G20 Brazil 2024 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting - Session 1

WTO reform and strengthening of multilateral trade system and women in international trade

Excellencies,

Let me first extend my thanks to the presidency of Brazil for the strong leadership and warm hospitality for hosting this meeting.

The presidency’s efforts in making trade more inclusive is especially appreciated as it makes an important contribution to the world that we aspire.

UNCTAD greatly welcomes the ongoing efforts of G20 members to enhance women’s participation in international trade, including through the Trade and Investment Track and the Leaders’ Declaration.

But despite the increasing efforts, more is still needed to make trade policies more gender-responsive. UNCTAD stands ready to further strengthen capacities of policymakers to design and implement gender-inclusive trade policies.
 

Ladies and gentlemen,

UNCTAD remains a strong advocate for the multilateral trading system. We strongly support WTO reform to strengthen the rules-based framework that fosters development, particularly in today’s complex trade environment. A wide range of economic and geopolitical factors are influencing the dynamics, including the rise of new industrial policies that must align with multilateral trade rules.

Let me provide a few examples of how UNCTAD contributes to the system:

• We offer a platform where member states can engage in open debate. It is a “safe space” to discuss new elements before they become enshrined as binding trade rules. A good example is our work on Trade Facilitation.
• Our research and data capabilities play a vital role. They provide countries the tools to craft well-informed trade policies, such as our Services Trade Data or our database on Non-Tariff Measures.
• We also support the implementation of agreements. A good example is the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. And we support countries to accede to the WTO, helping them, such as Comoros recently, comply with their obligations and integrate into the global trading system.
• Through our eTrade for All initiative, we are building the capacities of developing countries to actively participate in discussions on trade related aspects of e-commerce.
• And we boost transparency through the joint WTO-ITC-UNCTAD Global Trade Helpdesk. Its important contribution has been recognized by the Informal WTO Working Group on MSMEs and last year’s G20 declaration.
   

Excellencies,

UNCTAD’s mission is to ensure that trade contributes to sustainable development. Therefore, trade must be fair, inclusive, and beneficial to all – especially for developing countries.

Thank you.