The Global Sugar Alliance Communiqués.
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11 February 2009
Sweeten World Trade – Conclude the Doha Round
Communique – DubaiConcluding the Doha Round is of critical importance to the world economy. The Global Sugar Alliance, exporters of 80 per cent of the world’s cane sugar, urges world leaders and WTO Ministers to agree a framework that will lock in gains and prevent the world sliding into a new era of toxic protectionism.
At the recent G20 summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy, world leaders recognised the "critical importance of rejecting protectionism" and not turning inwards in these times of financial uncertainty. This was reinforced in Davos. There is a role for and a need for economic stimulus, to stabilise financial markets and support ongoing economic activity, most importantly to ensure the integrity of the financial system. However, restricting trade and introducing distorting measures to protect domestic activity, risks worsening the economic down turn and prolonging the malaise.
Finalising the WTO Doha Round will
· deliver improved market access
· reduce trade distorting domestic supports
· remove agricultural export subsidies.
The Doha Rounds draft framework agreement is less ambitious than the changes envisaged in the original negotiating mandate. Nonetheless, concluding the agreement will strengthen WTO institutional structures, make it more difficult for the implementation of protectionist policies and improve the prospects for economic recovery.
Trade does matter and trade rules work. Trade is essential to economic growth and prosperity. It has lifted millions out of poverty and significantly raised the global standard of living. The rules based system has enhanced the world sugar market.
Further gains are attainable, much will depend on US leadership and the commitment of all WTO members to finishing the round. Working through the politics of change is both the opportunity and challenge for President Obama.
Global Sugar Alliance members will continue to proactively defend the need for positive, progressive and meaningful new trade rules and work with governments, the Cairns Group, G-20 and in the WTO to secure this outcome for sugar. Our long-term sustainability depends on practical progress and a strong legally enforceable framework.