G20 leaders vow to realize free, fair trade and investment environment

OSAKA - The 14th Group of 20 (G20) summit concluded here on Saturday with a pledge to realize a free, fair, non-discriminatory, transparent, predictable and stable trade and investment environment, and to keep markets open.

The G20 Osaka Leaders' Declaration adopted at the summit said international trade and investment are important engines of growth, productivity, innovation, job creation and development.

Reaffirming their support for the necessary reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to improve its functions, the G20 leaders said they would work constructively with other WTO members in the lead up to the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference.

They agreed that action is necessary regarding the functioning of the dispute settlement system consistent with the rules as negotiated by WTO members.

Recognizing the complementary roles of bilateral and regional free trade agreements that are WTO-consistent, the G20 leaders said they would work to ensure a level playing field to foster an enabling business environment.