Ambassador Abdulhamid has been elected as the new Chair of the Council for Trade in Services Special Session (CTS SS) in a meeting where his nomination was previously endorsed by the General Council on February 18, 2025. Members expressed their enthusiasm in collaborating with the new Chair to revitalize the Special Session's activities.
Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill extended her congratulations, stating, “With his significant experience in diplomacy and trade policy, as well as his leadership in different WTO bodies, I am confident that Ambassador Abdulhamid will guide the work of the Special Session with great skill and efficiency.”
Ambassador Abdulhamid takes over from Ambassador Zhanar Aitzhan of Kazakhstan, acknowledging her contributions during her leadership from 2018 until the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13).
In his inaugural statement as Chair, Ambassador Abdulhamid highlighted the pivotal role of services in boosting economic growth and addressing global challenges. He articulated, “From my personal experience, I have come to appreciate that services are fundamental for economic development. The current international environment is challenging, but I think it is important to consider that services are the bigger part of our economies and a growing share of world trade. For many reasons, services – and services trade – will be a bigger part of our future. Despite current challenges, it is important to maintain a long-term perspective, and to think about what we want to achieve in this organization, and of its usefulness.”
Abdulhamid emphasized the need to advance trade in services per the GATS mandate and following directives from MC13. The Ministerial Declaration from Abu Dhabi highlighted the sector's crucial role in the world economy and the necessity to re-energize discussions in the Council’s sessions.
He noted the upcoming MC14 conference and stated, “As ministers will meet at MC14 in less than a year, now is the time to reflect and exchange on the path forward.” Abdulhamid plans to start consultations with delegations to seek input on how to enhance the Special Session’s work towards MC14.
More information on the services negotiations is available through the provided sources.