INF/MSME/W/33  
 
7 June 2021  
(21-4636) Page: 1/2 
  Original: English  
 
 
INFORMAL WORKING GROUP ON MSMES  
DRAFT DECLARATION ON MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM -SIZED  ENTERPRISES (MSMES)  
The following communication, dated 7 June 2021, is being circulated at the request of the 
Coordinator of the Informal Working Group on MSMEs.  
 
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We, the Head s of Delegations  representing the following Members of the WTO:  […], 
 
Acknowledging  that the integration of Micro, Smal l and Medium -sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in 
international trade enhances their contribution to the economic development of WTO Members, as 
sources of job creation, innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth;  
 
Stressing  that promotion of the participati on of MSMEs in international trade is therefore an 
important issue in the WTO agenda;  
 
Supporting  the efforts of WTO Informal Working Group on MSMEs on the collection and publication 
of MSME -specific COVID -related support measures and promoting further exc hange of views and 
best practices on this issue;  
 
Recalling  the centrality of the multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core to foster a 
transparent and predictable global trade environment where MSMEs can compete on a level -playing 
field; 
 
Reaffirming  our pledge, as contained in our Joint Ministerial S tatement at Buenos Aires1, to address 
obstacles related to foreign trade operations that represent a significant burden for MSMEs interested 
in participating in international trade;  
 
Reiterating  our resolve to favour horizontal and non -discriminatory solu tions which are likely to yield 
benefits for the participation of MSMEs in international trade, taking into account the specific needs 
of developing Members and least developed countries;  
 
Desiring  to support the consideration of MSME -related issues in the regular work of WTO bodies and 
any other relevant work in the WTO ; 
 
1. Welcome  the work of the WTO Informal Working Group on MSMEs since the 11th WTO Ministerial  
Conference that took place in Buen os Aires, Argentina, in December 2017, and the adoption on 
11 December 2020 of a package (INF/MSME/4 and Rev.1) including the following six 
recommendations and declarations:  
 
a) Recommendation on the collection and maintenance of MSME -related information  
(Annex 1);  
b) Declaration on access to information (Annex 2);  
 
1 WT/MIN(17) /58/Rev.1 . INF/MSME/W/33  
 
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  c) Recommendation on trade facilitation and MSMEs (Annex 3);  
d) Recommendation on promoting MSMEs' inclusion in regulatory development in the area 
of trade (Annex 4);  
e) Recommendation on MSMES a nd the WTO Integrated Database (Annex 5);  
f) Declaration on  addressing the trade -related aspects of MSMEs'  access  to finance and 
cross-border payments (Annex 6) . 
2. Welcome  the launch of the Trade4MSMEs platform . 
 
3. Declare  that: 
 
3.1.  The work of the Informal Working Group on MSMEs (the IWG) shall focus on issues of  core 
significance to MSMEs and shall identify actions that could be taken to support MSMEs' participation 
in international trade , including fostering  exchange s of good pract ices on how to best take into 
account MSMEs needs in domestic rulemaking.  
 
3.2.  The IWG will continue monitoring the recommendations and declarations set out in 
paragraph  1. 
 
3.3.  The IWG will pursue its work on the basis of the  Buenos Aires Joint Ministerial Statement 
(WT/MIN(17)/58/Rev.1), recommendations and declarations set out in paragraph 1.1 and will 
consider proposals submitted by members as well as any other inputs the IWG deems relevant in 
consistence with paragraph 3.1. We take note of the presentations made to the IWG, without 
prejudice to the position of IWG members.  
 
3.4.  We invite IWG members, with the support of the WTO Secretariat and relevant multilateral 
institutions as needed, to exchange good practices in area s of interest to the Group and to organize 
workshops and information sessions as appropriate.  
 
3.5.  The IWG shall meet at least twice a year and may hold additional meetings as appropriate.  
 
3.6.  The IWG shall promote an effective coordination and inform ation exchange with the other WTO 
regular working bodies on MSME -related issues . In particular, IWG members shall do their best to 
promote MSME -related discussions within regular WTO bodies . 
 
3.7.  The IWG will continue to periodically share with the membership information on its work and 
discussions at the HoDs, General Council and the Ministerial Conference as well as to reach out to 
other Members in order to invite them to join the Group in light of the value of our initiative.  
 
3.8.  The IWG and it s members should continue the dialogue with the private sector to ensure its 
work remains relevant for MSMEs . 
 
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