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TN/CTD/M/54  
 
9 January  2020 
(20-0211) Page: 1/5 
Committee on Trade and Development  
Fifty-Fourth Special Session    
 
  
NOTE ON THE MEETING OF 25 OCTOBER  2019 
Chairperson :  Ambassador Kadra Ahmed Hassan (Djibouti ) 
 
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGEN DA ................................ ................................ ....................  1 
B. ELECTION OF THE CHAI RPERSON  ................................ ................................ ............  1 
C. UPDATES BY MEMBERS O N THE STATUS OF WORK  ................................ ..................  2 
D. OTHER BUSINESS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 4 
 
 
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGEN DA 
1. The incoming Chairperson , Ambassador Kadra Ahmed Hassan of Djibout i, welcomed 
delegations to the 54th Special Session of the Committee on Trade and Development (CTD). She 
recalled that Members had been informed by the Chair of the General Council in a communication 
dated 1 October 2019  of the consensus on her appointment as the new Chair person  of the CTD in 
Special Session (CTD SS).  She explained that she was opening the 54th Special Session because 
the outgoing Chair  of the CTD SS  was unable  to be present at the meeting. In this particular case, 
the former Chair man – Ambassador  François Xavier Ngarambe  of Rwanda  – had announced his 
departure from Geneva before the summer break .  
2. The draft agenda as contained in document  WTO/AIR/TN/CTD/6  of 11 October 2019  was 
adopted . 
B. ELECTION OF THE CHAIRPERSON  
3. The incoming Chairperson  said that, under the present  agenda  item, the Special Session 
would formally elect her as Chairperson.  She recalled once again that the Chair of the General 
Council  had informed Members in a communication dated 1 October 2019 of the consensus on her 
appointment as the new Chair person  of the CTD SS.  The CTD SS had been  invited to proceed with 
her formal appointment at the earliest opportunity.  
4. The Special Session elected  Ambassador Kadra Ahmed Hassan of Djibouti  as the new 
Chairperson  of the CTD SS.  
5. The Chairperson  thanked Members for the confidence they had placed in her by electing her 
Chairperson of the CTD SS . She also expressed appreciation to her predecessor  in the Chair for his 
efforts to try to move the process forward. She went on to say that the negotiations on special and 
differential treatment (S&D) in the CTD SS had a long history, and that she was aware of the 
difficulties that Members had faced  in these negotiations . In recent years, she recalled that the 
G90 had submitted proposals for Memb ers' consideration in the run -up to the Tenth WTO 
Ministerial Conference  (MC10)  in 2015 , and subsequently the Eleventh  WTO Ministerial Conference  
(MC11)  in 2017. Unfortunately, it had not been possible to have concrete outcome s on S&D at 
either of these tw o Ministerial  Conferences . Although informal consultations by the CTD SS Chair 
had continued after MC11 , her predecessor  in the Chair  had reported to Members in July 2019  that TN/CTD/M/54  
 
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  no significant shift s in Members' positions  had been detected . However, taking due note of the 
history of the negotiations in the CTD SS, she indicated that she  wished to approach the work with 
an open  mind. In this regard , she observed that the challenges faced in the past should not  
prevent Members from continuing t o explore possible avenues to make progress. It was perhaps 
by drawing l essons from the past that Members would be able to collectively determine a way 
forward . 
6. In terms of how she intended to proceed, she said that she would shortly be reaching out to 
Members for  some  bilateral one -on-one meetings, in order to hear  views and thoughts on the 
status of work, and how discussions could move forward. She indicated that she would be 
requesting the Secretariat to assist her in organizing a number of such meeti ngs, and also 
encouraged any delegation that wished to meet with her to contact her directly, or through the 
Secretariat. In terms of substance, she indicated that the real discussion would begin once there 
was a submission on the table. In this regard, sh e noted that her predecessor had informed 
Members in July 2019  that the G90 was working on its proposals, with a view to sharing a 
submission with Members after the summer break. Although  a submission had not been circulated  
yet, she hoped that the G90 wou ld be able to provide an update at the present meeting . Once the 
submission by the G90  was shared with Members, she would explore the possibilit y of holding 
informal meetings in various configurations, so as to allow discussions to take place on the basis of 
concrete proposals. Finally, she noted that that the Twelfth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) 
would be held in June 2020. In this regard, she indicated that she wished to have MC12  as an 
objective in mind for the work of the CTD SS. In particular, it was her hope that, with a submission 
put on the table soon by the proponents  – and with a proper structure for discussions in 
place - Members might be able to work towards some concrete deliverables on S&D for MC12. She 
assured Members of her full commitment to try and make this a reality, despite the challenges that 
might be faced in the process.  
C. UPDATES BY MEMBERS O N THE STATUS OF WORK  
7. The Chairperson  invited Members to share any information or updates that they wished 
regarding the work of the CTD SS.  
8. The representative of South Africa , on behalf of the G90, welcomed the appointment of the  
Chairperson, and also expressed appreciation for the efforts of the former Chairman. She said that 
S&D was one of the corners tones of the multilateral trading system, and was critical for the 
integration of developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs) into global trad e. 
Through the Doha Ministerial Declaration, Members had recognized  that S&D provisions were an 
integral part of the WTO Agreements, and  had agreed in paragraph 44 that these provisions would 
be reviewed with a view to strengthening them and making them more precise, effective and 
operational. Furthermore, the Doha Declaration – together with the Decisio n on 
Implementation -Related Issues and Concerns – mandated the CTD to identify which S&D 
provisions were mandatory, and to consider the legal and practical implications of making 
mandatory the provisions that were currently non -binding. The Committee was also to consider 
ways in which developing countries, and in particular LDCs, might be assisted to make the best 
use of S&D .  
9. She referred to the 10  Agreement -specific proposals circulated by the G90 in 
November  2017 in document JOB/GC/160, and stressed  their importance for structural 
transformation and industrialization.  She indicated that the objective of the proposal s was to  give 
developing countries and LDCs the potential to increase productive capacity, promote an effective 
participation in regional and  global value chains, and integrate into the multilateral trading system. 
She also informed that Committee that the G90 had decided to adopt a consultative approach in 
the development of revised proposals . Some consultations had already been initiated with  
Members , and the feedback had been positive.  The aim of the G90 was to prepare a room 
document, which would endeavour to take into account the comments made by Members, and 
which would be circulated before the next meeting of the CTD SS. The G90 would wor k closely 
with the Chairperson and the Secretariat to ensure that a meeting of the CTD SS was held before 
the end of 2019.  She emphasized the importance of S&D in promoting an inclusive and 
development -oriented multilateral trading system, and appealed to Members to engage 
constructively with the G90  in refining the proposals so as to deliver a meaningful outcome at 
MC12. The revised S&D proposals needed to  contribute towards increasing trading opportunities 
for developing countries and LDCs , while supporting them to build their productive capacity  and TN/CTD/M/54  
 
