./.WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/MIN(98)/ST/108
20 May 1998
(98-2122)
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE
Second Session
Geneva, 18 and 20 May 1998Original:  English
Statement Circulated by ASEAN
(As An Observer)
ASEAN would like to extend its congratulations to the World Trade Organization and its
predecessor, the GATT on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the multilateral trading system.ASEAN acknowledges the important role and positive contributions made by WTO and GATT in
promoting trade liberalization and economic growth within the framework of the multilateral trading
system.
ASEAN recognizes the primacy of a fair, open and equitable multilateral trading system and
reaffirms its commitment to trade liberalization.  In  this context, ASEAN will continue to assume a
proactive role and work closely with other WTO Members towards further enhancing the
effectiveness and strengthening of the multilateral trading system.
ASEAN supports the timely accession of the applicants into the WTO as this would enhance
the universality of the WTO membership.  Towards this end, it is important that appropriate technical
assistance be extended by WTO to facilitate their accession.
It is important to ensure that all countries are able to benefit from the opportunities offered by
trade liberalization.  This is important to enable WTO Members to sustain the momentum of
liberalization.
ASEAN therefore feels that the Second WTO Ministerial Conference has provided an
important opportunity to review the achievements and shortcomings as well as challenges facing the
WTO Members especially the developing countries in implementing the Uruguay Round
commitments.  ASEAN strongly believes that the WTO should accord high priority to the full and
effective implementation of the existing Uruguay Round commitments.  This is crucial to ensure the
credibility and effectiveness of the multilateral trading system.
ASEAN is also encouraged that the Second WTO Ministerial Conference has been able to
achieve consensus in establishing an appropriate preparatory process and identifying various elements
that would constitute a broad-based and forward-looking WTO work programme taking into accountthe interests and concerns of all countries.
ASEAN economies have implemented various measures to alleviate the negative impact of
the financial turmoil. ASEAN would like to urge all major trading partners to lend support by creating
a conducive environment to facilitate the economic recovery of ASEAN economies.WT/MIN(98)/ST/108
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Finally, ASEAN would like to extend its appreciation to the Government of the
Confederation of Switzerland and the WTO for successfully hosting the Second Ministerial
Conference and the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the multilateral trading system.
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