| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
CONTACT: Eric Thomas, The Fratelli Group |
| July 24, 2006 |
202-822-9491 |
Business Group Expresses Praise for U.S. Negotiators’ Commitment
to Strong Deal
Washington, DC – The American Business Coalition for Doha
(ABCDoha) today expressed strong disappointment that WTO talks
in Geneva were suspended, while commending Ambassador Schwab
and her team for maintaining a steadfast commitment to achieving
a strong market access result from the Doha talks.
“We regret the G-6 could not come together on a way to lead
the talks forward,” said Brigitte Schmidt Gwyn, Director for
International Trade and Fiscal Policy for Business Roundtable.
Business Roundtable serves as Secretariat for ABCDoha.
“A lack of flexibility on the part of several of the United
States’ key negotiating partners unfortunately led to a deadlock
and to suspension of negotiations. Our goal is to ensure that
this period of ‘reflection’ is used wisely by all delegations
and results in a fresh approach without allowing too much
time to pass before negotiators go back to the table,” continued
Gwyn.
ABCDoha cautioned, however, that delegations must put the
talks on a more productive track if they are to yield different
results in the future. “Our message has been consistent. This
round must lead to an ambitious and comprehensive agreement.
We believe the Doha Round will have failed if it does not
produce net gains in market access for U.S. businesses, farmers
and service-providers,” said Gwyn.
ABCDoha represents more than 200 leading U.S. companies,
associations, and other organizations who believe in the full
potential of the Doha Round to fuel global economic growth
and pull millions of people in developing countries out of
a cycle of poverty.
“The Doha Round is too important to developed and developing
countries alike to reach a deal that misses the mark. If it
takes more time to get it right, then we are prepared to support
that outcome,” concluded Gwyn.
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