WT/MIN(22)/ST/18  
12 June 2022 
(22-4454) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Twelfth Session  
Geneva, 12 -15 June 2022  Original: English  
 
 
STATEMENT BY H ON. MR RAMON LOPEZ  
SECRETARY , DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY  
PHILIPPINES  
Mr. Chair, Director -General Ngozi, Ambassador Chambovey, Ministers and Colleagues, the 
Philippines wishes to thank you and all those who have worked hard to overcome the many obstacles 
in making the 12th Ministerial Conference finally a reality.  
 
For the past two years, the world 's focus has been firmly fixed on the Covid -19 pandemic.  But as 
we adjusted to a "new normal " and our gaze shifted to wards the prospect of economic recovery, this 
renewed sense of optimism was dealt a sudden shock, with a conflict that has unleashed human 
suffering and exacerbated a food, energy and inflationary crisis that was gradually emerging from 
strained supply cha ins and droughts associated with climate change. Amidst this specter of 
uncertainty and divisiveness, it is imperative that we close ranks and shore up the foundations of 
multilateralism. International law and the rules -based system are the bedrock of incl usive and 
sustainable growth.  More than ever, our citizens need opportunities to recover, grow and develop, 
and this can only be achieved through open markets, predictable and fair rules, and a functioning 
system to adjudicate disputes.  In short, we need t he WTO to succeed.   
 
I see three priorities for us here.  
 
First, it is high time we conclude the fisheries subsidies negotiations. We will need to rise above 
deeply entrenched positions and hold high the core objective of stopping those harmful subsidies 
that threaten our global fish stocks so as to enable a sustainable future. Let us agree on a strong 
text that imposes disciplines where they genuinely belong, ensure that these cannot be circumvented 
and are in accordance with relevant international law. Th e conclusion of this agreement will not only 
show that the WTO can deliver on its mandate to address harmful fishery subsidies in this instance 
but also will provide much needed impetus for the WTO to demonstrate its capacity to address 
climate change and environmental degradation head on.   
 
Second, we believe an outcome on agriculture is indispensable at MC12 if we are to chart a pathway 
to credible long -term food security and development. We look forward to an ambitious work program 
towards MC13, while en suring that the promise of agricultural reform delivers balanced and concrete 
results and does not reverse the gains already enshrined in our Hong Kong, Bali, and Nairobi 
Decisions and Declarations.  In this regard, we recall the objectives and efforts exer ted in the Doha 
Development Agenda which remain valid to this day and which we believe should not be abandoned. 
The Philippines reaffirms the importance of addressing trade and production distorting domestic 
support as well as the right of developing Membe rs to an effective special safeguard mechanism and 
a permanent solution on public stockholding for food security purposes.   
 
Third, we must look to the future.  We all agree that we need a credible and forward -looking WTO 
response to the Covid -19 pandemic, particularly as we remain vigilant to new variants and the 
emergence of future pandemics. The pandemic has taught us all the lesson of sacrifice and the 
importance of solidarity. The WTO pandemic response must continue to build on the core principles 
under pinning the smooth supply of essential goods such as transparency, facilitation, technology 
transfer and the exercise of restraint.   
 WT/MIN( 22)/ST/ 18 
 
- 2 - 
 
  Many of us talk about reforms and modernization of the system as well as new modalities and topics 
to meet the exigencies of the innovating global economy. I hear calls for a focused WTO role in 
keeping pace with the digital economy and it is imperative we build on our existing foundation and 
ensure that the moratorium on electronic transmissions is maintained.  We must continue to be 
ambitious in advancing our initiatives to develop new rules on e -commerce, facilitate MSMEs 
participation in the global value chains, and facilitate investment for development. The successful 
conclusion of negotiations on services domes tic regulation is testament to the viability of integrating 
these plurilateral efforts into the multilateral framework.  I also hear the loud demands to bring back 
the two -tiered dispute settlement system. I am for all that. The Philippines supports steady steps 
towards institutional change and adaptation so that we guarantee a robust and relevant multilateral 
trading system in the decades ahead.  
 
Much work remains to be done in the coming days. MC12 cannot be a repeat of MC11.  It is time to 
close the gaps and I believe that a balance in the overall interest of all Members is possible.  We are 
at a crossroads.  It is up to us to decide whether we clear the way for constructive agreement and 
engagement or we slide down a steep cliff towards fractured econo mic disorder.  For our sake and 
that of our peoples, we must choose the right path. With everyone 's cooperation, I am confident we 
will be able to do that.  
 
 
__________