State Support Deemed Vital For Farmers' Survival By Indonesian Official At WTO

At the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi, the critical issue of state support for agriculture in developing countries like Indonesia was brought to the forefront by Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono, the Director-General of International Trade Negotiations at the Indonesian Ministry of Trade. Witjaksono emphasized the dire need for public stockholding to ensure food security, describing it as a "matter of life and death" for many in developing nations. This statement underscores the challenges faced by these countries in maintaining food supply stability without the extensive farming subsidies available to wealthier nations.

Witjaksono’s concerns were echoed in the context of environmental and market distortions caused by nearly $900 million in subsidies provided to farmers in richer countries, a point criticized by New Zealand Trade Minister and MC13 Vice Chair Todd McClay. The Indonesian official highlighted the adverse effects of climate change on food production, pointing out the unpredictable weather and natural calamities that further strain food supply and demand.

The UAE's role in fostering a constructive environment for negotiations at MC13 was praised by Witjaksono, who lauded the nation for its efforts towards securing a positive outcome. He highlighted the significance of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Indonesia and the UAE, which came into effect in 2023, as a testament to their robust economic relations. The conference, hosted by the UAE following its successful organisation of COP28 in Dubai, saw participation from around 164 nations and trading blocs, aiming to address key global trade issues.

Witjaksono’s call for WTO to protect the interests of farmers and fishers in developing countries reflects a broader concern for global food security amidst challenges such as climate change and market imbalances. His optimistic outlook towards finding consensus and contributing to a better world encapsulates the spirit of collaboration that defines MC13’s mission.

With inputs from WAM