WT/MIN(24)/ST/77  
26 February  2024 
(24-1577) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Thirteenth Session  
Abu Dhabi, 26 -29 February 2024  Original: English  
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. SENATOR TENGKU DATUK SERI UTAMA  ZAFRUL TENGKU ABDUL AZIZ  
MINISTER OF INVESTMENT, TRADE  AND INDUSTRY  
MALAYSIA  
It is a great privilege to participate in the Thirteenth Ministerial Conference of the WTO alongside 
my esteemed colleagues, trade ministers and other distinguished delegates. I wish to express 
Malaysia 's sincere appreciation to the United Arab Emirates for hosting this prestigious event that 
shapes and sets the direction for international trade. Our gratitu de also goes to Dr  Ngozi 
Okonjo -Iweala, Director -General, and the Secretariat, for your able leadership in steering the WTO.  
This Conference comes amidst persistent global disruptions with no clear end in sight, at a time 
when our shared commitment to glob al trade and economic cooperation has never been more 
crucial. As we navigate the complexities of the global economy, it is imperative that we address 
trade barriers, promote sustainable practices and foster innovation. Malaysia is dedicated to creating 
an environment that encourages investment, stimulates economic growth and uplifts the standards 
of living for our people.  
At MC13, Malaysia calls on the Membership to work based on the same principles, which is to drive 
the WTO towards a common goal of enabl ing trade to raise the living standards of every citizen of 
the world.  
I would also like to take this opportunity to express Malaysia 's deep concern over the appalling 
situation in the Occupied Palestine Territory. The ongoing conflict has devastating huma n and 
economic consequences, hindering the stability necessary for trade and prosperity in the region. 
Malaysia calls for an immediate ceasefire, opposes the continuing forced displacement of Palestinians 
and stresses the urgent need for unhindered humanit arian aid to address the human catastrophe in 
Gaza.  
Embracing New and Emerging Issues  
At the multilateral front, Malaysia primarily calls for the membership to actively address new 
challenges in the global economy. As we stand at the crossroads of global economic challenges and 
opportunities, I extend my sincere call for a united and forward -thinking approach within the WTO. 
Malaysia firmly believes that the WTO has a pivotal role to play in addressing pressing issues that 
transcend traditional trade bound aries.  
The Micro, Small, and Medium -sized Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of many economies, 
contributing significantly to job creation and innovation. The WTO must spearhead discussions that 
focus on facilitating the integration of MSMEs into the glo bal market. We need to seriously consider 
providing support and creating an enabling environment for MSMEs to empower these enterprises 
to become powerful engines of economic growth and resilience. As one of the participants in the 
Joint Statement Initiati ve on MSMEs at the WTO, I call upon my esteemed colleagues to support and 
endorse this initiative.  
Similarly, the empowerment of women is not just a moral imperative, it is an economic imperative. 
The WTO must actively seek to break down barriers and find innovative measures to ensure women 's 
economic empowerment in international trade. This includes promoting gender -responsive trade 
policies, considering women 's unique needs in trade rules, and exploring the establishment of a WTO 
fund for projects support ing women 's economic empowerment. Malaysia 's commitment is evident WT/MIN(24)/ST/77  
 
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  through our participation in the Informal Working Group (IWG) on Gender at the WTO, aligning with 
our national gender framework to enhance women 's roles in various sectors. This underscores  
Malaysia 's dedication to advancing global gender equality standards.  
Comparably, the supply chain resilience is also fundamental in facing the ongoing disruptions. 
Malaysia advocates for incorporating technological advancements within supply chains to imp rove 
efficiency, transparency, and adaptability, thereby enhancing the overall competitiveness of our 
economies.  Malaysia believes that a collaborative approach among Members to develop strategies 
and policies that can mitigate risks and ensure continuity is indispensable to promote sustainable 
economic growth for all. Malaysia is committed to contributing to the ongoing efforts within the WTO 
with the aim to promote tra nsparency, information -sharing, and cooperation towards ensuring 
supply chain resilience.  
Trade and Climate Response  
Secondly, Malaysia echoes the urgent call for climate action as set forth by the WTO 's 
Director -General during the launching of "Trade Day " at the United Nations Climate Change 
Conference (COP28) in Dubai. Acknowledging the interconnectedness of trade and climate concerns, 
we emphasise the need for collaborative efforts within the WTO to integrate sustainable practices 
and climate considerat ions into global trade policies. Malaysia stands ready to contribute to these 
efforts, ensuring that our trade practices resonate with the global commitment to combat climate 
change and foster a resilient and sustainable global economy.  
In supporting sustainable efforts, Malaysia is pleased to announce that we have submitted the 
instrument of acceptance for the ratification of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement (FSA) here in 
Abu Dhabi. We are serious in our effort and commitment to foster sus tainable global trade, and 
currently actively involved in the second wave of fisheries negotiations on outstanding issues related 
to overcapacity and overfishing (OCOF), and the special and differential treatment (S&DT). We hope 
that the FSA negotiations w ill achieve a consensus, ending in finalising the outstanding issues before 
it lapses in 2026.  
Resolving Longstanding Issues  
Thirdly, we must prioritise action and address longstanding issues, including the Work Programme 
on e-commerce and the deadlock in the agriculture negotiations. During this challenging period when 
we are facing global uncertainties, extending the e -commerce moratorium until MC14, would 
facilitate the development of modern digital economy, especially in attracting investment in the dat a 
processing activities, advanced semiconductor manufacturing and software development. 
Additionally, concluding the agriculture negotiations would also ensure fairer competition, as well as 
facilitate equal access to agriculture trade, contributing to the  common goal of achieving food 
security.  
Restoring the WTO Dispute Settlement System  
Having said that, the WTO without a fully functioning dispute settlement system is comparable to a 
king without a crown. Hence, it is imperative that we overcome the impas se on the appointment of 
Appellate Body member s and restore the system this year.  
Accessions of Comoros and Timor -Leste  
Malaysia would like to also welcome Comoros and Timor -Leste as this Organization 's newest family 
members. We are looking forward to wit nessing the formal adoption of the accession package that 
signifies WTO 's commitments towards integrating least -developed countries into the multilateral 
trading system.  
In conclusion, Malaysia stands ready to collaborate with all WTO Members to strengthe n the 
multilateral trading system. Let us seize this opportunity to build a future that is not only 
economically vibrant but also socially equitable and environmentally sustainable. Together, we can 
forge a path towards shared prosperity for all.  
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