WT/GC/263  
 
26 January 2024  
(24-0635) Page: 1/28 
 Original: English  
 
GENERAL COUNCIL  
ANNUAL REPORT (2023)  
The present report has been prepared in pursuance of the Procedures for an Annual Overview of 
WTO Activities and for Reporting under the WTO ( WT/L/105 ). 
 
Since its previous annual report1, the General Council ha s held five regular meetings on 6 -7 March , 
8-9 May , 24-25 July,  1 November  and 13 -15 December,  and one special meeting on 23 October . 
The minutes of these  meetings, which remain in the record of the General Council's work, are 
contained in documents WT/GC/M/203 , WT/GC/M/204 , WT/GC/M/205 , WT/GC/M/206 , 
WT/GC/M/207  and WT/GC/M/2082.3 
 
The following subjects are included in the report4: 
 
1  REPORTS BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE TRADE NEGOTIATIONS COMMITTEE AND 
REPORTS BY THE DIRECTOR -GENERAL  ................................ ................................ ............  5 
2  FOLLOW -UP TO OUTCOMES OF MINISTERIAL CONFERENCES  ................................ ....... 6 
2.1  MC12 – WTO Reform  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 6 
- Report/Statement by the Chairperson  ................................ ................................ ................  6 
- Informal Meeting on Development of 2 and 3 February – Statement by the Chairperson  ...........  7 
- Committee on Trade and Development Mandate: Focal Point for Consideration and Coordination 
of Work on Development in the WTO – Commun ication from India  ................................ ...........  7 
- Reinforcing the Deliberative Function of the WTO to Respond to Global Trade Policy Challenges – 
Communication from the European Union  ................................ ................................ .............  7 
- Improving inclusivene ss by reviewing and evaluating external engagement – Communication 
from Colombia; Israel; The Philippines; The Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, 
Kinmen and Matsu; and the United States  ................................ ................................ ............  7 
- Improving the Operations of WTO Bodies to Revitalise the WTO's Monitoring and Deliberative 
Function – Request from Canada; Costa Rica; and the United K ingdom  ................................ ..... 8 
- Maximising the Value of WTO Ministerial Conferences – Communication from Australia; C anada; 
China; Japan; New Zealand; Norway; and Thailand  ................................ ...............................  8 
- 30 for 30 Suggestions For Improving the Functioning in WTO – Request from India  ..................  8 
 
1 The annual report  of the General Council for 2022 was circulated in WT/GC/256 . 
2 To be issued.  
3 The proposed agenda for these meetings were issued in: WT/GC/W/869 ; WT/GC/W/876 ; WT/GC/W/898 ; 
WT/GC/W/903 ; WT/GC/W/904  ; WT/GC/W/917  (order of meetings). Annotated agenda for the meetings of July , 
November  and December,  as well as the Special Meeting in October, were issued in JOB/GC/348 ; JOB/GC/362 ; 
JOB/GC/363  and JOB/GC/374  . 
4 In the meetings of the General Council in 2023, some Members delivered statements under one item 
covering several items, as reflected in the respective minutes.  Likewise, the General Council took up several 
items/sub -items  together , as appropriate . WT/GC/263  
 
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  - Proposed Revisions to WT/L/452 "Procedures for the Circulation and Derestriction of WTO 
Documents" – Communicati on from Australia; Canada; Colombia; Costa Rica; European Union; 
New Zealand; Switzerland; Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu; 
and the United Kingdom  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 8 
- A Development Perspective on Institutional Reforms of the World Trade Organization – 
Communication from the African Group  ................................ ................................ ................  8 
- WTO Ministerial Conferences – Communication from Brazil  ................................ ...................  8 
- Small Steps to Make a Difference – Communication from Australia; China; and Thailand  ...........  9 
- Dispute Settlement Reform – Communication from the African Group  ................................ ..... 9 
2.2  MC12 – Work Programme on Electronic Commerce  ................................ ..........................  9 
- Review of Progress  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  9 
- Report by the Facilitator  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 9 
- Reinvigoration of Work Programme on Electronic Commerce and Moratorium on Imposing 
Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions – Request from India and South Africa  ..................  10 
- Reinvigorating the Work under the 1998 Work Programme on Electronic Commerce: A 
Development Approach to the Work Programme on E Commerce – Communication from the 
African Group  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  10 
- Reinvigoration of the Work Programme on E -Commerce – Promoting Compet ition in E -Commerce 
– Communication from India and South Africa  ................................ ................................ ...... 11 
- Challenges for Digital Industrialization in Developing Countries – Communication from  
South Africa  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  11 
- Draft Ministerial Decision on the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce - Communication 
from Australia; Canada; Chile; Costa Rica; Georgia; Hong Kong, China; Iceland; Israel; Korea, 
Republic of; Liechtenstein; Moldova, Republic of; Montenegro; N orway; New Zealand; Paraguay; 
Peru; Singapore; Switzerland; Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu; 
Ukraine and the United Kingdom  ................................ ................................ ........................  11 
- Draft Ministerial Decision on the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce – Communication 
from South Africa ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  11 
2.3  MC12 - Paragraph 8 of the Ministerial Decision on The TRIPS Agreement – Duration of 
Extended Deadline  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  11 
2.4  Decision Text on Extension of the 17 June 2022 Ministerial Decision to COVID -19 Therapeutics 
and Diagnostics – Communica tion from South Africa  ................................ .............................  12 
2.5  MC12 – Paragraph 24 of the Ministerial Declaration on the WTO Resp onse to the COVID -19 
Pandemic and Preparedness for Future Pandemics – Statement by the Chairperson  ...................  12 
2.6  Buenos Aires (MC11), Nairobi (MC10) and Bali (MC9)  ................................ .....................  13 
3  THIRTEENTH SESSION OF THE MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE – ADMINISTRATIVE 
MATTERS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  13 
3.1  Election of Officers  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 13 
3.2  Attendance of Observers  ................................ ................................ ............................  14 
3.3  Attendance of Non -Governmental Organizations  ................................ .............................  14 
3.4  Request for Observer Status by Palestine  ................................ ................................ ...... 14 
4  WORK PROGRAMME ON SMALL ECONOMIES – REPORT BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF  
THE DEDICATED SESSION OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT  .............  14 
5  THE DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE ASPECTS OF COTTON – PERIODIC REPORT BY  
THE DIRECTOR GENERAL  ................................ ................................ ...............................  15 
6  WTO ACCESSIONS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 15 
6.1  2022 Annual Report by the Director -General – Statement by the Director -General  ..............  15 WT/GC/263  
 
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  6.2  Briefing on the Latest Developments in the Accession of Comoros –  
Request from Morocco  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 15 
6.3  Briefing on the Latest Developments in the Accession of Timor -Leste –  
Request from Portugal  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 15 
7  COMMITTEE ON BUDGET, FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION – REPORTS ON  
MEETINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS  ................................ ................................ .............  16 
8  TRIPS COUNCIL MATTERS  ................................ ................................ ..........................  16 
A. ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE SPECIAL COMPULSORY LICENSING SYSTEM - PARAGRAPH 7 OF THE 
ANNEX TO THE AMENDED TRIPS AGREEMENT AND PARAGRAPH 8 OF THE DECISION ON THE 
IMPLEMENTATION OF PARAGRAPH 6 OF THE DOHA DECLARATION ON THE TRIPS AGREEMENT 
AND PUBLIC HEALTH – REPORT OF THE COUNCIL FOR TRIPS  ................................ .................  16 
B. PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION ON AN EXTENSION OF THE PERIOD FOR THE ACCEPTANCE BY 
MEMBERS OF THE PROTOCOL AMENDING THE TRIPS AGREEMENT  ................................ ..........  16 
9  TRADE RELATED CHALLENGES OF THE LEAST -DEVELOPED COUNTRIES AND WAY 
FORWARD: PROPOSAL FOR WTO SMOOTH TRANSITION MEASURES IN FAVOUR OF 
COUNTRIES GRADUATED FROM THE LDC CATEGORY – COMM UNICATION FROM  
DJIBOUTI ON BEHALF OF THE LDC GROUP  ................................ ................................ ..... 17 
10  LDC GRADUATION (ANNEX 2 OF WT/GC/W/807/REV.2) – REPORT BY THE 
CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT TO THE   
GENERAL COUNCIL  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  17 
11  DRAFT GENERAL COUNCIL DECISION ON EXTENSION OF UNILATERAL DUTY FREE 
AND QUOTA FREE PREFERENCES IN FAVOUR OF COUNTRIES GRADUATED FROM THE  
LDC CATEGORY – COMMUNICATION FROM DJIBOUTI ON BEHALF OF THE LDC GROUP  .. 18 
12  UNILATERAL TRADE RESTRICTIVE MEASURES OF CERTAIN WTO MEMBERS – 
STATEMENT BY THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION  ................................ ................................ ... 18 
13  MC12 DECISION IMPLEMENTATION - RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC – REQUEST 
FROM INDIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  18 
13.1  Role of Telemedicine Services in Response to the Pandemic – Communication from India  ... 18 
13.2  Building a Pool of Health Professionals to Respond Effectively to Pandemic/Natural Disasters 
– Communication from India  ................................ ................................ .............................  18 
14  POLICY SPACE FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT - A CASE FOR REBALANCING TRADE 
RULES TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIALISATION AND TO ADDRESS EMERGING CHALLENGES 
SUCH AS CLIMATE CHANGE, CONCENTRATION OF PRODUCTION AND DIGITAL 
INDUSTRIALISATION – COMMUNICATION FROM THE AFRICAN GROUP  .........................  19 
14.1  A Case for Rebalancing the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (ASCM) – 
Policy Space to Promote Industrialisation in Developing Countries – Communication from the 
African Group  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  19 
14.2  The Role of Transfer of Technology in Resilience Building: Reinvigorating the Discussions in 
the WTO on Trade and Transfer of Technology – Communicatio ns from the African Group  ..........  19 
14.3  A Case for Rebalancing the Agreement on Trade -Related Investm ent Measures (TRIMS) – 
Policy Space to Promote Industrialisation and Structural Transformation in Developing Countries  19 
15  FOOD SECURITY THROUGH AGRICULTURAL REFORM: TOWARDS AGRICULTURE 
OUTCOMES AT THE 13TH MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE - COMMUNICATION FROM 
ARGENTINA; THE PLURINATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA; BRAZIL; CHILE; COLOMBIA; 
COSTA RICA; ECUADOR; EL  SALVADOR; GUATEMALA; HONDURAS; PANAMA;  
PARAGUAY; PERU; THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC; AND URUGUAY  ................................ .... 19 
16  PRINCIPLES GUIDING THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF  
TRADE -RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES – COMMUNICATION FROM  
THE AFRICAN GROUP  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 20 
17  STRENGTHENING THE RESILIENCE AND STABILITY OF GLOBAL INDUSTRIAL  
AND SUPPLY CHAINS – COMMUNICATION FROM CHINA  ................................ ................  20 WT/GC/263  
 
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  18  MC13 – IMMEDIATE STEPS TO RESPOND TO FOOD INSECURITY –  
COMMUNICATION FROM SINGAPORE  ................................ ................................ .............  20 
19  PROPOSED MINISTERIAL DECLARATION FOR THE THIRTEENTH MINISTERIAL 
CONFERENCE: STRENGTHENING REGULATORY COOPERATION TO REDUCE TECHNICAL 
BARRIERS TO TRADE – COMMUNICATION FROM CAMEROON; CHINA; JORDAN;  
MACAO, CHINA; MYANMAR AND SEYCHELLES  ................................ ................................  20 
20  DRAFT MINISTERIAL DECISION ON PROMOTING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION  
AND TRADE IN NFIDCS AND LDCS - REQUEST FROM THE AFRICAN GROUP  ....................  20 
21  DRAFT MINISTERIAL DECISION ON SPS MEASURES - REQUEST FROM  
THE AFRICAN GROUP  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 21 
22  TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCE – REQUEST FROM THE 
AFRICAN GROUP  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  21 
23  THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM TO SUSTAINABLE 
AND RESILIENT AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS – STATEMENT BY THE CAIRNS 
GROUP  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  21 
24  EUROPEAN UNION REGULATION ON SUPPLY CHAINS FREE FROM DEFORESTATION 
AND FOREST DEGRADATION – COMMUNICATION FROM ARGENTINA, COLOMBIA, 
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, GUATEMALA, HONDURAS, PANAMA, PA RAGUAY, AND PERU  ..... 21 
25  INFORMATION ON INVESTMENT FACILITATION FOR DEVELOPMENT – REQUEST 
FROM CHILE AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA  ................................ ................................ .. 21 
26  ENHANCING MULTILATERAL DELIBERATIVE FUNCTION ON ENVIRONMENT -RELATED 
TRADE MEASURES AND FOSTERING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT - REQUEST FROM 
CHINA AND COLOMBIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 22 
27  REVIEW OF THE EXEMPTION PROVIDED UNDER PARAGRAPH 3 OF  THE GATT 1994  . 22 
28  WAIVERS UNDER ARTICLE IX OF THE WTO AGREEMENT  ................................ ..........  22 
28.1  Introduction of Harmonized System 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017 and 2022 Changes into WTO 
Schedules of Tariff Concessions – Draft Decisions  ................................ ................................ . 22 
28.2  Canada – Extension of the Waiver for the Caribbean Initiative:  
CARIBCAN – Draft Decision  ................................ ................................ ...............................  22 
28.3  Review of Waivers Pursuant to Article IX:4 of the WTO Agreement  ................................ .. 23 
29  WTO PENSION PLAN  ................................ ................................ ................................  24 
29.1  Election of Members and Alternates  ................................ ................................ ............  24 
29.2  Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ending 31 December 2022  ...............  24 
29.3  Report of the Independent External Auditor on the Audit of the Financial Statements of  
the World Trade Organization Pension Plan (WTOPP) for the Year Ended 31 December 2022  ....... 24 
30  INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE UNCTAD/WTO – REPORT OF THE JOINT  
ADVISORY GROUP ON ITS 57TH SESSION  ................................ ................................ ....... 24 
31  REVIEW OF WTO ACTIVITIES  ................................ ................................ ...................  24 
32  APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS TO WTO BODIES  ................................ .........................  25 
33  ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON  ................................ ................................ ....................  27 
34  OTHER BUSINESS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 27 
- Chairpersonships of the accession Working Parties of Bhutan and Iraq  ................................ ... 27 
- WTO Action to Assist Developing Countries and LDCs in Crisis Response –  
Request from Pakistan  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 27 
- European Deforestation Regulation EUDR – Request by Honduras, on behalf of Argentina; 
Plurinational State of Bolivia; Brazil; Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras,  
Mexico, Panama, Paraguay and Peru  ................................ ................................ ...................  27 
- Administrative Measures for Members in Arrears  ................................ ................................  28 WT/GC/263  
 
