INF/MSME/W/33/Rev.2  
 
13 July 2021  
(21-5549) Page: 1/3 
  Original: English  
 
INFORMAL WORKING GROUP ON MSMES  
DRAFT DECLARATION ON MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM -SIZED  ENTERPRISES (MSMES)  
Revision  
The following communication, dated 13 July 2021, is being circulated at the request of the 
Coordinator of the Informal Working Group on MSMEs.  
 
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We, the Head s of Delegations  representing the following Members of the WTO:  […], 
 
Acknowledging  that the integration of Micro, Small and  Medium -sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in 
international trade enhances their contribution to the economic development of WTO Members, as 
sources of job creation, innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth;  
 
Stressing  that promotion of the participation of  MSMEs in international trade is therefore an 
important issue in the WTO agenda;  
 
Recalling  the centrality of the multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core, to foster a 
transparent inclusive, [ non-discriminatory],  and predictable global trade environment [where MSMEs 
can compete on a level -playing field ] [that supports  MSMEs  involvem ent in international trade];  
 
Recognizing  that the COVID -19 pandemic has had a significant negative impact on MSMEs and that 
a coordinated global response remains necessary to help MSMEs bounce back;  
 
Reaffirming  our pledge, as contained in our Joint Ministerial Statement at Buenos Aires1, to address 
obstacles related to foreign trade operations that represent a significant burden for MSMEs interested 
in participating in international trade;  
 
Reiterating  our reso lve to favour horizontal and non -discriminatory solutions which are likely to yield 
benefits for the participation of MSMEs in international trade, taking into account the specific needs 
of developing Members and least developed countries;  
 
Desiring  to sup port the consideration of MSME -related issues in the regular work of WTO bodies and 
any other relevant work in the WTO;  
 
1. Welcome  the work of the WTO Informal Working Group on MSMEs since the 11th WTO Ministerial  
Conference that took place in Buenos Aire s, Argentina, in December 2017 and the adoption on 
11 December 2020 of a package (INF/MSME/4 and Rev.1) including the following six 
recommendations and declarations:  
 
a) Recommendation on the collection and maintenance of MSME -related information 
(Annex 1) ; 
b) Declaration on access to information (Annex 2);  
 
1 WT/MIN(17) /58/Rev.1 . INF/MSME/W/33/Rev.2  
 
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  c) Recommendation on trade facilitation and MSMEs (Annex 3);  
d) Recommendation on promoting MSMEs' inclusion in regulatory development in the area 
of trade (Annex 4);  
e) Recommendation on MSMES and the W TO Integrated Database (Annex 5);  
f) Declaration on  addressing the trade -related aspects of MSMEs'  access  to finance and 
cross-border payments (Annex 6).  
2. Welcome  the launch of the Trade4MSMEs Platform and of the Trade4MSMEs Hub, a partnership 
with key i nternational organizations working on MSME and trade issues (INF/MSME/W/34).  
 
3. Welcome  the MSME RTA and TPR databases available on the WTO webpage.  
 
4. Declare  that: 
 
4.1.  The work of the Informal Working Group on MSMEs (the IWG) shall focus on issues of  core 
significance to MSMEs and shall identify actions that could be taken to promote  MSMEs' participation 
in international trade , including fostering  exchange s of good practices on how to best take into 
account MSMEs needs in domestic  rulemaking . 
 
4.2.  The IWG will continue monitoring the recommendations and declarations set out in 
paragraph  1. 
 
4.3.  The IWG will pursue its work on the basis of the  Buenos Aires Joint Ministerial Statement 
(WT/MIN(17)/58/Rev.1), recommendations and declarations s et out in paragraph 1.1 and will 
consider proposals submitted by members as well as any other inputs the IWG deems relevant in 
consistence with paragraph 3.1. We take note of the presentations made to the IWG, without 
prejudice to the position of IWG membe rs. 
 
4.4.  We invite IWG members, with the support of the WTO Secretariat and relevant multilateral 
institutions as needed, to exchange good practices in areas of interest to the Group and to organize 
workshops and information sessions as appropriate.  
 
4.5.  The IWG shall meet at least twice a year and may hold additional meetings as appropriate.  
 
4.6.  The IWG shall promote an effective coordination and information exchange with the other WTO 
regular working bodies on MSME -related issues . In particular, IW G members shall do their best to 
promote MSME -related discussions within regular WTO bodies . 
 
4.7.  The IWG will continue to periodically share with the membership information on its work and 
discussions at the HoDs, General Council and the Ministerial Con ference as well as to reach out to 
other Members in order to invite them to join the Group in light of the value of our initiative.  
 
4.8.  The IWG and its members should continue the dialogue with the private sector to ensure its 
work remains relevant for MSMEs.  
 
5. Express support for  MSMEs in Covid times and beyond.  
 
5.1.  As a first response to the Covid -19 crisis, several IWG members circulated a "Statement on 
highlighting the importance of MSMEs in the time of Covid -19" on 14 May 2020 (WT/GC/215) .2 
Looking ahead, the IWG is determined to foster international trade as a path to recovery considering 
not only the benefits MSMEs may derive from increased access to third markets but also because 
many MSMEs rely on imports in  their activities.  
 
5.2.  The IWG will continue to support the WTO playing an active role in promoting open trade as 
well as resilient and sustainable value chains , which are essential to the economic recovery after the 
pandemic for MSMEs . 
 
 
2 The following Members circulated the Statement: [list].  INF/MSME/W/33/Rev.2  
 
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  5.3.  As a predictable and more certain global environment is crucial for MSMEs to make the most 
of trade opportunities, especially in these Covid -19 trying times, the IWG will encourage raising 
awareness and promoting the use of platforms facilitating MSMEs' access to i nformation. The IWG 
members will support the WTO Secretariat in its monitoring and information collection efforts, 
including on Covid -19 trade related measures. [At the same time, the IWG will continue working 
towards improving overall transparency for MSM Es to promote a more predictable regulatory 
environment and facilitate MSMEs ' effective participation in global trade .] [At the same time, the 
IWG will continue promoting improvement to overall transparency for MSMEs which would help 
develop a more predict able regulatory environment and facilitate MSMEs ' effective participation in 
global trade.] [At the same time, the IWG will continue inviting members to fulfil their commitments 
regarding transparency to promote a more predictable regulatory environment an d facilitate MSMEs ' 
effective participation in global trade .] 
 
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