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Douglas Alexander's statement on collapse of world trade talks
29 July 2008
The collapse of world trade talks in Geneva is "bad news" for developing countries, but will not diminish the UK Government's commitment to achieving a fairer global trading system, Development Secretary Douglas Alexander commented today.
In his statement on the negotiations - which were part of a round of meetings that began in Doha in 2001 aimed at making trade work for the world's poorest people - Mr Alexander said:
"I am deeply disappointed by the failure of these talks to make the progress we had hoped for. This lost opportunity is bad news for world businesses and consumers, and especially those in the world’s poorest countries.
"Here in Geneva, UK Ministers have been pushing hard for a deal that is good for development and good for the UK. We have come close to bridging the gap on key issues like cutting developed country farm subsidies and creating new opportunities for UK business.
"Now is a time to pause and consider how to now make the progress we want to see. Our determination to work for fairer trade rules that deliver for the world’s poorest, the global economy, and British business remains undimmed."
