WT/MIN(24)/ST/84  
26 February  2024 
(24-1587) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Thirteenth Session  
Abu Dhabi, 26 -29 February 2024  Original: English  
 
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. MR ARMAN SHAKKALIYEV  
MINISTER OF TRADE AND INTEGRATION  
KAZAKHSTAN  
Let me start by expressing our profound gratitude to the Government of the United Arab Emirates 
for hosting and chairing this Ministerial Conference.  
 
Kazakhstan, as a recently acceded Member  of the WTO, is a strong supporter of the multilateral 
trading system. We see the paramount importance of the Organization in providing stability, security 
and predictability for global trade.  
 
Due to its strategic g eographical location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia , Kazakhstan plays an 
important role in facilitating international trade flows. With its commitment to enhancing 
connectivity and fostering economic integration across regions, Kazakhstan continues t o be an active 
participant in global supply chains.   
 
My country had the privilege of chairing and co -hosting the previous ministerial conference , MC12,  
which took place at the time of the COVID -19 pandemic. Despite these circumstances, Ministers 
demonstra ted pragmatism, flexibility and remarkable resilience that ensured the successful 
conclusion of multilateral negotiations on key trade agreements and decisions. Now, it is important 
to reaffirm, reflecting on the  success of MC12,  our strong collective comm itment to sustaining the 
momentum and striving for tangible outcomes at MC13.  
 
Let me briefly highlight the following key issues:  
 
Kazakhstan welcomes the adoption of the WTO General Council  decision on the extension of 
unilateral preferences in favour  of countries graduated from the LDC  category. We also look 
forward to constructive engagement by ministers that will lead to the adoption of the decision on 
the smooth transition measures outlined in Annex 2 of the LDC proposal.  
 
Kazakhstan shares the com mon objective of achieving meaningful  outcomes on WTO reform.  
Promoting the value and mission of this institution remains our top priority . We welcome the progress 
made by Member s under the able leadership of the General Council Chair in the Reform by Doin g 
initiative and note the importance of thematic deliberations on WTO reform.  
 
At the same time, we realize that considerable differences continue to exist in determining the key 
objectives and substance of the reform of the Organization and its three main  functions. Most 
importantly, we need to ensure a fully functional dispute settlement system of the WTO. We 
therefore must find points of convergence and deliver concrete decisions  on this issue at MC13.  
 
Kazakhstan strongly believes that reforms in agricu lture  should aim to create a set of rules that 
ensure fairness, transparency and predictability in global agricultural trade, while taking into account 
the interests and needs of all Member s in a balanced manner.  
 
In our view, addressing trade -distorting d omestic support , which is a priority for most of the 
Member ship, will play a central role in determining the overall shape of the potential outcome in 
agriculture. Public Stockholding for Food Security Purposes (PSH) and strengthening disciplines in 
export  restrictions and prohibitions also appear to stand high in the expectations of many Member s, 
notably in the context of achieving food and rural livelihood security.  WT/MIN(24)/ST/84  
 
- 2 - 
 
  The WTO Joint State Initiative on Investment Facilitation for Development , agreed upon by 
close to 120 WTO Members, holds significant importance, particularly for developing  countries and 
LDCs. By promoting a transparent and predictable investment and business climate, the agreement 
is called to facilitate foreign direct investment in all secto rs of the economy, create jobs, and foster 
economic diversification and growth.  
 
As for the largest landlocked country, digitalization and trade f acilitation  are essential for 
Kazakhstan 's access to global markets. In his Address to the Nation last September, 
President  K. Tokayev highlighted increasing IT services exports and transforming the country into a 
global computing power hub  as key priorities for our economic development.  
 
In this regard, the WTO and multilateral trade rules must, likewise, keep pace with commercial 
realities. The Joint Statement Initiative on E -Commerce  will play an important role in laying the 
foundation for multilateral rules on digital trade.  
 
Kazakhstan also supports the extension of the moratorium on not imposing customs duties 
on electronic transmissions , citing the positive effects it has demonstrated in developing 
e-commerce and enhancing the digitalization of the economy.  
 
We recognize that women's participation in trade contributes to economic growth and 
sustainable development. Women entrepreneurs and women -led businesses constitute a significant 
part of Micro -, Small -, and Medium -sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and services sector  in our economies. 
Kazakhstan commends WTO Member s' continued efforts, includ ing in the Informal Working Group, 
to analyze the linkages between trade and women's economic empowerment, and share best 
practices.  
 
By facilitating access to global markets, reducing trade barriers and providing targeted support and 
capacity -building ini tiatives, the WTO can empower  MSMEs  to thrive in the increasingly 
interconnected global economy.  
 
Kazakhstan, as a key player in regional economic integration initiatives , is committed to facilitating 
the accession of new Member s to the WTO from our region . We recognize the importance of 
the smooth integration of the Central Asian region into the global economy and multilateral trading 
system and believe that WTO Member ship can play a vital role in achieving this goal.  
 
In this regard, the accession of two new Member s, Timor -Leste and Comoros , not only bridges a 
significant gap of eight years in the accession process but also underscores the continued relevance 
of the WTO. We extend a warm welcome to Timor -Leste and Comoros as they join the Organization, 
expressing our best wishes for their success in attaining their economic development goals through 
their Member ship with the WTO.  
 
In conclusion, I would like to note that we have some long working days ahead of us that I hope will 
be fruitful and allow us to reach agreements to the benefit of all.  
 
__________