Agreements negotiated during the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations significantly expanded the reach of the multilateral trading system so that it now encompasses trade in services and intellectual property as well as in goods. Over the past year major agreements have been negotiated in the important areas of information technology, telecommunications and financial services. The WTO is a dynamic and growing organisation. Over 30 countries are currently negotiating to join the organisation which underlines the importance attached to a credible and enforceable multilateral trading system. At a time of turbulence and uncertainty in international financial markets and increased global economic interdependence this rules-based system is essential to Australia's economic growth and sustained prosperity.
Trade is a major factor in the creation of decent jobs in Australia.
The multilateral trading system provides stable and predictable rules through which Australian businesses can expand market access. It is also the main means of settling trade disputes between countries. Dr Raby has been the First Assistant Secretary, Trade Negotiations and Organisations Division since January 1995. He founded the Department's East Asia Analytical Unit in 1991 and until 1993 was Assistant Secretary and Head of the Unit. Before joining the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1986, he was Senior Analyst at the Office of National Assessments.