. /.WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/MIN(01)/ST/109
12 November 2001
(01-5693)
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE
Fourth SessionDoha, 9 - 13 November 2001Original:  English
MYANMAR
Statement by H.E. Brigadier General Pyi Sone
Minister for Commerce
On behalf of the Government of the Union of  Myanmar and on my own, I would first of all
like to extend our sincere congratulations to His Excellency Mr Youssef Hussain Kamal on his
election as the Chairman of the Fourth WTO Ministerial Conference.  I am fully confident, that under
your guidance, the Meeting will be able to achieve it s noble objectives.  I also wish to assure you the
full cooperation of the Myanmar delegation in the deliberations ahead.
The Myanmar delegation would also like to express our appreciation to the Government of
Qatar and Doha Organizing Committee in particular for the warm welcome and cordial reception
accorded to us and for the excellent arrangements made for this special event.
The Myanmar delegation would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartiest thanks to
the Director-General of the WTO and the Secretariat for their untiring efforts and hard work in
endeavours to achieve the objectives of the Conference.
We have come to participate in this Conference with three main objectives namely:
1. To assess the implementation issues of commitments to the WTO Agreements and
decisions.
2. To participate in the ongoing negotiations and laying down future work programmes.
3. To examine development of world trade.
In this context, the agenda for the Fourth Mini sterial Conference has aroused the keen interest
of all WTO Members.  From the perspective of th e developing countries, there are many who would
prefer to ensure the enhanced implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreements, and advancement
of negotiations on the built-in agenda through the mechanism of the WTO.
In this regard, consideration could be given to a "standstill" clause to avoid any new trade
barriers while progress is being negotiated in the framework of the implementation issue and ongoing
built-in agenda.
It is the belief of our delegation that the multilateral trading system has today gained greater
significance in view of the present downturn of the global economy.  The viability of this system is
proven by the fact that the WTO membership has increased up to 142 countries.  Moreover, it is also
clear that the rule-based multilateral trading system has helped to increase world trade 16 times in half
a century.WT/MIN(01)/ST/109
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The benefits of the multilateral trading system, however, have not been felt evenly.  A review
of the world economic situation shows that many developing countries, particularly the least-
developed countries (LDCs) could not reap the benefi ts of the economic growth and prosperity of the
world economy during the last five decades.
The principles of reciprocity and mutual advantage which underscore the WTO system mean
that a weak economy may not automatically receive the full benefits of the system.
There is, therefore, an urgent need to assist developing countries, especially for LDCs to
integrate into the global economy to ensure a balanced distribution of the benefits of the multilateral
trading system.
On the other hand, LDCs should also pool the resources and capabilities to overcome their
difficulties and strive for the better future in the multilateral trading system.
Trade is a key engine for growth.  However, the products of developing countries face many
obstacles in entering the markets of rich countries.  This is illustrated by the fact that the 49 LDCs
representing 10.5 per cent of the world population, have less than 1 per cent of world exports.
It is also true that open markets can play an important role in lifting millions of people out of
absolute poverty.  Although the LDCs have achieved a certain measure of success, there is still a long
way to go for these countries to fully benefit from  the world trading system.  A lot more needs to be
done, both by the LDCs and the international community.
We, the Government of the Union of Myanmar, firmly believe in trade liberalization and we
want free and fair trade in the world.  Myanmar has been striving for economic development with
all-out efforts through liberalization measures.
The results that have been achieved so far ar e encouraging.  Yet, for further development of
the economy, influx of capital, technology and access to international markets are essential
pre-requisites.  There still remains many potential areas of business with good prospects in the
economy through effective utilization of existing resources and productive capacities.
In this regard, Myanmar development undertakings so far, have been implemented almost
with a self-reliance basis.  At the same time, Myanmar shall always be a friendly nation for fair and
equitable business operation.
As a founder-Member of GATT and WTO, we attach great importance to the future work
programme of WTO which can contribute to greater liberalization of the multilateral trading systemand secure better opportunities for all countries.
It is our responsibility to develop and further strengthen the multilateral trading system in the
family of nations.
Before I conclude, may I once again express our congratulations and profound thanks again to
the Government of Qatar, for successfully convening the Fourth WTO Ministerial Conference.
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