Latest news with #14thMinisterialConference
Scoop
23-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Commonwealth Trade Ministers And Business Leaders Wrap Up Windhoek Summit
20 June 2025 Strong Call for Multilateralism and Private Sector Partnerships Trade Ministers from across the Commonwealth have concluded two days of high-level deliberations in Windhoek, Namibia, at the 2025 Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting (CTMM), with a bold affirmation of their shared commitment to deepen intra-Commonwealth trade, unlock sustainable investment, and defend the integrity of the multilateral trading system. Held alongside the inaugural Commonwealth Business Summit (CBS), which closed yesterday, the two landmark gatherings marked a significant step in connecting policymakers with business leaders and development partners to chart a unified economic future. The Trade Ministers Meeting, the first ever held on African soil, concluded today with the adoption of a forward-looking Outcome Statement and agreement on a joint Commonwealth Statement on the Multilateral Trading System to the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation, reinforcing the group's united position on fair, inclusive, and rules-based global trade. Against the backdrop of rising protectionism, climate instability and a fragmented global economy, Ministers focused on strategies to harness the Commonwealth's 21% trade advantage (rooted in shared language, legal systems, and trust) to realise the ambition of growing intra-Commonwealth trade to US$2 trillion by 2030. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the CTMM, Commonwealth Secretary-General the Rt Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey said: "Together, we have explored new pathways for deepening intra-Commonwealth trade, enhancing investment, leveraging digital trade, accelerating the sustainable energy transition and building resilient economies. The outcomes of the Windhoek trade ministers' meeting represent another shining example of the enduring value of Commonwealth collaboration." "We must stand firm and united in resisting any efforts that risk undermining our progress and prosperity. The Commonwealth has shown how we can work together to ensure that all our people benefit fully from international trade." Hon. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade of Namibia, added: "We were brave enough to decide to host the inaugural Commonwealth Business Summit, in order to initiate the practical aspects of growing intra-Commonwealth trade to US$2 trillion and beyond. I would like to be brave enough to say we were successful and that our clarion call has been heard." "During this meeting, we clearly and overwhelmingly supported the Commonwealth member countries for a rules-based multilateral trade system. In that regard, we concluded a statement ahead of the WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Cameroon in 2026, which will be released after this event, and will be read at the next meeting of the WTO General Council." During the meeting, the ministers also endorsed concrete initiatives to expand trade and investment across the Commonwealth: Operationalisation Plan of the Working Group on Trade and Investment was agreed for implementation with a focus on key priority activities to help invigorate trade and investment among member states. Ministers welcomed the launch of the Commonwealth Investment Network (CIN) as a key platform to help countries identify bankable projects and connect with credible investors. Ministers welcomed progress on the Commonwealth Model Law on Digital Trade, underscoring its importance in reducing friction in cross-border e-commerce. Energy transition, food security, and the future of critical minerals were flagged as areas for greater cooperation and public-private investment. Support for MSMEs, youth and women-led businesses, and improved digital readiness in vulnerable economies was reaffirmed. The CTMM built on momentum from the Commonwealth Business Summit, which concluded on Thursday. Held in parallel for the first time, the Summit brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and development financiers to align private sector priorities with public policy. As the Commonwealth looks ahead to the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda, Trade Ministers have called for leaders to build on Windhoek's momentum, deepening integration, protecting the global trading system, and ensuring that trade remains a driver of prosperity and resilience for all.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India urges WTO to act on past ministerial mandates as delay may worsen hunger crisis
India on Wednesday said that the WTO members should not delay in resolving past ministerial mandates, including issues related to public stockholding of food grains, as it would worsen the global hunger crisis and violate human rights, an official said. During an informal meeting of the WTO's Committee on Agriculture in Geneva, India indicated that ahead of MC14 the primary concern should be ensuring food security and protecting livelihoods. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack A Chinese shadow falls on Pahalgam terror attack case probe How India can use water to pressure Pakistan Buzzkill: How India can dissolve the Pakistan problem, not just swat it India called for realistic solutions to these issues, emphasising the need for flexibility in agricultural support . WTO (World Trade Organisation) members have agreed that the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) will take place from 26 to 29 March 2026 in Cameroon. MC is the highest decision making body of the multi-lateral organisation. It meets once every two years. The last one was held in Abu Dhabi in 2024. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Iraq: Jewelry On Sale For Half Price! (See Price List) Luxury Jewelry | search ads Undo "Delaying decisions on past ministerial mandates, such as PSH (public stockholding) and SSM (special safeguard mechanism), exacerbates the hunger crisis and violates human rights," a Geneva-based trade official said. He added that the current agreement's rules, favouring developed nations with outdated subsidy systems, are flawed and do not account for inflation. Live Events "Developed countries can provide substantial support without limits, while developing countries, including LDCs, struggle to offer even minimal support due to restrictive policies," the official added.
