RESTRICTED  
  
WT/COMTD/SE/M/42  
 
24 November  2021 
(21-8879) Page: 1/4 
Committee on Trade and Development  
Forty -Second Dedicated Session    
 
 
NOTE ON THE MEETING OF 19 OCTOBER  2021 
Chairman: H.E. Dr Muhammad Mujtaba Piracha (Pakistan)  
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  ................................ ................................ ...................  1 
B. PARAGRAPH 41 OF THE HONG KONG MINISTERIAL DECLARATION: MONITORING 
PROGRESS OF THE SMALL ECONOMIES' PROPOSALS IN THE NEGOTIATING GROUPS AND 
OTHER WTO BODIES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 1 
- Work Programme on Small Economies - Compilation paper prepared by the Secretariat 
(WT/COMTD/SE/W/22/Rev.10)  ................................ ................................ ............................  1 
C. WORK PROGRAMME ON SMALL ECONOMIES: PROPOSAL FOR MINISTERIAL 
DECISION - COMMUNICATION FROM EL SALVADOR  AND GUATEMALA ON BEHALF OF THE 
GROUP OF SMALL, VULNERABLE ECONOMIES (WT/COMTD/SE/W/42)  ...........................  2 
D. DRAFT REPORT OF THE CTD IN DEDICATED SESSION TO THE GENERAL COUNCIL 
(WT/COMTD/SE/W/43)  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 4 
E. OTHER BUSINESS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 4 
 
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  
1.   The draft agenda as contained in Airgram  WTO/AIR/COMTD/SE/1 4/Rev.1 of 8 October  2021 
was adopted .  
B. PARAGRAPH 41 OF THE HONG KONG MINISTERIAL DECLARATION: MONITORING 
PROGRESS OF THE SMALL ECONOMIES' PROPOSALS IN THE NEGOTIATING GROUPS AND 
OTHER WTO BODIES  
- Work Programme on Small Economies - Compilation paper prepared by the Secretariat 
(WT/COMTD/SE/W/22/Rev. 10) 
2.   The Chairman  said that the Secretariat compilation paper ha d its roots in the mandate 
contained in paragraph 41 of the Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration, which called for the 
Dedicated  Session of the Committee on Trade and Development (CTD) to monitor the progress of 
the small economies ' proposals in the negotiating and other WTO bodies.  The compilation paper ha d 
been updated several times over the years, in order to incorporate references to new documents 
concerning the Work Programme on Small Economies.  It had served as a useful reference for matters 
relating to the Work Programme , and in past Ministerial Decisions concerning the Work Programme, 
Ministers ha d based themselves on this document to take note of the work undertaken. He went on 
to say that, at the T welfth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) which would be held in a few weeks , 
the present update (WT/COMTD/SE/W/22/Rev. 10) would once again help to inform Ministers of the 
status of the Work Programme on Small Economies, and in particular the work undertake n since the 
last Ministerial Conference. As per the practice, all existing references to past documents had been 
maintained in the new update. The additions that had been made in this update concerned firstly  
the proposal by the Group of Small, Vulnerable Economies (SVEs) – circulated on 10 February 2020 
in document WT/COMTD/SE/W/40 – for a discussion to be held on the opportunities and challenges 
for small economies in attracting investments. This discussion was held at the 40th Dedicated Session 
on Small Economies  on 2 November  2020. He recalled that, at the same meeting, a discussion was 
also held on the impact of the COVID -19 outbreak on the trade of small economies.  In addition, the WT/COMTD/SE/M/42  
 
