DRC Advocates for Fair and Strengthened Trade Policy at UNCTAD

Geneva, Switzerland - At the 16th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which opened on 20 October 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo called for a strengthened and equitable trade policy that supports inclusive development.

Represented by Minister of Foreign Trade Julien Paluku Kahongya, the DRC highlighted its vast opportunities in mining, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and tourism, stressing the need for regulated multilateral trade to ensure fair exchanges between resource-rich countries and financially endowed nations.

Minister Paluku also denounced growing unilateralism in international economic relations, urging the World Trade Organization (WTO) to sanction practices that violate global trade principles amid rising economic inequalities worldwide.

The DRC delegation emphasized that fair trade and international cooperation are essential for leveraging the country’s resources while promoting sustainable economic growth.