Yaoundé, 29 March 2026 – The 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (MC14) concluded in the capital of the Republic of Cameroon, bringing together ministers and heads of delegation of WTO Members to discuss key issues related to the development of the multilateral trading system.

The Conference resulted in meaningful outcomes reaffirming Members’ commitment to an open, inclusive, and rules-based international trading system.

In particular, ministers adopted a number of decisions aimed at strengthening the resilience of global trade and supporting developing and least developed countries. An important outcome was the advancement of work on the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, reflecting the collective efforts of WTO Members to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources.

Special attention was also given to WTO reform. Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to modernizing the Organization, enhancing its effectiveness, and adapting it to the evolving challenges of the global economy. Discussions identified key areas for future work, including improving decision-making processes, strengthening trust among Members, and reinforcing the WTO’s role in ensuring fair trading conditions.

Significant progress was made in discussions on digital trade. WTO Members agreed to continue active work under the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce, with particular emphasis on bridging the digital divide and expanding opportunities for developing countries.

The Conference also served as a platform for in-depth dialogue on agriculture, food security, and sustainable development. Ministers emphasized the importance of finding balanced solutions that take into account the interests of all Members, including least developed countries and net food-importing countries.

Discussions also covered issues related to investment facilitation for development, support for least developed countries, and enhancing the participation of small and vulnerable economies in international trade.

Within the framework of the Conference, the delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan actively participated in discussions on key agenda items, including agriculture, digital trade, and WTO reform. Kazakhstan delivered a number of statements emphasizing the importance of maintaining an open and rules-based trading system, as well as the need to take into account the interests of developing countries, including landlocked developing countries.

Participants noted the high level of organization of the Conference and expressed their appreciation to the Government and people of the Republic of Cameroon for their warm hospitality and excellent arrangements.

The outcomes achieved in Yaoundé provide a solid foundation for advancing negotiations and strengthening the multilateral trading system in the lead-up to future meetings in Geneva.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-wto/press/news/details/1193933?lang=kk