RESTRICTED  
  
WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
3 August  2023 
(23-5294) Page: 1/38 
Committee on Trade and Development  
121st Session    
 
NOTE ON THE MEETING OF 11 JULY  2023  
Chairman: H.E. Dr. José R. Sánchez -Fung (Dominican Republic ) 
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  ................................ ................................ ....................  2 
B. OBSERVERS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  2 
(I) Request for  attendance of ad hoc  observers  ................................ ................................ .. 2 
(II) Further consideration of requests for observer status by the League of Arab States, 
the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the Gulf Organization for Industrial 
Consulting, the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, the Common Fund for 
Commodities, the Organization of Arab Pe troleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) and the Groupe  
de la Banque Africaine de Développement  ................................ ................................ .............  3 
C. DEVELOPMENTAL ASPECTS OF WTO REFORM  ................................ ..........................  3 
(I) Statement by the Chairman on the informal discussions h eld ................................ ...........  3 
(II) Improving the Functioning of the Committee on Trade and Development – Communication 
from the United Kingdom (WT/COMTD/W/276)  ................................ ................................ ...... 5 
D. TECHNICAL COOPERATION AND TRAINING  ................................ ..........................  11 
(I) WTO Technical Assistance Annual Report 2022 (WT/COMTD/W/272)  ...............................  11 
(II) Biennial Technical Assistance and Training Plan 2024 -2025 (WT/COMTD/W/273)  ..............  15 
(III)  Technical Assistance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan 2024 -2025 
(WT/COMTD/W/261/Rev.1)  ................................ ................................ ...............................  15 
E. GLOBAL TRADE DATA PORTAL – PRESENTATION BY THE SECRETARIAT  ................  18 
F. INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL COOPERATION ON GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 
PROVIDED BY THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC IN 2012 -2022 – COMMUNICATION FROM 
ARGENTINA (WT/COMTD/W/275)  ................................ ................................ ................  21 
G. THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN ENHANCING FOOD SECURITY – 
COMMUNICATION FROM THE UNITED STATES (JOB/COMTD/1)  ................................ ..... 22 
H. POLICY SPACE FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT - A CASE FOR REBALANCING 
TRADE RULES  TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIALIZATION AND TO ADDRESS EMERGING 
CHALLENGES SUCH AS CLIMATE CHANGE, CONCENTRATION OF PRODUCTION AND 
DIGITAL INDUSTRIALIZATION – COMMUNICATION FROM THE AFRICAN GROUP 
(WT/COMTD/W/270)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 25 
(I) A Case for Rebalancing the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (ASCM) – 
Policy Space to Promote Industrial ization in Developing Countries – Communication from the 
African  Group (WT/COMTD/W/274)  ................................ ................................ ....................  25 
I. MINISTERIAL DECLARATION FROM THE TWELFTH MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON 
THE WTO RESPONSE TO THE COVID -19 PANDEMIC AND PREPAREDNESS FOR FUTURE 
PANDEMICS (WT/MIN(22)/31 - WT/L/1142)  ................................ ...............................  28 
 WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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J. TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT – WORK IN THE COMMITTEE ON THE BASIS OF THE 
CHAIRMAN'S CONCLUDING STATEMENT FROM THE EIGHTH MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 
(WT/MIN(11)/11)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  30 
(I) Committee on Trade and Development Mandate: Focal Point for Consideration and 
Coordination of Work on Development in the WTO – Proposal from Barbados, Belize, China,  
Cuba, Ecuador, India, and the African Group (WT/COMTD/W/208)  ................................ ..........  30 
(II) Operationalization of the CTD's Mandate: A Proposal to Deliver Outcomes based on the  
 MC8 Mandate - Proposal from China, Cuba, Ecuador, India and the African Group 
(WT/COMTD/W/192)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  30 
K. NOTIFICATIONS UNDER THE ENABLING CLAUSE  ................................ ..................  32 
(I)  Gulf Cooperation Council ( GCC) Notification of Customs Union – Communication from China, 
Egypt and India (WT/COMTD/W/175)  ................................ ................................ .................  32 
L. REVIEW OF STEPS TAKEN TO PROVIDE DUTY -FREE AND QUOTA -FREE MARKET 
ACCESS TO LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES  ................................ ................................ ... 33 
M. WORK PROGRAMME ON ELECTRONIC COMMERCE  ................................ .................  33 
(I)  Global Electronic Commerce for Inclusive Development – Communication from India and 
South Africa (WT/COMTD/W/264/REV.1)  ................................ ................................ .............  33 
N. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING  ................................ ................................ ................  37 
O. OTHER BUSINESS  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 37 
 
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  
1. The Chairman said that he wished to draw Members' attention to six communications that had 
been recently circulated by the African Group under the broad theme of transfer of technology. These 
documents were circulated with the symbols of a number of WTO bodies, including the Committee 
on Trade and Development ( CTD). The CTD document symbols range d from WT/COMTD/W/277 to 
WT/COMTD/W/282. These communications d id not appear on the agenda for the present  meeting, 
as they were circulated after the agenda was issued. They would  be listed on the agenda of the next 
meeting of the CTD's Regular Session.   
2. He went on to say that t he draft agenda for the 1 21st Regular Session of the CTD was contained 
in Airgram WTO/AIR/COMTD/2 9/Rev.1 of 30 June 2023.  He indicated that he would make a brief 
intervention under "Other Business" concerning a paper on the participat ion of developing economies 
in the global trading system that the Secretariat ha d been regularly updating for the CTD. As would 
be explained , it would not be possible for the Secretariat to prepare the updated document in 2023 , 
due to resource constraints.    
3. The agenda was adopted  as amended . 
B. OBSERVERS   
(I) Request  for attendance of ad hoc  observers  
4. The Chairman recalled that, at previous sessions of the CTD, Members had agreed to invite a 
number of intergovernmental organizations on an ad hoc  meeting -by-meeting basis. These were the  
Arab Maghreb Union, the Economic Community of Central African States, the  Economic  Community 
of West African States, the Economic Cooperation Organization , the  Inter-Arab Investment 
Guarantee Corporation, the Islamic Development Bank, the  African  Union, the Organization  of the 
Islamic Conference, the South Centre, the  Pacific  Islands  Forum, the United Nations Environment 
Programme, the  West African  Economic and Monetary Union, and the World Intellectual Property 
Organization.  These organizations had been invited to the present meeting. He proposed that the 
same organizations be i nvited to the next formal meeting of the CTD.  
5. It was so agreed . WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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(II) Further consideration of requests for observer status by the Le ague of Arab States, 
the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countrie s (OPEC) , the Gulf Organization for 
Industrial Consulting, the Organi sation Internationale de la Francophonie , the Common 
Fund for Commodities, the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) 
and the Groupe de la Banque Africaine de Développement  
6. The Chairman said that the pos itions of delegations had been previously expressed. 
He inquired whether there were any changes in Members ' positions on these requests for observer 
status.  
7. No Member took the floor.  
8. The Chairman noted that there were no changes in Members' positions , and that there was 
therefore  no consensus at the present  time to approve these requests for observer status . 
He suggested  that the Committee take note and  revert to these requests at the next meeting.  
9. It was so agreed . 
C. DEVELOPMENTAL ASPECTS OF WTO REFORM  
10. The Chairman  recall ed that, at the informal, open -ended CTD meeting held on 26 June 2023, 
he had indicated that he would be adding an item on the developmental aspects of the WTO reform 
to the agenda for the present  meeting, in order to allow him to make a statement on the informal 
discussions that he had  organized on this matter. His statement , which he would be sharing with all 
Members after the meeting,  appear ed as the first sub -item under t he present  agenda item.  A 
communication from the United Kingdom appear ed as a second sub -item. After he made his 
statement, he would  invite the U nited Kingdom  to introduce its communication, given that the 
content of the communication was closely related to the issues that he had been exploring with 
Members. The floor would then be opened for interventions by delegations.  
(I) Statement by the Chairman on the in formal discussions held1 
 
11. The Chairman  said that , at the informal General Council meeting on the developmental aspects 
of WTO reform, held in February 2023, many Members had indicated that the CTD should have a 
part to play in taking the discussions on th is matter forward.  Subsequently, at the formal 
General  Council meeting in March  2023, the Chair of the General  Council proposed that the reform 
discussion on development take place under the guidance of the CTD. The CTD Chair was requested 
to structure thi s work going forward.  He recalled that, a s a first step, he had  sent a communication 
to all Members on 24 April  2023. Through this communication, Members were invited to contact him 
for bilateral meetings. He had  indicated in the invitation that he wanted to use these bilateral 
meetings to hear thoughts on what should constitute the WTO reform discussion on development, 
and what the CTD could be doing in this regard. In the context of reform, he had also welcomed any 
thoughts from Members on what could be done to improve the functioning of the CTD.  He thank ed 
all Members that met with him bilaterally. The meetings were very useful, with many valuable 
contributions. From the meetings, it became clear that Members wi shed to follow up on the February 
development retreat in the General Council by having further discussions on the developmental 
aspects of WTO reform – with the CTD being the appropriate body for this follow -up. This was the 
reason why he had  subsequently convened an informal, open -ended CTD meeting on 26 June  2023. 
For the 26 June meeting, he had  selected two questions to address that he felt were broadly 
representative of what delegations in the bilateral meetings indicated would be useful for further 
discussion among Members in an informal, open -ended setting.  The first question was: "What are 
Members' expectations in terms of development -related outcomes at the Thirteenth WTO Ministerial 
Conference ( MC13 )?" The second question was: "What measures could b e taken to improve the 
functioning of the CTD? " He was pleased to note the high level of engagement from Members on 
both questions, and the wide range of suggestions. He indicated that he would highlight a few of the 
suggestions – noting that his statement  was not comprehensive and only provide d a broad overview 
of the discussions that took place. He nevertheless assure d delegations that all views and ideas that 
were shared c ould be pursued in future discussions if Members so wish ed. 
 
1 The statement by the Chairman was circulated to Members in document JOB/COMTD/2.  WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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12. He indicated that he wi shed to address the first question, concerning Members' expectations 
on development -related outcomes at MC13. On this ques tion, he highlight ed that many delegations 
took the opportunity of the informal, open -ended meeting, to stress the importance of development 
for the work of the WTO, and by extension for the WTO reform process. Members agree d that 
development should be at the forefront of the  WTO's agenda.  It follow ed from this general 
observation that delegations looked to MC13 as a Ministerial  Conference that should deliver strong 
and meaningful development -related outcomes to help developing countries, and particularly LDCs, 
in addressing t he various trade -related challenges they face d to be able to benefit more fully from 
global trade and from participating in the multilateral trading system  (MTS) . He said that it was 
important to highlight that LDC graduation featured prominently in the di scussions. Many delegations 
indicated their readiness to work towards an outcome on LDC graduation even before MC13, 
particularly on Annex 1 of the LDC Group's proposal for smooth transition measures in favour of 
countries graduated from the LDC category. There was also willingness to make progress in 
discussions on Annex 2. Members recognize d that an outcome on LDC graduation c ould make an 
important contribution to the development dimension of the MTS. The issue of special and differential 
treatment (S&D) was also raised several times. In  addition to highlighting the importance of S&D 
for developing countries and LDCs, delegations pointed to the process that ha d begun in the context 
of the work of the Special Session of the CTD  (CTD SS) , to have technical a nd focused discussions 
on each of the ten G90 Agreement -specific proposals. Having an outcome on S&D at MC13 would 
certainly strengthen the overall development package from the Ministerial  Conference.  He 
additionally wished to mention the Work Programme on  Small Economies,  which was  referred to as 
a development priority by s ome Members. He noted in this regard that Ministerial Decisions on the 
Work Programme on Small Economies ha d formed part of the development -related outcomes of 
previous WTO Ministerial C onferences. Following past practice, the first step to having a Ministerial 
Decision on the Work Programme on Small Economies at MC13 would be for the SVE Group to table 
a proposal in the CTD's Dedicated Session on Small Economies.  
13. The wide -ranging bilateral discussions also touched upon several other areas with potential 
development -related outcomes. A non -exhaustive list of the areas that were referred to include d: 
agriculture; food security; trade and environment; fisheries subsid ies; dispute settlement; 
Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights ( TRIPS ); e-commerce; and technology 
transfer. Although many of the issues he had  mentioned were being addressed in other W TO bodies, 
he nevertheless th ought  that it was useful to have had this discussion in the CTD. He hoped that it 
had helped Members in shaping their views concerning the areas to focus on in the coming months 
to have meaningful development -related outcomes at MC13. If Members agree d, he would be happy 
to organize a similar session in the autumn to further distil the ideas on the matter. Furthermore, 
he encourage d any delegations that fe lt that there were any ways in which the CTD itself could 
contribute to  - or be the subject of  - an outcome at MC13, to get in touch with him, and to also feel 
free to raise their ideas in future discussions.  The importance of the CTD as a focal point for 
consideration and coordination of development work in the WTO was highlighted during the informal 
discussion s. He would certainly be willing to help facilitate any further discussions on a concrete 
proposal that was put forward for an outcome concerning the CTD at MC13.  
14. He then  turned to the second question, co ncerning measures that could be taken to improve 
the functioning of the CTD.  He said that Members had referred to the table in document JOB/GC/345, 
summarizing the state of implementation of various  measures by all WTO bodies, including the CTD. 
The table was circulated for discussion at the informal Gener al Council meeting on "WTO reform 
focused on the deliberative function and institutional matters", held on 16 June  2023. He underst ood 
that it w ould continue to be updated ahead of every General Council, at least until MC13.  He had 
noted a general willingness among Members to investigate implementing some of the measures in 
the table that were currently not exercised by the CTD – noting that not all t he measures listed in 
the table may be considered desirable or necessary for the CTD. However, there were a number of 
measures that could help to improve the functioning of the Committee.  He believed  that simple 
measures could be readily implemented or wor ked on – for example, ensuring that references to 
document symbols include d a hyperlink to the WTO's Documents Online. He would  examine the 
simpler measures with the Secretariat , and elements of the table in document JOB/GC/345 could be 
updated as progress  was made.  There were  other measures that he would ideally like to discuss in 
more detail with Members, and that Members may wish to engage on – for example, measures that 
would affect the preparation and structuring of CTD agendas. These include d agenda -setting, 
e-agendas and annotated agendas. He took note that, at the last formal CTD meeting on 
5 April 2023, a request was made by the LDC Group for an annotated draft agenda to be prepared 
for future CTD meetings. At the 26 June informal open -ended meeting , other Members also WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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mentioned that annotated agendas would be useful in the context of the CTD. He hoped that 
Members' views on these matters would  become clearer by the next formal CTD meeting.  
15. He said that he was not expecting the Committee to agree at the present meeting  on any 
specific measures from this table. However, he intend ed to pursue informal discussions with 
Members on the issues in the coming months, hopefully agreeing to implement some of the proposed 
measures by the next formal meeting.  He added that, when talking about measures to improve the 
functioning of the CTD, Members  should not be restricting themselves  to those contained in the 
table. During the informal discussions, Members had also raised some specific CTD -related issues 
that would fall under this broad heading. For example, concerns were raised on the fact that some 
items ha d remained in the CTD's agenda for many years, with little progress in the discussions. 
Other delegations raised concerns that the Monitoring Mechanism on S&D had still not been 
operationalized. Some suggestions were additionally shared as to how the Secretariat paper on the 
implementation of S&D provisions in the WTO Agreements and Decisions – which was currently 
updated every other year – could be made mor e useful and user -friendly.  There were calls to deepen 
the dialogue on some of the issues that were currently in the CTD's  agenda. Furthermore, several 
suggestions were made on ways to build on the traditional means of having discussions in the CTD. 
These included holding experience -sharing, evidence -based and thematic discussions, as well as 
joint sessions with other Committees. More discussions in informal settings – including in seminars 
or workshops – were proposed as ways to make progress in the work, with suggested contributions 
by international organizations and other possible external stakeholders, including academia.  He 
would certainly be willing to work with Members to see how progress could be made on the various 
concerns raised and suggestions ma de with a view to improving the functioning of the CTD.  
16. He indicated that t his conclude d his overview of the informal discussions that were held on 
the developmental aspects of WTO reform. While some progress had been made in the discussions, 
he thought t hat there was still a lot that Members c ould do to concretize the issues that ha d been 
raised, while looking for solutions and finding ways forward. Therefore, as he had mentioned, he 
would  be continuing to hold informal discussions with Members in various  formats. If he thought  it 
would be useful, he would  convene another informal, open -ended, meeting after the summer break 
to take stock of where Members st ood in these discussions. Members would  in any case return to 
this agenda item at the next formal mee ting, hopefully with more clarity on possible ways to move 
forward on at least some of the issues that had been raised.  He thank ed Members once again for 
their engagement in the discussions. He believe d that all the issues raised were important for 
Members ' common goal of strengthening the WTO's contribution to development – and to that end , 
Members needed to focus on making the CTD function as efficiently as possible.  
17. The Committee took note  of the statement by the Chairman.  
(II) Improving the Functioning of the Committee on Trade and Development – 
Communication from the United Kingdom (WT/COMTD/W/ 276) 
 
