WT/MIN(22)/ST/74  
12 June 2022 
(22-4511) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Twelfth Session  
Geneva, 12 -15 June 2022  Original: English  
 
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. MR NAADIR HASSAN  
MINISTER FOR FINANCE, NATIONAL  PLANNING,  
AND TRADE  
SEYCHELLES  
I would first like to express my appreciations to the Swiss Government, for hosting this 
important conference, and for the hospitality extended to myself and my delegation, since our arrival 
in this beautiful city.  
 
Today, we find ourselves at an important  juncture, which will guide the work of this 
Organisation, going forward. We have on our agenda a number of pertinent issues that require 
concrete outcomes, to ensure the continued relevance of multilateralism.  
 
The emergence of the COVID -19 pandemic and i ts aftermath have certainly generated much needed 
reflections, given the recent trajectory of the global trading landscape.  The consequential impacts 
and challenges on our respective economies are unprecedented in most cases. Those challenges 
have triggere d many discussions at our respective government levels, our citizens are turning to us 
for answers and recourse. In those times where some of us may have been inclined to turn inwards, 
WTO rules ensured that disruptions in world trade were kept to the mini mum.  
 
I take note that there has been extensive discussions and proposals in regard to reforming 
this Organization, so that the WTO continue to be relevant.  On this, I would like to commend 
all of us Members states for the work done. Nevertheless, caution is recommended on any proposals, 
which could erode current flexibilities that are extended to lower income and developing countries, 
especially cognizant of Small and Vulnerable Economies (SVEs), such as Seychelles, which remains 
highly vulnerable to exter nal shocks and possesses limited resource endowments to sustain those 
shocks and, continue building on resilience.  
 
Seychelles, fully supports the 'TRIPS Waiver ' proposal that seeks to ensure that 
Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) do not hamper access to  vaccines during this 
COVID -19 pandemic . Whilst we do not deny the importance of the protection of IPRs, as one of 
the key pillars of trade in these unprecedented times, I nevertheless urge all my colleague Ministers 
for Trade to show their solidarity by t emporarily park commercial interests, in favour of valuing lives, 
and well -being of our citizens.  
 
Recalling, our commitment made at MC11, for an outcome on Fisheries Subsidies, I would 
like to re -emphasize the need for effective trade rules geared towards the unconditional elimination 
of IUU fishing, and to have an appropriate disciplinary framework wh ich addresses certain subsidies, 
contributing to overcapacity and overfishing.  
 
Being a Small Island Developing State, Seychelles is highly reliant on the fisheries 
industry. It is a crucial contributor to our socio -economic development and the future of depend on 
it. Seychelles firmly supports the attainment of SDG 14.6, relating to 'life below water '. I am of the 
opinion that a positive and implementable outcome on Fisheries Subsidies at this Conference would 
surely contribute towards the eventual fulfillment of the objectives of SDG14.6.  
 
To conclude,  I reaffirm the commitment of th e Republic of Seychelles to remain actively 
engaged in negotiations , especially those aimed at addressing the distortions and disparities 
present in world trade.  WT/MIN( 22)/ST/ 74 
 
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  Mindful of the mandate of this Organisation, I call on my fellow Ministers to continue with 
collaborative engagements, in this conference for common benefits.  
 
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