   
  
WT/MIN(24)/ST/55  
26 February  2024 
(24-1539) Page: 1/1 
Ministerial Conference  
Thirteenth Session  
Abu Dhabi, 26 -29 February 2024  Original: English  
 
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. DR GOHAR EJAZ  
FEDERAL MINISTER FOR COMMERCE  
PAKISTAN  
I am honored to be a part of the 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO. I would begin by 
congratulating the Membership for its decision on LDC graduation and would also welcome two new 
Members – Comoros and Timor -Leste – to the WTO.  
 
Let me now turn to  the multiple crises  that have battered Member countries in recent years. Climate 
change, geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, unsustainable debt, and rising food insecurity have 
exacerbated global disparities and impeded development, especially for deve loping Members like 
Pakistan.  
 
There is a need for a fit-for-purpose WTO  that delivers tangible solutions to address these crises 
especially for developing countries including LDCs . The situation calls for renewed discussions and 
appropriate decisions for tackling the challenges of development and widening income gaps and 
ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth for all Members.  
 
The growing specter of global hunger  requires immediate action. The food security package under 
negotiation presents a vital opp ortunity to address this dire situation through a permanent solution 
on public stockholding among other tools. We must deliver on food security  at this critical juncture 
for the most vulnerable.  
 
I am encouraged by the constructive engagement of Members in  Phase 2 of the Fisheries 
Negotiations. Delivering on the SDG 14.6 mandate  at MC13 is crucial to ensure long -term 
sustainability of our oceans and the livelihoods of millions who depend on them.  
 
Developments  in digital technology are rapidly changing the face of global trade. The developing 
countries must fashion their economies underpinned by knowledge and technology with all the policy 
tools at their disposal to avoid falling further behind. However, since 1998, the  moratorium on 
customs duties on electr onic transmissions  has denied the developing countries of an important 
policy tool to develop digital economy  and increase revenues. Lifting the moratorium, with carefully 
calibrated custom duties, would create an environment that incentivizes technology t ransfer, attracts 
investments, and fuels digital industrialization . This is not about protectionism – it's about 
empowerment and creating a level playing field  where developing countries can thrive in the digital 
age. 
 
Now turning to a pillar that was once  dubbed as the jewel in crown of this Organization, I emphasize 
that we conclude the discussions within this year to have a well -functioning two -tiered dispute 
settlement system available to all Members.   
 
In conclusion, let us embrace a future -oriented vision for the WTO , and commit to delivering concrete 
solutions to real -world challenges , particularly for developing countries and ensure that no one is 
left behind  in our collective pursuit of a sustainable  and equitable future . 
 
__________  