Kenya is banking on the December World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference to redeem its image both as a safe tourist destination and conference hub.
East Africa’s biggest economy will be the first African country to host the major conference. Yesterday, President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the 10th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference logo and website.
The launch – which kicked off preparations for the WTO Conference that will be held between 15th and18th December – was held simultaneously with the WTO General Council in Geneva, Switzerland.
Speaking at the launch, President Kenyatta said hosting the conference is not only an honour to Kenya but also to East Africa and the entire continent. He said this signals the commitment of WTO members and the international community to integrate Africa into the Multilateral Trading System (MTS). “This is the way to go for us as a continent to realise the dream of the Continent Free Trade Area,” the President said.
The Head of State expressed optimism that the Conference will provide an opportunity for WTO members to restore confidence to the Multilateral Trading System. “We should use this Conference to agree on a work programme that can guide members to conclude the Doha Round of trade talks and deliver development as promised in the Doha Declaration of 2001,” he said.
President Kenyatta said the conference is an opportunity to demonstrate the country’s hospitality.
The launch was attended by Attorney General Githu Muiga, Cabinet Secretaries Fred Matiang’i (Information, Communication and Technology), Adan Mohamed (Industrialization and Enterprises Development) and James Macharia (Health) among other senior Government officials and stakeholders.
