India ensured Global South’s voice at WTO meet: Piyush Goyal
Minister says developing nations’ concerns given primacy at MC14 in Cameroon
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said India ensured that the voice of the Global South was well-articulated at the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Concluding his WTO MC14 meet, Goyal said the needs and aspirations of developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs) were given primacy in the negotiating room.
In his official X account, Goyal wrote, “Wrapping up my 4-day productive visit to Cameroon, where I participated in #WTOMC14. This MC-14 was uniquely placed. The @WTO Ministerial Conference was returning to the African Continent after a decade, and the global trade landscape had changed considerably in the interim period.”
Reflecting on the last four days spent in Cameroon, I am assured that India's stance on issues in the WTO was not only heard but also reflected in the Ministerial decisions. India ensured that the voice of the Global South was well-articulated and the needs and aspirations of developing countries and LDCs were given primacy in the negotiating room, the post shows.
According to his post, India constructively engaged in all agenda items and in areas where India had strong concerns, we took a position based on the principles of openness, fairness, non-discrimination and inclusivity, which are the cornerstones of WTO engagement.
“On the sidelines of MC-14, I held extensive bilateral meetings with many countries, trading blocs and key African countries. This enabled greater receptiveness to India's position on key agenda items of MC-14. Truly grateful to friends and colleagues for the fruitful engagement throughout,” Goyal wrote.
“Supporting me in this endeavour were the officers of @DoC_GoI, PMI Geneva, relevant ministries, experts who have burnt many a midnight oil to ensure that India's interests are well protected and represented in this Ministerial Conference. Kudos to all of you!,” the post further stated.
Going forward, India will continue to engage with WTO members on issues of critical importance for the global trade landscape, transparently, constructively and in good faith!, added Goyal.
