Leaders from the Quint nations-Australia, Canada, the EU, Japan and the United States-are coming together this week to hammer out details in preparation for the next round of World Trade Organization talks scheduled for mid-December in Hong Kong.
Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns is in Australia and New Zealand on behalf of the United States until August 23.
The Quint nations are key players when it comes to agricultural trade negotiations. The goal is coming to an international agreement in principle regarding agricultural
(1) Domestic supports,
(2) Export subsidies, and
(3) Market access.
Johanns says, "Trade reform through the WTO Doha negotiations is one of our top priorities and the Quint countries have a historic opportunity to reinvigorate and lead the negotiations. I look forward to meeting with my counterparts from the Quint countries, visiting New Zealand and promoting new economic opportunities for America's farmers and ranchers."
According to the USDA, Johanns will also hold bilateral meetings with each Quint counterpart on the sidelines of the meeting, including Minister Andy Mitchell of Canada, Minister Peter McGauran of Australia, Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel of the European Union and Minister Mineichi Iwanaga of Japan.