Jefatura de Gabinete de Ministros 1 - Informe Uruguay

9 Ministers stressed that a number of important and sensitive issues remain to be tackled with regard
to domestic support. With a view to fulfilling the Doha mandate in this pillar, substantial reductions in
support, stronger disciplines and effective monitoring are essential. For achieving substantial reduction
of domestic subsidies, there must be deep cuts in the sum of overall trade-distorting support, which
calls for, inter alia, clarity regarding the point of departure for reduction commitments in the Blue Box.
Improved disciplines in distorting domestic support are required to avoid product and box shifting. The
importance of accepting product-specific disciplines in the Amber and in the Blue Box was highlighted.
Enhanced monitoring mechanisms are essential to provide confidence that commitments by Members
will be fulfilled.
10 As far as the Green Box is concerned, Ministers stressed the importance of ensuring its nontrading
distorting nature, and, therefore, the need to clarify its criteria, while ensuring transparency and
accountability in its utilization.
11 Ministers noted that the membership of the G-20 reflects a range of different interests. Based on
the principles of transparency and inclusiveness, the Group has been successful in its efforts to take
into account the concerns of other Members outside the G-20 in its proposals, especially of other
developing countries and least developed countries. Accordingly, after comprehensive consultations
with other groups and intense technical work, the G-20 circulated a proposal on the main market
access elements for a framework on 28 May. The proposal identifies the elements of a possible tariff
reduction formula, as well as all other issues related to market access, including effective S&D
provisions, such as a special safeguard mechanism and special products for developing counties, as a
necessary step towards the establishment of a framework.
12 Ministers welcomed the fact that the G-20 document has prompted renewed substantive
discussions on the market access pillar and allowed for a better understanding of each Members`
positions and of the real issues which have to be resolved.
13 Ministers reaffirmed their solidarity with West and Central African cotton producers and called for a
solution to the problem of cotton on a priority basis in the interest of all cotton-producing developing
countries.
14 Ministers highlighted the importance of addressing in the negotiations the strengthening of the
disciplines on export prohibitions and export restrictions in Article 12 of the Agreement on Agriculture.
15 Ministers recalled their commitment to the negotiations and pledged to continue to contribute to the
Doha Round. They also stressed that the successful conclusion of the negotiations is a common
responsibility of all WTO members, but noted the special responsibility of those that account for the
main distortions in agricultural trade.
16 As they met on the eve of the inauguration of UNCTAD XI, Ministers took note, with satisfaction,
that after 40 years, UNCTAD´s mandate retains its validity and stressed that it should continue to
contribute to a better understanding of issues in the area of trade and development and to consensus
building on possible solutions to those questions.
17 Ministers expressed their common belief that the intensification of South-South trade should
receive priority consideration by all members of the Group. Increased trade flows among developing
countries would be a major contribution to enhance their integration into international trade as a whole.
In this context, they stressed the importance of launching a Third Round of Negotiations under the
Global System of Trade Preferences among developing countries during UNCTAD XI. They also
recalled the idea put forward by President Lula of the possible launching of a free trade area among
G-20 members.
18 Ministers agreed to meet again whenever necessary to consider progress in the agriculture
negotiations and pledged to maintain a high level of coordination of G-20 positions as well as a
constant dialogue with other interested groups and Members, so as to ensure a positive outcome of
the negotiations.
São Paulo, 12 June, 2004.
Comunicado de prensa:
Acuerdo Bilateral Argentina - Ucrania en el marco de la OMC
El 11 de agosto de 2004 la Argentina firmó en Ginebra con Ucrania el Acuerdo
Bilateral en el marco del proceso de adhesión de Ucrania a la Organización Mundial
de Comercio.
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