The CM14 kicks off in Yaoundé with the urgent challenge of reforming the WTO in the face of the biggest trade crisis in 80 years

 

La Decimocuarta Conferencia Ministerial (CM14) from OMC It began its sessions in Yaundé, Camerún, with the aim of revitalizing the multilateral system in a context of deep crisis and trade fragmentation.

 

A turning point for world trade

 

During the opening session, the Director General of the OMC, Ngozi Okonjo-IwealaHe acknowledged that the meeting was taking place at an extremely difficult time. "We cannot deny the magnitude of the problems the world faces today," he stated, emphasizing that the trading system is going through "the worst disruptions in the last 80 years".

 

The head of the organization stressed that the known world order has irrevocably changed, urging member countries to "look forward". By Okonjo-IwealaThis involves identifying which aspects of the old order worked to preserve them and which ones need to be repaired or created from scratch to close current gaps.

 

For its part, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, Minister of Trade of Camerún and president of the CM14, recalled that the OMC It has been the cornerstone of stability and transparency in global business. However, he warned that the organization must evolve to be more agile in the face of current fragmentation.

 

Milestones and progress on the CM14 agenda

 

The opening day was marked by significant milestones, including the celebration of the entry into force of Agreement on Fisheries Subsidieseffective from September 15, 2025, after receiving the approval of two-thirds of the members. Furthermore, the Minister of Trade of Türkiye, Ömer BolatHe announced a key change in position: his country will no longer oppose the incorporation of the Investment Facilitation Agreement for Development (IFDA) within the legal framework of the OMC.

 

The following details the key participation information and timeline of the conference:

 

Concept	Detail / Figure
Celebration dates	26 al 29 March 2026
Headquarters	Yaundé, Camerún (Second time in África)
Expected attendees	More than 2.000 officials and 80 Trade Ministers
Key entry into force	Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (15/09/2025)

 

Strategic challenges and reform program

 

The ministers face a packed agenda of complex issues that will determine the course of logistics and international trade in the coming years. Among the priorities are:

 

• The establishment of a work program for the structural reform of the OMC.
• The extension of the moratorium on the customs duties in e-commerce.
• Negotiations on post-agricultural tradeMC14.
• Measures for the integration of the Least Developed Countries (PMA) in the multilateral system.

 

To address institutional reform, specific sessions have been organized, led by high-level facilitators from countries such as Noruega, Nueva Zelanda, the República de Corea, Reino Unido, Singapur y Costa RicaThe process will culminate with the review of the Yaoundé Ministerial Declaration on the Reform of OMC, prepared by the Ambassador Petter Ølberg de Noruega.

 

"It's up to you, the members, to decide whether you want the organization to continue or whether you want to dismantle it," he concluded. Okonjo-Iweala, appealing to strategic cooperation to achieve tangible results.

 

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about CM14

 

What is the Ministerial Conference and why is it important?

It is the highest decision-making body of the OMC and it usually meets every two years. This edition is crucial because it seeks to reform the rules of global trade after 80 years of relative stability that are now under threat.

 

What is the main development regarding investments at this summit?

The announcement of Türkiye to withdraw its objection to the incorporation of the Investment Facilitation Agreement for Development (IFDA) allows progress in its integration as a plurilateral agreement within the regulations of the OMC.

 

What digital commerce topics are being discussed?

The ministers are seeking common ground on the e-commerce work program, focusing particularly on extending the moratorium that prevents the application of customs duties to electronic transmissions.