from small local suppliers to international
businesses.
European Express Association (EEA)
Mr Mark VAN DER HORST
T: +32 2 230 05 45 F: +32 2 230 57 06
mvanderhorst@ups.com www.euroexpress.org
The European Express Association (EEA) represents express delivery companies and associations, both large andsmall, in Europe. By communicating on behalf of the express industry with one single voice, the EEA works to ensurethat policy-makers fully understand the challenges we face as an industry and as a result, that policy is implemented ina way which maximises the benefits for all involved.
European Services Forum (ESF)
Mr Pascal KERNEIS
T: +32 2 230 75 14 F: +32 2 230 61 68
p.kerneis@esf.be www.esf.be
The European Services Forum (ESF) is a private sector trade association that represents the interests of theEuropean services industry in International Trade Negotiations in Services. It comprises major European service
companies at the CEO level and European service sector federations covering service sectors such as financial services,
tourism, telecommunications, maritime transport, business and professional services, distribution, postal and expressdelivery, IT services, environmental services and the audio-visual industry.
Foreign Trade Association (FTA)Mr Pierre-Michael GRÖNING
T: +32 2 741 64 03 F: +32 2 762 75 06
pierre.groening@fta-intl.org www.fta-intl.org
The Foreign Trade Association (FTA) is the association of European and international commerce that promotes thevalues of free and sustainable trade. It brings together 1,700 of retailers, importers, brand companies, and national
associations, with a combined turnover of more than 750 billion euros, to improve the political and legal framework for
trade in a sustainable way.

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Global Express Association (GEA)
Mr Carlos GRAU TANNER
T: 41 22 716 5920 F: +41 22 716 5921
carlos.grau@global-express.org www.global-express.org
The Global Express Association represents the four leading international express delivery companies (DHL Express,
FedEx Express, TNT, and UPS). Express delivery has been described as ‘the business class of cargo services’. Expressdelivery companies provide highly reliable door-to-door transport of shipments and deliver them either the next day oron a time-definite basis (typically between 2 and 3 days). They can track constantly the location and progress of a
shipment, and provide for cross-border customs clearance and for the collection of payment from customers.
Hong Kong Coalition of Services Industries (HKCSI)
Ms Charlotte CHOW
T: +852 2823 1295charlotte@chamber.org.hk http://www.chamber.org.hk/en/committees/committee_detail.aspx?cid=2
The Hong Kong Coalition of Service Industries was founded in 1990 as the policy think tank of the Hong Kong
General Chamber of Commerce to promote the continuing development and competitiveness of Hong Kong’s service
industries. With representatives from more than 50 service sectors, the HKCSI is the major private sector voice forHong Kong’s service industries.
Korea Business Association Europe (KBA Europe)
Mr Sang Bee SHIM
Secretary General
T: +32 2 639 0999 F: +32 2 646 7006
qwerty555@kita.net www.kita.net
Korea Business Association Europe (KBA Europe) is an economic organization with about 200 Korean company
members whose business based in Europe. To promote mutually beneficial trade environment between Korea andEurope, it represents concerns of the member companies toward trade policy of the EU and Korean government.
Moreover, it makes every effort to eliminate Non-Tariff Barriers (NTB) between the EU and Korea as well as to createbusiness-friendly atmosphere.
KEIDANREN (Japan Business Federation)
Ms Teruko WADA
T: +81 3 6741 0171 F: +81 3 6741 0371
trade@keidanren.or.jp http://www.keidanren.or.jp/en/
Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) is a comprehensive economic organization with a membership comprised of
1,329 representative companies of Japan, 109 nationwide industrial associations and 47 regional economic
organizations (as of July 1, 2015).
Our mission as a comprehensive economic organization is to draw upon the vitality of corporations, individuals and local
communities to support corporate activities which contribute to the self-sustaining development of the Japanese
economy and improvement in the quality of life for the Japanese people.
For this purpose, KEIDANREN establishes consensus in the business community on a variety of important domestic andinternational issues for their steady and prompt resolution. At the same time, we communicate with a wide range ofstakeholders including political leaders, administrators, labor unions and citizens. We encourage our members to adhere
to the Charter of Corporate Behavior in an effort to establish and maintain public confidence in the business community.
We also strive for the resolution of international issues and the development of closer economic relations with various
countries through policy dialogue with the governments, economic associations of each country as well as internationalorganizations.
*Keidanren has published a policy proposal on WTO reform in May 2015. Please see below:
http://www.keidanren.or.jp/en/policy/2015/050.html
Korea International Trade Association (KITA)
Ms Sunyoung LEE
KITA Brussels Center
T: +32 2 639 0993 F: +32 2 646 7006
gday@kita.net www.kita.net
Established in 1946 in Seoul, Korea, KITA is a non-profit economic organisation representing interests of its 71,000
member companies. KITA has 12 regional centres within Korea and 9 overseas centres including Brussels Centre
located in Brussels, Belgium. KITA Brussels Centre carries out variety of trade promotional activities such as businessmeetings, trade conferences & exhibitions, matchmaking services, information sharing and many more.
National Retail Federation (NRF)
Mr Jon GOLD
T: +1 202 626 8193
goldj@nrf.com www.nrf.com
As the world’s largest retail trade association and the voice of retail worldwide, NRF represents retailers of all types andsizes, including chain restaurants and industry partners, from the United States and more than 45 countries abroad.
Retailers operate more than 3.6 million U.S. establishments that support one in four U.S. jobs – 42 million working
Americans. Contributing $2.5 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy. NRF’s This is
Retail campaign highlights the industry’s opportunities for life-long careers, how retailers strengthen communities, andthe critical role that retail plays in driving innovation.
Retail Council of Canada (RCC)
Ms Diane J. BRISEBOIS
T: +1 416 922-6678
djbrisebois@retailcouncil.org www.retailcouncil.org

