WT/MIN(24)/ST/17  
26 February  2024 
(24-1447) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Thirteenth Session  
Abu Dhabi, 26 -29 February 2024  Original: English  
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. MR ALFREDO E. PASCUAL  
SECRETARY OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY  
PHILIPPINES  
Greetings to all our distinguished Ministers and all our guests of this 13th Ministerial Conference of 
the World Trade Organization here in Abu Dhabi. First and foremost, I extend my sincerest gratitude 
to our esteemed host the UAE Government, represented by Minister Thani Bin Ahmed Al Z eyoudi 
and to WTO Director -General Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala for convening this momentous gathering that 
now includes Comoros and Timor -Leste whom we wholeheartedly welcome into the WTO this year.  
Today, let us unite to drive global trade forward, fuel economic growth, and guarantee inclusive 
development. Let us communicate respectfully, collaborate effectively, and remain unwavering in 
our pursuit of solutions benefiting all nations.  
We find ourselves at a crucial juncture commemorating the 30th anniversary of the WTO and the 
Marrakesh Agreement amidst an ongoing global crisis, compounded by the aftermath of the 
pandemic. Many of us are still navigating the road to recovery. Thirty  years ago, fueled by hope of 
ambition, we united to build a fairer, more inclusive trading system. Today, we stand at a pivotal 
moment, our choices in trade will shape our collective path forward.  
Through the WTO, we have facilitated cross -border trade by enhancing rules transparency, 
streamlining border procedures, and promoting rule -based trade, while securing the rights and 
obligations of Members. However, while the WTO has served us well, we cannot rest on our past 
achievements. The world has change, and so must our approach to trade.  
At this Conference we need concrete action. This means prioritizing the needs of developing 
Members, particularly the least developed countries, and addressing specific challen ges in 
agriculture, fisheries, industrial development, and digital trade. I welcome the opportunity to 
exchange views with my follow Ministers on emerging topics in the WTO, including trade and 
industrial policy and sustainable trade. We look forward to th e inclusion Investment Facilitation for 
Development Agreement within the WTO legal framework. This innovative agreement holds the 
potential to attract increased foreign direct investment into our economies contributing to economic 
development.  
We acknowle dge that development goes beyond mere economic growth. It must be sustainable and 
inclusive. It is essential to prioritize environmental conservation, protect our oceans, and tackle 
climate change through trade policies that promote responsible practices. The landmark Agreement 
on Fisheries Subsidies is an excellent example of this. But we must strengthen it by establishing 
effective enforcement measures and offering support to Members that endorse these initiatives.  
We know that inclusive participation dri ves sustainable development. Empowering micro, small and 
medium sized enterprises, women entrepreneurs, and marginalized communities is essential for 
their participation in the global trade. To achieve this, we must bridge the digital gap by ensuring 
acces s to digital trade, facilitating knowledge transfer, and building capacity for developing Members. 
Additionally, we require fair regulations that prioritize data privacy, cybersecurity, and affordability 
to enable all economies to leverage the potential of  digital trade without compromising sovereignty.  WT/MIN(24)/ST/17  
 
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  In working towards a level global playing field, urgent reform of the WTO Dispute Settlement System 
is vital to ensure fair treatment for all, especially for developing Members.  
Agriculture, essential for m any developing economies like the Philippines, requires market access 
not protectionist barriers. Preserving Special and Differential Treatment is crucial to addressing 
unique development needs and eliminating trade distorting support that is necessary for  an equitable 
agricultural trading system. Lastly, investing in sustainable fisheries, responsible agriculture, and a 
fair digital landscape, is also crucial for our collective future prosperity.  
Fellow Ministers and colleagues, let us chart the course fo r inclusive, sustainable, and 
development -focused trade. And if I may reiterate, let us leave this Conference with concrete 
actions, meaningful commitments, and renewed spirit of collaboration. By so doing will ensure that 
the multilateral trading system g enuinely benefits people, particularly in the developing world, and 
lays the foundation for a brighter, fairer future for everyone. Together, let us push for progress and 
fair trade among all nations advancing towards a more prosperous and interconnected w orld. 
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