The chair of the General Council, Amb. Elin Johansen (Norway), warmly thanked Indonesia for its “kind offer”, which she said was “a clear sign of its commitment towards this organization.”  She added that members would discuss the precise dates of the 9th Ministerial Conference after the summer break. 

Indonesia, in thanking members for the decision, said: “In the situation where crisis is still hampering the global economy, Indonesia continues to believe that the multilateral trading system has a significant role in fostering a fair global trade, sustaining the world economic growth, eradicating poverty and creating job opportunities. In this regard, the next MC9 will therefore be very important to re-energize the negotiation process and the progress achieved so far, and to strengthen the multilateral trading system. Finally, Indonesia fervently hopes that the exotic ambiance of the land of the gods and goddess, the warm weather and the hospitality of the people of Bali, will rejuvenate and renew the constructive spirit of the Doha Development Agenda negotiation in the WTO.”

The Ministerial Conference is the highest decision-making body of the WTO. It usually meets every two years. The 8th WTO Ministerial Conference was held last December in Geneva.