WT/MIN(22)/ST/109  
12 June 2022 
(22-4549) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Twelfth Session  
Geneva, 12 -15 June 2022  Original: English  
 
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. MR BAKHYT SULTANOV  
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER - MINISTER OF TRADE AND INTEGRATION  
KAZAKHSTAN  
Kazakhstan is a recently acceded member of the WTO and a strong supporter of the multilateral 
trading system. We have been actively engaged in the work of the Organization from the first days 
of our membership.  
 
Kazakhstan co -hosts this Ministerial Confere nce, which was initially scheduled in our capital 
Nur-Sultan in 2020. However, due to the COVID -19 pandemic, we had to postpone several times 
MC12 and change the venue to Geneva.  
 
As one of the largest economies in the region, Kazakhstan is playing an imp ortant role in developing 
trade and investment cooperation between Europe and Asia. Kazakhstan remains a reliable partner 
in ensuring continuous supply chains of goods, raw materials and agricultural products to global 
markets. We support "trade and integr ation" on the one hand and "peace and security " on the other. 
Since our independence in 1991, these are two areas, among others, where the Government of 
Kazakhstan has made significant contributions, including here in Geneva.  
 
With this spirit in mind, we  express our hope that we can re -build trust, solidarity, and 
cooperation in the WTO, which is of critical importance when we all face unprecedented 
challenges.  
 
In addressing those challenges, we believe that effective implementation of the Trade Facilita tion 
Agreement can play a vital role in boosting output and facilitating global trade by simplifying and 
harmonizing the transit, release and clearance of goods. Hence, as the largest land -locked country, 
Kazakhstan joined the WTO Initiative on "Supporting  the timely and efficient release of global goods 
through accelerated implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. " 
 
As part of its commitment within the TFA, Kazakhstan has fully digitalized customs procedures by 
establishing a single window fo r export -import and transit procedures, which had significantly 
reduced costs, documentation and time required for business transactions.  
 
Kazakhstan attaches great importance to WTO 's contribution to the efforts made by its Members to 
fight the pandemic 's negative impact and recover and sustain the global economy.  
 
It is therefore crucial that we deliver meaningful multilateral outcomes at the MC12 on the following 
critical and pressing issues:  
 
First, the WTO's Response to the Pandemic  is essential for addressing the current public health crisis 
through application of swift trade policy measures. We expect that effective international cooperation 
will provide opportunities to expand necessary vaccine, medicine and technology production 
capacity, particularly, in developing countries.  
 
Kazakhstan welcomes the recently achieved compromise and draft outcome document on intellectual 
property  that will allow the WTO to fully contribute to the prevention, treatment or containment of 
the pandem ic. We believe that this long -awaited document will serve as a good practical instrument 
to diversify production and distribution of COVID -19 vaccines.  
 WT/MIN( 22)/ST/ 109 
 
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  Second, Food security and reforms in agriculture  remain a priority for all WTO members, and I hope 
that Members will find an appropriate balance to deliver a meaningful outcome on agriculture at 
MC12.  Food insecurity exacerbated by the COVID -19 pandemic, such as supply shortages and price 
challenges, require a comprehensive approach to address them. Kazakh stan underscores the critical 
role of WTO in this regard.  
 
Therefore, we acknowledge the importance of adopting the Ministerial declaration of Trade and Food 
Security, Ministerial Decisions on Agriculture, and World Food Programme food purchases exemption 
from export prohibitions or restrictions.  
 
Third, the pandemic has also revealed the potential of the digital economy and how much global 
trade depends on digital connectivity as well as availability of digital tools. Digitalization has pushed 
economies o ver the technology tipping point and transformed businesses . 
 
Implementation of the national digitalization strategy "Digital Kazakhstan " has played a crucial role 
in minimizing the negative impacts of the pandemic and ensuring economic recovery. In this r egard, 
we also believe that the WTO can deliver a foundational multilateral decision on e-commerce work 
program and moratorium  that will play an important role in full utilization of the benefits of cross -
border trade.  
 
Fourth, as land -locked country, Kaza khstan believes that WTO Members can achieve a long -waited 
consensus on the issue of curbing harmful fisheries subsidies . This indeed will be a significant 
contribution of the organization to effective implementation of SDGs.  
 
Fifth, Kazakhstan affirms the  central role of the WTO in international trade,  but also acknowledges 
the need to address the institutional challenges it is facing today. Therefore, we actively support the 
need to undertake the WTO reforms , including its dispute settlement, negotiating and monitoring 
functions. We believe this will find a solution through the high -level political engagement of Ministers 
at this conference.  
 
Furthermore, Kazakhstan notes that the successful conclusion by 67 WTO Members of the agreement 
on Services Domest ic Regulation  is a meaningful achievement that addresses a dynamic and 
fast-growing segment of global economy. The new disciplines relating to services are called to 
improve the business climate, lower trade costs and facilitate services trade worldwide.  
 
Finally, Kazakhstan also supports the on -going discussions with the objective to advance other vital 
issues, including trade and environment , MSMEs,  and women 's economic empowerment,  that we 
believe will serve as an engine for inclusive sustainable development and economic growth.  
 
In conclusion, Kazakhstan reconfirms that today the WTO is the only international forum that 
provides legal certainty, predictability and stability for the  multilateral trading system and global 
economy. However, it is crucial to prove during this week and at this Ministerial gathering that a 
diverse group of WTO members could work together towards a common objective, overcome their 
differences and agree on meaningful results that are important for our citizens.  We firmly believe 
that we will be able to take the global collective actions to ensure rebound of international trade and 
sustainable economic growth.  
 
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