WT/MIN(15)/ST/18
18 December 2015
(15-6729)  Page: 1/2
Ministerial Conference 
Tenth Session 
Nairobi, 15-18 December 2015  Original: English
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. MR MATTHIAS MACHNIG 
STATE SECRETARY 
GERMANY  
Let me start by thanking the country of Kenya for its wonderful hospitality – and for having 
organized this conference so well.  The fact that it is taking place in Africa is a signal to show the importance of the developing world 
within the WTO. And that the multilateral trade system is the central framework of global trade 
policy.  
I take the  opportunity to offer my sincere congratulati ons to Afghanistan, Kasachstan und Liberia 
as new WTO Members of the WTO.   
In the preparatory process to this conference we have faced intensive and difficult discussions. Let 
me quote the first President of the independent Kenya Jomo Kenyatta who once said: "Let us forget the past and look forward to the future". 
 
Indeed, I think it is here and now our responsibility to make this conference a success. Success 
can only mean meaningful, responsible, credible re sults and to shape the future work of the WTO.  
 
A strong WTO with a functioning negotiating pillar is good for development. It is the integration 
into the global trading system which helps most to overcome poverty and underdevelopment.   
Developing countries advanced in economic terms during the last decades, when they were 
prepared to open markets and to attract investment. This is the main trigger to boost development.   
TF-Agreement 
Since the global financial crisis of 2008, there has been a widespread temptation to introduce 
measures restricting trade. But restricting trade is not the way out of the crisis. It is even a wrong 
answer. And it is a hurdle for the economic growth in developing countries.  The conclusion of the WTO Agreement on trade facili tation in Bali provided the right response at 
the right time. It is now the time for the entry force and to implement the Bali agreement.  
 Germany stands ready to work with partner countries and private-sector companies. I am 
therefore delighted that this conference will be the launch pad for the ‘Global Alliance for Trade 
Facilitation’.   
The Nairobi Agenda 
Here in Nairobi we need to achieve tangible results. One of the key elements is export competition. 
According to the Doha mandate, the aim is to eliminate all kinds of export competition measures 
that distort trade.  
 In our view, it is important to follow this mandate. In addition, it is also important that we agree on a substantial package of measures that benefits the least developed countries.  
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  The LDCs are the countries most in need. We cannot treat them in the same way as the broad 
variety of developing and emerging countries.   Every Member has to contribute according to its level of development. How to proceed after this 
conference in Nairobi is one of the most disputed questions.  
 Fourteen years after the launch of the Doha Round, we cannot continue with business as usual. We 
should stop playing Mikado. We need results for the Doha issues. 
 We also have to face the realities of today's trade. And we need a common understanding for a post Nairobi work plan with clear defined issues and an ambitious timetable. There is a broad 
range of trade related matters which are not reflected in the Doha mandate.  
 WTO negotiations have to reflect this – otherwis e WTO goes on the side-lines when it comes to 
new issues like digital trade. These three elements must be realised:  
 
- results in the Doha-round; 
- a clear post Nairobi work plan. and  
- addressing new relevant issues for trade in the WTO. 
 
Therefore we need more flexible approaches in our negotiations.  
Concluding remarks 
This Conference offers a lot of opportunities . The United Nations adopted an ambitious 2030 
sustainable development agenda in September this year. The WTO and trade policy must 
contribute to achieve these development goals.  
 So let me conclude by citing Julius Nyerere: "There is no time to waste. We must either unite or perish".  
 
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