Zawya
20-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia's Al-Moqbel appointed WTO General Council president for 2025–2026
RIYADH — The General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has unanimously appointed Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the WTO Saqer Al-Moqbel as its president for the 2025–2026 term. This marks a historic milestone, as Al-Moqbel becomes the first Arab and Middle Eastern delegate to assume this prestigious position. The WTO General Council, which convenes throughout the year, oversees the organization's operations between ministerial conferences, held biennially. As the highest decision-making body at the level of heads of missions, the council plays a crucial role in shaping global trade policies. During Saudi Arabia's presidency, the General Council is set to address several key issues, including preparations for the 14th Ministerial Conference, scheduled to be held in Cameroon in March 2026. The agenda will also focus on essential WTO reforms, particularly the dispute settlement mechanism; advancing negotiations on the second phase of the Fisheries Subsidy Agreement; and addressing agriculture, food security, and development concerns. Other priorities include integrating multilateral agreements, such as the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement and the E-Commerce Agreement, into the WTO framework. Commenting on the appointment, President Al-Moqbel emphasized that Saudi Arabia's leadership in the WTO General Council reflects its growing role in the international economic landscape, leveraging its global economic influence to strengthen multilateral trade cooperation. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Saudi Gazette
19-02-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia's Al-Moqbel appointed WTO General Council president for 2025–2026
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has unanimously appointed Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the WTO Saqer Al-Moqbel as its president for the 2025–2026 term. This marks a historic milestone, as Al-Moqbel becomes the first Arab and Middle Eastern delegate to assume this prestigious position. The WTO General Council, which convenes throughout the year, oversees the organization's operations between ministerial conferences, held biennially. As the highest decision-making body at the level of heads of missions, the council plays a crucial role in shaping global trade policies. During Saudi Arabia's presidency, the General Council is set to address several key issues, including preparations for the 14th Ministerial Conference, scheduled to be held in Cameroon in March 2026. The agenda will also focus on essential WTO reforms, particularly the dispute settlement mechanism; advancing negotiations on the second phase of the Fisheries Subsidy Agreement; and addressing agriculture, food security, and development concerns. Other priorities include integrating multilateral agreements, such as the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement and the E-Commerce Agreement, into the WTO framework. Commenting on the appointment, President Al-Moqbel emphasized that Saudi Arabia's leadership in the WTO General Council reflects its growing role in the international economic landscape, leveraging its global economic influence to strengthen multilateral trade cooperation.
Asharq Al-Awsat
19-02-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia Assumes WTO General Council Presidency for 2025–2026
The General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has unanimously appointed Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the WTO Saqer bin Abdullah Al-Moqbel as its president for the 2025–2026 term. In a historic milestone, Al-Moqbel becomes the first Arab and Middle Eastern delegate to assume this position, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday. The WTO General Council, which convenes throughout the year, oversees the organization's operations between ministerial conferences, held biennially. As the highest decision-making body at the level of heads of missions, the council plays a crucial role in shaping global trade policies. During Saudi Arabia's presidency, the General Council is set to address several key issues, including preparations for the 14th Ministerial Conference, scheduled to be held in Cameroon in March 2026. The agenda will also focus on essential WTO reforms, particularly the dispute settlement mechanism; advancing negotiations on the second phase of the Fisheries Subsidy Agreement; and addressing agriculture, food security, and development concerns. Other priorities include integrating multilateral agreements, such as the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement and the E-Commerce Agreement, into the WTO framework. Commenting on the appointment, Al-Moqbel emphasized that Saudi Arabia's leadership in the WTO General Council reflects its growing role in the international economic landscape, leveraging its global economic influence to strengthen multilateral trade cooperation.
