Page 509 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - FEBRUARY 2024

The 13th Ministerial Conference is set to build on the progress achieved during MC12, held in
Geneva in June 2022, which made substantive breakthroughs on fisheries subsidies, food
insecurity, and e-commerce. Focus areas will include improving the ability of developing
countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to access the global trading system,
intellectual property, and WTO’s dispute resolution mechanism.

The forum will also provide an opportunity to explore greater collaboration and partnership
with non-governmental organisations, the private sector, and civil society to enhance the
effectiveness of trade policies and programmes via a series of side events.

These include the TradeTech Global Forum, promoting the use of technology in global supply
chains, and sessions on trade facilitation in partnership with Etihad Credit Insurance, trade
finance with HSBC, SMEs with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
(ADDED), the WLP Logistics Challenges with DP World, Future of Cargo in collaboration with
Emirates, and Sustainable Trade Africa.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Chair of the MC13,
emphasised the significance of the upcoming conference, stating, “A robust and inclusive
multilateral trading system is essential for fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and
raising living standards. At MC13, ministers and senior officials worldwide can help ensure
that global trade lives up to this promise by reviewing and refining its rules, confronting issues
that prevent the free flow of goods and services, and supporting the needs of every nation
that wishes to benefit from the multilateral trading system. We look forward to welcoming all
the MC13 participants to Abu Dhabi and providing a platform conducive to positive,
collaborative discussions on the future of trade.”

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, said, “We look forward to welcoming the
international trade leaders and shapers to tackle the pressing issues and devise innovative
solutions to current and future challenges. Hosting the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of
the World Trade Organisation (WTO) by Abu Dhabi underlines its credentials as a global
hub.”

“Trade and the exchange of goods, services, and innovations with the rest of the world are an
integral part of Abu Dhabi’s history and modern progress. Fair and free trade will also be
central to our future as we cement our position as a preferred hub for talents, businesses,
investments, and a key node on international supply chains. As host of MC13, we are offering
our support to ensure a successful conference that enables the global trading system to uplift
economies and enrich lives,” he added.

Formed in 1995, the WTO is the international body that supervises international trade rules.
Its biannual Ministerial Conference is considered its topmost decision-making forum, bringing
ministers and senior officials from all member states to review and update regulations
shaping the global trading system.

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