Mr. Co-Facilitator,
We appreciate the updates on the outcomes of the informal meetings where a small group of countries was convened and the opportunity given to the rest of the members in this plenary session to discuss an important process such as the WTO reform process.
We live in complex times, marked by an unfair international economic order that has not proven to be an effective way to fulfill our right to development.
The world is still reeling from the impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has created a multidimensional crisis and deepened inequalities between developed and developing countries.
The lack of political will in developed countries to address these issues has undermined the functioning of this Organization.
Mr. Co-Facilitator,
Cuba reiterates the importance of multilateralism, inclusiveness, and transparency in the WTO. We support the practice of decision-making by consensus, as established in the Marrakech Agreement. We do not favour plurilateralism.
It is essential to move towards a multilateral trading system that is fair, equitable, and non-discriminatory, without trade barriers, which allows for reducing current asymmetries and achieving collective prosperity, especially for developing Members and specifically for the Least Developed Countries.
Limiting the principle of Special and Differential Treatment, or even worse, applying it selectively on a “case-by-case” basis, should not guide the WTO reform process. This is a historic right that must be preserved and focused on the fair integration of developing countries’ economies into the flow of international trade.
As a founding member of the WTO, we support the proposals of the ACP Group and other delegations regarding the reinstatement of the Appellate Body, defending the view that any proposal presented must not undermine ministerial mandates and WTO principles.
Cuba is a developing country with a small and vulnerable economy, not only because of its limited participation in global trade and its status as a small developing island state, but also due to the severe consequences suffered after more than 60 years of an unfair economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States government, which violates the principles and rules of the multilateral trading system and constitutes the greatest obstacle to the country's sustainable development, as well as to Cuba's legitimate trade relations with the rest of the world, given its marked extraterritorial reach. In this context, the process of reforming the Organization is of utmost importance for Cuba.
Cuba will continue to participate constructively in debates and multilateral processes related to this important issue, and we will support any proposal that encourages the greatest number of contributions and suggestions. In this regard, we support the creation of a group of friends of the facilitator to advance negotiations that ensure broader and more inclusive participation of Member States.
Thank you very much