Canada’s WTO Ambassador to play key role in global trade negotiations

            International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew announced on February 15 that Sergio Marchi, Canada’s Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO), has been named Chair of the WTO General Council

            The General Council coordinates the WTO’s regular work program, including the activities of councils and committees. It also oversees the global trade negotiations launched by members at Doha, Qatar, in November 2001. The Trade Negotiations Committee for the Doha Development Round, chaired by the WTO’s Director General, will report directly to the General Council.

            “Today’s decision by WTO members is a strong show of support for Canadian leadership and for Canadian trade diplomacy,” said Minister Pettigrew. “Progress on these negotiations promises real benefits for Canada and is vitally important for the world’s developing countries. I would like to congratulate our Ambassador. In naming Ambassador Marchi to chair the General Council, WTO members have demonstrated that he has earned the trust and respect required to move these negotiations forward.”

            The WTO’s 144 members decided on Ambassador Marchi by consensus at today’s General Council meeting. WTO members also selected chairs for the groups that will manage the day-to-day negotiations mandated at Doha. Mr. Marchi replaces outgoing General Council Chair Stuart Harbinson, Ambassador to the WTO from Hong Kong, China.

            Ambassador Marchi was appointed to his post in Geneva by the Prime Minister in August 1999. He chaired the WTO’s Council for Trade in Services in 2000-2001, and chairs the negotiations for Ukraine’s accession to the WTO. Mr. Marchi also serves in the federal Cabinet in the Citizenship and Immigration, Environment and International Trade portfolios.