U.S. Chamber Kicks Off Advocacy Effort for WTO Ministerial

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce joined U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman and top business leaders today to announce the formation of the American Business Coalition for Doha (ABCDoha), a new advocacy campaign aimed at securing a positive conclusion to the Doha Round of World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations.

"A successful Doha round will open new markets to American goods and services, create thousands of good paying U.S. jobs, provide a much-needed boost to American farmers, and help lift millions of people out of poverty," said Thomas J. Donohue, Chamber president and CEO. "Today we join forces with like-minded allies with a simple message—the Doha Round cannot be allowed to fail. Lowering trade barriers worldwide is critical to the global economy."

The coalition will seek to build both public and congressional support for WTO negotiations in advance of the sixth WTO ministerial in Hong Kong this December. The Doha negotiations could lift more than 500 million people out of poverty and add $200 billion annually to developing country economies, according to the Chamber.

"ABCDoha will pressure all parties to come to the table with substantive and realistic proposals to help break through logjams that could stand in the way of an agreement," said Donohue. "At the same time, we'll help lawmakers and the public understand what's at stake and galvanize support for free trade globally."

The coalition includes a broad cross-section of major U.S. trade associations, large and small businesses, and agriculture groups dedicated to achieving a balanced and comprehensive outcome to the talks.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

ABCDoha Web site

# # #

05 – 167