18. The representative of United Kingdom  delivered the following statement:  
19. Thank you for kick starting these important discussions. It is in all of our interests that the CTD 
– along with the WTO as a whole – operate s efficiently, and in a way which maximi zes inclusivity 
and the participation of all Members  – most notably those with capacity constraints. It is for that 
reason that the United Kingdom has submitted a paper on improving the functioning of the CTD , 
which  falls very much under the second of the two questions you posed at the informal on 
26 June 2023, and is intended to complement that work. This paper has been inspired by the 
LDC Group 's suggestions (JOB/GC/223/Rev.1 ) and tak es note of papers put forward by other 
Members  – including India (WT/GC/W/865 ), a group of Latin countries  (WT/GC/W/871 ) and a  group 
of over 50 co-sponsors (WT/GC/W/877 ). The paper we have tabled for today’s CTD is intended to 
complement those submissions and the work taking place across the organization.  The paper focuses 
on pragmatic changes that would make it easier for all Me mbers – especially  those with capacity 
constraints  – to fully participate in the work of the Committee. I will not read the full content s of the 
paper but will highlight a few suggestions. I should also point out that the CTD is already making 
improvements  and changes on some of these issues . In advance of the next calendar year, the CTD 
– as with all other bodies – could agree and publish the dates of formal meetings for the following 
year. This  is the case in other institutions . A few other su ggestions include: the circulation of a 
written notice explaining the reason for any cancellations or postponements of formal meetings; the 
use of detailed and hyperlinked annotated agendas for upcoming formal and informal meetings , WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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provid ing neutral conte xtual information ; including information in convening notices about deadlines 
and processes for submitting agenda items. This would further support transparency and inclusion 
in agenda setting; and the organi zation of any thematic sessions as early as poss ible to enable 
Members to be better prepared for constructive engagement. The United Kingdom supports broader 
efforts by the Secretariat to circulate  timely  minutes. The circulation of minutes of meetings is critical 
to inclusion and transparency.  
20. We have  also made some suggestions to promote more substantive discussions on trade and 
development issues. We would particularly welcome more evidence -based discussions to inform the 
trade and development issues of interest to Members on the formal agenda. These  could better 
inform Members ' deliberations of topical and emerging issues.  To further harness relevant expertise, 
the CTD could consider whether holding cross -cutting or joint sessions with other WTO bodies could 
be beneficial. We would also welcome engag ement with stakeholders, including intergovernmental 
organisations, business stakeholders – including small and women -owned businesses  – academia, 
non-governmental organizations  (NGOs) , and expert individuals. Such input can provide helpful 
information tha t is more evidence -based, data -driven, and grounded in the real -world practical 
challenges faced in trade. These ideas are not exhaustive. They are a starting point. We hope to 
hear from all Members, particularly those that face capacity constraints, as to  what they feel the 
most practical improvements to the functioning of the CTD would be. We look forward to working 
with you, Chair, on the work you have kickstarted on this issue.  
21. The representative of Australia  delivered the following statement:  
22. I would l ike to briefly add Australia 's voice in support of the United Kingdom's excellent paper 
on common sense reforms to improve the day -to-day functioning of the CTD. We back all the ideas 
within the paper and look forward to working together with Members to im plement them in the CTD. 
On reform more broadly, we encourage the Secretariat to swiftly implement those ideas that 
received support – and did not receive any pushback – at the retreat . This would ensure that the 
CTD is not left behind on reform, noting the significant progress already made in the Council for 
Trade in Goods (CTG) and the Council for Trade in Services (CTS) , and the expected update to 
Ministers on implemented reforms at  MC13. We would like to se e the CTD's reforms included in this 
update. We also hope that the CTD can play a similar role to the CTG and the CTS, which have 
supported their subsidiary bodies to implement agreed reforms.  
23. The representative of the United States  delivered the following  statement:  
24. I would like to thank my colleague from the United Kingdom for presenting some concrete 
suggestions on how to improve the functioning of the CTD. It is an important and timely dialogue to 
have, and we are very happy to engage. Specifically, the  United States supports the suggestion of 
holding more thematic and informal sessions  – back-to-back with the CTD 's Regular Session  – to 
encourage experience -sharing and conversations. The food security thematic session 
the United  States held yesterday , featuring the NGO Hello Tractor and the John Deere company  as 
speakers , is a good example  of putting the United Kingdom's approach into action. As my colleague 
from the United Kingdom eloquently said, by engaging a broader group of stakeholders and experts, 
we can kickstart a conversation that is more evidence -based, data -driven, and grounded in the real -
world practical challenges faced in trade by Members. We can also take inspiration from others to 
revitalize the CTD. For example, the thematic sess ions of the Committee on Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures and the Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) are 
well-established venues  for trade and development practitioners  to share best practices.  These 
Committees cons tantly  draw from the  good work done by developing countries, demonstrating a 
building block approach that highlights the competencies of developing countries. In the CTD, we 
could potentially adopt a similar approach, and invite LDCs' champions to speak. We are  also 
encourage d by the other suggestions that the United Kingdom put forward, including the use of 
hyperlinked annotated agendas to assist with meeting preparation s, and the introduction of a clear 
and predictable system to be informed of the date s of formal meetings in  advance of the next 
calendar year . As the work of the CTD pick s up, advance notice of these meetings is a good practice 
to follow.  
25. The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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26. The European Union welcomes your efforts to prom ote discussion among Members, with the 
double aim of improving the functioning of this Committee as well as its role in key WTO work on 
trade and development. Without repeating our contribution to the informal meeting on 26 June 2023, 
the European Union wo uld like to recall its view that development is a key horizontal issue that 
needs discussing in different policy areas of the WTO reform agenda. Overall, 
the European  Union 's approach is to focus on developing countries with specific needs and capacity 
constraints, particularly LDCs, and to see how they can best be met through the WTO framework. 
On the communication from the United Kingdom, at the informal meeting on 26 June an d during the 
Chair's  informal consultations, the European Union already made several suggestions for improving 
ways of working in the context of the CTD. The communication from the United Kingdom includes 
several of these suggestions . It reflects useful wo rk undertaken by Members as part of the broader 
WTO reform effort, which seeks to improve all of the organization's functions  – including the 
deliberative and monitoring functions of which the CTD is an important component. We thank the 
United Kingdom for its paper and fully agree with most of its contents, including those aimed at 
promoting substantive engagement on trade and development issues on page 3 of the 
communication. We have already shared some comments with colleagues from the United Kingdom 
directly. The European Union would encourage the Chair  and this Committee to use the 
United  Kingdom 's paper as input into improving the ways in which we work  – alongside other 
available input such as the document prepared by the Secretariat for the informal me eting on 
WTO reform held on 16 June 2023 (JOB/GC/345 ) and other input by Members.  
27. The representative of Singapore  delivered the following statement:  
28. We would like to express our appreciation to the Chair  for providing a report on the informal 
discussions, as well as to the United Kingdom for its contribution on improving the functioning of the 
CTD. Development remains a key priority for WTO reform , as Members had articulated in the various 
WTO reform retreats . However, what remains unclear is how we will ta ke this work forward in the 
lead-up to MC13. Given the short time we have left to MC13, we must remain realistic and pragmatic 
of the outcomes that we can harvest in the short term, which will pave the way to longer term reform 
on development. As Singapore  had articulated during the informal discussions, a tangible outcome 
that we can work towards delivering at or before MC13 is the LDC graduation proposal  – especially 
Annex 1 , and to indicate that d iscussions will continue on Annex 2 as part of the longer -term reform. 
The United Kingdom 's proposal on improving the functioning of the CTD is also a valuable 
contribution to our discussions on procedural reforms at each Committee. There are many concrete 
ideas in the proposal that we agree with, particularly on holding cross -cutting or joint s essions with 
other WTO bodies  – given that many of the proposals that have been tabled in the CTD are on issues 
relevant to other Committees such as the Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  
(SCM) , the TRIPS Council and the Committee on Agricu lture. Given that we are seeing an exponential 
increase in the number of proposals being tabled in the CTD, the joint sessions will be useful in 
helping to streamline discussions on the proposals , as the relevant experts will be present to address 
more tec hnical non -CTD related points as well. This would reduce any duplication of work.  
29. The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
30. India would like to thank the Chair for his statement, and for his briefing to the Committee o n 
the informal di scussions held bilaterally and at the informal , open-ended meeting  on 26 June 2023 . 
I would also like to thank the United Kingdom for certain concrete suggestions made in its 
communication. It is encouraging that , in the past few months , the debate on the development 
dimension in the WTO has intensified. The February 2023 retreat was a good restart. It had excellent 
discussion s and an equally good reflection in the plenary session. It is a different matter that the 
reflections by Deputy Director -General Xiangchen Zhang have not been shared with Members by 
way of a document. The informal  open-ended CTD meeting was yet another opportunity , where we 
again witnessed a good discussion. Further, several suggestions have been made by Members in 
various submissions for improving the functioning of WTO bodies. India has also made several 
suggestions in the submission dubbed as "30 for 30" (WT/GC/W/874 ), and the communication titled 
"Committee on Trade and Development Mandate: Focal Point for Consideration and Coordina tion of 
Work on Development in the WTO"  (WT/GC/W/865), which is specific to the CTD. The Secretariat 
document contained in document JOB/GC/345 is also very useful.  As regards improving the 
functioning of the Committee, there is a common pool of agreeable suggestions . These include  
annotated agenda s; e-agenda s; timely issuance of minutes ; calendar of meetings and other 
measures for better planning and organization of meetings ; better organization and dissemination 
of documents ; schedule s for final izing agenda s; hybrid mode for the conduct of meetings ; use of WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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digital tools ; automatic  reminders to Members on pending action s; Chair's oral report s; reporting on 
informal meetings ; and session s for new delegates . These are commonly acceptable suggestions  
and should be implemented quickly by the CTD and other Committees. Other suggestions beyond 
the minimum common should be examined by the CTD for distilling those  that are relevant, 
acceptable and would improve the functioning of CTD – after assessing the cost and other resource 
effort s needed for their implement ation.  
31. The CTD 's mandate as focal point on development should be fully operationalized. We shall 
be discussing this under a separate agenda item. Furthermore , the CTD should deliberate on 
development related issues, as highlighted in the informal meeting . Use should be m ade of 
WTO in-house resources like the Economic Research and Statistics Division (ERSD), to conduct 
relevant analysis on topics such as whether the MTS has led to the anticipated outcome s for 
developing countries and LDCs; technology transfer including env ironmentally sound technologies ; 
financing of technology transfer ; industrialization and diversification ; trade finance and debt relief; 
and the impact of unilateral measures on developing countries.  We would like to emphasize here the 
need for exercising caution on external engagement. The WTO is a Member -driven organization, and 
that character must be maintained. External engagement entails several sensitive issues , which 
should be taken into account. As regards the first question mentioned by the Chair  – concerning  
Members'  expectations on the development dimension  – India would like to reiterate that we have 
had significant discussion on this question in the past few months. Going forward, the suggestions 
made by Members could be pooled together , includi ng those from the retreat and discussions in the 
General Council. Quite a bit of this work has been done by way of the Chair’s statement today. The 
CTD, as focal point on development work at the WTO , should do the coordination for taking the work 
on the development dimension further , as may be agreed by Members. Proposals for the 
Ministerial  Conference accordingly need to be taken for decision or for taking mandate s for further 
work – or, as the case may be  - for the information of Ministers as regards work in progress in the 
WTO.  
32. The representative of Japan  delivered the following statement:  
33. I would like to t hank the Chair for the efforts to reform our work in the CTD, and for the 
consultations held on the developmental aspects of WTO reform. Ja pan appreciates the suggestions 
from the United Kingdom to improve the functioning of the CTD. We e specially  support the 
suggestion to organize joint sessions  and the  involvement of stakeholders , which are  important to 
deepen our deliberations in the CTD. Starting from this paper, Japan supports advancing the reform 
initiatives by following the principle of reform by doing, starting  with those that can be immediately 
put into practice.  
34. The representative of Canada  delivered the following statement:  
35. Canada w ould like to thank the United Kingdom for its proposal aimed at improving the 
functioning of the CTD, both from deliberative and substantive points of view. We would agree 
broadly with their proposal and would like to highlight a few of those areas in part icular. For example, 
we would welcome the use of detailed annotated agendas for upcoming formal and informal 
meetings, including prompt and concise summary meeting reports. We also agree that induction 
training should be provided more than once a year. We would argue that an online version could be 
helpful so that Members can access this type of training on demand, when they need it. Finally, as 
stated at the informal CTD meeting a few weeks ago, Canada would very much welcome more 
evidence -based discussion s from outside participants. We would also argue that all presentations, 
including those at the CTD, should aim to focus more on lessons learned and evidence -based 
outcomes of experiences and activities, rather than on listings of activities and events.  
36. The representative of Switzerland  delivered the following statement:  
37. We would like to echo other participants in thanking you for your efforts to engage in those 
discussions aiming at improving the functioning of the CTD. Further, we would like to thank the 
United Kingdom for their contribution, which is very timely, relevant and does reflect what we 
consider as very efficient ways to improve the work. We therefore support this communication and 
would encourage the implementation of its different aspects . 
38. The representative of Norway  delivered the following statement:  WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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39. Thank s to the Chair  for the summary of the bilateral  meetings  you have had, and your efforts 
to better how we work and achieve our development outcomes. Norway supports 
the United  Kingdom 's paper and the many efficient  and concrete suggestions. Many of these 
suggestions are repeated, with no objections. As colleague s from Australia, Japan and India more 
or less said, it is time to put these  into action. We say , just do it . Reform by doing.  
40. The representative of South Africa  delivered the following statement:  
41. South Africa thanks the United Kingdom for its communicatio n. Whilst we are still considering 
the proposals contained therein that may improve the function of the CTD, we do however have 
preliminary views to share. We are pleased that the submission reaffirms the centrality of the CTD 
as a focal point for developm ent issues , as unanimously agreed at the General Council retreat on 
the development dimension of WTO reform in February 2023. As we have previously 
stated  - including at the informal CTD meeting held on 26 June 2023  – since development is a 
cross-cutting i ssue, the CTD must indeed complement the work in other bodies of the WTO on 
development issues. At this opportune time , when we are seized with the reform of the WTO, the 
role of the CTD as a focal point for consideration and coordination of work on development in the 
WTO deserves due attention and th e mandate of the CTD needs to be reinvigorated in practice. This 
will ensure that development is truly placed at the centre of the reform agenda and that  there are 
deliberate efforts to ensure the meaningful integration of developing countries, including LDCs , into 
the MTS. South  Africa therefore  welcomes that the paper by the United Kingdom not only focuses 
on the workings and operations of the CTD, but t hat it also calls for more substantive discussions in 
the CTD among Members on issues of development. This is precisely the reason why we have in 
various areas tabled proposals in the CTD , among other Committees, that are intended to fulfil this 
important mandate of the CTD in practice. We would have done this, for example, in the case of the 
Work Programme on Electronic Commerce (WPEC), and more recently the submissions – together 
with the African Group – on policy space for industrial development, some  of which were referred to 
earlier this morning.  As part of the African Group, we will be making a submission to the 
General  Council and subsidiary bodies, including the CTD, on our perspective on the ongoing 
institutional reforms. This will enunciate the pri nciples that we believe should inform WTO 
institutional reforms as well as practical measures that can be followed. We would like to point out 
that a number of the concrete proposals in the United Kingdom 's paper resonate with some of our 
views. Ultimately  though, our assessment will be on the basis of the principles that we will share in 
the submission referred to earlier – most notably  in this case , the importance of preserving the 
Member -driven nature of the WTO and consensus decision -making. As regards how we proceed with 
the discussions that the Chair  initiated at the informal CTD meeting on 26 June 2023, we would 
support further sessions to discuss priority outcomes for the CTD at MC13.  
42. The representative of China  delivered the following statement:  
43. I would like to thank our colleague from the United Kingdom for the introduction and  previous 
speakers for the  comments made. Members ' continued inputs through written proposals in recent 
months demonstrated people 's enthusiasm on WTO reform and developmen t issue s. Development 
is the central work of the WTO. It covers a wide range of issues. Therefore, China supports 
strengthening the CTD 's function and improv ing its operation as the focal point to coordinate trade 
and development issues  within the WTO. We just reviewed the informal meeting that was  held two 
weeks ago , where Members actively participated in  the discussion and made various suggestions to 
improve the work of the CTD. This is a good starting point. The proposal from United Kingdom could 
further  stimulate the discussion. China shares similar ideas on many points. For example, we support 
the advanced distribution of meeting agendas, the circulation of meeting minutes within three weeks, 
hybrid meetings, use of digital tools, and so forth . Meanwhil e, the analytical work of the Secretariat 
is encouraged to increase the visibility of the CTD. Members could also hold more thematic and 
informal sessions for better participation and strengthen the discussion o n development issues with 
the CTD at its cent re. At the same time, we call for a balanced, neutral and comprehensive 
Chair’s  informal status report after the meeting. If the CTD is to hold joint thematic sessions with 
other WTO bodies on cross -cutting issues, we hope the sessions focus on specific is sues of the 
development dimension to solve practical problems encountered by developing Members, such as 
health crisis ; climate change ; food insecurity ; digital divide ; green barriers ; abuse of security 
exceptions and so forth. Last but not least, evidence -based discussion should not dilute S&D, which 
is an integral part of WTO rules as well as developing Members ' system ic right. China is willing to 
actively participate in the discussion and calls for the constructive engagement of Members. China WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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would welcome improving  the CTD 's role in promoting Members ' development to achieve the goal 
set by the Marrakesh Agreement.  
44. The representative of the  Republic of K orea delivered the following statement:  
45. We thank the United Kingdom for its thoughtful proposal to improve the functioning of the 
CTD, which we believe is comprehensive, tangible and commonsensical. As Korea stated in the  past 
and shared with the Chair in the informal discussions, we believe that conducting CTD discussions 
in a way that engages the experts who understand the specific subject -matter best, in addition to 
experts with deep appreciation for the importance of d evelopment, is the way forward. Utilizing the 
Monitoring Mechanism to complement discussions in in this Committee  is also something that we 
can positively consider. We would, however, guard against possible forum redundancy and a 
multitude of what may seem  like similar proposals and communications – without a concurrent 
explanation on how the suggestions therein differ from or develop on previous versions. Korea hopes 
to progress in a way that maximizes the positive impact and efficiency of our discussions.  As we 
have observed with this week 's agreement on the Investment Facilitation for Development  
negotiations , we believe that progress and reform in the WTO go through development. Korea is 
committed to discussions on the important topics advanced in this C ommittee, including those 
contained in the various CTD proposals, on the basis of factual evidence and continuing clear 
guidance from the Chair.  
46. The representative of Namibia  delivered the following statement:  
47. I would like to thank the Chair for the summar y of the informal  discussions  held. We join 
other s in express ing our gratitude to the United Kingdom for its submission and statement on the 
importance of improving the functioning of the CTD. While the WTO has been successful in promoting 
trade liberaliza tion and reducing trade barriers, there is a pressing need for reform to ensure that 
the benefits of global trade are more evenly distributed, particularly among developing countries . 
The CTD, as a focal point for development work at the WTO, plays a vital  role in ensuring that the 
needs of our countries are effectively channelled through the WTO. It serves as an engine for 
promoting trade and development, addressing the specific concerns and challenges faced by 
developing countries. By focusing on the deve lopment dimension of trade policies, the CTD helps to 
create a more inclusive and equitable global trading system. Despite the challenges faced, for 
example delays in the implementation of the previous WTO Ministerial Decisions, we firmly believe 
that subs idiary bodies such as the CTD and the CTD SS can make a significant and meaningful 
contribution to strengthening the development package of the WTO. These bodies provide a platform 
for discussions, negotiations and the formulation of policies that are tailored to the specific needs of 
developing countries.  The CTD should play a more active role in monitoring and evaluating the 
impact of trade policies on development outcomes and the implementation of S&D, to ensure that 
they are aligned with the Sustain able Development Goals. In addition, as a Member -driven 
organ ization, it is crucial to enhance the participation and engagement of developing countries in 
decision -making, while taking into account the capacity constraints of small missions in Geneva. This  
can be achieved through the provision of technical support and resources, as well as the 
establishment of mechanisms for consultation and dialogue. We believe that the CTD has a critical 
role to play in advancing the development agenda of the WTO to the benefit of small nations such 
as Namibia. By strengthening its functioning and ensuring the meaningful participation of all 
Members, we can work towards a more inclusive and sustainable global trading system that benefits 
all countries, particularly the dev eloping nations. The objective of the African Group's submission 
titled "Policy Space for Industrial Development – A Case for Rebalancing Trade Rules to Promote 
Industriali zation and to Address Emerging Challenges Such as Climate Change, Concentration of 
Production and Digital Industriali zation" (WT/COMTD/W/270) is to ensure that the WTO lives up to 
its fundamental objective of ensuring trade and the trade rules of the MTS contribute to the economic 
development of all its Members. It is therefore apt that t he CTD, as the body entrusted with exploring 
the relationship between trade and development, takes up all discussion s pertaining to trade and 
the developmental dimension to address the needs of developing countries.  
48. The representative of Bangladesh  deliver ed the following statement:  
49. The delegation of Bangladesh thanks  the United Kingdom  for its communication . We also  thank 
the United Kingdom for referring to the LDC Group 's submission (JOB/GC/223/Rev.1 ) and other 
communications from some developing countrie s. We welcome the United Kingdom's suggestions 
for best practices, including advance calendar s; detailed and hyperlinked annotated agenda s; WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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e-agenda s; interactive meeting calendar s; and factual report s on the results of the meeting based 
on the annotated agenda  – just to name a few. We are encoura ged to see that these ideas were 
reflected in the LDC Group's communication. On the issue of involving  external stakeholders in the 
work of the WTO, we need mo re discussions. Bangladesh  looks forward to working with the 
United  Kingdom  and other delegations.  
50. The representative of the United Kingdom  delivered the following statement:  
51. I would like to thank Members for their comments and feedback . India and other s have made  
sensible and practical suggestions about pooling the non -controversial items  and getting on with 
them. I would just like to provide a little bit of reassurance to some Members that welcoming 
engagement with external stakeholders is not intended in  any way to water down or limit the 
Member -driven nature of the WTO.  
52. The Chairman  indicated  that the Committee would work on th e proposa ls in the 
communication from the United Kingdom, as well as other proposals that were made  in the informal 
open-ended CTD meeting , and would start adopting them progressively. There would  be 
communications with Members  on the various steps as they were taken.  
53. The Committee took note  of the communication from the United Kingdom, and of all 
interventions.  
D. TECHNICAL COOPERATION AND TRAINING  
54. The Chairman  said that there were three sub -items reflected under this agenda item. The first 
sub-item concern ed the WTO Technical Assistance (TA) Annual Report for 2022  
(WT/COMTD/W/272 ). The second sub-item concern ed the Biennial Technical Assistance and Training 
Plan (TA Plan) 2024-2025 (WT/COMTD/W/273 ), while t he third sub -item relate d to the TA Monitoring 
and Evaluation (M&E) Plan 2024 -2025 (WT/COMTD/W/261/Rev.1 ). He indicated that he would 
structure the presentations by the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation ( ITTC) and the 
discussion by first ask ing the ITTC to present  the TA Annual Report for 2022. After the ITTC 
respond ed to any questions or commen ts from delegations, the Committee would  be invited to take 
note of the Annual Report.  The ITTC w ould then move on to present the the TA Plan 2024-2025 and 
the M&E Plan 2024-2025. After the ITTC respond ed to any questions or comments from delegations, 
the Committee w ould be invited to adopt  the TA Plan and take note  of the M&E Plan. 
(I) WTO Technical Assistance Annual Report 2022 (WT/COMTD/W/272)  
 
