Within the framework of the Italian Presidency of the G7, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, will chair the works of the first G7 Trade Ministers’ Meeting, which will be held tomorrow, via videoconference.
Following Italy’s decision, the meeting will be held at the beginning of the year to contribute to the success of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13), which will take place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at the end of February.
“This meeting is crucial for us, also given the current geopolitical context, characterised by increasing tensions and conflicts which directly impact on trade exchanges, ports and the world economy”, stated the Deputy Prime Minister and added “Italy is strongly convinced that a reformed WTO is fundamental to regulate the world trade for the benefit of our businesses and global development, including that of Africa, a priority for our Presidency”.
The Italian G7 Presidency wants to define trade actions according to four essential priorities: transforming the G7 into a supporting element for a multilateral trade system by placing the WTO at its core; continuing the discussions on the promotion and respect of equal conditions on third markets (the so-called Level-Playing Field); promoting debates on the link between trade and environmental sustainability; analysing the relation between a fair, accessible and sustainable trade and economic security.
The G7 Trade Ministers’ Meeting will conclude by adopting a joint communication. A second meeting with the G7 Trade Ministers is scheduled for July in Reggio Calabria.
