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November 16, 2005
"Recalibration" Necessary for Hong Kong Ministerial In his report to heads of delegations on November 10, 2005, WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy said that informal meetings of ministers over the previous several days had not been able to bridge differences among delegations on levels of liberalization to be sought in the Doha Round. He said this would now require members to "recalibrate" their expectations for the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference. He stressed the need to maintain the ambition of the Round, and for Hong Kong to mark a step forward in successfully completing the talks next year. For a copy of his remarks, click here: http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news05_e/stat_lamy_nov05_e.htm. For the transcript of a media availability with US Trade Representative Robert Portman and Agriculture Secretary Johanns following the meetings, click here: http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Transcripts/2005/November/Media_Availability_of_USTR_Portman_USDA_Secretary_Johanns_on_the_Doha_Global_Trade_Talks.html. For a copy of remarks to the press by EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson, click here: http://europa.eu.int/comm/commission_barroso/mandelson/speeches_articles/temp_icentre.cfm?temp=sppm066_en. 2nd Draft Hong Kong Services Text Released The chairman of the WTO negotiating group on services has released a revised draft text on services to be included in the Ministerial statement at next month's Hong Kong meeting. The draft text calls for improvements on all four modes of services delivery and "numerical targets and indicators" for negotiations. It calls for "substantial reductions" in economic needs tests; de-linking Mode 4 (movement of natural persons) commitments from Mode 3 (commercial presence) requirements; targeted technical assistance to developing countries and least developed countries; and a call to WTO Members to "intensify their efforts" to reach an agreement on services rulemaking. The text is subject to further negotiation prior to Hong Kong. For a copy of the draft text, click here: http://www.globalservicesnetwork.com/CTSSS%20Draft%20Text%20110305.doc. European Commission Releases Model Service Sector Schedules The European Commission recently issued a series of "model schedules" for several key service sectors, including computer and related services, construction/engineering, distribution, environmental, financial, legal, maritime, and telecommunications. The schedules specify objectives for market access and national treatment in those sectors. For a copy of the model schedules, click here: http://www.globalservicesnetwork.com/EC%20Model%20Schedules1.pdf. On-Line Materials from Institute for Trade and Commercial Diplomacy The Institute for Trade and Commercial Diplomacy (ITCD) has developed an on-line training program on the professional practice of commercial diplomacy. The program focuses on training business and government professionals in the skills required to manage the development of government trade policies and the negotiation of international trade agreements. Visit http://www.itcdonline.com for information on how to register to participate in this program. For further information, contact Susan Slomback, Project Manager, at suzi_itcd@yahoo.com. WTO General Council Adopts Saudi Arabia's Terms of Accession On November 11, 2005, the WTO General Council formally concluded negotiations with Saudi Arabia on the terms of the country's membership in the WTO. Saudi Arabia will become the WTO's 149th Member on December 11, 2005. For a copy of the WTO press release and a description of the commitments that Saudi Arabia has undertaken in order join the WTO, click here: http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/pres05_e/pr420_e.htm.
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