08-05-2025
Muscat to host 13th WTO China Roundtable
MUSCAT, MAY 8
The Sultanate of Oman will host the 13th edition of the China Roundtable on WTO Accessions from May 12 to 14, 2025, bringing together senior policymakers, diplomats, trade experts, and development partners to explore pathways for Arab countries to deepen their integration into the global trading system.
Organised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat and funded by the Government of China, the roundtable is a continuation of an initiative launched in 2012 to support acceding governments and newly joined Members in navigating the complexities of WTO accession. This year's theme, 'Advancing Arab Economies: From Strategic Accessions to Global Trade Integration,' reflects a timely focus on the Arab region, where several economies are actively pursuing WTO membership.
Set to take place at the Intercity Hotel in Muscat, the event will feature a series of high-level sessions, including a commemoration of Oman's 25th anniversary as a WTO Member. The roundtable will also examine the economic visions of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), lessons from past and ongoing Arab accessions, regional integration strategies, and the evolving role of the private sector in trade reform.
Among the keynote speakers at the Opening Ceremony are Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, and Shaikh Khalifa Al Harthy, Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Officials from China's Ministry of Commerce and the WTO's senior leadership are also expected to deliver addresses virtually.
With participation from current and aspiring WTO Members, including Algeria, Iraq, Sudan, and Libya, as well as institutions such as the World Bank Group, Islamic Development Bank, and UNCTAD, the Round Table aims to catalyse technical cooperation and policy dialogue to strengthen trade governance across the region.
A special publication titled 'Best Practices in WTO Accessions for the Arab Region' will also be launched during the event, providing a comprehensive review of institutional lessons and strategic frameworks to support smoother accession processes for Arab economies.
This marks the second time the roundtable is held in the Arab region, following the 12th edition in Abu Dhabi in 2024, and underscores Oman's growing role in championing trade facilitation, economic diversification, and regional collaboration in line with Oman Vision 2040.
