[19991119]RS20387_The World Trade Organization (WTO) Seattle Ministerial Conference.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20387Updated November 19, 1999The World Trade Organization (WTO)Seattle Ministerial Conference(name redacted)Specialist in International Trade and FinanceForeign Affairs, Defense, and TradeSummaryOn November 30th to December 3rd, the highest decision-making body of the WorldTrade Organization (WTO), called the Ministerial Conference, will meet in Seattle tomake broad policy decisions. The key issue for the trade ministers attending the meetingwill be to decide on the structure and topics for the agenda of a new round of multilateraltrade negotiations. The new round will begin after the Ministerial and might continue forthree years. Countries have committed to discuss agriculture and services trade in thenew round. Other items that have been proposed for inclusion in the new round or forearlier consideration include tariff reductions, concessions for developing countries, laborissues and the environment, and the WTO decision-making process. Major labor,environmental, and consumer interest groups are expected to be present in Seattle toargue for more consideration of