WTO Chief Urges Reform to Boost Trade Opportunities for LDCs

Okonjo-Iweala noted that shifts in the global economy are opening new opportunities for LDCs, particularly in sectors such as services, digital trade and critical minerals.

World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has called on member states to intensify efforts to reform the global trade body ahead of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) scheduled for 26–29 March in Yaoundé, Cameroon, emphasizing that reform is essential for supporting least-developed countries (LDCs).

Speaking at the 8th South-South Dialogue on Least-Developed Countries and Development on 6 March in Geneva, Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the progress made in addressing LDC trade priorities while urging members to pursue further reforms that can help the world’s poorest economies integrate more effectively into global markets.

“WTO reform will be key for helping LDCs trade, grow economically and develop,” she said. “We need to have a modern WTO that can help transform your economies.”

New Opportunities for Least-Developed Countries

Okonjo-Iweala noted that shifts in the global economy are opening new opportunities for LDCs, particularly in sectors such as services, digital trade and critical minerals.

She said many LDCs possess a growing youth population and significant natural resource endowments, which could help drive economic growth if supported by stronger trade integration and investment flows.

According to the WTO, there are currently 44 least-developed countries worldwide, with 37 already WTO members and five in the process of accession.

Key Negotiations Ahead of MC14

The WTO chief highlighted several negotiations underway that could directly benefit LDCs.

These include discussions on:

• Trade and development initiatives

• Agricultural trade reforms

• Fisheries subsidies linked to overcapacity and overfishing

She also referenced ongoing work under the WTO Work Programme on E-commerce, including negotiations on the moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions.

In addition, Okonjo-Iweala pointed to the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement, which aims to make it easier for developing and least-developed countries to attract investment and increase value-added exports.

She also underscored the role of the Cotton Partnership, an initiative designed to strengthen LDC participation in global cotton trade.

Strong Participation from Developing Countries

The South-South Dialogue brought together around 60 government representatives from LDCs and development partners, who discussed WTO reform and priorities for developing economies within the global trading system.

The event is part of China’s LDCs and Accessions Programme, which aims to strengthen participation of least-developed countries in multilateral trade negotiations.

Calls for Practical Progress on Reform

Participants emphasized that WTO reform is essential to ensure the organization remains effective in addressing modern trade challenges.

Ambassador Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel of Saudi Arabia, Chair of the WTO General Council, said the organization must adapt to changing global conditions.

“In these challenging times, the world needs the WTO — especially its LDC members — now more than ever,” he said. “The WTO must keep pace with the changing global landscape.”

Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, who facilitates WTO reform discussions, also urged members to deepen engagement in the reform process.

“Let us all lean in on the ongoing reform process and broaden our perspectives on trade-led development in the WTO,” he said.

Focus on Development Outcomes

Representatives of developing countries stressed that reform must prioritize development outcomes.

Ambassador Muhammadou Kah of The Gambia, speaking for the LDC Group, said the upcoming ministerial conference must produce concrete progress on development issues.

“With MC14 just a few weeks away, reform discussions must move to practical and pragmatic convergence,” he said.

“Reform must strengthen the development dimension of the WTO.”

Similarly, Ambassador Yongjie Li of China emphasized the importance of preserving the rules-based multilateral trading system amid global trade tensions.

“Despite current trade tensions and global uncertainties, the WTO remains an indispensable anchor of stability,” he said.

MC14 Seen as a Critical Moment

The upcoming Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé is widely viewed as a key opportunity to advance WTO reform and strengthen the role of trade in sustainable development.

Delegates said the conference must deliver meaningful progress on trade and development issues while reaffirming the WTO’s role in promoting a rules-based, inclusive global trading system.