WTO: 13th Ministerial Conference Commences in Abu Dhabi

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The 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) commenced in Abu Dhabi with the participation of trade ministers, senior officials, and representatives from 175 member states, private sector leaders, NGOs, and civil society.

The four-day event aims to facilitate discussions on international trade rules and regulations, fostering a more efficient, sustainable, and inclusive trading system. Ministerial Conferences serve as crucial forums for member states to address trade challenges, refine trade rules, and set the agenda for global trade policy.

Building upon the advancements of MC12 held in Geneva in June 2022, where significant progress was made in areas such as fisheries subsidies, food security, and e-commerce, MC13 will focus on enhancing the access of developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to the global trading system, intellectual property, and WTO dispute resolution mechanisms.

The conference will also feature sessions promoting collaboration and partnership with non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and civil society to enhance the effectiveness of trade policies and programs. These include the TradeTech Global Forum, sessions on trade facilitation, trade finance, SMEs, logistics challenges, and the Future of Cargo, among others.

WTO, established in 1995, oversees international trade rules and regulations. Its biannual Ministerial Conference serves as the paramount decision-making forum, convening ministers and senior officials from all member states to review and update regulations shaping the global trading landscape. The MC13 in Abu Dhabi reflects a commitment to fostering dialogue, collaboration, and progress in global trade governance.