Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: Ram Prasad Subedi, Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, has been unanimously elected as the chair of the Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE) of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, the decision was made during a meeting of the WTO General Council held in Geneva on Wednesday. Subedi will serve in the leadership role for a one-year term.
Key Global Trade and Climate Policy Forum
The WTO’s Committee on Trade and Environment is one of the organization’s key permanent forums where member countries discuss the intersection between international trade policies and environmental sustainability.
The committee facilitates dialogue among WTO member states on issues such as:
The impact of trade policies on environmental protection
The effect of environmental regulations on global trade
Climate-related trade measures
Promotion of environmentally sustainable trade practices
The forum has become increasingly important as governments around the world seek to align international trade frameworks with climate goals and sustainable development policies.
Strategic Role for Nepal
The Foreign Ministry said Nepal’s election to lead the committee comes at a significant moment as the country prepares for its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status and seeks deeper integration into the global trading system.
Nepal is currently working to expand its international trade partnerships and strengthen engagement with WTO member states to ensure a smoother transition during the post-LDC period.
“The leadership role has been secured at a crucial time when Nepal is preparing to graduate from the LDC category and is working closely with WTO member countries to enhance integration with the global market,” the ministry said.
Growing Global Focus on Green Trade
The election also places Nepal at the center of international discussions on green trade policies, carbon-related regulations, and sustainable supply chains—issues that are becoming increasingly important for developing economies and global exporters.
Experts say leadership within the WTO committee could help Nepal strengthen diplomatic engagement in multilateral trade negotiations while highlighting the concerns of developing countries regarding climate-related trade measures.
The WTO Committee on Trade and Environment plays a vital role in shaping policy discussions on how international commerce can support environmental sustainability while ensuring that new regulations do not create unfair barriers to trade for developing economies.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
