WT/MIN(13)/ST/14  
4 December 2013  
(13-6646)  Page: 1/2  
Ministerial Conference 
Ninth Session 
Bali, 3-6 December 2013  Original: English  
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. MR SANG JICK YOON 
MINISTER OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND ENERGY 
 
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 
On behalf of the Korean delegation, I would li ke to express my sincere appreciation to the 
government of the Republic of Indonesia for hosting the ninth WTO Ministerial Conference. I would also like to give a warm welcome to the Republic of Yemen as the 160
th Member of the WTO. 
 
The multilateral trading system has underpinned the economic growth and development we enjoy 
today. It has also helped the global economy to be resilient enough to weather the 2008 financial 
crisis and its lingering aftermath. In particular, the WTO has been instrumental in keeping 
protectionism in check. Nevertheless, we find it regrettable that a global trade deal has been elusive since the WTO was established almost two decades ago. 
 
Indeed, multilateralism is at a crossroads. So is the WTO, which is the most successful multilateral institution. This week, the world is watching closely, to see what will come out of this Ministerial Conference. Success in Bali will help ensure that trade remains an important driver in our quest for 
greater prosperity. If we fail here, we will have to face grave consequences. 
 Fully aware of this, our trade negotiators have made tremendous efforts to finalize the Bali 
package. With insightful guidance of the Director -General and Chairs of the negotiating groups, we 
have brought ourselves very close to the finish line. To cross it, we must be ready to make tough political calls and extend full support to Director-Gen eral Azevêdo, as he plays his role of an honest 
broker where necessary. Under the spirit of compromise, it is up to us whether we can translate 
what is on the table into concrete outcomes.   The eventual Agreement on Trade Facilitation will bring the world significant economic benefits by 
making the process of trade simpler and smoother. An achievement on some agricultural issues 
will constitute a small, but meaningful step in conducting progressive reform while addressing sensitivities of the Members. Also, agreement on the Monitoring Mechanism as well as the LDC 
package will help developing and least developed Members make the most of trade opportunities 
in their development strategies.  
We should demonstrate that the WTO remains relevant as the premier forum for trade 
negotiations. Once again, we must spare no effo rts to deliver the Bali package. Beyond the DDA 
issues, I would like to see a commercially meaningful and balanced outcome in the negotiations to expand the coverage of ITA in the very near future. 
 
Last but not least, we must use whatever achievement we make in Bali as a stepping stone to move forward with ongoing negotiations. At the same time, we should give serious thought to 
incorporate the 21
st century issues into the WTO agenda to ensure that multilateral trade rules 
keep abreast with changing global economic circ umstances. In this respect, this Ministerial 
Conference should also provide guidance on  a forward-looking post-Bali work program. 
 WT/MIN(13)/ST/14 
 
- 2 - 
 
  The Bali package must be delivered in Bali, this week. And it must consist all three pillars—trade 
facilitation, some parts of agriculture and development and LDC issues.  In closing, I can promise you that Korea will remain committed to working together with all WTO 
Members to safeguard and strengthen the multilateral trading system for the benefit of all. Thank 
you.  
__________