RESTRICTED  
  
WT/REG/M/108  
 
19 December 2023  
(23-8678) Page: 1/11 
Committee on Regional Trade Agreements  
Hundredth and Eighth Session   
 
NOTE ON THE MEETING OF 20-21 & 27  NOVEMBER  2023  
Chair: Ambassador H.E. Ms. Clare KELLY (New Zealand)  
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  
1.1.  The 108th Session of the Committee on Regional Trade Agreements (hereinafter "CRTA" or the 
"Committee") was convened in Airgram WTO/AIR/RTA/34/Rev.1 dated 10 November 2023.  
1.2.  The Chair welcomed Members to the 108th Session of the CRTA and reminded them that the 
meeti ng was subject to a hybrid approach, with some Members in the room and others connecting 
remotely through Interprefy. The Airgram set out the draft agenda.  
1.3.  Under agenda item K  "Other Business", she would inform Members about  technical assistance 
activitie s on RTAs conducted by the Secretariat during 2023 and those planned for 2024, and the 
proposed date for the first CRTA meeting of 2024.  
1.4.  The Committee adopted  the following agenda, as modified:  
A. Adoption of the Agenda  
B. Australia -New Zealand Closer Eco nomic Relations Trade Agreement - statement by 
Australia and New Zealand  
C. Early announcements  
D. Notification of Regional Trade Agreements  
I. Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement between India and Australia, goods 
and services  
II. Free Trade Agreement between Türkiye and Montenegro, services  
E. Notification of  changes to existing RTAs  
I. Free Trade Agreement between Türkiye and Georgia, go ods  
II. Agreement on the Establishment of the Common Economic Zone, goods - 
Notification of withdrawal of Ukraine from the Agreement  
III. Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and North  Macedonia, goods  
IV. Free Trade Agreement between Türkiye and Monten egro, goods  
V. Free Trade Agreement between El Salvador, Honduras and the Separate Customs 
Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, Goods and Services – Notification 
of suspension between El Salvador and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, 
Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
F. Non-notified RTA s  
G. Status on the preparation of factual presentations  
H. Improvements to the functioning of the CRTA to better serve Members:  
I. Report by the Chairperson on the Informal meeting held on 5 July 2023  
I. Conside ration of Regional Trade Agreements  
I. Association Agreement between the United Kingdom and Central America 
(Costa  Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama),  goods 
and services  
II. Economic Partnership Agreement between the United Kingdom, the Southern 
African Customs Union (SACU) and Mozambique, goods  
III. Strategic Partnership, Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the 
United  Kingdom and the Republic of Moldova , goods and services  WT/REG/M/108  
 
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  IV. Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the EFTA States and 
Ecuador, goods and  services  
V. Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the EFTA States and 
Indonesia, goods and services  
VI. Partnership Trade and cooperation agreement between the United Kingdom and 
Albania, goods and services  
VII. Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between The United Kingdom 
and Georgia, goods and services  
J. Adoption of the Annual Report (2023) of the CRTA to the General Council  
 K. Other business  
B. AUSTRALIA -NEW ZEALAND CLOSER ECONOMIC RELATIONS TRADE AGREEMENT -
STATEMENT BY AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND  
1.5.  The representative of Australia  indicated it was wonderful o to address the Committee on such 
an auspicious occasion. Members knew how close Australia and New Zealand were, geographically, 
culturally, and in many other ways. The 40th anniversary of the Australia -New Zealand Closer 
Economic Relations Trade Agreement (ANZCERTA) was a moment of great celebration for all that 
had been achieved on the economic integration front. ANZCERTA was the deepest, the strongest, 
the best free trade agreement on earth. It constituted the most comprehensive trade agreement 
globally.  
1.6.  ANZCERTA had grown over tim e to incorporate issues like competition policy  and movement 
of people , and included 80 separate protocols, arrangements, and declarations. It ha d allowed for 
the seamless integration of both economies and their businesses could operate across borders with  
seamless efficiency. It  had constituted a contribution to the WTO system, as it built  upon WTO rules 
both to deeply reinforce and amplify those rules. ANZCERTA also built on the regional economic 
architecture where Australia and New Zealand , together with  other economies in the region including 
APEC, CPTPP, the ASEAN countries under AANZFTA and PACER  and PACER Plus , were linked in 
various formations.  Australia and New Zealand were also, together, great contributors at the WTO, 
in particular in the Cairns G roup but also in other formations at the WTO. Thus, beyond the bilateral 
celebrati on, their big  contribution to openness and a rules -based trading system on which the 
principles on which the WTO was built  should also be celebrated. He lauded ANZCERTA's  enormous 
success of 40 years  as the most comprehensive free trade agreement on earth.  
1.7.  The representative of New Zealand  elaborated on the history and the evolution of the 
ANZCERTA trade relationship and the Trans -Tasman partnership, using  a presentation .1 The 
relationship between Australia and New Zealand was one of long and enduring friendship.  It had 
been built on cultural ties, family links, good -natured  and friendly rivalry, and on a very strong 
trading partnership. ANZCERTA wa s Australia and New Zealand 's most liberal FTA, and a model in 
the multilateral system as well. Over the last 40 years, it had  been the foundation of their trade and 
economic relationship. ANZCERTA had been  one of the first of agreements of its kind in the world. 
It had been  signed in 1983 and predate d even the foundation of the WTO in 1995. It  had led to 
greater harmonization  and tariff-free trade across the Tasman, the sea that divide d but also unite d 
both countries on  either side.  It had reduce d red tape for businesses in b oth countries .  
1.8.  Trans -Tasman merchandise trade ha d increased by 10.6% annually.  Australia was 
New Zealand 's second  highest value trading partner  and the number one source of imports by 
New Zealand, while New Zealand was among Australia 's top 10 two -way tra ding partner, holding its 
own in a list that include d China, Japan and the United States, all economies with much larger 
population s than New Zealand 's. Over 18,500 Australian businesses  export ed across the Tasman , 
and Australia was New Zealand 's largest f oreign investor , with investments worth more than 
AUD 21 billion.  New Zealand was Australia 's 9th largest investor, with investments of AUD 12 billion. 
Over these last 40 years, ANZCERTA had been the foundation of Australia and New Zealand 's trade 
and economic relationship, providing benefits for both countries not only by reducing barriers to 
trade, but by cementing a close partnership, which ha d been able to adapt to changing circumstances 
and priorities, and which ha d advanced bilateral cooperation on matters far beyond the original 
scope of the Agreement.  
 
