By Doaa Hussein
The Egyptian delegation, headed by the Minister of Trade and Industry “Tarek Kabil”, participated in the world trade organisation (WTO) 10th ministerial meeting of 163 countries in Kenya, which took place from 15-18 December in the African capital Nairobi, and led to new guidelines for the financing of agricultural, and new access to developed markets for poor cotton-producing countries.
Prior to the meeting, the Egyptian minister has attended the Arab countries group conference, on which he described the current state of Doha round mandate as very complex, especially during the mounting dispute between the developed and developing countries, pointing out that more attention is given to the rich nations on account of poor ones in the trade negotiations in the WTO.
Alongside, Kabil showed Egypt’s support of Doha round, which he reflected in 2 main points: the necessity of going on with Doha round work programme, as well as, setting new plans of its implementation according to the suggestions of Arab nations.
The minister also declared the salience of the Arab and African economic agreements that could benefit their nations, and advocate the Arab merit of being monitors in the WTO, and that of the Arab league membership in the organisation.
It is noteworthy that the industry minister has also attended the African group summit, in addition to holding some meetings with the trade ministers of Brazil, France, Senegal, Spain, South Africa, Italy, China, India, Mauritius, and a meeting with the chairman of the UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade And Development).
