AeA Disappointed by Breakdown in Doha Negotiations,
Supports US Push for Ambitious Result

Washington, DC (July 24, 2006) - AeA, the nation’s largest trade association with 2,500 member companies representing all segments of the high-tech industry, today expressed disappointment with the breakdown in the World Trade Organization Doha negotiations, but voiced its support of the US government’s insistence on an ambitious agreement that results in meaningful market access. The following statements can be attributed to Rob Mulligan, Senior Vice President International, AeA.

“We are disappointed that the Doha negotiations have been suspended and that member countries were unable to bridge differences during discussions in Geneva this past weekend. But we strongly support the efforts of the US government to ensure that the negotiations will result in meaningful market access commitments.

“International trade is vitally important to the high-tech industry and our members strongly support the Doha negotiations. We hope that WTO members will take this opportunity to step back and reconsider the potential benefits of a successful round for our industry and the global economy at large.

“We also want to remind the Doha negotiators that this agreement is about more than just agriculture. We are looking for equally ambitious results in market access for industrials and services. Progress in trade facilitation and elimination of tariff and non-tariff barriers will be essential to the high-tech industry.”

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About AeA
AeA, founded in 1943, is a nationwide trade association that represents all segments of the technology industry and is dedicated solely to helping our members’ top line and bottom line. We do this in partnership with our small, medium, and large member companies by lobbying governments at the state, federal, and international levels, providing access to capital and business opportunities, and offering select business services and networking programs. For more information, please visit http://www.aeanet.org.

This page was last updated on 07/24/06.