WT/MIN(17)/ST/125  
 
8 January 2018  
(18-0117) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Eleventh Session  
Buenos Aires, 10 -13 December 2017  Original: English  
 
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. MR  HATIM ELSIR ALI SIKA INJO  
MINISTER OF TRADE  
SUDAN 
(Speaking as an Observer)  
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Sudan, allow me to present our congratulation to 
the Government of Argentina for hosting the WTO 11th Ministerial Conference, and to 
H.E. Ms. Susana Malcorra, for chairing the topmost decision -making body of the multilateral 
trading system.  
 
It gives me great honour to introduce this d istinguished gathering some developments of the 
economic situation in Sudan and the reforms my government has undertaken simultaneously with 
accession process.  
 
The new government of the National Reconciliation has formed last May as one of the outcomes of  
the three -years national dialogue in 2014, with main objectives to achieve Sudan 's economic 
growth and increasing production, reinforcing competitiveness in the exports of non -oil products as 
well as creating stability and sustainable development.  
 
The G overnment of Sudan believes the implementation of this strategy with its focus on increased 
exports is critical to Sudan 's future prosperity, and WTO accession process is key part of this 
strategy.  
 
The Government of Sudan has adopted several programmes f or economic reforms since 2015, to 
review the general policies of the state targeting financial, monetary, production and commercial 
services, by strengthening its structure and institutions for promotion of the citizens ' life; in 
addition to the legislati ve reforms which include a review of the legislations that provide an 
attractive environment for investment and facilitate the procedures for doing business.  
 
The Government of Sudan welcome the resolution of United States on 6th of October for lifting the  
two decades of economic and trade sanctions against Sudan which had negative impact in Sudan 's 
economy and the lives of the ordinary people of Sudan.  
 
We believe this resolution will contribute towards increasing trade, attracting foreign direct 
investmen t and end the economic isolation that affected the Sudanese citizens for two decades.  
 
Sudan has renewed its engagement proactively in the accession process since July 2016, as a part 
of the overall economic state strategy and adopted an ambitious road map  to join the WTO by this 
MC11.  
 
During the years 2016/2017, Sudan has submitted more than 32 accession documents, more than 
100 pieces of legislations, answered more than 500 questions, and conducted the 3rd and 4th 
Working Party meetings respectively.  
 
Sudan has conducted bilateral negotiations with seven countries on the Market Access Offers on 
Goods and Services, and signed the bilateral agreement protocol with India last November, and 
concluded with Kenya during the 4th Working Party meeting.  WT/MIN(17)/ST/125  
 
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  We belie ve Sudan is geared up towards accession process conclusion, and we recognize that 
substantial work still remains to be done. However, my Government is committed to fulfil its part 
of the procedures for the accession to WTO.  
 
Sudan appreciates the support from the Government of Ja pan, People Republic of China; i n 
addition to the technical assistance provided by the WTO secretariat, International Trade Centre 
and UNCTAD to support Sudan 's accession process, and We aspire for continues  cooperation with 
all members states to join the World Trade Organization in the near future.  
 
Sudan delegation welcomes the G90 Ministerial Decision on Special and Differential Treatment on 
Accession of LDCs to secure a share in the growth of international trade that commensur ate with 
their level of economic development , based on 2002 LDCs accession guidelines and the 2012  
General Council Decision.  
 
In conclusion Madam Chairperson, Sudan delegation wishes a successful substantive outcome of 
the Argentina Ministerial Conference  to conclude the remaining issues of Doha Development 
Agenda , and to reach agreement on the new issues.  
 
As WTO must maintain the comprehensive foundation of global trade as well as realizing the vision 
of global peace through shared prosperity and univer sality "no-one left out of the system ". 
 
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