WT/MIN(22)/ST/82  
12 June 2022 
(22-4519) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Twelfth Session  
Geneva, 12 -15 June 2022  Original: English  
 
 
STATEMENT BY HON. DATO DR . AMIN LIEW ABDULLAH  
MINISTER AT THE PRIME MINISTER 'S OFFICE AND  
MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMY II  
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM  
At the outset, let me express my appreciation to the Government of Kazakhstan and the Government 
of Switzerland for convening this 12th WTO Ministerial Conference.  
 
The last two years have been very challenging for all of us, but it is encouraging to see that countries 
are gradually re -opening borders and taking measures to revitalize their economies which is an 
important step towards global recovery.  
 
Another, perhaps more important step towards achieving sustained economic recovery, is to ensure 
that wh atever restrictions to trade that were put in place during the pandemic should be 
progressively lifted.  
 
Our experiences over these past few years have shown that there is a need to ensure that trade 
remains unimpeded and unrestricted, particularly in the  face of pressing global challenges.  We have 
seen countries affected by the obstructed flow of medical equipment and the limited supply of 
vaccines, and now, the new challenges of food security.  
 
So it is my hope that MC12 will allow us to deliver outcomes  that are meaningful that aid in sustaining 
global economic recovery and, that shows that the WTO can learn from the 'lessons ' of the pandemic.  
 
A strong, collective and united response to the pandemic and an effective and meaningful outcome 
on food securi ty will not only add to the credibility of the WTO as an organization, but more 
importantly make a real impact to those in need.  
 
This would also demonstrate that the Multilateral Trading System remains relevant, stays resilient 
and is effective with the WTO as an anchor at its core.  
 
Another meaningful way for the WTO to contribute to the global community is by delivering rules 
that are suitable for the 21st Century. And in this regard, a timely outcome for this Conference would 
be the conclusion of t he Fisheries Subsidies negotiations.  
 
Brunei Darussalam reaffirms our commitment towards this mandate and towards developing a 
Fisheries Subsidies agreement with cohesive rules, building upon existing international agreements 
and norms to pave the way not  only for a fairer trading system but a sustainable eco -system as 
well.  
 
Delivering on target 14.6 of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals is just one of the ways we can 
show the world that the WTO is fit -for-purpose in responding to current global need s and demands.  
 
To remain relevant, we need to take a hard look at the organization and consider where reforms are 
needed. And in this regard, Brunei Darussalam stands ready to contribute to discussions on reforms 
that are balanced and inclusive, for ALL members across different levels of development.  
 
To this end, we support calls to establish a working group on WTO reform to look into this and to 
produce recommendations for the next Ministerial Conference.  WT/MIN( 22)/ST/ 82 
 
- 2 - 
 
   
And I look forward to meeting fellow Ministers in the various sessions, and to working together in 
addressing the issues at hand.  
 
Let us use this MC12 to turn challenges into opportunities. Global trade is here to stay. It is up to 
us to ensure that multilateral trade continues to contribute to the w orld's health, wealth and 
solidarity.  
 
__________