CARICOM countries are preparing to present a united front at the upcoming World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC 13), scheduled for February 26-29 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
On Wednesday, February 7, Foreign Ministers from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) gathered for a preparatory caucus chaired by Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Hilton Todd. The meeting served to update attendees on preparations, confirm participation, and discuss potential harmonization of regional positions on key agenda items.
Minister Todd underscored the importance of the WTO system for small economies like those in CARICOM, emphasizing the strength gained through coordinated action. He urged Ministers to recommit to refining common approaches on issues of regional interest.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala addressed the caucus, highlighting key discussion points for MC 13 and expressing hope for tangible outcomes. She commended CARICOM’s leadership on issues crucial to developing countries and encouraged continued momentum in negotiations ahead of the conference.
MC 13, the highest decision-making body of the WTO, is expected to produce Ministerial Decisions, Declarations, and an Outcome Document. The last conference was held in June 2022 in Geneva.