KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — Malaysia is urging the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to step up efforts to support developing and least-developed countries, while also undertaking reforms to remain relevant in the global trade system.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said he conveyed this view during a meeting with WTO director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
“We need to look into issues that have made the WTO less effective than it used to be, and we must have the courage to implement the changes,” he told Bernama while attending the 31st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Jeju, South Korea.
He said Malaysia welcomed efforts to reform the WTO, which will be discussed in greater detail at the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon next year.
During the meeting, Tengku Zafrul also emphasised the importance of upholding multilateralism in global trade.
“We have a WTO ambassador who is part of the team working to ensure the organisation remains relevant and continues to support all countries,” he added.
— Bernama
