WT/MIN(24)/ST/60  
26 February  2024 
(24-1551) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Thirteenth Session  
Abu Dhabi, 26 -29 February 2024  Original: English  
 
 
STATEMENT BY MR ALGERNON YING WAH YAU  
SECRETARY FOR COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT  
HONG KONG, CHINA 
The Thirteenth Ministerial Conference (MC13) takes place at a critical time.  The world economy is 
facing immense challenges brought by regional conflicts when it has barely recovered from the 
COVID -19 pandemic.  While protectionism, geopolitical tensions and economic fragmentation persist, 
climate change is bringing further shocks and sufferings on an unprecedented scale.  
 
All eyes are on us now to see if the WTO has the will and the capacity to address the multitude of 
crises from the perspective of trade.  While the "Geneva Package " achieved at MC12 has laid a 
foundation for advancing the goals of the WTO, it 's no magic wand tha t waves all our troubles away.  
 
So it is now more important than ever that we put our heads together and show the world that trade 
remains part of the solutions to these contemporary challenges.  The rules -based multilateral trading 
system, with the WTO at its core, seeks to lower trade barriers and raise predictability.  It is 
particularly important when supply chains are plagued by regional conflicts, political interference, 
and natural disasters.  It is therefore imperative that we work together to ensure t heir smooth 
operation and functioning.  The WTO also has a vital role in driving inclusive, equitable and 
sustainable economic development.  MC13 is yet another opportunity to demonstrate that the WTO 
is able to deliver quality and meaningful outcomes that r einvigorate growth and opportunities for 
people across the globe.  
 
As a strong advocate of free trade and staunch supporter of the multilateral trading system, 
Hong Kong, China stands firm against protectionism and discriminatory barriers to trade and 
investment.  We have been working with all Members constructively to ensure the WTO 's continued 
success and to demonstrate that it stays fit for the purpose.  
 
To Hong Kong, China, a realistic and balanced package from MC13 must include the extension of 
the mora torium on customs duties on electronic transmission.  Any decision to lift the moratorium 
would undeniably be a retrograde step in the WTO 's pursuit of trade liberalisation, and tantamount 
to turning a blind eye to the reality of e -commerce being increasing ly a key driving force of economic 
growth. Providing a stable and facilitating environment, including a tariff -free regime, for 
e-commerce to flourish is in sync with our common goal to pursue development through trade.  
 
Another key priority for Hong Kong, China is restoration of a fully and well -functioning dispute 
settlement system accessible to all Members by this year, as mandated at MC12.  In this respect, I 
am glad to note that the sense of urgency is shared by all, and Members have been working i n 
earnest to flesh out a broad range of improvement proposals.  We are hopeful that concerted efforts 
and sustained momentum will take us to finishing line with a credible two -tiered system, the bedrock 
of the rules -based multilateral trading system.  
 
Also, we look forward to the integration of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement 
(IFD Agreement) into the WTO Agreement at this Ministerial Conference.  We firmly believe that the 
IFD Agreement will be a strong addition to the existing rule s to address developmental issues and 
promote sustainable development for the benefit of all.  
 WT/MIN(24)/ST/60  
 
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  Hong Kong, China would also wish to see the early implementation of the Agreement on Fisheries 
Subsidies – the first ever multilateral agreement dedicated to sus tainability and the conclusion of 
the second wave of the fisheries subsidies negotiations.  
 
I have no intention to downplay the enormous challenges of our tasks in hand over the next few 
days.  I am truly grateful for all the good work that our negotiators have done thus far.  Also my 
heartfelt thanks to the Government of the United Arab Emirates for hosting this Ministerial 
Conference in the beautiful city of Abu Dhabi.  
 
Before I close, I would also like to take this opportunity to commend the tremendous eff orts and 
commitment made by Comoros and Timor -Leste in undertaking trade liberalization and economic 
reforms in their WTO accession process.  We congratulate the two economies on reaching their goal 
and welcome them to the WTO family.  
 
With these remarks, H ong Kong, China looks forward to working constructively with all Members to 
make this Ministerial Conference a success.  
 
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