ABU DHABI: The Ministers of Trade of the Kingdom of Bahrain and New Zealand affirmed their countries’ keenness to continue working with the United Arab Emirates to achieve tangible results on the key issues discussed at the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13), taking place from 26th to 29th February 2024 in Abu Dhabi.
In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), they said, “We look forward to actively participating in the discussions on the key issues addressed by the conference, including food security measures, fisheries support controls, the development dimension, and other vital areas.”
Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Kingdom of Bahrain, said that his country is committed to ensuring the success of this conference and the continuous growth of the WTO, as a founding member of the organisation and a strong supporter of open global trade.
He affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s readiness to make meaningful contributions to ensure that the
MC13 achieves tangible results, saying, “We look forward to actively participating in the discussions on key issues including food security measures, fisheries support controls, the development dimension, and other vital areas of interest.”
He pointed out that his country is particularly focused on promoting an environment that encourages the active participation of developing countries, while recognising the unique challenges and opportunities they face. He welcomed the developments and discussions in the field of investment facilitation, e-commerce, the digital economy, and small and medium-sized enterprises, as a prerequisite for creating an open and fair trading environment that puts development and inclusion at its core.
For his part, Todd McClay, Minister of Trade for New Zealand, one of the three Vice-Chairs of the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference, said that the WTO will remain a guarantor of equal opportunities for all its members to access global markets, and this is at the heart of New Zealand’s tr
ade and economic priorities.
He affirmed his country’s desire to play a constructive role in the WTO, noting that a well-functioning and rules-based trading system allows for predictability for businesses and exporters.
He added that his country is committed to working with all WTO members to ensure progress on key issues, including positive outcomes on negotiations to support agriculture and fisheries in both developing and developed countries, and rebuilding an effective dispute settlement system. This will benefit the global trading system, strengthen the role of the WTO, and support better outcomes for all.
It is worth noting that the WTO Ministerial Conference, which is held every two years, is the highest decision-making body within the organisation.
Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference comes at a time when global trade is facing many challenges, which the conference seeks to mobilise international efforts to overcome by building global consensus on adopting the multilateral tr
ading system.
The conference is expected to make important decisions on the future work of the WTO and set a roadmap for the next steps and the 14th Ministerial Conference.
Source: Emirates News Agency
