The World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Chair of the Trade Negotiations Committee (TNC), reported on the critical next steps toward the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), scheduled to take place in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from March 26-29.
Speaking at the TNC meeting on December 12, DG Okonjo-Iweala underscored the immediate need to finalize a “manageable and meaningful agenda” for MC14, which she described as potentially “the most consequential ministerial conference in the history of this organization.”
The purpose of the meeting was to narrow down the negotiating issues ready for action, a process essential for providing Ministers with clarity ahead of the General Council meeting next week in Geneva.
“The outcome will depend on the choices we make and how we advance our preparations,” DG Okonjo-Iweala stated.
The TNC meeting included reports from the chairs of six negotiating bodies, who assessed the readiness of their respective areas for ministerial action. The Director-General noted a high level of engagement and constructive guidance from members, who broadly reaffirmed the “Geneva-first” principle—the need to conclude technical work in Geneva before presenting issues to Ministers.
Key areas of discussion and guidance included:
Realism and Balance: Members stressed the need for realism, cautioning against an overly expansive agenda that could hinder Ministers’ ability to deliver concrete outcomes. They also called for balance, transparency, and inclusivity, emphasizing that any decisions should not preclude continued work after MC14.
Agriculture: Strong and widespread interest was confirmed, but DG Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged that no single consolidated text is ready for negotiation. She noted that recent member submissions will be used to focus work in Geneva to explore a possible consolidated outcome or other form of ministerial engagement.
Fisheries Subsidies: Members agreed that concluding additional disciplines is unlikely by MC14. However, they expressed support for a potential ministerial reaffirmation of the commitment to continue negotiations beyond the conference.
Trade and Development: There was broad support for advancing a process-based approach on the G-90 proposals through the General Council, building on work initiated since MC13.
The Director-General noted that the discussions had successfully helped to narrow differences and clarify what could realistically be advanced to Ministers.
She concluded the meeting by committing to reflect the members’ guidance in her upcoming report to the General Council. The goal is to secure endorsement of a clear, manageable, and productive agenda that will allow Ministers at MC14 to deliver tangible results for the global trading system.
