13th WTO Ministerial Conference: Switzerland is committed to strengthening the multilateral trading system
Bern, 02.03.2024 - On 1 March, the 13th Ordinary Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization came to a conclusion in Abu Dhabi. The Swiss delegation was led by State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda, Director of SECO. The WTO ministers adopted a declaration and resolutions on electronic commerce, dispute settlement and in favour of developing countries. In view of the geopolitical tensions and the challenges facing the multilateral trading system, these results were to be expected.
The 164 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) adopted a declaration and resolutions at the 13th Ordinary WTO Ministerial Conference to tackle various current trade policy challenges.
For least developed countries that lose their status, certain preferences will continue to be granted during a transitional phase. The moratorium on customs duties on electronic communications, which is of great importance for business, was extended again at the Ministerial Conference. The negotiations on the reform of the important mechanism for the settlement of disputes is to be driven forward and finalised by the end of the year. The WTO welcomed the Comoros and East Timor as new members.
Ms Budliger Artieda took the opportunity at the WTO Ministerial Conference to hold various bilateral meetings. Among others, she met with representatives of the Mercosur-countries to work towards the rapid conclusion of the negotiations about a free trade agreement.
Address for enquiries
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
Holzikofenweg 36
CH-3003 Bern
Tel. +41 58 462 56 56
medien@seco.admin.ch
Publisher
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs
http://www.seco.admin.ch
