PARIS/ANKARA (AA) - Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen has indicated today (Wednesday) that all preparations must be finalized to make the World Trade Organization (WTO) Hong Kong Meeting of Ministers successful. ``Agriculture and entrance into the market are key topics for negotiations,`` said Tuzmen.
In a speech delivered at the Doha Development Round of the OECD Ministerial Council meeting, Tuzmen remarked that there is a limited period of time remaining before goals could be realized. ``For this reason, we must have political guidance and determination,`` commented Tuzmen.
``After the unsuccessful meeting in Cancun, the Frame Agreement of August 1st, 2004, is one of the impressive successes achieved in a multi-lateral trade negotiation,`` stressed Tuzmen. ``The Frame Agreement has renewed our energy. Since that date, we have walked a long way in discussing the details. However, I am sorry to say that we have not yet reached a point of compromise. We must use every opportunity to make these meetings mutually beneficial and fruitful,`` expressed Tuzmen.
According to Tuzmen, there are wide differences between member states. ``The issue of agriculture is one of the most complex ones that is also the subject of heated debates,`` said Tuzmen.
Tuzmen mentioned that many big markets are being protected by high tariffs and obstacles aside from tariffs. ``My perspective is that the Frame Agreement could have handled such tariffs and obstacles more realistically. The current process, except agricultural goods, does not represent the Doha Development agenda properly. Nevertheless, we are happy to see that we would have taken some important steps prior to July on products out of the agricultural area,`` noted Tuzmen.
(SOL-A֩
2005-05-04