From the Archive: Uruguay trade talks greeted by Chief Anyaoku

Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku greeted the conclusion of the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade talks in December 1993 with a warning that every country must become a “winner” under the new world trading system.

The signing of the global deal followed seven years of hard-bitten negotiations and came just weeks after Commonwealth leaders had called for a swift and equitable conclusion.

Chief Anyaoku, speaking on 16 December 1993, said the “historic deal” - which aimed to reduce agricultural subsidies, opened up the banking and insurance trades and led to the creation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) - would be greeted by relief by the then 50-member association.

He said: “For countries with a relatively weak bargaining power, the prospect of an international trading system based on comprehensive, transparent and multilaterally agreed rules capable of enforcement by the new World Trade Organization is of immense benefit.

“The systemic improvements will be particularly important for Commonwealth countries, many of which have small open economies highly dependent on international trade.”

The Secretary-General added that the Round could provide a substantial boost to international trade and promote growth, but he issued a warning on the potential threat of trade liberalisation to developing countries.

Chief Anyaoku said: “Countries would need more assistance in developing their human infrastructural and production capabilities. They will also need assistance in increasing their capacities to diversify their economies and improve their competitiveness.”

Just weeks before, in October 1993, Commonwealth Heads of Government at their biennial meeting in Limassol, Cyprus, had called for a “comprehensive, equitable and balanced” conclusion to the Round, which had stalled since 1990 over disagreements on agricultural subsidies and market access.

Following the meeting, the Secretary-General sent a ministerial mission to various capitals to urge participants to negotiate “positively and flexibly”.

The Round, which began in Punta del Este in Uruguay, was concluded on 15 December, replacing the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). As well as leading to the formation of the WTO, it adopted international rules on trade in goods as well as intellectual property and provided countries with a resolution process for trade disputes.

The next major round of world trade talks, the Doha Round, intended to enhance trade participation for poorer countries, began in 2001 and has yet to be concluded.

Key Links:

• Country Profile: Cyrpus
• Economic Development
• Visit the archives