DUBAI: Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Economy, has been elected as the Chair of the World Trade Organization’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13), as announced by the General Council of the WTO.
The Ministerial Conference, which will take place in Abu Dhabi in February 2024, will gather representatives from the 164 countries and customs blocs that make up the WTO to address critical issues in the global food system.
The upcoming conference is considered a pivotal moment for world trade, with a focus on tackling pressing challenges, enhancing efficiency, inclusivity, and sustainability in trade, and making actionable decisions to shape the future of international trade.
UAE Emphasizes Modernizing Trade
Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi emphasized the need for modernizing trade and incorporating technology across supply chains. He also stressed the importance of building resilient trade frameworks to address today’s challenging landscape.
Additionally, Thuraiya Hamid Alhashmi, Director of International Financial Relations and Organizations Department at the UAE Ministry of Finance, was elected as a member of the Board of Directors and a Constituency Director at the BRICS’ New Development Bank (NDB). This appointment marks her as the first Emirati and Arab woman to assume a Director’s position at the NDB. The UAE’s participation in NDB, established by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, will contribute to global financial areas, sustainable development goals, and infrastructure projects.
These appointments highlight the UAE’s commitment to global economic institutions and sustainable development goals, reinforcing its active engagement in promoting innovation, advancing development policies, and fostering international collaboration.
