WTO conference opens amid global trade tensions

ISLAMABAD: The 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has kicked off at a time when the multilateral organisation is facing an ‘existential crisis’ due to rising unilateralism and an increase in tariff and non-tariff barriers imposed by various countries.

A high-level official delegation representing Paki­stan, led by Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kay­ani has reached Yaoundé, Cameroon, to participate in the ministerial conference (March 26-29).

Ambassador and Perm­anent Repre­­sentative of Pakistan to the WTO, Ali Sarfraz, was also part of the delegation along with his team from Pakistan’s WTO Mission in Geneva.

Cameroon’s Minister of Trade Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana chaired the conference. Ministers from around the world discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the multilateral trading system, and to take action on WTO’s future work.

Ministers gather as rising protectionism challenges multilateralism

Ministers gather as rising protectionism challenges multilateralism

The ministerial was taking place in a highly volatile time when the WTO is facing, what many trade experts term as, ‘existential crisis’ due to increasing unilateralism, rising number of tariff and non-tariff barriers by various........

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