Bishkek, March 31, 2026. /Kabar/. Nurbek Maksutov, representative of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic on WTO issues in Geneva, participated in the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) held in Yaoundé from March 26 to 29.
According to the ministry, the conference agenda reflected the pressing need to strengthen and modernize the WTO in the context of a changing global economy.
During the event, countries focused on advancing WTO reforms, including restoring a fully functioning dispute resolution system, as well as increasing transparency and inclusiveness. Discussions also focused on traditional negotiating areas, agriculture, development issues, including special and differential treatment, and support for least developed and landlocked countries.
Special attention was also given to new priorities such as e-commerce, investment facilitation, environmental sustainability, and continued negotiations on fisheries subsidies.
Assessing the organization's role, Nurbek Maksutov noted that, amid the growing complexity and uncertainty of the global economy, the WTO continues to play a vital role in ensuring stability, predictability, and inclusive growth.
"In the face of geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and rising protectionist tendencies, the WTO's rules-based system remains particularly important. For small landlocked developing countries, including Kyrgyzstan, it is important that the organization continue to provide a forum for equal dialogue, the protection of interests, and the peaceful resolution of disputes," he noted.
During the discussions, Kyrgyzstan also presented its vision for further reforms. In particular, the importance of strengthening special and differential treatment (S&DT) and expanding technical assistance and capacity-building programs was emphasized. Furthermore, the issue of making dispute resolution more accessible to resource-constrained countries was raised.
Following the conference, a final session was held, during which the draft Ministerial Statement on WTO Reform, prepared based on nine months of consultations among member countries, was considered. Most participants, including Kyrgyzstan, expressed support for this document.
"For Kyrgyzstan, the WTO is not only a platform for negotiations but also an important instrument for ensuring the functioning of international trade based on transparent and predictable rules. In this regard, restoring an effective dispute resolution system and ensuring a level playing field for competition remain key reform objectives," Nurbek Maksutov emphasized.
Taking this into account, Kyrgyzstan supported the draft Ministerial Statement and its accompanying work plan as a basis for further advancing discussions on WTO reform.