WT/MIN(17)/ST/100  
4 January 2018  
(18-0076) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Eleventh  Session  
Buenos Aires , 10-13 December 20 17 Original: English  
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. MS. SUNANTA KAN GVALKULKIJ  
AMBASSADOR PERMANENT  REPRESENTATIVE TO TH E WTO AND WIPO  
THAILAND  
The rule -based Multilateral Trading System with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its heart, 
has provided enhanced stability, predictability, transparency, and inclusiveness in world trade for 
over two decades.  
 
As a trading nation, we remain committe d to the WTO and believe that it is the platform to 
effectively subdue trade protectionism and promote broad -based, inclusive development and 
growth through trade.   
 
We continue to actively contribute on both the negotiating and implementation work in the WTO. 
Thailand welcomes the entry into force of the TFA and will continue to make every effort on our 
part to ensure its effective implementation.  
 
In 2016, we have submitted the instrument of acceptance to the Protocol Amending the TRIPS 
Agreement, as wel l as notified our LDC Services Waiver, granting preferential treatment to 
services and services suppliers of least -developed country.  
 
The ITA expansion was an essential part of the success from MC10. Thailand has implemented the 
tariff commitments of ITA  Expansion since 1st July 2016 and has effectively completed our 
rectification and modification of the schedules of concession in accordance with the agreement.  
We also recognize Dispute Settlement System as a key pillar of the WTO, and share others’ 
conce rns regarding the delay in filling vacancies on the Appellate Body . 
 
For a successful Ministerial Conference, we would like to highlight the need to focus on incremental 
but meaningful steps as well as laying the crucial foundation for future success. In t he case of 
Agriculture, this means securing the concept of an Overall Trade Distorting Support Limit as the 
first and foremost step, to ensure that tens and hundreds of billions of dollars will never be used to 
distort trade and signify another meaningful step towards the agricultural reform.  
 
Without taking such first step, we will only watch domestic support entitlements grow 
exponentially while waiting for a perfect outcome on Domestic Support.  
 
Thailand also places importance on all ongoing negotiatio ns in the WTO and will push for tangible 
outcomes post -MC11, especially in Agricultural Market Access and NAMA. As for Services, Thailand 
hopes that members will continue the positive momentum in the text -based negotiation to develop 
domestic regulation di sciplines as mandated under GATS Article 6(4).  
 
Thailand also looks forward to substantive outcome in fisheries subsidies post -MC11, while 
centrally recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment should be an 
integral  part of the negotiations in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal 14.6.  
 
Moreover, Thailand recognizes the need for the WTO to stay relevant amidst the rapidly changing 
trade landscape. In this connection, we will constructively engage in new issue s discussions 
including E -commerce and MSMEs with development as an integral element.  
 WT/MIN(17)/ST/100  
 
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  Past inactivity and lack of flexibilities in negotiations have placed at risk the primacy of the 
multilateral trading system. Thus, it is crucial for us to reinforce the  system’s credibility and 
prominence by delivering meaningful outcome here in Buenos Aires, as well as political 
commitment to a Post -MC11 work that entails continued agriculture reform, meaningful 
liberalization in NAMA, and other negotiations and discuss ions with S&D for developing countries 
as an integral part.  
 
 
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