WT/MIN(24)/ST/14  
26 February  2024 
(24-1434) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Thirteenth Session  
Abu Dhabi, 26 -29 February 2024  Original: English  
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. MR KOSTANTINOS FRAGOGIANNIS  
DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS  
GREECE 
I am excited to participate in the 13th Ministerial Conference  of the World Trade Organization . 
Thank you very much, Your Excellency , Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, for your hospitality. 
Warm congratulations to Director -General Dr. Ngozi  and the entire WTO Secretariat  for their 
efforts in preparing this Conference.  I am confident that the engaging discussions and thought 
provoking sessi ons will provide valuable insights into multilateral trade and foster international 
collaboration.   
In an era marked by complex geopolitical tensions  and economic challenges, multilateral trade  
policy  is navigating through turbulent waters. Therefore, it i s now more important than ever, here 
in Abu Dhabi, to prioritize the strengthening of the multilateral trading system.   
During our Conference we have a crucial opportunity to address the complex  issues  we face. 
From trade imbalances and regulatory barriers to economic disparities and environmental concerns, 
the agenda is extensive and diverse.  
Together, we can seize this opportunity to reaffirm the importance of international cooperation  
and unlock the  full potential of trade as a catalyst  for prosperity and progress worldwide. By 
bolstering the role and effectiveness of the WTO, we can establish a critical shield against the growing 
fragmentation of geo -economic and regulatory matters. Open and  fair tr ade remains a key force 
for resilience and recovery.   
In our meetings, we should assess the progress  made within the Organization and to chart a 
path for the future. And why not strive to emulate the success of the 12th Ministerial Conference, 
where we ach ieved meaningful outcomes despite the challenges?   
As a member of the EU, my country, Greece,  advocates steadfastly for the rules -based trading 
system.  In line with the agreement reached by the Membership in Geneva in June 2022, we are 
committed to advanci ng the process of the WTO reform  across its three core pillars.   
We place a high priority on restoring a fully functioning  dispute settlement system  while also 
ensuring that its core features are preserved.  
Additionally, the Organization must re -establish  itself as a forum  for meaningful policy 
deliberations  that address critical topics in global trade policy today. These topics include industrial 
policies, global environmental challenges, and inclusiveness.   
A significant milestone for the Organization wa s the Agreement on  Fisheries Subsidies  in 2022 
as it was the first agreement to specifically address environmental sustainability . Greece, along 
with other EU member States, was among the early endorsers of this agreement. In the coming 
days, we should bui ld upon this successful outcome and supplement it with additional rules  to fully 
achieve the objectives of UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.6.   
Another sector that continues to hold significant importance is the agricultural sector . Trade and 
markets for  food are crucial for all stakeholders, including producers and consumers, as well as WT/MIN(24)/ST/14  
 
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  developed and developing countries. However, finding the right balance  between liberalizing 
trade  and supporting the livelihoods of producers  remains a challenge. Neverth eless, as the 
world is currently facing an unprecedented global food crisis,  a collective and urgent response is 
required . Conflicts, the COVID pandemic, disruptions in supply chains, and climate -related shocks 
have had a severe impact on trade in agricultural commodities. Therefore, now is the right 
momentum for trade policy to contribute to the sustainability of our food s ystems . Greece 
supports advancing the reform of agricultural trade with the goal of promoting fair competition and 
sustainable production.   
While agriculture has traditionally been a significant area of trade, it is essential to recognize the 
importance of  new areas as well. Electronic commerce , in particular, is a crucial and dynamic 
component of our economy. Therefore, we need to develop global, transparent, and efficient rules 
in this domain while avoiding introducing barriers to electronic transactions.  In this regard, we firmly 
support the continuation of the moratorium on the non-imposition of custom duties to the 
electronic transactions . We hope that we will be able to agree on a permanent solution to this 
issue.   
At the same time, the successful conclusion of the negotiations within the Joint Statement Initiative 
for Investment Facilitation for Development  sends a strong message about the capacity of the 
multilateral trade system to deliver results by remaining fle xible and inclusive.   
Lastly, I welcome our new Members, Comoros and Timor -Leste. Their accession is a clear 
demonstration of the significance of investing in the Organization.   
As we enter into negotiations, it is crucial that we adhere to the core princi ples of the WTO: fairness, 
inclusivity, and the pursuit of shared prosperity . These principles should guide our discussions 
as we strive to find solutions that balance the interests of various stakeholders and promote 
sustainable development for all.   
Let us join forces and make a collective effort to ensure a successful Ministerial Conference!   
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