News in Brief:
– Kenya will lead agriculture negotiations at the upcoming WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, focusing on addressing food security, trade distortions, and supporting small-scale producers in developing countries.
– Their participation aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 2 and aims to create a fairer, more equitable global agricultural trading system.
Kenya will play a prominent role at the upcoming World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, scheduled from February 26 to 29, 2024.
According to a news report, Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, leading a Kenyan delegation, has been appointed to facilitate negotiations on agriculture, a longstanding trade policy issue at the WTO.
The conference agenda encompasses a range of crucial trade-related policies, including agriculture, fisheries subsidies, trade and sustainable development, digital trade and multilateral trading system reforms.
Kenya’s focus at MC13 will be on addressing contemporary challenges in the agricultural sector, particularly food security, trade distortions, and ensuring a fairer and more equitable global market.
The country’s trade ministry says that the desired outcome aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 2 which targets ending hunger, improving nutrition, promoting sustainable food systems, and enhancing agricultural productivity.
Furthermore, Kenya will advocate for the interests of small-scale food and agriculture producers in developing countries, ensuring their voices are heard at the negotiations.
Beyond agriculture, Kenya will participate in other conference discussions and meetings like:
- Regional Group meetings: African Ministers of Trade, African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group Ministerial Meeting
- Second Meeting of the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate
It will hold bilateral consultations with various trade ministers to strengthen trade relations with their respective countries.
Kenya’s leading role at the WTO conference signifies their commitment to addressing critical issues in global agriculture and trade, seeking a fairer and more sustainable future for all.
