ABU DHABI – The 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has been a hub of intense work and progress, according to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. With less than 24 hours before the scheduled closing session, she urged ministers to “go the extra mile” and find convergence on the various issues at stake.
Okonjo-Iweala addressed the Heads of Delegations (HoDs), emphasizing that a positive MC13 outcome is within reach if delegations continue their hard work. She expressed optimism that ministers would be able to return home on time on 29 February, the last day of the Conference.
MC13 Chair and UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, echoed Okonjo-Iweala’s sentiments. He urged members to set aside differences and work together for the common goal, expressing hope that outcomes would be adopted at the formal MC13 closing ceremony.
The HoDs meeting was preceded by a thematic session on dispute settlement reform, facilitated by Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, and a working session on development, facilitated by Kerrie Symmonds, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Barbados.
While members may not complete the work on dispute settlement reform at MC13, Eide believes they should acknowledge the meaningful progress made and instruct Geneva officials to accelerate their work to achieve a fully functioning dispute settlement system accessible to all by 2024.
Symmonds reported “considerable progress” in the development discussion and expressed optimism about a possible resolution within the next 24 hours. He said, “I believe that this will be an important signal to the international community that we can deliver for people through trade.”
Facilitators of other negotiation areas also updated members. Martin Eyjólfsson, Iceland’s Permanent Secretary of State, reported on fisheries subsidies consultations, expressing hope for solutions. Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary at the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry of Kenya, updated on the agriculture negotiations, emphasizing the importance of achieving an outcome at MC13.
Todd McClay, Minister of Trade and Export of New Zealand and facilitator for the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce, submitted a text to members to identify possible areas of convergence. Despite differing views on the moratorium on the imposition of customs duties on electronic transmissions, he believes a viable way forward is possible.
Botswana’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Mmusi Kgafela, informed members of his efforts related to some outstanding matters in the MC13 Draft Ministerial Declaration. He expressed optimism about the overall positive engagement and hoped for a successful conclusion to the Conference.
