13th Ministerial Conference will serve as a platform for member states to address challenges, refine rules, set the agenda for global trade policy

Leading ministers, officials, and leaders will convene in Abu Dhabi on Monday for the World Trade Organization's (WTO) 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13), where they will attempt to resolve disagreements and come to agreements on important trade problems. The four-day summit will give member nations a venue to discuss issues, hone regulations, and establish the direction of international trade policy. 

Notwithstanding the difficulties and uncertainties facing the world, Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, the UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade and Chair of the MC13, remained upbeat. Through a number of side events, the forum will offer a chance to investigate ways to increase cooperation and partnerships with private industry, civil society, and non-governmental organisations in order to improve the efficacy of trade policies and initiatives. 

These include sessions on trade facilitation in partnership with Etihad Credit Insurance, trade finance with HSBC, SMEs with the ADDED, the WLP Logistics Challenges with DP World, Future of Cargo in partnership with Emirates, and Sustainable Trade Africa. The TradeTech Global Forum will promote the use of technology in global supply chains.