Ahern holds talks with WTO Chairman John Tsang

Trade Minister Michael Ahern today (14^th December) held talks with the Chairman of the WTO Ministerial Council Mr John Tsang, Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology. The WTO Ministerial Conference is underway in Hong Kong from 13th to 18th December.

Minister Ahern, who is leading the Irish delegation at the talks, said that despite the much publicised controversies in the build up to the talks it was important that the trade development goals of the Doha Round are not only met but are seen to be met by all the stakeholders. While acknowledging the difficulties in reaching a consensus, Minister Ahern said a deal to which poor, developing and developed countries alike could agree, would deliver prosperity, stability and substantial economic and social rewards across the board. Minister Ahern, in congratulating Mr Tsang on his appointment as Chairman of these historic talks, assured him that Ireland and its EU partners were striving to make the negotiations a success.

ENDS

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