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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

McKinnon says “Just do it!”

11 May 2004

"Lamy is right - but others must follow," said Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon following the announcement by EU Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy of the EU's offer to eliminate export subsidies on agricultural products.

"The call from Commonwealth developing countries to rich states that have been promising for years to cut agricultural subsidies is 'Just do it'. But they never actually delivered on their promises. It now seems that the EU is ready to heed their call.

"After the disappointing deadlock of talks in Cancun, this will give a much-needed boost to the important negotiations that are underway in Geneva. The EU's initiative should transform for the better the whole environment in which the Doha round negotiations are being conducted. I now appeal to the US and Japan to follow suit."

Mr McKinnon went on to say: "Increased trading opportunities are the most potent means of combating global poverty. The EU's offer demonstrates the type of flexibility and political will necessary to achieve positive results from the Doha Round. A good outcome on agriculture is crucial for delivering the development dimension of the Round. The EU's initiative represents a positive move towards achieving this objective. I congratulate Commissioners Lamy and Fischler and call upon all the other major players to demonstrate similar courage and conviction. We now need agreement on a negotiating framework before the summer break for the earliest possible conclusion of the Doha Development Round."

The Secretary-General has written to Commissioner Lamy and Franz Fishler, the EU's Commissioner on Agriculture and Fisheries, to congratulate them on this announcement.

Note to Editors

The Commonwealth has long been advocating an end to trade distorting agricultural subsidies. Last February, a group of Commonwealth Trade Ministers went on a mission to Geneva, Washington, Tokyo and Brussels and engaged with key  players - including Commissioner Lamy - to help generate a consensus on the way forward.

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