WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/GC/W/167
9 April 1999
(99-1424)
General Council Original:  English
PREPARATIONS FOR THE 1999 MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE
Negotiations on Agriculture
Special and Differential Treatment
Communication from Australia
The following communication, dated 9 April 1999, has been received from the Permanent
Mission of Australia.
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1. Australia submitted the Cairns Group Vision Statement in WT/GC/W/156 which sets out the
Group’s objectives for the agriculture negotiations.  The following specific proposal is consistent with
that Statement and is presented for consideration in the preparatory process.
2. Proposal:
2. That the principle of special and differential treatment for developing country Members
remain an integral part of the agriculture negotiations. The resulting framework for liberalisation must
continue to support the economic development needs of these WTO Members, including  flexibility to
implement their commitments, technical assistance and improved export opportunities for products ofparticular interest to developing countries.
3. Background:
3. Completing the task of liberalising agricultural trade will bring important benefits in terms of
economic growth, improved welfare, food security  and sustainable development.  More farmers,
including poorer farmers in developing countries, will be able to respond to market forces and newincome-generating opportunities without the burden of competition from heavily subsidised products.
4. The majority of WTO Members are developing countries, including least developed countries
and small states: the majority of trade-distorting domestic support and export subsidies is provided by
developed country Members. Tariff peaks and tariff escalation, including in products of particular
interest to developing countries, are also common in developed countries.
5. The principle of special and differential treatment for developing countries is embodied in the
Agreement on Agriculture, including Article 20, and mu st be taken account of in the attainment of the
long-term objective of substantial progressive reductions in support and protection resulting in
fundamental reform.
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