At opening of WTO 14th Ministerial Conference: PM echoes Cameroon’s commitment to fair global trade.

 The PM was speaking in Yaounde Thursday, on behalf of the President of the Republic, Paul Biya. 

This was during the opening ceremony of the 14th Ministerial Conference, MC14, of the World Trade Organisation, WTO.

The event, which ran till Sunday, March 29, 2026, brought together over 4,000 delegates from 166 countries for high-level talks on global trade challenges and the future of multilateralism.

Addressing the gathering on behalf of President Paul Biya, the Prime Minister noted that the conference is holding at time of “profound mutations” in the international system. 

He pointed to geopolitical tensions, rising protectionism and intensifying commercial rivalries.

Dion Ngute explained that such developments are reshaping global governance and directly influencing international trade dynamics, stressing the need for coordinated responses. 

The Prime Minister said the Yaounde meeting is an opportunity to reset global trade governance.

“This conference could contribute to laying the foundations of a more inclusive trade governance, reducing asymmetries between nations and injecting new momentum into negotiations in strategic sectors, particularly agriculture,” he said.

He added that discussions should also address the digital transformation of global trade and strengthen the multilateral trading system.

Africa's role

Dion Ngute highlighted the significance of the conference being held in Africa, noting that it is only the second such WTO gathering on the continent since the organisation’s creation. 

To him, the meeting reflects growing recognition of Africa’s role in shaping global trade, particularly through continental initiatives. 

“Our continent is resolutely asserting its ambition to build an integrated, competitive and diversified market,” he said.

He stressed that global trade challenges are not abstract but have real human consequences, especially for farmers and entrepreneurs. 

“When exchanges contract, markets close and cooperation gives way to unbalanced competition, it is the most vulnerable populations that suffer the consequences,” the Prime Minister added.

He emphasised that shared prosperity depends on cooperation and solidarity. 

The envoy of the Head of State added that trade must be positioned as a key tool for reducing poverty and expanding opportunities.

Reaffirms country's commitment to multilateralism 

Dion Ngute paid tribute to WTO Director General, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and commended her leadership in maintaining the credibility of the global trading system.

“Please accept the Cameroonian government’s profound gratitude for your unwavering commitment and invaluable contribution to the success of this conference,” he said.

Dion Ngute also thanked WTO member States and international partners for their participation, noting that the scale and level of representation reflect a shared determination to address global trade challenges collectively.

Reaffirming Cameroon’s position, the Prime Minister stated that the country remained firmly committed to the multilateral trading system. 

The Prime Minister urged delegates to build consensus on trade rules and mechanisms. 

He expressed hope that the Yaounde meeting “will mark the beginning of a new chapter; that of renewed and strengthened multilateralism, the triumph of dialogue over confrontation”.

WTO boss warns of global trade strain 

In her address, WTO Director General, Nigerian-born Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, outlined the pressures facing the global trading system. She warned that, it was undergoing significant strain.

Dr Okonjo-Iweala noted that the confab is holding at a time of global uncertainty, with economic and geopolitical shifts disrupting trade patterns. 

“The world order and multilateral system we used to know has irrevocably changed…we will not get it back… and we must look to the future. Open international trade has raised living standards… helping to lift 1.5 billion people out of extreme poverty,” Dr Okonjo-Iweala stated.

Calls for reform, political will 

Dr Okonjo-Iweala stressed that the WTO must evolve to remain effective, pointing to gaps in transparency and trust. She urged ministers to act decisively, and warned against inaction.

“Lack of transparency leads to a lack of trust, and that breeds suspicions of unfairness. We cannot forever complain, and then miss the opportunity to fix the problems,” she said.

She emphasised that meaningful reform would depend on political commitment from member states. “Only your political will can help unblock pathways to delivering solutions,” she said.

The Director General further highlighted key areas for progress, including agriculture, fisheries, dispute settlement, digital trade and development, noting their importance for the global economy.

She also underscored the need to support least developed countries and ensure broader participation in global trade. The WTO chief placed responsibility on member States to safeguard the institution.

“It is now really up to you members to decide whether you want the organisation to continue or you want to pull it apart,” she said. She ended with a call for unity and shared responsibility.

“…let us work together solving problems together. Let us, in Nelson Mandela's words, do what is in our hands to ‘make a better world for all who live in it,” she said.

Trade minister urges results

Speaking earlier, Cameroon's Minister of Trade and Conference Chair, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, stressed that it is a conference of all hopes, but also of all challenges.

“Our work must rise, like the seven hills of Yaounde, into a single unified whole despite our divergences and diversities,” he said.

Minister Mbarga Atangana noted that the WTO had played a central role in ensuring stability and transparency in global trade over the past three decades. 

He, however, stressed that the organisation must adapt to new realities.

 “As the world evolves, our organisation must also evolve,” he said. 

The minister outlined priority areas for the conference, including development, agriculture, dispute settlement and electronic commerce. Calling for concrete outcomes, he urged delegates to act with determination.

“We are guided by one obligation. The obligation of results,” he said. He also called for unity and resilience among participants.

Enter other speakers 

The Vice President of The Gambia, Muhammed Jallow, as special guests, underscored the need to create opportunities for developing countries to catchup on technological advancements. His views were echoed by the European Union Commissioner of Trade. 

On his part, the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank, Afreximbank, Dr George Elombi, emphasized the importance for African countries to invest in the transformation of cotton in order to maximize income. 

WTO fisheries subsidies agreement celebrated 

The opening ceremony was marked by the celebration of the entry into force of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, described as a milestone in global efforts towards sustainable ocean management.

Delegates also witnessed the unveiling of a commemorative song, which added a cultural touch to the formal launch of the conference.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3743 of Friday March 27, 2026