The WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi ended on 1 March 2024. The German delegation was headed by State Secretary Udo Philipp.The delegations from 166 member countries discussed important trade-policy issues, in particular the restoration of a fully functioning WTO dispute settlement system and a work programme for a level playing field in trade and industrial policy. The items of the agenda also included the extension of the Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmission and the completion of the agreement on the reduction of harmful fisheries subsidies.

Negotiations on all the areas were intensive and progress was made in some respects.One specific outcome is the extension of the Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmission, which is particularly important for German companies. The negotiations on the other issues need to be continued in Geneva.

State Secretary Udo Philipp said: "I cannot deny that I had hoped for more. At least, freedom from tariffs for electronic transmissions has been safeguarded for the coming years. As regards the further issues, we now need to work even more intensively and try to overcome the disagreements between the member countries."

It is also positive that two new members, Comoros and Timor-Leste, acceded to the WTO. Furthermore, decisions were taken to support and strengthen developing countries. This shows the relevance of the WTO for developing countries in particular. The next Ministerial Conference of the WTO will take place in two years in Cameroon.