ACP /African Union / LDC alliance for Cancun

Press release

Cancun (Mexico), 12 September 2003

The ACP Group, the African Union and the LDCs come together to defend their interests in Cancun.

The African , Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP), the African Union (AU) and the Least Developed Countrie (LDCs) have decided to join together to defend their interests which are under serious threats at the 5th WTO Ministerial Conference.

The three organizations noted that they had a convergence of views on Agriculture, Development, Market Access for Non-Agricultural Products, Singapore Issues and « Other »  isues with a view to the present negotiations in Cancun. Their harmonised positions cover the essential elements of each of the aforementioned subjects. The agreement negotiated by their coordinators responsible for the various subject areas was approved by the plenary session of member states.

The ACP, the African Union and the LDCs concluded that, despite the commitments made at the 4th Ministerial Conference in Doha, the WTO negotiations have not taken account of the specific situation of the Alliance members which include some of the poorest nations of the Earth. Midway through the prescribed time period the concrete and adequate measures for implementing the Doha Development Agenda have still not been adopted.

The challenges facing the poor countries and the risk that their economic and social situation may be worsened because of heightened disequilibrium, require the WTO to take the necessary measures to promote the harmonious integration of those countries into world trade. That in what lends legitimacy to the WTO and is its reason for being. The ACP, the African Union and the LDCs also insist on the absolute need for full transparency in the decision-making and implementation process.

Furthermore, the Alliance would like to stress the fact that the present gap between the rich and the poor countries from an economic and trade standpoint is so wide that can only special and Differential Treatment for the Developing Countries in most of the negotiation areas could further their development in the world economy and make it possible for their peoples to enjoy a decent standard of living.

The ACP, African Union and LDC Grouping includes 92 countries, 61 of which are WTO members.