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1  REPORTS BY THE CHAIR PERSON  OF THE TRADE NEGOTIATIONS COMMITTEE AND 
REPORTS BY THE DIRECTOR -GENERAL  (WT/GC/M/203 ; WT/GC/M/204 ; WT/GC/M/205 ; 
WT/GC/M/20 7; WT/GC/M/208  5) 
1.1.  Ministers at Doha established a Trade Negotiations Committee under the authority of the 
General Council to supervise the overall conduct of the negotiations ( WT/MIN(01)/DEC/1 ). 
In accordance with the Principles and Practices endorsed by the Trade Negotiations Committee at 
its first meeting in 2002 ( TN/C/M/1 ), the TNC reports to each regular meeting of the General Council.  
1.2.  At the March , May, July, November  and December  meeting s, the Director -General, as 
TNC Chairperson , updated Members on developments in this area, including on recent 
formal/informal TNC and informal HoDs meetings.6  
1.3.  At the March  meeting, t he representatives of the United States; Senegal; Vanua tu (the Pacific 
Group); Indonesia; Brunei Darussalam; Viet Nam; Egypt; Djibouti (LDC Group); Zambia;  and 
Cameroon (African Group)  spoke. The General Council took note  of the report of  the Director -General 
and of the statements . 
1.4.  At the May meeting, the representatives of Djibouti (LDC Group); the United States ; and India 
spoke. The General Council took note of the report of the Director -General and of the statements.7 
1.5.  At the July meeting, the representative of India spoke. The General Coun cil took note of the 
report of the Director -General  and of the statements made . 
1.6.  At the November  meeting, no discussion took place  in light of the Senior Officials' Meeting, 
which had taken  place from 23 -24 October 2023 . The General Council took note of the report by the 
Director -General.  
1.7.  At the December  meeting, no discussion took place in light of the recent formal TNC and 
informal HODs meetings. The General Council took note of the report by the Director -General.  
 
5 To be issued.  
6 JOB/GC/336 ; JOB/GC/340 ; JOB/GC/350 ; JOB/GC/366  . At the December  meeting, the Director -General 
referred to her report delivered at the formal TNC and informal HODs meetings which took place on 
12 December  2023, which was subsequently issued in  JOB/TNC/122 .  
7 Kenya (ACP Group) and Cambodia  subsequently provided their statement s, which ha ve been reflected, 
as requested, in WT/GC/M/204 . WT/GC/263  
 
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  2  FOLLOW -UP TO OUTCOMES OF MINISTERIAL CO NFERENCES  (WT/GC/M/203 ; 
WT/GC/M/204 ; WT/GC/M/205 ; WT/GC/M/207 ; WT/GC/M/208  8) 
2.1  MC12 – WTO Reform  
- Report /Statement  by the Chairperson  
2.1.  At the March9; May10; July11; and November12 and December13 meeting s, the General Council 
Chairperson delivered report s/statements14, providing  update s in the area of WTO reform , including 
on informal meetings on WTO reform15.  
2.2.  At the March  meeting, t he representatives of  Argentina; Cameroon (African Group); Djibouti 
(LDC Group); Samoa (Pacific  Group); Kenya (ACP  Group ); Antigua and Barbuda  (OECS) ; Barbados 
(CARICOM); Panama; U nited Arab Emirates ; Brazil; South Africa;  the United States; Canada; China; 
Nigeria; Switzerland ; Colombia; Chile; Nepal; Singapore; Indonesia; the Philippines; Japan; 
Jamaica; Bangladesh; the United Kingdom; Australia; Ukraine; Namibia; Uganda; Brunei 
Darussalam; the European Union; Türkiye; the Russian Federation; Norway; Sri Lanka; Chinese 
Taipei;  Pakistan; Malawi; India; Paraguay; Peru; Tunisia; Egypt; Mauritius; Republic of Korea; 
Malaysia; Ecuador; Thailand; Viet Nam; the Plurinational State of Bolivia; Kazakhstan ; Zimbabwe; 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Arab Group); and Kyrgyz Republic  spoke .16 The General Council took note 
of the Chair person 's statement and of the other statements.  
2.3.  At the May meeting , the representatives of Cameroon (African Group); Djibouti (LDC  Group); 
Kenya (ACP Group); Barbados (CARICOM); Antigua and Barbuda (OECS); the European Union ; 
Argentina; Samoa (Pacific Group); Thailand; Singapore; Ecuador; China; Brazil; Norway; Republic 
of Korea; Peru; Japan; Paraguay; Indonesia; Brunei Darussalam; S outh Africa;  the United States; 
New Zealand; Chile; Canada; Colombia; Ukraine; Uganda; Chinese Taipei; Israel; Jamaica; 
Switzerland; India; Uruguay; Egypt; Nicaragua; Mauritius; Bangladesh; Cambodia; the Republic of 
Moldova; the Philippines; Nigeria; Malay sia; the Russian Federation; Costa Rica; Viet Nam; 
Tanzania; Türkiye; Nepal; Pakistan;  and The Gambia  spoke . This item was taken up together with 
all other matters under the WTO reform item. The United States; the United Kingdom; the European 
Union; India;  and Australia intervened again. The Director -General also made an intervention. The 
General Council took note of the GC Chairperson's report and of all the statements made.  
2.4.  At the July meeting , the representatives of Antigua and Barbuda (OECS); South Afri ca; Kenya 
(ACP Group ); Trinidad and Tobago; Djibouti (LDC Group)17; Australia; Samoa (Pacific Group); Costa 
Rica; Türkiye; Brazil; the European Union; Ecuador (on behalf of co -sponsors of WT/GC/W/881  and 
in national capacity); Colombia; Japan; Republic of Korea; Chile; Canada; Norway; China; the United 
Kingdom; the Philippines; Chinese Taipei; India; Switzerland; Thailand; Tunisia; the United States; 
Singapore; Barbados (CARICOM); Malaysia; S aint Lucia; Indonesia; Bangladesh; Guatemala18; 
Uruguay; Jamaica; Argentina; Nigeria; Paraguay; Kazakhstan; Malawi; Pakistan; Nepal; Egypt; 
 
8 To be issued.  
9 Under the sub -item on WTO Reform, the General Council took up all related matters and opened the 
floor only once, as reflected in the respective minutes of the meeting.  
10 See footnote  above . 
11 See footnote above.   
12 The General Council took up items 2.A.(i) – "WTO Reform" and 2.C. – "Paragraph 8 of the Ministerial 
Decision on the TRIPS Agreement – Duration of Extended Deadline" together and the floor was opened once.  
13 The General Council took up items 3.A.(i) – WTO Reform – "Reform by Doing"  (JOB/GC/359/R ev.2; 
G/L/1523  ); 3.A.(ii) Paragraph 24 of the Ministerial Declaration on the W TO Response to the COVID -19 Pandemic 
and Preparedness for Future Pandemics; and 3.A.(iii) Paragraph 8 of the Ministerial Decision on the 
TRIPS  Agreement – Duration of Extended Deadline together and the floor was opened once.  
14 JOB/GC/337 ; JOB/GC/342 ; JOB/GC/349 ; JOB/GC/367 ; JOB/GC/376  
15 In 2023, d edicated  informal meeting s on WTO reform , under the General Council,  took place in 2-3 
February (focused on development); 16 June (focused on the deliberative function and institutional matters); 
and 25 -26 September (focused  on trade and industrial policy) . 
16 Under the sub -item on  WTO Reform, the General Council took up all related matters and  opened the 
floor only  once.  
17 At the request of the delegation of Djibouti, on behalf of the LDC Group, the LDC Group statement on 
WTO reform – shared with the GC Chairperson during consultations on 13 July 2023 – is also incorporated in the 
minutes of the July General Council meeting  in Annex 1 of document WT/GC/M/205 . 
18 This statement was delivered by Mr. Marco Molina  of Guatemala , in his personal capacity and under his 
own responsibility, as the convenor of the informal process on Dispute Settlement reform.  WT/GC/263  
 
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  Brunei Darussalam; the Russian Federation; Tanzania; Nicaragua; Cambodia; Mozambique; 
Ukraine; New Zealand; Sri Lanka; L ao PDR; the Republic of Moldova; and Zimbabwe  spoke. The 
General Council took note of the GC Chairperson's report and of all the statements made.  The 
Director -General made an intervention.  
2.5.  At the November  meeting19, the representatives of Cameroon (African  Group); Antigua and 
Barbuda (OECS); Djibouti (LDC Group); Guyana (CARICOM); Samoa (ACP  Group ); Fiji (Pacific 
Group); Fiji (national capacity); Nigeria; Mauritius; Jamaica; South Africa; Paraguay; Türkiye; 
Mozambique; Nepal; Brazil; Cambodia; Bangladesh; E gypt; Colombia; Zambia; Malaysia; Indonesia; 
the Russian Federation; India; Switzerland; Ecuador; the United Kingdom; Japan; Zimbabwe; Qatar; 
and Australia  spoke.  The Director -General also intervened.  The General Council took note of the 
GC Chairperson's s tatement  related to sub -items 2.A.(i) and 2.C. and of the statements made under 
these sub -items.   
2.6.  At the December  meeting20, the representatives of Nigeria; Djibouti (LDC  Group); Guyana 
(CARICOM); Cameroon (African Group); Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (OECS); Samoa (ACP); 
the United Kingdom; the European Union; Bangladesh; Malaysia; Paraguay; Egypt; Russian 
Federation; Ecuador; Switzerland; China; the United States; Pa kistan; Sri Lanka; Brazil; Indonesia; 
the Plurinational State of Bolivia ; the Republic of Korea; Japan and India spoke. The Director -General 
also intervened. South Africa took the floor again. The General Council took note of the GC 
Chairperson's statement  and of the other statements made.  
- Informal Meeting on Development of 2 and 3 February – Statement by the Chair person  
2.7.  At the March  meeting , as part of the GC Chairperson's report under WTO reform, he also 
reported on the recent  Informal Meeting on Develo pment , which took place on 2 -3 February.   
- Committee on Trade and Development Mandate: Focal Point for Consideration and 
Coordination of Work  on Development  in the WTO – Communication from India 
(WT/GC/M/203  and WT/GC/M/204 ) 
2.8.  At the March meeting , under the item on WTO reform, India presented its communication 
contained in WT/GC/W/865 . 
2.9.  At the May meeting,  under the item on WTO reform,  India provided an updated on its 
communication contained in WT/GC/W/865 . 
- Reinforcing the Deliberative Function of the WTO to Respond to Global Trade  Policy  
Challenges – Communication from the European Union ( WT/GC/M/203 ; WT/GC/M/204 ; 
WT/GC/M/205 ) 
2.10.  At the March  meeting , under the item on WTO reform, the European Union presented its 
communication contained in WT/GC/W/864 .  
2.11.  At the May and July meeting s, under the item on WTO reform, the European Union pro vided 
updates  on its communication contained in WT/GC/W/864 . 
- Improving inclusiveness by reviewing and evaluating external engagement – 
Communication from Colombia; Israel; The Philippines; The Separate Customs Territory 
of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Mats u; and the United States (WT/GC/M/204 ) 
2.12.  At the May meeting , under the item on WTO reform, the  United States, on behalf of the  co-
sponsors , made a statement to introduce the item. They also presented a communication contained 
in WT/GC/W/871 . 
 
