Speech by Minister Carlos França on the occasion of the WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference

Dear Director General, Dr. NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA

Dear MC12 Chair, Mr. Timur SULEIMENOV,  

Dear Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen,

• The World Trade Organization has been facing serious challenges for some time: gridlocked negotiations, a nonfunctional Dispute Settlement Body, and the need for modernizing reforms.
•  Today, these challenges come with the additional strain of geopolitical disruptions, threats to globalization, lingering impacts of COVID-19, and increased risks to the SDGs, particularly combating poverty, hunger, and climate change.
• I am here to convey Brazil’s unwavering commitment to the WTO and the multilateral trading system.
•  We should make the best of this MC12 by pursuing meaningful results and paving the way for more progress in the MC13 and in the future.
• Together, we can revitalize the WTO, delivering results in four priority areas:
• First, agriculture: We need a food security package with short and long-term outcomes; helping to stabilize food markets right now, and setting mandates for agriculture reform at the next Ministerial.
•  Second, trade and health: The WTO is strategically placed to offer a contribution on pandemic preparedness and public health, including neglected diseases in developing countries. A multilateral outcome here is both necessary and achievable.
• Third, fisheries: We need to conclude these overdue negotiations with the highest standards of sustainability.
•  Last but not least, reform: The Dispute Settlement System needs to be reformed and restored; and we need a way for the WTO to assimilate plurilateral negotiations, such as the JSIs in services, investment and e-commerce, in which Brazil has taken an active role.
• As I had the opportunity to state during DG-Ngozi’s recent visit to Brazil, we wish to help the WTO address current and future challenges of global trade.
• With that in mind, I want to make some remarks about our role as ministers to safeguard the future of the WTO.
•  The Ministerial Conference, our highest decision-making body, only meets once every two years.
• These long pauses weaken ministerial oversight and increase pressure for ‘deliverables’ at Ministerial Conferences.
• These problems are even more pronounced and disruptive during crises.
• In Brazil's view, as per the proposal we have just circulated, WTO ministers should meet every year, like in most other key multilateral fora.
•  During annual meetings, we would not necessarily always deliver on big packages, but could exchange views on trade issues; bring fresh approaches and political drive to Geneva; and address trade emergencies in a timely manner, enabling the WTO to deliver results as new challenges arise.
• Annual ministerial meetings can also contribute to a more nuanced comprehension of developing countries' needs regarding the multilateral trading system.
• Finally, more frequent interactions would help rebuild much needed trust among WTO Members, increasing our willingness to cooperate and shield the world against a backlash of protectionism.
• With the full engagement of ministers, I am confident that the WTO can deliver on the pressing food security, public health, economic recovery and sustainability challenges, while better promoting the role of trade in achieving prosperity and sustainable development for all.

Thank you.