By Winnie Kamau
The world has congregated in Nairobi for the 10th Ministerial World Trade organisation conference. The first time African continent to hold such a high powered delegation in an event that is held every two years, all eyes are set on Kenya’s performance with the backdrop of recent spates of insecurity.
But that is not all, Kenya is ranked high performing among the developing countries and Least Developed Countries. This should be a proud moment for this categories but it’s not since the high and mighty nations in the name of developed countries seem like they are taking the weak countries for a long endless drive. The biggest contention is the 15 year Doha Agreement that has been a push and shove especially for the Least developed Countries and not so advanced developing countries like Kenya. The Doha agreement has had several disagreements concerning agriculture, services, trade antidotes, industrial tariffs and non-tariff barriers.
In the words of Kenyan Cabinet Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Amina Mohamed at the Press briefing session noted with a lot of concern that the conference is a make or break for the world “The character of this organisation will fundamentally change after Nairobi Ministerial conference” Adding “WTO is at crossroads it has decisions to collectively make.”
The Doha Agreement has put WTO as an organisation on a vulnerable spot that has left many wondering what will happen to the great and mighty organisation. This has led Director General Roberto Azvedo to defend his organisation saying “When political will is there we will manage to pull through”.
Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta said during the opening of the Conference that World trade organisation has made major contributions to the growth as well as the stability of the global economy “WTO has helped boost international trade and resolve disputes amongst members and supporting developing countries and in particular the least developing countries to integrate into the multilateral trading system, the growing membership is a strong endorsement of the organization’s relevance”.
President Uhuru empasized about the need to reflect and address challenges encountered which will be critical to ensuring that WTO effectively plays its role in promoting global trade and increase the number of developing countries are able to reach their full potential. The President however pleaded with the delegates of the world, “I urge all of you to exercise flexibility in the spirit of compromise and and in the spirit of delivering for all.”
Chairperson ,Nairobi Ministerial Conference and Kenyan Cabinet Secretary, Amina Mohammed, noted that Africa being the youngest continent hosting most of the least developed countries and developing countries was keenly watching the organisation.