1 Distributed as RD/RTA/62 . WT/REG/M/108  
 
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  1.9.  The timeline for Australia and New Zealand moving closer together in the economic and trade 
arena  showed that they had a long history o f formal trading agreements, dating back to 1922 , thus 
before the establishment of  high commissions in each other 's capitals. Th at first trade agreement 
had included Australia lowering tariffs on selected items from New Zealand and gaining duty -free 
entry to New Zealand for timber. It had been  followed in 1933 by the Australia -New Zealand Trade 
Agreement, under which the two countries had given each other preferences and some special rates 
of duty. In 1966, the New Zealand -Australia Free Trade Agreement,  called NAFTA, had been  signed 
and entered into force, leading to the removal of tariffs and quantitative restrictions on 80% of 
trans-Tasman trade by the late 1970s. At the time, NAFTA had been the most comprehensive 
bilateral agreement to date. However, it had been  recognized that it had not been  structured to 
address the changing international economic environment ; it lacked an effective mechanism for 
removing remaining restrictions  and the kind of review clauses that were common in current trade 
agreements . 
1.10.  The Trans -Tasman Travel Arrangement 1973 had introduced free movement between the two 
countries, allowing Australian and New Zealand citizens to reside and work in the other country with 
some restrictions. Over time, the Parties had realized the need to further modernize their trading 
relationship, and ANZCERTA  had been born in 1983. ANZCERTA had become the cornerstone of the ir 
trade and economic relationship. It had been underpinned by the objectives  of strengthening the 
broader relationship between Australia and New Zealand ; developing closer economic relations 
through a mutually beneficial expansion of free trade between them; e liminating barriers to trade 
between them in a gradual and progressive manner under an agreed timetable and with a minimum 
of disruption ; and developing trade between both Parties  under conditions of fair competition. 
ANZCERTA had been  recognized as an extremely comprehensive agreement  and as an effective and 
multilaterally compatible  free trade agreement, covering sub stantially all Trans -Tasman trade in 
goods, agricultural products, and services.  
1.11.  The representative of Australia  noted that Australia and New Zealand had become increasingly 
important to each other as trade, tourism, and the resulting people to people conn ections had grown  
throughout the 1980s and 1990s, supported by the ANZCERTA . Furthermore, both countries had 
recognised the importance of expanding the remit of the Agreement and modernising its 
components.  By 2009, most of the regional trade goals under t he FTA had been met.  Ministers had 
endorsed the Single Economic Market (SEM) A genda, which had been  designed to enable businesses, 
consumers, and investors to conduct operations across the Tasman in a seamless regulatory 
environment.  The SEM Agenda had aimed to build on ANZCERTA  by identifying innovative, low -cost 
actions to reduce discrimination and costs arising from different, conflicting or duplicate regulations 
or institutions in either country.  It had further integrated a range of systems, regulatory frameworks 
and government organisations across the two countries.  
1.12.  Through the SEM Agenda, Australia and New Zealand had a single statutory agency that 
establishe d food standards, a mutual recognition arrangement, known as the Trans -Tasman Mutual 
Recogniti on Arrangement 1998 that establishe d the principles that goods that c ould legally be sold 
in Australia c ould also be sold in New Zealand and vice -versa. People who were registered to practice 
an occupation in New Zealand c ould also register to practice the equivalent occupation in Australia 
and vice -versa.  Other instruments included a Government Procurement Agreement in 2013, aimed 
at creating and maintain ing a single Australia -New Zealand Government Procurement Market ; a 
range  of other initiatives to make it easier to do business across the Tasman, such as the Trans -
Tasman Electronic invoicing Arrangement in 2018 ; mutual recognition between the Australian 
Trusted Trader Program and the New Zealand Secure Exports Scheme in 2016 to provide reciprocal 
trade facilitation benefits to member businesses ; and the Australia -New Zealand Science, Research 
and Innovation Cooperation Agreement of 2017, which include d a wide array of cooperative 
initiatives across our science, research and in novation systems.  Joint councils, working groups and 
advisory bodies cover ing everything from supervision in the banking sector  to accounting and 
auditing standards had been established, including the Trans -Tasman Council on Banking 
Supervision 2005 and the Trans -Tasman Accounting and Auditing Standards Advisory group 
established in 2004.  
1.13.  Being a mature and substantive trade agreement, ANZCERTA historically had lacked some 
chapters seen in modern FTAs. Nonetheless, it continue d to grow and adapt to the dyn amics of the 
modern international economic environment. As said earlier, the Agreement had been  supplemented 
by more than 80 protocols, arrangements and declarations, which were considered part of the 
ANZCERTA umbrella. The y drove Trans -Tasman cooperation and collaboration in areas as diverse as WT/REG/M/108  
 
