17th December 2017

Statement of the Czech Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade at the WTO Ministerial Conference

ELEVENTH MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE
WTO, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 10th – 13th December 2017
CZECH REPUBLIC
Statement by HE Mr. Vladimír Bärtl
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade

 

...At the beginning, the Czech Republic would like to associate itself with the statement of the European Union presented earlier by Commissioner Malmström.

My delegation came to Buenos Aires with one basic message: we are here to defend and foster multilateral trading system with WTO at its centre.

...The Czech Republic remains committed to the system; we are ready to work on its improvement. We can start by seizing the opportunity this Conference offers. My delegation will support all realistic and meaningful initiatives and decisions to be finalized here in the coming few days.

The latest development suggests a limited scope of possible outcomes in fisheries subsidies, public stockholding and export restrictions in Agriculture. These would be important, but not sufficient. We should clearly define orientation of our future work, taking on board challenges of the 21st century, such as services and ecommerce.

Only a rules–based, predictable and transparent trading system can further contribute to growth and investment, boost new jobs, and have positive impacts on the well-being of all nations in the world and especially those less privileged ones. 

 

Read full statement and/or webcasting.

Members of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic