WT/MIN(13)/ST/71  
5 December 2013  
(13-6744)  Page: 1/2  
Ministerial Conference 
Ninth Session 
Bali, 3-6 December 2013  Original: English  
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. MR MOZAMMIL SHINWARI DEPUTY MINISTER FOR TRADE 
(Speaking as an Observer) 
AFGHANISTAN  
It is a great honor for me to address this Ninth WTO Ministerial Conference here in Bali, Indonesia. 
On behalf of the Government and the People of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, allow me first 
to express my gratitude for this opportunity as we ll as my deep appreciation to the Government of 
Indonesia for hosting this meeting and the wonderful hospitality of the People of Indonesia.  
 
Afghanistan recognizes the importance and the benefits of WTO membership in creating a level-playing field for international trade and in providing a sound framework for protecting the trading 
rights of its Members. As a landlocked least developed country, we view WTO membership as a 
catalyst for greater cooperation among nations and regional stability. The effectiveness and viability of the WTO system has been demonstrat ed not only in promoting fair and predictable 
trade rules but also during the global economic crisis. 
 My country views WTO membership as an important factor for attracting investors to rebuild our economy and meet our development needs as a Least Developed Country. Three decades of 
conflict have resulted in extensive damage to our country's physical, institutional, human and 
social infrastructure. In addition, our economic  capacity has been significantly damaged. The 
development of our agricultural related infrastruc ture and the proper management of our natural 
resources are critical for long-term sustainable development and stability. In addition, our country 
has not yet fully exploited its economic potential or achieved the development of competitive 
value-added industry. Special considerations by WTO Members for our development needs are 
important to allow us to develop our infant industry and to create new jobs and economic 
opportunities.  We began our journey toward achieving WTO membership in 2004. The process has been a major 
challenge for us as a Least Developed Country. Than ks however to technical assistance from many 
WTO Members we have made significant headways in our accession process during the last three years. We have had four successful working party meetings and have concluded our plurilateral 
agricultural negotiations. Our bilateral negotiations on market access on goods and services are 
nearing conclusion with interested trading partne rs.  More importantly, we have launched policy, 
legal, and institutional reforms to fully conform to the WTO agreements and rules. There are 
presently over 20 pieces of legislation at advanced stages of the legislative process. 
 Our aim is to conclude our accession proceedings as early as possible in 2014. We are very appreciative of your support to enable ou r WTO accession in the very near future. 
 
Afghanistan is moving forward with confidence toward WTO membership. 
 
Notwithstanding WTO accession, a core element of our government strategy for economic growth 
and development has been to sustain an open economy based on liberal trade principles, disciplined fiscal and monetary policies, and sound, non-discriminatory investment environment. 
 WT/MIN(13)/ST/71 
 
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  Our government remains firmly committed to the establishment of a viable private sector. We 
have established the basic framework for a robust market economy that encourages investment and the development of a competitive commercial environment with access to regional markets.  
We view WTO membership as an essential element of our effort to strengthen our trade and 
investment framework and establish the environment for greater economic opportunities that will alleviate poverty in our county. 
 
Before I close, I would like to congratulate Yemen in completing its accession proceedings and accomplishing the final steps toward becoming the 160
th Member of the WTO. The approval of 
Yemen’s terms of membership yesterday at this historical Ministerial Conference is a great 
achievement by the talented negotiations  team of Yemen led by His Excellency 
Sa'aduddin Bin Taleb. 
 
We look forward to becoming a WTO Member in the near future so we can participate actively in 
the work of the multilateral trading system and this important organization.  
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