WTO negotiations : Morocco spares no effort to represent African voice

At a lunch- debate with a number of African counterparts and ambassadors, Amara underlined the determination of the Kingdom, in its capacity as coordinator of the African Group at the WTO, "to defend the interests of the continent, as part of the ongoing negotiations in Geneva and the ministerial meeting in Bali in December."

Morocco, he said, is proud to take the great responsibility of coordinating the work of the group during such a critical moment for the negotiations of the Doha Round.

The 9th Ministerial Conference of the WTO in Bali "is highly important and crucial for us," noted the minister, who praised the positive and constructive stance of African negotiators in Geneva as well as the commendable work and efforts of the African Group in the WTO, carried in unity and harmony.

Amara said that, twelve years after the launch of the Doha Round, it is important to preserve the credibility of the WTO as a forum for multilateral negotiations to regulate world trade.

"The Bali conference should lead to concrete and satisfactory results for all. It should also reach a clear commitment to the conclusion of this cycle as quickly as possible," he said, noting that success in Bali "will send a strong message to the world that the WTO continues to play a crucial role in the multilateral trading system."

Over thirty ambassadors of African countries, including Ambassador Permanent Representative of Morocco in Geneva Hilale Omar, took part in this meeting, held on the sidelines of the Fourth Review of Aid for Trade.