WT/MIN(24)/ST/91  
26 February  2024 
(24-1602) Page: 1/1 
Ministerial Conference  
Thirteenth Session  
Abu Dhabi, 26 -29 February 2024  Original: English  
 
 
STATEMENT BY H ON. MR IAN BORG  
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AND EUROPEAN AFFAIRS AND TRADE  
MALTA 
On behalf of the Government of Malta, I wish to thank the Government of the United Arab Emirates 
for hosting the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization in Abu Dhabi. I am 
confident that this will mean another successful outcome under the guidance and leadership of the 
UAE and of the WTO Director -General, Dr Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala.   
 
Malta is a firm beli ever in the World Trade Organization and in the system of international trading 
rules that it facilitates and represents. Since its foundation, the WTO has contributed to international 
economic growth by establishing rules for international trade and mecha nisms for their enforcement. 
The Organization has been an essential platform to abate trade barriers, stimulating competitiveness 
and development across the Membership.   
 
The 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO is an opportunity to make progress on a nu mber of key 
trade issues that are essential for sustainable international trade between the 164 Members. Here, 
I take the opportunity to welcome Comoros and Timor -Leste to the WTO as its newest Members.   
  
A key deliverable from MC13 should be progress tow ards the reinstatement of a two -tier dispute 
settlement system, which is an important element of ensuring compliance with WTO trade rules.   
 
As a small island state that has interests in fishing and sustainability of international fish stocks, 
concluding t he negotiations of an agreement to address harmful fishery subsidies, which contribute 
to overcapacity and overfishing, would be highly valued by Malta. If the outcome is balanced, it 
could be a substantial outcome for the WTO, while also contributing to t he fulfilment of Members' 
obligations under the UN Sustainable Development Goals.   
 
The extension of a moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions remains a priority for 
Malta, as imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions will add un necessary costs for 
businesses, particularly for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.   
 
The WTO should continue to be a forward -looking international organization. For this reason, Malta 
is supportive of an ambitious and balanced work programme for the 14th Ministerial Conference, 
which will be held in Cameroon. A greater focus on harmful industrial subsidies, with the objective 
of securing a greater competitive level playing field in global markets, should be a major goal in the 
coming years.   
 
Through its involvement in the WTO and its participation at this year's MC13, Malta will continue to 
support special and differentiated treatment for developing countries, wherever there is a need.   
 
We need to make sure that the WTO continues to be renewe d in such a way as to adapt it to those 
contemporary economic and trade challenges of greatest significance. By reaching tangible 
outcomes to ongoing discussions, the Organization will ensure that it continues to achieve its 
objectives and to contribute to  global economic development.   
 
Once again, thank you, and I wish you successful discussions.   
 
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