This week, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Matt Thistlethwaite will travel to Cameroon to represent Australia at the 14th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC14).
The Minister will lead an Australian delegation advocating for outcomes on WTO reform that set the organisation on a pathway to ensure its future.
Australia will support a permanent moratorium on imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions, and the creation of the WTO’s first standing committee on digital trade.
We will support greater scope for plurilateral rule-making, ensuring that WTO Members are able to progress new rules in areas of shared interest. In particular, we support progress towards implementation of an Electronic Commerce Agreement and Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement.
During MC14, the 45th Cairns Group Ministerial Meeting will be convened, celebrating 40 years of collaboration towards a vision for a truly fair, open and equitable agricultural trading system.
Australia will continue our strong advocacy for progress on other trade priorities, including non-market policies and practices, fisheries subsidies, and sustainable development.
Australia remains committed to enhancing the trading potential of all WTO members, which is why we have committed $13 million in new assistance to support our development partners.
Cameroon’s hosting of this significant global meeting highlights the potential opportunities in the dynamic and growing markets of Africa. While in Cameroon, Minister Thistlethwaite will also meet with government representatives to promote stronger trade and investment ties.
Minister Thistlethwaite will visit South Africa after the WTO meetings, to advance our relationship with Australia’s largest trade and investment partner in Africa.
Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite:
“At MC14, it is vital we endorse a way forward on reform to ensure the system can address modern challenges.”
“In an uncertain global trading environment, we must maintain peace and economic security by adhering to agreed rules and using rules to resolve trade disagreements.”
“Australia will pursue strong digital trade outcomes at MC14, including the continuation of the global e-commerce moratorium which will benefit Australian and international consumers, workers and businesses by keeping digital markets open, predictable and inclusive.”