Global Sugar Alliance members are active participants in processes to improve the world sugar trading environment. Members works closely together to ensure the fair and equal treatment of sugar in the WTO negotiations on agriculture.
Published: 06/07/2006 Abstract: The Doha Round must create significant new commercial opportunities according to the Global Sugar Alliance.
Full Article: Global Sugar Alliance Chairman, Mr Keith De Lacy said the world’s richest economies are seeking real increases in access to developing country markets for non-agricultural products. “They must stop the hypocrisy and deliver worthwhile increases in commercial access to their own agricultural markets”, Mr De Lacy said. The Global Sugar Alliance, producers of 50% of the world’s sugar and suppliers of more than 85% of the world’s cane sugar exports, met in Geneva today to press the case for a strong agreement on modalities. The Global Sugar Alliance understands the wide range of views held by WTO Members. Consistent with the Doha Ministerial Declaration, our message is clear and unequivocal. “The agreement to-date delivers little; the richest countries have the flexibility to opt out. The modalities agreement cannot be considered to be a success unless it delivers worthwhile commitments on the three pillars of the negotiations on agriculture including: · substantial improvements in market access opportunities through significant tariff reductions and increases in quota access for sensitive products and the removal of the Special Agricultural Safeguard · substantial reductions in trade-distorting domestic support · locking in the elimination of all forms of trade-distorting export subsidies.” It is important that the modalities contain sufficient flexibility to recognise the special and differential needs of developing countries, but not provisions that would enable developed countries to opt out of further commitments on individual products such as sugar. Presidents and Prime Ministers have delivered strong statements supporting an ambitious outcome as the best way of increasing GDP and alleviating poverty. As well as highlighting the social and economic benefits, they have identified the benefits to global security that will follow the successful conclusion of the round. Developed countries will gain too. “Their sugar-using industries will be more competitive, generating employment and income growth.” Mr De Lacy said, “It’s time for WTO Ministers to deliver on the rhetoric”. Global Sugar Alliance Members reaffirmed their commitment to work closely with the G-20 and Cairns Group as the negotiations move forward. ENDS
