WT/MIN(24)/ST/44  
26 February  2024 
(24-1518) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Thirteenth Session  
Abu Dhabi, 26 -29 February 2024  Original: English  
 
  
STATEMENT BY H.E. MR ATHEER DAWOOD SALMAN  
MINISTER 0F TRADE  
IRAQ 
(Speaking as an Observer)  
On behalf of the government of the Republic of Iraq , I would like to express my deep appreciation 
to the Government and People of the United Arab Emirates for their hospitality and efforts in hosting 
the 13th Ministerial Conference as well as the Director -General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala and the WTO 
Secretariat for their hard work in preparing for this conference.   
We are pleased to attend the MC13, which grants the Republic of Iraq the opportunity to learn about 
Member state decision -making procedures and experiences, particularly in term of supporting 
developing and least developed countries in the multilateral trading system and the WTO accession 
process.   
We m eet today in light of current global challenges facing the multilateral trading system foremost 
of which is climate change, recognizing the vital role of the WTO as an international body in 
promoting economic growth and employment and achieving global goal s and promote a sustainable 
and inclusive future through trade.   
The National Committee on Iraq 's Accession to WTO has made distinguished efforts to align domestic 
legislation and laws with WTO Agreements and have the technical requirements of accession fu lfilled.   
During 2007 and 2008, two Working Party meetings were held and Memorandum on the Foreign 
Trade Regime MFTR was circulated to WTO Member states.   
Following a period of slowdown, the new Government of Iraq in 2022 through its comprehensive 
reform s trategy has been keen to create a market -based economy, fight corruption and enact 
economic laws believing that accession to WTO is a priority that will serve as a platform to launch 
and deepen economic reforms, attract foreign investment, improve business  environment and 
encourage competition among private sector.   
In 2023, the National Committee on Iraq 's accession made substantial progress towards resuming 
the accession process and finalizing key negotiation documents including initial market access offe rs 
on goods and services in addition to taking significant steps to enhance collaboration with the WTO 
Secretariat and Accession Division the most important of which is organizing a visit for Iraq 's Working 
Party Chair to Baghdad in January 2024 , H.E. Amba ssador Saqer AlMoqbel Head of Mission of the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to WTO.   
During the visit, which was the first of its kind, Ambassador AlMoqbel conducted high -level meetings 
which affirmed Iraq 's full commitment to integrate into the world economy and  multilateral trading 
system, which in turn can contribute to peace and security in the region.   
I am delighted to inform this distinguished audience that right after MC13, Iraq will submit its initial 
market access offers on goods and services and prepare  for holding the Third Working Party Meeting 
that would set the stage for negotiations with Member states.   WT/MIN(24)/ST/44  
 
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  In conclusion, I recall upon Member states to better support observers especially developing and 
least developed countries in their accession process hoping MC13 would come up with positive 
outcomes over urgent issues on trade and environment and give a strong impetus for the WTO work 
for 2024 and beyond.   
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Comoros and Timor -Leste on their accession 
and integration in the multilateral trading system. Their success is an inspiration to all of us still 
outside the WTO.   
Thank you for your kind attention and please accept my sincere wishes of a successful  13th Ministerial 
Conference .  
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