Contact Information: Contact: Jonathan Huneke VP of Communications USCIB +1 212 703 5043
USCIB Response to Doha Round Setback in Potsdam
| Source: USCIB
NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - June 21, 2007) - The president of the United States Council for
International Business, Peter M. Robinson, issued the following statement
today in response to news of the breakup of the G4 (Brazil, India, EU,
U.S.) meeting in Potsdam, Germany on the WTO Doha Round:
"USCIB calls on governments to quickly revisit their positions and find the
political will to overcome the lack of progress at the Potsdam G4 meeting.
"The defining moment of the Doha Round is now. The outlines of a balanced
agreement are clearly visible. But unless this setback is rapidly
reversed, there will be no time to conclude an agreement by the end of this
year, before the U.S. becomes politically locked up in its 2008 election
campaigns.
"USCIB remains committed, as a matter of top priority, to achieving
substantial new trade liberalization in industrial goods, services and
agriculture products in the Round.
"The Doha Round is the best opportunity to boost economic growth and
development, not just for the United States, but also for all WTO members.
Governments must not fail to seize it.
"USCIB strongly supports the leadership efforts of the U.S. negotiators and
appreciates their willingness to show flexibility. Clearly, all governments
must find more flexibility, and do it now, to prevent a failure of this
Round."
Mr. Robinson also expressed full support for the statement issued by
International Chamber of Commerce Chairman Marcus Wallenberg. The ICC
statement is available at http://www.iccwbo.org/iccbefeg/index.html.
About USCIB
USCIB promotes an open system of global commerce in which business can
flourish and contribute to economic growth, human welfare and protection of
the environment. Its membership includes some 300 U.S. companies,
professional service firms and associations whose combined annual revenues
exceed $3 trillion. As American affiliate of the leading international
business and employers' organizations, including ICC, USCIB provides
business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide and
works to facilitate international trade. More information is available at
www.uscib.org.