September 16, 2003
Regarding Accession of Cambodia & Nepal to World Trade Organization (WTO) Statement by H.E. MS. Yoriko Kawaguchi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan on September 11, 2003 in Cancun
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Honorable Ministers,
Distinguished Delegates, especially from Cambodia and Nepal,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Taking this occasion of approving membership of Cambodia and Nepal in the WTO, I would like to say a few words.
First, allow me to echo the previous speakers in expressing my heartfelt welcome to the new Asian Members of the WTO. The decision approving their membership is especially significant, as these countries are a first group of the Least Developed Countries to join this world body since its foundation. The accession of Cambodia and Nepal will make the WTO a more global organization with an appropriate representation of LDCs.
Second, I would like to pay high respects to the efforts made by those involved in the accession negotiations, including Director-General of the WTO, Dr. Supachai. Last year, Dr. Supachai drew up the guidelines to facilitate the accession of LDCs. I hope, with these guidelines in place, more countries will follow good examples of the two countries. My thanks also go to Ambassador Meloni of Italy and Ambassador Girard of Switzerland, under whose leadership as the chairpersons of the Working Groups, we were able to conclude the accession negotiations expeditiously.
Cambodia and Nepal now face new challenges to implement their commitments stipulated in the protocols of their accession. Japan continues to support both countries as they take up these challenges. At the same time, I am convinced that Cambodia and Nepal will be able to reap maximum benefits from their membership in the WTO, by enhancing their capacity and capability to be more competitive in the global trade.
Before closing, I would like to congratulate once again on the decision approving membership of the two countries, and I wish them a very best.
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