WT/MIN(22)/ST/57  
12 June 2022 
(22-4494) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Twelfth Session  
Geneva, 12 -15 June 2022  Original: English  
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. MR  CARLOS ALBERTO FRANCO FRANÇA  
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS  
BRAZIL 
The World Trade Organization has been facing serious challenges for some time: gridlocked 
negotiations, a non -functional Dispute Settlement Body, and the need for modernizing reforms.  
Today, these challenges come with the additional strain of geopolitical disruptions, threats to 
globalization, lingering impacts of COVID -19, and increased risks to the SDGs, particularly combating 
poverty, hunger, and cli mate change.  
I am here to convey Brazil’s unwavering commitment to the WTO and the multilateral trading 
system.  
We should make the best of this MC12 by pursuing meaningful results and paving the way for more 
progress in the MC13 and in the future.  
Togethe r, we can revitalize the WTO, delivering results in four priority areas:  
First, agriculture: We need a food security package with short and long -term outcomes; helping to 
stabilize food markets right now, and setting mandates for agriculture reform at the next Ministerial.  
Second, trade and health: The WTO is strategically placed to offer a contribution on pandemic 
preparedness and public health, including neglected diseases in developing countries. A multilateral 
outcome here is both necessary and achievab le. 
Third, fisheries: We need to conclude these overdue negotiations with the highest standards of 
sustainability.  
Last but not least, reform: The Dispute Settlement System needs to be reformed and restored; and 
we need a way for the WTO to assimilate plur ilateral negotiations, such as the JSIs in services, 
investment and e -commerce, in which Brazil has taken an active role.  
As I had the opportunity to state during DG -Ngozi’s recent visit to Brazil, we wish to help the WTO 
address current and future challe nges of global trade.  
With that in mind, I want to make some remarks about our role as ministers to safeguard the future 
of the WTO.  
The Ministerial Conference, our highest decision -making body, only meets once every two years.  
These long pauses weaken ministerial oversight and increase pressure for ‘deliverables’ at Ministerial 
Conferences.  
These problems are even more pronounced and disruptive during crises.  WT/MIN( 22)/ST/ 57 
 
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  In Brazil's view, as per the proposal we have just circulated, WTO mi nisters should meet every year, 
as they do in most other key multilateral fora.  
During annual meetings, we would not necessarily always deliver on big packages, but could 
exchange views on trade issues; bring fresh approaches and political drive to Geneva;  and address 
trade emergencies in a timely manner, enabling the WTO to deliver results as new challenges arise.  
Annual ministerial meetings can also contribute to a more nuanced comprehension of developing 
countries' needs regarding the multilateral tradi ng system.  
Finally, more frequent interactions would help rebuild much needed trust among WTO Members, 
increasing our willingness to cooperate and shield the world against a backlash of protectionism.  
With the full engagement of ministers, I am confident that the WTO can deliver on pressing food 
security, public health, economic recovery and sustainability challenges, while better promoting the 
role of trade in achieving prosperity and sustainable development for all.  
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