13/03/2026 – The World Trade Organisation (WTO) Least Developed Countries (LDC) group convened a virtual Ministers of Trade Meeting in preparation for the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC-14) scheduled to take place from 26th to 29th March, 2026.
The WTO Ministerial Conference is the highest decision making body of the organisation comprising Ministers of Trade from WTO members. The WTO Ministerial Conference takes place at least every two years. This year’s 14th WTO Ministerial Conference has been dubbed the ‘Reform Ministerial’ and will present an opportunity for members to engage on key issues relating to the multilateral trading system.
In preparation for MC-14, the LDC Ministerial meeting considered key priorities for LDCs at the WTO including, WTO reform, smooth transition measures for graduating LDCs, agriculture and food security, electronic commerce and digital trade, fisheries subsidies, and development and special and differential treatment.
Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, M.P., Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry led Zambia’s delegation to the meeting. During his remarks, he reiterated Zambia’s commitment to the WTO and the multilateral trading system as a whole. He underscored the importance of the WTO in providing a rules based platform for members to engage. He acknowledged that the WTO has contributed to supporting livelihoods and lifting numerous people out of poverty through trade, particularly, women and the youth.
He highlighted the unique challenges faced by LDCs in integrating into global trade including supply side constraints and export concentration on a few products. Hon. Mulenga stressed the importance of LDC members speaking with a unified voice and presenting collective positions to ensure that outcomes at the Ministerial Conference are development oriented and responsive to LDC needs.
In concluding, Hon. Mulenga reiterated Zambia’s commitment to engaging constructively at the WTO and expressed his optimism for a fruitful and development oriented outcome at the upcoming Ministerial Conference.
Issued by:
The Permanent Mission of Zambia in Geneva