THE Philippines wants a stronger and a more assertive role in global commerce, following the 14th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC14), the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Sunday.
The WTO remains relevant amid geopolitical conflicts and economic uncertainty, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said at a post-ministerial workshop in Pasay City last Friday.
“MC14 reaffirmed that, even in a complex and uncertain global environment, the multilateral trading system remains active and capable of delivering results,” Tiu Laurel noted.
Progress on fisheries subsidies was achieved, he said.
Tiu Laurel added that, aside from advancing global sustainability objectives, multilateral negotiations can yield meaningful results when effective leadership and political will are present.
MC14 also advanced special provisions granting developing countries more flexibility regarding sanitary and technical trade rules, as well as fisheries rules and measures to benefit small economies, Tiu Laurel said.
He also thanked the Philippine delegation to Geneva, including Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty and Agriculture Undersecretary Asis Perez, for helping facilitate compromises between negotiators and leading the shaping of international trade policy.
However, forming a consensus — particularly in agriculture and development — remains a challenge, Tiu Laurel said, pointing out that there are signs of “cautious momentum,” citing the near agreement on extending the e-commerce moratorium and incremental progress on reform.
The focus now moves from international negotiations to domestic implementation, Tiu Laurel said.
Government agencies should stay aligned, particularly on reform and agriculture, as negotiations are ongoing and that priorities and next steps are continuously being refined, Tiu Laurel noted, saying that friction accompanies reforms, and that the DA has also faced challenges as it pushes for policy changes.
While the Philippines values the WTO for expanding trade and growth, Tiu Laurel said the country should prioritize lowering production costs, improving marketing strategies, and ensuring product quality to boost competitiveness and truly benefit from global trade.
