India Pushes for Inclusive WTO Reforms at MC14, Strengthens Global Trade Engagement

Yaounde, Cameroon | Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal is leading the Indian delegation at the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which commenced on March 26, 2026, in Yaounde, Cameroon.

Addressing a ministerial session on foundational WTO issues, Goyal stressed that reforms must be transparent, inclusive, and driven by member nations, with development at their core. He highlighted the need to uphold key WTO principles, including non-discrimination, consensus-based decision-making, and equity.

The conference opened with a ceremonial session attended by WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and trade ministers from across member countries. India was represented at the opening by Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agrawal. The event also marked the implementation of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which came into force in September 2025. On the sidelines, Goyal met Cameroon’s Prime Minister H.E. Dion Ngute Joseph to discuss strengthening bilateral ties. He also held discussions with the WTO Director-General and counterparts from the Netherlands, France, and Ethiopia to boost trade cooperation.

Meanwhile, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal engaged with representatives from countries including the US, Chile, Peru, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union, focusing on the MC14 agenda and ongoing trade negotiations such as India-Chile and India-Peru FTAs, along with progress on India-EU and India-New Zealand agreements.

The day concluded with a ceremonial reception hosted by Cameroon, underscoring the importance of global cooperation in shaping the future of trade.