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  scientific research, mutual recognition , fostering greater linkages between Maori, Aboriginal and 
Torres Strait Islander peoples. For example, the Australia New Zealand Sustainable and Inclusive 
Trade Declaration had been  agreed and signed by Ministers in August 2023. The declaration 
enhance d their  commitments to ensure businesses, individuals and broader societies reap the 
benefits of more modern, resilient and sustainable economies.  That was a new chapter of ANZCER TA, 
showcasing the ability of both countries to adapt and maximise opportunities for collaboration. 
Equally, the  Australia -Aotearoa New Zealand Indigenous Collaboration Arrangement , which had been 
signed in 2019, recognised the importance of trade, business and economy within the broader 
framework of the partnership and collaboration designed to deepen ties between Aboriginal, Torres 
Strait Islander and Maori communities.   
1.14.  As their Trans -Tasman rela tionships continue d to mature, ANZCERTA  remain ed a constant for 
discussion and further development.  The celebrat ion of 40 years of ANZCERTA wa s a significant 
milestone and a recognition of the Parties' mutual values. In July  2023, both Prime Ministers had 
endorsed the Trans -Tasman Roadmap to 2035, setting out priorities for the bilateral relationship, 
including a pillar on sustainable and inclusive economies, a shared ambition to not just improve 
trade and economic flows, but to do so in a way that help ed confront the challenges of climate 
change and brought  economic inclusion into focus . Also in 2023 , both countries made history as the 
first co-hosts of the FIFA Women 's World Cup, a testament to the closeness and weight of their 
relationship. While providin g enormous economic benefit, it  had also been a joint opportunity to 
start global conversations around women 's sport, gender equality, and to raise the profile of the 
Trans -Tasman brand.  
1.15.  The Parties continue d to work closely in the region and on the global  stage to build the benefits 
of the ANZCERTA and open new opportunities for Trans -Tasman trade, including the recent signing 
of the upgraded ASEAN -Australia -New Zealand FTA in August, modernising their countr ies' economic 
engagement in the most dynamic reg ion of the world with new and enhanced provisions in areas 
such as e -commerce, sustainable development and investment.  
1.16.  The Chair thanked both delegations for their presentations and for the opportunity to 
acknowledge and celebrate th at considerable milesto ne. 
1.17.   The representative of the United Kingdom  thanked the delegations for the excellent 
presentation . While not being  sure whether ANZCERTA wa s the best agreement on earth , given that 
there was some competition for that title , it was  definitely a very important and significant systemic 
contribution.  The Agreement not only buil t on important regional agreements, but also reinforce d 
and amplifie d WTO Agreements, which was an incredibly important aspect of it. It was  a pathfinder 
for wha t could be achieved in enhancing economic prosperity through trade agreements.  The United 
Kingdom  wishe d New Zealand and Australia all the best in their efforts as they look ed to enhance 
their economic relations still further.  
1.18.  The representative of Austral ia acknowledged that while the Australia -UK Agreement was also 
one of the best on earth, not many contenders existed for an agreement of the depth of the 
Australian -New Zealand partnership. He genuinely would be interested in hearing if that benchmark 
had been bettered.  
1.19.  The representative of the European Union  noted that being a great supporter of deep and 
comprehensive regional integration  and being  part of a rather comprehensive and integrated 
economic and trade bloc and single market, the EU certainly a ppreciate d the close and integrated 
relationship between  New Zealand and Australia.  Thanking both delegations for the very interesting 
presentation, including on the history of the agreement as well as its evolution into the SEM Agenda 
and their plans for the future, she congratulat ed the Parties  on the 40th anniversary of ANZCERTA 
and wished them all the best . 
1.20.  The representative of the Canada  congratulat ed New Zealand and Australia on the anniversary 
of their FTA. She had learned with some disappointment that the North America n FTA had not been 
the first  NAFTA. Canada  believe d that free exchange was extremely important for economic 
development. She wished the Parties all the best for the future and for even more healthy eco nomies.  
1.21.  The representative of the United States  congratulated both Parties on the occasion of 
ANZCERTA's anniversary and thanked them for the  excellent and interesting presentation.  WT/REG/M/108  
 
