WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/MIN(01)/ST/123
12 November 2001
(01-5722)
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE
Fourth Session
Doha, 9 - 13 November 2001Original:  English
ZAMBIA
Statement by the Honourable Yusuf A. Badat
Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry
On behalf of my delegation, I would like to pay tribute to the Government of Qatar for the
warm hospitality accorded to us.  I would also like to extend our appreciation to the WTO for
arranging such a crucial gathering.  Allow me also to congratulate the Minister from Botswana for her
election to the position of Vice Chairperson for this Conference.
Given the time constraint, let me get to the point and state that the Multilateral Trading
System is at crossroads!  The expectations of our country and indeed of many other countries are very
high.  Unfortunately the benefits still elude us.  Our inability to enjoy the benefits of the MTS are dueto a number of reasons.  We still face a multitude of barriers to market access.  And indeed others are
fundamental supply constraints.  But more importantly are the structural bottlenecks caused by WTO
rules.  All these problems inhibit our countries to prosper.  Our delegation believes that if we could
address the structural constraints the other two problems relating to market access and supply
response could easily fall-off.
The present structure of the multilateral trading system has inherent biases against countries
such as Zambia.  It is not designed to address our interests.  On the contrary, it causes perpetual
injury.  It is for this reason that we feel that the resolution of the problems of implementation is
crucial to the easing of the burden that we bear.
Zambia as one of the least-developed countries shares concerns about the marginalization of
the LDCs in the multilateral trading system.  These countries have not derived, and continue not to
derive benefits due to continued barriers to trade by the developed countries.  This has mainly been as
a result of restricted market access of goods of export potential from LDCs.  This problem has also
been compounded by local supply constraints mainly as a result of the heavy debt burden, which has
restricted investment to build the export base.
In addition, many of the LDCs, including my country, do not participate effectively in the
negotiations and decision-making due to lack of human and financial resource constraints.  This is
compounded by the exclusive nature of the decision-making process as well as information
asymmetry within the WTO framework.
At this stage, and for purpose of WTO's legitimacy, we cannot afford to have the present
system continue to prejudice or harm the interests of its most vulnerable Members. Thus, it is
imperative that the current vexing problems of implementation and others are resolved.
It is important therefore, to adequately address the issues of implementation before we take on
board any new issues as well as industrial tariffs.  In regard to new issues, we need to know moreWT/MIN(01)/ST/123
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about them.  This is why we propose that the working groups continue with the study process until a
consensus is achieved.
We ask WTO Members to commit themselves to a much more inclusive and participatory
decision-making system.  My country, Zambia, and other countries in a similar position, would like to
participate effectively and ensure a fair system of distributing the benefits accruing from the
multilateral trading system.  The matter of inclusivity in the consultations is very crucial because it
has implications on the outcome of these discussions.
It is my view, that the issues of implementati on should not be seen from a narrow angle.  We
have to be willing to take a long-term view, with priority given to developing a good balance in the
rules and in implementation.  This is important, so that we have an equitable outcome in terms ofbenefits.  This approach will ensure that globalization has a positive outcome, and will benefit
developed as well as developing countries.
For Zambia, some of the priority implementation issues to be resolved are as follows:
1. Agriculture
Zambia has liberalized the agricultural sector to the furthest extent possible under the
structural adjustment programme.  The levels of liberalization attained have gone beyond those
required by the multilateral agreement in agricult ure.  At the same time, Zambia's raw materials
exports face high tariff barriers in major markets, substantially higher tariffs and increasingly higher
non-tariff barriers in dynamic and high value added products in developed country markets.  Now the
Zambian people are questioning whether liberalization and religiously following WTO rules is
beneficial to the economy.  The feeling of withdrawal among the Zambian people is always hovering
around.  The principle of reciprocity is not followed by our trading partners.  Certainly this cannot bea sustainable option.  In this regard, we would like the following decisions to be adopted:
Immediately implement bound duty-free and quota-free market access conditions for exports
originating in LDCs, which should cover all agricu lture products in their primary, semi-processed and
processed forms."  This will immediately translate into tangible benefit.
2. Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and Technical Barriers to Trade
These measures pose a big problem on products of LDCs.  Most LDCs cannot meet these
conditions as they exert heavy financial burden on them.  Therefore, the introduction of any new
measures affecting a product of an LDC should be preceded by the provision of adequate financial
and technical assistance to enable the LDCs to adequately respond to the introduction of such
measures without incurring negative effects.
3. Trade Related Investment Measures (TRIMs)
TRIMs inhibits exploitation of the developmental potential of LDCs by limiting the usage of
this vital instrument for development.  We th erefore, propose that LDCs are exempted from the
disciplines of the TRIMs Agreement.  Zambia requires the option of introducing these measures in
furtherance of its developmental goals.
4. TRIPS
TRIPS poses many problems for LDCs.  We are concerned that this issue has taken long to be
resolved by our Ambassadors in Geneva.  We therefore, call for a quick resolution of the problems
associated with this Agreement.  I will not go in to the details – suffice to mention that the issues
should include implementation of provisions on technology transfer and reaffirmation that nothing in
the TRIPS Agreement prevents governments from intervening in public health concerns.WT/MIN(01)/ST/123
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The Integrated framework remains a potential in strument for delivering coordinated trade and
trade-related technical assistance to LDCs and to  mainstreaming trade issues in the design and
implementation of the PRSP interventions.  We urge that adequate funding be provided and
transparent procedures for accessing these funds be developed.
In conclusion, on new issues, we wish to reiterate our position that the Working Groups
should continue their work until consensus emerges.
Finally, let me join others who have spoken before me to congratulate the Government of the
People's Republic of China for successfully acceding to the WTO.  We know that China is our all
weather friend and will continue to advocate the interests of developing countries in the MTS.Zambia has and will continue to trade with the People's Republic of China.  We also wish to extend
our congratulations and warm welcome to the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu,
Kinmen and Matsu to the World Trade Organization.
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