Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Sesay has told the ongoing 13th session of the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates that Sierra Leone is committed to the principles of multilateralism, inclusivity and equitable trade.
The Trade Minister said that the gathering was taking place at a time of significant challenges in the world, including climate change, geopolitical tensions and rapid technological changes, noting that Sierra Leone was standing ready to contribute constructively to the discussions and decisions that would shape the future of international trade. He added that as a developing nation, Sierra Leone recognized the transformative power of trade in fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and alleviating poverty.
“However, we also acknowledge the challenges and disparities that persist, particularly for the least developed and fragile states. In this regard, Sierra Leone emphasizes the importance of addressing the needs and concerns of vulnerable economies within the WTO framework. We advocate for measures that promote the integration of these states into the global trading system, ensuring that no nation is left behind.
“Our efforts must speak to new strategy that is guided by a new paradigm and reform agenda that places inclusivity at the centre. It must be geared towards a future of equitable and shared growth and development consistent with the overdue sustainable development goals (SDGs). Of key importance, such a reform should promote diversification of productive capacities of developing countries, propel transformation into higher productivity sectors, and ensure resilience to future shocks,” he urged the gathering.
Earlier on, the Director General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala thanked the United Arab Emirates for their excellent preparations leading to the Conference and expressed optimism that the four-day event would yield meaningful results. She also welcomed Comoros and Timor-Leste as new members into the World Trade Organisation taking the organisation’s membership to 166.