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  C. EARLY ANNOUNCEMENTS  
1.22.  The Chair indicated that the last early announcement received by the Committee dated from 
2022. All Members knew there was a lot going on RTAs but that information did not reach the body 
that talk ed about them. She invited all Members that were active in RTAs to in form the Committee 
of recent developments. She also remind ed Members to inform the Secretariat of any changes in 
the status of early announcements.  
D. NOTIFICATION OF REGIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS  
1.23.  The Chair indicated that two new notifications had been received s ince the 107th Session of 
the CRTA.  
I. Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement between India and Australia, goods and 
services  (WT/REG473/N/1 – S/C/N/1139 ) 
II. Free Trade Agreement between Türkiye and Montenegro, services  (S/C/N/1138 ) 
 
E. NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES TO EXISTING RTAS  
1.24.  The Chair indicated that five notifications had been received since the last session of the 
CRTA. The notifications were as follows, and she opened the floor separately for each Agreement:  
E.I. Free Trade Agreement  between Türkiye and Georgia, goods ( WT/REG261/N/1/Add.1 ) 
E.II. Agreement on the Establishment of the Common Economic Zone, goods - Notification 
 of withdrawal of Ukraine from the Agreement ( WT/REG254/N/2 ) 
 
1.25.  The representative of Ukraine  noted that by submi tting its notification  on 28 July 2023 , 
Ukraine had informed the WTO Secretariat and Members about its withdrawal from the Agreement 
on the Establishment of the Common Economic Zone notified on 27 August 2008 in WT/REG254 /N/1. 
The preamble of the Agreement state d in particular, that the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of 
Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation , and Ukraine , acting as parties to the Agreement, reaffirm ed 
friendly relations between States and peoples, seeking to ensure their prosperity based on the 
fundamental principles and norms of international law.  On 24 February 2022, Russia, using the 
territory, airspace and transport infrastructure of the Republic of Belarus, had unleashed a brutal 
war of aggression against Ukraine, the second one  since 2014, having cynically violated the same 
norms set out in the Agreement. Two out of three counterparts of Ukraine to th at Agreement had 
committed the act of aggression against Ukraine. The Russian war ha d already resulted in 
tremendously damaging co nsequences for Ukraine 's economy and trade, thousands of civilian 
deaths, widespread destruction of critical civilian infrastructure and environmental disasters. Under 
those circumstances, and taking into account the provisions of Article 11 of the Agreeme nt, Ukraine 
had withdrawn from the Agreement on the Establishment of the Common Economic Zone. Th e 
Agreement made  no sense to his country  and for its economic development. The withdrawal had 
taken effect on 21 July 2023.  
1.26.  The representative of the United Ki ngdom  support ed Ukraine 's decision to withdraw from the 
Common Economic Zone. Th e decision, necessitated by the unprovoked and unlawful invasion by 
Russia, was a stark reminder of the challenges facing sovereign nations in maintaining their 
territorial int egrity and economic independence. As a free and democratic country, Ukraine ha d the 
right to determine its own future. In March, the United Kingdom  had signed a historic digital trade 
deal that w ould support Ukraine 's economy and enhance their bilateral tr ade and investment 
relationship. Ukraine would  have guaranteed access to the financial services crucial for 
reconstruction efforts through the deal 's facilitation of cross -border data flows , and Ukrainian 
businesses would be able to trade more efficiently and cheaply with the UK through electronic 
transactions, e -signatures, and e -contracts. In addition to th ose initiatives, the UK ha d extended the 
removal of tariffs on all Ukrainian products until March 2024.  That move provide d substantial support 
to Ukrainian businesses that had been affected by Russia 's invasion, aiding them in their ability to 
export goods.  
1.27.  The representative of the European Union  reiterate d the resolute condemnation of Russia 's 
war of aggression against Ukra ine, which had constitute d a manifest viol ation of the UN Charter and 
reaffirm ed the European Union 's unwavering support for Ukraine 's independence, sovereignty and WT/REG/M/108  
 
