The Hong Kong Ministerial will provide an important step in bringing the Doha Round negotiations to a successful conclusion. The Doha Round is the most important round of WTO negotiations since the Uruguay Round of the 1980s and 1990s. It is a once in a generation opportunity to change the rules that govern international agricultural trade in ways that can benefit consumers and producers in the developed and developing world. 

The Doha Round has also been called the "development round" because one of its stated goals is to improve the lives of the billions of people living in the developing world by extending the benefits free trade into their countries. The United States recognizes that an international trading system that does not take into account the developing world is doomed to failure. The United States believes that increased market access for agricultural goods, combined with significant reductions in domestic support will provide a real impetus for economic growth in the developing world. 

-- Developing Countries Will Gain the Most from an Ambitious Outcome of the Doha Development Agenda (FAS Fact Sheet - Dec. 2005)

-- The United States And The Doha Commitment - USAID, Dec. 2005 (.pdf)

-- White House Fact Sheet - Oct. 2005 (.pdf)

The Uruguay Round: Laying the Foundation

The Doha Round seeks to build on the success of the Uruguay Round. The Uruguay Round was unique and successful where seven previous rounds failed because of the framework that was developed.  All countries had to be willing to put all policies for all agricultural products on the table.  The result was the now well-known three pillars approach.  By requiring countries to undertake commitments on market access, export subsidies, and domestic support, the Uruguay Round Agreement established a new framework for agricultural trade liberalization.  The first round of cuts – 36 percent for market access, 36 percent by value and 21 percent by volume for export subsidies, and 20 percent for domestic support – was less ambitious than many had hoped, but it was a start and Article 20 of the Agreement committed countries to continue the reform process through future negotiations. 

At the 2001 round of negotiations in Doha, Qatar, WTO members agreed to begin talks to lower tariffs and other barriers to free and fair agricultural trade. 

The United States believes this is a historic opportunity to not only help its farmers, ranchers and growers export more, but to improve the lives of producers and consumers in the developing world and around the globe.  
 

Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture (Economic Research Service)