WTO DOHA ROUND NEGOTIATIONS - TRINIDAD

UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 000786 SIPDIS SIPDIS USTR FOR DWOSKIN/ROHDE EB FOR MOORE/CRAFT E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETRD WTRO TD SUBJECT: WTO DOHA ROUND NEGOTIATIONS - TRINIDAD REACTION REF: STATE 104561 ¶1. Econ Chief delivered message in reftel to Razia Ali, MFA International Trade Director. In reacting to talking points on tariff levels, Ali said T&T already had average tariffs that were comparable to those in industrialized countries. She recalled that the average T&T tariff had been less than seven percent two years ago, and thought it was even lower now. While tariffs for other CARICOM countries were important sources of revenue, Ali said the issue was not an important one for T&T. On the other hand, she noted that T&T would not support discussion points that promoted high tariff levels. ¶2. Ali said Minister of Trade & Industry Kenneth Valley was expected to travel to Geneva for the ministerial portion of the meetings. She thought it would require the presence of ministers to put together the package of offers necessary to make Doha a success. In this context, Ali expressed confidence in the leadership of WTO director-general Lamy. AUSTIN