THE Abu Dhabi Declaration, which emerged from the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference, is poised to extend benefits to the least developed countries, enhancing their access to the global supply chain. According to a report released by the UAE’s official news agency, WAM, trade deals crafted during intensive negotiations aim to broaden the scope of international trading system benefits, reaching a wider array of nations.
Significantly, members have embraced the implementation of Special and Preferential Treatment for Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and Technical Barriers to Trade, a move designed to bolster producers in the least developed countries, thus easing their entry into the global supply chain.
The report highlights the formidable challenge posed by the current measures of SPS, constituting a substantial 90 per cent of non-tariff trade barriers, particularly burdensome for smaller nations and perceived as discriminatory.
In a significant stride for developing nations, ministers have greenlit a decision addressing a 23-year-old mandate, aimed at refining special and differential treatment provisions for enhanced precision, efficacy, and operational functionality.
UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade and MC13 Chair, Thani AlZeyoudi, hailed the declaration as a crucial achievement for both the UAE and global trade. He expressed gratitude to all member delegations for their unwavering commitment to negotiation and dedication to fortifying the global trading system’s accessibility and efficiency.
Al-Zeyoudi further emphasised the breakthroughs achieved, noting that previously intractable issues can now be resolved, paving the way for continued progress in the months ahead. A great deal of progress has also been made in dispute resolution, with an agreement to fulfill the MC12 mandate by establishing a comprehensive and efficient Dispute Settlement system by the end of 2024. This involves the adoption of various reform pathways by participating members.
On the e-commerce front, members have unanimously agreed to extend the moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions for an additional two years, ensuring tariff-free trade in purely digital products and services until MC14 in Cameroon. Additionally, ministers have adopted a ministerial decision to extend the moratorium on non-violation and situation complaints related to the agreement on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights until MC14.
