Geneva, 3 December 2025 – Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the World Trade Organization participated in the opening of the two-day Trade in Services for Development Conference, which commenced today at the WTO headquarters in Geneva.

The event was officially opened by WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who emphasized that trade in services is one of the key drivers of global economic growth and requires special attention to enhance the participation of developing countries.

The Trade in Services for Development initiative, launched at the WTO Public Forum in September 2024, is a joint programme of the WTO and the World Bank aimed at building capacity and providing technical assistance to developing economies to strengthen their ability to benefit from trade in services.

Trade in services is currently one of the most dynamically growing segments of the global economy. Services account for around 65% of global GDP and more than 50% of worldwide employment. According to the WTO, global trade in commercial services exceeded USD 7.5 trillion in 2024, making services the largest and fastest-growing component of world trade. These trends underscore the importance of supporting countries seeking to increase their participation in global value chains in the services sector.

During the conference on 3–4 December 2025, the WTO Secretariat and the World Bank are presenting new tools, analytical materials, and programmes developed or updated under the initiative. Participants are discussing their practical applications, the needs of developing countries, optimal support mechanisms, and prospects for enhanced cooperation.

The event brings together government officials, international organizations, the private sector, and expert communities to exchange experiences, discuss best practices, and explore ways to strengthen joint efforts.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-wto/press/news/details/1118492?lang=kk