Geneva: During the World Trade Organization (WTO) General Council meetings in Geneva, held from October 6 to 8, 2025, Egypt affirmed its commitment to leading collective reform efforts that restore confidence in the multilateral trading system. Egypt is taking these steps amidst turmoil in international trade and the escalation of unilateral actions by a number of major economies. However, Egypt places development at the heart of its priorities and ensures a stable and fair trading environment for all members, especially developing countries.

According to State Information Service Egypt, in its statement to the General Council, Egypt emphasized that reform must focus on the principles of most-favored-nation treatment and non-discrimination, as they are the cornerstones of the global trading system.

Egypt called for reform to encompass the organization’s three functions: negotiation, monitoring, and dispute resolution, enhancing its coherence and effectiveness.

Egypt noted that approximately 72% of global merchandise trade is conducted according to WTO rules, reflecting the continued centrality of multilateral rules. Egypt called for a specific reform plan to ensure the full restoration of the dispute settlement system by 2026.

Egypt concluded its statement by emphasizing that the desired reform must protect the rules-based system, restore confidence in the WTO as a pivotal platform for international trade cooperation, and ensure a fair and stable environment for all members.

Egypt affirmed its readiness to cooperate with all partners to achieve this goal ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), considering the current period a critical opportunity to restore the strength of the multilateral trading system to serve the interests of global development and stability.