Trade Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina is calling for the removal of agricultural and fisheries subsidies imposed by developed nations saying they are distorting trade and negatively affecting the competitiveness of African products in the global market.
Speaking at the World Trade Organization’s 12th Ministerial Conference in Geneva, she said agricultural subsidies should be addressed to create a fair playing ground for all countries.
Ministers from more than 100 countries have been holding talks at the global trade watchdog’s headquarters in Geneva this week for the first time in more than four years.
The WTO members have been negotiating and discussing multiple subjects including response to the pandemic, a waiver of intellectual property rights for Covid vaccines and other products, fisheries subsidies, food security, agriculture, e-commerce and WTO reforms.
With only a few hours left for the closing ceremony, negotiators are still trying to reach a consensus on food security, fishing and vaccines.
Betty says WTO reforms are pertinent in order to align the organization with the prevailing global economic situation and ensure it addresses the policy and systemic concerns that members of the developing countries have with the multilateral trading systems.
The Long standing debate on the role of WTO in responding to the pandemic particularly in increasing production, promoting availability and equitable access to essential goods and services required in the fight against Covid-19.
Via KBC
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