[25/10/2024 05:20]

GENEVA - SABA
Minister of Industry and Trade Mohammed al-Ashwal has emphasized the importance of enhancing bilateral relations with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and removing obstacles that have hindered technical support and capacity building from the organization to Yemen.

He pointed out that the government is in the process of ratifying the Trade Facilitation Agreement.

During his meeting Friday here on the sidelines of the Trade Facilitation Committee meetings, he discussed with Deputy General Director of WTO Angela Ellard the significant role the organization plays in capacity building and technical assistance for import and export processes, as well as in creating an investment-friendly environment.

The discussions covered scheduling subscription payments for Yemen based on a financial plan agreed upon by both parties, which would lead to lifting the restrictions imposed on Yemen and providing technical assistance, workshops, and training courses offered by the organization to member states.

For her part, Angela Ellard welcomed the proposals put forward by Yemen, affirming the organization’s appreciation for the circumstances Yemen is facing and their understanding of the payment difficulties.

She highlighted the WTO's commitment to providing all necessary facilitation to ensure Yemen benefits from the assistance and consultations offered in the field of trade facilitation.

She also noted the benefits Yemen would gain if it ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement, pointing out the organization’s readiness to provide assistance to enable Yemen to benefit from its fisheries resources, contingent upon the ratification of the Fisheries Support Agreement.

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