55. The representative of the ITTC said that efforts had been m ade to tailor the TA Annual 
report  2022 to different audiences. One component  could be found  in the dashboards that were 
available online at https://tams.wto.org/dashboards , which  contained  a number of pre -defined 
graphs that could be filtered and exported to Excel , and which had been  recently complemented 
with financial data on expenses related to TA. The second component  was the report that was under 
consideration at the p resent meeting . The third component was a separate brochure which contain ed 
a summary of the report  and was desig ned for a wider audience. The report to be considered at the 
present meeting was itself structured into different parts. There was firstly an acknowledge ment of  
the donors and their generous contributions  which allowed the provision of TA . The report then went 
on to outline the results achieved in 2022 . It also dealt with inclusion , with the evolutions observed 
in TA in 2022 , and with the management of TA and its resources. He went on to say that 2022 saw 
the end of the pandemic which had affected TA in the previous two years. The second half of 2022 
saw a return to face -to-face activities. As a result, a higher level of participa tion was observed in 
the course of the year, as well as a higher level of expenses on TA. However, even if expenses 
increased by 50% compared to 2021, they remained well below the averages of the pre -pandemic 
years , as face-to-face activities only resumed halfway through the year . In terms of contributions, 
the regular budget share of the funding was fairly stable, while earmarked voluntary contributions 
increased marginally . However, non-earmarked voluntary contribution s were at  the lowest level seen 
in the past ten years. The year 2022 also saw a lower level of results in the four Key Results which 
were identified in the TA Plan. The number of targets that were not met remained the same, but 
there was a larger number of targets only partially met.  WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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56. On Key Result 1 – concerning the implementation and realization of WTO Agreements  – the 
number of outstanding notifications rose again . In an environment where outstanding notification 
obligations increase d mechanically every year , especially in the field of  agriculture, TA simply help ed 
to maintain a certain level of stability in outstanding notifications. As far as substantive documents 
produced by beneficiary Members were concerned, after a high level of activit y in 2021 in preparation 
for the Twelfth WTO Ministerial Conference ( MC12 ), there was  a lower level of activity in 2022 . 
Regarding learning by doing, the different internship program mes implemented by the Secretariat  
also saw a lower level of participation than in 2021  – even if  this was  at a r elativ ely high level 
historically. Under Key Result 2  – supporting accessions in the WTO  – the number of inactive 
observers  increased  in 2022, which led to a much lower level of results. Th e accession processes 
that were active in 2022 were those of Azerbaijan, Comoros, Curaçao, Equatorial Guinea, Ira q, 
Timor -Leste, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Under Key Result 3  – activities in favour of the academic 
world  – the network of WTO Chairs had been enlarged through the third phase of th e WTO Chairs 
Programme  (WCP) . There were now 35 WTO Chairs in the network. An increase in the output of the 
different Chairs in phase III had also been observed relative  to the two years before they joined the 
programme. On Key Result 4 – outreach activities for  non-governmental audiences  – there was a 
lower level of activit y in 2022  compared to the previous year , with a special focus on members of 
parliament. A lower level of training material was request ed by non -governmental actors relative  to 
the previous two  years. Efforts had however been made to diversify the channels to reach out  to 
non-governmental audiences, including through the WTO website  and through social networks.  
57. The chapter on inclusion noted that, for the first time, there was  a higher level of women 
participating in the TA  activities. Language diversity in the activities had also increased . However, a 
lower level of participation from LDCs was seen relative to 2021. The main evolution in the field of 
TA in 2022  was the launch of a new e -learning platform in December 2022, which tried to improve 
the learning experience of e -learners. The Secretariat had built on its experience with virtual 
activities during the pandemic to develop blended activities, which associate d virtual com ponents 
with face -to-face parts . This maximize d the return of the expens ive face-to-face element of the 
training. The training of trainer program mes had also been reformed to build the pedagogical 
competence of the trainers and  offer participants the best possible experiences.  With regard to the 
management of TA and its resources, 55% o f expense were on  Key Result 1 ; 1% on Key Result 2 ; 
13% on Key Result 3 ; 8% on the Key Result 4 ; and  23% on other expenses, especially on L -posts 
that help ed the Secretariat  implement the TA activities. The Secretariat had been obliged to put a 
stop to the development of the TA management system . This was for budgetary reasons as well as 
because of technical problems with the consultant developing the application. In 2022, an evaluation 
of the impact of TA since the creation of the WTO  was develop ed. The evaluation found significant 
results in terms of higher participation of beneficiaries in WTO bodies, and even in terms of higher 
participation in world trade.  
58. The representa tive of Namibia  delivered the following statement:  
59. Thanks to the Secretariat for the presentation. My delegation seeks clarification with regard 
to the outreach programme. We would appreciate if we could receive  the guidelines that would allow 
the organiz ation of  an outreach programme for parliament members  in Namibia . We often get 
questions  from members of the parliament ary standing committee with regard to activities and 
programmes which they can benefit  from. An outreach programme would be useful to sensitize  them 
about the benefits and the advantages of accepting some of the agreed negotiation outcomes, the 
implementation of agreement s, or the acceptance of protocols. We would appreciate if the 
Secretariat could give us the necessa ry guidelines and information so  that such an event can be 
organized for Namibia.  
60. The representative of China  delivered the following statement:  
61. I would like to thank the Secretariat for the  presentation of the  informative report. Firstly, I 
should say tha t the report is highly readable, with many graphs, pictures and stories embedded. We 
would also like to express our congratulations for the progressive return of face -to-face TA activities 
in 2022, which enhanced developing countries' participation after COVID -19. We noted from the 
report that voluntary contributions received during the year to fund TA reached a new all -time low 
at CHF 6.6 million, the third consecutive reduction of this kind. Unearmarked voluntary contributions 
decreas ed by 20% during the year  to CHF 3.1 million , with only seven  donors making unearmarked 
contributions in 2022. Earmarked voluntary contributions increased again for the sixth consecutive 
year, reaching CHF 3.5 million and accounting for 44% of the TA funds  available during the year. WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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Could the Secretariat explain whether the situation will change in 2023 ? If not, what is the solution 
to this problem?  Secondly, China would like to raise one concern regarding  some improper wordings. 
There are many places in th e document using the word "donor ". We suggest using "contributor " 
rather than "donor " in many places that includ e developing Members. On the budget for TA, we see 
that regular budget expenses are very low for 2020, 2021 and 2022 . We can all tell that the r oot 
cause of the low expense is the pandemic. But we would like to ask why the regular budget was 
extremely low  in 2021 . My other  question is whether the remainder of TA is carried forward to the 
following year , or will all the remaining sum of earmarked a nd unearmarked projects be paid back 
to the contributor?  
62. The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:  
63. The United States would like to thank the ITTC for this update on how TA and capacity -building  
funds are used, leveraged  and accounted for to promote sustainable and inclusive development at 
the WTO. We greatly appreciate that the ITTC has clear mechanisms  and processes for transparency 
and for engaging with Members so that our efforts can complement each other, not duplicate each 
other. The Annual Report, along with the TA Plan and the M&E  Plan, clearly illustrate this approach 
and offer hands -on examples that are compelling and persuasive. In other words, there is value for 
money in the work the ITTC conducts with Members ' funding. Working together, we are committed 
to ensure a demand -driven approach to TA and cooperation as the organization adapts to the needs 
of Members.  
64. The representative of the Republic of Moldova  delivered the following statement:   
65. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the ITTC for all the hard work and the continuous 
assistance offered to our region, particularly to Moldova , which is indeed greatly appreciated. We 
also thank the Secretariat for presenting the TA Annual Report for 2022, as well as for consulting in 
a transparent manner  while drafting  the TA Plan for the next years . The TA activities organized by  
the ITTC are at the core of our WTO -related work. These  activities  help our countries to better 
understand and implement WTO rules, as well as to participate more effectively in the work of this 
house, by ensuring that we meet our obligations  and enforce our rights as Members. Therefore, it is 
important to stress that we fully rely upon  the ITTC's TA – especially countries with small delegations 
like Moldova, which face continuous capacity constraints on WTO matter s. In this context, it is of 
great concern to note that the TA activities offered by  the ITTC are facing budget constraints, as we 
also saw from the presentation  by the Secretariat. It is known  that WTO training activities are funded 
from two main sources . These are the  regular budget financed by Memb ers, and the voluntary 
contributions from certain Members into trust funds. We note with concer n that the M&E Plan for 
2024-2025 mentions that the voluntary contributions received during 2022 to finance TA reached a 
new historic low  of CHF 6.6 million , which is the third consecutive reduction . Therefore, taking into 
consideration the importance of the ITTC 's assistance offered to our countries, we kindly call upon 
Members to reconsider and increase their voluntary contributions in the following years with t he 
purpose of ensur ing the necessary and stable funding of TA activities, the beneficiaries of which are 
all developing countries and LDCs. In conclusion , I would like to reiterate that Moldova fully supports 
the ITTC 's activities. Based on our previous requests for the organization of several national 
TA activities during the current year as well the next year, my delegation is looking forward to 
preparing these and other activities in collaboration with the ITTC team.  
66. The representative of Nepal  delivered the following statement:   
67. My delegation welcomes the presentation by the Secretariat and appreciates the hard work 
by the ITTC in the preparation of  the TA Annual Report 2022 . The report reflects the progress made 
in 2022 and includes some insightful achievements in the area of capacity building through various 
program mes – including  training, internships  and the WCP, among others. The e -learning platform 
is quite useful. My delegation is  also pleased to see the increas ed participation of women in TA.  
68. The representative of the Republic of Kore a delivered the following statement:   
69. Korea thanks the ITTC for briefing the Membership on the Annual Report for 2022 and the 
important TA and training program mes that it conducts, in addition to providing other updates. TA 
and capacity building are essential for ensuring that all Members have access to the benefits of the 
MTS. Korea will be continuing in 2023 its voluntary contributions to the Global Trust Fund, as we are  WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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committed to supporting TA activities for developing  countries  and LDCs. In particular, we will be 
significantly increasing support for the WCP, which fosters understanding of the MTS among 
academics in developing countries who can best advise go vernment policymakers on the ground. 
The WCP is an earmarked program me, and we take note of the report by the ITTC that the 
unearmarked support level is the lowest it has been in ten years. Korea looks forward to discussing 
with the Membership ways to maxi mize the impact and efficiency of our collective capacity -building  
efforts, including the respective merits of earmarked versus non -earmarked projects. We don’t 
believe that there is an inherent tier between the two contribution categorizations in expandin g 
access of all to the MTS. However,  we have an open mind , and w e believe that it would be helpful 
to have a clearer understanding of the relevant trends, as well as the background behind the 
decisions that are driving those trends.  
70. The representative of Tanzania  delivered the following statement:  
71. I want to take this opportunity  to thank the ITTC for the presentation and for the visit to the 
United Republic of Tanzania in May 2023 to evaluat e the TA provided. I would also like to thank the 
Director of the ITTC for her stewardship and the ITTC team for the improvement s that ha ve been 
made in the provision of TA. In addition, I would like to express my appreciation for the resumption 
of face-to-face activities , and particularly for the regional trade policy course which will be held 
towards the  end of this year.  As a beneficiary of TA, my delegation believes that the TA programme 
has added value in the country, but also in the mission in Geneva. I would like to encourage donors  
– both developed and developing ones  – to continue with their support and their contributions, and 
to further increase their contributions . With the return of face-to-face activities , it is important that 
the resources for these activities are made  available. My delegation is  looking forward to working 
with the ITTC to ensure  that the applicants  for TA  qualify and meet the requirements , so that the 
expected value is built from the activities . 
72. The representative of Norway  delivered the following statement:  
73. It is very good to hear from the ITTC that there is quite compelling evidence showing 
significant results that the ITTC's efforts have led to a higher participation in WTO bodies and world 
trade. I would like to e cho so me colleagues that spoke before me . These includ e the United States, 
that complement ed the  ITTC for the demand -driven approach ; Namibia, that called for more 
outreach from the ITTC on its program mes for beneficiaries ; and Moldova and China that noted with 
concern that the ITTC is facing budget constraints . Norway would like to add that we  encourage the 
ITTC to speak out, or to also do some more outreach on budgetary needs, coupled with priorities for  
the ITTC's work  going forward.  
74. The representative of the ITTC said tha t he would first respond to the question from Namibia. 
He explained that Namibia would need to initiate a normal request for a national activity through 
the TA management system, where  it could be specified that a request was being made for an 
activity in favour of members of parliament. The Secretariat could assist Namibia with the process 
if required. On the question from China regarding the financial situation in 2023, he said that there 
had not been many developmen ts so far. The Secretariat had informed Members that there were 
enough resources to proceed through 2023 with the implementation of TA activities . However, b y 
doing  so, a large portion of the current reserves would have been used. The real chall enge would 
arise in early 2024, when  the implement ation of  the TA Plan for 2024 -2025 began . The Secretariat 
was available to discuss with any Member interested in providing voluntary contributions. As for  
China's question on  the remainder of the regular budget that was not spent in a given year, he 
explained that this would  form part of the general surplus o n the regular budget that would be  
presented to the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration (CBFA), as part of the accounts 
of the previous year. The amount was not carried forward to be used in the next exercise, and its 
use was decided by Members in the  CBFA. It could therefore not be considered as savings for the 
future.  Finally, he said that t he regular budget for 2023 was the same as in 2022, while the budget 
for 2024 was still under discussion.  
75. The representative of the United States  delivered the f ollowing statement:  
76. Since we have come to a discussion concerning earmarked and non -earmarked voluntary 
contributions, I would like to put on record the position of the United States . For full transparency, 
this is also reflected in the testimonial that we  have in the TA Annual Report for 2022 . The WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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United  States does not earmark its voluntary contributions for any specific TA programmes. We think 
that t he kind of TA activities carried out by the Secretariat are unique . Programmes are structured 
to provide valuable knowledge and improve Members' understanding of complex issues, while at the 
same time respecting and preserving the neutrality of the Secretariat. Maintaining this necessary 
balance is complicated when donors who may not appreciate the Se cretaria t's responsibility to 
remain neutral impose additional requirements on using donated funds. The Secretariat should not 
be confused with the universe of implementing agencies that conduct TA work. We think that 
earmarking contributions for specific projects is inefficient when pro gramme  budgets are modest. 
Unrestricted contributions from the United States allow the Secretariat to respond nimbly  to evolving 
needs and priorities identified by recipients.  
77. The Committee took note  of the TA Annual Report 2022.  
(II) Biennial Technical Assistance and Training Plan 2024 -2025 (WT/COMTD/W/2 73) 
 
