Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir emphasised the importance of capacity building to keep pace with the global trade system and to properly fulfil the World Trade Organisation (WTO) notification obligations.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of a four-day training programme titled “National Training on WTO Notification Requirements,” held at the Secretariat on Monday.
Muktadir said notification is an essential element for complying with WTO rules, staying updated, and keeping pace with global progress and it is a vital part of the WTO’s toolbox.
He described it as a timely initiative, noting that such training programmes would play a significant role in increasing knowledge and skills regarding international trade, while also strengthening coordination among officials from various ministries.
Expressing interest in the outcomes of the workshop, Muktadir added that the ultimate success of this training would lie in applying the acquired knowledge to practical work.
Muktadir said such initiatives, taken in coordination with Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation (ITTC), would bring positive results for the country. He expressed hope that such educational platforms would be organised regularly in the future so that stakeholders remain prepared to always perform their WTO-related duties.
He added, “We must remain optimistic that the institution the global community has collectively built over the past three decades will move forward even stronger”. He hoped that the WTO would overcome its current stagnation and resume its activities with new vigour very soon.
Additional Secretary of the WTO Wing of the Ministry of Commerce Khadija Nazneen delivered the welcome address at the event. Secretary (Routine Duty) of the Ministry of Commerce Abdur Rahim Khan spoke as a special guest. WTO Head of Councilor for the Asia and Pacific region (ITTC) Usman Ali Khilji and WTO Head of Councilor for Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus region Kenza Le Mentec also delivered speeches.
A total of 50 officials from various ministries are participating in the four-day training. The training programme will be conducted through multiple sessions covering various important WTO-related issues.
