Ahern pushes for Trade Deal in Hong Kong

Michael Ahern, Ireland’s Trade Minister speaking after the first EU Council at the WTO (World Trade Organisation) Ministerial in Hong Kong today (Tuesday 13^th December) said that there is still time for a positive outcome to the Trade negotiations now underway.

Minister Ahern said “the EU continues to show leadership in these talks on the delivery of the development dimension and that it has tabled a strong package of measures designed to assist developing countries.”

“We must ensure that the outcome from Hong Kong reflects the vital contribution that trade can make to development. The EU has already set the standard for Market Access by agreeing to quota and duty free access for all the products except arms from the poorest countries. I expect that others will reciprocate and step up to the plate,” he concluded.

ENDS/TC 198