Global trade continues to play a transformative role in enhancing food security and promoting better nutrition worldwide, emphasized Deputy Director-General Jean-Marie Paugam at the WTO’s Annual Agriculture Symposium on December 9. Speaking on behalf of Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, DDG Paugam highlighted how international trade fosters innovation, diversity, and resilience in food systems, driving positive global outcomes.
With 25% of the world’s food production traded internationally, contributing $2.3 trillion in economic value, trade remains a cornerstone for ensuring reliable food supply chains. “World trade in food is essential for many countries and people,” DDG Paugam stated, showcasing how open markets have enabled countries to meet growing demands and improve access to essential food products.
Trade’s impact extends beyond access to food—it also enhances dietary diversity. Over the past decade, the variety of foods available globally has increased by nearly 90%, thanks to international trade. This diversity benefits consumers by providing healthier and more nutritious options while supporting global agricultural producers.
Processed foods have emerged as a major growth area in international food trade, reflecting the increasing complexity and interconnectedness of global supply chains. DDG Paugam noted that this interconnectedness allows nations to benefit from shared resources, technologies, and expertise, driving innovation in food production and distribution.
To maximize these benefits, DDG Paugam called for ongoing reforms in agricultural trade policies. Priorities include reducing trade barriers such as tariffs and subsidies, promoting environmentally sustainable practices, and leveraging tools like public food stockholding programs to support developing nations.
He also stressed the importance of trade policies that enable better nutritional choices, highlighting examples of countries reducing tariffs on nutritious foods and implementing clear nutrition labelling. These measures not only promote health but also stimulate demand for agricultural products globally, creating opportunities for trade growth.
The symposium served as a vibrant platform for policymakers, researchers, and business leaders to explore the intersection of trade, food systems, and nutrition. Discussions focused on how trade policies can expand access to affordable, diverse, and nutritious foods, particularly in developing nations, while adapting supply chains to meet global nutritional needs.
By advancing agricultural negotiations and fostering global collaboration, the WTO aims to create a more sustainable and inclusive trade system that supports food security and nutrition for all.
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