The following is excerpted from the 8 April 2013 news release by DFAIT.
The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, .. issued the following statement outlining the agenda Canada would like to see pursued by the next director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
“… Canada views the selection process as a unique opportunity to engage with director-general candidates in a frank and open discussion about the role of the WTO and the future of the Doha Round.
“In Canada’s view, it is imperative that the successful candidate possess the right long-term vision for the WTO, along with the leadership characteristics, experience, proven record of success and commitment required to realize that vision. First and foremost, as a country at the forefront of trade liberalization, Canada will support the selection of a candidate who can marshal common cause against the protectionism that remains a toxic threat to the global economic recovery. Accordingly, the successful candidate must be a champion in the fight against tariff and non-tariff barriers around the world.
“The new director-general must also be a strong supporter of an effective, rules-based multilateral trading system that includes the effective monitoring and surveillance mechanisms that underpin a well-functioning WTO secretariat and dispute settlement system….
This news release is available in its entirety at: http://www.international.gc.ca/media_commerce/comm/news-communiques/2013/04/08a.aspx.