ELECTRONIC commerce (e-commerce) and the inclusion of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into the global value chain are set to be highlighted at the upcoming 13th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC13).

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual will also seek meaningful outcomes in agriculture negotiations in line with the government's target to achieve food security at the WTO conference that will be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from Feb. 26 to 29, 2024.

"Significant progress and outcomes are also expected by the end of the discussions on electronic commerce, investment facilitation for development, trade and environment, as well as the integration of MSMEs in the global value chain," the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

The Philippine delegation, headed by Pascual, will also seek reforms to the functions, notification processes and transparency mechanisms of the WTO.

They also aim to attain a lasting resolution regarding public stockholding for food security and an efficient special safeguard mechanism (SSM) for developing nations, among other objectives.

"Moreover, the Philippines sees the importance of the second wave of fisheries subsidies negotiations," said DTI.

In relation, the country aims to adopt a well-rounded strategy regarding overfishing, incorporating effective and suitable treatment for developing and least-developed members.

It added that the Philippines, along with other members, is collaborating to establish a functional dispute settlement system by 2024 and to address the dilemma in the WTO Appellate Body (AB) during the ministerial conference.

Pascual will be joined by officials from the House of Representatives, Department of Agriculture, Department of Foreign Affairs, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, and Philippine Mission to the WTO in Geneva.

The Ministerial Conference is the highest decision-making body of the WTO, attended by trade ministers and senior officials from the organization's 164 members. The previous Ministerial Conference (MC12) was held on 12 to 17 June 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland.