Press Releases

Today, House Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement at the conclusion of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Thirteenth Ministerial Conference (MC13) where discussions continued on a variety of key trade issues, including agriculture, fisheries, dispute settlement, and the e-commerce moratorium.

“The World Trade Organization hosted another successful Ministerial Conference, and with the complexities of today’s trade issues, continuing multilateral conversations are more important than ever. The legacy and stability of WTO as a platform for constructively addressing global challenges and connecting economies requires attention and commitment to fulfill its founding principles and deliver on its promise. The accessions of two new Members, Comoros and Timor-Leste, reflect the global relevancy and value of the WTO, which will only continue to grow as the reform agenda takes hold.

“United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai continues to steadfastly represent the United States, and was instrumental in the renewal of WTO’s long-standing e-commerce moratorium that supports global business growth. I commend Ambassador Tai for her commitment to our trade priorities: strengthening transparency, modernizing the WTO, and reforming the dispute settlement system. Reform must address long-standing American concerns, and while I welcome this Ministerial’s progress, work remains to see our agenda fully realized.

“The Committee’s Trade Staff Director and Chief Trade Counsel, Alexandra Whittaker, represented the Committee at MC13, meeting with trading partners, WTO officials, industry stakeholders, and civil society.

“Ways and Means Democrats remain committed to advancing an inclusive, durable trade agenda that enables American workers, farmers, and businesses to succeed while strengthening workers’ rights, promoting sustainable environmental practices, and ensuring strong enforcement of our trade commitments.”

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