WT/MIN(24)/ST/23  
26 February  2024 
(24-1472) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Thirteenth Session  
Abu Dhabi, 26 -29 February 2024  Original: English  
 
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. M RS BATMUNKH BATTSETSEG  
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS  
MONGOLIA  
It is my great honor to address this esteemed Conference on behalf of the Government of Mongolia.   
 
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of the United Arab Emirates and the 
WTO Secretariat for hosting and organizing the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference.  
 
This pivotal event highlights our shared dedication to enhancing global trade cooperation and 
ensuring economic prosperity across all Member stat es.  
 
On behalf of the Government of Mongolia, I congratulate the newly acceded WTO Members, 
Timor -Leste and Comoros.   
 
In an era characterized by unparalleled challenges confronting global trade, such as geopolitical 
shifts, climate change, and economic u ncertainties, Mongolia reiterates its steadfast commitment to 
multilateralism and the shared goal of prosperity through trade.  
 
Mongolia also advocates for the reform of the WTO, recognizing the urgent need to revitalize the 
Organization's core functions to ensure a fair and inclusive trading system.  
 
Mongolia remains committed to safeguarding the existing architecture of Special and Differential 
Treatment and upholding the unconditional rights to SDT for developing and least developed 
Members.  
 
The geog raphical remoteness and lack of direct access to maritime ports impose constraints on trade 
logistics and transportation networks, resulting in increased transit times and costs for exports and 
imports of landlocked developing countries.   
 
In light of thes e challenges, Mongolia underscores the importance of targeted support and assistance 
for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) within the WTO framework. We call for enhanced 
cooperation and collaboration among Member states to address the specific needs and priorities of 
LLDCs, including the provision of technical assistance, capacity -building initiatives, and trade -related 
infrastructure development.   
 
Recognizing the vital role of agriculture in the global community, Mongolia stresses the importance 
of addressing agricultural issues within the WTO framework. Sustainable agriculture plays a crucial 
role in ensuring food security, alleviating poverty, and promoting economic growth.  
 
Mongolia aligns itself with the positions of the Group of 33 (G33) on the  issue of a permanent solution 
on public stockholding for food security purposes and the establishment of an agricultural special 
safeguard mechanism.  
 
Mongolia believes that agriculture negotiations should be conducted transparently, inclusively, and 
with the participation of all WTO Members. We emphasize the importance of seeking mutually 
acceptable solutions to address the complex challenges facing the global agricultural sector.   
 WT/MIN(24)/ST/23  
 
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  We recognize that women's economic empowerment and their participation i n trade significantly 
contribute to economic growth and sustainable development. Mongolia acknowledges the 
commendable efforts undertaken by the WTO, including collaboration with other relevant 
international organizations, to facilitate women's participati on in trade.  
 
We emphasize the pivotal role of women in Micro, Small, and Medium -sized Enterprises in economic 
growth, sustainable development, and poverty reduction across all WTO Members.  
 
As participants of the Joint Statement Initiative on Investment Facilitation f or Development (IFDA), 
Mongolia firmly believes that such initiatives not only facilitate Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows 
but also empower developing and least developed countries to actively participate in global FDI 
flows, thereby advancing the bro ader goal of fostering sustainable development.   
 
Moreover, as e -commerce continues to take center stage in the multilateral trade system, Mongolia 
recognizes its potential in overcoming geographical challenges and diversifying our economy, which 
heavily r elies on mining. Hence, we see e -commerce as a crucial avenue for leveraging trade 
potential and accelerating digital transformation in developing and least developed countries.   
 
Mongolia is committed to enhancing its WTO capacity through active participation in 
capacity -building initiatives and technical assistance programs, aiming to effectively engage in WTO 
negotiations and activities. Through collaborative initiatives with other WTO Members, international 
organizations, and development partne rs, Mongolia aims to enhance its trade competitiveness, 
promote sustainable development, and contribute constructively to the multilateral trading system.   
 
Mongolia recognizes the urgent need for global efforts to combat climate change and environmental 
pollution. As an LLDC with vast and pristine landscapes, Mongolia is acutely aware of the importance 
of preserving our environment for future generations. We are committed to deepening cooperation 
with other WTO Members in addressing the trade -related aspec ts of plastic pollution and advancing 
sustainable development goals.   
 
Mongolia warmly welcomes the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference, viewing it as a crucial opportunity 
to reaffirm our commitment to fair trade and a dependable, rules -based multilateral tra ding system. 
We eagerly await the outcomes, seeking mutual understanding, inclusive development, and 
balanced trade expansion. Ensuring fair and equitable treatment, with special consideration for the 
needs of developing nations, is essential for sustainab le and inclusive global growth.   
 
Thank you very much for your attention and I wish you a productive Ministerial Conference.   
 
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