On the 31st of December 1999 The World Trade Organisation will start a new round of negotiations to make progress in world trade liberalisation, especially the liberalisation of food trade. What effect will the hypotheses of free-trade advocates have on the introduction and normal operation of policies which, when applied at regional and local level aim to promote sustainable and multifunctional development of rural areas? Are the two compatible? What measures will have be taken so that the positive effects of both can be used for mutual benefit and their possible negative effects neutralised?

Questions of this type were what lead representatives of the Basque Government's Department for Industry, Agriculture and Fisheries, representatives of the Swiss Group for Mountain Regions and representatives of the Chile Rural Education Institute to consider the possibility of coming together to look in depth and from all different angles at the pros and cons of freer trade and a more global economy in the development of agrarian activity and rural areas as a whole.

Ever since then, a lot of work has been put in to converting what initially was only an idea into the INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON TRADE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT which will be held on the 26th, 27th and 28th of November in Vitoria-Gasteiz. In the light of the crisis currently affecting international financial markets and the role that the globalization of the economy has played in spreading it, this Congress has now taken on even greater interest.

What is more, we should not forget that this project will not end with the closing of the Congress, but rather it is an ideal meeting point to build up new relationships and put into operation projects which will strengthen them and will provide them with continuity.

I sincerely hope that we will all know how to make the most of all the opportunities that this Conference provides us with and especially that we put to good use the high quality and prestige of the speakers and other participants taking part in it.

I should like to encourage all of you whether you come from public or private bodies related to the subjects to be dealt with in the Congress; whether you be interested in trade, economic development (especially in rural areas), the future of agrarian activity in an increasingly global economy, the effects of human activity on nature and environmental conservation and whether you will be directly attending the Congress or taking part using your computer, to please express your opinion and contribute to the debate. You are all welcome and if we all participate we will all profit.

Javier Retegui Ayastuy

Minister for Industry, Agriculture and Fisheries. The Basque Government

Vitoria-Gasteiz, September 1998