WTO Director-General Calls For Enhanced Business Engagement In Global Trade

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, emphasized the crucial role of the business community in supporting and engaging with the WTO system during the Business Forum at the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13). The event, which took place on Wednesday, was a significant platform for dialogue between officials and business leaders worldwide. Okonjo-Iweala, alongside Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and MC13 Chair, highlighted the impact of trade costs and market access uncertainties on businesses operating across borders.

During her opening remarks, Okonjo-Iweala addressed the assembled business leaders, underlining the importance of their support at a pivotal moment for the multilateral trading system. She pointed out the need for progress on key issues such as the dispute settlement system and the extension of the e-commerce moratorium. The WTO DG stressed that beyond these specific concerns lies the broader challenge of ensuring an open, integrated, and predictable global economy.

Dr. Al Zayoudi echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the vital role of the international business community in shaping trading realities. He called for clear and detailed communication from businesses to their national representatives to facilitate effective policymaking.

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), co-organiser of the Business Forum with the WTO, presented its global business priorities for MC13 to Okonjo-Iweala and Dr. Al Zayoudi. These priorities were developed through consultations with businesses and private-sector associations worldwide. The ICC's submission outlined five key areas: enhancing market access, envisioning holistic WTO reform, promoting digital trade, establishing a roadmap for trade and environmental sustainability, and accelerating the implementation of the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement.

ICC Secretary-General John Denton highlighted the strong support for the multilateral trading system from the business community. He urged governments to demonstrate political will to preserve and strengthen the WTO, starting with renewing the moratorium on digital transactions tariffs.

Earlier in the day, Okonjo-Iweala convened an in-person meeting with her Business Advisory Group for discussions on MC13 expectations and insights into the 2030 Secretariat Strategy. This strategy aims to create a more agile and forward-looking organisation that effectively serves its members.

The Business Forum at MC13 stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between policymakers and the business community in addressing global trade challenges. The engagement and support from both sides are essential in navigating towards a more integrated and sustainable global trading environment.

With inputs from WAM