WTO Chief Okonjo-Iweala Calls For Unity To Secure MC13 Agreements

During the intense three-day work period at the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala praised the significant progress made by members. With the conference nearing its conclusion, she urged ministers to intensify their efforts to reach consensus on outstanding issues. The Minister of State for Foreign Trade and MC13 Chair, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of unity and consensus.

The discussions at MC13 covered a range of critical topics, including dispute settlement reform and development. Despite challenges in reaching an agreement on dispute settlement reform, progress was acknowledged, with a goal set for a fully functional system by 2024. The development discussions also saw considerable advancements, with optimism for a resolution within the next 24 hours.

Updates from various facilitators highlighted ongoing negotiations in areas such as fisheries subsidies, agriculture, electronic commerce, and the MC13 Draft Ministerial Declaration. Each area showed promise for reaching agreements or finding common ground among members.

At a thematic session on dispute settlement reform, facilitated by Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, it was recognized that while an agreement might not be reached during MC13, significant strides had been made. This sentiment was mirrored in the development discussions led by Kerrie Symmonds, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Barbados, who reported on the substantial progress made.

In fisheries subsidies discussions, Martin Eyjólfsson from Iceland reported hopeful signs of reaching an agreement due to focused participation by members. Similarly, Rebecca Miano from Kenya provided an optimistic update on agriculture negotiations, highlighting the importance of achieving an outcome at MC13 to build confidence for future conferences.

Todd McClay of New Zealand discussed the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce, noting the potential for finding a way forward despite differing views on customs duties on electronic transmissions. Mmusi Kgafela from Botswana shared positive feedback on engagement regarding the MC13 Draft Ministerial Declaration, expressing hope for its adoption at the conference's conclusion.

The 13th Ministerial Conference has been marked by intense negotiations and significant progress across various areas critical to global trade. As the conference draws to a close, there is optimism that the efforts of members will lead to meaningful outcomes that will advance international trade and development goals.

With inputs from WAM