12 December 2013

MaltaIndependent 08/12/2013: Malta welcomed yesterday’s historic agreement at the World Trade Organisation, where a deal was struck in Bali to boost global trade and which was approved by the WTO’s 159 member economies for the first time in nearly two decades, keeping alive the possibility that a broader agreement to create a level playing field for rich and poor countries can be reached in the future.

Commenting yesterday from Bali, Economy, Investment and Small Business Minister Chris Cardona expressed Malta’s satisfaction with the deal, “We want to thank the Commission for the very positive stance that was taken during these negotiations. We feel that our interests have been respected throughout the process. Malta also wants to reaffirm its gratitude to the Director General of WTO, Roberto Azevedo, for the tremendous work he has carried out in recent months.”

Dr Cardona added, “As an island state, and with an economy that is very dependent on international trade, our view is that the Trade Facilitation Agreement will have economic benefits for all including...read on.