[12/03/2026 02:39]

ADEN-SABA
The Republic of Yemen has stressed the importance of coordinating Arab positions within the World Trade Organization (WTO) to strengthen the Arab presence in the multilateral trading system and advance the priorities of developing and least-developed countries, enabling their economies to integrate more effectively into global trade.

The remarks were delivered by Minister of Industry and Trade Mohammed Al-Ashwal during the preparatory meeting of Arab trade ministers ahead of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference.

The meeting was held via videoconference and attended by several Arab ministers and WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Al-Ashwal praised the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in coordinating the Arab group’s positions within the organization, expressing appreciation for the initiative of Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Qasabi in convening the meeting, which he said contributes to strengthening Arab unity on international trade issues.

He noted that mounting global economic challenges, along with their impact on trade flows, supply chains and food security, underscore the need for a more equitable and inclusive global trading system that takes into account the priorities of developing countries and supports economic recovery and sustainable development.

The minister added that Yemen, as one of the least-developed countries and a member of the WTO since 2014, faces complex economic and trade challenges due to the exceptional circumstances the country has endured.

He stressed the need for enhanced international support and stronger institutional and trade capacities for least-developed countries to help them benefit from global trade opportunities.

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