Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06PORTOFSPAIN786
2006-06-29 14:19:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Port Of Spain
Cable title:
WTO DOHA ROUND NEGOTIATIONS - TRINIDAD
VZCZCXRO4859 PP RUEHAG RUEHAP RUEHDE RUEHDF RUEHGI RUEHHM RUEHLZ RUEHMR RUEHPA RUEHPB DE RUEHSP #0786 1801419 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 291419Z JUN 06 FM AMEMBASSY PORT OF SPAIN TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7049 INFO RUCNWTO/WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION COLLECTIVE
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
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
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