Renewed negotiation on agriculture Preparatory process must begin as soon as possible in order to allow the renewed negotiation on agriculture to take place before the end of 1999 as scheduled in the Agreement with a view to concluding expeditiously. The mandate and the conduct of the negotiations must be independent of any call for or skepticism of a new broad-based round of trade negotiations. Thailand supports others who have called for a framework of negotiation addressing all areas affecting agriculture trade, namely export subsidies, market access and domestic support. Furthermore, in pursuing further liberalization, support to the economic development needs of developing countries, including their technical assistance requirements, must be continued while the principle of special and differential treatment for developing countries must also remain an integral part of the future negotiations. Potential issues It is also important to recognize that appropriate, reasonable and operable improvement of the existing rules are vital to the WTO to enhance its relevance in the evolving world economy.
Globalization is an irreversible fact of life in the modern world.
The important question facing us is how best to deal with the inevitable process of globalization. Therefore, from time to time the, the WTO needs to review and redress any shortcomings or loopholes which exist in its system. While it is true that there are extensive issues put forward on the table, we need to ensure that we do not close our eyes on other evolving development in the global economy. Nevertheless, in taking on board any issue, it would require endorsement from Members on the basis of consensus. Indeed, issues such as investment, competition policy and transparency in government procurement were brought to our attention at Singapore.