Speaking at the 6th South-South Dialogue on Least-Developed Countries (LDCs) and Development on 28 September in Lausanne, Switzerland, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted that the upcoming 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) provides an opportunity to achieve trade outcomes in support of LDCs’ development objectives. She encouraged members to continue to maintain a focus on LDC needs, including those in the process of graduating from LDC status.
Costa Rica has submitted its application to start negotiations on joining the Government Procurement Agreement 2012 (GPA 2012). The bid was submitted to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on 28 September by Costa Rica’s Ambassador to the WTO, Ronald Saborío. “Costa Rica’s accession to the GPA 2012 would open new government procurement markets for our country and enhance our attractiveness for investment,” said Costa Rica’s Trade Minister, Manuel Tovar, in an accompanying statement. It “would also add legal certainty and support to the participation by Costa Rican suppliers in government procurement procedures abroad,” he added.
