Expert Le Dinh Ba calls for climate change adaptation and fair trade at WTO 2024

The World Trade Organization (WTO) Public Forum 2024 opened in Geneva, Switzerland, with the theme “Re-globalization: More inclusive trade for a better world.”

At the event, Mr. Le Dinh Ba - former trade negotiator and Deputy Head of the Vietnamese Delegation to the WTO - emphasized the importance of climate change adaptation for Vietnam's export sectors.

As a speaker in a group of renowned international experts, speaking at the forum, Mr. Le Dinh Ba highlighted the need and urgency to integrate climate change adaptation strategies into trade policy to protect the future of Vietnam's economy, while calling for fairer trade practices.

Mr. Le Dinh Ba - former trade negotiator and Deputy Head of the Vietnamese Delegation to the WTO emphasized the importance of adapting to climate change for Vietnam's export sectors.

Titled “This Changes Everything: The Role of Trade Policy in Adapting to a Changing Climate,” the forum’s session brought together policymakers, trade experts and representatives from various countries to discuss the intersection of trade and climate change. As climate-related challenges intensify globally, the conversation focused on how trade policies can support adaptation efforts, especially for vulnerable countries like Vietnam.

In his speech, Mr. Le Dinh Ba emphasized that Vietnam, as a coastal country, is facing serious threats from climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events and changing agricultural conditions. “ Our export sectors, including agriculture, textiles and seafood, are important to the country’s economy, but they are increasingly at risk from climate impacts, ” Mr. Le Dinh Ba informed, adding that “ adaptation is not just an environmental need; it is an economic imperative that should be prioritized in Vietnam’s trade policies .”

Furthermore, Mr. Le Dinh Ba also emphasized the need to implement fairer trade activities, especially in the context of importing countries imposing trade barriers on key export products of Vietnam, including those produced by small-scale farmers.

“ As we work to tackle climate change, it is vital that the trading system is fair. Small-scale farmers should not be burdened with discriminatory tariffs and regulations that hinder their ability to compete in global markets,” said Le Dinh Ba, adding: “ A level playing field is vital to ensure that all producers, especially the most vulnerable, can adapt and thrive in the face of climate challenges.”

At the WTO Public Forum 2024, Mr. Le Dinh Ba said that as we strive to deal with climate change, it is important that the trading system is fair.

Drawing on his extensive experience as a trade negotiator, Mr. Le Dinh Ba outlined key strategies for effectively integrating climate adaptation into trade policy. He stressed the importance of recognizing the linkages between trade and climate issues, engaging a wide range of stakeholders, and using robust data to inform policy decisions.

The panel discussion also touched on the role of international cooperation in addressing climate adaptation challenges. Mr. Le Dinh Ba called for increased cooperation between countries, sharing best practices and technologies to enhance resilience in export sectors. “ Multilateral forums such as the WTO are important to foster dialogue on how trade can support adaptation efforts and create fairer conditions, especially for developing countries facing unique challenges, ” he said.

At the end of the session, Mr. Le Dinh Ba’s views were widely shared by attendees, emphasizing the message that climate adaptation and fair trade must be central components of trade policy in the context of a changing climate. His contribution to the WTO Public Forum 2024 is an important step in raising awareness and calling for systemic solutions to protect Vietnam’s export sectors, especially those of small-scale farmers, while contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/chuyen-gia-le-dinh-ba-keu-goi-thich-ung-voi-bien-doi-khi-hau-thuong-mai-cong-bang-tai-wto-2024-345516.html