Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Monday, 2 March 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 10 March 1998. It was answered by Clare Short (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 March 1998 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To comment on progress in dismantling trade barriers affecting developing countries.

Answer: Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on progress in dismantling trade barriers affecting developing countries. [32880] Clare Short: The World Trade Organisation (WTO) held a High Level Meeting in October which resulted in a series of modest increased market access offers for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) by a number of developed and some more advanced developing countries. At this meeting the EU reaffirmed its commitment to offer Lome equivalent terms to the nine non-Africa, Caribbean, Pacific LDCs, and terms were agreed in February under the UK Presidency. Progress on implementation of market access commitments will be reviewed at the WTO Ministerial which will take place in Geneva from 18-19 May.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 32880; 308 c111W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Developing countries EU external trade Trade Trade agreements Trade barriers World Trade Organization Preferential tariffs EU trade