19 See footnote 12. 
20 See footnote 14.  WT/GC/263  
 
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  - Improving the Operations of WTO Bodies to R evitalise the WTO's Monitoring and 
Deliberative Function – Request from Canada; Costa Rica; and the United Kingdom 
(WT/GC/M/204 ) 
2.13.  At the May meeting , under the item on WTO reform, the United Kingdom and Costa Rica, on 
behalf of the co-sponsors , introduced t he item. They also presented the communication contained 
in WT/GC/W/877 . 
- Maximising the Value of WTO Ministerial Conferences – Communication from Australia; 
Canada; China; Japan; New Zealand; Norway; and Thailand ( WT/GC/M/204 ; 
WT/GC/M/205 ) 
2.14.  At the May meeting21, under the item on WTO reform, Australia introduced the communication 
contained in WT/GC/W/873 . 
2.15.  At the July meeting , under the item on WTO reform, Australia provided, on behalf of the co -
sponsors, updates on its  communication contained in WT/GC/W/873/Rev.1 . 
- 30 for 30 Suggestions For Improving  the Functioning in WTO  – Request from India  
(WT/GC/M/204 ; WT/GC/M/205 ) 
2.16.  At the May meeting , under the item on WTO reform,  India made a statement to introduce the 
item. India also presented a communication  contained in WT/GC/W/874 . 
2.17.  At the July meeting , under the item on WTO reform, India provided updates o n the 
communication contained in WT/GC/W/874 . 
- Proposed Revisions to WT/L/452  "Procedures for the Circulation and Derestriction of 
WTO Documents" – Communication from Australia ; Canada ; Colombia ; Costa Rica ; 
European Union ; New Zealand ; Switzerland ; Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, 
Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu ; and  the United Kingd om (WT/GC/M/205 ; WT/GC/M/20822 ) 
2.18.  At the July meeting , under the item on WTO reform, Canada, on behalf of the co-sponsors , 
introduced the communication contained in WT/GC/W/897 . 
2.19.  At the December  meeting, Canada, on behalf of the co -sponsors, provided an update on the 
item and communication contained in WT/GC/W/897/Rev.1 . The representatives of Chile; Antigua 
and Barbuda (OECS) ; China ; the European Union ; Japan ; India; and  Costa Rica  spoke. The General 
Council took note of the statements.  
- A Development Perspective on Institutional Reforms of the World Trade Organization – 
Communication from the African Group ( WT/GC/M/205 ) 
2.20.  At the July meeting , under the item on WTO reform, South Africa , on behalf of the African 
Group, introduced the communication contained in WT/GC/W/895 . 
- WTO Ministerial Conferences – Communication from Brazil ( WT/GC/M/205 ) 
2.21.  At the July meeting , under the item on WTO reform, Brazil introduced the communication 
contained in WT/GC/W/882 .23 
 
21 At the May meeting, the item was titled "Maximising the Value of WTO Ministerial Conferences – 
Communication from Australia ". 
22 To be issued.  
23 See also JOB/GC/310  and WT/MIN(22)/W/6 .  WT/GC/263  
 
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  - Small Steps to Make a Difference – Communication from Australia; China; and Thailand 
(WT/GC/M/205 ) 
2.22.  At the July meeting , under the item on WTO reform, China , on behalf of the co -sponsors , 
introduced  the communication contained in WT/GC/W/879/Rev.2 . 
- Dispute Settlement Reform – Communication from the African Group ( WT/GC/M/205 ) 
2.23.  At the July meetin g, South Africa, on behalf of the African Group, introduced the 
communication contained in WT/GC/W/892 . 
2.2  MC12 – Work Programme on Electronic Commerce  
- Review of Progress ( WT/GC/M/205 ) 
2.24.  At the July meetin g, the General Council un dertook the periodic review of the work in the 
Council for Trade in Goods;  Council for Trade in Services; the Council for Trade -Related Aspects of 
Intellectual Property; and the Committee on Trade and Development , in line with the MC12 Decision 
on the Work  Programme on Electronic Commerce.24 The representatives of Djibouti (LDC Group); 
Kenya (ACP Group); Antigua and Barbuda (OECS); Trinidad and Tobago (CARICOM); Samoa (Pacific 
Group); Singapore; Canada; Japan; Nigeria; Argentina; Pakistan; Australia; Tunisi a; Nepal; Egypt; 
Ecuador; Costa Rica; Indonesia; Paraguay; Tanzania; Chile; Bangladesh; Chinese Taipei; Jamaica; 
South Africa; Sri Lanka; Hong Kong, China ; the European Union; Switzerland; China; Thailand; 
Malawi; Nicaragua; the United States; the United Kingdom; Malaysia; the Republic of Korea;  Brazil ; 
India; and Cambodia  spoke.  
- Report by the Facilitator ( WT/GC/M/203 ; WT/GC/M/204 ; WT/GC/M/205 ; 
WT/GC/M/207 ; WT/GC/M/20825 ) 
2.25.  At the March26, May, July27, November  and December  meeting s, Ambassador  Dwarka -
Canabady  (Mauritius), in her capacity as Facilitator  for the E -Commerce Work Programme and 
Moratorium , delivered reports to the General Council . 28  
2.26.  At the March  meeting, t he representatives of  South Africa; India; New Zealand;  the United 
States; Cameroon (African Group); Kenya (ACP Group); Trinidad and Tobago  (CARICOM) ; Canada; 
Sri Lanka; Jamaica;  the United Kingdom; Djibouti (LDC Group)29; Antigua and Barbuda  (OECS) ; 
Norway; Switzerland; Brazil; Panama; Singapore; Nepal; Pakistan;  Japan; Ecuador; the European 
Union; Bangladesh; Tunisia; Samoa (Pacific Group); Chinese Taipei; Republic of Korea; Türkiye; 
Indonesia; Peru; Chile; Myanmar; Cambodia; Australia; Egypt;  China ; and Uganda  spoke.30 The 
Director -General also intervened . The General Council took note of the report by the Facilitator and 
of the other statements31. 
2.27.  At the May meeting , the representatives of Djibouti (LDC Group); Cameroon (African Group); 
Kenya (ACP Group); Trinidad and Tobago (CARICOM); Panama; A ntigua and Barbuda (OECS); Fiji 
(Pacific Group); the European Union; Switzerland; Indonesia; China; Peru; Paraguay; the United 
 
24 WT/MIN(22)/32  
25 To be issued.  
26 At the March  meeting, the item was titled "Work Programme on Electronic Commerce – Report by the 
Facilitator".  
27 At the July meeting , following the "Review of Progress", the GC Chairperson also provided an update 
on the Facilitator -led Dedicated Discussion, on behalf of Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady. The statement was 
subsequently circulated in document JOB/GC/351 . 
28 JOB/GC/338 ; JOB/GC/341 ; JOB/GC/351 ; JOB/GC/368 ; JOB/GC/377  
29 At the request of the delegation of Djibouti, on behalf of the LDC Group, the LDC Group statement 
delivered at the informal open -ended meeting of the Work Programme  on Electronic Commerce held on 
4 May 2023 – is also incorporated in the minutes of the May General Council meeting in the Annex  of document 
WT/GC/M/20 4. 
30 In their  interventions, delegations also spoke on the other related sub -item, i.e., "Reinvigoration of 
Work Programme on Electronic Commerce and Moratorium on Imposing Customs Duties on  Electronic 
Transmissions – Request from India and South Africa" and "A Role of Digital Public Infrastructure in Promoting 
E-Commerce – Communication from India ( WT/GC/W/863 )". 
31 Zambia subsequently provided its statement , which has been reflected, as requested,  in WT/GC/M/203 . WT/GC/263  
 
- 10 - 
 
  States; Japan; Australia; Argentina; Bangladesh; Singapore; Nigeria; Canada; the United Kingdom;  
the Republic of  Korea; Pakistan;  Chinese Taipei; the Philippines; Egypt; Chile; Jamaica; Myanmar; 
Tanzania; Uganda; Nepal; Costa Rica; Ecuador; the Russian Federation; Senegal; the Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia; and, The Gambia  spoke.32 The Facilitator spoke again. The General Council took note 
of the report by the Facilitator and of the other statements made.33 
2.28.  At the July meeting, this matter was taken up, together with WTO reform, and the floor was 
opened once . 
2.29.  At the November  meeting , the representatives of Djibouti (LDC Group); Cameroon  (African 
Group); Fiji (Pacific Group); Samoa (ACP Group); Guyana; Antigua and Barbuda (OECS); the 
European Union; the United States; Nigeria; Jamaica; Singapore; Indonesia; Bangladesh; Barbados; 
Paraguay; Hong Kong, China; Switzerland; China; Cambodia; Eg ypt; and Pakistan spoke.34 India 
intervened again. The General Council took note of the report by the Facilitator and of the other 
statements made . 
2.30.  At the December  meeting, the representatives of Cameroon (African Group); Djibouti (LDC 
Group); Antigua and Barbuda (OECS); Samoa (ACP Group); Fiji (Pacific Group); Guyana; Brazil; the 
Philippines; Tanzania; Japan;  the United Kingdom; Indonesia; Canada; Thailand; Singapore; Chile; 
Costa Rica; Bangladesh; the United States; Nigeria; Hong Kong, China; the Russian Federation; 
China; Egypt; Malaysia; Chinese Taipei; Ukraine; India; Cambodia; Nicaragua; Israel; the European 
Union; Jamaica; Pakistan; Kazakhstan; Australia; New Zealand; Republic of Korea; Norway; and 
Barbados  spoke .35 The General Council took note of th e report by the Facilitator and of the other 
statements made.  
- Reinvigoration of Work Programme on Electronic Commerce and Moratorium on 
Imposing Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions – Request from India and South 
Africa ( WT/GC/M/203 ; WT/M/204 ; WT/GC/M/205 ) 
2.31.  At the March , May, July meetings, India and South Africa made  statements on this matter.   
- Role of Digital Public Infrastructure in Promoting E -Commerce – Communication from 
India ( WT/GC/M/203 ) 
2.32.  At the March  meeting , India presented the communication  "Role of Digital Public 
Infrastructure in Promoting E -commerce " (WT/GC/W/863 ). 
- Reinvigorating the Work under the 1998 Work Programme on Electronic Commerce: A 
Development Approach to the Work Programme on E Commerce – Communication from 
the African Group (WT/GC/M/204 ; WT/GC/M/205)   
2.33.  At the May meeting36, under the item on the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce, South 
Africa presented the communication entitled "A development approach on the Work Programme on 
E-commerc e" contained in WT/GC/W/875 .  
 
32 In their interventions, delegations also spoke on the other related sub -items, i.e., "Reinvigoration of 
Work Programme on Electronic Commerce and Morator ium on Imposing Customs Duties on Electronic 
Transmissions – Request from India and South Africa" and "A Development Approach to the Work Programme 
on E-Commerce (WPEC) – Request from South Africa".  
33 Cambodia subsequently provided its statement, which has  been reflected, as requested, in 
WT/GC/M/204 . 
34 In their interventions, delegations also spoke on the related sub -item, i.e., "Reinvigoration of Work 
Programme on E -Commerce – Promoting Competition in E -Commerce ( WT/GC/W/902/Rev.1 ) – Communica tion 
from India and South Africa.  
35 In their interventions, delegations also spoke on the other e-commerce related  sub-items, i.e., 
"Challenges for Digital Industrialization in Developing Countries – Communication from South Africa "; "Draft 
Ministerial Decision on the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce ( WT/GC/W/909 )"; and "Draft Ministerial 
Decision on the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce – Communication from South Africa ( WT/GC/W/911 )". 
36 At the May meeting, the item was titled  "A Deve lopment Approach to the Work Programme on 
E-Commerce (WPEC) – Request from South Africa"  WT/GC/263  
 
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  2.34.  At the July meeting , under the item on the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce, 
Cameroon, on behalf of the African Group, provided an update on the communication contained in 
WT/GC/W/875/Rev.1 .  
- Reinvigoration of the Work Program me on E -Commerce – Promoting Competition in 
E-Commerce ( WT/GC/W/902/Rev.1 ) – Communication from India and South Africa  
(WT/GC/M/207 ) 
2.35.  At the November  meeting,  India and South Africa introduced the item and communication 
contained in WT/GC/W/902/Rev.1 .37  
- Challenges for Digital Industrialization in Developing Countries – Communication from 
South Africa (WT/GC/M/20838) 
2.36.  At the December  meeting, South Africa introduced the item and communication contained in 
WT/GC/W/910 .39 
- Draft Ministerial Decision on the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce - 
Communication from Australia; Canada; Chile; Costa Rica; Georgia; Hong Kong, China; 
Iceland; Israel; Korea, Republic of; Liechtenstein; Moldova, Republic of; Montenegro; 
Norway; New Zealand; Paraguay; Peru; Singapore; Switzerland; Separate Customs 
Territory of Taiwan, Pe nghu, Kinmen and Matsu; Ukraine and the United Kingdom 
(WT/GC/M/20840) 
2.37.  At the December  meeting, Switzerland introduced the item and communication contained in 
WT/GC/W/909 .41 
- Draft Ministerial Decision on the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce – 
Communi cation from South Africa (WT/GC/M/20 842) 
2.38.  At the December  meeting, South Africa introduced the item and communication contained in 
WT/GC/W/911 .43 
2.3  MC12 - Paragraph 8 of the  Ministerial Decision on  The TRIPS A greement – Duration  
of Extended Deadline44 (WT/GC/M/203 ; WT/GC/M/204 ; WT/GC/M/205 ; WT/GC/M/207 ; 
WT/GC/M/20845) 
2.39.  At the March46, May47, July , November48 and the December49 meeting s, the GC  Chairperson 
made statement s50 related to the duration of the extension of the deadline pertaining to paragraph  8 
of the Ministerial Decision on the TRIPS Agreement.  
2.40.  At the March  meeting, t he representatives of South Africa; Djibouti (LDC Group); Switzerland; 
Cameroon (African Group); Indonesia; Maldives; Antigua and Barbuda; Tunisia; Samoa (Pacific 
Group); Japan; Mozambique; the United States; Nepal; Egypt; Brazil; Pakistan; Bangladesh; the 
 
