The Portuguese Government welcomes the agreement that resulted from the 12th World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference.

Despite the difficult international context, a consensus was reached on most themes on the agenda.

Particularly significant is the agreement aimed at solving the food crisis, including specific conditions for the World Food Programme, and the response to COVID-19 and future pandemics. This agreement addresses the concerns of developing countries, yet, without jeopardizing the intellectual property protection regime, essential for investment and research.

It was also possible to conclude an interim agreement on sustainability in the fisheries sector, specifically banning subsidies to illegal and unregulated fishing. The commitment entails continuing negotiations to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14.6. This resolution is especially important, when considering that the II United Nations Ocean Conference will take place next week, in Portugal.

It was also agreed to extend the Moratorium on Electronic Commerce, which is of vital importance for consumers and companies, particularly micro, small, and medium-sized companies. Also worth emphasising is the commitment to reform the WTO, which is one of the European Union’s priorities. It is now time to begin working promptly, in a transparent and inclusive manner, modernising the Organisation and equipping it with mechanisms that will enable it to face upcoming challenges, including an effective dispute resolution system.

It was also possible to reach a resolution on themes such as “Trade and Gender”, “Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises” and “ the Environment”, which already reflect a more modern multilateral agenda.

The already appointed “Geneva package” confirms the essential role the WTO continues to play in responding to global situations and the centrality of a rules-based multilateral trading system.

The achieved outcome is largely due to the leadership of the European Union which, without jeopardizing European interests, contributed to comprehensive solutions that strengthen the international order.

The Government acknowledges the role played by the WTO Director-General in the achieved outcomes.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, João Gomes Cravinho, the Secretary of State for Tourism, Rita Marques, and the Secretary of State for Fisheries, Teresa Coelho, participated in the WTO Ministerial Conference.

Lisbon, the 17th of June 2022

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