HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed al-Thani has reaffirmed Qatar’s full commitment to the rule of law to protect its rights in compliance with the principles and regulations of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Qatar’s pledge is in compliance with its commitment to successfully complete the remaining factors of the Doha Development Agenda within the framework of the principles of openness advocated by the WTO.
During the WTO’s 11th Ministerial Conference held in Buenos Aires, Sheikh Ahmed said Qatar always advocated the establishment of a comprehensive and multilateral trading system as trade is an integral part of Qatar’s history.
HE the minister, who also chaired the Qatari delegation to the conference, said Qatar is in the forefront of countries facing the rising increase of protectionism procedure.
He expressed concern about the current Gulf crisis, and its trade repercussions, which not only violates Qatar’s rights, but also affects a number of WTO member states, which hold trade relations with Qatar.
Sheikh Ahmed confirmed that Qatar will remain committed to all its bilateral and multilateral trade agreements with all its trading partners, regardless of their political views.
He said the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) of the WTO approved Qatar’s request to form a judiciary to look into its complaint against the UAE amid the Gulf crisis caused by the siege. 
On the sidelines of the conference, Sheikh Ahmed met with WTO director general Roberto Azevedo and discussed the main topics on the agenda of the conference. Azevedo praised the effective role of the State of Qatar’s delegation at the WTO.
Sheikh Ahmed also discussed the latest developments regarding the case filed against the siege countries at the DSB, stressing the full commitment of Qatar to the rule of law in order to protect its rights in line with WTO principles and regulations.
Sheikh Ahmed said the significant increase in protectionism endorsed by many countries, is becoming a growing concern. He also pointed to a number of studies that show that 60 of the biggest economies in the world have endorsed more than 7,000 trade protectionism measures since the beginning of the financial crisis, whereas the tariffs now are worth more than $400bn.
He referred to the achievements made by the WTO to strengthen multilateral trade, especially with launching the Doha Development Agenda. He also referred to Qatar’s full commitment to successfully complete the agenda within the framework of the WTO principles.
Sheikh Ahmed also held a bilateral meeting with Susana Malcorra, president of the ministerial conference, during which they exchanged views on the issues on the agenda of the conference.


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