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  participate meaningfully in global trade . She also highlighted the need  to streamline and simplify 
processe s and procedures to be followed in order to invoke S&D provisions in covered agreements , 
as well as the need to ensure that the multilateral trading system contribute d to meeting the 2030 
Agenda for Sustainable Development . In closing, she said that the G9 0 looked forward to working 
constructively with the Chairperson and with Members in order to d eliver on the mandate. She also 
expressed support for the way forward outlined by the Chairperson, including with regard to the 
informal consultations that the Ch airperson intended to hold .  
10. The representative of the European Union  said that development was a central pillar of the 
WTO, and that particular support for LDCs was needed . Her delegation  was open to further work in 
the CTD SS, but believed that progress could only be possible if new ideas formed the basis of the 
debate, and if there was an openness to engage constructively in the discussions with a fresh 
approach. She welcomed the election of  the Chairperson, and expressed her delegation's 
willingness to consider further  proposals  and work with Members .  
11. The representative of Norway  noted that discussions in the CTD SS would likely continue to 
be challenging . He assured the Chairperson that his delegation  would remain constructive  and 
supportive , and called on the proponents and other Members to communicate better with each 
other in both formal and informal settings. His delegation looked forward to seeing the G90 room 
document as soon as possi ble. 
12. The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDC Group, expressed support for the work of 
the Chairperson going forward, and also recognized  the efforts of the former Chairman . He 
emphasized the importance of S&D for developing countries and LDCs, including in terms of 
development gains and integration into global trade. He went on to say that the S&D proposals  by 
the G90 had been on the table since MC10 , but there was still no concrete outcome from these 
proposals . Accordingly, in the lead -up to MC12, the G90 had chosen to follow a different approach , 
in order to increase the chances of success . In particular, the G90 believed that more direct 
informal consultations with partners to discuss the rationale behind the  proposals would help 
Members reach consensus.  These informal consultations had recently begun, and it was the hope 
that all Members would demonstrate a constructive spirit.  
13. The representative of Switzerland  thanked  the Chairperson for outlining  the way in  which 
she intended  to pursue discussions . His delegation  stood ready to engage  in informal and 
interactive setting s as needed , in the hope that this would allow a trusting and result -oriented 
dialogue to take place, and that it would lead to concrete prog ress. He added that Switzerland had 
on many occasions expressed its readiness to engage con structively on development issues, in 
particular on issues  concerning LDCs . His delegation did not wish to repeat the past, and in this 
regard he expressed hope that discussions could be started on new ideas , which would help 
Member s identify common ground . He also indicated that his delegation was looking forward to 
seeing  the G90 room document , so that feedback  could be provided .  
14. The representative of Rwanda  noted that development was an integral part of the WTO, and 
that S&D was a component of the development dimension of the multilateral trading system. He 
indicated  that the C hairperson's diplomatic experience and open -minded ness would be useful in 
helping the CTD SS  advance  in its work , and also recognized the contributions of the former 
Chairman. He additionally  expressed support for the statement by South Africa on behalf of the 
G90, and noted that he was encouraged by the positive spirit that had prevailed in the recent 
informal consultations that had been held . His delegation looked forward to engaging 
constructively with Members on the G90 room document, which was  expected to be circulated 
shortly .  
15. The representative of India said that S&D provisions were an integral part of the multilateral 
trading system . These provisions had the objective of enabl ing developing countr ies and LDCs to 
meaningfully integrate into the multilateral trading system  and derive maximum economic 
benefits . He recalled that , in light of Members' concerns relat ing to the effectiveness and operation 
of S&D provisions, Ministers had given a mandate – contained  in paragraph 44 of the Doha 
Ministerial Declaration – to review all S&D provisions, with a view to strengthening them and 
making them more precise, effective and operational. Although Members had been discussing 
these issues since 2002, it had not been possible to make  tangible progress w ith regard to the 
Ministerial mandate. His delegation believed that the G90 proposals provided a useful input , and a 
basis on which to make progress  in this area . In closing, he stressed the importance of achieving  TN/CTD/M/54  
 