37 This sub -item was taken up together with the report by the Facilitator  and the floor was opened once.  
38 To be issued.  
39 This sub -item was taken up together with the report by the Facilitator and all other e -commerce -related 
sub-items and the floor was opened once.  See also paragraph 2.30 . 
40 To be issued.  
41 This sub -item was taken up together with the report by the Facilitator and all other e -commerce -related 
sub-items and the floor was opened once.  See also paragraph 2.30 . 
42 To be issued.  
43 This sub -item was taken up together with the report by the Facilitator and all other e -commerce -related 
sub-items and the floor was opened once.  See also paragraph 2.30 . 
44 WT/L/1141  
45 To be issued . 
46 JOB/GC/337  
47 JOB/GC/342  
48 This sub -item was taken up together with the sub -item on WTO  reform and the floor was opened once.  
49 This sub -item was taken up together with the sub -item on WTO reform  and the WTO response to the 
COVID -19 pandemic an d preparedness for future pandemics and the floor was opened once.  
50 JOB/GC/337  WT/GC/263  
 
- 12 - 
 
  United Kingdom; China; and India spoke. The General Council took note of the GC Chairperson's 
statement and of the other statements made.  
2.41.  At the May meeting , the representatives  of the United States; Djibouti (LDC Group); 
Cameroon (African Group); Kenya (ACP Group); South Africa; Nigeria; Argentina; Bangladesh; 
Switzerland; Brazil; Indonesia; Tanzania; Samoa (Pacific Group); the United Kingdom; the European 
Union; Jamaica; Paragu ay; Japan; Chinese Taipei; and India spoke.  The Director -General also 
intervened.  The General Council took note of the GC Chairperson's statement and of the statements 
made.  
2.42.  At the July meeting , the representatives of Cameroon (African Group); Djibouti (LD C Group); 
Paraguay; Tanzania; Maldives; Nigeria; Bangladesh; Colombia; Indonesia; Argentina; South Africa 
on behalf of 65 co -sponsors; Brazil; Egypt; the Plurinational State of Bolivia ; Switzerland; 
Mozambique; Pakistan; India; and Türkiye spoke. The Gener al Council took note of the statements 
made.51 
2.43.  At the December  meeting52, this item was taken up together with other sub -items under 
Item 3 and the floor was opened once. The TRIPS Council Chairperson delivered a statement under 
her own responsibility. Following Members' interventions, and in concluding the statement, t he 
GC Chairperson noted  that there appeared to be no emerging agreement amo ng the 
WTO membership, and it was clear that discussions would need to continue. The General Council 
took note of the GC Chairperson's statement  and of the other statements made.  
2.4  Decision Text on Extension of the 17 June 2022 Ministerial Decision to COVID -19 
Therapeutics and Diagnostics – Communication from South Africa ( WT/GC/W/913  - 
IP/C/W/694/REV.1 ) (WT/GC/M/20853) 
2.44.  At the December  meeting54, South Africa presented the communication contained in 
WT/GC/W/913  – IP/C/W/694/Rev.1 .  
2.5  MC12 – Paragraph 24 of the Ministerial Declaration on the WTO Response to the 
COVID -19 Pandemic and Preparedness for Future Pandemics – Statement by the 
Chairpe rson ( WT/GC/M/205 ; WT/GC/M/20855) 
2.45.  In line with paragraphs 23 and 24 of the MC12 Declaration on the WTO Response to the 
COVID -19 Pandemic and Preparedness for Future Pandemics56, a stocktaking exercise of the work 
of WTO bodies listed in the declaration is to be undertaken yearly at the General Council until the 
end of 2024, based on the reports of these bodies.  
2.46.  At the July meeting , the General Council undertook the first stocktaking exercise.57 The 
representatives of the United Kingdom; China ; Djibouti  (LDC Group); Kenya (ACP Group);  the United 
States; South Africa; Switzerland; Japan; the European Union; and India spoke. The General Council 
took note of the GC  Chairperson's statement  and of all the  statements made.   
2.47.  At the December  meeting, t he Chairperson provided an update on the work that has taken 
place in various WTO bodies on this matter (including G/L/1521  ).58 
 
51 Kenya (ACP Group); Cambodia; and Barbados subsequently provided their statement s, which have 
been reflected, as requested,  in WT/GC/M/205 . 
52 See also paragraph 2.6 . 
53 To be issued.  
54 This item was taken up together with other sub -items under Item 3 and the floor was opened once . 
See also paragraph 2.6 . 
55 To be issued.  
56 WT/MIN(22)/31 – WT/L/1142 . 
57 The GC Chairperson's statement was subsequently circulated in document JOB/GC/352  
58 Sub-item 3.A.(ii) was taken up toget her with sub-items  3.A.(i) and (iii). The statement by the 
GC Chairperson was subsequently circulated in JOB/GC/ 376. See also paragraph 2.6  . WT/GC/263  
 
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  2.6  Buenos Aires (MC11), Nairobi (MC10) and Bali (MC9 ) (WT/GC/M/203 ; 
WT/GC/M/204 ; WT/GC/M/205 ; WT/GC/M/207 ; WT/GC/M/208  59)  
2.48.  Since July 2014, the item on implementation of the Bali outcomes has been included on the 
General Council's agenda at the r equest of the Chair person , to provide an update on the work taking 
place in the regular bodies which were directly working on the various Bali Decisions. After the Tenth 
and Eleventh Sessions of the Ministerial Conference, reports on the implementation of the Nairobi 
and Buenos Aires outcomes were also provided under this item.  
2.49.  At the General Council meetings in March , May, July, November  and December , the 
Chairperson  reported on the work taking place in WTO regular bodies with respect to  the Bali, Nairobi 
and Buenos Aires Ministerial outcomes .60  
2.50.  At the March meeting,  the CTD Chairperson made a statement related to the new work 
programme for the Aid for Trade Initiati ve. The representative s of Cambodia; Djibouti (LDC Group); 
South Africa; India; Indonesia; and Pakistan  spoke . The Director -General also spoke.  The General 
Council took note of the  reports of the GC Chairperson and the CTD Chairperson  and of all statement s 
made . 
2.51.  At the May meeting, the representatives of Cameroon (African Group); Cambodia; South 
Africa; India; Pakistan; Djibouti (LDC Group); Paraguay; Indonesia; Brazil; and China spoke. The 
General Council took note of the GC Chairperson's report and of the  statements.  
2.52.  At the July meeting, the representatives of Djibouti (LDC Group); India; Kenya (ACP Group); 
South Africa; Indonesia; the European Union; and Pakistan  spoke. The General Council took note of 
the GC Chairperson's statement  and of all the  statements  made .61 
2.53.  At the November  meeting,  the representatives of India; Nigeria  (African Group) ; Brazil; 
Paraguay; Indonesia; Cambodia; Djibouti (LDC Group); and Egypt spoke.  The Director -General also 
intervened. The General Council took note of the GC Chairperson's report , the statement of the 
Director -General and of the statements.   
2.54.  At the December  meeting, the representatives of India; Djibouti (LDC Group) ; and  Paraguay  
spoke. The Director -General also intervened. The General Council took note of the GC Chairperson's 
report, the statement of the Director -General and of the statements.  
3  THIRTEEN TH SESSION OF THE MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE – ADMINISTRATIVE 
MATTERS  
3.1  Election of Officers  (WT/GC/M/205 ; WT/GC/M/20862) 
3.1.  At the July meeting , the General Council  formally agreed to appoint H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed 
Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates as Chairperson of the 
Thirteenth Session of the Ministerial Co nference  (MC13) . The GC Chairperson congratulated the 
MC13 Chairperson on his appointment. H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi then delivered a 
statement. The Director -General also intervened. The  GC Chairperson then invited, in line with 
customary practic e, the  coordinators of the three broad groupings to consult with their constituents 
with a view to putting forward their respective nominations for the three Vice -Chairpersons. The 
General Council would revert to this matter with a view to agree on the thr ee MC13 Vice -
Chairpersons. T he representatives of Kazakhstan; Djibouti (LDC Group); the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia ; and India  congratulated the MC13 Chairperson under this item.63 The MC13 Chairperson 
 
59 To be issued.  
60 The GC Chair person 's statements were subsequently circulated in JOB/GC/ 337; JOB/GC/342 ; 
JOB/GC/35 3; JOB/GC/ 369 and JOB/GC/378 . 
61 Cambodia subsequently provided its statement , which has been reflected, as requested,  in 
WT/GC/M/205 . 
62 To be issued.  
63 Other representatives welcomed the MC13 Chairperson's election throughout the General Council 
meeting  under other agenda items . WT/GC/263  
 
- 14 - 
 
  intervened again to present Members the MC13 logo. The Gen eral Council took note of the 
statements.  
3.2.  At the December  meeting, H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi addressed the General Council, 
in his capacity as MC13 Chairperson.  The Director -General also intervened.  The General Council then 
formally agreed to appoint H.E.  Mr. Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, Minister of Trade (Cameroon); 
Hon. Mr. Todd McClay, Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Hunting and Fishing, and Trade (New 
Zealand); and H.E. Jorge Rivera Staff, M inister of Trade and Industry (Panama) as MC13 Vice -
Chairpersons.  
3.2  Attendance of Observers  (WT/GC/M/205 ) 
3.3.  At the July meeting , the General Council  agreed to repeat past practice , namely, to invite the 
Governments with regular observer status in the General Council plus the following five 
Governments, which had previously been granted observer status only at Ministerial Conferences, 
i.e., Cook Islands, Eritrea, Niue, San Marino and Tuvalu.   
3.3  Attendance of Non -Governmental Organizations  (WT/GC/M/205 ) 
3.4.  At the July meeting , the General Council  agreed to repeat past practice , namely, that a limited 
number of accredited NGO representatives were allowed to attend only the Plenary Sessions of the 
Conference, without the right to speak; applications from NGOs to be regis tered are accepted on the 
basis of Article V, paragraph 2 of the WTO Agreement, i.e., NGOs "concerned with matters related 
to those of the WTO"; and a deadline would be established for the registration of NGOs that wished 
to attend the Conference.   
3.4  Request  for Observer Status by Palestine  (WT/L/ 1171 ) (WT/GC/M/20864 ) 
3.5.  At the December  meeting, the General Council agreed to grant Palestine Observer Status at 
MC13 on an ad hoc  basis.  
4  WORK PROGRAMME ON SMALL ECONOMIES – REPORT  BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE 
DEDICATED SESSION OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMEN T (WT/GC/M/203 ; 
WT/GC/M/204 ; WT/GC/M/2 05; WT/GC/M/207 ; WT/GC/M/20865) 
4.1.  At the March , May, July, November  and December  meetings,  the CTD Chair person  provided 
update s and informed Members of the ongoing work in this area, including the Secretariat 
background document66. At the December  meeting, t he CTD Chairperson also reported that the 
Dedicated Session had agreed to the text contained in document WT/COMTD/SE/W/46/Rev.2 . 
4.2.  At the March  meeting, t he representatives of Guatemala (SVEs); Cameroon (African Group); 
Jamaica; Trinidad and Tobago; Ecuador; Sri Lanka; Antigua and Barbuda (OECS); Mauritius; the 
United Kingdom;  the Russian Federatio n; Panama; Brazil; Samoa (Pacific Group);  the European 
Union; China; and The Bahamas (CARICOM)  spoke. The CTD Chairperson intervened again. The 
General Council took note of the report  by the CTD Chairperson and of the statements made.  
4.3.  At the May meeting , the representatives of Guatemala  (SVEs) ; Cameroon (African Group); 
Antigua and Barbuda  (OECS) ; Trinidad and Tobago; Maldives; Mauritius; Ecuador; the European 
Union; Barbados (CARICOM); Jamaica; the United Kingdom; and Vanuatu (Pacific Group) spoke. 
The Dir ector-General also intervened. The General Council took note of the report  by the 
CTD Chairperson  and of the  statements made.  
4.4.  At the July meeting , the representatives of Guatemala (SVEs ); Antigua and Barbuda (OECS); 
Kenya (ACP Group); Trinidad and Tobago; Barbados (CARICOM); the United Kingdom; Sri Lanka; 
 
