Indonesia has called for firm political will to advance World Trade Organization (WTO) reform, with Trade Minister Budi Santoso urging members to restore trust in the rules-based trading system during the G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting in Gqeberha, South Africa, on 10 October 2025.
Santoso voiced support for appointing Norwegian Ambassador to the WTO Petter Ølberg as facilitator for the reform process and stressed the need to better communicate the WTO’s achievements. He encouraged members to return to the Preamble of the 1994 Marrakesh Agreement as a guide for maintaining a fair multilateral trade system.
He warned that rising unilateral measures are undermining multilateralism, creating skepticism among some members and weakening confidence in the WTO’s ability to resolve disputes. “Despite its flaws, the WTO remains a vital global asset,” he said.
G20 trade ministers at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to a fair, inclusive, transparent and sustainable multilateral trade system, with Santoso urging that trade not be used as a political tool and that the development needs of developing countries be considered in all agreements.