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  territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and its inherent right of self -defence 
against Russian aggression. The EU would  continue to provide strong financial, economic, 
humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for Ukraine and its people for as long as it t ook. The 
most recent demonstration of the EU's commitment p olitically was the opening of  accession 
negotiations with Ukraine . 
1.28.  The representative of Canada  firmly condemn ed the unjustifiable and unprovoked invasion of 
Ukraine by Russia with considerable humanitarian consequences, leading to the death of many 
innoce nt people. Th at was  not simply an attack against Ukraine , that was  an attack against 
international law and the multilateral rules -based system, which were also the foundations of the 
World Trade Organization.  
1.29.  The representative of t he United States  joined the sentiments of Members who ha d already 
spoken in condemning Russia 's aggression on Ukraine. He express ed his delegation's heartfelt 
support to Ukraine and stood  in solidarity with Ukrainian  people in th ese unprecedented times. The 
United States  appreciated the diverse group of WTO Members who had been  taking action to support 
the Ukrainian people in their valiant and courageous defence  of their country.  
1.30.  The representative of New Zealand  joined other delegations  in expressing conce rn and 
reiterate d that her country  unequivocally condemn ed Russia 's illegal and unprovoked aggression 
against Ukraine which it  called on Russia to end.  
1.31.  The representative of Japan  indicated that his country strongly condemn ed Russia 's 
aggression against Uk raine. Japan strongly urge d Russia once again to stop the aggression and 
withdraw its forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders 
immediately.  
1.32.  The representative of  Australia  thank ed Ukraine for its intervention and for its notification , 
and acknowledge d the challenging circumstances under which Ukraine continue d to meet its WTO 
transparency commitments. He echoed Australia 's condemnation of Russia 's illegal invasion of 
Ukraine, which  was a gross violation of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations. 
Australia  strongly support ed Ukraine 's sovereignty and territorial integrity and call ed on Russia to 
cease its attacks and withdraw its forces. He also note d the catastrophic humanitarian toll from th e 
invasion.  
III. Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and North Macedonia, goods 
 (WT/REG248/N/1/Add.1 ) 
 
1.33.  The representative of Ukraine  welcome d the examination by the CRTA  of the amended FTA 
between Ukraine and th e Republic of Macedonia. The FTA had initially been concluded on 
18 January  2001 and had been revised in October 2022. The amendments had entered into force 
for both Parties  on 6 July 2023. The amended FTA was a fundamental document for economic 
cooperatio n between the two countries. For the last few years, North Macedonia had ranked third 
among Ukraine 's trade partners in the Balkan s region, after Bulgaria and Serbia. In 2022, Ukraine 's 
trade turnover with North Macedonia had amounted to USD 100.6 million,  with export s of 
USD 75.5 million.  That had represented a 40% decrease compared to  2021, while import s had 
reached USD 25.1 million , showing a 9.7% increase compared to  2021. The positive balance of trade 
had been USD  50.4 million. Current bilateral trade indicators had demonstrate d positive dynamics 
for both countries.  
1.34.  The a mendment of the bilateral FTA had been done through the adoption of two decisions. 
Decision No. 1 had replaced Protocol B and its annexes , thus providi ng for further liberalization of 
trade in agricultural and processed food products, with substantial reduction s in custom duties, 
sometimes down  to zero. Decision No. 2 had r eplaced Protocol C, replacing  the existing bilateral 
system of rules of origin wit h the pan-Euro-Mediterranean model Protocol on preferential rules of 
origin. Determination of the origin of goods in mutual trade through  the Pan -Euro-Med Convention 
had create d additional opportunities for increasing exports of products using diagonal cum ulation. 
Enhancement of economic cooperation, elimination of barriers for trade in goods were the main 
objectives of the economic dialogue with North Macedonia. Ukraine  strongly believe d that new 
amendments to the FTA would contribute to the development of  bilateral trade economic 
cooperation ; increase their mutual trade turnover ; help exporters in both countries ; and create WT/REG/M/108  
 
