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Gao Hucheng, Minister of Commerce of PRC, Addresses the Ninth WTO Ministerial Conference

  

On December 4, Gao Hucheng, Minister of Commerce of PRC addressed the ninth WTO Ministerial Conference. He pointed out that, multilateral trading system is at a critical turning point, facing many challenges. “Confidence, Commitments and Reform” are the key for us to conquer the difficulties.

Gao Hucheng said that, under the guidance of the Secretary-General, and through arduous efforts of all parties, we are on the verge of reaching "early harvest". The achievements gained by now are hard-won, and we should not give up halfway. China has a saying that rainbow always appear after the rain storming. Therefore, we should firm our confidence to reach agreements, realizing a zero breakthrough of multilateral negotiations since the setup of WTO.

Gao Hucheng expressed that, China is a firm supporter and important contributor to multilateral trading system, positively participating in negotiations in Doha Round and Early Harvest, and ITA Wider Coverage, and is also open-minded to other multilateral negotiations. China consistently adheres to the trade and development goal, providing zero tariff treatment to the least developed countries, and has been the biggest export markets of the least developed countries for five consecutive years. China implements China Program under the WTO's Mobilizing Aid for Trade. Yesterday, we announced to expand assistances to C4 in Africa, making concrete contributions to this conference.

Gao Hucheng pointed out that, multilateral trading system is still the first choice of the trade agenda of all countries, and the most urgent thing now is to reach the Early Harvest Agreement as soon as possible, on the basis of which, the rest issues of Doha Round could be initiated to finally realize the development goal. At the same time, to adapt to the characteristics of the 21st century, WTO also needs changes and breakthrough. Particularly, Surging regional trading arrangements, expanding WTO members and low efficiency of WTO organization and decision-making mechanism are all important issues.

Gao Hucheng expressed that, just two months ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping made an important speech in Bali, Indonesia on China's comprehensive deepening of reform and opening up. Recently, at the Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee, China decided to participate in multilateral trading system represented by WTO in a more positive manner. China will further open the market, and it is estimated that, in the future five years, the import by China will reach USD10 trillion, and overseas investment will be over USD 0.5 trillion. China will make great contributions to build a harmonious world that is mutual benefit and win-win.

Yu Jianhua, Chinese permanent representative and ambassador to WTO, Niu Dun, Vice Minister of Agriculture, and Wang Shouwen, Assistant Minister of Commerce were present at the Conference.

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