Informal TNC
(2008/2/5)
Thank you, Mr. Chairman,
At the outset, I would like to express my delegation’s full supports to the chair’s idea regarding the future negotiation process and joins other members in calling for one more round of focused discussion before we move onto the horizontal process.
This period should be a meaningful one in term of substance so as to allow ministers to reach a consensus on the key issues. For that happen, we should exert our maximum flexibility to reduce unresolved issues and to give more clarity on the issues which needs to be elaborated.
Regarding the scope of the horizontal process, it is our view that services and rules should be on the table along with AG and NAMA in order to strike the balance across all areas of the negotiations.
Mr. Chairman,
Let me give my delegations’ views on the present negotiations.
In agriculture, my delegation notes good progress generated from the Room E negotiation held in early January of this year. However, it is also true that there has not been a proposal of any alternative with concrete substance that can really push for a consensus on core issues, nor different opinions have been bridged to the level that allows us to move onto the horizontal process.
Based on the architecture that has been consistently developed up until now, we need to play out the balance within each pillar as well as among 3 pillars. Also, it is crucial to address properly the concerns of the importing members such as G10 and G33 in a balanced manner to move the negotiations forward.
As for NAMA, we are concerned that negotiation has been stalled since the submission of Chair’s text last July due to issues such as coefficient range and additional flexibilities. Considering that the majority of the formula
applying Members supports the Chair’s July text, my delegation considers it imperative that such a majority view be fully reflected in the Chair’s revised text.
With regard to services, Korea hopes for the adoption of services text at the same time as the agreement on AG and NAMA modalities. We remain open to engage in any form of discussions to make progress in the negotiation process.
Finally, regarding the rules negotiations, we must listen to the voices of majority of members as they express their concerns with chair’s text losing its balance, as shown by zeroing. If we are to achieve any progress, we should move in the direction that the overwhelming majority of members want, and therefore the Chair’s text should be revised in a significant way.
Mr. Chairman, let me conclude my intervention by saying that Korea is and will be committed to the successful conclusion of DDA negotiation within this year.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
