WT/MIN(24)/ST/135  
26 February  2024 
(24-1917) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Thirteenth Session  
Abu Dhabi, 26 -29 February 2024  Original: English  
 
  
STATEMENT BY H.E. MR DJATMIKO BRIS WITJAKSONO  
DIRECTOR GENERAL OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE NEGOTIATION  
INDONESIA  
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, let me express my appreciation to the 
Government of the United Arab Emirates for the kind hospitality and excellent organization of the 
13th WTO Ministerial Conference.   
 
I also thank the Director -General and the Chairperson of the General Council of WTO for their 
leadership, as well as the hard work of the WTO Secretariat, to ensure a suc cessful Conference.   
 
This Conference is held against the backdrop of unprecedented global challenges – food and energy 
crises, lacklust er global economic recovery, climate change, and geopolitical turmoil.   
 
All of them present significant obstacles for d eveloping country Members, including LDCs, to realize 
their Sustainable Development Goals.   
 
These situations call for the WTO to make stronger contribution to support its Members in addressing 
those challenges.  
 
In this regard, the strengthening of the m ultilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core, is a 
critical component to this endeavor.  
 
We also need to ensure that WTO remain fit -for-purpose – able to address diverse challenges faced 
by its Membership. Not only for today, but also for many mor e years to come.   
 
In order to do so, we have to acknowledge each Member has different development needs and 
priorities.   
 
For developing country Members, the provision of Special and Differential Treatment must be 
preserved as an integral part of the ongo ing WTO reform process, to ensure their interests are taken 
care of.   
 
Let me share Indonesia 's key priorities for the MC13.   
 
FIRST , on agriculture. The MC13 must result in a meaningful outcome on agriculture and should 
not repeat the failure of the past two Conferences.   
 
We want to see the adoption of a permanent solution on Public Stockholding for food security 
purposes.   
 
Such a permanent solution is long overdue. Progress in this front is critical to restore trust among 
Members and encourage progress in other negotiating pillars.   
 
In our view, the decision on the PSH program is long overdue. The PSH program will also provide 
Members, especially developing Members, with effective solution to address food security challenges.   
 
SECOND , on fisheries subsidies. It is crucial to achieve the right balance between sustainable 
fisheries practices and adequate policy space for developing country Members, including LDCs.  WT/MIN(24)/ST/135  
 
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  The right balance here means stricter discipline for subsidies to large -scale industrial fishing activities 
operating beyond their national jurisdiction and stronger protection for small scale and artisanal 
fishing.  
 
THIRD , on e -commerce. We must prioritize development issues within  WTO e -commerce 
discussions.  
 
Indeed, a fai r and equitable digital trade environment is indispensable for the inclusive growth of all 
economies.   
 
We underline the importance of the termination of the moratorium on customs duties for electronic 
transmissions.  
 
Developing Members must have the abil ity to harness the potentials of digital opportunities and 
create a level playing field.   
 
FOURTH , on dispute settlement reform process. Indonesia continues to advocate for the need to 
have a dispute settlement mechanism, with a fully functional and access ible two -tier dispute 
settlement system for all Members, by 2024.   
 
The outcome emerging from the recent concluded DS reform discussion must reflect the interest of 
all Members.  
 
At the same time, Members should also continue exploring avenues for a more Member-driven, 
open, inclusive, and transparent negotiation on the issue of dispute settlement reform post -MC13.   
 
Before I conclude, I would like to welcome Timor -Leste and Comoros to the WTO family.  
 
We hope through this accession, the two countries can  reap a greater benefit of multilateral trading 
system, and thus contribute to their respective national development.   
 
Indonesia is ready to engage constructively to ensure a successful MC13.   
 
For a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous multilatera l trading system.   
 
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