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  additional opportunities for domestic producers to increase export supplies of goods to foreign 
markets , thus becom ing an important fa ctor in the  recovery of business activities in Ukraine in light 
of the ongoing aggression by the Russian Federation.  
1.35.  The Russian military invasion of Ukraine ha d placed unprecedented pressure on the world 
trading system and had caused extreme uncertaintie s in commodities and financial markets. All had 
suffer ed from Russia 's reckless actions. Russia ha d exacerbated the world food crisis and continue d 
the destabilization of world food markets, deliberately destroying food trade and supply routes for 
agricultural products. Russia 's aggression threaten ed not Ukraine , but impair ed proper 
implementation by their partners of their obligations under bilateral FTAs. Ukraine was grateful to 
North Macedonia for its support and the efforts the Macedonian side c ontinue d to undertake to secure 
the proper functioning of their bilateral trade regime. Ukraine believe d that full implementation of 
the amended FTA would achieve the goal of stimulation of economic development, intensification of 
economic cooperation betw een their countries, expansion of mutual trade, elimination of barriers to 
trade, provision of  a predictable commercial environment for business planning and investments, as 
well as contribute significantly to future integration of their countries into the  European Union.  
1.36.  The representative of North Macedonia  appreciat ed the o pportunity to present important 
aspects of the amended FTA under consideration by the Committee, some of which had already been 
mentioned by Ukraine. The amendment had been notified on 19 June 2023, respecting the Parties'  
commitment to the Transparency Mechanism for Regional Trade Agreement s. The Agreement had 
been signed in Skopje on 18 January 2001 and had entered into force on 5 July 2001. It had been 
concluded when both countries were not yet Members of the WTO.  Their objectives had been  to 
enhance economic cooperation between  the two countries, contribute to the removal of barriers to 
trade and to create conditions for the further promotion of investment, particularly for the 
development of joint investment.  The Agreement had already established a free trade area in the 
indust rial sector as it had been applied over 22 years.  
1.37.  In 2022, North Macedonia and Ukraine had amended the FTA by signing two decisions . 
Decision No. 1, 2022  had replaced Protocol B and its annexes , which were an integral part of the 
Decision . Protocol B appl ied to products referred to in Chapter 2 of the FTA and provide d further 
liberalization of trade  in agricultural and processed food products import ed into both countries. The 
new Protocol B cover ed separate Annex es I-A-B-C and II-A-B-C and provided for fur ther abolishment 
of customs duties to zero or within tariff rate quotas  (TRQs) and the partial or gradual reduc tion of 
customs duties and all duties having equivalent effect. The allocation by customs authorities on TRQs 
continue d to be based on the princi ple of first  come, first served. Decision No. 2, 2022  had replaced  
Protocol C  to adopt the pan-Euro-Mediterranean model protocol on preferential rules of origin with 
the aim to allow diagonal accumulation among the countries of the cumulation system .  
1.38.  The decision on further liberalization of trade in agricultural and processed food products was 
in compliance with the WTO provisions, in particular Article XXIV of GATT 1994 , providing high 
liberalization for sensitive products as well as common interest for the progressive creati on of a free 
trade area.  Previously, TRQs on import s of agricultural and processed food products had been  the 
only agreed liberalization. The Partie s expect ed a possible expansion of the bilateral trade volume 
and the opportunity to reinforce cooperation for improving the business environment and thereby 
support multilateral trade liberalization. The amended FTA had been  published in the Official Journal 
of the Republic of North Macedonia No. 81 on 18 April 2023 and had entered into force on 
6 July 2023. The volume of trade with Ukraine in 2022 had reached to US D 130 million. 
North  Macedonia look ed forward to providing  greater certainty in trade relati ons and contribut ing to 
trade liberalization and economic growth already provisioned in th e amended Agreement.  
IV. Free Trade Agreement between Türkiye and Montenegro, goods 
 (WT/REG282/N/1/Add.1 ) 
V. Free Trade Agreement between El Salvador, Honduras and the Separate Customs 
 Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, Goods and Services – Notification of 
 suspension between El Salvador and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, 
 Kinmen a nd Matsu ( WT/REG283/N/3 - S/C/N/544/Add.2 ) 
 
1.39.  The representative of Chinese Taipei  clarified that according to paragraph 2 of Article 18.05 
of the FTA, a withdrawal would become effective 180 days after the Party had provide d written notice 
to the other Party, unless the Parties  had agree d on a different period.  On th at matter, no written 
notice had been received from El Salvador. Therefore, El Salvador 's unilateral declaration of WT/REG/M/108  
 
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  terminating the FTA  was apparently inconsistent with the required procedure pro vided in 
paragraph  2 of Article 18.05 and accordingly d id not have any effect cont emplated  by paragraph 1 
of that Article.  The lack of written notification and the legal ineffectiveness were not changed by 
El Salvador's unilateral decision to circulat e the communication.  
F. NON-NOTIFIED RTAS (WT/REG/W/181/REV.1)  
1.40.  The Chair stated that an updated list of non -notified RTAs had been recently circulated as 
WT/REG/W/181/Rev.1) . It contained 56 RTAs issued in factual presentations up to 9 November 
2023. No change had been made to it since it was last distributed. She had been inf ormed by the 
Secretariat that  a notification of the preferential trade agreement between Mozambique and 
Indonesia, number 27 of the list, had been received  and would soon be circulated.  
1.41.  The representative of Mozambique  thanked the Secretari at for the infor mation it had provided . 
As indicated by the Chair, the RTA between Mozambique and Indonesia had just been notified. The 
Agreement  had been signed on 27 August 2019 and had entered into force on 6 June 2022. It 
covered goods, particularly agricultural produ cts and textiles , and had been notified under 
Article  XXIV of the GATT . 
G. STATUS ON THE PREPARATION OF FACTUAL PRESENTATIONS 
(WT/REG/W/182/REV.1)  
1.42.  As regards the preparation of factual presentations under the remit of the CRTA – in the case 
of RTAs involving WTO Members only – there were 41 RTAs for which a factual presentation had to 
be prepared, counting goods and services separately. Factual presentations on a further 35 RTAs 
involving non -members were to be prepared, counting goods and services separately,  as previously 
agreed by the Committee. Factual presentations for eight other services agreements were on hold, 
pending the negotiation of services commitments. Of these, one involved non -WTO members. An 
updated list of all such RTAs had been recently circ ulated as document WT/REG/W/182/Rev.1 . She 
remind ed Members that the CRTA work programme ha d been made available electronically on the 
Members' Website since mid -September and c ould be consulted at any moment.  
1.43.  A representative of the Secretariat  provided the following additional information.   
1.44.  Concerning agreements among WTO Members, the Secretari at had  received comments for 
UK-Viet Nam and the Factual Presentation had been finalized  and would be circulated shortly . 
Comments on the ATIGA and EU -Pacific States , goods; UK-Ecuador, Peru and Colombia , and 
India-UAE both goods and services;  and ASEAN -Japan  services, we re awaited.  The Secretariat was  
currently drafting factual presentations on the ratifications of the CPTPP by Malaysia, Chile and 
Brunei Darussalam  as well as  UK-Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway ; Israel -Colombia ; UK-Australia ; 
Korea-Cambodia and Korea -Indonesia. Data ha d also been received from the parties for 
UK-New Zealand, while for a number of other agreements involving the UK, data ha d been received 
from the UK but not from the other partners; in some cases the data received was insufficient.  For 
ECOWAS , goods, some data ha d been received from Togo , Niger,  Senegal and  Benin ; no data ha d 
been received from the other Parties.  For the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services , the 
Secretariat was  awaiting the entry into force for all p arties of the ASEAN Trade in Services 
Agreement. Since i t was not clear whether the ATISA w ould replace the AFAS , for the time being 
work on the AFAS ha d been put on hold while further clarification from ASEAN  was being sought  on 
whether the  two agreements  would continue to coexis t. For EFTA -GCC, data had been  due on 
23 December 2022 , and  had been received from EFTA only.  For the GCC , goods, responses were 
awaited from the Parties to members questions.  Data requests ha d also been sent for more recent 
notifications and data were due for India -Australia on 28 November, and for Türkiye -Montenegro on 
5 December.  
1.45.  With regard to agreements involving non-WTO members , comments  had been received on 
the factual presentation for PACER Plus, goods, and it would be circulated shortly to Members. For 
the CIS Agreement , goods, some comments ha d been received but not from all parties.  For the 
EAEU -Iran Agreement , goods,  the deadline fo r data submission had been  22 June 2020  and no data 
had been received  from any of the Parties . For the EAEU -Serbia Agreement , goods, data ha d been 
received only from Serbia.  For the accession of the Comoros to the EU -ESA Agreement data had 
been due on 30 M arch 2021  and had been  received only from the EU.  For UK -Faeroe Islands, WT/REG/M/108  
 
