For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 14, 2001
President Supportive of New Round of Global Trade Negotiations
Statement by the President
I commend the decision by the world's trading nations, meeting in
Qatar, to launch a new round of global trade
negotiations. This bold declaration of hope by the World
Trade Organization (WTO) has the potential to expand prosperity and
development throughout the world and revitalize the global
economy. It also sends a powerful signal that the world's
trading nations support peaceful and open exchange and reject the
forces of fear and protectionism.
Today's action advances the United States' agenda to liberalize
world trade -- something that will benefit all Americans. By
promoting open trade, we expand export markets and create high-paying
jobs for American workers and farmers, while providing more choices and
lower prices for goods and services for American families.
Today's decision offers fresh hope for the world's developing
nations, with whom the United States worked closely in crafting an
agenda for trade negotiations. It reflects our common
understanding that a new trade round can give developing countries
greater access to world markets, and lift the lives of millions now
living in poverty. In addition, the WTO meeting affirmed the
commitment of all nations to help end the scourge of health pandemics
such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria by highlighting rules
governing access to life-saving medicines.
I also commend the historic decision to welcome into the WTO the
People's Republic of China and Taiwan, united in their commitment to
expand shared rules and opportunity to all members.
I thank Ambassador Zoellick, Secretary Veneman, and Secretary Evans
for their skill in helping WTO members reach this accord, as well as
the select corps of U.S. Government negotiators who assisted them.
The WTO leadership, particularly Director-General Moore, did a
superb job of laying the groundwork for the ministerial. I
also thank the Government of Qatar, the WTO Ministerial chairman
Finance Minister Kamal, and the people of Qatar, for being model hosts
and doing so much to achieve this successful outcome.
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