On February 29, 2024, the United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Colombia’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism German Umaña held a bilateral meeting on the margins of the Thirteenth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The United States and Colombia commit to crafting trade policy at both the bilateral and multilateral levels that serve the interests of all our people.
We note that current discussions within the framework of the WTO are reflecting an effort to transform the organization to be more responsive to the needs of working people and the planet and to promote inclusive and sustainable trade, while respecting WTO Members’ sovereignty and policy space.
In light of these goals, we recognize the importance of ensuring that trade policy furthers the interests of workers and farmers. We also acknowledge ongoing discussions regarding the ability of WTO Members to use flexibilities under the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights to protect public health and, in particular, to promote access to medicines for all.
With respect to the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, we will continue discussions on environmental issues, workers’ rights, and the standards of investment the protection in the context of the investor-state dispute settlement.
We are optimistic that our ongoing efforts will help improve the lives of our people and communities. Together we will continue our cooperation on issues of mutual interest and use trade to drive inclusive, sustainable, and equitable economic growth.
The United States delegation was led by United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai.
Colombia’s delegation was led by Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism German Umaña.
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