64 To be issued.  
65 To be issued.  
66 WT/COMTD/SE/W/45  WT/GC/263  
 
- 15 - 
 
  Mauritius; Jamaica; and Samoa (Pacific Group) spoke. The Director -General also intervened. The 
General Council took note of the report  by the CTD Chairperson and of the statements made.67 
4.5.  At the November  meeting,  the representatives of Guatemala (SVEs); Antigua and Barbuda 
(OECS); Barbados; Trinidad and Tobago; Maldives; Fiji (Pacific Group) ; Fiji (national capacity) ; 
Jamaica; Mauritius;  Samoa (ACP  Group ); and the  United Kingdom spoke. The General Council took 
note of the report  by the CTD Chairperson and of the statements made.  
4.6.  At the December  meeting, the representatives of Guatemala (SVEs); Barbados (CARICOM); 
Cameroon (African Group);  Antigua and Barbuda (OECS); Maldives; Sri Lanka; Samoa (ACP Group); 
Fiji (Pacific Group); Trinidad and Tobago; the United Kingdom; Mauritius; El Salvador and Honduras  
spoke. The General Council agreed to forward the draft decision in document 
WT/COMTD/SE/W/46 /Rev.2  to the Thirteenth Ministerial Conference for adoption by Ministers and 
took note of the report in WT/COMTD/SE/12  and of the statements.  
5  THE DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE ASPECTS OF COTTON – PERIODIC REPORT BY THE 
DIRECTOR GENERAL  (WT/GC/M/20868) 
5.1.  At the December  meeting, t he Director -General introduced her report. The representatives of 
Cameroon (African Group); Djibouti (LDC Group); Chad (C -4); Brazil; Paraguay; China and India  
spoke. The Director -General spoke aga in. The General Council took note of the statement by the 
Director -General and her report contained in WT/GC/260  – WT/CFMC/DG/10  – WT/MIN(24)/1  and 
of the statements made . 
6  WTO ACCESSIONS69 (WT/GC/M/203 ; WT/GC/M/205 ; AND WT/GC/M/2 0870) 
6.1  2022 Annual Report by the Director -General ( WT/ACC/43  – WT/GC/257 ) – 
Statement by the Director -General ( WT/GC/M/203 ) 
6.1.  At the March  meeting , the Director -General presented the Annual Report on WTO Accessions 
for 2022.71 The representatives of Sierra Leone (g7+ WTO Accessions Group); Kazakhstan; Portugal 
(Timor -Leste , Accession Working Party Chairperson);  the United States; Lao PDR; Panama 
(Article  XII Members); Indonesia; Cambodia; the European Union; Djibouti (LDC Group ); the 
Russian Federation; Samoa; Cameroon (African Group); the United Kingdom; the Philippines; China; 
Morocco (Comoros , Accession Working Party  Chairperson); India; Singapore; Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia (Arab Group); and the Republic of  Moldova spoke. Sever al Observer Governments also 
spoke.72 The General Council took note of the Director -General's report  and of the other statements  
made . 
6.2  Briefing on the Latest Developments in the Accession of Comoros – Request from 
Morocco  (WT/GC/M/205 ) 
6.3  Briefing on the Lates t Developments in the Accession of Timor -Leste – Request from 
Portugal ( WT/GC/M/205 ) 
6.2.  At the July meeting,  the Chairpersons of the accession Working Parties of Comoros73 and 
Timor -Leste74 provided updates on the status of Comoros' and Timor -Leste's accession negotiations.  
The representatives of Djibouti (LDC Group); Cameroon (African Group); Kenya (ACP Group); 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Arab Group); Samoa (Pacific Group);  the United States; Australia; 
 
67 Brazil; Saint Lucia; Ecuador subsequently provided their stateme nts, which have been reflected, as 
requested,  in WT/GC/M/205 . 
68 To be issued.  
69 In 2023, an update on accession Working Party Chairpersonships was also provided under "Other 
Business", see further below.  
70 To be issued.  
71 WT/ACC/43  – WT/GC/257  
72 Uzbekistan; Serbia; Belarus; Ethiopia; Sudan; Islamic Republic of Iran  
73 Ambassador Omar Zniber (Morocco) . His full statement was subsequently circulated in document  
JOB/ACC/COM/15 . 
74 Ambassador Rui Macieira (Portugal) . His full statemen t was subsequently circulated in document 
JOB/ACC/TLS/11 . WT/GC/263  
 
- 16 - 
 
  Mauritius; Indonesia; Panama (Article XII Members); China; Mozambique; the European Union; 
Angola; Brazil; Singapore; South Africa; Cabo Verde; Cambodia; and Kazakhstan  spoke. Speaking 
as Observers, t he representatives of Comoros75 and Timor -Leste76 also spoke. Under this item, the 
GC Chairperson also referred to her communication of 29 June, in which she had informed Members 
of the consensus on the appointment of Amb assador  Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel (Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia) as Chairperson of the Working Party on the Accession of Iraq. The General Council took note 
of the statements by the accession Working Party Chairpersons  and of the other statements made.77  
6.3.  Under the same item, the GC Chairperson also referred to a communication that she had s ent 
on 29 June, in which she  had informed Members  that, following the consultations that Deputy 
Director -General Xiangchen  Zhang had carried out on her behalf, there was broad consensus on the 
appointment of H.E. Mr. Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the WTO  as Chairperson of the Working Party on the Accession of I raq. 
The General Council took note of the statement of the GC Chairperson.  
7  COMMITTEE ON BUDGET, FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION – REPORTS ON MEETINGS  
AND RECOMMENDATIONS  (WT/GC/M/205 ; WT/GC/M/207 ; WT/GC/M/20878 ) 
7.1.  At the July meeting, the General Council approved the Budget Committee's specific 
recommendation in paragraph 11.7 of the report contained in WT/BFA/211  urging Members and 
Observers under Administrative Measures to liquidate their arrears; took note of the statement by 
Ambassador Bettina Waldmann  (Germany), the CBFA Chairperson ; and adopted the reports 
contained in WT/BFA/211  and WT/BFA/212 . 
7.2.  At the November  meeting, the General Council approved the Budget Committee's specific 
recommendations in paragraph 4.16 of the report contained in WT/BFA/213 ; took note of the 
statement by Ambassador Bettina Waldmann  (Germany), the CBFA Chairperson; and adopted the 
reports contained in WT/BFA/213 , WT/BFA/ 214 and WT/BFA/215 . 
7.3.  At the December  meeting, the General Council took note of Ambassador Bettina Waldmann's 
statement, and the other statements made; approved the Budget Committee's specific 
recommendations in paragraphs 3.14 of the report in WT/BFA/217 ; and adopted the reports 
contained in WT/BFA/216  and WT/BFA/217 . The representatives of Chinese Taipei; Switzerland; 
Nigeria; Singapore; Indonesia; and Pa raguay spoke. The Director -General also intervened. The 
United States then also spoke. The CBFA Chairperson intervened again.   
8  TRIPS COUNCIL MATTERS ( WT/GC/M/20879) 
A. ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE SPECIAL COMPULSORY LICENSING SYSTEM - PARAGRAPH 7 
OF THE ANNEX TO T HE AMENDED TRIPS AGREEMENT AND PARAGRAPH 8 OF THE 
DECISION ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PARAGRAPH 6 OF THE DOHA DECLARATION ON 
THE TRIPS AGREEMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH ( WT/L/540  AND WT/L/540/CORR.1 ) – 
REPORT OF THE COUNCIL FOR TRIPS ( IP/C/97 ) 
B. PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION ON AN EXTENSION OF THE PERIOD FOR THE ACCEPTANCE 
BY MEMBERS OF THE PROTOCOL AMENDING THE TRIPS AGREEMENT ( IP/C/96 ) 
8.1.  At the December  meeting, the General Council took note of the report of the TRIPS Council in 
document IP/C/97  and adopted the draft decision in document IP/C/96  extending the time period 
for acceptance by Members of the Protocol amending the TRIPS Agreement until 31 December 2025 
or such later date as may be decided by the Ministerial Conference. The decision was circulated in 
WT/L/ 1180. The represe ntatives of Colombia and Nigeria spoke.   
 
75 Ambassador Sultan Chouzour  (Comoros). The statement was subsequently circulated in document was 
JOB/ACC/COM/14 . 
76 Ambassador Maria de Lurdes Martins de Sousa Bessa  (Timor -Leste). The statement was subsequently 
circulated in document JOB/ACC/TLS/11 . 
77 Japan subsequently provided its statement , which has been reflected, as requested,  in WT/GC/M/205 . 
78 To be issued.  
79 To be issued.  WT/GC/263  
 
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  9  TRADE  RELATED CHALLENGES OF THE LEAST -DEVELOPED COUNTRIES AND WAY 
FORWARD : PROPOSAL FOR WTO SMOOTH TRANSITION MEASURES IN FAVOUR OF 
COUNTRIES GRADUATED FROM THE LDC CATEGORY – COMMUNICATION FROM DJIBOUTI 
ON BEHALF O F THE LDC GROUP  (WT/GC/M/203 ; WT/GC/M/204 ; WT/GC/M/205 ) 
9.1.  At the March  meeting, Togo, on behalf of the LDC Group, provided an update on the revised 
proposal. The representatives of  Bangladesh (Focal Point for LDC Graduation);  Cameroon (African 
Group); Kenya (ACP  Group ); Angola; Niger; Tanza nia; Mozambique; Nepal; Indonesia; Cambodia; 
Botswana; South Africa; Switzerland; Jamaica; Malawi; Norway; India; the Russian Federation; 
Myanmar; Australia ; the United States; Nigeria; the European Union; China;  the United Kingdom; 
New Zealand; Samoa  (Pacific Group) ; Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Arab Group); Canada; Brazil; 
Singapore; Egypt spoke. The Director -General also intervened. Bangladesh and the United States 
then intervened again. The General Council took note of the statements80 made.  
9.2.  At the May meeting, Zambia , on behalf of the LDC Group , presented an update on the LDC 
Group's revised communication on a smooth transition for graduated LDCs  contained in 
WT/GC/W/807/Rev.2 . The representatives of Bangladesh  (Focal Point for LDC Graduation) ; 
Cameroon (African Group); Kenya (ACP Group); Angola; Cabo Verde; Tanzania; Mauritius; Lao PDR; 
Cambodia; Antigua and Barbuda  (OECS) ; Nepal; Argentina; Australi a; Uganda; Lesotho;  the 
European Union; Jamaica; Samoa (Pacific Group); South Africa; the United Kingdom; the United 
States; Barbados; Nigeria; Brazil; Japan; China; Niger; Senegal; the Russian Federation; Indonesia; 
India; and Singapore  spoke. Djibouti (L DC Group) intervened again. The Director -General also 
intervened. The General Council took note of the statements made.  
9.3.  At the July meeting,  Djibouti, on behalf of the LDC Group, provided an update on the  
discussions and work on the  LDC Group's revised com munication . The representatives of Bangladesh 
(Focal Point for LDC Graduation); Cameroon (African Group); Kenya (ACP Group); Egypt; Nigeria; 
Norway; Thailand; the United Kingdom; Paraguay; Tanzania; the European Union; Australia; Malawi; 
South Africa; Barb ados; Zambia; Niger; Indonesia; Botswana; India; Lao PDR; Mauritius; Japan; 
Samoa (Pacific Group); Brazil; the United States; the Russian Federation; Cambodia; Mozambique; 
Nepal; Argentina; Singapore; Jamaica; Chad; Tunisia; China; and Morocco  spoke. Djibouti (LDC 
Group) intervened again. The General Council agreed to  instruct the Sub -Committee on LDCs to 
examine Annex 2 of the LDC proposal ( WT/GC/W/807/Rev.2 ) and report back to the General Council 
by 30 November 2023 with any recommendations. The General Council took note of the 
statements.81 The Director -General made a statement.  
10  LDC GRADUATION (ANNEX 2 OF WT/GC/W/807/REV.2 ) – REPORT BY THE 
CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT TO THE GENERAL 
COUNCIL ( WT/COMTD/LDC/30 ) (WT/GC/M/20882) 
10.1.  At the December  meeting, t he CTD Chairperson who has been chairing the meetings of the 
Sub-Committee on LDCs since September 2023, pending the election of the Chairperson of the Sub -
Committee on LDCs, delivered the report to the General Council ( WT/COMTD/LDC/30 ). The 
representatives of Djibouti (LDC Group); Bangladesh; Cambodia; Nigeria; Eg ypt; Nepal; China; 
Myanmar; South Africa; Tanzania; the European Union; Norway; the United Kingdom; the United 
States; Japan; Cameroon (African Group); Fiji (Pacific Group); Indonesia; Russian Federation; 
Antigua and Barbuda (OECS); Angola; India; Brazil; Republic of Korea  and Singapore  spoke.  Djibouti 
(LDC Group) spoke again.  In view of what she has heard, the GC Chairperson took note of the 
progress made in the discussions and encouraged the LDC Group, as well as interested Members – 
together with the CTD  Chairperson – to continue their discussion in the Sub -Committee on LDCs. 
The General Council took note of the report by the CTD Chairperson and of the statements made.   
 
