Written question asked by Mark Simmonds (Conservative) on Tuesday, 2 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 November 2004. It was answered by Douglas Alexander (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 November 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government are taking to facilitate the admission of Afghanistan to the World Trade Organisation; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government are taking to facilitate the admission of Afghanistan to the World Trade Organisation; and if he will make a statement. [196263] Mr. Alexander: The Government supports the accession of Afghanistan to the World Trade Organisation on the right terms. Afghanistan applied to accede to the WTO in April 2003 but their application for WTO membership has yet to be considered. Following the successful conclusion of elections in Afghanistan the UK will consult with the European Commission and other European partners on how to facilitate Afghanistan's accession request. The European Commission has sole competence to negotiate WTO accession applications on behalf of the EU.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 196263; 426 c717-8W;426 c722W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: International organisations Trade Afghanistan World Trade Organization
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk