Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Geneva

The G-15, a Summit level Group of 17 developing countries currently chaired by Sri Lanka, in Joint Statement  at the WTO’s 9th Ministerial Conference in Bali, Indonesia on Thursday (5 December), called for a fresh impetus for an early conclusion of the DDA with a “development”- oriented outcome and also emphasizes the importance of the accession to WTO by developing countries, particularly the LDCs.

Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen made this observation when he addressed the the 9th Ministerial held from 3 – 6 December. The Conference was attended by all 159 Member countries of the WTO and a large number of think-tanks, donor agencies, NGOs and civil society groups.

The G-15, comprises 17 member States – Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.

Full statement is attached below.

Mr. Chairman,
Honourable Ministers,
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen
1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Fifteen (G-15), a Summit Level Group of Developing Countries, comprising 17 member states1. The Group was established in 1989 on the firm belief that there is a growing interdependence and mutuality of interest among the community of nations for sustainable development. With the global economic and financial outlook in turmoil and growth prospects in developing countries under severe stress, the Group reaffirms the importance it attaches to the rules-based multi-lateral trading system.
2. At the outset, allow me to congratulate you Mr. Chairman, on your election, and to assure you our full support as we work together towards a successful Ninth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC9).
3. The Group also wishes to welcome and congratulate the new Director-General of WTO, H.E. Mr. Roberto Azevªdo, who at a time played an important role in the Troika of the Group. We are confident that he will be able to provide a credible leadership at this critical juncture in the history of the multi-lateral trading system.
4. The Group emphasizes its call for a fresh impetus at MC9 for early conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda with a development-oriented outcome as in it lies much hope for developing countries for boosting their share of global trade and addressing the challenges of the multilateral trading system. The Group also recognizes and reiterates the need to enhance efficacy of Aid for Trade for
1 Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Zimbabwe.
2
improving trade competitiveness, capacity and better integration of developing countries into the international trading system.
5. The Group emphasizes the importance of facilitating accession to the WTO and calls for expediting the accession of developing countries and in particular, the LDCs, in a transparent manner and without any political impediment. The Group underscores that swift advancement in this regard would be critical in enhancing universality and inclusiveness of WTO and the multi-lateral trading system.
6. The Group welcomes increasing trade and investment flows among developing countries and stresses the importance of united and sustained international engagement in favour of a more equitable, inclusive and development oriented multi-lateral trading system.
7. The Group looks forward to an engaged participation in the post-Bali negotiations, with a view to concluding Doha Round as early as possible, with agreements on all elements of the agenda, and with a clear focus on development, as per our agreed vision when launching the round. Our work