YAOUNDE : Oman’s delegation is led by His Excellency Pankaj Khimji, Advisor for Foreign Trade and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. The delegation also includes His Excellency Ambassador Idris bin Abdul Rahman Al-Khanjari, Permanent Representative of Oman to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, along with Faisal bin Ali Al-Hinai, Deputy Head of Mission to the WTO.

The high-level conference has brought together trade ministers from member states to address a wide range of critical issues shaping the future of global commerce. Key topics under discussion include reform of the WTO, agriculture, fisheries subsidies, e-commerce, development, and investment facilitation.

Speaking on the sidelines, His Excellency Pankaj Khimji emphasized that Oman’s participation reflects its strong commitment to supporting the multilateral trading system and enhancing economic and trade partnerships. He highlighted the importance of achieving balanced outcomes that cater to the priorities of developing and least developed countries, particularly amid ongoing global challenges such as geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.

He further reiterated that the WTO plays a vital role in promoting inclusive global trade, noting Oman’s firm adherence to the principles of a rules-based system built on openness, fairness, and transparency.

Ambassador Idris bin Abdul Rahman Al-Khanjari underscored Oman’s recent accession to the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement as a significant step towards reducing harmful subsidies linked to overfishing and protecting marine ecosystems. He also stressed the need to advance negotiations on comprehensive controls, while ensuring continued technical support for developing countries.

Highlighting broader priorities, he called for intensified efforts in the agricultural sector to achieve balanced outcomes ahead of the next ministerial conference, with development remaining central to global trade discussions. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening provisions that support developing nations, alongside expanding technical assistance programs.

Faisal bin Ali Al-Hinai, Deputy Head of Mission, reiterated Oman’s support for comprehensive WTO reforms aimed at addressing decision-making challenges, promoting equitable opportunities, and restoring an effective dispute settlement system. He stressed that reforms must be transparent and inclusive, involving all member states.

He further expressed Oman’s backing for integrating the Investment Facilitation for Development Initiative within the WTO framework, noting its potential to enhance transparency and improve investment environments, particularly in developing economies.

On the sidelines of the conference, the Omani delegation held several bilateral meetings with counterparts from member states, focusing on strengthening trade ties, boosting economic cooperation, and exploring new investment opportunities.

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