HONG KONG BRIEFING NOTES Briefing notes on the Ministerial and the main issues

These briefing notes describe the situation as it exists at the time of going to press (mid-November 2005).

They are designed to help journalists and the public understand the key issues of the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference. While every effort has been made to ensure the contents are accurate, they are not legal interpretations of the WTO agreements, nor do they prejudice member governments? positions in the conference and in the negotiations.

Past WTO Ministerials:
> Cancún, 2003
> Doha, 2001
> Seattle, 1999
> Geneva, 1998
> Singapore, 1996

Further information:
> The WTO in brief
> Understanding the WTO:
Introduction to the WTO

Director-General’s letter to journalists

The Doha Development Agenda
A brief summary of some of the items on the Agenda

Agriculture
‘Modalities?would boost entire round

Cotton
Special focus as an agriculture negotiations issue

Services
One member's obligation is another member's right

Market access, non-agricultural products
Still sorting out ‘modalities?/p>

Intellectual property (TRIPS)
Negotiations, implementation and TRIPS Council work

Trade facilitation
Cutting red tape at the border

Rules: ad, SCM including fisheries subsidies
Negotiations to clarify and improve disciplines

Rules: regional agreements
Building blocks or stumbling blocks?