TRADE

"We will ensure full and effective implementation of the Uruguay Round results according to the agreed timetables."

Overall grade: 0 (work in progress)

Assessment:

In a statement made at a World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference on 9 December 1996, Germany's Federal Minister of Economics, Mr. Gunter Rexrodt, outlined Germany's commitments to further liberalize the world trading system - an aim that is shared with the focus of the decisions of the Uruguay Round. Germany's five key priorities are listed as the following:

1) The successful conclusion of the negotiations on the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and a commitment to eliminate tariffs on ITA products by the year 2000 at the latest

2) The acceleration of the ten-year schedule for the already agreed reduction of industrial tariffs.

3) An endorsement of the Action Plan of the WTO in favour of the least developed countries (LDC's). More specifically, Germany wants all industrialized nations, as well as emerging economies, to grant LDC's total free access to their markets.

4) The maintenance of the balance of mutual obligations agreed upon in the Uruguay Round in textiles and clothing.

5) In services, the commitment to a successful conclusion by February of next year of the ongoing negotiations to liberalize basic telecommunications. Also, a commitment to conclude a comprehensive agreement on financial services by the end of 1997 in order to replace the expiring interim agreement. Of the many issues found within the Uruguay Round, Germany has decided to designate these five as priorities. Yet, this action does not constitute "full and effective implementation."