The event took place on February 16-17, 2015 in the WTO Headquarters and was dedicated to the 20th establishment anniversary of the organization. Only top leadership of WTO, European Parliament, Inter-Parliamentary Union, as well as parliamentarians and diplomatic representatives from all over the world were in attendance at the Conference.
During his speech, Viktor Halasiuk expressed deep gratitude to the international community on behalf of the Ukrainian delegation for continuous support of Ukraine in coping with the threats to security. He expressed several positions on international trade and economic development.
Particularly, the Committee Chair focused attention on the importance of elaboration of a productive approach to international trade. “International trade is not a source but a backup tool for economic development, and it can lead to stable economic development only if combined with the respective investment, industrial and innovation policies,” informed the rapporteur.
Apart form this, Viktor Halasiuk stressed Ukraine’s interest in the soonest possible enactment of the Trade Facilitation Agreement.
Expressing gratitude to WTO member states for their support, the people’s deputy of Ukraine voiced hope that it will make itself felt through understanding and meeting special needs of Ukraine in trade policy.
Under the rules of procedure of the Conference, annual session is oriented to parliamentarians specializing in international trade within the respective parliaments. Participation in the Conference provides an opportunity to receive first-hand information on recent developments within the Doha Round; discuss possible ways for activating the process; and exchange ideas and experience with the colleagues from other parliaments, etc. V.Halasiuk mentioned that participation in this conference will allow Ukraine “understand key trends and interests of other players, as well as tools for promoting Ukrainian products worldwide.”