WT/MIN(15)/ST/89  
21 December 2015  
(15-6816)  Page: 1/1  
Ministerial Conference 
Tenth Session 
Nairobi, 15-18 December 2015  Original: English  
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. MR DAMIEN ENGLISH 
MINISTER FOR SKILLS, RESEARCH AND INNOVATION 
IRELAND  
I wish to thank Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Amina 
Mohamed for inviting us to Nairobi and providing both wonderful and efficient facilities in Nairobi.  Economic growth has been facilitated by progre ssive trade reform and we have witnessed how 
crucial this has been over the last number of years.  International trade can play a role towards 
achieving sustainable, robust and balanced growth for all, leading to meaningful job creation.  The 
WTO has a leading role in this by enabling trade opportunities for all. 
 
The strength of the WTO lies in setting the rules that also help developing countries and least developed countries become embedded in the global trading system.  All 162 members have a 
voice and everyone has a seat at the table at the WTO which gives it a uniqueness that is 
important to remember and protect. Of the members, many are developing or least developed countries. Stimulating their economic development has a powerful impact on alleviating poverty and gives them enduring capacity to raise living  standards and improve the lifetime opportunities 
for everyone. 
 Ireland is one of the most open economies in the world and we have undeniably felt the positive 
impact of trade liberalisation.  Over the decades, we have continuously provided a bridge between 
the global markets and our entrepreneurs, by leveraging the advantages the WTO has given us.  The growth in high technology and global value chains that has come with globalisation has its 
roots in how the WTO has helped influence and for the better, the multilateral trading system.  Our 
economic developments and the prosperity of our ci tizens that has flowed from trade is due in no 
small part to the influence of this Organisation.    
This week in Nairobi we have seen a landmark agreement eliminating tariffs on Information 
Technology products. This will help jobs in the sector, add to global GDP and benefit consumers.   
It is clear that we all benefit from the WTO’s activities.  It is vital for us at this conference to 
reaffirm the central role of the WTO in trade and to actively push forward with a strong and committed agenda that works to strengthen this unique organization.  There will be new 
challenges in the future that only the WTO can manage and address. 
 I hope that we can continue to work together to address the issues that will improve the welfare of 
developing economies.  This week I have seen at fi rst hand the challenges that still face our global 
community. Ireland is a proud and committed supporter  of developing countries in Africa through 
our bilateral aid programme.  Our programmes will assist and strengthen their capacity to grasp the opportunities presented by trade and investment. 
 
I also hope that we can develop an agenda for the future addressing the new problems that restrict trade.  The welfare of our citizens depends on a strong rules based system for global trade.  
This is both the proud legacy and the bright future for the WTO. 
 
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