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  updated Secretariat compilation paper ma de reference to another proposa l by the SVE Group – 
circulated on 5 May 2021 in document WT/COMTD/SE/W/41 – for a discussion to be held on the 
economic and trade impact of natural disasters on small economies. This discussion was held at the 
41st Dedicated Session on Small Economies  on 6 July 2021.  
3.   The representative of Guatemala  thanked the Secretariat for the updated compilation paper . 
She said that the document reflected what ha d been done in the context of the Work Programme on 
Small Economies over the years, and also reflected the p roposals made by the SVE Group. She 
additionally  noted that the document helped to inform Ministers  of the status of the work under the 
Work Programme, and hoped that the practice of updating the document would continue  in the 
future .  
4.   The representative of Fiji expressed appreciation to the Secretariat for having updated the 
compilation paper. He noted that the paper dealt with a number of issues from a historical 
perspective , as well as in the context of some new and emerging areas , including the impact  of the 
COVID -19 pandemic  and the impact of natural disasters . The se issues were critical, given  the 
disproportionate effects  on small economies . They  needed to be addressed , in line with the mandate 
from the Doha Ministerial Declaration,  so as to allow small economies to meet their trade needs and 
be able to participate in global value chains  (GVCs) . He indicated that his delegation was currently 
studying the document, and would revert in case it had any comments .  
5.   The Dedicated Session took note  of the updated compilation paper , and of all interventions.  
C. WORK PROGRAMME ON SMALL ECONOMIES: PROPOSAL FOR MINISTERIAL 
DECISION - COMMUNICATION FROM EL SALVADOR AND GUATEMALA ON BEHALF OF THE 
GROUP OF SMALL, VULNERABLE ECONOMIES (WT/COMTD/SE/W/ 42) 
6.   The Chairman  said tha t the present agenda item  concerned a proposal for a 
Ministerial  Decision at MC12 on the Work Programme on Small  Economies.  This proposal, contained 
in document WT/COMTD/SE/W/42, was circulated by El  Salvador and Gua temala, on behalf of the 
SVE Group.  
7.   The representative of Guatemala  said that the SVE Group sought  the recognition and 
reiteration by Ministers of the important work that was taking place under the Work Programme on 
Small Economies. This was why the Group was proposing a new Ministerial Decision for adoption at 
MC12. She indicated that t he text had not change d significantly  from the Ministerial Decision adopted 
at the Eleventh WTO Ministerial Conference  (MC11 ), and went on to highlight the main modifications.  
She noted in this regard that, i n the first paragraph of the proposed new text, the document 
reference for the Secretariat compilation paper  had been update d. The proponents had also included 
references to the work  undertaken since MC11  on the challenges small economies experience d in 
their efforts to reduce trade costs, particularly in the area of trade facilitation; on the opportunities 
and challenges for small economies in attracting investments; and on the economic and trade impact 
of nat ural disasters on small economies . In addition, the proponents were proposing a new topic for 
work under  the Work Programme , which appear ed in the second paragraph . The proposal was for 
work to be undertaken on " integrating small economies into the post CO VID-19 economy: effects of 
the pandemic, challenges and opportunities. " She explained that the members of the SVE Group had 
been badly affected by the pandemic, and it was therefore felt that this was an appropriate  and 
timely  topic for discussion. She hoped that consensus could be reached on the propo sed 
Ministerial  Decision .  
8.   The representative of Fiji expressed appreciation to El Salvador and Guatemala for their 
initiative. He believed that the draft Ministerial Decision was timely, and cou ld be used as a template 
for the way forward , even if some elements could later be reviewed by Members.  He explained that 
many small economies were vulnerable, and faced several challenges including those relating to 
natural disasters  and climate change. His coun try had to live with annual cyclone seasons , which 
made it very difficult to plan for development, since each year there was a need to rebuild  after the 
occurrence of natural disasters . He indicated that t his affect ed the ability of small economies  to 
participate in  GVCs , and that Members needed to come up with some additional ideas on how to 
help small economies in this regard. Furthermore, t he challenges facing small economies had 
become even more severe in light of the COVID -19 pandemic.  His delegation therefore believed that WT/COMTD/SE/M/42  
 
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  the Work Programme on Small Economies  needed to be extended, and that the draft 
Ministerial  Decision  provided a good basis for Members in this regard . 
9.   The representative of Mauritius  said that his delegation supporte d the draft Ministerial Decision 
proposed by El Salvador and Guatemala. He explained that small island developing states and other 
SVEs were facing greater  difficulties during the COVID -19 pandemic  than countries that had more 
resources to respond.  
10.   The representative of  the European Union  welcomed the proposal by El Salvador and 
Guatemala. He noted that the proposal was critical for the SVE Group, and indicated that there would 
be no obstacles from his delegation to the proposed text .  
11.   The representative  of the United States  indicated that her d elegation  had review ed the 
proposed text for MC12 on the Work Programme on Small Economies , and welcomed it . She wished 
to echo the words of the European Union, Guatemala, Fiji and Mauritius. Specifically, her dele gation 
appreciate d the call to encourage Members to discuss the effects of the pandemic, including its 
challenges and opportunities , and how small economies could  better integrate into a post 
COVID -19 economy. These were important topics to address , and would contribute to building 
resiliency and ensuring preparedness for future crises.  
12.   The representative of China  said that her delegation took note of the significant challenges 
faced by SVEs in reducing trade cost s, attracting investment s and fighting against natural disasters 
and climate change. Recalling that the Dedicated Session had in the past few years held discuss ions 
on reducing trade costs and attracting investments, she indicated that the situation ha d been 
exacerbated by the pro longed pandemic. Her delegation thanked El Salvador and Guatemala for the 
propos ed Ministerial Decision on the W ork Program me on Small Economies , and saw the necessity 
and importance of this proposal as a meaningful outcome for MC12. China support ed contin ued 
efforts in the WTO for the fuller integration of SVEs in to the multilateral system and GVCs . 
13.   The representative of Norway  thank ed El Salvador and Guatemala for the proposal , which his 
delegation believed w as important . He said that his delegation support ed work to integrate 
small economies into the post COVID -19 economy , looking at the effects of the pandemic as well as 
the challenges  and opportunities . 
14.   The representative of  the United Kingdom  indicated his delegation's support for the proposal  
submitted by El Salvador and Guatemala. He said that t he United Kingdom  strongly support ed 
through its  trade polic y and programmes the integration of SVEs into the global trading system . 
15.   The representative of Japan  said that her delegation  largely supported the prop osal by 
El Salvador and Guatemala . However, as internal consultations were still taking place, her delegation 
wished to reserve the right to submit any potential comments in the future . 
16.   The Chairman  asked the delegation of Japan to clarify whether it was in a position to agree to 
the proposal. He observed that there was not much time left until MC12, and therefore hoped that 
there could be consensus on the proposal at the present meeting . 
17.   The representative of Japan  said that her delegation would most likely be able to agree to 
the proposal . However, since consultations were still taking place in her capital, she wished to 
reserve the right to make comments, in case there were any. She hoped that this clarified the 
situation , and also indicated that she did not wish to stand in the way of any decision that was to be 
taken at the present meeting . 
18.   The Chairman  thanked Japan for the positive response. His understanding was there were  no 
objections to go forward with the proposal , although a ny comments  could be submitted to 
the Secretariat  or to the co-sponsors of the proposal . He expressed appreciation to Members, and 
noted that this would be the first text for MC12 to be consensually agreed by all Members.   
19.   The Dedicated Session  agreed  to the proposal submitted by El Salvador and Guatemala on 
behalf of the SVE Group.  WT/COMTD/SE/M/42  
 