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  UK-Lebanon, and UK -Cariforum, data had been  due on 5 May 2021 , and were await ed from the 
non-UK parties. For UK -Palestine data had been  due on 10 May 2021 and  had been received from 
the UK.  For Türkiye -Kosovo and UK -Kosovo data ha d been received. For Türkiye -Faeroe Islands data 
had been  due on 12 January and ha d not been received for the Faeroe Islands.  For the following 
agreements data was not complete: EFTA -Lebanon, Türkiye -Syria, Ukraine -Azerbaijan, 
Ukraine -Turkmenistan, and the Russian Federation -Turkmenistan. The data requests had been made 
a few years ago.  
H. IMPROVEMENTS TO THE FUNCTIONING OF THE CRTA TO BETTER SERVE MEMBERS  
H.I Report by the Chairperson on the info rmal meeting held on 5 July 2023 (JOB/REG/8)  
 
1.46.  The Chair referred to her Report on the Informal Meeting held on 5 July 2023, during the last 
CRTA meeting. It was fair to say that the Committee had progressed on many elements since th e 
start of that convers ation. That had been the case, in particular, for numerous procedural and other 
suggestions being implemented by the Secretariat. She suggested addressing Agenda item H.I first 
by giving the floor to the Secretariat so it could take the Committee through all the procedural 
novelties that had been implemented by the RTA Section. It was important to have formal records 
on that. After that, she proposed to move into informal mode to continue discussions under the 
three headings contained in JOB/REG/8.  In these discussions, she would expect delegations to keep 
in mind all submissions that had been made in that connection, namely by China under 
WT/REG/W/180  and the questions posed by the United States and replies submitted by many 
Members, circulated as JOB/REG/6/Rev.1.  She planned to summarize the discussions and refer to 
possible next steps once back in formal mode.  
1.47.  The representative of the  Secretariat  noted that some changes had already been mentioned  
in the Committee and so for these  this would be a reminder. The work programme of the CRTA had 
been available online since September both as a simplified calendar for the next few meetings and 
an interactive dashboard  restricted to Members . She invited Members that had had any difficulty 
accessing th e information or had any suggestions for improvement to contact the Secretariat. A new 
Committee page was available , also restricted to Members,  which provided further information on 
its functioning and contacts of the Secretariat staff. It followed the structu re used for other 
committees in the WTO for the sake of consistency across the Secretariat . The e-delegates platform 
was now also up and running. It was the Secretariat's understanding that the platform had been 
made available to delegation focal points on  6 November for testing and would be available to all 
Geneva and capital -based delegates that had access to e -registration on 20 November. She 
encouraged Members to use the platform to ensure accuracy in communications and warned that 
eventually  the use of  email lists would be di scontinue d and the Secretariat would rely entirely on 
that platform . She also requested Members to share any feedback on the information sessions held 
by the Secretariat on 20 and 21 September, especially if any improvements could b e made for the 
next sessions.  Finally, she invited Members to complete the survey on that database  as it would be 
closing shortly . The Secretariat  would like to have as much feedback as possible from Members 
before that happened, so that any suggestions could be incorporated.   
1.48.  The representative of Mozambique  thanked the Secretariat for the updates on how to access 
information about the C ommittee. She confirmed she had received information about the 
e-delegates platform and focal points but  had encountered  difficulties in locating and accessing the 
Committee's work programme.  
1.49.  The Chair indicated that the Secretar iat would be follow -up bilaterally with the delegation of 
Mozambiq ue. 
1.50.  In order to facilitate discussion  on the agenda item , the Chair proposed to move the meeting 
into informal mode, and upon conclusion of the discussion, to revert to formal mode and propose 
follow -ups. 
1.51.  Back into formal mode, the Chair noted that a comprehensive  and coherent discussion had 
been held around various elemen ts raised by Members to improve the functioning of the Committee. 
With respect to procedural changes implemented by the Secretariat, there had been support for 
those and for them to continue. In that context, she reinforced the call for all Members to regi ster 
on the e -delegates platform, which was part of the overall WTO reform by doing process , aiming at WT/REG/M/108  
 
