DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE WTO MEETS NEDLAC CONSTITUENCIES

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Mr Mike Moore, met with Nedlac constituencies in Johannesburg this morning as part of a two-day visit to South Africa. "It was a good meeting", said Executive Director of Nedlac, Phillip Dexter. "Parties had the opportunity to interact with the Director-General and hear first-hand something of the inner workings of the WTO."

Constituencies were briefed on the progress that has been made in preparing for the new round of trade negotiations that was launched in Doha in November last year. They were also able to raise areas of particular concern.

Mr Moore briefed parties on the initiatives that are to be taken in order to implement the agreement reached in Doha regarding the provision of trade-related technical assistance and capacity building to developing countries to help them engage fully in the negotiation process.

Mr Moore said that steps that South Africa had taken to strengthen its representation in Geneva were very important as the work of the World Trade Organisation enters a new phase. Faizel Ismail, Deputy Director General of the International Trade and Economic Development Division of the DTI leaves shortly to take up a position at the WTO on behalf of South Africa.

Mr Moore said that the model that South Africa had in terms of consultation was a strong one, and was often held up as an example of how other countries should involve stakeholders in negotiations.

Issued in Johannesburg
11 February 2002

Jennifer Wilson
Communications Coordinator
Nedlac
(011) 482-2511
fax: 482 4650