Interviews
SA seeks reduction in tarrifs on the eve of meet with WTO
29 Jun '06
3 min read
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Mandisi Mpahlwa will lead the South African delegation to the WTO talks in Geneva on 28 June 2006. The talks are aimed at establishing the modalities for the reduction of agricultural subsidies and tariffs, as well as industrial tariffs.
South Africa's position on the issue is well known. It wants developed nations, and in particular the United States and the European Union, to reduce their agricultural subsidies to farmers in their countries in a bid to level the playing field. It also wants them to reduce tariffs on agricultural products for the benefit of developing country exports. Moreover, it is adamant that the reduction in agricultural subsidies and tariffs should not be held ransom to a reduction of industrial tariffs by the developing world.
the dti is keenly aware that the protracted talks has led to some pessimism about the benefits of talks. However, the department stresses its commitment to the negotiations because the WTO is the single most important forum in global trade and could deliver important benefits to developing countries, including South Africa.
As a member-driven organisation, WTO decisions are based on consensus. As a member, South Africa can influence the organisation's agenda, its work programmes and its decisions. South Africa is an active participant in the WTO.
As an active participant in the Doha Development Agenda negotiations, South Africa is involved in all the negotiation groups and special sessions of committees mandated to oversee the negotiation process. South Africa has submitted and/or co-sponsored numerous proposals for mandated negotiations in these structures.
South Africa's position on the issue is well known. It wants developed nations, and in particular the United States and the European Union, to reduce their agricultural subsidies to farmers in their countries in a bid to level the playing field. It also wants them to reduce tariffs on agricultural products for the benefit of developing country exports. Moreover, it is adamant that the reduction in agricultural subsidies and tariffs should not be held ransom to a reduction of industrial tariffs by the developing world.
the dti is keenly aware that the protracted talks has led to some pessimism about the benefits of talks. However, the department stresses its commitment to the negotiations because the WTO is the single most important forum in global trade and could deliver important benefits to developing countries, including South Africa.
As a member-driven organisation, WTO decisions are based on consensus. As a member, South Africa can influence the organisation's agenda, its work programmes and its decisions. South Africa is an active participant in the WTO.
As an active participant in the Doha Development Agenda negotiations, South Africa is involved in all the negotiation groups and special sessions of committees mandated to oversee the negotiation process. South Africa has submitted and/or co-sponsored numerous proposals for mandated negotiations in these structures.
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