(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))
BUENOS AIRES, 11th December, 2017 (WAM) -- The UAE participated, yesterday, in the Arab ministers of commerce meeting that was held on the side-lines of the 11th Conference of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, hosted by the Argentinian capital, Buenos Aires, until 13th December 2017.
The meeting was chaired by Majid Al Qassabi, Saudi Minister of Commerce and Investment and Arab Group Moderator at the WTO, while the UAE delegation was led by Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Saleh, Ministry of Economy Under-Secretary for Foreign Trade Affairs.
The meeting was also attended by Juma Al Keet, Assistant Under-Secretary for Foreign Trade Affairs at the Ministry, Abdulsalam Al Ali, Director of the UAE Office at the WTO, and Sultan Darwish, Director of Commercial Negotiations Administration at the Ministry of Economy.
Al Saleh highlighted the UAE's commitment to the multilateral trading system, especially in areas related to development, and its role in addressing major challenges facing international trade and sustainable development.
He added that the UAE believes that the multilateral trading system plays a key role in the liberalisation of trade between countries, as well as in motivating investments and promoting development, under a framework of regulations while highlighting the importance of committing to multilateral transparency and inclusive negotiations.
Al Saleh expressed the UAE's hopes that the conference will result in real outcomes in a range of key issues for all member countries, especially Arab nations.
The UAE believes that the conference is an opportunity to create a solid foundation for a future work programme, which is important for all economies, he said, adding that the UAE approves and supports the statement of Arab ministers on the issues discussed during the conference, and on general WTO issues.
He also expressed the UAE's total support for granting the Arab League observer status in the organisation and its committees and bodies, as well as the request to include the Arabic language as an official languages of the organisation, and another request to improve the procedures of joining the organisation, which includes facilitating the membership of Arab countries. The UAE also supports the suggestion to grant Palestine observer status in the organisation, he stressed.
At the end of the meeting, the Arab ministers of commerce and economy and the heads of delegations in the Arab group highlighted the importance of the Arab Trade Organisation as a multilateral trade system, as well as its key role in providing a dynamic and inclusive trade environment that promotes economic growth.
They also emphasised the importance of the efficient and positive participation of the Arab group in the conference, as well as the vital role of development in the multilateral trade system while noting that it should respond to the needs and growth of developing countries.
WAM/Rola Alghoul/Nour Salman
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