The 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) concluded successfully on Saturday in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Delegates from around the globe gathered to discuss and solidify commitments to strengthen the multilateral trading system, resulting in the adoption of the “1+10” pragmatic outcomes.
China’s delegation, led by Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao, played a significant role in the conference’s proceedings. Actively engaging in all consultations and negotiations, the Chinese delegation’s efforts were instrumental in advancing discussions on critical issues such as investment facilitation and fisheries subsidies.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala lauded China for its constructive participation throughout the agenda. “China has participated constructively in the entire agenda, showing its support for the multilateral trading system,” she remarked, highlighting the nation’s commitment to global trade cooperation.
Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Chair of the conference, echoed this sentiment. He praised the positive performance of the Chinese delegation, noting that their active participation significantly contributed to the success of the conference’s various agendas.
At the closing ceremony, WTO members adopted the Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration. This pivotal document underscores the commitment to strengthen the multilateral trading system and to continue promoting WTO reform. It emphasizes the centrality of development in the WTO’s work and endorses the system’s role in advancing the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Among the notable outcomes of the conference is the two-year extension of the temporary tariff exemption on e-commerce data transmissions, set to last until the next Ministerial Conference. This extension reflects the global recognition of the growing importance of digital trade in the modern economy.
The conference’s achievements signal a renewed dedication among WTO members to collaborate on pressing global trade issues. The active engagement of countries like China demonstrates a collective effort to foster an inclusive and dynamic international trade environment, crucial for global economic growth and development.
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WTO chief hails China's support of multilateral trading system
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