WT/MIN(24)/ST/16  
26 February  2024 
(24-1146) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Thirteenth Session  
Abu Dhabi, 26 -29 February 2024  Original: English  
 
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. MR BERNARDO IVO CRUZ  
SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INTERNATIONALIZATION  
PORTUGAL  
At the time we gather for the WTO 13th Ministerial Conference it is of the utmost importance to stress 
how challenging the current geopolitical context is and how impactful it continues to be on trade.   
 
I would like to take this opportunity to once more convey Portugal 's solidarity with those  affected 
by global conflicts and the atrocities of war.  
 
It is therefore fundamental to underline the realization of this WTO 13th Ministerial Conference and 
the important sign it represents – more than ever – the paramount importance to the multilateral 
trade system.  
 
The World Trade Organization – with its rules, principles, and sense of common purpose – keeps a 
pivotal role in steering the system and in pursuing an open and fair global trade.  
 
After an "existential crisis " – where the WTO experienced di fficulties in adjusting to new challenges 
and demands – the 12th Ministerial Conference, in Geneva in 2022, and the dynamics registered 
since then, have shown that the Organization is up to its objectives.   
 
I would like to hereby commend WTO 's Director -General and highlight her personal engagement in 
this process. Her role has been highly relevant, as different WTO Members have different approaches 
to our global challenges.  
 
Portugal, as the EU, has long been – and so remains – a firm supporter of WTO 's increased role.  
Portugal shares the EU's understanding that trade is essential for the prosperity and wellbeing of the 
people, both for developed and developing countries.  
 
A powerful, rules setting WTO, capable of overcoming trade disputes, implies further steps ahead in 
the several WTO layers:  
 
• The reform remains a priority. The "reform by doing" is making its way, with positive 
outcomes, but we need more.  It is essential that  the reform comprises institutional 
improvements , namely a fully functioni ng Dispute Settlement Mechanism, with an 
effective Appellate Body . 
• Furthermore, new rules that reflect the present challenges, both economic as well as 
those related with environment and climate change, are required.  
• It is also paramount to address new iss ues, such as sustainability, social development 
and gender equality, all essential to increase WTO 's ability to deliver and gather the 
confidence of all in its capacity to produce results.  
The agenda Brazil set for G20 can give a boost to some of these top ics, namely trade and 
sustainability and gender equality.  
 WT/MIN(24)/ST/16  
 
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  We will cover a comprehensive and extended agenda during this Ministerial Conference , that 
encompasses a set of priorities as the dispute settlement reform, fisheries, agriculture, intellectual 
property rights, besides multilateral initiatives on investment facilitation, internal regulation of 
services and E -Commerce.  
 
I am certain we may all anticipate positive outcomes from the 13th Ministerial Conference.  
 
I am happy to welcome the new WTO Members, Timor -Leste and Comoros. I would like to convey a 
word of praise to both countries for all their commitment and work towards this goal. Trade is an 
engine for prosperity and sustainable development and both Timor -Leste and Comoros will now be 
part of the multilateral trading system and integrate the global value chains, becoming more 
attractive to foreign investment.  
 
It is with particular satisfaction that we celebrate the accession of Timor -Leste. Timor -Leste ha s set 
a high bar for future accessions and will be a valuable voice in WTO. Portugal is ready to continue – 
as we always did – to support Timor -Leste 's post -accession road and regional integration into ASEAN.  
 
We anticipate also positive results in the mu ltilateral initiatives on investment facilitation and internal 
regulation of services. Where a final outcome cannot be reached, there is the expectation that a 
future work program may be established.  
 
I wish all delegates to the 13th Ministerial Conference  a successful and productive meeting.  
 
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