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  outcome s relating to  the development aspects of the Doha Work Programme , and called on 
Members to intensify their work.  
16. The representative of Guyana  expressed appreciation to the Chairperson for her willingness 
to take on the leadership of the CTD SS. He additionally recognized the efforts of the former 
Chairman, who had previously played a leading role within the ACP Group and the G90  as well . He 
went to say that S&D was essential to achieving the WTO's objectives , and to integrat ing 
developing countries and LDCs into the multila teral trading system . He was encouraged to note 
the positive signs in the recent informal consultations that had been held, and looked forward to 
continued constructive engagement. He support ed the statement by South Africa on behalf of the 
G90, and looked  forward to the circulation of the G90 room document. In closing, he called on 
Members to look at the proposals by the G90 in their own right, and to not link them with broader  
issues relating to development  in the WTO .  
17. The representative of Jamaica , on behalf of the ACP Group, expressed support for the 
statement by South Africa on behalf of the G90. He stressed the importance of S&D for the 
successful integration of developing countries and LDCs into the multilateral trading system. He 
welcomed the appointment of the Chairperson, and also expressed appreciat ion for the work of the 
former Chairman . The ACP Group looked forward to seeing constructive engagement by all 
Members  in the CTD SS , and stood ready to work with the Chairperson so as to ha ve a successful 
outcome at MC12 . 
18. The representative of Trinidad an d Tobago  indicated  that her delegation looked forward to 
working with the Chairperson and discussing  the proposals by the G90 . She also recognized the 
contributions of the former Chairman . She stress ed the importance of S&D for developing 
countries  – and in particular for small and vulnerable economies  – which  faced difficulties in 
actively participat ing in international trade and fully implement ing WTO Agreements.  
19. The representative of China  said that her delegation was committed to suppo rting the 
Chairperson's work. She believed that, under the leadership of the Chairperson, the negotiations 
could resume soon, and progress could be made. China would continue to engage constructively 
with Members in the CTD SS. She also thanked the former Chairman for his efforts, and indicated 
that her delegation would study the G90 room document carefully once it was circulated.  
20. The representative of Benin , on behalf of the African Group,  said that he wished to reaffirm 
the importance of S&D for African countries, and in particular  for LDCs. He welcomed the election 
of the Chairperson, and expressed commit ment to work with her in an inclusive and constructive 
manner  in order to achieve a concrete and satisfactory outcome on S&D . He also expressed 
apprecia tion for the work of the former Chairman, and indicated support for the statement by 
South Africa on behalf of the G90 .  
21. The representative of Nigeria  assured the Chair person of his delegation's support in fulfiling 
the mandate of the CTD SS. He associated his delegation with the statements by South Africa on 
behalf of the G90, Jamaica on behalf of the ACP Group, and Benin on behalf of the African Group. 
He additionally emphasized the importance of S&D in helping developing countries be nefit from the 
multilateral trading system , and called on Members to take this into account in their  discussions . 
22. The representative of Zimbabwe  expressed her delegation's confidence in the Chairperson's 
leadership, and pledged support to move the process forward. She also thanked the former 
Chairman for his efforts . She said that S&D was an integral part of the Marrakesh Agreement, and 
was an impo rtant instrument to integrat e developing countries and LDCs into the global economy . 
She called on Members to engage constructively to fulfil the mandate in paragraph 44 of the Doha 
Declaration, and expressed support for the statements made by South Africa  on behalf of the G90, 
Chad on behalf of the LDC Group, Jamaica on behalf of the ACP Group, and Benin on behalf of the 
African Group.  
23. The Special Session  took note  of all interventions.  
D. OTHER BUSINESS  
24. No matter was raised  under "Other Business" . TN/CTD/M/54  
 
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  25. In closing the meeting, t he Chairperson  reiterated her commitment  to engage with 
Members. While  recogniz ing the difficulties that would be faced in the work of the CTD SS going 
forward, she also observed that this was work that needed to be done. She addition ally noted  that 
the difficulties should not be overestimate d, as she was convinced that  Members had the ability to 
find solutions.  
26. The meeting was adjourned . 
 
 
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