WT/MIN(24)/ST/105  
26 February  2024 
(24-1656) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Thirteenth Session  
Abu Dhabi, 26 -29 February 2024  Original: English  
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. MR MAURO VIEIRA  
MINISTER OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS  
BRAZIL 
Nearly two years ago, at MC12, through the work of all WTO Members, we were able to achieve 
concrete results.   
 
However, we fell short of addressing WTO's most critical challenges: the need for modernizing 
reforms; the paralysis of the Dispute Settlement Body; and a long -standing failure to deliver results 
on the priority issues of developing countries.   
 
Brazil, as a developing country itself, seeks a strengthen ed and modernized WTO that fully integrates 
into its agenda the perspective of sustainable development in its three dimensions: environmental, 
economic and social.   
 
In order to overcome the challenges of our time, we need a just and inclusive technologica l and 
economic transformation that fully incorporates developing countries.   
 
To achieve this goal, it is fundamental to count on a renewed multilateral trading system. In this 
regard, WTO needs to be ready to deal with a rapidly changing global landscape,  while being able 
to address issues of broad economic and social impact that have been systematically left behind, 
such as agriculture.   
 
For Brazil, therefore, progress in agriculture is key and absolutely essential for a successful MC13. 
This is the olde st unfulfilled promise of this Organization.   
 
High barriers and subsidies have severely hampered agricultural development in the global South, 
confronting developing countries with food scarcity and reduced incomes.   
 
MC13 gives us the opportunity to design the agricultural reform the world needs. Let us work towards 
full modalities by MC14 with the sense of priority that this issue demands.   
 
Brazil is also strongly committed to expedite the ratification of the agreement on fisheries an d to 
the success of the ongoing negotiations on the matter. Both are crucial for the fulfilment of 
Sustainable Development Goal 14.6.   
 
In Abu Dhabi, we must effectively discipline large -scale, industrial, long -distance fishing subsidies 
that disproportion ately contributes to overfishing and overcapacity. At the same time, we need to 
provide for Special and Differential Treatment for developing countries, in line with the principle of 
Common but Differentiated Responsibilities.   
 
We must also safeguard prog rams that provide income support.   
 
The adoption of the agreement on Investment Facilitation for Development is another important 
outcome that can help bring social and economic benefits to WTO Members.   
 
It is crucial for the WTO to restore the full funct ioning of the Dispute Settlement System.   WT/MIN(24)/ST/105  
 
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  We need to advance the experts' work, recognizing the progress made, while avoiding an early 
harvest with mere cosmetic changes that do not address the critical issues related to the restoration 
of the Appellate Bo dy.  
 
At the MC13, we could establish a work program to ensure the fulfilment of the 2024 mandate to 
restore the system.   
 
Last but not least, I warmly congratulate Timor -Leste  and Comoros for their accession to WTO and 
commend their unwavering commitment throughout the whole process, despite the challenges posed 
by the pandemic.   
 
Together, we can revitalize the WTO. Brazil stands ready to join the entire Membership in achieving 
this goal and ensuring a very successful MC13 to the benefit of all our peoples.   
 
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