80 Zambia subsequently provided its statement , which has been reflected, as requested,  in WT/GC/M/203 . 
81 Namibia subsequently provided its statement , which has been reflected, as requested,  in WT/GC/M/205 . 
82 To be issued.  WT/GC/263  
 
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  11  DRAFT GENERAL COUNCIL DECISION ON EXTENSION OF UNILATERAL DUTY FREE AND 
QUOTA FREE PRE FERENCES IN FAVOUR OF COUNTRIES GRADUATED FROM THE LDC 
CATEGORY ( WT/GC/W/901 ) – COMMUNICATION FROM DJIBOUTI ON BEHALF OF THE LDC 
GROUP  (WT/GC/M/206 ) 
11.1.  A Special Meeting of the General Council took place  on 23 October 83 prior to the opening 
session of the Seni or Officials' Meeting (SOM).84 The representative of Djibouti, on behalf of the LDC 
Group, introduced the draft decision "Extension of Unilateral Duty Free and Quota Free Preferences 
in Favour of Countries Graduated from the LDC Category"  contained in WT/GC/W/901 , which was 
before the General Council for adoption.  The General Council adopted the draft decision.85  
12  UNILATERAL TRADE RESTRICTIVE MEASURES OF CERTAIN WTO MEMBERS – 
STATEMENT BY THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION  (WT/GC/M/203 ) 
12.1.  At the March  meeting, the Russian Federation made a statement on this subject matter. The 
representatives of the United States86; Ukraine; Nicaragua; and the Bolivarian Republic of  Venezuela  
spoke. Belarus, speaking as an Observer,  also made an intervention . The Russian Federation 
intervened again. The General Council took note of the statements.87 
13  MC12 DECISION IMPLEMENTATION - RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC – REQUEST FROM 
INDIA ( WT/GC/M/203 ) 
13.1  Role of Telemedicine Services in Response to the Pandemic – Communication from 
India  
13.2  Building a Pool of Health Professionals to Respond Effectively to Pandemic/Natural 
Disasters – Communication from India  
13.1.  At the March  meeting , India presented  the item and  two communications related to the 
response to the pandemic , i.e., " Role of Telemedicine Services in Response to the Pandemic "88 and 
"Building a Pool of Health Professionals to Respond Effectively to Pandemics/Natural Disasters "89. 
The represent atives of Djibouti (LDC Group); South Africa; Mauritius; Bangladesh; Sri Lanka; 
Cameroon (African Group); Egypt; Pakistan; Nepal; China; Indonesia; Japan; the United States; 
Republic of Korea; Switzerland; and Singapore  spoke.  India intervened again.  The G eneral Council 
took note of the statements.  
 
83 WT/GC/W/903  and JOB/GC/362 . 
84 An Informal General Council meeting was convened on 17 October to prepare for this Special General 
Council Meeting.  
85 The decision was subsequently circulated in document WT/L/1172 . 
86 The United States spoke on its own behalf, as well as on behalf of Australi a, Canada, the European 
Union, Iceland, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United 
States . 
87 The Islamic Republic of Iran , an Observer, subsequently provided its statement , which has been 
reflected, as req uested,  in WT/GC/M/203 . 
88 WT/GC/W/866  – S/C/W/426  
89 WT/GC/W/867  – S/C/W/427  WT/GC/263  
 
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  14  POLICY SPACE FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT - A CASE FOR REBALANCING TRADE 
RULES TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIALISATION AND TO ADDRESS EMERGING CHALLENGES 
SUCH AS CLIMATE CHANGE, CONCENTRATION OF PRODUCTION AND DIGITAL 
INDUSTR IALISATION – COMMUNICATION FROM THE AFRICAN GROUP  (WT/GC/M/203 , 
WT/GC/M/205 ) 
14.1  A Case for Rebalancing the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures 
(ASCM) – Policy Space to Promote Industrialisation in Developing Countries – 
Communication from the African Group (WT/GC/W/880 ) 
14.2  The Role of Transfer of Technology in Resilience Building: Rei nvigorating the 
Discussions in the WTO on Trade and Transfer of Technology – Communicatio ns from the 
African Group (WT/GC/W/883 , WT/GC/W/884 , WT/GC/W/885 , WT/GC/W/886 , 
WT/GC/W/887 , WT/GC/W/888 ) 
14.3  A Case for Rebalancing the Agreement on Trade -Related Investment Measures 
(TRIMS) – Policy Space to Promote Industrialisation and Structural Transformation in 
Developing Countries  (WT/GC/W/896 ) 
14.1.  At the March  meeting90, Cameroon  made a statement to  introduce the item . Cameroon also 
presented a communication by the African Group contained in WT/GC/W/868 . The representatives 
of Brazil; Antigua and Barbuda (OECS); India; Mozambique; Kenya (ACP Group); China; Thailand; 
Namibia; Colombia; the European Union; Peru; Indonesia; Pakistan; Djibouti (LDC Group); Canada; 
Barbados; Jamaica; the United Kingdom; Singapore; Republic of Korea; Uruguay; Australia; Egypt; 
and South Africa  spoke. Cameroon (African Group) intervened again. The Director -General also 
made an intervention. The General Council took note of the statements.91 
14.2.  At the July meeting , Cameroon, on behalf of the African Group , presented the  item and  
communication  contained in WT/GC/W/868 , as well as the three sub -items  with the accompanying 
communications.92 The representatives of Egypt; the United States; the United Kingdom; Brazil; 
Argentina; Singapore; Colombia; Japan; India; Djibouti (LDC  Group); the Republic of Korea; China; 
Thailand; Paraguay; Pakistan; Antigua and Barbuda  (OECS) ; the European Union ; Switzerland; 
Indonesia; South Africa; Norway; and Namibia  spoke. The Director -General also made an 
intervention. Cameroon (African Group) i ntervened again. The General Council took note of the 
statements.  
15  FOOD SECURITY THROUGH AGRICULTURAL REFORM: TOWARDS AGRICULTURE 
OUTCOMES AT THE 13TH MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE - COMMUNICATION FROM 
ARGENTINA; THE PLURINATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA; BRAZIL; CHILE; COLOMBIA; COSTA 
RICA; ECUADOR; EL SALVADOR; GUATEMALA; HONDURAS; PANAMA; PARAGUAY; PERU; 
THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC; AND URUGUAY  (WT/GC/M/205 ) 
15.1.  At the July meeting , Ecuador , on behalf of the co -sponsors , introduced the item and presented 
the communication  contained in WT/GC/W/8 93. The representatives of Kenya (ACP Group); 
Cameroon (African Group); Djibouti (LDC Group); Brazil; Australia; Argentina; Ukraine; Switzerland; 
Nigeria; the United Kingdom; Peru; New Zealand; Sierra Leone; Panama; Costa  Rica; Chile; Canada; 
Uruguay; South Africa; Paraguay; Jamaica; Colombia; India; Egypt; Tanzania; Mauritius; the 
Republic of Moldova ; the Plurinational State of  Bolivia ; China; Indonesia; Pakistan; the United 
 
90 At the March General Council meeting, the item was titled " Policy Space for Industrial Development - A 
Case for Rebalancing Trade Rules to Promote Industrialization and to Address Emerging Challenges such as 
Climate Change, Concentratio n of Production and Digital Industrialization – Request from South Africa ". 
91 Mauritius  subsequently provided its statement, which has been reflected, as requested, in 
WT/GC/M/203 . 
92 A Case for Rebalancing the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (ASCM) – Policy Space 
to Promote Industrialisation in Developing Countries – Communication from the African Group ( WT/GC/W/880 ); 
The Role of Transfer of Technology in Resilience Building: Reinvigorating the Discussions in the WTO on Trade 
and Transfer of Technology – Communications from the African Group ( WT/GC/W/883 , WT/GC/W/884 , 
WT/GC/W/885 , WT/GC/W/886 , WT/GC/W/887 , WT/GC/W/888) ; A Case for Rebalancing the Agreement on 
Trade -Related Investment Measures (TRIMS) – Policy Space to Promo te Industrialisation and Structural 
Transformation in Developing Countries ( WT/GC/W/896 ) WT/GC/263  
 
- 20 - 
 
  States; Thailand; Japan; the Russian Federation ; Zimbabwe; and the European Union  spoke. 
Ecuador spoke again on behalf of the co -sponsors. The General Council took note of the statements.  
16  PRINCIPLES GUIDING THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF TRADE -
RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES – COMMUNICATION FROM THE AFRICAN GROUP  
(WT/GC/M/205 ) 
16.1.  At the July meeting , Cameroon on behalf of the African Group,  introduced the item and 
communication  contained in  WT/GC/W/894 . The representatives of Kenya (ACP Group); Antigua and 
Barbuda (OECS); the European Union ; China; Norway; Argentina; Canada; Türkiye; Paraguay; 
Chile; Brazil; the United Kingdom; South Africa; Mauritius; Indonesia; Colombia; Nigeria; India: 
Tanza nia; Bangladesh; the Republic of Korea; Egypt; Switzerland; Ecuador; Japan; Australia; 
Jamaica; Pakistan;  the United States; Djibouti (LDC Group); and Barbados  spoke.  The Director -
General also intervened. Cameroon (African Group) intervened again.  The Gene ral Council took note 
of the statements.  
17  STRENGTHENING THE RESILIENCE AND STABILITY OF GLOBAL INDUSTRIAL AND 
SUPPLY CHAINS – COMMUNICATION FROM CHINA  (WT/GC/M/205 ) 
17.1.  At the July meeting , China  present ed the item and  communication contained in 
WT/GC/W/891 . The representatives of  the United States; Japan; Antigua and Barbuda  (OECS) ; 
India; Barbados; Switzerland; the European Union ; Brazil; Thailand; South Africa; Norway;  the 
Russian Federation; Egypt; the United Kingdom; and Singapore  spoke.  The Director -General 
intervened twice.  China intervened again.  The General Council took note of the statements.93 
18  MC13 – IMMEDIATE STEPS TO RESPOND TO FOOD INSECURITY – COMMUNICATION 
FROM SINGAPORE (WT/GC/M/20894) 
18.1.  At the December  meeting, Singapore introduced the item and communication contained in 
WT/GC/W/908 . The representatives of Cameroon (African Group); Fiji; Egypt; Japan; the United 
States; Tanzania; the Philippines; Ukraine; China; the European Union; Ecuador; the Russian 
Federation; Chinese Taipei; Switzerland; Mauritius; Senegal; the Republic of Korea; Australia; 
Mongolia; Kazakhstan; Israel; Paraguay; Antigua and Barbuda (OECS); Nigeria; Malaysia; Thailand; 
Norway; Indonesia; Brazil; Sri Lanka; India; the United Kingdom s poke. Singapore intervened again. 
The General Council took note of the statements.  
19  PROPOSED MINISTERIAL DECLARATION FOR THE THIRTEENTH MINISTERIAL 
CONFERENCE: STRENGTHENING REGULATORY COOPERATION TO REDUCE TECHNICAL 
BARRIERS TO TRADE – COMMUNICATION FROM C AMEROON; CHINA; JORDAN; MACAO, 
CHINA; MYANMAR AND SEYCHELLES  (WT/GC/M/20895) 
19.1.  At the December  meeting, China introduced the item on behalf of the co -sponsors. The 
representatives of Cameroon; Antigua and Barbuda (OECS); the United Kingdom; Seychelles; the 
Russian Federation; the European Union;  the Bolivarian Republic of  Venezuela; Japan; Switzerland; 
the Philippines; Jordan; Singapore; Brazil; New Zealand; the Republic of Korea; Pakistan; 
Kazakhstan; and India spoke. China intervened again. The General Council took note of the 
statements.  
20  DRAFT  MINISTERIAL DECISION ON PROMOTING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND 
TRADE IN NFIDCS AND LDCS - REQUEST FROM THE AFRICAN GROUP (WT/GC/M/20896) 
20.1.  At the December  meeting, Cameroon, on behalf of the African Group, introduced the item. 
The representatives of Djibouti  (LDC Group); Egypt; Antigua and Barbuda (OECS); Nigeria; the 
European Union; Paraguay; Sri Lanka; India; the United States; the Russian Federation; Canada; 
 
93 Argentina subsequently provided its statement, which has been reflected, as requested, in 
WT/GC/M/205 . 
94 To be issued.  
95 To be issued.  
96 To be issued.  WT/GC/263  
 
