Joint Statement on Liberalization of Logistics Services

The following communication, dated 17 February 2005, from the delegations of Australia, Canada, Chile, Djibouti, the European Communities, Hong Kong China,..........., the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, and the United States is being circulated to the Members of the Council for Trade in Services.
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We, the co-sponsors of this statement, consider improvements in freight logistics services to be a crucial underpinning of expansion of global trade and improvements in global economic welfare. Liberalization of the range of services involved in freight logistics operations on a global basis will benefit all Members by enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of all economies and contributing to economic development of users of freight logistics services. We therefore urge all Members to participate actively in the negotiations with a view to achieving substantial liberalization commitments in logistics services.