DG Azevêdo: Singapore’s Support is Essential to Strengthen Trading System

Director-General Roberto Azevêdo met on 7 November with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang to discuss the state of play in WTO work ahead of the organization’s 11th Ministerial Conference, to be held in Buenos Aires in December.

DG Azevêdo also participated in a roundtable with Singaporean business representatives co-organized by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and International Enterprise (IE) Singapore focused on the importance of the multilateral trading system for the growth of e-commerce and the digital economy.

The Director-General said:

“Singapore is a very active member of the WTO. It is a founding member of the organization, and remains an outstanding champion of the multilateral trading system. This is very important, especially at this juncture, just a few weeks away from our 11th Ministerial Conference. I count on Singapore's support to help deliver a successful MC11 and strengthen the trading system for the future.

“I was also encouraged to hear the strong interest of Singaporean business in the WTO's work, putting a great focus on what the organization can do to maximise the potential of e-commerce as a tool to promote inclusive growth. This engagement with the private sector is very important to help identify best practices to facilitate trade and increase participation in the trading system, as well as help inform debates at the organization.