Page 363 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - FEBRUARY 2024
P. 363
“It is confronting many challenges. We have witnessed a shifting of priorities and addressing
climate change and sustainability issues. Many countries are experiencing debts and cost of living
pressures, food security and a slow recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The minister pointed out that the world economy and international landscape have significantly
evolved in the face of technological developments.
“The service sector continues to be a key driver of global trade, but traditional sectors like
agriculture remain critical for all countries, small, medium and large. However, the traditional
sectors and traditional assumptions of which WTO has been anchored cannot stand on their own
anymore.”
The opening day saw two least developed countries, Comoros and Timor-Leste, become WTO
members taking the overall tally to 166.
Dr Al Zeyoudi called for 'new thinking' amid a fast-changing trade environment witnessed
globally.
“The growth of the WTO membership and its diverse priority requires a dynamic approach from
the WTO, one that respects the rules that bind us all as WTO members, but also enables the
WTO to advance and be forward-looking to achieve our collective goals.”
He asserted that the UAE is determined to make the Ministerial Conference a success.
“As chairperson, I’m fully committed to creating an environment of comfort for all delegates, to
conduct negotiations freely, frankly, and constructively in the upcoming days.”
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/lets-show-wto-is-alive-uae-foreign-trade-minister-says-
conference-can-be-launch-pad-for-global
