Bolder WTO stance after meet

The Philippines is repositioning its trade strategy following gains at the 14th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference, with officials shifting focus from negotiations abroad to execution at home.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the recent ministerial meeting reinforced the relevance of the World Trade Organization, even as global tensions and economic uncertainty continue to test multilateral cooperation.

“MC14 reaffirmed that, even in a complex and uncertain global environment, the multilateral trading system remains active and capable of delivering results,” he said during a post-ministerial workshop in Pasay City.

Among the key outcomes cited was progress on fisheries subsidies. “One of the most notable achievements for us was the delivery of an outcome document on fisheries subsidies,” Tiu Laurel said. “This outcome not only advances sustainability objectives but also demonstrates that multilateral negotiations can deliver meaningful results when there is political will and effective leadership.”

The fisheries sector gets aid.

The conference also advanced the implementation of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement and introduced measures to support smaller economies. It included steps to give developing countries greater flexibility in complying with sanitary and technical trade standards.