YAOUNDÉ — Union Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal is leading the Indian delegation at the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization, which commenced on March 26, 2026, in Cameroon.
The conference opened with a significant milestone: a celebration of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which officially entered into force on September 15, 2025.
Advocacy for WTO Reform
During the “Ministerial Conversation on Foundational Issues,” Shri Goyal emphasized India’s stance on the future of global trade governance.
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Member-Driven Process: He called for WTO reforms to be transparent, inclusive, and driven by member nations rather than external pressures.
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Core Principles: India continues to advocate for the foundational pillars of non-discrimination, equity, and consensus-based decision-making.
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Development at the Center: The Minister stressed that any reform must keep the interests of developing nations at its core to ensure global economic balance.
High-Level Bilateral Engagements
On the sidelines of the summit, the Indian delegation engaged in intensive diplomacy to strengthen both multilateral and bilateral ties.
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Host Nation Relations: Shri Goyal met with the Prime Minister of Cameroon, H.E. Mr. Dion Ngute Joseph, to discuss enhancing India-Cameroon cooperation.
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WTO Leadership: Talks with DG-WTO Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala focused specifically on the MC14 agenda and resolving pending trade disputes.
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European and African Ties: The Minister held consultations with counterparts from the Netherlands, France, and Ethiopia to deepen trade and investment.
Expanding India’s FTA Footprint
Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agrawal maintained a rigorous schedule of bilateral meetings with representatives from over a dozen nations, including the US, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.
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Ongoing Negotiations: Progress was reviewed for the India-Chile and India-Peru Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
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Concluding Stages: Officials took stock of the final steps toward signing the recently concluded FTA negotiations with the European Union (EU) and New Zealand.
