Minister for Trade Simon Crean visited Geneva on November 4-5 for discussions on building political commitment for concluding a negotiating package in the Doha Round of world trade talks.
"There is a growing awareness that we must use the window presented by the forthcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit to advance the Doha agenda," he said.
"Successful conclusion of the Doha Round would give a much needed confidence boost to the global economy."
Mr Crean met with World Trade Organisation (WTO) director general Pascal Lamy, Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim, Negotiating Group Chairs for Agriculture (Crawford Falconer) and Non-Agriculture Market Access (Luzius Wasescha), as well as with the Ambassadors of the Cairns Group.
"I indicated my commitment (to the Doha Round) - and that of the Australian Government - to provide that political support and engagement.
"I also took the opportunity of my meeting with Director General Lamy to welcome his indication that he will seek another term as director general.
"This, too, sends a very strong signal of commitment to conclude the Round.
"If we have the right political will, I am convinced we can conclude a Doha package - which would have major benefits for the world economy and for Australia's future trade and prosperity."
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