Chief Economist of WTO praises UAE’s dedication to trade liberalisation

ABU DHABI: The Chief Economist at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ralph Ossa, commended the UAE for its dedication to trade liberalisation, particularly in the areas of green and digital trade on a global scale. He highlighted the country’s emphasis on low tariffs, export diversification, and active involvement in the multilateral trading system and joint statement initiatives.

In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Ossa expressed his belief that the UAE is the perfect host for the ministerial conference due to its commitment to trade policies. He also praised the success of the WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva, MC12, and expressed the organization’s intention to carry forward that momentum in Abu Dhabi.

Ossa emphasized the significance of green and digital trade, labeling them as the future of trade. He underscored the current surge in digital trade and the promising growth of green trade globally.

The upcoming 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the WTO is scheduled to take place from 26 to 29 February 2024 in Abu Dhabi. Ministers from various countries will gather to assess the functioning of the multilateral trading system and devise plans for the future work of the WTO.