The 12th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (MC12) is being held in Geneva, Switzerland. During the meeting, many WTO members reaffirmed the core position of the WTO in the multilateral trading system and hoped that the current ministerial conference would achieve results on important issues related to institutional reform and trade. The delegation of Kazakhstan stated that Kazakhstan is a firm supporter of the multilateral trading system. It is hoped that the WTO, which plays a central role in international trade, can promote reform and meet challenges. Kazakhstan hopes that this ministerial meeting will achieve results on such key issues as epidemic response, exemption of intellectual property rights for the new crown vaccine, food security and fishery subsidies. The Kenyan delegation said that MC12 was held against the background of the COVID-19 and geopolitical conflicts, and the world was facing many trade-related challenges. The multilateral trading system will play an important role in finding common solutions. The delegation of Indonesia stated that the WTO is the only international body responsible for handling trade rules between countries. As the cornerstone of the international trading system, it has not changed. All members should bear their responsibilities in the WTO while enjoying the benefits of the multilateral trading system. Indonesia calls on the WTO to update its rules to adapt to the current trade reality. The Brazilian delegation said that the WTO is facing serious challenges such as slow progress in multilateral negotiations and the suspension of the appellate body, and reform is imperative. Brazil hopes that the current ministerial meeting can achieve results on agriculture, trade and health, fishery subsidies, WTO reform and other topics. The EU delegation said that the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core could play a key role in addressing global challenges. The EU calls on the WTO to promote reforms in key areas such as dispute settlement, trade negotiations and trade policy review, and to update the rules manual to adapt to the trade environment of the 21st century. Chinese Minister of Commerce wangwentao attended the meeting. He said that the multilateral trading system with the WTO as the core is the cornerstone of international trade. China is willing to work with all parties to promote the WTO to play a greater role in the recovery of the world economy. Wangwentao said that China will continue to take practical actions to safeguard the multilateral trading system and support the development of the WTO reform in the right direction. The reform should strengthen the functions of the WTO, promote economic globalization and benefit all members. The WTO Ministerial Conference is the highest decision-making authority of the WTO. It is generally held every two years. MC12, CO hosted by the WTO and Kazakhstan, is the second ministerial meeting of the WTO after four and a half years. Ministers and representatives from 164 WTO members attended the meeting on the spot. (Xinhua News Agency)