(III) Technical Assistance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan 2024 -2025 
(WT/COMTD/W/ 261/Rev.1 ) 
 
78. The representative s of the ITTC began by presenting the TA Plan 2024-2025.  It was explained 
that the draft TA Plan , contained in document WT/COMTD/W/273 , was a policy framework that 
identifie d the strategy that the Secretariat would  follow. It set priorities; it anticipate d expected 
results; and it identifie d mechanism s for implementation and sources of funding for the activities. 
The presenters noted that TA  was a core function of the WTO. Its main purpose was to enhance the 
human and institutional capacities of beneficiaries, so that they could  fully participate in th e 
rules-based MTS, meet their obligations and enforce their rights as Members, while dealing with 
emerging trade -related challenges and opportunities. The TA Plan was traditionally submitted every 
two years by the Secretariat to the CTD for consideration. Thereafter it would be submitted to the 
CBFA, where Members w ould consider the budgetary aspects of the Plan. In terms of background to 
the preparation of the Plan, and consistent with past practices, it was explained that the Secretariat 
had continued to interact with beneficiary Members and Observers to identify their TA priorities and 
seek comments on various aspects related to the provisions of TA  - including through replies received 
to a TA questionnaire, a briefing to the CTD on 5 April  2023 and op en-ended consultations with 
Members held on 23 May  2023. The information that w as obtained from the questionnaire and the 
discussions with beneficiaries and donors was complemented with the lessons drawn from the 
implementation of previous TA Plans, especi ally the most recent preceding Plan. The lessons from 
2022 ha d, therefore, helped guide the Secretariat in the preparation of th e new  Plan. 
79. With respect to the strategic framework , it was  indicated that the new  TA Plan was structured 
according to the same overall philosophy and broad operational modalities as the previous TA Plans  
– with appropriate flexibilities to accommodate any outcomes from MC13, and any additional 
TA priority needs that may arise as a result of changed global economic environment or a ny reforms 
that Members m ight agree upon. Four areas were highlighted in terms of the strategic approach.  
First, it was noted that the Plan was designed on the basis of the Secretariat's TA strategy of 
managing for results, endorsed by Members since 2013. This approach focuse d on achieving 
measurable results through planning, collecting and analysing data on a continuous basis, 
transparency and accountability. The Plan reflect ed the respective contribution of different result 
levels, such as outputs and exp ected Key Results, using the Logical Framework Matrix (logframe ) 
contained in Annex 1 of the TA Plan. The Secretariat ha d also updated its M&E Plan, which would be 
presented next. This second area highlighted was the Progressive Learning Strategy (PLS), which 
was endorsed by Members in 2011. The PLS allowed for a more efficient use of TA resources by 
building on the knowledge and experience previously acquired by participants,  and gradually taking 
participants to a higher level of training. Under this strategy, TA activities were defined by the level 
– introductory , intermediate or advanced  – and the target audience of either generalists or 
specialists.  Third, the Secretariat was committed to fully inclusive TA activities that respond ed to 
the needs of beneficiaries , and especially LDCs.  LDCs' participation in TA  activities would  remain a 
priority, with the objective of assisting them to obtain greater benefit from their active participation 
in the WTO.  With a view to addressing gender imbalances, the Secretariat intend ed to continue to 
monitor and report on participation in TA activities.  The Secretariat w ould maintain and continue 
developing its trade and gender training module s in TA activities and integrate issues of gender 
equality and the empowerment of women into TA programmes and training material.  Language 
diversity and the use of all WTO working languages in TA delivery were other tools to achieve 
inclusion.  In addition , in respon se to request s received , the Secretariat w ould organize activities WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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targeting Geneva -based delegates , based on identified needs . Fourth, the Secretariat w ould continue 
to focus on the areas in which partners c ould add value to the TA prov ided by the WTO with respect 
to: substance; cost-sharing; field support and logistics; and outreach.   
80. With the aim of achieving results, the TA Plan propose d to focus on the needs and priorities 
of beneficiaries, while taking into account the fact that TA was demand -driven. It propose d 
prioritizing activities with the highest potential to produce results for beneficiaries. This require d, 
among other things, leveraging on technology and experience gained during the pandemic, as well 
as responding to the pref erences and constraints expressed by beneficiaries.  The Plan would  focus 
on improving those areas that require d further work . It was noted in this regard that, in 2022, 
WTO TA reached only 65% of its agreed targets . This  was below pre -pandemic levels, due to 
disruptions caused by pandemic -related restrictions, which were in effect from March 2020 until 
mid-2022. Th e Plan intend ed to take implementation and attainment of targets to pre -pandemic 
levels. This w ould not neces sarily mean going back to the pre -pandemic mode of delivery for all TA , 
since the Secretariat ha d learned a lot from the innovation and experience gained in the 
implementation of virtual or blended delivery of training. As a result, blended activities would be 
encouraged wherever feasible, together with any other preferred modes of delivery, in particular 
face-to-face activities . This was intended to bring efficiency gains in the delivery of TA.  Another area  
for improvement concerned e -learning. The Secreta riat's e -learning programme was responsible for 
55% of total WTO TA participants in 2022. To further anchor e -learning in TA delivery, the Secretariat 
had moved to a new e -learning platform which provide d for a more user -friendly open -source 
Learning Manag ement System (LMS) that enhance d the user's learning experience. Significantly, 
the LMS support ed mobile learning, enabling users to access training materials from anywhere  and 
anytime, using any device and mobile app for offline learning.   
81. As in previous TA Plans, the focus would continue to be  on the four key result areas. 
Accordingly, the bulk of funds w ould correspond to the attainment of Key Result 1 . The amount 
proposed represent ed about 76.7% of the total TA funding in 2024 and 2025. For Key Result 2 , the 
resources allocated were equivalent to 3.9% of the total TA funding.  For, Key Result 3, 10% of the 
total TA funding has been allocated , while 9.4% of total TA funding was allocated to Key Result 4.  
The Plan's proposed sources of funding , as contained in Annex 2, continue to be the same . These 
were the Secretariat's regular budget and the extra budgetary funds from generous voluntary 
contributions by Members. The TA Plan ha d been prepared under the assumption that the regular 
budget would remain unchanged at CHF  4.5 million.  However, if the current inflationary pressures 
continue d during the biennium, it w ould be a challenge to attain the same quantity of TA delivery as 
in the pre -pandemic period. As in previous years, voluntary contributi ons would  continue to play a 
central role . The main proportion of the implementation of the Plan was envisaged to come from 
voluntary contributions.  The presenters indicated that, d espite the challenging global situation, it 
would be desirable  if multi -year contributions could be considered by the donors , as this would  
ensure better predictability for  the implement ation of  TA activities .  
82. The representatives of the ITTC then moved on to present the M&E Plan 2024 -2025.  It was 
explained that t his document was an update of the previous version presented to th e Committee 
two years ago. The update mainly concern ed the integration of the revised logical framework for the 
2024-2025 period . The M&E Plan had several objectives. The first objective was  to explain the 
M&E tools and methodologies to assess the progress, results and impact of TA activities . The second 
objective was to promote transparency and accountability to donors, beneficiaries, partners and 
other key stakeholders . The third objective was to  facilitate the systematic collection and analysis 
of information to ensure evidence -based decision -making , while the fourth objective was to generate 
learning to improve the quality of TA activities and products.  The presenters went on to say that the 
Secretariat conduct ed four types of evaluations . Each type of evaluation ha d its own methodology 
and techniques depending on the results to be measured. Back -to-office reports (BTORs) were 
standardi zed tools by which trainers and organi zers of a training activity assessed the different 
parameters of the activity they had delivered , such as the extent to which participants ha d achieved 
their learning objectives, and the relevance of the activity for the target audience. A BTOR was 
expected to be prepared for each training activity.  
83. The other three categories of evaluations  were: (i) on-site evaluations ; (ii) country 
assessments of TA effects and impacts ; and (iii) ex -post evaluations . These were conducted by the 
Technical Assistance Monitoring and Evaluation (TAME) Unit. The aim was to conduct six on -site 
evaluations per year ; one c ountry evaluation for each on -site evaluation conducted outside Geneva 
during the year ; and one ex -post evaluation per year. In this way, the TAME  Unit ensure d a broad WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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coverag e of the di fferent WTO themes ; the regions and TA partners involved ; the levels o f the PLS; 
and the key results of the TA Plan. Another type of evaluation  was the external evaluation . External 
evaluation s had so far been carried out every ten year s. These were done at the request of donors 
and were approved by Members.  The last external evaluation was  undertaken  in 2016.  In terms of 
evaluation criteria , it was explained that t he evaluation of TA activities was based on the six criteria 
recommended by the Development Assistance Committee (DAC)  of the Organization for Eco nomic 
Cooperation and Development (OECD)  for the evaluation of development aid . These were : 
relevance; coherence; effectiveness; efficiency; impact; and sustainability . Since most WTO 
TA activities were training activities designed to transfer knowledge and skills to participants, their 
evaluation was structured around the Kirkpatrick Model and the four levels of learning it define d. 
These were: reaction ; learning ; behaviour ; and impact . The objectives  of TA activities were the basis 
for evaluating their success. Each activity set immediate objectives, expressed in measurable terms, 
that should be achieved by the end of the activity. These immediate objectives contribute d to the 
achievement of the four key results  in the TA Plan . The achievement of each objective was measured 
by performance indicators. Depending on the objective, indicators c ould be quantitative or 
qualitative.  
84. The representative of the Republic of Korea  delivered the following statement : 
85. I would like to very briefly come back  to the comments by the United States. This is to clarify 
that Korea's consideration in earmarking part of our contributions is unrelated to what is our very 
high assessment of the capacity and neutrality of the WTO Secretariat but is rather  on account of 
other po licy considerations. However, w e have an open mind, and today's comments by participants 
are very helpful.  
86. The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:  
87. The United States would like to strongly thank the ITTC for this report. We value the ability of 
Members to access real -time TA data . We also welcome the time and resources the Secretariat 
invested in launching and managing the electronic dashboard and training portal.  
88. The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:   
89. The European Union would like to thank the ITTC for the Annual Report 2022 and the 
presentation of the planned technical cooperation and training  activities . All Members should be able 
to participate effectively in the MTS and the WTO. Trade -related TA is an important factor in 
supporting developing Members and especially LDCs in doing that. We welcome efforts to continue 
to keep e -learning and TA virtually, on top of the resumption of face -to-face activities. We welcome 
continued efforts to maintain strong participation of LDCs as a priority. We appreciate the promotion 
of gender parity in TA and training activities. In 2022, we note that for the first time, more women  
– 51%– than men participated in WTO TA activities. We al so appreciate the delivery of TA activities 
in the three different WTO working languages.  For the TA Plan 2024 -2025, the E uropean Union is 
ready to look at the possibility of tailor -made TA , in particular to help LDCs and developing countries 
with specific  needs and capacity constraints. In line with previous TA Plans, we would welcome a 
continued focus on supporting LDCs and Africa. The E uropean Union welcomes constant efforts by 
the WTO as well as the beneficiaries to enhance the efficiency and impact of the activities. We should 
see to it that the activities target the main goals and are kept within the planned budget.  
90. The representative of Japan  delivered the following statement:  
91. Thanks to the ITTC for the very comprehensive explanation and presentation regarding the 
TA Plan and the M&E Plan for the 2024-2025 period . I would like to ask for a clarification regardin g 
external evaluations. In particular, I would like to know  who covers the budget for an external 
evaluation . Is it covered by donors , or is  the external evaluation incorporated in the original budget?  
92. The representative of Tanzania  delivered the following statement:  
93. Thank s to the ITTC for the elaborate presentation. We welcome the TA Plan 2024 -2025 for 
adoption by Members . We also want to reg ister our appreciation to the ITTC for taking into account 
the views that we expressed in the questionnaire that was distributed  before the preparation of the 
TA Plan . WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
- 18 - 
 
94. The representative of the Russian Federation  delivered the following statement:  
95. The Rus sian Federation joins other delegations in expressing its gratitude to the Secretariat 
for the preparation of the draft TA Plan for the next two years. We are still preoccupied that the full 
use of the trade -related TA offered to the WTO Membership and fun ded solely from unearmarked 
funds is fully depende nt on the donors ' determination as to which WTO Member is eligible for 
participation in regional TA courses. The new draft TA Plan, reproducing the established practice, is 
not in line with a basic WTO prin ciple – namely, non -discrimination. In our view, any TA provided on 
behalf of the WTO should be granted to all the WTO Membership on the basis of the Secretariat 's 
independent consideration of submitted applications. A situation where donors influence the choice 
of participants is unacceptable in the WTO. The funding described in the activity matrix in Annex 2 
of the TA Plan for regional courses and workshops should be provided from several sources of 
financing, including the regular budget. This will evidently require an extension of the main 
envelopes of the regular budget for TA specified in paragraph 243 to regional WTO co urses.  
96. The representative of China  delivered the following statement:  
97. We thank the Secretariat for giving a very comprehensive introduction. There are some 
evolving  elements in the TA Plan and the M&E Plan for 2024-2025. We have a question similar to 
the one from Japan. We would like to know  the budget situation with regard to  M&E and the expenses 
that are involved . Is this covered by the overhead fee for TA activities?  
98. The representative of Nigeria  delivered the following statement:  
99. Nigeria would like to t hank the ITTC for the Annual Report for 2022. We appreciate and 
commend the ITTC for their professional conduct in organizing TA and capacity -building 
programmes . We want to affirm that Nigerian officials have benefited from various TA programmes, 
which have improved the capacity of official conduct of our c apital -based officials, especially in trade 
policy formulation and implementation. We shall continue to liaise with the ITTC in order  to allow 
the remaining officials to also benefit from the programmes.  
100.  In their responses, the representatives of the ITTC expressed appreciation to delegations for 
their support for the ITTC 's work . It was indicated that t he ITTC wo uld continue to e ngage with both 
beneficiaries and donors in further refining the WTO's TA . The focus of TA would remain on a number 
of core issues  such as LDCs and gender empowerment . There would continue to be a mix of courses 
provided in the three official languages . Efforts would be made to tailor programmes to specific 
needs and capacity constraints. For the source of funds for M&E, delegations were referred to the 
table titled "Other programmes' costs: programme staff and monitoring and evaluatio n" in Annex 2 
of the TA Plan. The second line in that table was called " Implementation of results -based 
management ( RBM) and development of e -learning  courses ". The figure that appear ed under the 
regular budget here was used partially to finance M&E missions.  With regard to external evaluations, 
it was noted that the M&E Plan 2024 -2025 mentioned that the external evaluations conducted to 
date had been at the request of donors and  were approved by Members. The last external evaluation 
took place in 20 16, and in the absence of a clear signal from the donors, the assum ption was  that 
there would be no external evaluation in the foreseeable future.  It was also clarified that external 
evaluations were paid for by donors and contributors to the Global Trust Fund and were not covered 
by the regular budget .  
101.  The Committee adopted  the TA Plan 2024 -2025 and took note  of the M&E Plan 2024 -2025. 
E. GLOBAL TRADE DATA PORTAL – PRESENTATION BY THE SECRETARIAT  
102.  The Chairman  said that  the Global Trade Data Portal (GTDP)  –  
https://globaltradedata.wto.org/  – was launched by the Secretariat on 31 May 2023 . The GTDP 
provided access to real -time data on trade. It allowed users to monitor  supply chain activities and 
provided advance warning of potential disruptions. In this regard, it could be helpful in determining 
appropriate policy action. He explained that he had  invite d the Secretariat to present the GTDP  
because he felt  it would  be useful for delegations in the CTD to know more about it. It could 
potentially have practical value to many delegations that follow ed the work of th e CTD as well as 
the trade of developing countries  more generally . WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
- 19 - 
 
