Statement by H.E. Dr. Chia-Juch Chang

Minister of Economic Affairs

At this crucial time when the global economy is facing great uncertainty that requires a global effort to resolve, the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu welcomes the opening of the Ninth WTO Ministerial Conference.

Since the establishment of GATT in 1947, the multilateral trading system of GATT/WTO has been contributing significantly to global economic development. It also played a critical role in curtailing protectionism during the 2008 financial crisis.

It is our belief that the multilateral trading system of WTO must continue to be strengthened in order to respond to the ever-changing global trade environment. In addition, we recommend taking a practical and gradual approach to achieve an acceptable package based on the existing consensus among Members, and thereby steadily improve the WTO system.