By Mohammed Al-Moula (with photos)
BALI, Indonesia, Dec 4 (KUNA) -- Kuwaiti Minister of Commerce and Industry Anas Al-Saleh urged here on Wednesday all WTO member states to throw weight behind an overture urging a recognition of Arabic as an official WTO language.
Addressing the 9th WTO Ministerial Council, held in Bali in Indonesia, the minister said that such a move, once approved, would largely boost Kuwait's involvement in WTO activities, and promote communications between Arab civil societies and the multilateral trading system.
The Kuwaiti minister also called on WTO members to back the Arab League's WTO observer status membership bid in order to draw more Arab attention to WTO affairs, thus contributing to the implementation of WTO resolutions and agreements.
He said the Kuwaiti government is seeking to overhaul all trade laws and legislations in a bid to create a congenial business and investment atmosphere that can attract local and foreign investors.
He reiterated his country's support for expansion in the provision of technical assistance to developing and least developed countries (LDCs).
Al-Saleh stressed the significance of the multilateral trading system as the most optimum safeguard for stable and unrestricted trade, and economic growth and development.
The minister welcomed Yemen as a new WTO member, voicing confidence that this Arab country would contribute to the fulfillment of WTO goals.
He also congratulated the new WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo of Brazil, wishing him best of luck in his new duty.
The ministerial conference, the top most decision-making body of the WTO, usually meets once every two years, and includes all members of the WTO. The WTO ministerial conference was last held in Geneva in December 2011.
The 159-member WTO is a global international organization that sets out rules for world trade. (end) mam.mt KUNA 041851 Dec 13NNNN