His Excellency Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Acting Minister of Finance, met today with H.E. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), through video conferencing.

The discussions focused on methods to increase Qatari-WTO cooperation as well as strategies to support and promote it.

During the meeting, H.E. the Minister praised the WTO Secretariat’s efforts in carrying out Qatar’s third trade policy review, and expressed gratitude for the Secretariat’s efforts in obtaining positive results through this process and allowing the State of Qatar to continue to meet its commitments.

H.E. noted that Qatar regards the WTO as one of the key pillars of connection and communication with diverse Member States, emphasizing the importance of working and cooperating together to keep the Organization as one of the world’s key institutions.

H.E. also highlighted at the meeting that Qatar’s continuing and dedicated participation in the WTO will contribute to the country’s economic and social stability. Simultaneously, he stated that Qatar will continue to view its trade policy as one of the most important components in accomplishing its economic development goals.

During the meeting, the WTO Director-General examined the WTO reform plan. The Director-General also praised Qatar’s position and active involvement in the global multilateral trading system, as well as the precautionary measures adopted by the country in the face of a Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). The Director-General also praised Qatar’s efforts in the WTO ‘s initiatives and contributions, as well as the country’s efforts to assist populations in economic and humanitarian problems during the present global crisis.

During the WTO’s third review session of Qatar’s trade policy, held last April in Geneva, the WTO commended the country’s efforts and accomplishments.