CS Amina: Why Nairobi World trade conference must succeed

Geneva, Switzerland:  The World Trade Organisation (WTO) 10th Ministerial Conference (MC10) slated for Nairobi in December is a top priority of the Kenya Government and must succeed, Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed has told a public Forum in Geneva.

Addressing the WTO Public Forum in Geneva, Amina Mohamed assured participants that the success of the WTO 10th Ministerial Conference (MC10) was a top adding that the Conference offers a unique opportunity to make a contribution for development, not just for Africa, but also for the rest of the world. She urged the 161 World Trade Organization (WTO) Member states to work together to ensure the MC10 is a resounding success.

“The benefits of a successful Conference in Nairobi will be available to all 161 WTO Members. We should not let this moment pass by. We should all do our part in ensuring that Nairobi is a success and use MC10 to take a step in the right direction in strengthening the multilateral trading system,” added the CS.

Amb. Amina Mohamed further said that Kenya is hosting MC10 on behalf of Africa because it believes in the multilateral trading system and expressed confidence that concrete outcomes, agreed by all, will have a far-reaching effect, regardless of the economic size or geographic location of WTO Members.

Saying that trade offers the most effective avenue of generating wealth and growing economies across the world, the Cabinet Secretary stressed that the responsibility of ensuring trade works lies with all actors in the global arena. “Trade works — if we choose to make it work. If we wish to make trade work for development and for inclusive and sustainable growth, the responsibility to do so lies with us, with each and every one of us,” said Amb. Amina Mohamed.

The Cabinet Secretary further said the WTO has a critical role in ensuring that trade works to power the recovery and growth of the world economy which is currently experiencing fluctuations and uncertainties. “By providing a forum for managing, negotiating and implementing multilateral trade rules, the WTO offers stability, transparency and predictability to traders. It is therefore important that we retain and care for the safety net which the WTO and its rules represent,” said Amb. Amina Mohamed.

“In times of uncertainty and worrying economic fluctuations, which are felt by more and more people around the world, the WTO needs to remain strong and effective in performing its duty as the guardian of the multilateral trading system,” added the CS.

The Cabinet Secretary at the same time urged WTO Member states to ratify the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) which aims to cut barriers to the free flow of goods by streamlining customs procedures.

“The TFA can make sure that trade really works. This is why it is so important to put it into effect as soon as possible. The ratification and entry into force of the TFA must be high on every WTO Member’s agenda,” said the Cabinet Secretary.