Qatar Joins WTO Informal Ministerial Talks in Davos Ahead of Key Global Trade Meeting
DAVOS : Qatar participated in an informal ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Thursday in Davos, held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.
Qatar was represented by His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs. The meeting was chaired by Swiss President Guy Parmelin and attended by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, alongside trade and economic ministers from member countries.
Discussions centered on strengthening the multilateral trading system and enhancing cooperation among WTO members. Ministers explored ways to advance collaborative initiatives, including the Investment Facilitation for Development initiative. Key topics also included the potential extension of the suspension of customs duties on e-commerce and progress on major WTO negotiation files.
The session addressed the WTO’s role in the global economy amid ongoing challenges, covering issues such as the most-favored-nation principle, dispute settlement mechanisms, industrial policies, national security considerations, and the interplay of trade with development and environmental protection.
Participants exchanged perspectives in preparation for the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, scheduled to be held in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The meeting concluded with general findings aimed at promoting tangible progress on global trade priorities ahead of upcoming ministerial commitments.
