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WTO Ministerial Conference (MC) is the topmost decision-making body which usually consists of trade/commerce ministers, and convenes every two years (under normal circumstance). The MC makes decisions on all matters under any of the multilateral trade agreements.
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Ministerial Conferences that have been convened to-date are:
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MC13 - Abu Dhabi, 26 February - 2 March 2024
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MC12 - Geneva, 12-17 June 2022
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MC11 - Buenos Aires, 10-13 December 2017
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MC10 - Nairobi, 15-19 December 2015
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MC9 - Bali, 3-6 December 2013
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MC8 - Geneva, 15-17 December 2011
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MC7 - Geneva, 30 November - 2 December 2009
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MC6 - Hong Kong, 13-18 December 2005
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MC5 - Cancún, 10-14 September 2003
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MC4 - Doha, 9-13 November 2001
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MC3 - Seattle, November 30 – December 3, 1999
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MC2 - Geneva, 18-20 May 1998
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MC1 - Singapore, 9-13 December 1996
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Details of ‘Ministerial Declarations and Decisions’ made at these Ministerial Conferences can be accessed here.
- MC13 was held from 26 February to 2 March 2024, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. A key highlight of the conference was the accession of Comoros and Timor-Leste, which brings the total number of WTO members to 166.
- The decisions and declarations from MC13, known as the Abu Dhabi Package, aim to tackle various global trade issues, focusing particularly on facilitating trade, enhancing food security and promoting the inclusion of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in international trade. Key components of the Abu Dhabi Package include:
- Agricultural Trade: Commitments to enhance food security by improving market access and addressing export restrictions on food products.
- Support for MSMEs: Initiatives aimed at reducing trade barriers for MSMEs, including improved access to information, finance and resources.
- Trade Facilitation Measures: Efforts to streamline customs procedures and reduce administrative burdens on businesses engaged in international trade.
- Environmental Sustainability: Commitments to promote sustainable trade practices and support for environmental initiatives within the trade framework.
- Digital Trade: Provisions to enhance digital trade and e-commerce, facilitating cross-border transactions and improving access to digital markets for all members.
- MC13 also tasked the organisation with pursuing intensive consultations and discussions to:
- define the process, platform, and topics for WTO reform discussions;
- resolve the impasse in appointing Appellate Body members to restore a fully functional dispute settlement system;
- to resume work on improving the application of Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) provisions;
- incorporate the Agreement on Investment Facilitation for Development (IFDA) into Annex 4 of the Marrakesh Agreement;
- propose additional provisions for the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies related to Overcapacity and Overfishing (OCOF) and Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) by MC14.
- In addition, the moratorium on non-violation and situation complaints (NVSCs) under the TRIPS Agreement and the temporary moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions were both extended until MC14.
