Addressing the WTO’s General Council on February 14th, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed confidence in the prospects of securing outcomes for the upcoming 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi. Despite acknowledging the challenges faced by members, she emphasized determination to achieve success. “We are going to get it done,” she affirmed.
While Dr. Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged that preparations for MC13 are not at the desired stage, she remained positive, citing the constructive tone in negotiations as a reason for hope. The conference is scheduled to take place from February 26th to 29th in Abu Dhabi.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the United Arab Emirates’ Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Chair of MC13, urged members to continue efforts to bridge their differences before the conference. He emphasized the importance of presenting positive outcomes to ministers amid global challenges and uncertainties.
Ambassador Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme of Botswana, the General Council Chairperson, highlighted the significance of crafting a strong and responsive political message through the MC13 Ministerial Declaration. She aims to circulate a “clean” draft Declaration for members’ consideration by February 16th.
Reports on MC13 preparations were received from various negotiating bodies, including agriculture, fisheries subsidies, development, and services. Progress was also noted in securing the entry into force of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, with 14 additional countries ratifying or planning to ratify before MC13.
Director-General Okonjo-Iweala expressed confidence in the agreement’s imminent entry into force, signaling a swift multilateral accomplishment for the WTO. With just 40 more members needed for completion, she anticipates it to be one of the fastest entry-into-force processes in WTO history.