Release No. 0628.96
Media Advisory


                                    Tom Amontree (202) 720-4623
                             Lynn K. Goldsbrough (202) 720-3930

DEPUTY SECRETARY ROMINGER TO ATTEND WTO MINISTERIAL IN SINGAPORE

     WASHINGTON, Dec.6, 1996--The U.S. Department of Agriculture today
announced that Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Richard Rominger will attend
the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial in Singapore Dec. 8-12.  

     "The WTO Ministerial is one of the most important opportunities we have
to take stock of our progress, as well as that of other nations, in
implementing the terms of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade
Negotiations," said Rominger.  "This Ministerial, which is not a negotiating
conference, will focus on what systems are in place, what is working, and
what isn't," he said.  "Global agricultural trade is expanding, and as we
work with the terms of the Uruguay Round, we are finding that most
countries' commitments and concessions are being implemented smoothly.  But
there are instances of some countries not working in the spirit of the
agreement.  The U.S. goal is to work toward full implementation of the
Uruguay Round Agreement."

     Deputy Secretary Rominger will address agriculture at the Ministerial
meeting on December 10.  He will discuss where the United States sees
agricultural trade liberalization and trade policy going through 1999 and
beyond.  He also will meet with U.S. private sector and Congressional
representatives who are attending the Ministerial.
     
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