103.  The representatives of the Secretariat  began their presentation by introducing the 
Secretariat's Big Data Initiative (BDI)  which was launched in 2022 . It was explained that the world 
was facing many global challenges  including  food security, climate change, health and economic 
recovery. To tak e appropriate actions, it was important to have good visibility into supply chains  and 
monitor what was  happening in real  time. Timely and reliable data  was required for this purpose . 
The acceleration of digitalization open ed new opportunities to leverage data, in particular data from 
private sector companies. As the key international organization dealing with trade, the WTO was in 
the unique position to serve as  a trusted partner to companies that c ould share real-time trade data . 
The objective of the BDI was to position the WTO as a key resource centre on trade data, to better 
inform policy discussion and actions t hrough  new and timely insights  into supply chains and  trade 
patterns . This was being done through cross divisional collab oration within the Secretariat and 
through partnerships with private companies and other international organizations.  The BDI was 
part of the Secretariat's broader Digital Transformation Initiative. The Secretariat 's aspiration in this 
regard was to serve Members by being  the "trusted one -stop online gateway to the most objective 
and insightful trade information, at the heart of big data, statistics and intelligence on global trade 
and trade policy ".  
104.  Turning to the GTDP, the presenters noted that the porta l contained WTO trade data, real -time 
trade data, a library of open trade data sources, and information on the WTO's data partnerships for 
research purpose. Although customs data remained the only official data source for the WTO, 
real-time data served to complement the official data by providing a snapshot of what was happening 
at the present time. The real -time dashboards that were launched with the GTDP concerned wheat 
and grain . Food security was therefore the initial focus of the portal. Availability, accessibility, 
stability, and utilization aspects were highlighted as the four dimensions of food security.  The 
objective of the dashboards was to help enhan ce market transparency and inform decision -making 
by policymakers  and other stakeholders . Access to r eal-time data would allow  them to m onitor 
fast-evolving, complex markets  and respond immediate ly to future shocks . The dashboards 
responded to demand for transparency in markets and a need for more timely, granular data. It was 
also recalled that, in the MC12 Ministerial Dec laration  on the Emergency Response to Food Insecurity 
(WT/MIN(22)/28 - WT/L/1139) , the Secretari at was in vited to provide regular updates on trade and 
market developments in the wake of the current food price spikes and excessive price volatility, in 
cooperation with other relevant international organizations.  It was explained that the 
GTDP  dashboard s were developed by firstly identifying fir ms that were tracking real -time data using 
the Automatic Identification System (AIS). A contract was signed with Kpler to help develop the 
tools. The Secretariat had also collaborated with the International Grains Council (IGC) on the wheat 
dashboard . The data available  covered seaborne bulk trade, which accounted for 80% of wheat 
trade.  The presenters went on to give a live demonstration of the GTDP. In closing, they indicated 
that the intention going forward was to further develop the GTDP . Additional coverage could include 
a second batch of wheat -related charts as well as information on other topics such as port congestion 
and real -time tracking of goods shipped by c ontainer.  They welcomed  views from Members on other  
areas  where  more current and granular data  would be useful.  Members were invited to submit their 
comments by email to: email -ersd@wto.org . 
105.  The Chairman  noted that Deputy Director -General Xiangchen Zhang wished to say a few words 
to add to the presentation by the Secretariat . 
106.  The Deputy Director -General  said that real-time data could serve as a useful complement to 
notifications by Members, especially in the context of supply chain s. Such data allowed a greater 
understanding of what was happening in market s. This was especially important for developing 
countries because supply chai n disruptions ha d a disproportionate impact on them. The project was 
still at an experimental stage, but the  intention was to expand the coverage to additional pro ducts .  
He noted that data was not free in the market  and expressed a ppreciation to Japan for its offer to 
purchase some data and provide it to the Secretariat to undertake analys is. He looked forward to 
comments from Members on what could be done to improve on the project .  
107.  The representative of India delivered the followi ng statement:  
108.  We appreciate the effort that has gone into making th e GTDP . The stated objectives concerning 
the global policy context, challenges and meeting demand s are very relevant. The portal is new  and 
provides some  good information and some basic inf ormation. Certain items in the dashboard s are 
still at early stages. The utility of th e portal w ill lie in provid ing useful, reliable and rich data that is 
user-friendly  and allows drill-down and download facilities. These features will perhaps  be built in WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
- 20 - 
 
over time. We appreciate that 80% of information on wheat is available . Information under the 
wheat tab and other tabs , including  the trade connectivity heatmaps and open data sources , are 
quite useful . We hope that the open data source list will be further broadened. For example, the 
World Bank 's World Integrated Trade Solutions ( WITS) database  is not shown . In addition, t he 
market access da ta provides only simple tariff averages, thus leaving out crucial information on 
trade remedy measures , non-tariff measures (NTMs)  and other trade barriers. If th e portal is to be 
comprehensive, it must have this kind of information. Furthermore, m erchandise trade  is only at a 
gross level. Going forward , we would suggest having a strong feedback loop for Members' specific  
suggestions  as well as larger engagement in any such initiative. We would like to know more about 
this portal and the next steps , and we shall be engaging with the Secretariat.  At this time, we would 
like to raise two questions. We would fi rstly like to know whether the information  in the portal  is 
available elsewhere , and therefore to what extent the portal is unique . The second question relates 
to data coming from non -government sources , including private sources . We would like  to know how  
to ensure the trustworthiness of this data. 
109.  The representative of China  delivered the following statement:  
110.  Thank you for introducing this very useful portal . Many developing Members are facing huge 
demands for an interface that allows them to select data files and convert the files into a standardized 
format  for subsequent integration into systems such as the WTO's Integrated Database (IDB). I 
would like to know whether this portal will help developing Members make notifications to the IDB, 
for example . I would  also like to ask whether there is a  relationship between this portal and the 
Automated System for Customs Data  (ASYCUDA ) software . Could this portal help developing 
Members to use ASYCUDA or other universall y certified systems ? 
111.  The representative of the Republic of K orea delivered the following statement:  
112.  Korea appreciates the efforts by the Secretariat to gather and update extensive data which 
cuts across many sectors including trade, statistics  and agricult ure. We are having a first glance at 
the website . The bars, graphs  and layouts are  intuitive and  easy to understand. We have the 
WTO's comprehensive documents archive, the e -learning platform, and now th e GTDP. We 
appreciate the Secretariat 's proactive efforts to make sense of the deluge of information that we are 
swimming in . We look forward to working with Members and the Secretariat to build on this platform.  
113.  The representative of the Secretariat  said that she had taken note of the observation  from 
India that WITS was currently not mentioned in the GTDP . She indicated that the  Secretariat would 
look into this. The intention was for the  list of open data sources to be as comprehensive as possible, 
even if  it could not be exhaustive. She also confirmed that the market access data on the portal only 
included simple averages. However, li nks were provided to various  WTO data and statistics 
webpages. The idea was to put more emphasis on the real -time dashboards and the open data 
source s, rather than to duplicate what could be found on the WTO website. On the question of 
whether the real-time data  in the GTDP was  available elsewhere, she explained that the  information 
was available from private sector c ompanies, but it was not free. In that sense, the GTDP was an  
innovative tool. However , there was a certain level of aggregation in the data  presented in the GTDP , 
and it was updated  only on a weekly basis. The full data was available for purchase.  On whet her 
data from non -government sources was trustworthy , she noted that there was a disclaimer in the 
portal  that indicated that the  real-time data was  not fully comprehensive. It was know n that there 
were some gaps in th is data. Real-time data was not meant to replace c ustoms  data, but rather to 
complement it by giving  a snapshot  of the current situation . Although the IDB team was working 
with UNCTAD to pull data automatically from the ASYCUDA system to complement official data, there 
was no intent ion in the context of the GTDP to mix official  data submissions with data  from other 
sources . It was also explained that  helping Members to make notification s to the IDB was not an 
objective of the GTDP .  
114.  The representative of India delivered the following  statement:  
115.  Thanks to the Secretariat for the clarifications provided . We appreciate that there are a few 
challenges , including in terms of the availability of data  and in terms of resources . Taking into 
account these constraints, we suggest  that the GTDP  should focus on  provid ing real-time data on 
certain essential commodities  only. At the moment, the portal contains  information  from a mix of 
datasets . Furthermore, s ome of the dat a – for example on market access  – is not comprehens ive. WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
- 21 - 
 
We feel that having a niche data portal giv ing detailed  information only on a few  specific items  would  
be more useful.  
116.  The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:  
117.  The United States would like to thank the Secretariat for  the present ation. We would like to 
receive some additional information  – more granular information – about the rationale behind this 
project. It was  introduced in general terms today, but we would appreciate a little bit more of the 
context and rationale . We will come back with a more thorough review and feedback.  
118.  The Committee took note  of the presentation by the Secretariat.  
F. INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL COOPERATION ON GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY PROVIDED 
BY THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC IN 2012 -2022 – COMMUNICATION FROM ARGENTIN A 
(WT/COMTD/W/275)  
119.  The Chairman  said that the communication from Argentina , titled "International Technical 
Cooperation on Global Food Security  Provided by the Argentine Republic  in 2012 -2022", was 
circulated in a number of  WTO bodies, including the CTD. The CTD document symbol was 
WT/COMTD/W/275. He invited Argentina to introduce the communication . 
120.  The representative of Argentina  delivered the following statement:  
121.  Argentina circulated the communication entitled "Internation al technical cooperation on global 
food security provided by the Argentin e Republic  in 2012 -2022" . We have also provided  a PowerPoint 
presentation that we ask the Secretariat to make available to Members.  The communication gives 
examples of the technical c ooperation that Argentina provided to third  countries during the period 
2012-2022, which was aimed at achieving global food security, in accordance with the TA  provisions 
under the WTO Agreements.  Argentina is a developing country that provides internation al 
cooperation in agriculture . The initiatives aim towards building capacity that will help the countries 
with which it cooperates  – including LDCs and net food -importing developing countries  (NFIDCs) – 
to fulfil the Sustainable Development Goals  (SDGs)  through the sustainable and efficient 
transformation and modernization of their food systems.  Generally speaking, Argentin a's agricultural 
cooperation has prioritized the development, dissemination and ap plication of agricultural measures 
– including SPS measures – in developing country partners in order to enhance their capacity to 
improve agricultural production, quality and productivity.  The list in Annex I is not an exhaustive 
compilation of all the in ternational technical cooperation provided by Argentina in the 
aforementioned period. Instead, it represents an indicative sample of the forms and scope of the 
cooperation offered.  Through its cooperative efforts, Argentina is seeking to create synergies 
between actors in different sectors. With the public sector at the forefront, the sample includes some 
measures involving the participation of producers' associations and tertiary sector organizations that 
have the shared purpose of promoting the adoption o f good practices and new technologies in order 
to foster the expansion of sustainable agriculture. Private sector actors have also undertaken 
independent actions for the same purposes.  
122.  Many of the initiatives were funded through the Argentine Fund for Inte rnational Cooperation, 
established in 1992 under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship.  During 
the period 2012 -2022, Argentina provided technical cooperation on issues of global food security, 
including SPS -related matters, to mo re than 65 countries and groups of countries, as part of more 
than 240 initiatives including activities, projects and programmes.  In geographical terms, 
Argentina's cooperation activities were conducted primarily in Latin America and the Caribbean 
(65%), f ollowed by Asia (16%), Africa (16%) and Europe (2%).  Some 38% of the initiatives targeted 
LDCs and NFIDCs, while 62% were geared towards developing countries in general.  
South -South  cooperation is the predominant type of cooperation (88%), followed by tria ngular 
cooperation (12%).  Capacity  building accounts for 95% of cooperation, followed by technology 
transfer (2%) and other mixed forms of cooperation (3%).  In sectoral terms, Argentine cooperation 
was focused on the following areas : agriculture (34%) ; biotechnology and genetics (19%) ; livestock 
farming (17%) ; nutrition (8%) ; dairy farming (7%) ; fruit growing and horticulture (4%) ; fisheries 
(3%); apiculture (3%) ; grape growing and wine production (2%) ; environment (1%) ; floriculture 
(1%) and forestry (1%).  Finally , I wish to stress that Argentina remains committed to continuing to 
explore possible opportunities for technical cooperation with WTO Members and particularly with WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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developing countries that are interested in assistance with issues linked to ensuring increases in 
agricultural production and productivity  on a sustainable basis . 
123.  The representative of China  delivered the following statement:  
124.  China noticed the proposal submitted by Argentina on international technical cooperation on 
global food s ecurity. China appreciates Argentina 's efforts in promoting developing 
Members ' agricultural productive capacity to ensure food security. As a developing Member, 
China  has been actively providing agricultural technical assistance, sharing experience, suppo rting 
South -South cooperation and helping developing Members enhance production capacity. China is 
willing to make more contribution s to ensure global food security. China supports MC13 in achieving 
practical results on food security.  
125.  The Committe took not e of the communication from Argentina, and of the interventions.  
G. THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN ENHANCING FOOD SECURITY – 
COMMUNICATION FROM THE UNITED STATES (JOB/COMTD/1)  
126.  The Chairman  said that the communication from the United States , titled "The World Trade 
Organization's Role in Enhancing Food Security",  was circulated in a number of WTO bodies, including 
the CTD. The CTD document symbol was JOB/COMTD/1. He noted that a thematic session was 
organized by the United States on 10 July 2023 to set the stage for introducing this communication 
at the present meeting. The thematic session had examined a case study on Hello Tractor, a farm 
equipment sharing application that connect ed tractor owners with smallholder farmers who need ed 
tractor  services in East Africa.  He invited the United States to introduce the communication.  
127.  The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:   
128.  Thank s to the Chair for mention ing the thematic session that we organized  yesterday. It was  
a successful event, with about 60 participants attending  virtually and in the room. Before I say a 
little more about the thematic session, I invite Members  to look at our paper, contained in  document 
JOB/COMTD/1. We are calling on all Me mbers to approach the submission with an open mind, and 
with a view towards looking where we have common interests. We consider it important for Members 
to build a culture of knowledge -sharing . We invite Members to share their experiences regarding 
efforts  to enhance food security. I hope that t he presentation by Argentina set s the stage for more 
experience sharing to come. In line with this approach, at the thematic session yesterday, the 
delegation of the United States shared  its experience on the role of  the WTO in enhancing food 
security . This was done  by discussing the story of Hello Tractor , a ride -sharing application for tractors 
that allows well -performing farmers to become tractor owners. So, what is the relevance of Hello 
Tractor to the WTO? First,  it is an example of digitization of agriculture and an example of an 
advanced service economy. It also addresses food security by facilitating the supply of inputs to 
farmers. And while the United States is proud that the John Deere company is a partner o f 
Hello Tractor, I would also say to my Indian colleague that Tata – as we learn ed at the thematic 
session yesterday  – is an important service provider partner as well. In particular, Tata  provides 
supply chain services that enables the entire system to fu nction. John Deere does not have a robust 
distribution network for parts and machinery, so it relies on Tata to provide those services. This is 
an example of a practical partnership. If I were to take away one lesson from th e discussion, it  is 
that the story of Hello Tractor shows how we can have a concrete, relevant dialogue on development 
at the WTO and link it to innovation through applied solutions. To conclude, we are working hard to 
make sure that the WTO directly supports tangible econom ic growth outcomes . We benefitted greatly 
yesterday from hearing some experiences and perspectives from the front lines.  
129.  The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
130.  The European Union thanks the United States once more for its submission on food security. 
We agree that we need to address food security in a holistic manner. This implies appropriate 
cooperation with other international organi zations, using research and innovation, and full use of 
the existing tools. We would a dd that it is also about reforming policies towards less trade distortion, 
as well as providing the right incentives in terms of food security and sustainability targets.  
131.  The representative of Canada  delivered the following statement:  WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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132.  Canada would like to thank the United States for their paper which states that adherence to 
WTO Agreements will continue to be a vital component in enhancing food security. Canada would 
agree, including with the importance of encouraging Members to undertake science and 
eviden ced-based discussions in order to adopt market -oriented, trade -facilitating, equitable and 
inclusive approaches that empower farmers to sustainably increase production. In that vein, Canada 
would like to stress the importance of women 's access to land and other resources. This is 
particularly vital for LDCs , where participation rates for women in agriculture are high – basically 
equal to men in some of the poorest countries  – but productivity is low compared to men. Canada 
would agree that trade and science -driven regulatory regimes can be used to tackle the wide range 
of challenges that comes with climate change and would stress the importance in promoting climate 
smart agriculture. We look forward to future discussions on this important topic.  
133.  The represen tative of India delivered the following statement:  
134.  I would like to  thank the United States for the ir paper, and for yesterday's thematic session. 
This is for several  reason s. First , the issue is very relevant and requires concrete action. Second, 
Indian business has been contributing , as mentioned by my colleague from the United States. The 
third reason is that filing this paper in  the CTD – even if it has been filed in certain other Committees  
as well – reflects  a gradual convergence and common understanding that the CTD, as  a focal point 
for development work in the WTO, needs to be at the centre of issues concerning development, for 
coordination and co nsultation purposes . We would also like to compliment the Chair, as we see are 
seeing a reinvigoration in the work of the CTD through the various submissions that are on the 
agenda for today's meeting . The food security of communities, societies and nations  – in particular 
the most vulnerable of these  – has never been more critical than today, owing to developments in 
the last few years. It seems ironic that in these times of crisis  – when, in every meeting room in the 
WTO and other international organizations , discussions are being widely held on  food security, how 
to achieve it, and the issues surrounding it  – achieving a permanent solution to public stockholding 
(PSH) for food security purposes that includes new program mes and new products  remains elusive. 
PSH, which is a concrete solution to address the food security challen ge, is about  the three A 's of 
availability, affordability and accessibility for  the masses . It is a resilient and sustainable way towards  
food security for most in the world. Whenever we speak of food security, we need to be fully 
conscious  of the fact that Members have different food security challenges and different policy needs 
and policy space requirements. In a recent seminar held in th ese very premises, the Food and 
Agriculture Organization (FAO) talked about how the PSH programmes of developing countries  – 
which cover more than 50% of the global population – have been effective in stabili zing prices across 
the globe. The m ajority of the globe is looking for a favourable permanent solution to PSH and a 
decision is long overdue. Therefor e, we are of the firm view that any approaches or solutions need 
to acknowledge and consider the centrality of a permanent solution to PSH.  
135.  The representative of New Zealand  delivered the following statement:  
136.  I would like to thank the United States for th is valuable paper. This is part of our information 
base and part of what we are examining in the CTD. I would also like to thank the United States for 
yesterday's thematic session. It was really inspiring to hear the testimonies from those on the ground 
as to the difference that the programme has made , as well as to learn about the dynamism and 
energy through the process and the international partnerships  involved . It is a useful concrete 
example. Some of the key points in the paper by  the United States echo what  Ministers agreed in 
their declaration on food security last year, that trade plays a vital role in improving global food 
security in all its dimensions and in enhancing nu trition. In this regard, trade and transparent, 
predictable and open markets are vital component s to addressing each element of food security. We 
think that this paper is valuable in remind ing Members  of the vital role  that the WTO plays in 
development and  food security , and in particular the work under the Agreement on 
Agriculture's  long-term reform  programme.  This includes strong adherence to the current WTO 
Agreement s and moving  forward the Agreement on Agriculture's reform programme to further 
incentivi ze trade and to enable production in a competitive manner , while ensuring that the 
distortions that impede progress are addressed over the longer term.  
137.  The representative of Australia  delivered the following statement:  
138.  Thanks to the United States for the paper and for the excellent thematic session yesterday on 
this issue. I’m conscious of the hour and the number of agenda items ahead of us, so I would like 
to quickly refer the Committee to Australia’s statement on this paper in the Committee on Ag riculture WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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where we supported many of the United States' ideas. We think the paper is an important 
contribution to this critical issue.  
139.  The representative of China  delivered the following statement:  
140.  China took note of the United States ' proposal on food se curity. We appreciate the 
United  States' efforts in ensuring global food security, improving farmers ' livelihoods, maintaining 
the growth of agricultural productivity and improving abilit ies in response to climate change. China 
holds the view that an open,  stable and predictable trade environment is important to address global 
food problems. To this end, the Aggregate Measurement of Support  (AMS) , the most trade distorting 
subsidies, should be reduced and eliminated. Meanwhile, we have to keep a clear mind that trade 
can only satisfy 15% of global food need s, while 85% of need s is dependent on domestic production. 
Future agricultural reform should provide effective policy tools for Members. Further, we should note 
that trade cannot substitute domestic produc tion of specific food products due to dietary traditions 
and limitation s of regional planting. Also, trade should not hinder efforts to ensure food security. 
China calls for  the joint efforts of Members to ensure food supply and security and to promote 
sustainable development of agriculture.   
141.  The representative of the United Kingdom  delivered the following statement:  
142.  The United Kingdom woul d like to thank the United States for their submission. We agree that 
the WTO has a critical role to play in enhancing  food security. As we have seen in recent crises , 
trade has played a critical role in ensuring access to food and helping to mitigate food price volatility. 
Concern about the reliability of trade drives some to consider turning to more trade distorting forms 
of support. Trade and transparent, open and pre dictable markets are key to ensuring we can deliver 
on SDG 2 , which concerns zero hunger and improved nutrition. However,  as we all know, we are 
heading further away from this goal rather than closer to it. Ensuring agri -food trade can flow is a 
key princi ple Members agreed to in the MC12 Declaration on food insecurity. For the United Kingdom, 
this immediately takes us to needing to address export restrictions . This is why we have tabled a 
communication in the Committee on Agriculture in Special Session on why MC13 needs to address 
export restrictions on agricultural products  (JOB/AG/244) . One of the main lessons we have learned 
from previous crises affecting food security is that global markets are more resilient against shocks 
when not impeded by export re strictive measures. Finally, I would  like to thank the United States 
for the session yesterday. The United Kingdom has awarded a grant of GBP 107,000 to  Hello Tractor. 
The model has increased agricultural productivity and job creation, including in large p art for women. 
This has been a small grant but with a big impact.  
143.  The representative of South Africa  delivered the following statement:  
144.  South Africa welcomes the presentation by the United States and thanks them for their paper. 
The issue of food security  is indeed an important issue that requires  addressing  in multiple tracks. 
Addressing food security challenges requires a multipronged approach  – not least progress in 
agricultural trade reform , especially the substantial reduction of trade -distorting dome stic support, 
as well as delivering on other related mandates, in particular on PSH. It was  highlighted in the MC12 
Ministerial Declaration on the Emergency Response to Food Insecurity  that trade, along with 
domestic production, plays a vital role in improving global food security in all its dimensions and 
enhancing nutrition. We also note the importance the paper attaches to the role of technology in 
addressing both food security challenges and en vironmental sustainability. In this regard, we see 
linkages with the Africa n Group papers on the role of technology transfer towards these ends. 
I understand that the theses papers have not been presented  yet, but we do indeed look forward to 
seeing the li nkages and complementarities as the discussion unfolds. We also look forward to future 
submissions, as indicated in the submission by the United States.  
145.  The representative of Cameroon  delivered the following statement:  
146.  Thanks to the United States for their  intervention and for recalling the role of the WTO in the 
context of global food security supported by innovation. This initiative creates skill ed jobs, improves 
business opportunities and strengthens the competitiveness of local actors. It also connects different 
actors at the local and global levels working towards the WTO's development goals , including 
sustainable development requirements, women 's inclusion and increased productivity. Such 
partnership s should be encouraged to create more synergies.  WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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147.  The Committee took note  of the communication from the United States, and of all 
interventions.  
H. POLICY SPACE FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT - A CASE FOR REBALANCING TRADE 
RULES TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIALIZATION AND TO ADDRESS EMERGING CHALLENGES 
SUCH AS CLIMATE CHANGE, CONCENTRATION OF PRODUCTION AND DIGITAL 
INDUSTRIALIZATION – COMMUNICATION FROM THE AFRICAN GROUP 
(WT/COMTD/W/270)  
(I) A Case for Rebalancing the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures 
(ASCM) – Policy Space to Promote Industrialization i n Developing Countries – 
Communication from the African Group (WT/COMTD/W/274)  
 
