Global trade & WTO

"A world trade system based on fair rules is very important for us, especially in the agricultural sector."(Federal Minister Ilse Aigner)

The more standardised the rules and the fewer the barriers like customs duties or quota restrictions on products that hamper it, the better international trade functions. Internationally agreed framework conditions and dispute settlement mechanisms within the World Trade Organization create certainty and reliability.

In the so-called Doha Development Round the Member States negotiate further trade liberalisation and trading rules. Progress is often measured in the agricultural sector. Many questions have already been clarified there; others have still to be resolved. The goal of the BMELV is to ensure the continued existence and future viability of the European model of a multi-functional agricultural sector and also to help developing countries enjoy equal participation in global trade.