*EPF414 01/24/2002
Byliner: Agriculture Secretary Says All Benefit from Liberal Trade
(Op-ed piece from the Daily Yomiuri) (670)

(begin byliner)

[Note: The following article, originally published in The Daily Yomiuri, January 24, 2002, on Page 16, is reproduced here with The Yomiuri Shimbun's permission.]

All Benefit from Liberal Trade

By Ann M. Veneman
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

Last November, in Doha, more than 140 World Trade Organization (WTO) member nations agreed to the Doha Development Agenda, which launched a new round of multilateral trade negotiations.

International trade stimulates economic growth, leading to greater global stability and prosperity. The Doha Development Agenda is a global economic stimulus package. The new round of WTO trade negotiations will address the trade barriers and other trade distortions that continue to restrain international trade and limit economic growth.

Agriculture will be at the center of these negotiations. Agriculture is an essential part of the economy in the United States, in Japan, and in nearly every country in the world. Renewed growth in the food and agriculture sector depends on further trade liberalization. The new round establishes a clear and ambitious mandate to move forward on further agricultural trade reform.

WTO members agreed that these negotiations will substantially reduce tariffs and increase market access, work toward eliminating export subsidies, and reduce trade-distorting domestic supports, which often result in costly surpluses.

With some of the highest food prices in the world, Japanese consumers have much to gain from this new round of negotiations to reduce trade-distorting support and protection in the food and agriculture sector. Japan and the United States have a special relationship when it comes to agricultural trade. Year in and year out, Japan is the U.S. top market for food and farm products. U.S. farmers value the Japanese market, and they work hard to meet the needs of Japanese consumers. U.S. packing plants have learned to cut beef so it is exactly the right size for Japanese beef bowls. And U.S. plant breeders have developed extra-small varieties of soybeans, which are just right for natto.

U.S. farmers depend on Japanese consumers, just as Japanese consumers depend on U.S. farmers. Our special agricultural trade relationship includes our nation's commitment to be a reliable supplier. WTO disciplines assure that the needs of food importers like Japan are met, by encouraging efficient producers to provide stable supplies, and by setting clear rules that curtail the use of export restrictions.

Our relationship with Japan extends beyond trade. We share your interest in meeting global food needs, assuring food safety, improving animal health, and creating a better environment for our children.

Our mutual goals are ambitious. Never have our reasons for working together been more compelling. The benefits of further trade liberalization and a stronger international trading system touch each and every person, everywhere around the world.

-- Trade gives people choices. With a broader range of quality and prices, consumers can select the type of clothing, household appliances, and food that meet their needs and fit their budgets. If they so choose, they can enjoy the finest American steaks, Italian pasta, and Thai fruits in their own homes.

-- Trade encourages competition and competition stimulates domestic industries to produce better quality, lower cost goods. For example, U.S. consumers have benefitted as U.S. automobile manufacturers have sought to match the quality and value of cars made by the Japanese automobile industry.

-- Trade supports economic development. Today, exports of electronics and textiles are creating millions of jobs and supporting economic growth throughout Southeast Asia, just as exports of these products raised living standards in Japan in the l950s and 60s. These jobs allow families to educate their children, improve their diets, and increase their spending, all of which creates long-term growth throughout the region.

As the world's two largest economies, Japan and the United States will play key roles in expanding and revitalizing the global economy. It is essential that we work together to set a successful course for the negotiations. Further trade liberalization is good for farmers and consumers around the world.

(end byliner)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

Return to Public File Main Page

Return to Public Table of Contents