Container trucks pass through a new automated container port in Rizhao in eastern China's Shandong province on Oct. 9, 2021. (Chinatopix via AP)

       TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Trade and investment ministers in the Group of 20 major economies affirmed the need to reinforce international rules on industrial subsidies to ensure fair competition, according to a statement released Wednesday by G-20 ministers.

       The statement to address government subsidies distorting the market, released after their meeting Tuesday in Sorrento, Italy, is apparently aimed at China, a G-20 member that treats state-owned companies favorably with subsidies and other measures.

       "We will continue to work to ensure a level playing field to foster an enabling business environment and to support the integrity and sustainability of the rules-based multilateral trading system," it said.

       The ministers also vowed to enhance the capacity of the multilateral trading system to cope with pandemics and large-scale disasters so each country and region can smoothly procure essential medical goods, the statement said.

       "The (coronavirus) pandemic has highlighted the importance of working toward enhancing timely, equitable and global access to safe, affordable and effective COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and personal protective equipment," it said.

       Regarding the World Trade Organization, whose dispute-settlement system has been undermined, the ministers said the G-20 economies remain committed to actively work with all WTO members to undertake necessary reforms in an inclusive and transparent manner.

       "We remain committed to strengthening its rulemaking arm by facilitating trade negotiations and fostering the update of the global trade rulebook, and underscore the importance of the ongoing negotiations in the WTO," it said.

       The Geneva-based institution has been criticized for its inability to reach consensus among its over 160 members.

       The ministers pledged their commitment at the upcoming WTO ministerial conference, starting from late November, to make reforms and revitalize the organization.

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