148.  The Chairman  recalled that, at the last meeting, the African Group had introduced its 
communication titled "Policy Space for Industrial Development – A Case for Rebalancing Trade Rules 
to Promote Industrialization and to Address Emerging Challenges such as Climate Change, 
Concentration of Production and Digital Industrializat ion". This communication was circulated in a 
number of WTO bodies, including the CTD. The CTD document symbol was WT/COMTD/W/270.  This 
submission was listed once again as an item on the CTD's agenda. In addition, a new submission by 
the African Group was listed as a sub -item under this agenda item. The new submission was titled 
"A Case for Rebalancing the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  (ASCM)  – Policy 
Space to Promote Industrialization in Developing Countries". This new submission was ci rculated in 
a number of WTO bodies, including the CTD. The CTD document symbol was WT/COMTD/W/274.  
The present agenda item, and the sub -item, were listed on the agenda in the format requested by 
the African Group.  He invited the  representative of the Afri can Group to make an introductory 
statement.  
149.  The representative of Namibia , on behalf of the African Group, delivered the following 
statement:  
150.  The Africa n Group would simply like to point out at this stage that we look forward to future 
engagements in the  CTD on these important topics which are a priority of the Group , as broadly 
captured in document  WT/COMTD/W/270 on policy space for industrial development. As the Chair 
indicated earlier, the African Group submitted a number of  papers to various Committees focusing 
on the role of technology transfer in advancing the objective of industrial development. These 
submissions on transfer of technology together form the second of the three key pillars upon which 
the case for more polic y space for industrial development is based, following our presentation of the 
submission focused on the rebalancing of the ASCM . The third submission , focusing on the 
Agreement on Trade -related Investment Measures (TRIM s) as the third pillar , is in its fi nal stages of 
preparation.  We raise these issues both as an update to the Membership on the progress of our work 
in this area , as we outlined at the 120th Session of the CTD, and also to express our desire and hope 
for the CTD to be substantively and meani ngfully engaged on these development -centred 
discussions. We are excited to receive input and feedback from Members ahead of the next 
Committee meeting , to allow  for us to respond  effectively . We are open to engaging with Members 
and eager to hear your tho ughts on any relevant topics or concerns among the three pillars making 
up the set of submissions.  
151.  The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
152.  At the outset, the European Union notes that the substance of the African Group paper is 
highly specialized and goes beyond the usual scope of CTD discussions. This topic is well in line with 
the European Union 's suggestions to set up a dedicated space for deliberation on state intervention 
in support of industrial sectors. The Europe an Union has proposed that these upcoming deliberations 
should consider, in particular, the development dimension. The European Union is therefore open to 
deliberate on these issues also from a development angle. The European Union supports organi zing 
a specific retreat in September to identify the main issues as regards trade and industrial policy. 
This retreat should prepare for a subsequent strand of WTO deliberations on the interface between 
trade and industrial policy, paving the way for frank, time -limited deliberations among Members.  
153.  The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:  WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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154.  The United States would like to thank the African Group for the papers submitted. I will 
intervene on both papers in documents WT/COMTD/W/270 a nd WT/COMTD/W/274. We share the 
goal of industrialization for sustainable development, and we welcome technical discussions in the 
appropriate Committees. We also take note of the African Group 's submission on a case for 
rebalancing the ASCM,  as part of th e series on policy space for industrial development. The ASCM  is 
one of the most complex agreements in the WTO. We are open to a conversation on whether the 
ASCM  is fulfilling its purposes. However, any discussions of revisions to the ASCM  must take place 
in that Committee. That being said, we cannot imagine considering additional flexibility under the 
subsidies agreement without a complete understanding of the subsidies being provided by Members 
who could take advantage of any flexibilities.  
155.  The representa tive of Japan  delivered the following statement:  
156.  We would like to thank the African Group for the submi ssions  in documents WT/COMTD/W/270 
and WT/COMTD/W/274. Regarding the African Group's proposal on policy space, we discussed how 
to proceed with the disc ussions towards MC13 at the WTO reform retreat meeting on 16 June 2023. 
Together with the European Union's proposal for reform of the deliberative function  – and in 
particular s tate intervention in trade and industry  – we need an appropriate forum for disc ussing 
these cross -cutting issues. It is then important to have a discussion based on facts and evidence on 
where the challenges lie for the individual issues raised, in order to address concerns regarding 
policy space for developing country Members. In co njunction with this, discussions on addressing 
the negative impact of state intervention and the consistency of each measure with current trade 
rules and gaps should also be advanced. It is important that we should strike a balance between 
discussions on p olicy space and discussions on strengthening the discipline.  
157.  The representative of Canada  delivered the following statement:  
158.  We take note of the proposal by the African Group regarding the ASCM . There are important 
points in this proposal. We believe that the issue of industrial policy and whether the current 
WTO disciplines are appropriate or sufficient is worthy of intensive, evidence -based discussion.  
159.  The representative of India delivered the following statement:   
160.  The poly -crisis and global economic shocks have seriously impacted developing countries. 
During these difficult times, it is imperative for developing countries and LDCs to maintain supply 
chain resilience against external shocks. Amidst enormous challenges  – be it food insecurity, 
inflation, debt, unemployment, or declining economic activities  – their survival would depend on 
economic diversification, industrialization and effective value addition. Therefore, the African Group 
submission s have a strong linkage to development . We str ongly feel that the CTD is the most 
relevant forum for discussing the issues  in question . Members should not shy away from discussing 
these submissions  in the CTD. They are  mostly focused on development  and relate d improvement s 
in rules and flexibilities that developing countries need. Historically, most developed Members used 
policy options like domestic industry or infant industry protection , as well as  state-support 
incentivization through subsidy regimes , in their initial industrializati on phase s. Even today, 
policymakers in developed economies are increasingly seeking to reshape their economies by 
targeting specific industries, firms or economic activities using tools such as subsidies  – particularly 
in area s of new priority for them. Ho wever, international trade rules have effectively curtailed policy 
options and policy space for developing countries. This requires immediate discussion on providing 
the needed flexibilities.  
161.  The African Group's paper contained in document WT/COMTD/W/274 presents pertinent points 
for the retention of policy space for industrial development by way of flexibility in the ASCM . There 
is a basic fairness angle underpinning this discussion . Subsidies are mainly a rich economy's game . 
Most developing countries ha ve neither the fiscal leverage nor the policy space to engage in a 
handout competition, leaving them at best in the role of simple bystanders. Hence, India believes 
that the constraints imposed by disciplines in the ASCM  hamper public sector support for re search 
and development that is necessary for developing countries to develop their green tech, high tech  
and nascent industries. The submission rightly and emphatically argues for the reinstation of expired 
carve -outs for developing Members as they face ne wer challenges by the day while grappling with 
age-old issues too. These provisions form  a central component of a global partnership to get global 
growth back on track in the poorest countries. Bringing back these carve -outs will be critically WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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important to broaden the participation of developing countries, including LDCs , in global trade. We 
are seeing a barrage of the application of more protection  than is necessary – for example , the 
application of maximum residue limit s on a significant segme nt of agricultural crop s by some 
developed Members and measures like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). 
Further more,  there is a need to revisit as a priority the criteria for determining prohibition of 
paragraph 1(a) of Article 3 under the term s of paragraph 2(a) of Article 27. All in all, we would like 
to reiterate that the paper  has a strong linkage with development and therefor e belongs to this 
Committee. T he CTD is the right forum for discuss ing these submissions , even if the y are discussed  
in other Committees as well. India will constructively and keenly engage in any deliberation for the 
review of the criteria mentioned in the paper so that these serve the purpose objectively, reasonably, 
and fairly. Providing a level playing field to devel oping countries is the foremost a sk at this point in 
time. 
162.  The representative of China  delivered the following statement:  
163.  China is very much aware of the serious challenges that African countries are facing, such as 
food security, energy crises, supply cha in disruptions, climate change, and so on. The development 
deficit is making the gaps between  the developed and developing even wider. That 's why we fully 
recognize the significance of providing policy space for developing Members to pursue social and 
economic goals. We have already  seen the recent trend in subsidies. In light of the se development 
imbalances, we believe that it is imperative for developing Members to defend their policy space 
within the WTO so as to prevent further imbalances. Concernin g the African Group's submission  in 
document WT/COMTD/W/274, non -actionable subsidies are an important means for governments to 
compensate for market failures ; promote industrial upgrading and technological innovation ; 
maximi ze social welfare ; and facilita te better participation of developing Members in global value 
chains. China is willing to work with all Members, including the African Group, to explore ways of 
restoring and expanding non -actionable subsidies and promot ing the global governance system in a 
more just and reasonable direction.  
164.  The representative of the United Kingdom  delivered the following statement:  
165.  The United Kingdom thanks the African Group for these submissions, and the greater clarity 
and definition they seek to bring to conversations  about policy space. The United Kingdom is willing 
to engage in discussions. As we have done on other issues, we would suggest evidence sessions as 
the starting point for discussion. In particular, we would like to better understand the gaps in the 
existin g provisions, and the gaps in the current TA and capacity building landscape.  
166.  The representative of Australia  delivered the following statement:  
167.  Australia thanks the African Group for the proposal . We are still working through the proposals 
and look forwa rd to future opportunities to discuss them in detail. As an early comment, we note 
that the paper on the ASCM  goes beyond the remit of the CTD . In line with the Marrake sh Agreement , 
it sits more appropriately with the Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, which we 
understand  has yet to consider the paper. It will be critical for discussions on this paper to involve 
technical experts to explore the challenges raised by the African Group and identify possible 
solutions, underpinned by  an analysis of the evidence and an understanding of the uptake of existing 
flexibilities. We note that the upcoming September retreat on this issue will be an important 
opportunity to progress this work.  
168.  The representative of Singapore  delivered the follo wing statement:  
169.  Singapore thanks the African Group for its paper. As we previously mentioned, Singapore 
affirms the importance of having the necessary policy space and TA and capacity -building support  
for Members to cope with the global challenges of slowing economic grow th, climate change and 
food insecurity. Given the technical nature of the proposals being put forth under this paper, we 
strongly urge the proponents to first discuss these papers in the appropriate Committees to allow 
for technical and in -depth evidence -based discussions. We join earlier speakers to highlight the need 
to better understand whether the current rules are adequate to allow for sufficient policy space for 
industrialization , as well as to address the worrying trend of the recent substantial incr ease in the 
use of subsidies and local content requirements. We note that , in addition to the proposal on the 
ASCM , the African Group has also tabled a series of papers on technology transfer under this WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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proposal , and to a number of Committees as well. In o rder to help facilitate the participation of 
smaller missions with limited resources, we would encourage the proponents to provide sufficient 
amount of time to consider the proposals and to meaningful ly engage on them in the appropriate 
Committees.  
170.  The rep resentative of the Republic of Korea  delivered the following statement:  
171.  Korea thanks the African Group for this proposal, and for the Group 's continuing efforts to 
strengthen the WTO trading system with a focus on the critical development perspective. We note 
that this proposal comes against the backdrop of a general uptick in technical trade measures that 
seek to promote environmental and other important policy goals. Many of these measures are 
situated in the context of addressing climate  change . This is undoubtedly the existential issue of our 
time, that we think would be most effectively tackled collectively and through close deliberation. We 
stand ready to address the legitimate concerns of various Members through the deliberative proce ss. 
We believe that subsidies, state intervention and border adjustment regulations should all be 
thoroughly deliberated  before any unilateral measures are implemented , so as not to have them in 
conflict with WTO rules . 
172.  The representative of South Africa  delivered the following statement:  
173.  We would like to first of all align ourselves with the statement delivered by Namibia on behalf 
of the African Group. As has been repeatedly stated by various delegations, including today, the CTD 
must reclaim or reinvigor ate its role as the focal point for discussions on development issues. The 
proposals by the Africa n Group move from the premise that trade should indeed serve its primary 
role of advancing development  – especially for developing countries  and LDCs. The mul tiple 
challenges that are faced by these countries  – including food insecurity, climate change  and the 
global technological divide  – require that we all think outside the box to arrive at appropriate policy 
responses commensurate to these challenges. We do agree that the minute technical discussions on 
the substance of the proposals may , or should , take place within the relevant technical bodies . 
However, the CTD must be able to compl ement these discussions as the focal point on development  
that we all profess it to be. We look forward to discussions in all these forums, including the CTD. 
These submissions are indeed buttressed by an evidence -based approach, including the possibility 
of evidence that would be discovered in the process of ou r discussions and exchanges. There is no 
better body placed in the WTO to oversee what are cross -cutting issues of development that are at 
the centre of the Africa n Group 's proposals.  
174.  The representative of Namibia , on behalf of the African Group, delivered  the following 
statement:  
175.  We are grateful to like -minded Members and those Members who have expressed their interest 
in our papers. We kindly request Members to provide their valuable feedback and insights in writing 
as it would greatly contribute to the development and improvement of our work.  
176.  The representative of Brazil  delivered the following statement:  
177.  Brazil supports proposals for carrying out discussions related to subjects of developing 
countries ' interest in the CTD. However, we recognize that such  discussions may be more effective 
when accompanied by evidence  – and in joint sessions with other working groups, Committees  and 
other possible stakeholders to provide the CTD with a proper and more technical discussion.  
178.  The Committee took note  of the communications from the African Group, and of all 
interventions.  
I. MINISTERIAL DECLARATION FROM THE TWELFTH MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE  ON THE 
WTO RESPONSE TO THE COVID -19 PANDEMIC AND PREPAREDNESS FOR FUTURE 
PANDEMICS (WT/MIN(22)/31 - WT/L/1142)  
179.  The Chairman said that , at the CTD's November 2022 meeting, the Committee  had agreed 
that the item relating to the MC12 Ministerial Declaration on the WTO response to the 
COVID -19 pandemic and preparedness for future pandemics would remain on the CTD's agenda until 
the end of 2024. In this Ministerial Declaration, it was indicated that relevant WTO bodies w ould, WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
- 29 - 
 