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As the largest retail trade association in Canada and the voice of retail, RCC represents retailers of all types and sizes,
including independent merchants, specialty retailers, grocery and pharmacy chains, department stores, big box retailers
and dot.com merchants. RCC’s membership represents more than 85% of all retail sales in Canada. Retailers employ
more than 2 million Canadians and the industry is the largest employer in the country. RCC is recognized as the mostauthoritative and effective advocate for retailers in Canada and its mission is to advance, promote and protect theinterests of its members through effective advocacy, communications and education.
General Chamber of Commerce of the R.O.C. (ROCCOC)
Ms Liang Yueh KUO
T: +886 2 27012671 F: +886 2 27555493
moonkuo@gmail.com www.roccoc.org.tw
ROCCOC is a non-profit organization of leading commercial chambers, trade associations in Taiwan. Over the past
decades, ROCCOC consecrated to promote the common interests of private sector and business community in Taiwan,
and to elevate the domestic commercial environment as well as the investment both domestic and abroad.
SME GLOBAL
Mr Thomas Benedikt THALER
T: +32 2 28 47749 F: +32 2 2849749
thomas.thaler@europarl.europa.eu www.sme-global.info
SME Global is a think tank and a network of politicians, who are members of the International Democrat Union. It
provides an institutional framework for small and medium sized enterprises at the international level. It was founded in2003 by its current president, European Parliament member Dr. Paul Rübig.
Taiwan Bicycle Association (TBA)
Ms Shelly FAN
T: +886 2 27393311 F: +886 2 27395500
shelly@tba-cycling.org www.tba-cycling.org
TBA consists of 382 companies that engage in export trading of bicycle products in Taiwan, with the export value of
US$ 2.82 billion in 2014. TBA is one of the major contributors of promoting Taiwan into a Cycling island, by building
public bicycle systems in the cities and improving biking culture, to reduce carbon emission and alleviate traffic
congestion problems.
Taiwan Lighting Fixture Export Association (TLFEA)
Mr Steven LIN
T: +886 2 2999 7739 F: +886 2 2999 6489
brian@lighting.org.tw www.lighting.org.tw
TLFEA is composed of manufacturers, distributors in the field of lighting fixture industry. The number of TLFEA
members has steadily arisen to above 800. TLFEA has received numerous awards from government in recognition of its
good performance.
Taiwan Paper Industry Association (TPIA)Mr Marty LIN
T: +886 2 2577-6352 F: +886 2 2578 8139
tpia@paper.org.tw www.paper.org.tw
TPIA consists of 81 paper mills in Taiwan. Its services to the members include market survey, statistics, industrial
relationship, etc. It supports the ongoing negotiation of Environmental Goods Agreement, and the trade liberalization ofrecycling papers.
Taiwan Coalition of Services Industries (TWCSI)Louisa SU
T: +886 2 2735 0056 F: +886 2 2735 0069
www.twcsi.org.tw louisa@twcsi.org.tw
Taiwan Coalition of Service Industries (TWCSI) was established in 2007 to highlight the importance of trade inservices, which accounts for almost 70% of GDP in Taiwan. TWCSI directly engages with individual companies andorganizations, and plays an important role in helping its members reach out to international trade opportunities.
The goal of TWCSI is to promote the continuing development and competitiveness of service industries in Taiwan bypromoting the development of a "service friendly environment" in Taiwan; providing a focal point for liaison with thegovernment; establishing and maintaining cooperation between members of Taiwan's service industries for the purposeof achieving common goals; representing the interests of service industries in Taiwan and to formulate policies andmake submissions on behalf of our members; promoting fair, effective and comprehensive international and multilateralrules for trade in services; and establishing and developing links with counterpart organizations around the world.
TheCityUKMr John COOKE
T: +44 20 3696 0123
cooke.ja@virgin.net www.thecityuk.com
TheCityUK is an independent membership body representing the UK-based financial and related professional services
industry. This ranges from banking, insurance, asset management, securities and private equity through to legal,
accountancy and management advisory services. These sectors as a whole account for 12.8% of the UK’s GDP and
employ over two million people. TheCityUK’s membership is international and includes UK-headquartered and inward
investor firms. TheCityUK engages with and responds to relevant UK, EU and international developments which have an
impact on the industry’s competitiveness.

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SIGNATORIES:
Australian Services Roundtable - Australia
China National Textile and Apparel Council - China
COMESA Business Council - Africa
Confederaçao Nacional de Serviços - Brazil
Canadian Services Coalition - Canada
Coalition of Services Industries - USA
East African Business Council – East Africa
Eurochambres - Europe
EuroCommerce - Europe
European Express Association - Europe
European Services Forum - Europe
Foreign Trade Association - Europe
Global Express Association - International
Hong Kong Coalition of Services Industries – Hong Kong
Korea Business Association Europe - Korea
Keidanren - Japan
Korea International Trade Association - Korea
National Retail Federation – United States of America
Retail Council of Canada – Canada
General Chamber of Commerce of the R.O.C. (Taiwan) – Chinese Taipei
SME Global – Europe
Taiwan Bicycle Association – Chinese Taipei
Taiwan Coalition of Services Industries – Chinese Taipei
Taiwan Lighting Fixture Export Association – Chinese Taipei
Taiwan Paper Industry Association – Chinese Taipei
TheCityUK – United Kingdom

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