    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [November 14, 2001]
    [Pages 1407-1408]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the World Trade Organization's Decision To Launch a New
    Round of Global Trade Negotiations
    November 14, 2001

        I commend the decision by the world's trading nations meeting in
    Qatar to launch a new round of global trade negotiations. This bold
    declaration of hope by the World Trade Organization (WTO) has the
    potential to expand prosperity and development throughout the world and
    revitalize the global economy. It also sends a powerful signal that the
    world's trading nations support peaceful and open exchange and reject
    the forces of fear and protectionism.
        Today's action advances the United States agenda to liberalize world
    trade--something that will benefit all Americans. By promoting open
    trade, we expand export markets and create high-paying jobs for American
    workers and farmers, while providing more choices and lower prices for
    goods and services for American families.
        Today's decision offers fresh hope for the world's developing
    nations, with whom the United States worked closely in crafting an
    agenda for trade negotiations. It reflects our common understanding that
    a new trade round can give developing countries greater access to world
    markets and lift the lives of millions now living in poverty. In
    addition, the WTO meeting affirmed the commitment of all nations to help
    end the scourge of health pandemics such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and
    malaria by highlighting rules governing access to lifesaving medicines.
        I also commend the historic decision to welcome into the WTO the
    People's Republic of China and Taiwan, united in their commitment to
    expand shared rules and opportunity to all members. I thank Ambassador
    Zoellick, Secretary Veneman, and Secretary Evans for their
    skill in helping WTO members reach this accord, as well as the select
    corps of U.S. Government negotiators who assisted them.
        The WTO leadership, particularly Director-General Moore, did a superb job of laying the groundwork for the
    ministerial. I also thank the Government of Qatar, the

    [[Page 1408]]

    WTO Ministerial chairman Finance Minister Kamal, and the people of Qatar for being model hosts and
    doing so much to achieve this successful outcome.

    Note: The statement referred to WTO Director-General Mike Moore; and
    Finance Minister Youssef Hussein Kamal of Qatar.