Press Release

For Immediate Release July 24, 2006

Contact: Eric Thomas The Fratelli Group (202) 822-9491

ABCDoha Disappointed in Suspension of Talks—Says More Time Needed to Get Doha Done Right
Business Group Expresses Praise for U.S. Negotiators’ Commitment to Strong Deal

Washington, DC – The American Business Coalition for Doha (ABCDoha) today expressed strong disappointment that WTO talks in Geneva were suspended, while commending Ambassador Schwab and her team for maintaining a steadfast commitment to achieving a strong market access result from the Doha talks.

“We regret the G-6 could not come together on a way to lead the talks forward,” said Brigitte Schmidt Gwyn, Director for International Trade and Fiscal Policy for Business Roundtable. Business Roundtable serves as Secretariat for ABCDoha.

“A lack of flexibility on the part of several of the United States’ key negotiating partners unfortunately led to a deadlock and to suspension of negotiations. Our goal is to ensure that this period of ‘reflection’ is used wisely by all delegations and results in a fresh approach without allowing too much time to pass before negotiators go back to the table,” continued Gwyn.

ABCDoha cautioned, however, that delegations must put the talks on a more productive track if they are to yield different results in the future. “Our message has been consistent. This round must lead to an ambitious and comprehensive agreement. We believe the Doha Round will have failed if it does not produce net gains in market access for U.S. businesses, farmers and service-providers,” said Gwyn.

ABCDoha represents more than 200 leading U.S. companies, associations, and other organizations who believe in the full potential of the Doha Round to fuel global economic growth and pull millions of people in developing countries out of a cycle of poverty.

“The Doha Round is too important to developed and developing countries alike to reach a deal that misses the mark. If it takes more time to get it right, then we are prepared to support that outcome,” concluded Gwyn.

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The American Business Coalition for Doha (ABCDoha) is an umbrella group representing the diverse interests of service-providers, manufacturers, agribusiness, customs facilitators, and many other stakeholders all dedicated to achieving an ambitious result from the Doha Round in 2006.