Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
On the sidelines of the 16th UNCTAD conference held in Geneva, Yemen’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Mohammed Al-Ashwal, met on Friday with the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to discuss ways to strengthen joint cooperation and develop partnerships in trade policy and capacity-building.
During the meeting, Minister Al-Ashwal praised the Director-General’s efforts in leading the organization during a critical period for the global trading system, and commended the entry into force of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, describing it as an important step toward the sustainable development of marine resources.
The minister reaffirmed Yemen’s commitment to trade openness and adherence to its international obligations despite the challenges imposed by the war. He noted that the government is working to complete its accession to the Agreements on Fisheries Subsidies and Trade Facilitation, as well as to update national legislation in line with international standards.
Al-Ashwal also called for enhanced technical cooperation and the establishment of a dedicated support mechanism for member states affected by conflicts, to help them maintain effective participation in WTO activities. He emphasized that Yemen views the WTO as a key partner in efforts toward economic recovery and reconstruction.
For her part, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala commended Yemen’s commitment to the international trading system despite the exceptional circumstances it faces. She praised the government’s efforts to modernize legislation and improve the business environment, affirming the organization’s commitment to continue providing technical and institutional support to strengthen Yemen’s integration into the global economy.
