WT/MIN(17)/ST/101  
5 January 2018  
(18-0093) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Eleventh  Session  
Buenos Aires , 10-13 December 20 17 Original: English  
 
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. MR. IVAN SCALFAROTTO  
SECRETARY OF STATE F OR FOREIGN TRADE AND  FOREIGN DIRECT INVES TMENT 
ATTRACTION  
ITALY 
 
As a manufacturing country, we acknowledge that free, fair and mutually beneficial trade and 
investment are key engines for growth and job creation.  By the same token we continue to 
strongly support the rule -based multilateral trading system for the undeniable benefits provided to 
the whole WTO membership.  
 
Starti ng from the financial crisis in 2008, however, we witnessed an increasing use of trade 
restrictions all over the world resulting in strong criticism against trade policy -making from our 
civil society.   Rising protectionism and anti -global movements have ma de serious attempts on the 
system of multilateral free trade in the most recent years. People in developed countries are 
blaming free trade for the loss of jobs, or for exposing producers to unfair foreign competition.  
 
However, what is even more worrying  at this point is a progressive erosion of the WTO 
prerogatives from within, in particular the lack of substantive convergence on many important files 
and the process deadlocks we are experiencing.  
 
This way, the negotiating function of the WTO is put unde r stress and risks to be seriously limited. 
The dispute settlement function is also now subject to serious strain.  
 
We are open to discuss any functioning problem on the basis of concrete solutions, but we should 
collectively resist any attempt to weaken t he independence and autonomy of the DSB.  Free and 
fair trade remains an overarching element of our economic relations.  We must reaffirm the 
centrality of the WTO as the cornerstone of global trade, as the main engine of a system that 
exists to generate ec onomic growth and social development.  
 
The Italian Government is a strong supporter of an ambitious trade agenda, both multilateral and 
plurilateral. In order to f ulfill such an ambitious agenda  though , we believe that a great degree of 
flexibility is nee ded in multilateral negotiations. Flexibility is possible for all if we do not fall in the 
trap of useless ideological positions, or even worse, battles of principles, whether it be the future 
of the DDA or the lack of a mandate to negotiate on e -commerce.  
 
Our multilateral work does not end with this conference but this conference can convey the right 
messages within and outside the system, namely that the multilateral trading system has been 
and remains crucial for economic growth and social development; that the WTO is well positioned 
at its center and is still capable to deliver outcomes that,  although partial and incremental in 
nature, are all the more necessary for inclusive development.  
 
We all share the idea that the objectives of the DDA are still f undamental for the world and have to 
be pursued. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that, so far, the ability to deliver has been below 
expectations. We all should draw lessons from this and concentrate pragmatically on the areas 
where progress is indeed at re ach. 
 
The terms of a reachable deal are therefore rather clear. Deliverables are possible on certain 
fishery subsidies covering all areas of SDG 14.6, on Domestic Support and on Public Stock Holding 
for Food Security Purposes in Agriculture, on Domestic Regulati on in Services, on the possible kick WT/MIN(17)/ST/101  
 
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  off of serious negotiations on Digital Trade and Investment Facilitation and, last but not least, on 
transparency of regulatory measures for the benefit of Small and Medium Enterprises.  
 
It is time that greater transpar ency, sharing of best practices and trade facilitation are made 
available to SMEs for international exchanges that could further boost economic growth. In this 
regard, we praise the ITC initiative to launch a help desk portal for SMEs.  
 
Italy, together wit h all EU MS, is also a co -sponsor of the draft declaration on women and trade.  
 
Tangible outcomes are possible. But if it takes two to tango, it takes 164 WTO members to engage 
constructively, with pragmatism and flexibility, on what is possible and viabl e here and now.  
Let’s send a positive message of hope and stability to the world from Buenos Aires.  
 
 
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