Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir. -File photo

DHAKA, March 24, 2026 (BSS) – A six-member delegation, led by Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, left here for Cameroon today to attend the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The conference is scheduled to be held from March 26 to 29, 2026, in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon. 

The Bangladesh delegation includes Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman and other senior government officials. 

The team is expected to return to the country on April 1.

The MC14 will bring together trade ministers from 166 member countries to discuss strengthening the multilateral trading system, addressing global trade challenges, and determining the future work plan of the WTO. 

Bangladesh plans to place significant emphasis on its interests as a Least Developed Country (LDC). Key issues to be raised by the delegation include securing duty-free and quota-free market access; ensuring the continuation of trade benefits for transitioning LDCs; enhancing trade capacity building; strengthening international cooperation to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and bilateral engagements.
Muktadir is slated to participate in various ministerial sessions and side meetings. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with trade ministers from different countries to discuss expanding Bangladesh’s exports, increasing foreign investment, and strengthening overall trade relations.

The Ministerial Conference is the WTO’s highest decision-making body, where member nations take critical steps in shaping global trade policy. This year’s conference will be chaired by Cameroon’s Minister of Commerce, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana.