2024-03-02 22:04:42
The 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization concluded its work with the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration, which is a historic document that contains important new trade agreements and decisions that will expand the benefits of the global trading system to include more countries in the world.
After a week of intense negotiations, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Chairman of the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization, praised the announcement as “a very important week not only for Abu Dhabi and the UAE, but for global trade as a whole.”
His Excellency said: “The outcomes of the 13th Ministerial Conference are an important foundation to build upon to reshape the future of global trade to be more efficient in achieving development goals around the world.”
His Excellency thanked the 180 participating delegations, members of the World Trade Organization and members with observer status, for their hard work and dedication during the conference days, and for their continued efforts to consolidate the strength and efficiency of the global trading system, and most importantly, to provide wider access to it. Even in areas where final agreements might not be reached, issues that previously seemed intractable can now be resolved, paving the way for further progress over the coming months.
The members of the World Trade Organization adopted the Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration, which sets out the organization’s reform agenda. The World Trade Organization confirmed in a statement published on its official website that the conference’s activities had ended with the adoption of a ministerial declaration setting the organization’s future reform agenda.
The statement indicated that the ministers had taken a number of decisions, including renewing their commitment to having a complete and effective dispute settlement system, and improving the use of special and differential treatment provisions for developing and least developed countries. The ministers also agreed to continue negotiations in all areas that had not been agreed upon.
Honest testimony
His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said: “The issuance of the Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration represents a true testimony to the position that members continue to attach to the World Trade Organization and its central role in securing a harmonized global system of trade rules.”
His Excellency continued: “By adopting the Abu Dhabi Declaration, we confirmed our ability to ensure that the global trading system maintains its role as a fundamental driver of growth and development for countries around the world, and we must build on these important achievements and preserve our union and the spirit of consensus between us for a more prosperous future for global trade.”
His Excellency praised the announcement as “a very important week not only for Abu Dhabi and the UAE, but also for global trade as a whole.” His Excellency said: “The outcomes of the 13th Ministerial Conference are an important foundation to build upon to reshape the future of global trade to be more efficient in achieving development goals around the world.”
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, said: “The organization remains a source of stability and flexibility in the midst of an uncertain economic and political landscape and external shocks.”
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization thanked the UAE and the President of the 13th Ministerial Conference for the vital role in creating a positive atmosphere for the negotiations.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, praised the progress achieved thanks to the contributions of members. She said: “Let us continue working to advance this reform and implement it during the year 2024.”
The discussions regarding the mechanism for settling commercial disputes and restoring the Court of Appeal witnessed major disagreements among members, which caused the final statement to be postponed several times, with the aim of reaching a settlement on a number of outstanding issues. Despite the obstacles that faced the negotiations, the conference was able to reach a number of trade agreements and achieve some successes. A draft program for future work was also agreed upon following the Abu Dhabi meetings.
The members adopted a ministerial resolution recognizing the progress made with the aim of establishing a full and good dispute settlement system available to all members in 2024. The ministers instructed officials to accelerate discussions, build on the progress already made, and work on unresolved issues.
electronic trade
With regard to e-commerce, the Ministers adopted a ministerial decision to assign the General Council to conduct periodic reviews of the e-commerce work program, with the aim of submitting recommendations for action to the Ministerial Conference.
Members also agreed to maintain the current practice of not imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions until the 14th session of the next Ministerial Conference on 31 March 2026.
The Ministers also adopted a ministerial decision to extend the moratorium on non-infringement and complaints related to the Agreement on Trade Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) until the 4th Ministerial Conference.
Members recognized the role and importance of services to the global economy because they generate more than two-thirds of global economic output and account for more than half of all jobs. Members encouraged the relevant WTO bodies to continue their work to review and build on all lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic, and to build effective solutions in the event of future pandemics in a rapid manner.
Support traps
The final day’s discussions witnessed South Africa officially announcing its acceptance of the Fisheries Support Agreement, bringing the total number of WTO members who have officially accepted the agreement to 71 countries, leaving 39 countries remaining for the agreement to enter into force with a two-thirds majority of members.
The Fisheries Support Agreement sets new, binding, multilateral rules to reduce harmful practices, which are a major factor in the depletion of fish resources.
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