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“Good outcomes. Moving things forward. These are going to be our ultimate goal,” the
minister told Khaleej Times as the Capital gears for side events starting from Friday.
Dr Al Zeyoudi noted that reform and moratorium will be among the key topics discussed
and negotiated during the Ministerial Conference – the highest decision-making body of
the WTO.
Moratorium is a “big topic. It’s either yes or no”, whereas reform is a “complex topic”, he
said.
India is reportedly not in favour of further continuation of the moratorium on customs
duties on e-commerce trade as it is impacting developing countries. As per estimates,
the potential tariff revenue loss to developing countries is estimated at $10 billion
annually.
Dr Al Zeyoudi pointed out several “informal good discussions” held last year, which can
result in positive results on the negotiation table next week.
He underlined an inclusive multilateral trading system is essential for fostering economic
growth, creating jobs, and raising living standards.
“At MC13, ministers and senior officials around the world 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.”
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic
Development (ADDED), underscored that the conference will see international trade
leaders and shapers tackle the pressing issues and devise innovative solutions to
challenges.
Meanwhile, private sector leaders, NGOs, and representatives of civil society will join
the politicians in working together towards advancing a more efficient, sustainable, and
inclusive trading system. The conference is set to build on the progress achieved during
MC12, held in Geneva in June 2022, which made substantive breakthroughs in 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, which will promote 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 ADDED, the WLP Logistics
Challenges with DP World, Future of Cargo in collaboration with Emirates, and
Sustainable Trade Africa.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-top-global-ministers-to-decide-on-crucial-trade-issues-at-abu-
dhabi-summit