RIYADH: The World Trade Organization’s 14th Ministerial Conference concluded in Yaounde, Cameroon, from March 26 to 29, 2026.
The Kingdom’s delegation was headed by Farid bin Saeed Al-Asali, deputy governor for international agreements and organizations at the General Authority for Foreign Trade, on behalf of the Minister of Commerce and Chairman of the authority, Majed bin Abdullah Al-Kassabi.
The conference discussed topics including WTO reform, agriculture, fisheries, development issues, and least developed countries, as well as the e-commerce work program, the inclusion of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement, and the extension of exemptions for trade-related intellectual property measures, along with the accession of several countries to the organization.
During the conference, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its full support for efforts to reform the organization, including the dispute settlement mechanism, as well as efforts to improve food security for developing member states.
It also reiterated its support for key development principles, particularly special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries, as well as the core pillars of the WTO.
The Kingdom emphasized the importance of facilitating and accelerating accession procedures for countries seeking to join the organization, enabling their integration into global trade and value chains.
Saudi Arabia also highlighted its position in support of extending the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, as well as adopting the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement within the organization.
On the sidelines of the conference, Al-Asali met with New Zealand’s Minister of Trade, Investment and Agriculture, Todd McClay; Ethiopia’s Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Kassahun Gofe; and Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political and Economic Diplomacy, Hadra Abera.
He also met with Austria’s state secretary for economy, energy and tourism, Severin Gruber; the special advisor to Indonesia’s Minister of Trade and head of the Indonesian delegation, Johni Martha; and India’s Commerce Secretary, Rajesh Aggarwal. He also met with Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Cameroon, Ibrahim bin Hamad Al-Ghamdi.
Saudi Arabia’s trade exchange with WTO member states reached about $537 billion, while its exports totaled approximately $305 billion in 2024.
The General Authority for Foreign Trade aims to enhance and maximize the Kingdom’s international trade gains, defend its foreign trade interests, and contribute to the development of the national economy.
