We also want to make sure that science, not politics, is the guide when countries adopt measures relating to health and safety. Belief in the scientific method also must be the foundation of informed public policy. A policy based on public perception, rather than fact, will ultimately fail. Our goal within the WTO is to work to build public confidence in the international standard setting process, so that food safety and environmental quality will not be jeopardized in our efforts to facilitate trade. WTO members in the international community must set international plant, animal and human health standards that reflect the best scientific information we have available to assess risks and determine the most appropriate measure for addressing these risks.
More transparency is critical and broader participation is vital.
We are looking forward to working with our trading partners to meet these goals. But now, I am happy to introduce our panelists. Our first speaker, Paul Drazek, is well known to many of you here today. Mr. Drazek is Secretary Glickman's special assistant for international affairs. He has 25 years experience in the field of international trade and has extensive knowledge of domestic and international trade rules and practices.