13th WTO Accessions Roundtable Meetings Begin in Muscat
Muscat, 12 May (ONA) —— The 13th China Roundtable on World Trade
Organization (WTO) Accession commenced today in Muscat under the theme
“Advancing Arab Economies: From Strategic Accession to Global Trade
Integration.”
Hosted by the Sultanate of Oman in collaboration with the WTO
and the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the three-day event aims
to foster dialogue on global trade integration.
Dr. Saleh Said Masan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion for Trade and Industry, emphasized
that Oman’s hosting reflects its commitment to constructive dialogue and
strengthening multilateral trade cooperation. He noted that the roundtable
sessions stem from productive collaboration with the WTO and China, providing a
platform to discuss accession challenges and share expertise among member
states.
Dr. Masan highlighted Oman’s proactive role in supporting
developing nations’ WTO accession efforts, including technical and financial
assistance to Seychelles and the Comoros, underscoring Oman’s dedication to
international cooperation and shared development. He expressed hope that the
discussions would unlock new avenues for economic and trade collaboration,
promoting a fairer and more inclusive global trade system.
On his turn, Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al-Harthy, Undersecretary of the
Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs, remarked that holding these meetings
for the second time in an Arab nation—following the 12th roundtable in Abu
Dhabi (2024)—signals the region’s growing role in advancing multilateral trade.
He stressed that WTO membership serves as a strategic milestone for nations
seeking global economic integration, fostering growth, investment, and
competitiveness.
Meanwhile, WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang praised
Oman’s post-accession economic diversification and reforms since joining the
organization in 2000. In a recorded address, he noted that the region’s share
of global non-oil merchandise trade remains below 2%, with intra-Arab trade
under 10% in 2022—a gap WTO accession could help bridge by spurring domestic
reforms and regional integration.
China’s Vice Minister of Commerce, Yan Dong, emphasized the
rules-based multilateral trade system’s three-decade contribution to facilitating
global trade and investment.
The roundtable features five key sessions, covering topics such
as GCC economic visions, trade’s role in diversification strategies, Oman’s
economic diplomacy, and private-sector engagement. A joint Arab study on WTO
accession best practices will also be launched, analyzing recent Arab members’
experiences.
The meetings aim to bolster Arab and international cooperation
under the WTO framework while reinforcing Oman’s position as a hub for economic
dialogue. Since its 2012 launch in Beijing, 12 roundtables have been held
globally, including at WTO ministerial conferences. The Abu Dhabi 2024 meeting
marked the first in the Arab world.
The opening was attended by Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of
Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, alongside GCC ambassadors and
senior officials from member states.
—— Ends/AH
