WT/MIN(17)/ST/17  
 
13 December 2017  
(17-6894) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Eleventh Session  
Buenos Aires, 10 -13 December 2017  Original: English  
 
 
STATEMENT BY SENATOR THE HON. KAM INA ELIZABETH JOHNSO N SMITH  
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND FOREIGN TRADE  
JAMAICA  
We meet at a time when the WTO faces unprecedented pressures. Anti –globalization and 
protectionist sentiments are resurgent and multilateralism is facing tremendous challenges.  At the 
same time, trade has been ascribed a major role in the pursuit of Agenda 2030, and the 
contribution of trade to sustainable development rem ains critical. In this context the WTO must 
reassert itself, reaffirming the continued relevance of the multilateral trading system and the role 
it must play in the attainment of these goals.  
 
This System remains particularly valuable to small, vulnerable developing economies, like Jamaica. 
In this regard, the role of the WTO in promoting trade capacity building within developing 
countries is of vital importance. Our attainment of SDG Goal 8  – good jobs and economic growth – 
cannot be realized without the a bility to expand exports in goods and services.  
 
To do so, we require an inclusive, transparent, equitable and predictable multilateral trading 
system. This system must address our unique challenges, which include:  
 
Acute vulnerability to natural disasters . By way of example, o ver the last 20 years, Jamaica has 
lost an average of 2 -3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per year due to the impact of natural 
disasters . It is now time for a more focused dialogue on the clear link between trade, climate 
change and  vulnerability.  
 
Middle Income Country Status, based on GDP only, which ignores our high levels of indebtedness 
and limits access to aid –for–trade resources on concessionary terms. This in turn limits our ability 
to strengthen our trade policy regime, bui ld capacity and enhance trade performance.  
 
It is vitally important that we approach the issues before this Conference, committed to 
strengthening the WTO as an institution, enhancing its credibility, and ensuring that trade 
contributes to our efforts to p romote economic growth, job creation and the attainment of the 
sustainable development goals.  In this context, we must seek to find common ground across the 
subjects that have been placed before us for deliberation and decision.  
 
In the negotiations on agriculture, which is of paramount significance, Jamaica attaches particular 
importance to outcomes relating to food security and domestic support, and urges members to 
show flexibility towards this end.  
 
Services  make a vital contribution to Caribbean econo mies – in some cases, accounting for over 
80% of GDP. An outcome in the area of services, including with respect to future work, will provide 
tangible economic benefits for developing countries, including LDCs.  
 
In the area of Rules, Jamaica, like all members, attaches great importance to the attainment of 
goal 14 of the SDGs, addressing fisheries subsidies. We must not lose sight of the pledge made by 
our leaders, particularly in relation to target 14.6, recogniz ing the importance of sustainable 
fisheries to livelihood and food security, especially for small island developing states. [Oceans as 
the largest source of protein].  
 WT/MIN(17)/ST/17  
 
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  On Development and Special and Differential Treatment, we must ensure that this Conferen ce’s 
deliberations on this most crucial issue, focus on the vital link between trade and development. We 
must show flexibility and a willingness to find solutions to the concerns of members, particularly 
developing countries and LDCs. Since all members are  now compelled to look at the challenges of 
globalization and its impact on their domestic plans, policies and programmes, there exists an 
unprecedented opportunity for realistic dialogue on these issues.  
 
On MSMEs and investment facilitation, we take note  of the effort to advance dialogue on these 
important issues. On ecommerce, we attach importance to the continuation of the work 
programme, taking appropriately into account developments in this dynamic area of commercial 
activity.  
 
Jamaica, like all memb ers, recognizes the vital role played by the dispute settlement system of the 
WTO, and urges the prompt filling of the vacancies on the Appellate Body.  
 
Madam Chair, we must build upon the recent achievements of the WTO, including the TFA and the 
TRIPS ame ndment, and constructively engage for the benefit of all, including the most vulnerable. 
We must ensure that no Member, whether a small or large player in the global trade arena, is left 
behind.  
 
Madam Chair, I join other delegations in thanking the govern ment and people of Argentina for the 
excellent hospitality extended to us and in wishing this Conference every success.  
 
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