Madam Chair,
Following the conclusion of the 14th Ministerial Conference, Cuba considers it important to strengthen the discussion on the follow-up to the outcomes of previous Ministerial Conferences.
More than a decade after the adoption of the Bali Package at the Ninth Ministerial Conference, significant gaps persist between the commitments undertaken and their effective implementation, particularly with regard to the priorities of developing countries.
First, Cuba underscores the need to advance the full and balanced implementation of the outcomes in the area of agriculture, including the reduction of tariffs and trade barriers to facilitate food imports by developing countries under favourable conditions, thereby strengthening efforts towards food security.
Second, we reiterate the importance of operationalizing special and differential treatment, a fundamental element in ensuring the fair participation of developing countries in the multilateral trading system. Progress in this area has been limited and requires renewed attention.
Third, while we recognize progress in areas such as trade facilitation, we must ensure that the implementation of commitments in this area does not impose disproportionate burdens on countries with more limited capacities, and that it is accompanied by effective support in terms of technical assistance and capacity-building.
Madam Chair,
It is essential that the World Trade Organization restore balance to its agenda by placing development at the centre of its priorities and effectively addressing pending mandates. The follow-up to ministerial outcomes should not be reduced to a merely formal exercise.
For Cuba, success in this matter will depend to a large extent on our collective ability to implement agreed commitments rigorously and in a non-selective manner, while correcting existing asymmetries and strengthening confidence in the multilateral trading system.
Thank you.