Saudi Arabia Proposes to Host WTO Meeting in 2028

Saudi Arabia has formally proposed to host the World Trade Organization's 2028 ministerial conference, known as MC15. The bid was discussed at a WTO meeting in Geneva in mid-December and received expressed support from 22 member countries, though a final decision remains pending.

The kingdom's Commerce Minister, Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi, first suggested the idea in October. He stated that hosting the event would be a “strategic opportunity” to demonstrate Saudi Arabia's commitment to the multilateral trading system. The 2028 conference would mark the 20th anniversary of the kingdom joining the WTO.

Key Details of the Bid

Conference: WTO Ministerial Conference 2028 (MC15)

Current Support: Backed by 22 member states at December meeting, including Bangladesh, Kuwait, Russia, Cameroon, and Thailand.

Strategic Timing: Would coincide with the 20th anniversary of Saudi Arabia's WTO membership.

Next Step: Final host decision is still pending within the WTO.

Broader International Strategy

The bid forms part of Saudi Arabia's wider effort to elevate its global profile and position itself as a hub for major international events. This strategy has included regularly hosting high-profile financial forums, making significant investments in sports and entertainment, and securing the hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Upcoming WTO Agenda

The organization's next major ministerial meeting, MC14, is scheduled for March 2026 in Yaoundé, Cameroon. That conference is expected to feature substantive debates on potential reforms to the WTO's structure and rules.

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Source: REUTERS