And we need to do this in ways that will ensure momentum is maintained
so that substantive negotiations can begin next year.
For Australia, the Sydney meeting is an opportunity to build on
traditional alliances. It is an opportunity to show our developing country
colleagues that the WTO can work for them.
Importantly, it is an opportunity to reinforce the message that the
round cannot be concluded without a successful and timely resolution on
access to medicines and, ultimately, an ambitious outcome on agriculture
in line with the Doha Development Agenda mandate.
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I am confident that, together with the other participants at the Sydney
meeting, we can unlock the door to the successful conclusion of the Doha
Development Round in a manner that will ensure greater global openness.
Australia has always been recognised as an assertive advocate of trade
reform and we will continue this advocacy in search of a fairer and more
balanced global trading regime.
Because we believe it is in our national interest.
This is an edited version of a Telstra Address given
to the National Press Club, Canberra, on Canberra, 13 November 2002.
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