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  Japan; Ukraine; Costa Rica; the United Kingdom; Australia; and Kazakhstan spoke. Cameroon 
intervene d again. The General Council took note of the statements.  
21  DRAFT MINISTERIAL DECISION ON SPS MEASURES - REQUEST FROM THE AFRICAN 
GROUP (WT/GC/M/20897) 
21.1.  At the December  meeting, Cameroon, on behalf of the African Group, introduced the item. 
The representatives of Paraguay; Chinese Taipei; C ôte d'Ivoire; China; the Russian Federation; 
Egypt; Costa Rica; Australia; the European Union; and India spoke. Cameroon intervened a gain. 
The General Council took note of the statements.  
22  TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCE – REQUEST FROM THE AFRICAN 
GROUP  (WT/GC/M/20898)  
22.1.  At the December  meeting, Cameroon, on behalf of the African Group, introduced the item. 
The representatives of Chile; Tanzania; Egypt; the United States; Nigeria; Brazil; Switzerland; India; 
South Africa; the United Kingdom; Paraguay; Japan; and Canada spoke. Cameroon intervened 
again. The General Council took note of the statements.  
23  THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE MULT ILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM TO SUSTAINABLE AND 
RESILIENT AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS – STATEMENT BY THE CAIRNS GROUP 
(WT/GC/261 ) (WT/GC/M/20899) 
23.1.  At the December  meeting, Australia, on behalf of the CAIRNS Group, introduced the item and 
statement contained in WT/GC/261 . The representatives of Cameroon (African Group); Ecuador; 
Egypt; South Africa; Brazil; Chinese Taipei; Chile; China; Nigeria; Paraguay; Indonesia; Japa n; 
Malaysia; the Philippines; the Russian Federation; the European Union; Canada; Thailand; the United 
Kingdom; New Zealand; Costa Rica; Switzerland; India; the United States; and Argentina spoke. 
Australia intervened again. The Director -General also spoke . The General Council took note of the 
statements.  
24  EUROPEAN UNION REGULATION ON SUPPLY CHAINS FREE FROM DEFORESTATION 
AND FOREST DEGRADATION – COMMUNICATION FROM ARGENTINA, COLOMBIA, 
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, GUATEMALA, HONDURAS, PANAMA, PARAGUAY, AND PERU 
(WT/GC/M/208100) 
24.1.  At the December  meeting, Honduras,  on behalf of the co -sponsors, introduced the item and 
communication contained in WT/GC/W/912 . The representatives of  Peru; Brazil; India; Panama; 
China; Paraguay; Guatemala; Indonesia; Cameroon (African Group); Nepal (LDC Group); the 
Dominican Republic; Malaysia; Samoa (ACP Group); the Russian Federation; Chile; the European 
Union; Canada; Norway; Nigeria; Thailand; the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; Colombia; the 
European Union; the United States; and Cambodia spoke. The General Council took note of the 
statements.  
25  INFORMATION ON INVESTMENT FACILITATION FOR DEVELOPMENT – REQUEST FROM 
CHILE AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (WT/GC/M/208101) 
25.1.  At the December  meeting, Chile presented the item and information contained in JOB/GC/373 . 
The representatives of Cambodia; Nigeria; El Salvador; Honduras; Cameroon; Liberia; Brazil; 
Pakistan; Panama; Hong Kong, China; Singapore; Malaysia; the Russian Federation; Thailand; 
Switzerland; China; Costa Rica; the Philippines; Ecuador; the United Kingdom; New Zealand; the 
Kyrgyz Republic; the Dominican Republic; Myanmar; Lao PDR; the European Union; Japan; Saudi 
Arabia; Guatemala; India; the United States spoke. India intervened a gain. The representatives of 
the Republic of Korea and China also intervened. The General Council took note of the statements.  
 
97 To be issued.  
98 To be issued.  
99 To be issued.  
100 To be issued.  
101 To be issued.  WT/GC/263  
 
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  26  ENHANCING MULTILATERAL DELIBERATIVE FUNCTION ON ENVIRONMENT -RELATED 
TRADE MEASURES AND FOSTERING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT - REQUES T FROM CHINA 
AND COLOMBIA  (WT/GC/M/2 08102) 
26.1.  At the December  meeting, China and Colombia introduced the item. The representatives of 
Brazil; Türkiye; Egypt; Indonesia; Paraguay; the Russian Federation; the Philippines; South Africa; 
Pakistan; India; the Europe an Union; Singapore; Norway; Switzerland; the United Kingdom; and 
Japan spoke. China intervened again. The General Council took note of the statements.  
27  REVIEW OF THE EXEMPTION PROVIDED UNDER PARAGRAPH 3 OF THE GATT 1994  
(WT/GC/M/203 ; WT/GC/M/208103) 
27.1.  At the March  meeting , the General Council conducted a review of the exemption granted to 
the US legislation (the Jones Act ) which prohibits the use, sale or lease of foreign -built or foreign -
reconstructed ships in US national waters – and take s place in the General Council every two years. 
In line with the procedure agreed by the Council in 2002, statements made at GC meetings in 20 23, 
questions posed to the United States and related replies would form the basis of the 20 23 review, 
together wit h the annual report provided by the United States ( WT/L/1165 ). The representatives of 
the United States; Japan; Norway; the European Union; the Russian Federation; China; and Panama 
spoke. The United States spoke again . The General Council took note of the stat ements104 and 
agreed to revert to this  matter at its last regular meeting in 2023.  
27.2.  At the December  meeting, the General Council again considered the exemption provided 
under paragraph 3 of GATT 1994 for review together with the annual reports provided by the United 
States in documents WT/L/1165  and WT/L/1178 . The representatives of  the United States;  Japan; 
the European Union; Bangladesh; Norway; Panama; China and  the Republic o f Korea spoke. The 
United States intervened again. The General Council took note of the statements and also took note 
that the subsequent review under the two -yearly cycle provided in paragraph 3(b) of GATT 1994 
would normally be held in 2025.  
28  WAIVERS  UNDE R ARTICLE IX OF THE WTO AGREEMENT105 
28.1  Introduction of Harmonized System 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017 and 2022 Changes into 
WTO Schedules of Tariff Concessions – Draft Decision s (WT/GC/M/208106) 
28.1.  At the December  meeting, the General Council considered five draft waiver decisions, 
contained in G/C/W/ 831, G/C/W/ 832, G/C/W/ 833, G/C/W/ 834 and G/C/W/ 835/Rev.1  which 
concerned the Introduction of Harmonized System 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017 and 2022 Changes into 
WTO Schedules of Tariff  Concessions, respectively. The Chair person  of the Council for Trade in Goods 
reported on the consideration of this matter by that Council. The General Council took note of the 
report and, in accordance with the Decision -Making Procedures under Articles IX  and XII of the WTO 
Agreement agreed in November 1995 ( WT/L/93 ), adopted the five draft Decisions which were 
subsequently circulated in WT/L/ 1181, WT/L/ 1182, WT/L/ 1183, WT/L/ 1184 and WT/L/11 85. 
28.2  Canada – Extension of the Waiver for the Caribbean Initiative : CARIBCAN – Draft 
Decision107 (WT/GC/M/204 ) 
28.2.  At the May meeting , the General Council agreed to extend the waiver until 
31 December  2033.108 The representatives of Antigua and Barbuda  (OECS) ; Guyana (CARICOM); 
Trinidad and Tobago; Canada; Jamaica; and Barbados s poke. The General Council took note of the 
statements.  
 
102 To be issued.  
103 To be issued.  
104 The R epublic of Korea subsequently provided its statement, which has been reflected, as requested, 
in WT/GC/M/203 . 
105 In connection with this item, the attention of Members is drawn to the decision -making procedures 
under Articles IX and XII of the WTO Agreement agreed by the General Council on 15 November 1995 ( WT/L/93 ). 
106 To be issued.  
107 G/C/W/826  
108 The decision was sub sequently circulated in WT/L/1166 . WT/GC/263  
 
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  28.3  Review of Waivers Pursuant to Article IX:4 of the WTO Agreement  (WT/GC/M/205 ; 
WT/GC/M/208109) 
28.3.  Under Article IX:4 of the WTO Agreement, "[a]ny waiver granted for a period of more than 
one year shall be reviewed by the Ministerial Conference not later than one year after it is granted, 
and thereafter annually until the waiver terminates."  
28.4.  At the July meeting, the General Coun cil considered the following waivers for review under 
Article IX:4:  
a. Ministerial Decision on the TRIPS  Agreement ( WT/MIN(22)/30  – WT/L/1141 ) 
b. Least -Developed Country Members – Obligations under Article 70.8 and Article 70.9 of 
the TRIPS Agreement with respect to Pharmaceutical Products, granted on 
30 November  2015 until 1 January 2033 ( WT/L/971 ) 
c. Kimberley Process Certification Scheme for Rough Di amonds, granted on 26 July 2018 
through 31 December 2024 ( WT/L/1039 ) 
d. European Union – Application of autonomous preferential treatment to the Western 
Balkans – granted on 28 July 2021 until 31 December 2026 ( WT/L/1114 , WT/L/1169 ) 
28.5.  The GC Chairperson recalled that these had  already been agreed by the General Council and 
the Ministerial Conference and were in force. She said that the General Council was not expected to 
take any new decision on their renewal or otherwise. The GC Chairperson noted that one of the 
waivers under review provided that an annual report should be submitted by the Members 
concerned. The relevant report from the European Union had been circulated in document 
WT/L/1169 . She also recalled that the review of the Ministerial Decision on the TRIPS Agreement, 
had already been taken up under item 3.C.  The General Council took note of the statement and the 
report  contained in document  WT/L/1169 . 
28.6.  At the December  meeting, the Gene ral Council considered the following waivers for review 
under Article IX:4:  
a. Preferential Treatment  in Favour of Services and Service Suppliers of Least Developed 
Countries, granted on 17 December 2011 until 31 December 2030 ( WT/L/847 , 
WT/L/982 ) 
b. Preferential Tariff Treatment for Least -Developed Countries, granted on 16 October 
2019 until 30 June 2029 ( WT/L/1069 ) 
c. Cuba – Article  XV:6 – Extension of Waiver, granted on 23 November 2021 until 31 
December 2026 ( WT/L/1128 , WT/L/1179 ) 
d. United States – African Growth and Opportunity Act, granted on 30 November 2015 
until 30 September 2025 ( WT/L/970 , WT/L/1173 ) 
e. United States  – Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery  Act, granted on 16 October 2019 
until 30 September 2025 ( WT/L/1070 , WT/L/1174 ) 
f. United States  – Former Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, granted on 7 December 
2016 until 31 December 2026 ( WT/L/1000 , WT/L/1175 ) 
g. United States  – Trade Preferences granted to Nepal, granted on 7 December 2016 until 
31 December 2025 ( WT/L/1001 , WT/L/1176 ) 
28.7.  The GC Chairperson stressed that these waivers had already been agreed by the General 
Council and were in force. She said that the Gene ral Council was not expected to take any new 
decision on their renewal or otherwise. The GC Chairperson noted that five of the waivers under 
 
109 To be issued.  WT/GC/263  
 
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  review provided that an annual report should be submitted by the Members concerned. The reports 
from these Members had been circulated in documents WT/L/11 79 from Cuba, and WT/L/1173 , 
WT/L/1174 , WT/L/1175  and WT/L/1176  from the United States.  The General Council took note of 
the statement and the reports contained in the mentioned documents.  The representative of Guyana 
spoke.  
29  WTO PENSION PLAN ( WT/GC/M/205 )110 
29.1  Election of Members and Alternates  
29.2  Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ending 31 December 2022  
29.3   Report of the Independent External Auditor on the Audit of the Financial St atements 
of the World Trade Organization Pension Plan (WTOPP) for the Year Ended 31 December 
2022  
29.1.  At the July meeting , the General Council agreed to elect  the three representatives identified 
in her communication contained in WT/GC/W/890  and to renew  the terms of the other 
representatives that were able to continue serving on the WTO Pension Plan Management Board.  
29.2.  The General Council also  took note of the "Annual Report and Financial Statements for the 
Year Ending 31 December 2022" (WT/BFA/W/636  - WT/L/1167 ) and the "Report of the Independent 
External Auditor on the Audit of the Financial Statements of the WTOPP  for the Financial Year Ended 
31 December 2022"  (WT/BFA/W/637  - WT/L/1168 ).  
30  INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE UNCTAD/WTO  – REPORT OF THE JOIN T ADVISORY 
GROUP ON ITS 5 7TH SESSION  ( WT/GC/M/208111 ) 
30.1.  At the December  meeting, the General Council considered a report of the Joint Advisory Group 
on the International  Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO  on its Fifty -Seventh  Session (ITC/AG(LVI I)/292), 
which had been considered initially by the Committee on Trade and Development at its meeting on 
17 November where it had been presented by the Chair person  of the Joint Advisory Group, 
Ambassador José R . Sanchez -Fung (Dominican Republic) . The CTD Chair person  made a statement 
on the Committee's consideration of the report. The representatives of Barbados (CARICOM); the 
United Kingdom; Mauritius; China; the European Union; and Kazakhstan spoke. The General  Council 
adopted the report of the Joint Advisory Group and took note of the CTD Chair person 's statement 
and of the other statements made . The Director -General also made a statement . 
Ms. Dorothy  Tembo, Deputy Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (Observer), also 
made an intervention . 
31  REVIEW OF WTO ACTIVITIES  (WT/GC/M/208112) 
31.1.  At the December  meeting, the General Council co nsidered Annual Reports for 2023  from 
WTO bodies that had been drawn up in pursuance of the Decision c oncerning procedures for an 
annual overview of WTO activities and for reporting under the WTO in document WT/L/105 . 
31.2.  The General Council took note of the  Chairperson's  statement, adopted the report of the 
Committee on Trade and Development in document WT/COMTD/10 3 and took note of the reports of 
other WTO  bodies, including the reports of the bodies under the Plurilateral Trade Agreements, in 
documents WT/DSB/8 5, WT/TPR/ 509, G/L/1524, S/C/6 4, IP/C/98, WT/CTE/ 30, WT/BOP/R/12 3, 
WT/BFA/21 8, WT/REG/3 4, WT/WGTDF/ 22, WT/WGTTT/ 25, GPA/AR/ 6, and WT/L/11 77 – TCA/21, 
and agreed to forward the reports to the Thirteenth Ministerial Conference.  The General Council also 
adopted the draft Annual Report for 2 023 of the General Council ( WT/GC/W/ 907), on the 
understanding that the Secretariat would make t he necessary adjustments to include matters 
 
