1st LD Writethru: WTO conference opens in Kenya amid calls for strengthening trade regime

The 10th ministerial conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) opened Tuesday in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, with a rallying call for strengthening the global trade regime.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Liberian Counterpart, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, joined trade ministers, policymakers and diplomats at the opening ceremony of the gathering, the first of its kind being held in Africa in two decades.

In his key note speech, Kenyatta stressed that the establishment of a strong and rules based multilateral trade system is key to unleash new growth and prosperity.

"There is a global consensus on the need to address major global crisis like poverty, insecurity and inequality through increased trade," Kenyatta said.

An estimated 6,000 delegates from 162 WTO member states attended the four-day Nairobi meeting that will discuss earlier resolutions that aim to promote fair trade in goods and services.

Negotiators are expected to reach a consensus on contentious issues surrounding agricultural subsidies, trade in services and environmental goods as well as support for least developing countries during the conference.

"I urge the negotiating teams to reach a mutually acceptable compromise on areas of concern like subsidies in the agriculture sector and non tariff barriers," Kenyatta told trade ministers, adding that African countries are willing to become an integral part of a global trading regime that is fair, inclusive and environmentally conscious.

Trade ministers will also discuss provisions contained in the Doha and Bali accords that root for the establishment of a liberalized and equitable trade regime to catalyze global economic growth.

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf noted the Nairobi WTO ministerial conference provided a golden opportunity for the international community to restart trade negotiations that had previously stalled.

"We look forward to the adoption of a Nairobi declaration that chart the way forward in multilateral trade. The outcomes of this historic summit should focus on ways to foster global trade and achieve prosperity," she said.

The biannual WTO ministerial conference has provided a platform for the international community to take stock of progress made in the establishment of rules based and fair multilateral trade system.

Roberto Azevedo, WTO Director General, said multilateralism underpins efforts to address global challenges like poverty, inequality and environmental degradation.

"Thanks to the revived spirit of multilateralism, we now have a climate deal that has inspired us to fast-track negotiations leading to an accord that promotes international trade,"said Azevedo. Endit