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  D. DRAFT REPORT OF THE CTD IN DEDICATED SESSION TO THE GENERAL COUNCIL 
(WT/COMTD/SE/W/43)   
20.   The Chairman  said that , as was the normal practice in a year in which a 
WTO Ministerial  Conference was held, the Dedicated Session w ould need to approve and submit a 
report to the General Council. The draft report for consideration at the present meeting , which was 
contained in document WT/COMTD/SE/W/43, ha d a similar structure to past reports by the 
Dedicated Session. In addition to the Introduction, the draft report ha d two main sections. The first 
of these sections, titled "Submissions and Proceedings", contain ed a summary of the work that ha d 
been undertaken in the Dedicated Session since the last Ministerial Conference. The second of these 
sections was titled "Future  Work". He noted that both of these sections contain ed some square 
brackets. As part of the process of adopting the report, the square brackets w ould be removed, and 
appropriate text would  be inserted as necessary. He said that he would run Members through the 
two key areas where there were square brackets in the draft report, and would indicate how the 
report would be finalized when the square brackets were removed.  He first refer red Members to 
paragraph 2.7 of the draft report, which su mmarize d the discussion at the present  meeting. In this 
paragraph, the final report would additionally reflect the fact that the Dedicated Session had agreed 
to the proposal by the SVE Group for a Ministerial Decision at MC12 on the Work Programme on 
Small  Economies, as contained in document WT/COMTD/SE/W/42.  He next  referred to paragraph 
3.2 of the draft  report , which ha d been left blank. In line with past reports of the Dedicated Session 
to the General Council, this paragraph in the final report would  contain the elements of the proposal 
by the SVE Group that ha d just  been agreed to. The elements of the SVE Group proposal would  be 
framed in terms of recommendations or proposals from the CTD's Dedicated Session on 
Small  Economies to the General Council.  He asked whether Members could  adopt the report to the 
General Council . 
21.   The representative of the European Union  indicated that his delegation was in a position to 
adopt the report. He congratulated the SVE Group, and in particular El Salvador and Guatemala, 
for the agreement that had been reached  by Members  under the previous agenda item on a proposed 
Ministerial Decision at MC12 on the Work Programme on Small Economies. He also indicated that 
his delegation wished to see  the proposed final report before it was submitted to the General Council , 
and to reserve its right to provide any comments . 
22.   The representative of Guatemala  thanked Members for giving the support that was needed to 
continue work under the W ork Programme on  Small Economies. Her delegation was in a position to 
adopt the report .  
23.   The representative of Fiji said that his delegation wished to register its support for the adoption 
of the report . 
24.   The representative of El Salvador  expressed her delegation's support  for the  proposed 
Ministerial Decision on the Work Programme on Small Economies , and for the adoption of the report . 
25.   The representative of China  indicated  that her delegation could support forwarding the report 
to the General Council. She noted that the dr aft report contained a paragraph that had been left 
blank, and inquired whether the Chairman would circulate a revised version of the report . 
26.   The Chairman  said that he would circulate the proposed final report to all Members and would 
request comments, if any, by a certain date. If there were no indications to the contrary by the 
indicated deadline, the report would  be considered adopted .1   
27.   The Dedicated Session took note  of all interventions.  
E. OTHER BUSINESS  
28.   No matter was raised under "Other Business ". 
29.   The meeting was adjourned . 
__________  
 
1 The report was subsequently adopted and circulated in document WT/COMTD/SE/11.