110 Note: At the December  meeting, Item 8 contained in WTO/AIR/GC/53  entitled "WTO Pension Plan – 
Amendment to the Regulations ( WT/GC/W/906 )" was withdrawn from the agenda at the time of adopting the 
agenda.   
111 To be issued.  
112 To be issued.  WT/GC/263  
 
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  considered at the December  meeting , and agreed to forward it to the Thirteenth Ministerial 
Conference.  
32  APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS TO WTO BODIES ( WT/GC/M/203  ; WT/GC/M/208113) 
32.1.  At the March  meeting,  the Chairperson recalled that i n accordance with the Guidelines for 
Appointment of Officers to WTO Bodies ( WT/L/510 ), and the related "practical steps" to improve 
their implementation ( JOB/GC/22 ), he, together with the Chairperson  of the Dispute Settlement 
Body, Ambassador Molokomme (Botswana), and the former Chair person  of the General Council, 
Ambassador Castillo (Honduras), ha d conducted consultations on a slate of names for the 
appointment of Chair person s to WTO regul ar bodies listed in Groups 1, 2, 4 and 5 in the Annex to 
the Guidelines.  He noted that they had  consulted regularly and frequently with the coordinators of 
the four broad regional groups, namely: (i) Africa; (ii) Asia and the Pacific; (iii) developed count ries; 
and (iv) Latin America and the Caribbean , and that they had also remained available throughout the 
process for any individual delegation wishing to consult with them.  
32.2.  In particular, they had  met with group coordinators on multiple occasions, in December, 
January and February. To ensure transparency in this process, the Chairperson had  sent 
communications to all delegations on 2  December, 19 January, 26 January and 14 February. In his 
communic ations, he had  provided regular updates on the status of the consultations and the 
nominations or expressions of interests that they had received. The final communication had also 
included the draft, stabilized slate for Members' consideration.  On 21 Febru ary, in line with the 
Guidelines, he had  convened an Informal meeting of the General Council, where he had  reported on 
the consultations and presented to Members the draft, stabilized slate that had emerged – as 
contained in his communication.  No reservati ons to the names put forward had been  received – 
indicating that there appear ed to be consensus on the draft slate of names.  
32.3.  The full slate of names for the WTO regular bodies in Groups 1, 2, 4 and 5 resulting from the 
consultations read as followed : 
Gener al Council  H.E. Dr. Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme (Botswana)  
Dispute Settlement Body  H.E. Mr. Petter Ølberg (Norway)  
Trade Policy Review Body  H.E. Mr. Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel ( Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia)  
Council for Trade in Goods  H.E. Dr.  Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid (Nigeria)  
Council for Trade in Services  Permanent Representative, Mrs.  Tsvetelina 
Georgieva Dimitrova (Bulgaria)  
Council for TRIPS  H.E. Mrs. Pimchanok Pitfield (Thailand)  
Committee on Trade and Development  H.E. Dr.  José Sánchez -Fung (Dominican Republic)  
Committee on Balance -of-Payments 
Restrictions  H.E. Mr. Eheth Salomon (Cameroon)  
Committee on Budget, Finance and 
Administration  H.E. Dr. Bettina Waldmann (Germany)  
Committee on Trade and Environment  H.E. Mr. José Valencia (Ecuador)  
Committee on Regional Trade 
Agreements  H.E. Ms. Clare Kelly (New Zealand)  
Working Group on Trade, Debt and 
Finance  Mr. Felipe Llantada Soldi (Uruguay)  
Working Group on Trade and Transfer of 
Technology  H.E. Mrs. Sofia Boza Martinez (Chile)  
 
113 To be issued.  WT/GC/263  
 
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  32.4.  The General Council took note of the Chair person 's statement and of the consensus on the 
slate of names for the appointment of officers in the WTO bodies .  
32.5.  The Chairperson then recalled that, at the Informal meeting of the General Council on 
21 February, he had also encouraged the CTG and CTS Chairpersons , as well as group coordinators 
and delegations, to already start undertaking all possible arrangements and preparations for the 
consultations for the chairpersonships for the subsidiary bodies of the Council for Trade in Goods 
and the Council for Trade in  Services, so as to ensure a swift exercise. He also noted that Ambassador 
Kemvichet LONG (Cambodia), the outgoing Chairperson of the Council for Trade in Services, and 
Permanent Representative Mr. Etienne Oudot de Dainville (France), the outgoing Chairper son of the 
Council for Trade in Goods had already reached out to group coordinators to this end.  
32.6.  The Chairperson also informed the membership of some developments concerning the 
Chairpersonships of Accession Working Parties for which the respective Chairpe rsons had left 
Geneva.114 As announced at the regular meeting of the General Council in December, and in line 
with practice, he had asked Deputy Director -General Zhang to undertake the relevant consultations, 
on his behalf. Following these consultations, he  understood that there was consensus on the 
appointment of the following Chairpersons:  
Working Party  on the Accession of 
Azerbaijan  H.E. Mr. Alparslan Acarsoy (Türkiye)  
Working Party  on the Accession of Bosnia 
and Herzegovina  H.E. Ms. Anita Pipan (Slovenia)  
Working Party  on the Accession of Curaçao  H.E. Mr. Matthew Wilson (Barbados)  
Working Party  on the Accession of 
Equatorial Guinea  H.E. Dr. José R. Sánchez -Fung (the Dominican 
Republic)  
Working Party  on the Accession of Ethiopia  H.E. Ms. Rebec ca Fisher Lamb (United Kingdom)  
Working Party on the Accession of Serbia  H.E. Ms. Margit Szűcs (Hungary)  
Working Party on the Accession of 
Uzbekistan  H.E. Mr. Seong deok Yun (Republic of Korea)  
32.7.  The Chairperson also informed Members that t he consultations on the Chairpersonships for 
the Working Parties on the Accessions of Bhutan and Iraq were still ongoing.  He thanked Deputy 
Director -General Zhang for having undertaken these consultations on his behalf, thanked all new 
Chairpersons for the ir readiness and commitment in taking on these new roles and wished them 
success in their new endeavour.  
32.8.  The representatives of Peru; Mauritius; Kazakhstan; Canada; Honduras; Cameroon (African 
Group); Singapore; Kenya (ACP Group); the Russian Federation; China; South Africa; India; Japan; 
Türkiye; Tanzania; Bangladesh; Nepal; the United Kingdom; and Egypt paid tribute to the outgoing 
GC Chair person115 for his extensive contributions to the WTO including to the successful Twelfth 
Ministerial Conference, and congratulated and welcomed the incoming GC Chair person , as well as 
the other Chair person s of WTO bodies.  
32.9.  The General Council took note of  the statements.  
32.10.   At the December  meeting, the Chair person  said that in accordance with the Guidelines for 
the Appointment of Officers to WTO bodies in document WT/L/510  and the practical steps to improve 
the implementation of the Guidelines ( JOB/GC/22 ), she initiated the  2024 selection process for the 
appointment of chairp ersons to the WTO bodies in Groups 1, 2, 4 and 5 of the Annex to the Guidelines  
on 6 November 2023 . In accordance with the Guidelines, she said that she was being  assisted in the 
 
114 For more accession -related discussions in the Gener al Council in 2023, see further above and under 
"Other Business".  
115 The European Union; the United States; Thailand; the United Kingdom; Panama , as well as the 
Director -General , paid tribute to the outgoing GC Chairperson under previous agenda items, as reflected in 
WT/GC/M/203 . WT/GC/263  
 
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  selection process by Ambassador Petter Ølberg (Norway) , the serving Chair person of the Dispute 
Settlement Bod, and Ambassador Dacio Castillo (Honduras) , former Chair person  of the General 
Council. She reported that Ambassador Ølberg , Ambassador Castillo and herself  had already met 
with group coordinators on 9 November and 7 December  2023, and she was pleased to note that 
there appeared to be an emerging draft slate of names . She said that she would send a 
communication to all Members before the end -of-year break containing the draft slate of names and 
that an informal General Council  meeting would be convened in early 2024 to finalize this 
housekeeping function to ensure a smooth conduct of WTO bodies in 2024.  The General Council took 
note of the statement by the Chair person . 
32.11.   Under this item, the GC Chairperson also informed Members t hat, following the consultations 
that Deputy Director -General Xiangchen Zhang had carried out on her behalf,  she understood that 
there was consensus on the appointments of H.E. Ms.  Nadia Theodore  (Canada) as Chairperson of 
the Working Party on the Accessio n of The Bahamas; and of H.E. Ms. Nina Tornberg (Sweden) as 
Chairperson of the Working Party on the Accession of Somalia. The General Council took note of the 
statement.  
33  ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON ( WT/GC/M/203 ) 
33.1.  At the March  meeting, the GC Chairperson , H.E. Mr . Didier Chambovey (Switzerland),  as the 
outgoing presiding officer of the General Council, made a statement. The General Council then 
unanimously elected H.E. Dr. Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme (Botswana ) as Chairperson . 
33.2.  The Director -General and the ne wly elected Chair person  spoke. The General Council took note 
of the statements.116 
34  OTHER BUSINESS  
- Chairpersonships of the accession117 Working Parties of Bhutan and Iraq  
(WT/GC/M/204 ) 
34.1.  At the May meeting, t he GC Chairperson made an announcement , under Other Business,  
related to the Chairpersonships on the Working Parties on the Accessions of Bhutan and Iraq. The 
General Council took note of the statement.  
- WTO Action to Assist Developing Countries and LDCs in Crisis Response  – Request from  
Pakistan ( WT/GC/M/205 ) 
34.2.  At the July meeting, Pakistan  introduced , under Other Business, a proposal "WTO Action to 
Assist Developing and LDCs in Crisis Response" .118 The representatives of India; Argentina; 
Sri Lanka;  the Bolivarian Republic of  Venezuela ; Egypt; China; S outh Africa; the Plurinational State 
of Bolivia ; Nepal; Indonesia; and Brazil spoke. The General Council took note of the statement s. 
- European Deforestation Regulation EUDR  – Request by Honduras, on behalf of Argentina;  
Plurinational State of Bolivia;  Brazil; Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, 
Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay and Peru  (WT/GC/M/207119) 
34.3.  At the November  meeting, Honduras, on behalf of Argentina, the Plurinational State of Bolivia , 
Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay and 
Peru, made a statement , under Other Business, concerning the European Deforestation Regulation 
EUDR.  The representatives of Argentina; Ecuador; Brazil; Thailand; Malaysia; Indonesia; Australia; 
Nigeria; and  Canad a spoke.  Cameroon (African Group)  made a statement on this matter at the time 
of the adoption of the agenda for the meeting.  The General Council took note of the statements.  
 
116 Zambia subsequently provided its statement, which has been reflected, as requested, in WT/GC/M/203 . 
117 For more accession -related discussions in the General Council in 2023, see further above.  
118 JOB/GC/347  
119 To be issued.  WT/GC/263  
 
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  - Administrative Measures for Members in Arrears ( WT/GC/M/203 ; WT/GC/M/204 ; 
WT/GC/M/205 ; WT/GC/M/207 ; WT/GC/M/208120) 
34.4.  In October 2012, the General Council approved a recommendation from the Committee on 
Budget, Finance and Administration regarding revised Administrative Measures for Members in 
arrears, as contained in WT/BFA/132 , Annex I. These new revised Measures entered into force on 
1 January 2013. These Measures required that at the end of each meeting of the General Council, 
the Chair person  of the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration should provide informati on 
with regard to which Members and Observers were under Administrative Measures; and, the General 
Council Chair person  would request Members and Observers in Categories II and III to inform the 
Secretariat as to when the payment of arrears might be expecte d. 
34.5.  At the General Council meetings in March , May, July, November  and December , the 
Chairperson of the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration provided information , under 
Other Business, with regard to which Members were under Administrative Measures121 and the GC 
Chairperson  request ed Members and Observers in Categories II and III  to inform the Secretariat as 
to when the payment of arrears might be expected . The General Council took note of the statements.  
__________  
 
120 To be issued.  
121 JOB/GC/339 ; JOB/GC/343 ; JOB/GC/354 ; JOB/GC/370 ; JOB/GC/379