within their fields of competence, and on the basis of proposals by Members, continue or initiate 
work as soon as possible, to analyze lessons that ha d been learned and challenges experienced 
during the COVID -19 pandemic. A stocktaking exercise w ould be taken of the work by WTO bodies 
under this declaration yearly at the General Council until the end of 2024, based on the reports of 
those relevant bodies. The Ministerial Declaration identifie d the CTD as one of the relevant WTO 
bodies to undertake work in this area. At the last m eeting, several Members shared ideas on what 
work could be done in the CTD in the context of this Ministerial Declaration. He believe d that many 
useful suggestions had been  made. His predecessor had encouraged Members to continue to engage 
and to consider submitting written proposals on work that the CTD could do on this matter.  He said 
that continued engagement on this matter was important, and this was why this item remain ed on 
the agenda. However, he felt that written proposals from Members would  be need ed to focus the 
deliberations on this matter and identify concrete work that c ould be done in the CTD. He therefore 
once again encourage d Members to consider submitting written proposals.  He noted that there were 
no written submissions from Members on the agenda for the present  meeting. However, delegations 
still ha d the opportunity to engage under this agenda item and share lessons learned and challenges 
experienced during the COVID -19 pandemic . 
180.  The representat ive of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
181.  We have seen how vulnerable we all  are, and in particular developing countries, when a 
pandemic like COVID -19 strikes. The MC12 Declaration on pandemic  preparedness  initiated 
Member -driven work i n relevant WTO bodies. Some examples of this work already stand out. For 
instance, on 24 March 2023, at the sixth experience sharing session in the Committee on 
Market  Access, we heard how crucial it was to maintain access to key markets for LDC exports. T he 
European Union’s Everything but Arms scheme, which removes tariffs and quotas for all LDC goods 
imports except arms and ammunition, of course remained in place during the COVID -19 crisis. And 
our Rules of Origin Self -Assessment tool (ROSA) is a free -of-charge platform accessible online in our 
Access2Markets portal. It offers guidance in simple steps to determine the rules of origin for 
products. We are now compiling the information shared by Members, as requested by the 
MC12  Declaration, and the European  Union hopes this body of experiences on how to deal with 
pandemics will make us all better prepared for the future. Last but not least, the European Union is 
mindful of the pressing priority of building capacity. For instance, as part of our Global Gatewa y 
European Union -Africa Investment plan, we are moving ahead with our Member States in a 
EUR 1 billion "Team Europe " initiative to support local manufacturing and access to vaccines, 
medicines and health technologies in Africa – beyond COVID -19, of course,  as we know this will not 
be the last pandemic.  
182.  The representative of China  delivered the following statement:  
183.  In line with the MC12 Declaration on the response to the COVID -19 pandemic and 
preparedness for future pandemics, China shared experience s in the TBT Committee and the Market 
Access Committee  on eliminating export restrictions , protecting global value chains, and 
implementing  trade facilitation and market access facilitation measures during the pandemic. This 
week, China will submit a paper on s trengthening the resilience and stability of global industrial and 
supply chains. We call for the elimination of trade restrictions related to COVID -19. We also support 
an early decision o n extending intellectual property exemption to diagnostics and thera peutics 
products to improve developing Member s' participation in global industrial and supply chains. At the 
same time, China suggests that the Secretariat summarize Members ' best practice s. On that basis, 
a discussion could be organized with the view to f ormulating a guideline in response to COVID -19. 
This will be helpful to prepare for future pandemic s and implement the MC12 Declaration.  
184.  The representative of South Africa  delivered the following statement:  
185.  In trying to respond to the question o f how the C TD can, within its mandate, compile 
something t hat respond s to the COVID -19 pandemic and preparedness for the future pandemics, it 
will be come  apparent that almost all that we are going to mention is not CTD -specific. Th is 
communicates the message that the CTD  is the focal point for discussions on development issues. I 
would like to highlight a few examples  in this regard, which  are also indicative of the priorities that 
we shared during the bilateral consultations with the  Chair, as well as in  the informal open-ended 
CTD meeting held on 26 June 2023. These include , among others : (i) the extension of the 
TRIPS  waiver to cover therapeutics and diagnostics; (ii) the long overdue negotiations on agricultural 
trade reform that w ould certainly contribute to addressing the consequences of future crises or WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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shocks ; and (iii) the African Group's submissions  on policy space for industrial development. A key 
part of these submission s relates to the need to build  resilience to the multip le crises that are 
currently  being  faced, which disproportionately affect the African continent and developing countries 
in general.   
186.  The Chairman  encourage d Members to continue to engage and to consider submitting written 
proposals on work that the CTD c ould do on this matter.  
187.  The Committee took note  of all interventions.  
J. TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT – WORK IN THE COMMITTEE ON THE BASIS OF THE 
CHAIRMAN'S CONCLUDING STATEMENT FROM THE EIGHTH MINISTERIAL 
CONFERENCE (WT/MIN(11)/11)  
(I) Committee on Trade and Development Mandate: Focal Point for Consideration and 
Coordination of Work on Development in the WTO – Proposal from Barbados, Belize, 
China, Cuba, Ecuador, India, and the African Group (WT/COMTD/W/208)  
(II) Operationalization of the CTD's Mandate: A Proposal to Deliver Outcomes based on the 
MC8 Mandate - Proposal from China, Cuba, Ecuador, India and the African Group 
(WT/COMTD/W/192 )2 
188.  The Chairman said that Ministers at the Eighth WTO Ministerial Conference ( MC8) had 
reaffirmed the positive link between trade and development and had called for focused work in the 
CTD. Ministers had called on Members to fully operationalize the mandate of the CTD as a focal point 
for development work. Two submissions containing pro posals for work under the MC8 mandate were 
included on the agenda of the present meeting. The first submission – by Barbados, Belize, China, 
Cuba, Ecuador, India and the African Group (WT/COMTD/W/208) – contained a proposal for the CTD 
to report on the dev elopment -related work taking place in other WTO bodies. The second submission 
– by China, Cuba, Ecuador, India and the African Group (WT/COMTD/W/192) – contained 
three  proposals. In the order they were presented in the document, the first proposal was for the 
Secretariat to continue to update its report on the implementation of the S&D provisions in the 
WTO Agreements and Decisions. The second  proposal was for the CTD to report on the 
development -related work taking place in other WTO  bodies, while the thir d proposal was for the 
CTD to make a recommendation for parties to RTAs to submit their notification and information 
requirements jointly. He noted that the two submissions had remained on the CTD's agenda for 
several years. At the last meeting, India had requested that the submissions be maintained on the 
agenda. He indicated that he would first invite the proponents of the two submissions to brief the 
Committee on the status of the proposals after which the floor would be opened for interventions by 
other  delegations.  
189.  The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
190.  These proposals have been  pending for a very long time , even though they emanate from a 
specific Ministerial mandate. Ministers wanted the role of the CTD as focal point on develo pment 
work in the WTO to be fully operationalized. The p roponents have made sincere efforts to impress 
upon Members the need to give effect to the instructions from Minister s. India also made a 
submission recently in the General Council  on this topic, and  a good discussion took place . 
Furthermore, at the development retreat in February 2023, this suggestion was widely echoed by 
developing countries. While no Member has disagre ed with the proposal, it has been repeatedly 
given a spin that operationali zing the mandate of the CTD as  a focal point, as per its terms of 
reference, would give the CTD an oversight over other bodies. Another argument that we have often 
heard is that the re is already a mandate for  the CTD to be  a focal point and that there may therefore 
not be a ne ed to do anything. Obviously, such arguments have inherent contradictions. Although 
the CTD has a mandate to be a focal point on development work , this mandate has not been 
operationali zed. It required instructions from Minister s to initiate discussion s for fully 
operationalizing th e CTD's  mandate. However, in more than a decade, we could not move an inch 
on these proposals. Those Members who see a challenge in operationali zing the mandate of the CTD 
are themselves seeking the  formation of working group s, facilitator -led group s, or dedicated forum s 
 
2 The discussion concerning documents WT/COMTD/W/208 and WT/COMTD/W/192 is presented together 
in this Note, as the Chair man invited the Committee to take up the two sub -items  together .  WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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for deliberations on other cross cutting issues of their interest. Why is there  unwillingness when it 
comes to the development dimension? We have a body which is mandated to act as a focal point on 
development work at the WTO. There should not be a fear that operationalizing the mandate of the 
CTD w ill amount to giving it an oversight  role. Members should h ave a desire  for the  development 
dimension to be better coordinated  and reported on for meaningful outcomes. The p roponents have 
reiterated that this proposal does not seek an oversight role for the CTD o ver other bodies, nor does 
it seek  for the CTD to deliberate on issues which may be in the domain of other Committees . It only 
seeks for the CTD to consult and coordinate on the development dimension  in order to ensure better 
outcomes,  and so that the focus on the development dimension is not lost.  
191.  Let me outline some illustrative ways to make the CTD play its role of focal point effectively : 
(i) the CTD shall collect a quarterly report from other Committees on the work done by them on the 
development dimension ; (ii) the CTD shall also provide on a quarterly basis its inputs to other 
Committees on development work ; (iii) the General Council Chair shall hold a quarterly coordination 
meeting with Chairs of relevant Committees on the development dimension , facilitated by the 
CTD Chair. The General Council  Chair would also discuss the need for any joint meeting of 
Committees on any cross -cutting topic ; (iv) the CTD shall collate and compile a report on cross -
cutting work on the development dimension across the bodies and present it to the General Council  
on a quarterly or half-yearly basis ; (v) the CTD shall place before the General Council any point that 
requires a decision by General Council as regards further work needed on the development 
dimension ; (vi) the CTD shall take forward any coordination and co nsultation work that arises from 
other engagements in the WTO – for example, from the informal meeting on development ; and (vii) 
the CTD shall present the work done on the development dimension before Ministers at the 
Ministerial, in consultation  with other bodies and the General Council . With a view to resolving the 
outstanding issues under the proposals , the proponents urge Members  to show flexibility in their 
positions . We would be willing to engage with willing Members. In case the  Committee feels that it 
is not feasible to implement the Ministerial mandate, then it would be appropriate that we go back 
to the Ministers and update them and seek further directions. India accordingly requests that these 
items be maintained on the CTD's  agenda.  
192.  The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
193.  The European Union would like to recall that its understanding of the MC8 mandate is that the 
CTD should further explore the positive link between trade and development on  the basis of focused 
work. The European Union's view is that this should be taken forward on the basis of constructive 
exchanges on clearly identified topics. Referring to India 's communication  on "Committee on Trade 
and Development Mandate: Focal Point for Consideration and Coordination of Work on Development 
in the WTO ", which was on the agenda of the General Council in March and May 2023, India has 
pointed out that the mandate of the CTD, as focal point on development, is not to replace but to 
complemen t the work of other bodies on the development dimension through coordination and 
consultation with these WTO bodies. India is also one of the proponents of the documents for 
consideration under the current agenda item. We would therefore like to better und erstand to what 
extent the old submissions from 2012 and 2015 can be subsumed in discussions on the most recent 
communication  – yes or no  – and whether or not they now need revising.  
194.  The representative of South Africa  delivered the following statement:  
195.  We would like to express our support for the proposal for this Committee to consider how it 
can practically give meaning to the expression "being the focal point on development matters". As 
we indicated previously, there  currently appears to be no structured reporting procedure within the 
WTO ecosystem to facilitate the flow of information on development -related discussions between 
the relevant WTO bodies through the CTD, or vice -versa, and with the General Council. We ag ree 
that the CTD must indeed complement the work of other WTO bodies on development issues, and 
this should not be viewed as overreach.  
196.  The representative of Namibia  delivered the following statement:  
197.  I would  like to join South Africa and India to indicate  that the CTD , as the focal point on 
development work in the WTO , plays a vital role. Therefore, we support the proposal pertaining to 
the present agenda item.  WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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198.  The Chairman  encourage d continued engagement among Members in order to make progress 
on these pr oposals. If it was felt that informal discussions facilitated by the Chair could help Members 
make progress, he indicated that he would be happy to organize such discussions. This would be in 
line with Members'  common goal of improving the functioning of t he CTD.  
199.  The Committee took note of all interventions.  
K. NOTIFICATIONS UNDER THE ENABLING CLAUSE  
(I)  Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Notification of Customs Union – Communication from 
China, Egypt and India (WT/COMTD/W/175)  
200.  The Chairman said that the sub -item listed under the present agenda item made reference  to 
the GCC Customs Union notification. It also referred to the communication from China, Egypt and 
India, which was circulated in document WT/COMTD/W/175. He noted that the sub -item had 
remained on the CTD's agenda for several years. At the last meeting, India had requested that the 
sub-item be maintained on the agenda. India's statement at the last meeting was supported by 
Egypt.   
201.  The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
202.  This is another old issue which has been  pending for a long time. Th e submission raises a 
fundamental issue regarding the scope of the Enabling Clause. The systemic concerns impinge o n: 
(i) the scope of the Enabling Clau se; (ii) the mandate and terms of reference of the CTD; (iii) the 
Transparency Mechanism for Regional Trade Agreements; and (iv) the rights and obligations of 
Members. The proposal seeks deliberation on a very basic issue. There is no other way to move 
forward on the issue but to thoroughly discuss it and bring clarity. Side -stepping the issue will not 
help. The issue needs to  be discussed . If required , the Chair could call small -group informal 
discussions to find a way forward . The Chair already proposed to convene informal  consultations 
under the previous agenda item. As we continue to work towards reaching a solution on this issue, 
it would be appropriate that the item remains o n the CTD's agenda. We would urge  constructive 
engagement from  all Members on th ese long-pending agenda  items .  
203.  The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
204.  Our position is well known . We have been repeating it at CTD meeting s regularly. We may 
recall our position that the GCC Customs Union should be discussed at a meeting of the 
Committee  on Regional Trade Agreements (CRTA) instead of the CTD  – or in both Committees, as 
in the Mercosur case. Developing countries may form a fr ee trade agreement (FTA) and grant 
preferential tariffs for goods based on the Enabling Clause – which is an exemption from the 
most-favoured nation ( MFN) obligation in GATT Article I  – instead of Article XXIV of the GATT. 
However, this choice does not exi st for a customs union, which involves not only the reduction of 
duties, but also the modification of external tariffs. Furthermore, the Enabling Clause does not cover 
preferential non -tariff barriers. We urge the parties to this agreement to fulfil their obligation to the 
rest of the WTO Membership and to undergo the mandated review of th e agreement in a timely 
manner.  
205.  The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:  
206.  The United States believes that this agenda item fulfilled long ago its purpose of informing 
Members of the notification made by the GCC and should be removed from the agenda.  
207.  The Chairman  encouraged continued engagement among Members in order to find a so lution 
to this matter . If it was felt that informal discussions facilitated by the Chair could help Members 
make progress, he indicated that he would be happy to organize such discussions. This would be in 
line with Members' common goal of improving the fu nctioning of the CTD.  
208.  The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
209.  We heard even today that there are issues of interpretation of the Enabling Clause . For 
example, there is the question of whether the Enabling Clause cover s only tariff c oncessions , or WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
- 33 - 
 
