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… I now would like to submit to delegations for their consideration and adoption, three draft texts which have emerged from the process of intensive decisions and negotiations that we have had over the past few days. These texts are the following:

• the draft Ministerial Declaration in document WT/MIN(01)/DEC/W/1,
• two, the draft Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health in document WT/MIN(01)/DEC/W/2, and
• the third, the draft Decision on Implementation-Related Issues and Concerns in document WT/MIN(01)/W/10

Before I propose action on these three texts, allow me to offer my sincere thanks to the Director-General and all of the ministers who have assisted me so ably as Friends of the Chair. I would also like to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of the Chair of the General Council, the Deputy Directors-General and the Secretariat, and all the ministers and delegations representing their governments at this Ministerial Conference.

The past five days have seen a tremendous amount of committed work by all delegations. Throughout this process I have done my utmost to ensure full transparency and inclusiveness, and I am grateful for the spirit of cooperation and goodwill shown by all participants.

I would like to note that some delegations have requested clarification concerning paragraphs 20, 23, 26 and 27 of the draft declaration. Let me say that with respect to the reference to an ‘explicit consensus’ being needed, in these paragraphs, for a decision to be taken at the Fifth Session of the Ministerial Conference, my understanding is that, at that session, a decision would indeed need to be taken by explicit consensus, before negotiations on trade and investment and trade and competition policy, transparency in government procurement, and trade facilitation could proceed.

In my view, this would also give each member the right to take a position on modalities that would prevent negotiations from proceeding after the Fifth Session of the Ministerial Conference until that member is prepared to join in an explicit consensus.

I would like to suggest that we take action on the three draft texts before I give the floor to delegations who wish to do so to make a statement for the record.

First I should like to propose that the Ministerial Conference adopt the draft Ministerial Declaration in document WT/MIN(01)/DEC/W/1. May I take it that this is agreeable to members?

It is so agreed. (Gavel, applause, congratulations.)

I should like to propose that the Ministerial Conference adopt the draft Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health in document WT/MIN(01)/DEC/W/2. May I take it that this is agreeable?

(Gavel, applause.)

Finally I should like to propose that the Ministerial Conference adopt the draft Decision on Implementation-Related Issues and Concerns in document WT/MIN(01)/W/10

With regard to the outstanding implementation issues, I would like to recall the cover letter of 5 November 2001, sent to me by the Chairman of the General Council and the Director General, which accompanied the draft decision on implementation. It states that the draft decision proposes immediate action on a number of implementation issues, and provides that remaining issues, which include those referred to WTO bodies as well as those listed in their completion will be addressed in the course of the future work programme in accordance with paragraph 12 of the draft ministerial declaration.

May I take it that the draft Decision on Implementation-Related Issues and Concerns in document WT/MIN(01)/W/10 is acceptable to delegations?

(Gavel, applause.)

May I now offer the floor to delegations wishing to make a statement for the record … .  

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