Sjoerd Sjoerdsma

Cameroon is buzzing with diplomacy during #WTOMC14. I look back on many productive discussions with fellow WTO member states. Engaging in dialogue is the best way to find joint solutions for improving the WTO trading system and ensuring a industrial level playing field.

🇫🇷🤝🇳🇱 Very good to meet French Minister for Foreign Trade @N_Forissier for the first time. France and the Netherlands are close partners, and our cooperation continues to grow in importance, also within the EU. Looking forward to building on that together.

In a world with increased trade turmoil, NL and India value the stability that a strengthened partnership brings. I look forward to further work together bilaterally on sectors like water, health and critical emerging technologies. 2/2

From a mutually beneficial EU-Indian trade deal to a strategic partner of NL, I cherish the good relationship we have with India. Good to speak with @PiyushGoyal about our mutual interest in a stable & predictable trading system, and opportunities for cooperation in the WTO. 1/2

Dutch-German trade relationship is in excellent shape. It is important for NL to further grow this trade relationship. Furthermore, NL and Germany cooperate in the EU to address global trade challenges. Great to discuss this with Thomas Steffen.

For NL, strengthening WTO rules on industrial subsidies is a top priority. We must agree on a clear roadmap for WTO reform. To ensure a healthy international trading system also for the years to come, with the WTO at its centre. 2/2

Trade is in Dutch DNA. But trade is changing. And the WTO trading system should change too. In order to handle the challenges of today. Here at the WTO-conference, NL and Germany host an important discussion on one of those challenges: an industrial level playing field. 1/2

Since Singapore’s independence 60 years ago, the Netherlands and Singapore have strong and thriving economic ties. With the EU Digital trade agreement in 2024 our ties became even stronger. Good to meet Singaporean Minister Grace Fu in Cameroon to discuss further cooperation.

Türkiye & NL have strong ties. A key part of this is our economic relationship, with more than 3,000 Dutch companies operating in Türkiye and 1,500 Turkish companies in NL. In my meeting with @omerbolatTR we committed to high-level economic and trade consultations before summer.

Had a great exchange with🇨🇭@SECO_StateSec. Our countries have highly innovative economies and a strong interest in a well-functioning rule-based trade system that supports our shared value chains. Good to continue building on our cooperation as close economic partners.

When global forces put pressure on international trade rules, the EU will aim to reinforce and uphold those rules. Ensuring a level playing field in global trade is key for the Netherlands and the EU here at #WTOMC14. I discussed this with EU-Commissioner @MarosSefcovic.

Just participated in a solidarity event for #Ukraine. Good to see so many countries here in Yaoundé showing their unwavering support for Ukraine in attendance of Deputy Prime Minister @taraskachka.

Good to meet Benin’s Min of Foreign Trade, @ShadiyaAssouman. Our strong partnership, rooted in development cooperation, is expanding into trade and investment. We spoke about follow-up to last year’s trade mission and opportunities in agriculture, port development and water.

Less than two months ago, the Netherlands and South Korea signed a joint statement to strengthen our partnership. Its importance has only grown. Glad to meet Min Yeo Han-Koo to discuss geo-economic developments and how we work together to diversify and strengthen supply chains.

Thankful for UNDP’s work, often under difficult and dangerous conditions, helping restore a sense of security. 2/2

Important meeting with @UNDP on the security situation in the region, including the far north of Cameroon. The Netherlands supports UNDP efforts to strengthen stability by reinforcing state presence and providing essential services such as hospital wards and drinking water. 1/2

Grateful to Cameroon for hosting the #WTOMC14 at an important moment for global trade. It also gives me the chance to meet with Cameroon’s Minister of Economy Alamine Ousmane Mey and to further strengthen our economic and trade ties.

I reaffirmed our commitment to a balanced relationship that serves our mutual interests, while maintaining an open dialogue where our views differ. China is a key partner and I will continue working with Minister Wang Wentao on shared interests and global challenges. 2/2

Had a constructive conversation with Chinese Minister Wang Wentao at #WTOMC14. We discussed our strong trade & investment partnership and WTO reforms. We agreed to hold economic and trade consultations in China soon, I will use this opportunity to lead a trade mission there. 1/2

I’m in Cameroon to work with fellow WTO members to strengthen the system and push for reforms that keep it effective for today and the future. 2/2

With growing pressure on the global trading system, the WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon comes at an important moment. Maintaining a strong and equal global trading system is of great importance to The Netherlands. 1/2