whether it also covers non-tariff barriers. If there are two positions on an issue, this requires 
resolution. The Chair may have to organize consultations on the legal interpretation of the Enabling 
Clause , possibly with some other relevant bodies . We would be happy to have such informal session s. 
If there are interpretation al issues on the rules, then the solution lies in discussing the se issues  and 
coming to some conclusion.  
210.  The Committee took note of all interventions.   
L. REVIEW OF STEPS TAKEN TO PROVIDE DUTY -FREE AND QUOTA -FREE MARKET ACCESS 
TO LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES  
211.  The Chairman said that  an item concerning duty -free and quota -free (DFQF) market access 
for LDCs ha d been on the CTD's agenda since early 2006. Under this item, delegations ha d provided 
information on the steps they were taking, or had already taken, to provide DFQF market access to 
LDCs. Written communications by some Members ha d also been considered. Following the regular 
practice, the Committee's annual DFQF review for 2023 w ould take place at the next formal meeting. 
In light of this, he wished to  pick up on the matter of the Secretariat report on 
Members'  DFQF  market access schemes, which was prepare d and updated in 2014, 2015 and 2016 
for the CTD's DFQF annual reviews. This was in response to the instructions given by Ministers in 
the DFQF Decision  taken at the Ninth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC9) . However, there ha d been 
no reports prepared since 2016, because of divergent views among some Members on the scope 
and coverage of the report. Previous CTD Chairs had held informal consultations on the matter  but 
were not able to find a way to unblock the situation. Most recently, his predecessor in the C hair had 
informed the Committee that her own informal consultations had also not found a way forward that 
would allow the Secretariat to update its report. This was regardless  of the language found in 
paragraph 8 of the MC12 Outcome Document, which reaffirmed the DFQF Decision taken at MC9 
and instructed the CTD to recommence the annual review process on preferential DFQF market 
access for LDCs.  His predecessor had invited Memb ers to consider the matter and provide guidance . 
In the meantime,  his predecessor had believed  that the CTD should continue with its annual 
DFQF  reviews even without a Secretariat report, as it ha d been doing since 2017.  He went on to say 
that he had the s ame opinion as his predecessor. On the matter of the Secretariat report, he was 
certainly open to hearing thoughts from Members on possible ways forward. Ultimately, guidance 
on the way forward needed to  come from Members. He therefore invited Members to share their 
ideas with him – either at  the present  meeting or any time after. He would be happy to facilitate 
discussions among Members on any ideas that were shared – if it seem ed that there was scope to 
make progress. It w ould of course be necessary for the Committee to eventually agree to any 
possible ways forward for the Secretariat report. However,  the first step would be for Members to 
share their ideas.  He said that he strongly believe d that the CTD's annual DFQF reviews s hould 
continue, even without a Secretariat report. As he said earlier, the 2023 annual DFQF review w ould 
take place at the next formal CTD meeting.  
212.  The Committee took note of the intervention  by the Chairman .  
M. WORK PROGRAMME ON ELECTRONIC COMMERCE  
(I)  Global Electronic Commerce for Inclusive Development – Communication from India 
and South Africa (WT/COMTD/W/ 264/Rev.1 ) 
213.  The Chairman recalled that a Ministerial Decision was taken at MC12 on the WTO's WPEC. The 
Decision was contained in documents WT/MIN(22) /32 and WT/L/1143 . It was agreed, inter alia , in 
this Decision to reinvigorate the work under the Work Programme , particularly in line with its 
development dimension. The CTD was one of the subsidiary bodies of the General Council mandated 
to undertake work under the Work Programme. In the past few meetings, the Committee  had 
discussed a communication from India and South Africa titled "Global Electronic Commerce for 
Inclusive Dev elopment". A revised version of the document was circulated on 10 March 2023  and 
was considered at the last meeting . This revised communication, contained in document 
WT/COMTD/W/264/Rev.1, appear ed once again on the agenda for the present  meeting at the 
request of the co -sponsors.  He invite d India and South Africa to take the floor in case they wish ed 
to add anything to what they ha d said in previous meetings on their submission.   
214.  The representative of India delivered the following statement:  WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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215.  Development aspects must be central to any discussions on e -commerce, as emphasi zed in 
the mandate received from the MC12 Decision on the WPEC . While we continue to discuss the scope, 
definition and impact of the moratorium on customs duties on e -commerce, the discussions must 
take into account the development aspirations and needs of developing  countries  and LDCs. 
E-commerce and digitali zation are changing the way trade is done and are having a profound impact 
on our day -to-day live s. Developing countries will fall further back if the digital divide continues to 
grow and reach es a level that is not  sustainable. The whole world loses in the process . Those who 
are at the upper echelon of the pyramid should not have any misconception abo ut it, as they will 
lose as well . To bridge the gap, what is needed most is digital industriali zation, digital infrastructure, 
own digital content and skills. Digital industriali zation – through building population -scale digital 
public infrastructure  (DPI) ; open networks and application programming interfaces  (APIs) ; digital 
financial inclusion ; and overall digital industrial capacity creation  – will be able to transform societies 
and bring development to developing countries and LDCs. Developing countr ies will have to create 
enormous digital capacity and will need to connect and consume content digitally. This 
transformation has been seen happening in developing countries, including in India . We have 
realized how digital financial inclusion, open network s and DPI can contribute to the growth of 
economic activity and employment. Digitali zation will not only help trade and economic prosperity 
but will bring in other gains as well . 
216.   India’s innovation through digital public goods  (DPGs)  is creating a single physical market 
along with other technology innovations for increasing the efficiency of logistics. F ASTag, combined 
with eWaybill , has  cut waiting times at borders from days to minutes. Estimates by the 
Indian  Ministry of Roads Transport and Highwa ys show that digitalization has resulted in around 
350 million  litres of fuel being saved in 2021 , preventing 9.8 million tons of carbon dioxide  emissions. 
DPI has further helped make governance efficient. The Reserve Bank of India Annual Statistics 
Handbook states that USD 310 billion cash payments through direct benefits transfer were made in 
2021-2022, with 1.05 billion beneficiary transactions in 2021. The launc h of open networks for digital 
commerce in 2022 will enable millions of small retailers to connect to e -commerce and will raise 
e-commerce penetration in the next two years. However,  digital industrialization is no easy task . 
This includes creating digital  infrastructure and digital content; upgrading skills; connecting the vast 
population digitally through fast internet connections; making available information and 
communications technology ( ICT) to the population ; and providing access to it at affordable prices . 
There is a need for  extensive enablers , including policy space. Th at is what the submission highlights 
in sum and substance. In particular, t he submission highlights  – with credible evidence  – the stark 
digital divide and how it is costing  developi ng countries dearly . This includes their MSMEs, that are 
ousted from world and domestic trade due to the predatory practices of super mega platform s 
concentrated in very few countries. We must remind Members that this submission is not only about 
revenue loss , but about the overall development dimension of e -commerce and policy space for 
digital industrialization. Non -proponent s should not misdirect the discussion to consider only the 
revenue loss part of it. Members  must work relentlessly towards providing the much -needed policy 
space and flexibility to developing countries. Developed countries must be willing to share the gains 
they have made – at the cost of developing countries  – by having a first -mover advantage in 
e-commerce wherein they resor ted to policy measures that are now being denied to developing 
countries. We have sought discussion in terms of guiding questions in the paper and would 
encourage Members to deliberate on these constructively in the CTD. 
217.  The representative of Norway  delive red the following statement:  
218.  Norway agrees 100% with India that development aspects must be taken into account when 
discussing e -commerce and the moratorium. However, the benefits of the moratorium for businesses 
around the world are significant. This is p articularly the case for developing country Members and 
LDCs, including for MSMEs. Norway is happy to talk further on this issue with interested delegates.  
219.  The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:  
220.  The United States is comm itted to help identifying areas of broad interest to the Membership 
to add to the Work Programme  and look s forward to future thematic discussions. We also recognize 
that LDCs may need tailored support to achieve high -standard rules on digital trade and we stand 
ready to assist to strengthen the enabling environment for digital trade. In our view, the moratorium 
on customs duties on electronic transmissions has helped enable the rapid growth of the digital 
economy over the past two decades. Its continuation is critical to support developing countries as 
they expand their presence in the digital economy.  WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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221.  The representative of Singapore  delivered the following statement:  
222.  We would like to thank South Africa and India for the revised communication. We have 
undert aken useful and detailed discussions on e -commerce at the dedicated sessions on the WPEC 
and we look forward to having further in -depth discussions on this issue there. Singapore has 
demonstrated its commitment to enhancing global digital inclusion through  its submissions and 
presentations at the dedicated sessions on the WPEC. In addition to sharing our experiences in 
foundational digital infrastructure and on our digital agreements, we recently also shared information  
about our efforts to upskill our work force so that they are ready and well equipped for the digital 
transformation. Lastly, data flow and electronic transmissions remain key enablers of digital 
industriali zation. As such, Singapore believes that the moratorium on customs duties on electronic 
transmissions  is beneficial and important to all Members, particularly developing Members, and 
should be extended at MC13.  
223.  The representative of China  delivered the foll owing statement:  
224.  China appreciates the document on global e -commerce for inclusive development submitted 
by India and South Africa. China always attaches great importance  to the e -commerce issue and 
encourages Members to conduct discussions on submissions in the  CTG, CTS  and CTD according to 
the MC12  mandate. China submitted two papers , in 2016 and 2017 , to the CTD. Development is the 
core, and inclusiveness is fully reflected in our papers. They are still on the table for f urther  
discussion. China always b elieves that bridging the digital divide and upgrading digital infrastructure 
will enable Members to fully enjoy the dividends of economic development. China has been working 
on this issue from both inside and outside. We have organized  training in China on building an 
enabling policy environment for e -commerce and digital economy , which was attended by 
26 participants from 21 developing Members. China is willing to make more contribution s in 
enhancing global cooperation and narrowing the digital divide. Ch ina is ready to actively participate 
in relevant discussions and build consensus with all parties. This will help the WTO respond to 
industry demand and help Members share the development opportunities brought by e -commerce.  
225.  The representative of New Zeala nd delivered the following statement:  
226.  Like others who have spoken, we would like to note the importance that we attach to the 
WPEC and the discussions in the dedicated sessions on e -commerce. We see th ese as important 
both in fostering d iscussions  on ways to progress inclusive digital trade as well as to deepen 
understanding on the value of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions . On 
this second point, we see a fuller understanding of the value of the e -commerce 
morat orium - including  from a development and an inclusion perspective – as especially important. 
It is a value that is largely unseen in circumstances where we all have been able to rely on the 
moratorium to underpin the enormous expansion of the digital econo my in our economies and 
societies. As a contribution to information sharing in this area, we would like to advise that 
New Zealand will be leading a seminar on business perspectives on the e -commerce moratorium 
among Asia -Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC ) economies later this week. This workshop will  look 
at the opportunities and benefits of digital trade that the moratorium on customs duties has enabled 
for businesses, especially MSMEs.  
227.  The representative of Australia  delivered the following statement:  
228.  We note India and South Africa's communication on global e -commerce for inclusive 
development. In a recent  session of the WPEC focused on the digital divide, Australia outlined its 
view that digital trade is a powerful tool for development  – including by lowering barriers to access 
to global markets for communities that have historically faced such barriers, such as  small and 
medium -sized enterprises ( SMEs ), women entrepreneurs and rural communities. In relation to the 
e-commerce moratorium s pecifically, Australia recently set out its views in favour of the continuation 
of the moratorium in document WT/GC/W/889. We also note the upcoming WPEC dedicated session  
on the moratorium to be held on 18 July 2023. We consider this to be the best forum for targeted 
discussions on the moratorium.  
229.  The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
- 36 - 
 
230.  We would like to thank India and South Africa for their submission highlighting the 
development dimension of e -commerce. We are pleased that a number of elements mentioned in 
that submission are being addressed in the horizontal dedicated sessions on the WPEC that have 
been taking place every month since the beginning of this year. These dedicated sessions addressed 
the digital divide and digital industriali zation, among other things, which are key topics mentioned 
in the submission . The European Union is keen to see the horizontal dedicated sessions continuing 
and would be open to have more in -depth discussions there  – on the topics alread y addressed , or 
to tackle new ones. Of course, we remain open to consider how Committees like the CTD could 
usefully add to or complement the horizontal discussions , that seem to be a very useful and efficient 
forum for holistic discussions on e -commerce.   
231.  The representative of Japan  delivered the following statement:  
232.  We thank  India and South Africa for the submission of the revised proposal  to the CTD . We 
agree on the importance of discussing the development aspects of e -commerce, including the digital 
divide. As for the moratorium, Japan's position is to make the moratorium permanent . We welcome 
the extension of the moratorium that was achieved by Ministers at MC12. While we recognize that 
there are concerns about the impact of the moratorium on  tariff revenues, we should recall that 
industries around the world made statements before and at MC12 calling for the extension of the  
moratorium . We should take a broader view of the impact of the moratorium and focus on the 
benefits it will bring to the  overall macroeconomy. We would like to continue the discussions on 
horizontal issues related to the WPEC, including the development aspects, in the dedicated sessions.  
233.  The representative of the United Kingdom  delivered the following statement:  
234.  In the inte rests of time, I w ould refer Members to the United Kingdom's previous statements 
on this  item. I would  also like to highlight the recent communication contained in document 
WT/GC/W/889, which aims to address some of the issues raised by Members. The United  Kingdom 
looks forward to the dedicated discussion under  the WPEC on 18 July 2023.  
235.  The representative of South Africa  delivered the following statement:  
236.  We want  to affirm our support once again  for the MC12 Decision on the WPEC, which 
emphasized the need t o reinvigorate the work under the WPEC, based on the existing mandate as 
set out in document WT/L/274. We also recall  our statement at  the last meeting , where  we welcomed 
the facilitator -led structured discussions  not as  an end , but as part of the means of spurring the CTD 
– the body tasked with examining the development implications of e -commerce – towards fulfilling 
the mandate reaffirmed by Ministers at MC12. The structured discussions are not intended to replace 
the Ministerially man dated process, including the role of the CTD as part of the family of bodies 
tasked with addressing specific issues and questions on e -commerce. We thank India for presenting 
our joint revised paper and we fully associate with the statement delivered. The development 
implications set out in the WPEC remain evermore relevant today, particularly in the midst of a 
widening development and digital divide. It is our view  that the  discussions in the CTD must explore 
ways of enhancing the participation of developi ng countries  and LDCs in e-commerce – not only as 
consumers , but also as meaningful participants and producers so as to broaden the benefits and 
promote a development and inclusive approach to e -commerce.  
237.  Discussions in the CTD should, among other  things , be able to address the following 
development issues: (i) how to support digital industrialization, particularly in developing countries 
and LDCs; (ii) addressing the digital divide; (iii) providing a level playing field to domestic small 
digital industries  in developing countries; (iv) policy space to develop enabling legal and regulatory 
frameworks based on developing countries' needs and priorities; (v) building national and regional 
digital platforms in order to provide competitive and fair market access ; (vi) preserving critical policy 
tools that governments can utilize to protect the interests of all economic players, including  the 
strategic deployment of tariffs to promote industrialization; (vii) technology transfer and equitable 
and affordable access  to new technologies ; and (vii i) sharing of good practices in terms of digitally 
transforming economies and  building the requisite digital infrastructure.  We believe that t he 
submission by South Africa and India provides a sufficient basis for focused discussions in the CTD 
to reflect on the development issues and questions around e -commerce, including its implications 
on the economies of developing countries. Our ultimate objective is to ensure that WTO rules do not 
become an inhibiter, but a f acilitator for an inclusive and equitable digital economy and e -commerce. WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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A careful reading of the paper will show that it addresses issues beyond the question of the 
moratorium . We w ould encourage Members to have a careful read of the questions , that can facilitate 
our discussions in the CTD. As one of the mandated bodies under the WPEC, and as reaffirmed at 
MC12, the CTD should be in a position to report on progress to the General Council on its work in 
this regard.  
238.  The Committee took note  of all interven tions.  
N. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING  
239.  The Chairman said that the next meeting of the CTD's Regular Session was tentatively 
scheduled to be held on Friday , 17 November  2023. An initial agenda would be circulated four weeks 
before the meeting, on 20 October  2023, as per the CTD's rules of procedure. After the circulation 
of this initial meeting notice, Members would still have the opportunity to request items on the 
agenda for the meeting. The agenda would close on Monday , 6 November  2023, and would be 
circulated on Tuesday , 7 November  2023.   
O. OTHER BUSINESS  
240.  The Chairman said that he wished to make a n intervention c concerning  the Secretariat paper 
on the participation of developing economies in the global trading system. This paper had been 
prepared over the y ears in the context of the CTD 's mandate to keep under continuous review the 
participation of developing country Members in the MTS. It had been the CTD's practice to hold a 
discussion on this subject every two years or so, at which time the paper was updated to assist 
Members in their discussion.  The last such discussion by the CTD on this subject took place in 
November 2021, and an update to the previous version of the Secretariat paper – contained in 
document WT/COMTD/W/262 – would therefore normally be due for later  in 2023. Unfortunately, it 
was his understand ing that it would  not be possible for the Secretariat to prepare the update in 
2023. He had been informed that t his was due to the resource constraints that the Secretariat was 
facing.  The issue of resource constraints for the preparation of Secretariat papers for the CTD ha d 
previously been brought up in the context of the CTD's Dedicated Session on Small Economies.  He 
understood that t here was only a small team within the Secretariat preparing these types of 
documents  and, w ith current resources , this team did not have the capacity to prepare such 
documents for the CTD.  At this time, it was unclear how the situation would  be resolved. He said 
that he would be keeping in touch with the Secretariat on this matter and would also keep Members 
informed. He added  that not having a Secretariat report in 2023  could  provide Members with an 
opportunity to consider how this area of the CTD's mandate could be addressed in the future. The 
full text of paragraph 2 of the CTD's terms of reference, as contained in document WT/L/46, read as 
follows: "To keep under continuous  review the participation of developing country Members in the 
multilateral trading system and to consider measures and initiatives to assist developing country 
Members, and in particular the least -developed country Members, in the expansion of their trade  
and investment opportunities, including support for their measures of trade liberalization" . He said 
that he intended to place an item on the agenda of the next formal CTD meeting concerning 
Members' views on work that could be undertaken under paragraph 2 of the CTD's terms of 
reference. He encouraged all Members to come prepared with thoughts and suggestions on how the 
Committee could have constructive discussions on this mandated area of work, with a view to 
achieving concrete outcomes.  He indicated onc e again that he would be in touch with the Secretariat 
to understand more about the current situation.  
241.  The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
242.  We have heard today that the CTD is facing  resource constraints, and some of the important  
reports prepared for the CTD will not be available . We would like to know why the CTD is facing  
these resource constraints, especially as other Committees are able to do their reporting and studies. 
Will the agenda item at the next CTD meeting also throw light on why these resource constraints 
have been affecting the CTD's work  – even in the context of regular reports  – while other Committees 
are able to undertake a lot of new work, including work that is not mandated ? We should  perhaps  
consider whether there is a need for  a rebalancing  of resources between Committees  to resolve the 
issue.  WT/COMTD/M/121  
 
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243.  The Chairman  said that it was important to follow  up on this matter, in line with what India 
had suggested as well, to learn more about what was gene rating the bottleneck.  He expressed ho pe 
that a solution could be found.  
244.  The meeting was adjourned . 
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