The delegation of Tajikistan took part in the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization member countries

On February 26, 2024, the delegation of the Republic of Tajikistan, led by the Minister of Economic Development and Trade Zavqizoda Zavqi Amin, took part in the official opening ceremony of the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Zavqizoda Z. A. on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, expressed gratitude to the organizer of the conference - the United Arab Emirates, noting the country’s achievements during the period of membership in the organization, the country’s position on the global trade situation, especially WTO reform and improvement of the multilateral trading system.

In particular, as a result of the measures taken in 2013-2023, during the country's membership in the WTO, Tajikistan achieved significant success, achieving average economic growth of 7.2 percent, increasing the number of trading partners to 120 countries.

It was noted that the Founder of Peace and National Unity - Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, respected Emomali Rahmon, identified strengthening export potential, export diversification and simplification of trade procedures as priority areas of the country’s government’s economic policy in the field of trade.

The ministers mainly discussed issues related to WTO reform and dispute resolution, agriculture and food security, fisheries subsidies, trade and environmental sustainability, approval of the Investment Facilitation Agreement for Development and the Organization's work program on e-commerce.

At the same time, at this conference, the issue of accession of countries to the WTO was considered, the Protocol on the accession of the states of Comoros and Timor-Leste was adopted, after carrying out internal procedures they officially become members of the WTO, as a result of which the number of WTO member countries increases from 164 to 166 states.

The conference was attended by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zoid Oli Nahyan, ministers of member countries, WTO leadership and representatives of observer states, as well as international economic and financial organizations residing in United Arab Emirates.

It should be noted that the WTO Ministerial Conference is the highest governing body and considers and makes important decisions related to global trade, and in accordance with the provisions of the WTO, this event is held every two years.

At the end of the event, several joint global initiatives and declarations were adopted in order to strengthen trade and economic cooperation, eliminate existing problems and expand the multilateral trading system.