WTO Nairobi meeting ends with major breakthrough on global trade

The 10th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Nairobi came to an end on Saturday after an extended negotiating period with a new Nairobi Declaration that promises to keep the international trading system alive.

Key outcomes out of the conference included an agreement on the elimination of agricultural export subsidies, expansion of the list of information and technology products for tariff reduction, and the accessions of Liberia and Afghanistan into the world trade body.

"We are creating a new habit of success," said WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo, referring to the first major successful conclusion of a ministerial conference since 2001.

"The decisions will improve the lives of the people of Africa. The process was not perfect but we have delivered," he said. Enditem