The United Arab Emirates has reiterated its commitment to mobilizing international efforts to adopt a multilateral trading system based on rules, which serves as a crucial driver for sustainable economic growth worldwide. This assertion comes in light of the unprecedented challenges currently faced by the global trading system due to geopolitical tensions and the rise of protectionism, which negatively impacts global supply chains and the flow of goods and services across borders.
This statement was made during the UAE’s participation in the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (MC14) held in Cameroon from March 26 to March 29.
The UAE delegation was headed by Fahd Al Gergawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, and included officials from the ministry, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Central Bank of the UAE, and the UAE Mission to the WTO in Geneva.
The active participation of the UAE in this significant international event reflects its growing stature as a pivotal player in shaping the future of global trade, particularly following the successful hosting of the 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO in Abu Dhabi earlier in 2024, which yielded outcomes that reinforced the positive role of the UAE as the host country in steering the future of international trade toward greater openness and mutual prosperity.
Fahd Al Gergawi stated: “The UAE’s involvement in the 14th Ministerial Conference of the WTO is the culmination of an ambitious strategy that positions the country as a key player in shaping the future of global trade and as a hub for international commerce. Following the successful conversion of its open economic vision into tangible realities, the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade reached record figures in 2025, exceeding 3.8 trillion dirhams (approximately 1.03 trillion dollars), reflecting a growth rate of 27% compared to 2024, supported by a significant increase in UAE exports of goods. This enhances the UAE’s position as a global trading hub, bolstered by comprehensive economic partnership agreements continually being signed with strategic partners in major growth regions worldwide.”
He added: “The record growth in the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade results from the country’s ongoing strategy of commercial openness, alongside its adoption of rules-based free trade as a growth catalyst. This approach has contributed to the success of the UAE’s economic diversification policies and has improved the nation’s capacity to navigate the geopolitical and economic challenges present globally, allowing it to remain a leading model in commercial openness and integration into the global economy.”
During the participation in the 14th Ministerial Conference of the WTO, the UAE delegation emphasized that global trade-restrictive measures threaten to fragment the world economy, weaken economic growth, and exacerbate inflationary pressures and unemployment rates. The UAE renewed its call at the conference for international support to maintain the flow of trade and enhance the resilience of the global economy against shocks. The delegation also highlighted the UAE’s development model and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the principles of economic multilateralism and the enhancement of international partnerships during this critical phase in global trade.
On the bilateral relations front, the UAE’s participation at this important international forum was marked by its ability to blend multilateral work with the strengthening of bilateral ties. The UAE continued to explore opportunities to expand its network of trade partners by leveraging its exceptional geographic location and advanced infrastructure, while also seeking new avenues for commercial cooperation with African nations, especially since the conference was held on the continent which is witnessing increasing economic growth.
In addition, the UAE delegation engaged in a series of bilateral meetings with representatives from countries including Austria, the Bahamas, New Zealand, Peru, and Guatemala, among others, during the conference.