WT/MIN(24)/ST/95  
26 February  2024 
(24-1604) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Thirteenth Session  
Abu Dhabi, 26 -29 February 2024  Original: English  
 
 
STATEMENT BY SENATOR THE HON. MS KAMINA JOHNSON SMITH  
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND FOREIGN TRADE  
JAMAICA  
Jamaica welcomes the convening of this 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO and thanks the 
Government and people of the UAE for hosting this important event.  
 
The convening of MC13 comes at a time of heightened challenges for the multilateral trading system. 
It will be important for us to make cr itical decisions to shape the future work of the WTO, and to 
send a strong signal of its continued effectiveness.  
 
For Jamaica, the WTO remains a cornerstone of the multilateral trading system, providing a unique 
platform for dialogue, negotiation and dis pute resolution.  
 
Our longstanding commitment to an inclusive, transparent and rules -based multilateral trading 
system is beyond question. We stand ready to continue engagement on the difficult issues being 
addressed in current negotiations.  
 
On fisheries subsidies, we should not lose sight of the pledge made by our leaders in Goal 14 of the 
SDGs, particularly target 14.6.  
 
In this regard, the current negotiations on over -capacity and over -fishing must result in an outcome 
which includes:  
 
• sufficient polic y space for small scale and artisanal fisherfolk; and  
• effective special and differential treatment provisions, including de minimis  considerations 
which balance trade rules from a subsidies and fisheries management perspective.  
Jamaica continues to be acti vely engaged in these negotiations, with the fervent hope of a positive 
outcome.  
 
We have a keen interest in a meaningful outcome on agriculture . This sector is critical to achieving 
development goals such as poverty eradication, rural development and empl oyment creation. Our 
negotiations should be balanced, and take account of the special needs of developing countries, 
including LDCs, Net -Food-Importing Developing Countries and SIDS.  
 
Any outcome on agriculture must build on the decisions adopted at MC12,  especially in relation to 
food security and the preservation of policy space for developing countries. Within that context, we 
look forward to a firm decision on the issue of a Special Safeguard Mechanism.  
 
It is also imperative that we reaffirm the Spec ial and Differential Treatment for developing countries, 
including LDCs.  
 
On WTO Reform , any agenda we advance must include the key principles of:  
 
• retaining decision -making by consensus;  
• a focus on the development dimension, as the heart of WTO negotiations; and  
• advocacy for S and D T for developing countries.  WT/MIN(24)/ST/95  
 
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  In relation to Dispute Settlement Reform, Jamaica envisages an independent, impartial, efficient, 
and transparent dispute settlement mechanism; one that facilitates well -reasoned, objective  and 
fair conclusions, which benefit all Members, including countries like Jamaica, which are less active 
in adjudication proceedings.  The current informal discussions should be formalised, to allow for 
better access to, and engagement by all Members.  
 
Jamaica supports the renewal of the 1998 exploratory mandate of the Work Programme on 
E-Commerce. We must extend the moratorium until the next Ministerial Conference so that customs 
duties are not imposed on electronic transmissions. In the interim, we shoul d continue discussions 
on issues such as the revenue implications and the technological feasibility of levying customs duties, 
and the characterization of electronic transactions. We call on all WTO Members to support the 
OACPS's Ministerial Declaration on  Electronic Commerce.  
 
In closing, I hope that Members will be able to make advances in all areas to allow for meaningful 
outcomes at MC13. May the spirit of Abu Dhabi inspire us to overcome the challenges and seize 
opportunities, for the benefit of all.  
 
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