USTR CHIEF MAKES ROUNDS IN EUROPE

USTR CHIEF MAKES ROUNDS IN EUROPE U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick will be in Europe this week to discuss trade issues with members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and to meet bilaterally with several national trade ministers.
   The purpose of the meetings is to continue the U.S. government’s work in the area of the World Trade Organization Ministerial in Doha in November 2001. The fifth ministerial, considered the mid-point to the negotiations, is scheduled for Sept. 10-14 in Cancun, Mexico.
   “Doha represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to achieve bold, multilateral trade liberalization,” Zoellick said in a statement. “It is critical that ministers focus now on the key elements of these historic negotiations.”
   He added, “this is a very sensitive time in the world economy and in these negotiations.”
   “The road to Cancun requires us all to continue exploring ways to bridge differences and develop the consensus necessary to move forward,” Zoellick said.
   In addition to his meeting at the OECD on April 30, Zoellick met with the French economic minister on April 28. He will also meet Pascal Lamy, European Union trade commissioner, on May 1, and on May 2 with German business leaders.
   Zoellick will conclude his visit to Europe on May with midday remarks at the Munich Economic Summit.