Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Jean-Marie Paugam, emphasized the crucial role of trade in addressing global food security and sustainable development challenges. He noted that the upcoming 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the WTO, scheduled for February 2024 in Abu Dhabi, presents a unique opportunity to strengthen global food security through trade.
Paugam urged WTO members to collaborate in overcoming the existing deadlock in agriculture negotiations. He emphasized that trade ministers and agriculture ministers should work together to unlock progress. Additionally, he highlighted the significance of clear signals from political leaders at forums like the G20 and the UN General Assembly.
Paugam also commended China’s leadership and active participation in these efforts, emphasizing the importance of exchanging views and experiences to achieve food security for all nations.
