Minister Wang Wentao attends the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization for thematic discussions and delivers a speech

On March 26th, the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization held a special discussion, and the attending ministers focused on the issue of WTO reform for dialogue and exchange. Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao attended and delivered a speech, and Ambassador of the Chinese Permanent Mission to the World Trade Organization Li Yongzhao attended.

  The international economic governance system is undergoing unprecedented severe tests, and all parties should stand on the correct side of history, jointly issue a firm voice to uphold the multilateral trading system, and firmly oppose unilateralism and protectionism.

Wang Wentao pointed out that reform is the most important task for the future of the World Trade Organization, and the rules and foundations of the multilateral trading system such as most favored nation treatment should be upheld. Reform should place development at the center and help developing members seize opportunities such as digital transformation, green development, and artificial intelligence. Reform must respect the different economic systems and development stages of its members, and prevent the politicization and instrumentalization of issues.

Wang Wentao stated that China advocates using dialogue instead of confrontation, using rules to resist power, and using reform to lead the future. China has announced that it will not seek new special and differential treatment in current and future negotiations at the World Trade Organization, and has submitted a position paper on WTO reform under the current situation. China will work with all parties to promote the formulation of a work plan for WTO reform at this ministerial conference.

The WTO Reform Symposium is an important agenda of the 14th Ministerial Conference of the WTO, where ministers engage in group based intensive discussions on fundamental issues, decision-making mechanisms, development, fair competition, and other topics.