WTO meeting shows growing confidence in Kenya

Kenya is set to host a meeting of ministers in charge of international trade and negotiations under the World Trade Organization.

The meeting, formally known as the WTO Ministerial Conference (MC10) is expected to bring together more than 4,000 delegates from 160 member countries of the WTO.

On Thursday, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed said the fact that the meeting would be the first in Africa indicates growing confidence in the country from the international community.

In a year when Kenya has suffered a decline in tourism numbers due to insecurity, the CS promised Kenya would prepare to ensure the conference went on uninterrupted.

“Kenya accepts the honour of hosting the WTO MC10. We will work energetically with the WTO Secretariat to ensure that the logistical, administrative and other preparations are in place for a successful conference,” she said.

CHALLENGES FACING AFRICA

The Ministerial Council of the WTO meets once every two years. Being the highest decision-making body, it seeks to resolve issues arising from trade agreements involving more than two countries.

Ms Mohamed, who is attending the WTO General Council meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, said the conference in Nairobi would help the international community understand the challenges Africa faces in accessing global markets.

“Africa’s performance in global trade remains below expectation.

“Africa’s share of world trade, which currently stands at around 3.25 per cent, is far from sufficient and there is (an) urgent need for a platform from which a spotlight can be turned on the continent’s performance,” she told the Council.

The WTO is a global organisation created in 1995 that enables countries to negotiate trade agreements and settle international trade disputes.

It officially has five functions of administering trade agreements, acting as a forum for trade negotiations, monitoring national trade policies, providing technical assistance to developing countries and acting as a link with other international organisations.

The meeting in Kenya will coincide with the 20th anniversary of WTO’s founding.

Source: nation.co.ke