Bangladesh urges caution in WTO reform to protect core principles: Minister

Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has called for a cautious approach to reforming the World Trade Organization (WTO), stressing that any changes must not undermine the organisation’s fundamental principles.

Speaking at a session titled “WTO Reform: Fundamental Issues” during the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) held in Yaoundé, Cameroon on Thursday, the minister said reforms are necessary in the current global context but should be carefully designed to preserve the integrity of the multilateral trading system.

The minister noted that the WTO’s core objective is to promote trade-driven development among member states, adding that its consensus-based, rules-based framework grounded in non-discrimination and inclusivity has ensured benefits for developed, developing, and least developed countries (LDCs) alike.

Highlighting key mechanisms, Muktadir said provisions such as Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) status, Duty-Free and Quota-Free (DFQF) market access, and Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) have played a crucial role in enhancing equity and inclusion in global trade.

The minister pointed out that, except during the 2008 global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, middle-income levels in developed countries have steadily increased over the past three decades demonstrating the effectiveness of the existing trading system.

While acknowledging the need for reform, the minister cautioned against dismantling a structure built over years of negotiation and cooperation. “The current framework should not be weakened in the name of reform, as most economies rely heavily on this rules-based multilateral system.”

Emphasising prudence, Muktadir said the reform process must ensure the preservation of past achievements, maintain systemic integrity, and deliver inclusive and development-oriented outcomes for all member states.

The WTO Ministerial Conference is the organisation’s highest decision-making body, where member countries take key decisions on global trade policies. This year’s conference is being attended by trade ministers and representatives from 166 member states.

A Bangladesh delegation, led by the commerce minister, is participating in the conference, with Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman and senior officials from the ministry and Bangladesh’s Permanent Mission in Geneva also in attendance.