ASEAN Ministers note with deep regret the latest developments in the Uruguay Round negotiations. They are especially alarmed that even until now a significant major group of contracting parties has not yet tabled its offers on agricultural products. They view this as a serious setback to the overall negotiations. With hardly a month before Brussels, the Uruguay Round is facing a real crisis.
ASEAN wants the Uruguay Round to succeed and that is why ASEAN has been participating constructively in the negotiations. ASEAN has unilaterally liberalized its tariff and has tabled substantial offers in market access groups in support of this Round. For ASEAN to continue to be interested in this Round, ASEAN expects all the following positive developments be realised :
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Substantial improvements in the market access area in products of interest to ASEAN, particularly tropical products;
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All participants should table constructive offers on agriculture immediately and start negotiating in good faith;
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Immediate substantive agreement on the details of the MFA-based modality and time frame for the integration of the textiles and clothing sector in the General Agreement;
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Developments on trade rules should be fair. These developments should not lead to greater trade restriction, harassment of legitimate trade and the use of rules as a protectionist tool;
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Commitments by participants to settle disputes only under the multilateral rules; and
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Differential and more favourable treatment should be given to developing countries consistent with their financial, trade and developmental needs.
ASEAN Ministers in its 22nd Meeting in Bali resolved that the Round should be concluded successfully in December 1990 as scheduled to the benefit of the multilateral trading system. All participants must similarly show the same determination. ASEAN Ministers will continue to assess the progress and intensify consultations in these last few days of negotiations, and shall take concerted actions commensurate with the situation necessary to secure and promote ASEAN's trade interest.
