NGOs' support urged: WTO Sixth Ministerial Conference Chairman John Tsang urges the non-governmental organisations to add their voice to support a smooth conclusion to the conference.

WTO Sixth Ministerial Conference Chairman John Tsang believes WTO members will achieve a useful outcome that will help the negotiations for the Doha Development Agenda go forward and be completed by the end of 2006.

Hosting a cocktail reception this afternoon for the non-governmental organisation representatives, Mr Tsang said although the Hong Kong conference is not meant to be the conclusion of the Doha Round, he is optimistic about the meeting.

He urged the NGOs and their peers to add their voice and their weight to support a smooth conclusion to the conference, and the eventual success of the Doha Development Agenda.

Mr Tsang reiterated he and the WTO attached great importance to their role in the conference proceedings.

More than 1,000 NGOs have been accredited for the ministerial conference and it is also the first time accredited NGO representatives and delegates are being housed under the same roof.