MONT BLANC TRADE NEWS WTO MC13 SPECIAL EDITION IN NEED OF EQUITY #01|2024 Editorial A call for courage for unequivocal support of multilateralism p 2 The Memory Bowl Remembering the past can provide explanations of the present p 2 We need food security An interview with the Ambassador of Pakistan p 3 Reform Mandate: top priority An Interview with the Ambassador of Australia p 4 H.E. Mrs Lillian Bwalya, Permanent Secretary – Trade; Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Zambia What are the three most important issues for your country to be addressed at MC13? The 13th WTO Ministerial Conference pre­sents an opportunity for all Members of the WTO to participate in discourse over the cur­rent and future situation of the multilateral trading system. Zambia as a least developed country(LDC) Member of the WTO is particularly concerned with development outcomes that will bridge the gap between developed and least devel­oped Members of the WTO. Although the WTO legal texts provide for cer­tain flexibilities for developing and LDC Mem ­bers, tangible evidence of the benefits of the flexibilities is yet to be seen. The gap between Members remains wide, therefore outcomes from the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference will need to be development oriented to bridge the divide. The three most important issues for Zambia include: a. Inclusion and strengthening of the devel­opment aspects in the outcome document in line with the Marrakesh Agreement and para­graph 44 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration adopted in 2001. b. Incorporation of LDC graduation issues; and c. Revising and strengthening the Aid for Trade(A4T) framework including sustenance of the Enhanced Integrated Framework(EIF) programme. It is expected that by addressing the issues raised by LDCs like Zambia, the multilateral trading system will be seen to be more equi­table and development oriented. Do you think outcomes will be achieved on these issues at MC13? Zambia is optimistic that MC13 presents yet another opportunity for countries to move above their differences and discuss issues pragmatically based on mutual interest. De­spite a gloomy past, there are dotted mo­ments when the MC has risen to the occa­sion and made decisions on critical matters. Replicating such a positive gesture at MC13 is critical. A number of like-minded countries, like those in the LDC and African groups, share the same interests/positions as Zambia, and this makes it possible to achieve some outcomes through concerted efforts. Discussions over the concerns raised by the LDC and African groups at the WTO have been presented over time and hence, we are optimistic that there will be some agreement on them. Despite a gloomy past, there are dot­ted moments when the MC has risen to the occasion and made decisions on critical matters. What will be the main challenges to have a successful MC13 outcome? It is expected that an outcome that favors all Members of the WTO is unlikely due to the different interests and priorities. The biggest challenge may be a lack of compromise and consensus on key issues due to the diversity of interest. Therefore, key to remedying this challenge is consensus building and consultation among all Members to ensure inclusivity and equity in the negotiation process. Was the process to prepare for MC13 inclu­sive from the perspective of your country? Ye s. Preparation of key policy documents and positions in Zambia for use during key meetings like the MC13 follows an inclusive approach. This involved under­taking con­sulta­tions with key stake­holders, both state and non­state actors, with a view to have an enriched and representative position. This has accorded an opportunity to stakeholders to express their views and priorities for the multilateral trading system. Further, the Zambian delegation in Geneva has been actively involved in the discussions in consultation with capital based officials within the entire spectrum of government. All draft documents have been shared with capital based officials for inputs and com ­ments before officially presenting them to the WTO. What will be the impact on the multilateral trading system/your country if MC13 fails? If MC13 fails, it will imply that the prospects of the WTO remaining relevant in the global economic landscape will continue to diminish and this will negate any meaningful chances of delivering on some of its mandates going forward. This may further erode the public trust in and authority of the WTO. Therefore, concentration should go towards ensuring that negotiations are used for pur­poses of modernising the rules. Secondly, the dispute settlement system, which has de facto reverted to the days of the GATT where panel reports could be blocked, should be re­stored. Thirdly, there is also need to restore the level of efficacy in the monitoring of trade policies. 1