13 September 2005, Geneva – Ambassador Enrique A. Manalo, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations in Geneva, reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Philippines presided over a key United Nations meeting intended to formulate a clearer understanding of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and how developing countries could better approach the issue, including in the context of ongoing negotiations with the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Ambassador Manalo, who chaired the UN meeting held by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva from 5 – 7 September 2005, said: “The success of the development aspects of the current work in the WTO, and the work in that organization leading to the Hong Kong Ministerial in December, rests partially on a clear and accurate understanding of market liberalization and its implications.  This is especially important for developing countries as they study the implications of possible commitments they may undertake.”

Ambassador Manalo added that the meeting also marked the first public appearance in UNCTAD of its new Secretary General Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi.

Speaking at the opening session, Dr. Supachai – who recently relinquished the post of Director General of the WTO – articulated his views on the importance of developing a richer awareness of all aspects of NTBs and announced his intention to establish a group of eminent persons to further study and elaborate a clearer and more accurate understanding of non-tariff barriers.  END