WT/MIN(24)/ST/38  
26 February  2024 
(24-1511) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Thirteenth Session  
Abu Dhabi, 26 -29 February 2024  Original: English  
 
 
STATEMENT BY MRS IVONA SAVIĆEVIĆ  
ACTING DIRECTOR GENERAL,  MINISTRY OF  ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT  
MONTENEGRO  
I am truly honoured to ad dress you at the 13th WTO MC, on behalf of Montenegro  beeing recognized 
as an active and constructive partner in negotiations on a global trade rules and principles, ever 
since becoming a Member in April 2012. I am sure that the Ministerial Conference will provoke 
meaningfull discussions and enlightening ses sions on urgent global trade issues.  
Before developing my remarks, I would like to express deep appreciation to the Government and 
people of the United Arab Emirates for the organization of the conference, as we mark the 
30th anniversary since the establis hment of the WTO. On behalf of Montenegro, I express sincere 
gratefulness to Mr. Chair, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the 
UAE and to WTO Director -General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala  and their teams for all the endeavou rs 
in making this Ministerial Conference a reality.  
International cooperation can and should address the three major challenges facing today 's global 
economy: national and economic security, poverty alleviation and environmental 
sustainability.  
In a contex t of changing geopolitical dynamics and rapid technological transformations, WTO can 
and must play a central role in the global response, as an engine for trade development. It is clear 
that global problems need global solutions, meaning that today 's world  needs more 
cooperation, not less . In the periods of security and health crisis, which further affects the 
international trade, we have witnessed globally on the essential importance of multilateral 
institutions, international cooperation and solidarity.  
The Government of Montenegro reaffirms the principles and objectives set out in the 
Marrakesh Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization , while emphasizing the role 
that trade plays in promoting sustainable and inclusive economic development.  
Monte negro fulfills its Membership commitments with great seriousness and dedication and is 
decisive alongside the other WTO Members, to make a difference on harmful fishing subsidies and 
activate the historic WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies that focuses on sustainability of 
marine resources.  
It is my privilege to inform you that the Government of Montenegro adopted the Draft Law 
on Co nfirmation of the Protocol on Amendments to the Marrakesh Agreement on the 
Establishment of the WTO - Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies . The session of the Parliament 
of Montenegro at which the Draft Law will be confirmed is planned for March this year, the refore we 
will submit the Instrument of Acceptance in the prescribed manner.  
Reforming the WTO as an organization that can truly respond on the pressing global trade 
concerns, should be our common priority. There are a number of ongoing efforts to strength en 
and modernise the WTO, in particular with respect to its monitoring and surveillance functions, its 
dispute settlement function, and negotiations to  ensure that firms in all co untries are competing on 
a level playing field . Ambitious as they are, these reforms – more than ever before – are 
vital.   WT/MIN(24)/ST/38  
 
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  Montenegro supports meaningful WTO reform and expresses readiness to continue to constructively 
cooperate in this process. Montenegro also supports the development of plurilateral agreements 
which can complement the multilateral trading system, though our preference remains, a strong, 
effective, and inclusive WTO that delivers.  
Moreover, as digitalisat ion is changing what and how we trade and it is raising complex new issues 
for trade rules, therefore all the trade related issues arising from the e -commerce should be 
addressed substantially . It is imperative to extend the moratorium on customs taxes on 
e-commerce. It would be preferable to work together through a common WTO framework, rather 
than allowing measures to be taken at the national level that would impose new trade 
barriers and benefit no one.  
Montenegro gives full support to further negotiatio ns also on  sustainable agriculture, 
investment facilitation, trade in services, SMEs and empowering women entrepreneurship, 
environmental sustainability, as essential policy issues that must be addressed in today 's more 
interconnected markets.  
I am deligh ted to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Comoros and Timor -Leste on the 
inclusion into our WTO family,  which now has 166 Members,  all determined to collaborate 
further and for the of global trade. We are also looking forward to welcome new WTO Members , 
bearing in mind that currently we have 22 more Governments are negotiating to become Members.  
United we can deliver for the people through the resilient trade.  Montenegro remains fully 
committed to work closely with all the MS and implement all the refor ms in areas covered by the 
multilateral trading system.   
Witnessing that trade is facing major challenges, we must show that we are united and willing to 
support the multilateral trading system, defend the work in all areas of the WTO and expand our 
trade rules in the future.  
In conclusion, I reaffirm Montenegro 's commitment to contribute to the full success of the 13th WTO 
Ministerial Conference.  
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