World Trade Organization (WTO) members concluded the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi today with the adoption of a Ministerial Declaration setting out a forward-looking, reform agenda for the organization. It also recognized the contribution of women’s economic empowerment and women’s participation in trade to economic growth and sustainable development. Members also agreed on a Ministerial Decision on concrete measures to ease the path to graduation from the category of least-developed countries. Additionally, ministers adopted a Ministerial Decision reaffirming the commitment to the Work Program on Small Economies. “While I had hoped that we could finish these negotiations in Abu Dhabi, you have prepared the ground for its conclusion at the next Ministerial Conference, if not earlier.
