Agencia Brasil

Brasilia – The United States Deputy Secretary of State, Robert Zoellick, said he expects improvements in the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference, to be held in Hong Kong, China, next December, under the Doha Round – a series of negotiations to reduce barriers, promoted by the WTO, which began in 2001.

Zoellick is for the elimination of all tariffs of the industrial sector. "I understand there is a transition moment that must be respected, but what I observe regarding the economic future of Brazil is that I suspect that, in the next years, it will join China as one of the greatest competitors in the industrial sector."

Regarding agriculture liberalization, an area of interest to Brazil, Zoellick stated that there must be improvements in this area as well as in the services area.

Zoellick had a meeting with Brazil’s Minister of Finance, Antonio Palocci, this Thursday (6). Palocci affirmed he’s noticed important improvements in the preparation for Hong Kong negotiations.

Regarding Brazilian decision to retaliate against the US, for not complying with WTO’s determination about the removal of cotton production subsidies, Zoellick said it’s better to try to fix the problem instead of retaliating, which, in his opinion, it is only counterproductive.

The secretary recalled that Brazil is in the General System of Preferences, which foresees tax reduction of several products exported to the US. Under the System, Brazil exports US$2,5 billion yearly to the US. He stated that in spite of Brazil still having problems with pirate products, the US chose not to retaliate against the country, as opposed to what it did with Ukraine. "I understand Brazil is making an effort to combat piracy."

Translation: Andréa Alves