Geneva – On July 21, 2026, Morocco's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Omar Zniber, called for strengthening South-South trade cooperation under the Global System of Trade Preferences among Developing Countries (GSTP). Speaking at a meeting in Geneva, Zniber emphasized that such cooperation is 'more essential than ever' as global trade flows are being reshaped and the multilateral trading system faces challenges.
The GSTP, established in 1988, aims to promote trade among developing countries through preferential tariff reductions. Zniber highlighted that the system can help developing nations diversify their economies and reduce dependence on traditional markets. He urged member states to accelerate negotiations on the third round of tariff concessions, known as the São Paulo Round, which was launched in 2004 but has seen limited progress.
According to UNCTAD data, South-South trade has grown significantly in recent decades, accounting for over 25% of global trade in 2023. However, Zniber noted that the full potential of the GSTP remains untapped, with only 44 countries having ratified the agreement. He called for broader participation and implementation of existing commitments to boost intra-developing country trade.
The ambassador's remarks come amid ongoing discussions at the World Trade Organization (WTO) on reforming global trade rules. Developing countries have pushed for more favorable terms in areas such as agriculture, services, and intellectual property. Zniber's speech aligns with Morocco's broader foreign policy of promoting South-South cooperation, particularly with African nations.
No specific new initiatives or agreements were announced at the meeting. The GSTP secretariat, based in Geneva, continues to facilitate negotiations among its 44 member states, which include major developing economies such as India, Brazil, and China.
