WT/MIN(24)/ST/108  
 
26 February  2024 
(24-1660) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Thirteenth Session  
Abu Dhabi, 26 -29 February 2024  Original: English  
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. M S CRISTINA CEBAN  
STATE SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND DIGITALIZATION  
REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA  
From the outset, I would like to extend my gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for the hospitality 
and commend the WTO Secretariat for their efforts in the good organization of the 13th WTO 
Ministerial Conference, at which the Moldovan delegation is eagerly looking forward to taking part.  
 
Sadly, these days we mark already two years since the beginning of the Russian full -scale, 
unjustified, and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, inflicting immense damage on Ukrainian economy, 
infrastructure, but most importantly on Ukrainian nation. In this sobering moment, my country 
remains resolute in firmly condemning thi s brutal war of aggression and reaffirms its unwavering 
support and solidarity both with Ukraine and its people. Given the profound impact the continuous 
attacks bring on the national Ukrainian trade system and, on the institutions responsible for 
safeguar ding trade development and protection, as well as to all trade users and partners, the only 
way we see the future of our nations is the immediate completion of the war.  
 
The 13th Ministerial Conference takes place as we mark the 30th anniversary since the  establishment 
of the WTO. During this period, trade has played a pivotal role in shaping our history, fostering 
development, and presenting opportunities for our growth. In our pursuit of trade liberalization and 
global economic integration, the Republic of Moldova reaffirms its dedication to fortifying the existing 
WTO Multilateral Trade System. Our goal is to facilitate economic, financial, inclusive, and 
sustainable development, ensuring that it aligns seamlessly with the evolving needs of our nation.  
 
The significance of the WTO cannot be overstated, particularly for a small, vulnerable, and open 
economy like the one of the Republic of Moldova. We are all witnessing a challenging period ahead 
for the WTO, portrayed by this Ministerial Conference, where  many efforts have been made and a 
few agreements have been reached. Yet, the lack of consensus in various areas underscores the 
imperative to persist in our collaborative endeavours. It remains crucial to diligently work towards 
achieving convergence on m ultiple fronts to yield tangible and meaningful results.  
 
We believe that this could be achieved only through a constructive, pragmatic, and proactive 
approach from Member States, supported by a strong political will and appropriate expertise.  
 
During th e last years, we have witnessed and been engaged in intensified discussions within the 
WTO on topics related to Agriculture, Investment Facilitation, E -commerce, Fisheries, Trade and 
Development, WTO reform, Dispute Settlement Reform, that we are firmly co nvinced will play a 
major role in driving sustainable development and economic growth. We can therefore encourage 
members to start by focusing on these issues and finding ways to facilitate solutions at the 
international level with a multilateral outcome.  
 
The Republic of Moldova, along with other WTO Members is undergoing a digital transformation of 
its economy and society. As a developing country, we strongly support the extension of the 
moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, which is cr ucial for businesses worldwide. 
Failing its extension would be detrimental not only to our country but also to the organization's 
overall image.  
 
While there are a lot of open discussions on topics that have been on the agenda for years, we 
welcome the ou tcome of negotiations on the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement WT/MIN(24)/ST/108  
 
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  that will improve the investment and business climate in our economies. At the same time, we are 
looking forward to implementing the disciplines adopted by the Joint Statement I nitiatives on 
Services Domestic Regulation with a view to improving business climate, lowering trade costs, and 
facilitating services worldwide.  
 
In a period of extraordinary challenges, we must strengthen the principles of inclusivity, 
sustainability, an d resilience in our trade policies. This is why we believe that the Abu Dhabi 
Ministerial Declaration will mark a significant step toward achieving our common objectives.  
 
We wish all WTO Members present in the United Arab Emirates a productive Ministeria l Conference 
that addresses current global concerns and results in mutual benefits for all of us.  
 
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