Trade and Development Board

GROUP OF 77
GENEVA

REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY MR. SUON PRASITH, AMBASSADOR AND PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA AT THE CLOSING PLENARY OF THE 74TH EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD
(Geneva, 30 January 2024)

Thank you Mr. President,

Excellencies, Esteemed Colleagues,

1. I would like to deliver this closing plenary statement on behalf of the Group of G77 and China.

2. Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to you Madam Secretary General for your good offices with invaluable contributions and steadfast commitment and the support you have given to member states. Your exemplary work and the efficiency of your office have played a pivotal role in facilitating a smooth and productive deliberation process. Thank you for your dedication and the high standard of service you have consistently provided, contributing significantly to the positive outcomes we have achieved today.

3. The Group of 77 and China is committed to the cause of development and will continue working under the principle of solidarity among Members and their constructive engagement. Our efforts cannot be done in isolation and this regard we would like to recognize the pragmatism and flexibility of Members who engaged in negotiations of the agreed outcomes we have in front of us today, and particularly the agreed conclusions on the Report on the Economic Development of Africa, the Least Developed Countries and the consensual outcome to item 6.

4. Moreover, let us collectively reaffirm our commitment to the principles of multilateralism and the vital mandate of UNCTAD in fostering inclusive and sustainable development through the three pillars namely research and analytical work of the secretariat, the intergovernmental deliberative work for consensus-building, and technical cooperation. The importance of fostering collaboration on a global scale cannot be overstated.

5. The support of the Group of 77 and China to the struggle of the Palestinian People is not new, as well as it is not the technical work UNCTAD has been doing in this regard. We will continue standing by the side of the State of Palestine.

6. Last but not the least, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency Ambassador Febrian, President of the Trade and Development Board for your exceptional leadership and guidance throughout our deliberations. Your commitment to fostering collaboration and steering the discussions and consulations with grace and efficiency has been instrumental in achieving the positive outcomes we have reached today. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to the success of this meeting.

7. Before finishing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our capable Secretariat team and interpreters for their invaluable assistance and devoted efforts in facilitating the success of the meeting.

Thank you, Mr. President!