Mottley urges strengthening of global rules-based order

Prime Minister Mia Mottley has called for the reinforcement of the international rules-based system, arguing that small and developing nations rely on fair, transparent multilateral frameworks to thrive in the global economy.

In an interview with China Media Group (CMG), aired during the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Forum in Beijing, Mottley stressed that the existing multilateral system—particularly institutions like the World Trade Organisation (WTO)—has historically offered smaller nations a level playing field and a measure of predictability for economic planning.

“Small countries and developing countries really survive in this world as a result of a strong rules-based international order,” Mottley said. “When we moved to the World Trade Organisation, it gave us the comfort that we could have rules that are fair and transparent so that people could plan out their business.”

She cautioned against the erosion of such multilateral systems and instead urged the international community to work towards enhancing them.

“Rather than moving away from that kind of multilateral framework, we need to be strengthening it to make it even fairer and more transparent,” the Barbadian leader added.

Mottley has consistently advocated for reforms to global institutions to better serve the interests of smaller economies, especially in the face of mounting trade and climate-related challenges. (BT)