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  streamlining communication s between the Secretariat and Members. With respect to thematic 
sessions, it had been noted that there was no convergence aroun d proactive scheduling of thematic 
sessions, but that delegations were able to organize themselves in whichever way they would like 
to discuss elements of interest in RTAs. There remained some other issues that delegations might 
wish to discuss in future. She would ask the Secretariat to distribute a document that would reflect 
these points, and the Committee would continue discussions at the first  meeting in 2024.  
I. CONSIDERATION OF REGIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS  
ITEM I.I  
(The minutes of the consideration of thi s Agreement were being distributed as a separate document 
WT/REG422/M/1)  
 
ITEM I.II   
(The minutes of the consideration of this Agreement were being distributed as a separate document 
WT/REG443/M/1)  
 
ITEM I.III  
(The minutes of the consideration of this Agreement were being distributed as a separate document 
WT/REG439/M/1)  
 
ITEM I.IV  
(The minutes of the consideration of this Agreement were being distributed as a separate document 
WT/REG463/M/1)  
 
ITEM V  
(The minutes of the consideration of this Agreement were being distributed as a separate document 
WT/REG464/M/1)  
 
ITEM VI  
(The minutes of the consideration of this Agreement were being distributed as a separate document 
WT/REG454/M/1)  
 
ITEM VII  
(The minutes of the consideration of this Agreement w ere being distributed as a separate document 
WT/REG440/M/1)  
 
J. ADOPTION OF THE ANNUAL REPORT (2023) OF THE CRTA TO THE GENERAL COUNCIL  
1.52.  The Chair noted that the draft 202 3 annual Report of the Committee to the General Council 
had been distributed in document  WT/REG/W/ 183, and that the deadline for comments had been 
set for 6 November. Comments had been received from China , and a revised version, which also 
incorporated some cosmetic changes made by the Secretariat, had been distributed as RD/RTA/61. 
Following  that, comments had also been received or proposed  by various delegations  in the course 
of informal discussions held in the Committee, and draft reports incorporating these changes ha d 
been distributed as RD/RTA/61/Rev.1 , RD/RTA/61/Rev.2,  RD/RTA/61/Rev.3 a nd RD/RTA/61/Rev.4.  
1.53.  The Committee  adopted the Annual Report (2023) of the CRTA to the General Council.2 
K. OTHER BUSINESS  
1.54.  The Chair recalled that, on technical cooperation activities, it had been agreed at the 
Committee's 32nd Session to regularly review the m at the last meeting of the year. She invited the 
Secretariat to give an account of activities carried out in 2023 and those planned for 2024. Details 
were available in room document RD/RTA/60.  
1.55.  A representative of the Secretariat  informed the Committee th at, as could be seen from the 
document  RD/RTA/60 , the Secretariat had slowly gone back to in -person training both in Geneva 
and elsewhere. The RTA Section continued to participate in the regular online courses of the WTO 
and also provided training for national seminars as requested. The objectives of th e activities listed 
 
2 Circulated as WT/REG/34.  WT/REG/M/108  
 
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  varied from raising awareness on RTA dynamics in global trade to training and advising government 
officials on WTO rules and procedures on RTAs. Since 2006, the RTA Section had added information 
on the Transparency Mechanism in those tr aining activities. For 2024, the RTA Section would 
participate in at least two intermediate training courses, one in French, one in English, four regional 
trade policy courses in four different regions, and three advanced trade policy courses, each 
contain ing a module on RTAs. As of that date, no national requests for any specialized activities on 
the topic of RTAs for 2024 had been received. The Secretariat would also continue to offer a 
specialized course on RTAs through its e -learning platform which had been developed a few years 
ago. 
1.56.  The Chair informed the Committee that the next CRTA meeting was tentatively scheduled for 
27-28 March 2024.  
1.57.  The Committee took note of all the comments made during the meeting.  
__________