World Trade Organisation (Hansard, 3 November 1999)

§ 15. Mr. Heppell
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with non-governmental organisations on the implications for developing countries of the agenda for the Seattle ministerial conference of the World Trade Organisation. [95594]

§ Clare Short
We are keen to promote dialogue and discussion with civil society. Ministers and officials from across Government meet regularly with non-governmental organisations and a wide range of other civil society representatives, to discuss trade-related issues. On 2 March, I made a speech entitled "Future Multilateral Trade Negotiations: A Development Round?" which has been circulated to NGOs and more widely. A copy is in the Library of the House.
This morning I made a speech to 100 civil society representatives where I set out how we can make the next trade Round work for the world's poor. I will also be speaking at a conference with NGOs and civil society at Seattle on 29 November.

§ 20. Mr. David Taylor
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department is taking to ensure that developing countries will derive substantial development benefits from the next World Trade Organisation conference. [95599]

§ Clare Short
We are working bilaterally and with a wide range of other organisations, to help build the capacity of developing countries to participate effectively in the multilateral trading system. A full list of the work we are supporting has been placed in the Library of the House.
It is not widely appreciated that three quarters of the members of the World Trade Organisation are developing countries. This means that they are in a position to make great gains and improve their development prospects in the next trade round. It also means that agreement in the next round is dependant on developing country support. We have over the last two years provided £10 million to 228W support training in developing countries negotiating capacity and ability to make use of trade opportunities. We are also working to encourage the EU, World Bank and other support agencies.