Philippines commends UAE in hosting MC13
ABU DHABI: The Philippines expects successful negotiations on fisheries subsidies, agriculture, and climate issues at the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi, according to Alfredo E. Pascual, the Secretary for Trade and Industry of the Philippines.
“I am particularly enthusiastic about welcoming Comoros and Timor-leste as the latest additions to the WTO, signifying the culmination of the second phase of negotiations on fisheries subsidies,” he told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) in an email interview from Manila.
Additionally, Pascual expressed his hope that MC13 would reach significant agreements in agriculture, “focusing on enhancing food security, a concern that is paramount for many nations.”
The UAE will host MC13 from 26th to 29th February 2024 in Abu Dhabi, ater successfully organising COP28, the UN Climate Conference in Dubai in December 2023.
Around 164 nations and trading blocs will participate in the Ministerial Conference, the WTO’S top decision-making body, which meets usually every two years.
“The Philippines profoundly appreciates the UAE for its exemplary leadership in hosting the MC13,” said Pascual who will be the head of the Philippine delegation to the conference.
The vital role the UAE has assumed, he pointed out, particularly ater the momentum garnered from MC12 and the fruiful senior officials’ meeting in October, sets a stage ripe with promise for substantial progress and continued vitality in the WTO’S endeavours.
E-COMMERCE, WTO REFORMS : The Philippine official said the conference will also provide a plaform for in-depth dialogues on critical topics such as e-commerce, the intersection of trade and environmental concerns, and the imperative of inclusivity within the multilateral trading framework.
“These discussions are crucial for ensuring a balanced and progressive global trading system.”
The Philippines has been a staunch advocate for the reform and modernisation of the WTO, with a particular emphasis on bolstering the development aspect of the discussions, Pascual stressed.
“I am optimistic that this conference will mark a significant step forward in these essential areas, reflecting our collective commitment to a more equitable and sustainable global trade environment.”
The challenges of climate change are among the most formidable that the global community must confront, and the Philippines, as a country acutely vulnerable to its impacts, is resolute in leveraging the multilateral trading system to mitigate these effects, the official asserted.