Paris, Tuesday 9 October 2001

Preparations for the fourth WTO Ministerial Conference

Commission des Affaires Etrangeres

Assemblee nationale





There are just 30 days until the 4th WTO Ministerial Conference takes place in Doha, Qatar. In terms of our preparatory process, this is where the rubber hits the road.



Ministers are resolute. They do not want a repeat of the failure of Seattle. Nor can we pretend this is a routine meeting where Ministers will simply discuss general economic trends. The context in which Ministers will meet ensures a decision will be taken, whether positive or negative, that will have long term implications for the WTO. Failure to get consensus on a forward work programme will lead many to question the value of the institution. It could condemn us to a period of hibernation.