Nepal’s Ram Prasad Subedi Elected Chairperson of WTO Committee on Trade and Development

Nepal’s envoy to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ram Prasad Subedi, has been unanimously elected as the chairperson of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Committee on Trade and Development (CTD). The announcement was made during the General Council meeting held on Friday, with Subedi’s appointment symbolizing a significant milestone for Nepal in the international trade arena.

WTO General Council Chair Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme recommended Subedi for the position, highlighting the trust and confidence placed in the experienced diplomat. Subedi’s election marks a historic moment, as he becomes the first Nepali representative to lead any Tier-one level body within the WTO since Nepal’s accession to the organization in 2004.

The official handover of responsibilities is slated to take place during the second regular meeting of 2024, and Subedi is set to serve a one-year term as the chairperson of the committee.

According to a statement released by the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Subedi will assume his role as the chairperson from the regular second meeting of 2024 to the regular first meeting of the year 2025. The statement also emphasized that Subedi’s tenure provides a unique opportunity to foster collaboration among WTO members, utilizing the framework of the Marrakesh Agreement to explore trade and development opportunities.

Subedi’s new role is not only crucial for Nepal but also for facilitating global discussions on trade and development. It is expected to enhance engagement with various stakeholders in the trade and investment domain, including development partners. The Committee on Trade and Development plays a pivotal role in coordinating efforts in alignment with the Doha Action Plan, aiming to mobilize and mainstream aid for trade, especially for the benefit of Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

The announcement comes at a strategic time for Nepal as it prepares to graduate from the LDC category in 2026. Subedi’s leadership is expected to contribute significantly to discussions on LDC matters within the WTO and create an environment conducive to the progress of those countries on the path to graduation.

In response to his election, Ambassador Subedi expressed his commitment to working collaboratively with all WTO members and stakeholders. He acknowledged the responsibility entrusted to him and highlighted the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by LDCs in the context of trade and development.

Nepal anticipates that Subedi’s leadership will not only strengthen its position within the WTO but also provide a platform to actively participate in shaping global trade policies and strategies. As the international community watches, the stage is set for Ambassador Ram Prasad Subedi to leave an indelible mark on the world of trade and development during his tenure as the chairperson of the WTO Committee on Trade and Development.