The 7th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference got underway this afternoon, with opening addresses from key people including WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy, USTR Ambassador Ron Kirk, outgoing EU Trade Commissioner (and soon to be EU Foreign Policy Chief: Kissinger will be happy to get that phone number) Catherine Ashton, Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim, Australian Trade Minister Simon Crean among others.

Not unexpectedly, all eyes were on Kirk’s 3 minute address (more to come on that).  This is his second trip to Geneva since being USTR. I also happened to be in Geneva on his first visit in May.

The Ministerial is taking place in the heavily barricaded Centre International de Conferences Geneve (CICG) and includes over 3,000 delegates. A packed house. Lots of Trade Ministers, lots of WTO Ambassadors, lots of press and lots of NGO types, like myself. As has been reported by numerous news outlets, there were protests and rioting in Geneva on Saturday ahead of the Ministerial. The usual stuff: cars on fire or turned over, windows broken. Thankfully no injuries.  Another protest is expected tomorrow: farmers they say. Unclear if tractors will be permitted. Stay tuned for that update tomorrow. Certainly, nothing will come close to what was witnessed in Seattle, but what is it about trade that brings out the worst in people?!!!

Back to the opening session of the Ministerial, where speakers were only given 3 minutes each. Have to accommodate a lot of Trade Ministers. Surprisingly, most kept to the limit as well.  No surprises from Lamy’s address. Highlights included: " WTO can serve as a platform for economic recovery," and "WTO is also about ensuring that existing rules/commitments are enforced." On Doha: "Time is running out. Moment of truth is approaching. You (Trade Ministers) will decide if 2010 target date will be met." Obviously, he was referring to the numerous recent political statements from the G-20 leaders and APEC which call for concluding Doha in 2010, which is right around the corner the last time I checked.

I thought that Ambassador Kirk did a masterful job with his 3 minutes. Sometimes people need a long time to get their message across, but I assure you, he did not. Highlights:

"The United States is committed to achieving such an outcome, and I believe that success is possible in 2010. But substance will drive our progress, and success is not something that any one Member, or any small group of Members, can deliver or dictate. The circle of leadership within the WTO has grown broader and more inclusive and Each and every Member of this leadership group has a responsibility."

"We cannot confuse process and substance. All shortcuts will only lead to further delays and dead ends. There simply is no substitute for the hard work of negotiations in all formats among Members - ranging from large groups to direct bilateral engagement."

"For our part, the United States' negotiating team is ready to move into the endgame. We have made our specific interests well known: that meaningful market opening is required to complete the Round. And we are looking for concrete signs from other members that they are ready to join us in that commitment. We welcome the opportunity to work with you to achieve the goal to which we have all committed ourselves."

3 minutes well spent, Ambassador Kirk. Day 2 of Ministerial tomorrow. Expect an update on Ministerial happenings, farmer protest, and some musings about Brazil. Is Celso Amorim the new Kamal Nath?