Johnson Smith pushed food security, trade reform at WTO talks

Jamaica signalled the urgency of addressing food security concerns for Net Food-Importing Developing Countries at a World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting in Cameroon, the foreign ministry said.

The 14th Ministerial Conference ran from March 26-29.

Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith, who led Jamaica’s delegation, called for outcomes that respond to persistent inequities in global agricultural trade, particularly in light of recent climate-related disruptions, said a statement from the ministry.

Johnson Smith served as a Vice-Chair of the conference and Minister-Facilitator for negotiations on electronic commerce. She also chaired the 125th Special Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) and coordinating the CARICOM caucus during the meeting.

In advancing Jamaica’s foreign trade priorities, the minister has articulated positions on WTO reform, dispute settlement, agriculture and digital trade, grounded in the need for a more responsive and development-oriented multilateral trading system.

“Jamaica is committed to supporting a process that delivers practical, development-focused outcomes, particularly for small vulnerable economies like ours. The WTO remains an essential pillar of the multilateral trading system, and it is therefore important that the decisions taken here help to shape our future. We continue to advocate for an inclusive, transparent and rules-based system, so that all Members can effectively participate in and benefit from global trade,” Johnson Smith said.

She explained that her role focused on guiding constructive engagement among members, bridging positions where possible, and supporting a pathway towards consensus on key issues shaping the future of the WTO.

“The discussions here centre on efforts to build convergence around key elements of a potential Ministerial outcome, including the future of the longstanding moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions and the direction of the WTO’s Work Programme on E-Commerce. These issues continue to retain elements of deep divide among Members, with differing views on digital trade governance, development implications and policy space for emerging economies. In my role as Facilitator, I have been working to advance discussions and consultations across negotiating groups to hear proposals, identify areas of alignment and narrow gaps between proposals, as Members work towards a possible consensus-based outcome,” she added.

The minister’s engagements form part of Jamaica’s broader effort to contribute to coordinated, consensus-driven outcomes at the conference, as members address complex and often polarised issues shaping global trade.

Electronic commerce has become central to global trade, influencing how goods and services are exchanged and how economies participate in the digital marketplace. Decisions taken at the conference are expected to shape future rules governing digital trade, particularly for developing countries seeking to expand access while safeguarding development priorities.

Johnson Smith was supported by Ambassador Dr Richard Brown and Ambassador Esmond Reid, along with representatives from the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining.

The conference began on March 26.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.