The 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) kicked off in Abu Dhabi on Monday, drawing the participation of trade ministers and senior officials from across the globe.
This four-day assembly brings together representatives from 175 Member States alongside leaders from the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and civil society, uniting to deliberate on international trade regulations and policies.
As the highest decision-making body of the WTO, Ministerial Conferences serve as pivotal forums for member states to confront trade challenges, refine existing rules, and shape the global trade agenda.
“Following the progress made during MC12 held in Geneva in June 2022, where significant headway was achieved in crucial areas including fisheries subsidies, food security, and e-commerce, MC13 aims to further bolster the access of developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to the global trading system.”
Additionally, the conference will focus on intellectual property rights and enhancing dispute resolution mechanisms within the WTO framework.
In a bid to foster collaboration and partnerships aimed at enhancing the efficacy of trade policies and programs, a series of side events have been organized.
These include the TradeTech Global Forum, dedicated to leveraging technology in global supply chains, as well as sessions on trade facilitation in collaboration with key partners such as Etihad Credit Insurance, HSBC for trade finance, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) for SMEs, DP World for WLP Logistics Challenges, Emirates for the Future of Cargo, and Sustainable Trade Africa.
The Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, will lead the Kenyan Delegation to the summit.
“To achieve her interests, Kenya will be participate in a number of deliberations on existing frameworks including regional groups at the Ministerial level such as the African Ministers of Trade meeting; the African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group Ministerial Meeting and the Second Meeting of the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate,”the ministry noted.
Additionally, the Cabinet Secretary will actively participate in Ministerial conversations on Trade and Sustainable Development, including Trade and Industrial Policy and Policy Space for Industrial Development and Ministerial Conversation on Trade and Inclusion.
Established in 1995, the WTO serves as the custodian of international trade rules, with its biannual Ministerial Conference standing as the primary decision-making platform.
Ministers and senior officials from all member states converge at these conferences to review and update regulations shaping the global trade landscape.