Statement of Canada – Formal TNC and Informal HoDs – May 7, 2025
Thank you, DG.
This is the kind of thinking we need to do.
We are faced with a volatile and increasingly fragmented trading environment, which is already putting great strain on the WTO.
An MC14 that is seen as a failure would be immensely damaging to the WTO and to the rules-based system that has benefited us all.
To make MC14 a success, we have to be very careful and should think carefully about what a ministerial conference at this juncture can be most useful for.
A few specifics:
Agree that only issues with hope of real convergence should be taken to MC14.
Flexibility and pragmatism will be key.
Reform should be central and should not have a cut-off date.
Call on members to avoid overloading the agenda.
The absence of a discussion on certain issues at MC14 should not be a sign of de-prioritization, let alone failure.
Agree with you, DG, on the need for focus and precision. We will need to narrow the scope of work quickly. This document has a very, very long list of issues.
Canada is fully prepared to engage on substance across the broad.
DG, as you said at the WTO’s 30th Anniversary event, now is not the time to ask what the WTO can do for us, but what we can do for the WTO.
