Photo: Collected

DHAKA, March 27, 2026 (BSS) - Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has 
underscored the importance of undertaking reforms in the World Trade 
Organization (WTO) with caution, ensuring that its fundamental principles 
remain intact.

"While WTO reform is necessary in the current global context, it must not 
compromise the core foundations of the multilateral trading system," he said.

The minister made these remarks on Thursday during the session titled "WTO 
Reform: Fundamental Issues" at the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) 
held in Yaound,, Cameroon, said a press release here today.

In his speech, Muktadir emphasized that the WTO has long played a pivotal 
role in promoting trade-led development among its member countries through a 
consensus-based and rules-based framework grounded in non-discrimination and 
inclusivity.

Highlighting the benefits of the existing system, the Minister noted that 
mechanisms such as Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) treatment, Duty-Free and Quota-
Free (DFQF) market access, and Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) have 
significantly supported both developed and developing countries, particularly 
Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

He further observed that, except for periods marked by the 2008 global 
financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, median incomes in developed 
economies have shown consistent growth over the past three decades-
demonstrating the effectiveness of the current multilateral trading system.

While reiterating the need for reform, the Minister cautioned against 
undermining the achievements of the existing framework, which has been built 
over decades through sustained efforts by member countries. 

He stressed that the global economy continues to rely heavily on this rules-
based system, and any reform initiative must preserve its integrity.

The Minister called for a careful, balanced, and inclusive reform process 
that safeguards past gains while ensuring development-oriented outcomes for 
all WTO members.

It may be noted that the WTO Ministerial Conference is the highest decision-
making body of the organization, where key global trade policies are 
deliberated and adopted. 

The MC14 has brought together trade ministers and representatives from 166 
member countries.

The Bangladesh delegation to the conference is led by the Commerce Minister 
and includes Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, along with senior officials 
from the Ministry of Commerce and the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh in 
Geneva.