Statement Minister Heemskerk WTO Geneve - december 2009

Toespraak | 02-12-2009

Statement Minister Heemskerk WTO Geneve - 2 december 2009

Good to be here and to discuss the importance of trade, trade liberalisation and the organisation at the heart of it: the WTO.

Important because:

  1. Trade is crucial for economic recovery;
  2. Trade liberalisation is motor and conveyor belt for economic growth;
  3. A strong international, rules -based trading system is of crucial importance to the day-to-day operations of our businesses - and, indirectly, for our consumers. This is true for the world economy; it is true for all WTO members.

It is certainly true for The Netherlands. We are a small country in size, but we have an open and relatively large economy. Our wealth is due to trade. Once you are in The Netherlands, you are in the largest exporter, the largest importer, the largest destiny of FDI in the world: the European Union.

Therefore, I am here, not out of obligation, but out of conviction. Let's get back to the points I made earlier:

  1. Trade is vital for economic recovery. It may be tempting to adopt an inward-looking approach, to protect national jobs and businesses. This is counterproductive and dangerous. I am pleased with the role of the WTO: the WTO monitoring reports have been instrumental in preventing a backslide into protectionism.
  2. The conclusion of the DDA is long overdue! We will all very much gain from the economic benefits that the conclusion of the DDA will bring, especially developing countries. Conclusion is a powerful signal that we can get things done multilaterally. More importantly, conclusion of the DDA will pave the way for the trade agenda of the 21st century, including issues as competition, procurement and continued work on NTBs. Climate change should also be addressed urgently: we need to work on early liberalisation of environmental goods like solar panels and windmills and services as part of the DDA. We should also work constructively on a way to take account of sustainability concerns in a practical, non-discriminatory way. But first things first: take what's on the table in the DDA, fill in the last gaps and sign a deal.
  3. The systemic value of the WTO has for a long time been overshadowed by the DDA negotiations. The existence of fair and enforceable trade rules that are internationally respected, is crucial to the operation of our businesses. They need a predictable business environment and a strong WTO.

I thank you for your kind attention.