GROUP OF 77
GENEVA

STATEMENT BY THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA AT THE 15TH SESSION OF THE TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF UNCTAD: OPENING STATEMENT

(Geneva, 28 April 2025)

Chair of the 15th Session of the Trade and Development Commission,
Mr. Pedro Moreno, UNCTAD's Deputy Secretary-General,
Director de la Mora
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,

1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. Allow me first to extend our sincere congratulations to you, Mr. Chair, the Rapporteur and to the Vice-Chairs on your election. We are confident that under your able leadership, this session will be a productive and successful one. We would also like to express our appreciation to the UNCTAD Secretariat for the preparation of the documents for this meeting. The central theme of our deliberations, "Leveraging international trade rules for development," could not be more timely, nor more relevant.

2. At a time when the global economy is increasingly fragmented-characterized by rising protectionism, geopolitical tensions, and mounting climate and technological disruptions, the rules-based multilateral trading system must remain a cornerstone of stability, fairness, and international cooperation. However, for many developing countries, the promise of trade as a true driver of sustainable development remains uneven and, in many cases, unfulfilled. Integration into global trade is still hindered by structural challenges, including commodity dependence, limited productive capacity, and persistent barriers to value addition. Many developing economies remain on the margins of high-value segments of global value chains and are particularly vulnerable to external shocks-be they pandemics, supply chain disruptions, or the growing impacts of climate change.

3. From the G77 and China perspective, expert meetings' objectives should be articulated as processes of negotiation, deliberation and outcomes on priority topics defined by Members, rather than one-off events. These processes should contribute to mainstream multilateral and international dialogues on development over the long term. G77/China calls for an IGE on Commodities and Development, where UNCTAD Members can negotiate agreed conclusions addressing economic diversification, structural economic transformation policies, including the need for value addition of raw materials and critical minerals".

4. In this context, multilateral trade rules can-and should-be leveraged as a powerful tool to foster inclusive growth and support our development trajectories. To realize this potential, we must prioritize key imperatives such us strengthening special and differential treatment provisions; enhancing access to capacity-building and technical assistance; and ensuring that international trade rules support, rather than constrain, national development strategies and policy space.

5. UNCTAD has an essential role to play in this endeavour. It serves as a trusted source of analysis and data, a convenor of meaningful dialogue aimed at forging consensus, and a key provider of technical cooperation tailored to the needs of developing countries.

6. While the Group of 77 and China will provide more detailed comments under the relevant agenda items, we wish to express our general appreciation for the work being undertaken across the various working groups. We remain fully committed to their advancement and to the continuation of constructive engagement in these discussions.

7. As we look ahead to UNCTAD16, it is imperative that the outcome of that Conference reflects a strong reaffirmation and reinforcement of the work undertaken in the areas covered by these expert groups. It is through this continuity and commitment that we can truly address the pressing development challenges faced by the Global South.

8. As we begin our deliberations, let us take this opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to a multilateral trading system that is inclusive, development-oriented, and responsive to the complex realities and aspirations of developing countries.

Thank you.