News

On 17 December during the Sixth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Hong Kong Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antanas Valionis noted, that decisions important for all the membership should not be forced at any price and should not undermine the balance in negotiations or interests of some members.

Minister Valionis stated that Lithuania strongly supported the main goals of Doha Development Agenda (DDA). According to the Minister it is important to strive for these goals not only for the sake of benefits of trade liberalization but also for credibility of multilateral trading system promoting sustainable economic development all around the world.

“Today we have vitally important task – to demonstrate our solidarity and to deliver Development package addressing the needs and concerns of the most vulnerable of us,” the Head of Lithuanian diplomacy stated.

Foreign Minister expressed hope that DDA round would succeed. But in order to succeed the negotiations should be built on reciprocity.

“I am convinced that all parties, with only exception of the most vulnerable ones, should contribute to the liberalization process according to their capacities,” Minister Valionis said. 

Lithuanian Foreign Minister stressed that only balanced outcome of DDA round might be acceptable for all WTO members.

Underlining the importance of other topical issues Minister Valionis mentioned the European Union’s offer to eliminate export subsidies and its agricultural policy reform.

“I invite other WTO members to show their adequate level of engagement eliminating other forms of export subsidies and reducing trade distorting support,” Lithuanian Foreign Minister prompted.