Australia's trade agenda balances the developed and developing worlds

Australia is committed to playing an active role in all the key negotiating groups.

In particular, we intend building on our extensive experience and credibility with developing countries – including as chair of the Cairns Group – to further our objectives in agriculture and other key areas.

Responding to the development agenda

Australia has acted to respond to the concerns and priorities of developing countries.

Last month the Prime Minister announced that Australia will grant tariff and quota-free access to the world’s least developed countries from 1 July 2003.

Least-developed countries such as Bangladesh, Cambodia and many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, as well as East Timor, will benefit.

Australia also has taken a lead in helping developing countries participate in the Doha Round.

Last month I announced a $3 million Regional WTO Capacity Building Project.

The project will begin next year, and will focus on training for developing countries in the Asia-Pacific in three key areas:

• First, in the area of trade policy development;
• Second, training to help these countries participate in market access negotiations, and;
• Third, training to help them pursue the benefits of trade and investment liberalisation.

The project comes on top of a series of trade-related programs in the Asia-Pacific region, worth some $16.5 million dollars this financial year.

• We have provided funds to help developing-country members of the WTO who do not have a mission in Geneva.
• Together with the South African government, we have trained African trade negotiators to help African countries maximise their engagement in the negotiations.
• We have also contributed to a global trust fund supporting the Doha development agenda.

Helping ensure that developing country WTO members are able to participate in the multilateral trading system is not just a gesture; it is directly in Australia’s own interests, for two basic reasons.