WT/MIN(24)/ST/128  
26 February  2024 
(24-1704) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Thirteenth  Session  
Abu Dhabi, 26 -29 February 2024  Original: English  
 
 
STATEMENT BY HON. DATO DR AMIN LIEW ABDULLAH  
MINISTER AT THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE AND  
MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMY II  
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM  
Allow me to begin by congratulating the United Arab Emirates for convening the 13th WTO Ministerial 
Conference, and my very best wishes to His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in his role as 
the Chair of MC13. I am confident that with his able leadership, we will have a successful Ministerial 
Conference with meaningful outcomes.   
 
As we mark the 30th anniversary of the WTO's establishment, we wish to acknowledge its 
achievements and contributions over the years, particularly its pivotal role in strengthening the 
Multilateral Trading System.  
 
For a small developing nation like Bru nei Darussalam, the rules -based WTO has been instrumental 
in ensuring a level playing field for its Members. It has brought stability and predictability to the 
environment in which we trade, and this, in turn, has enabled our economy to grow and develop, 
while fostering cooperation.   
 
Yet as global challenges have become increasingly multidimensional and complex, so too has the 
role of the WTO.   
 
We therefore acknowledge the WTO 's contributions towards achieving the Sustainable Development 
Goals, particular ly through the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Brunei Darussalam is pleased to 
deposit the Instrument of Acceptance at this MC13, and looks forward to its entry into force.  
 
We also recognize the profound impact of granting or maintaining harmful subsid ies leading to 
overcapacity and overfishing. Hence it is our hope that the negotiations on the second phase of the 
Fisheries Subsidies Agreement can be concluded soon, in order to safeguard our oceans whilst 
ensuring a thriving and sustainable maritime eco nomy.   
 
In our ever -changing world, it is vital that the WTO adapts and ensures that its mechanisms remain 
relevant and effective in addressing global challenges.  
 
In this regard, we welcome the ongoing work to reform the WTO. Our vision for the WTO inclu des a 
reinvigorated institution that is practical, transparent, and efficient in its operations. This reform is 
not merely a procedural adjustment; rather, it is a strategic move towards a WTO that is more 
responsive to the dynamic needs of its Members, an d is fit for purpose.   
 
We continue to advocate for the WTO 's role in providing certainty and predictability to businesses 
and consumers, including through the extension of the e -commerce moratorium. This commitment 
aligns with our vision of a world where digital trade thrives, fostering economic growth and 
inclusivity.   
 
Brunei Darussalam also believes that the WTO can have an impactful role in addressing the persistent 
challenge of food insecurity due to high prices and trade disruptions. We underscore th e need to 
ensure flows of agri -food trade are unhindered and call on Members to work constructively to 
minimize trade distortions and barriers and enhance a more resilient global supply chain.   
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  We are also pleased to celebrate another milestone this year,  with enlargement of the WTO. This 
demonstrates the value of this organization towards global economic integration. On this note, 
Brunei Darussalam warmly congratulates and welcomes Timor -Leste and Comoros as the latest 
Members of the WTO.  
 
We certainly r ecognize the strides that Timor -Leste has made under its accession and are confident 
that this will facilitate its membership of ASEAN, and more specifically, its participation in the ASEAN 
Economic Community.  
 
In conclusion, Brunei Darussalam remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborative efforts within 
the WTO and the international community. Let us use this opportunity to secure outcomes that 
contribute to the welfare of our people and our efforts towards sustainability.   
 
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