Key figures address global challenges

Free trade

Dialogue participants all called for upholding the rules-based international order to bolster multilateral trade and promote a free and open economy.

Ahmedov said Azerbaijan firmly supports multilateral trading, and trade protectionism must be rejected.

Prodi said multilateralism is crucially important, and the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at the core must be upheld, as protectionism will lead to an economic downturn and reduced job opportunities.

Saying that only the multilateral trading system can protect growth of the world economy, Prodi added that all countries should be part of the process of global economic integration. Otherwise, it will be a disaster for the world.

For Komorowski, the pressing task is to reduce the harm caused by trade protectionism to the world economy. As a European Union member, Poland opposes protectionism, he said.