UAE to welcome 175 ministers and senior officials to 13th WTO Ministerial Conference

The United Arab Emirates is preparing to host the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Abu Dhabi between February 26 and 29, 2024.

This key event brings together ministers and senior officials from around the world to discuss the rules and regulations governing international trade.

The meeting of 175 Member States, private sector leaders, NGOs and civil society representatives will allow the global community to work together to promote a more efficient, sustainable and inclusive trading system.

Ministerial Conferences are the highest decision-making body of the WTO and serve as crucial forums for member states to address trade challenges, refine trade rules and set the agenda for global trade policy.

He 13th Ministerial Conference It will build on progress made during MC12, held in Geneva in June 2022, which achieved substantial progress on fisheries subsidies, food insecurity and e-commerce. Focus areas will include improving the ability of developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs) to access the global trading system, intellectual property and the WTO dispute settlement mechanism.

The forum will also provide the opportunity to explore greater collaboration and partnership with non-governmental organizations, the private sector and civil society to improve the effectiveness of trade policies and programs through a series of side events.

These include the Global TradeTech Forumpromoting the use of technology in global supply chains and sessions on trade facilitation in partnership with Etihad Credit Insurance, trade finance with HSBC, SMEs with Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), WLP Logistics Challenges with DP World , Future of Cargo in collaboration with Emirates and Sustainable Trade Africa.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and President of CM13, He emphasized the importance of the upcoming conference, stating,

“A robust and inclusive multilateral trading system is essential to foster economic growth, create jobs and raise living standards. At MC13, ministers and senior officials around the world can help ensure that global trade lives up to this promise by reviewing and refining its rules, addressing issues impeding the free flow of goods and services, and supporting the needs of every nation that wishes to benefit from the multilateral trading system. “We look forward to welcoming all MC13 participants to Abu Dhabi and providing them with a platform for positive and collaborative discussions on the future of trade.”

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, President of ADDEDsaying,

“We look forward to welcoming international trade leaders and creators to address pressing issues and devise innovative solutions to current and future challenges. Hosting the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Abu Dhabi underlines its credentials as a global hub.”

“Trade and exchange of goods, services and innovations with the rest of the world are an integral part of Abu Dhabi’s history and modern progress. Free and fair trade will also be fundamental to our future as we consolidate our position as a preferred hub for talent, business, investment and a key node in international supply chains. As hosts of MC13, we offer our support to ensure a successful conference that enables the global trading system to improve economies and enrich lives.”

he added.

Created in 1995, the WTO is the international body that oversees international trade rules. Its biannual Ministerial Conference is considered its main decision-making forum, bringing together ministers and senior officials from all member states to review and update regulations that shape the global trading system.

News source: Emirates News Agency