The Ministerial Conference is the highest decision-making body of the World Trade Organization (“WTO”). The 14th Ministerial Conference (“MC14”) was held in Yaoundé, Cameroon from 26–29 March 2026.
The Hon. Fata Ryan Schuster, Minister of Commerce, Industry & Labour; and Trade Negotiations of Samoa chaired the Pacific WTO Ministers’ meeting held on 25 March 2026. Through the leadership of Minister Schuster as the Pacific Lead Spokesperson, the Pacific engagement and strategy ensured the region’s priorities were fully represented at the structured breakout sessions, thematic discussions, different group meetings including the OACPS, and bilateral discussions.
The Pacific delegations contributed to the key discussions on fisheries subsidies, WTO reform, electronic commerce, agriculture, and development. The Ministers adopted the Decision on Fisheries Subsidies to continue negotiations on additional disciplines on certain forms of fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing. This is an important decision for the Pacific to ensure members engage towards a comprehensive agreement on fisheries subsidies to be adopted by September 2029.
Samoa formally submitted its Instrument of Acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable ocean governance and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Speaking on behalf of the Pacific and the ACP Group, Samoa highlighted that over a third of global fish stocks are overfished and called for the discipline of harmful subsidies that drive overcapacity. Samoa emphasised that special and differential treatment remains central to protecting small-scale fisheries and supporting vulnerable economies.
Ministers also adopted decisions relating to the Work Programme on Small Economies; and the consideration of the implementation of Special and Differential Treatment provisions of the SPS and TBT Agreements.
The conference was not able to decide on other matters including the electronic commerce work programme and moratorium, and the WTO reform work programme in which the Chair of the Conference has recommended members to continue these discussions with a view of making a decision at the next General Council meeting in Geneva, in May 2026.
On the margins of the Conference, Samoa also acceded to the Agreement Establishing the Advisory Centre on WTO Law (“ACWL”), strengthening its ability to access specialised legal support and engage confidently in global trade negotiations.
The Pacific delegation at MC14 consisted of ministerial and senior official representations from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu; with technical support from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade press release issued from Yaoundé on 30 March 2026.
