   
  
WT/MIN(24)/ST/102  
26 February  2024 
(24-1638) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Thirteenth Session  
Abu Dhabi, 26 -29 February 2024  Original: English  
 
 
STATEMENT BY HON. MS HARRIET NTABAZI  
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRADE  
UGANDA  
I bring you greetings from H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the People of the Republic of Uganda.  
 
Allow me to congratulate H.E Dr  Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi for the commendable arrangements in 
hosting the Thirteenth Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization.  
 
I extend my gratitude to the WTO Director -General , Dr Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala , and the Chairperson 
of the WTO  General Council , H.E. Dr  Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme , for the valuable efforts in 
facilitating our engagements post MC12.  
 
We warmly welcome the delegations of Comoros and Timor -Leste for joining the Membership, and 
hope you get the benefits of multilateral ism. 
 
Uganda aspires to become an upper middle -income country by 2040 as spelt out in our Vision 2040. 
This calls for strategic utilization of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) preferences and flexibilities 
as we journey like others to advance. Upgrading fr om the LDC category represents a major 
achievement. However, countries still face significant trade and development challenges immediately 
after graduating from the category, and risk falling back into the category. We therefore commend 
the General Council  Decision to extend unilaterally Duty Free Quota Free Market Access (DFQF) 
Preferences to graduating LDCs.  
 
For that reason, Uganda proposes that relevant WTO bodies continue to monitor graduation -related 
challenges and impacts through the Committee on Tra de and Development (CTD) and the Trade 
Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM). During the Conference, we appeal to Members to give attention 
to the LDC Declaration and propos als tabled therein.  
 
Our country is a long -term beneficiary of the Enhanced Integration F ramework (EIF) Support 
totalling USD 9 Million comprising of support to Trade Mainstreaming; Diagnostic Trade Integration 
Studies (DTIS); District Commercial Offices Support (DICOSS); and Support to Women producers 
of Shea Butter and the Handicraft and So uvenirs  Development Project (HSDP). These projects have 
broadly supported the revamping of District Commercial Offices which were virtually in complete 
oblivion before the support, mainstreaming of Trade in National Development Plans, linking 
souvenirs to T ourism, and support to selected value chains – particularly shea butter . 
 
We applaud the Development community for the commitment to EIF financing and hope to continue 
with a robust envelop e in 2025 that will tenable us to address our country -specific need s as identified 
in the DTIS and Aid for Trade needs.  
 
Uganda, like most Members, is of the vigilant view that the WTO reforms can be achieved through 
implementation of previous Ministerial Decisions and monitoring of results. We agreed to engage 
positively on Special and Differential Treatment Provisions and more particularly on those under the 
Sanitary and Phyto -Sanitary Measures (SPS) agreement.   
 
Uganda supports the G -90 proposal to extend the sixty (60) day period to ninety (90) days for the 
private sector and Governments to analyze and respond to incoming notifications on proposed 
Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT); and to allow WT/MIN(24)/ST/102  
 
- 2 - 
 
  adequate time for investment in quality infrastructure to enable compli ance in risk analysis and thus 
foster effective implementation of the Agreements.  
 
Development is one of the fundamental aspects of the multilateral trading system anchored in the 
Doha Development Agenda. The interface between Trade and topical issues like  Industrial Policy, 
Technology, Climate change and Inclusivity are critical aspects for Uganda.  MC13 should provide a 
clear roadmap on the mandate and expectations for MC14.  
 
The WTO should address policy and systemic global trade concerns. The world deman ds global 
solutions for food insecurity, future pandemics and access to health products. All efforts to address 
trade distorting agricultural subsidies, fisheries subsidies; expanding innovation and local 
manufacturing capacities should call for a Politica l commitment in our Outcome document. On the 
fisheries Subsides Agreement (FSA), we welcome its conclusion by WTO and urge all Members to 
ratify so that it enters into force.   
 
We are committed to delivering viable outcomes at MC13 such that we build resil ient trade 
frameworks. The WTO is the pillar for world trade, it is a negotiating forum . We need to work together 
to shape the future of global trade. On the ongoing reforms, clear solutions have to come up to 
make trade more efficient, inclusive and susta inable.  
 
Uganda supports extension of the waiver from patent protection to allow for accessibility of 
diagnostics and therapeutics.  
 
As I conclude, I have no doubt that my fellow Ministers participating at MC13 have the will and 
commitment to deliver on MC13 and guide the WTO into the future.  
 
__________  