Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism HE MR. Zayed R. Alzayani, headed the Delegation of the Kingdom of Bahrain participating in the 12th Ministerial Conference of the (WTO) held in Geneva from June 12 to June 15, 2022 in the presence of Ambassador Dr. Yusuf AbdulKarim Bucheeri, Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative to UN – Geneva, and Assistant Undersecretary for Domestic and Foreign Trade Sheikh Hamad bin Salman Al Khalifa.
A pre-recorded speech by HE MR. Zayed R. Alzayani, was presented at the conference, where he conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa The King of Bahrain, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Praising the efforts of the Director-General of the (WTO) Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iwala and welcoming the delegations participating in this conference. Hoping to achieve the desired goals and the overall success of the conference, stressing the importance of the multilateral trading system and the support of the Kingdom of Bahrain to it, and its positive impact on overcoming the negative effects the pandemic imposed on the world economy, appreciating the central and important role of the (WTO) in this aspect.
HE added that the Kingdom of Bahrain welcomes discussions related to E-commerce, digital economy and MSMEs as a prior condition to creating a fair open trade environment, in the recognition of inclusive trade through the (WTO) as a catalyst for economic growth and poverty reduction, which contributes to promoting sustainable development through the UN Plan 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals accompanying it. HE also stressed the importance of not putting obstacles to the movement of food commodities in the face of the global food security crisis.
In the same context, HE noted the Kingdom of Bahrain's constant unwavering support for the Arab states currently negotiating their accession to the (WTO), encouraged by the progress achieved in their field so far. On the same note, the Kingdom of Bahrain reiterates its support for granting the position of observer status of (WTO) to the Arab League.
Moreover, A number of topics on the agenda of the meeting were then discussed.
