IN GERMANY, DR. BLANCO PROPOSES INCLUDING REGIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS IN THE WTO FRAMEWORK

The WTO needs more involvement from the private economic sector and regional free trade agreements should be incorporated into its system. This is very important, given the negotiation of the free trade agreement between the United States and the European Union.

Dr. Blanco, Mexico’s candidate for WTO Director-General, proposed this and other ideas during his visit to Germany which began Friday and ends today.

While in Germany, Dr. Blanco met with the Undersecretary of Foreign Relations, Emily Haber; the Undersecretary of Economy and Technology, Anne-Ruth Herkes; and Dr. Lars-Hendrick Roller, Director General for Financial and Economic Policy, and G20 Sherpa.

Blanco also met with senior representatives from business chambers, political foundations and economic study centers. He discussed his goals, which include successfully concluding the Doha Round, enhancing the efficiency and transparency of the WTO and creating a climate of trust within the WTO.

He also said that he has the firm intention, which is backed by his experience and Mexican roots, to build bridges between the industrialized and developing countries, and he aims to make progress in implementing multilateral measures to promote the economic progress of the poorest countries.

His proposals were received with interest. The Germans agreed on the importance of revitalizing the WTO and making it into the most important multilateral organization for creating and applying the rules of free trade.

They also acknowledged Mexico’s contributions in this area, as well as Dr. Blanco’s vast experience and his advantages in being able to dialogue with both the developed and developing countries.

Dr. Blanco was accompanied by Ambassador Lourdes Aranda, Special Envoy of the Mexican government, and Mexico’s ambassador in Germany, Francisco N. González Díaz. He continues on to Geneva, Switzerland to promote his candidacy.