High-lights from WTO MC13

What we learned from the World Trade Organization (WTO) MC13 & surrounding meeting in Abu Dhabi last week. Summarized by World Economic Forum (WEF). We were there.

Overall, WEF concludes that while the formal meeting outcomes disappoint many, trade talks are a marathon and not a sprint (especially at the global level). The stage is set for continued engagement, and there’s particular momentum around exploring what governments, the private sector and civil society can do to make trade more inclusive and sustainable.

And for all other trade news in the last month, WEF has also put together our usual round-up. Read about Mexico-US trade, the Red Sea crisis, critical minerals trade, and more check out: WEF

• Trade ministers from across the world met in Abu Dhabi at the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13).
• The meeting concluded with WTO members adopting a Ministerial Declaration setting out a reform agenda for the organization.
• Here’s what we learned about the future of trade at this year’s meeting.

Trade ministers from across the world met in Abu Dhabi last week to discuss and review the functioning of the world trade system and the future work of the World Trade Organization (WTO). 

The WTO’s 13th Ministerial Confernce (MC13) concluded with members adopting a Ministerial Declaration, but with limited scope.

Here’s in short what we learned at MC-13 in Abu Dhabi. 

1. WTO membership reached 166

2. Services trade got a boost, as did investment facilitation

3. It’s time to cut least developed countries a break

4. Harmful fisheries subsidies, agriculture kicked down the road

5. Many topics are stuck multilaterally

6. E-commerce duties on hold, for now – again

7. WTO members take up environment in thematic sub-groups

8. Tradetech grabs attention

9. Stakeholders want to debate

10. Trade is a marathon, not a sprint

Source:WEF