Informal G10 Ministerial Gathering
Bern, 11.12.2017 - On 11 December, ministers and high-ranking[FSB1] officials from G10 countries met on the fringes of the 11th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Upon invitation from Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, the G10 Members assessed current issues regarding the WTO negotiations on agriculture. They stressed their willingness to engage constructively in trade talks at the WTO Ministerial Conference and beyond.
The G10 is a group of net food-importing WTO Members comprised of Iceland, Israel, Japan, Korea, Liechtenstein, Mauritius, Norway, Chinese Taipei and Switzerland (coordinator). The meeting was chaired by Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research.
Reiterating their strong interest in a well-functioning multilateral trading system, G10 Members expressed their support for a successful 11th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC11). They noted, however, that the current circumstances may not allow for substantive negotiated outcomes at MC11 in most areas. Nonetheless, G10 Members confirmed their willingness to engage constructively at MC11 and beyond, provided that their sensitivities in agriculture [FSB2] are taken into account.
G10 Members recalled the importance of reaching an outcome in the area of export restrictions in agriculture. They particularly support enhanced transparency and exemptions in favour of the World Food Program. G10 Members are of the view that such an outcome would benefit global food security.
Furthermore, G10 Members noted that any work programme resulting from MC11 should be simple and balanced, and not prejudge the outcome of negotiations.
G10 Members agreed to continue to cooperate closely in support of WTO disciplines, which take into account the concerns of net food-importing Members.
Address for enquiries
Adrian Aebi, Director of the Federal Office for Agriculture
and head of the International Affairs Unit,
tel no +4179 213 33 02, e-mail: adrian.aebi@blw.admin.ch
Publisher
Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research
http://www.wbf.admin.ch
Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture
http://www.blw.admin.ch
