RESTRICTED  
  
WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
5 April 2024 
(24-2928) Page: 1/23 
Committee on Trade and Development  
Sixtieth Session on Aid for Trade    
 
  
NOTE ON THE MEETING OF  1 FEBRUARY 2024  
Chair person:  H.E. M r José R. Sánchez -Fung (Dominican Republic ) 
Contents  
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  ................................ ................................ ....................  1 
B. IMPLEMENTATION OF AID -FOR-TRADE WORK ACTIVITIES  ................................ ..... 1 
I. Resource Mobilization and Implementation Activities  ................................ .............  1 
II. Mainstreaming  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 11 
III.  Regional Dimension ................................ ................................ ...............................  19 
IV. Private Sector  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 20 
V. Monitoring and Evaluation of Implementation and Development Effectiveness  .... 23 
C. OTHER BUSINESS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 23 
 
A. ADOPTION  OF THE AGENDA  
1.  On 1 February 2024 , the Committee on Trade and Development  (CTD)  Aid for Trade held its 
60th session . The meeting was chaired by  H.E. M r José R. Sánchez -Fung, of  the Dominican 
Republic . The Agenda was circulated  on 15 December 202 3 in WTO/AIR/COMTD/AFT/2 8. An 
annotated agenda was issued on 23 January 2024 in document JOB/COMTD/AFT/4.  
2.   The Chair made two changes to the agenda, proposing that sub -items (II) Mainstreaming 
(b) Update on Members' Trade and Development Strategies and (III) Regional Dimension 
(a) Reports from Members, Observers and Observer Organization be taken at the beginning of the 
meeting.  
3.  With these modifications, the agenda was adopted . 
B. IMPLEMENTATION OF AID -FOR-TRADE WORK ACTIVITIES  
I. RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION ACTIVITIES  
4.  Under this agenda item, the multilateral development banks reported on their latest 
Aid-for-Trade activities.  
5.  The representative of the African Development Bank  (AfDB ) delivered the following statement : 
6.  Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen , good morning or afternoon to you all. My name 
is Abou F all, Principal Trade Policy Officer at the Industrialization and Trade Development 
Department at the African Development Bank Group. It is a pleasure to deliver report today on the 
status of the African Dev elopment Bank 's trade and development initiatives.  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
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  The Context  
7.  Growth in sub -Saharan Africa is projected at 4 % in 2024 according to the I nternational 
Monetary Fund, with growth remaining below the historical average of 4.8 % The projected decline 
reflects, for several countries, worsening weather shocks, the global slowdown, and domestic 
supply issues, including, notably, in the electricity sector. In terms of trade, intensifying 
geoeconomic fragmentation could constrain the flow of commodities across regions, causing 
additional price volatility. Moreover, shortages of energy resulting from lower investment in fossil 
fuel development that are not matched by corresponding increases in alternative clean energy 
supplies may cause  more frequent energy crises. Such adverse supply shocks may affect countries 
asymmetrically, with particularly acute effects on lower -income countries, where food and energy 
constitute a large share of household consumption. Serious effects are especially  likely in sub -
Saharan Africa, where food averages about 40 % of consumption.  
8.  Against this background, it is also of critical importance to increase investments and build a 
more resilient trading system through the Aid -for-Trade Initiative. This is even mor e critical with 
the start of trading under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) which is a key 
milestone for the African continent as it will help set up a single African market for 1.3  billion 
people in a US D 3.4 trillion economic bloc.   
Response from the Bank on the Crises  
9.  The African Development Bank Group has embarked on bold initiatives to support African 
countries alleviate these crises and build the resilience of Africa and stimulate regional integration 
and trade, particularly under  the AfCFTA.   
10.  The Bank has just launched a USD 2 billion 3 -year Social Global Benchmark, its first social 
bond issued under its new Sustainable Bond Framework, established in September 2023. The 
Sustainable Bond Program seamlessly consolidates and enhances  the African Development Bank 's 
existing Green and Social Bond programs, facilitating the issuance of green bonds, social bonds, 
and sustainability bonds.  
11.  The Bank also delivered a COVID -19 Emergency response to Regional Member Countries 
(RMCs ). These reso urces came from the concessional and non -concessional windows of the Bank 
Group, special funds, and repurposed resources of cancellable loans. To achieve this, the Bank 
launched a (UA  7.4 billion) USD 10 Billion COVID Response Facility  (CRF). The Bank 's COVID 
Response Facility provided flexible support for sovereign and non -sovereign operations including:  
12.  In 2022, the African Development Bank Group invested USD 1.5 billion , including 
USD 1.3 billion from the African Development Bank ( AfDB) and the African  Development Fund 
(ADF) resources , in the African Emergency Food Production Facility (AEFPF) to boost the local 
production of cereals and oil grains as the most effective and efficient way to build the resilience of 
Africa 's food systems to respond to thes e circumstances and mitigate risks to supply in the short 
to medium term.  
Lending and Institutional Capacity Building for greater and inclusive industrial development and 
trade  
13.  The Bank has a strong record on building foundations to scale up intra -African  trade through 
the "Integrate Africa " and "Industrialize Africa " High-Fives with a strategy focus on areas such as 
business environment and trade policy support, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME ) 
development, industrial development, and digital tr ade to increase trade flows.  
14.  The Bank has built a comparative advantage on soft interventions and designing viable 
operations that robustly support trade and continental integration, particularly the effective 
implementation of the AfCFTA. These intervent ions pertain to transport and trade facilitation, 
including assistance to customs digitization, capacity enhancement, transit improvement, digital 
connectivity and trade, national quality policy strengthening (e.g., control laboratories), the 
elimination o f non -tariff barriers and other constraints to cross -border trade i.e., cumbersome 
rules of origin, non -tariff barriers (e.g., Sanitary and Phyto -sanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers 
to Trade), as well as MSMEs financing, and industrialization.  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
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  15.  Key operations in the foregoing regard include:  
16.  Multinational Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation Project (LCTFP) that covers Zambia, Angola, 
and some parts of the Democratic Republic of the  Congo. The LCTFP seeks to accelerate growth in 
domestic and cross -border trade along the Lobito Corridor through the implementation of 
harmonized trade facilitation instruments, the coordination of joint corridor development activities 
and through the effective participation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in valu e chains 
and corridor trade.   
17.  Multinational Harmonization and Certification of African Standards for Dairy, Horticulture, 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products Project to address and minimize the technical barriers to trade 
across -RMCs ' borders through the ha rmonization and certification of African standards for dairy, 
horticulture, fisheries, and aquaculture products.  
18.  East African Community ( EAC) Capacity Building Project to strengthen the EAC institutional 
capacities through the development/upgrading of sys tems reform and improve organizational 
effectiveness and tackle persistent barriers to the efficient movement of goods and services across 
borders.  
19.  Institutional Support Project to the A fCFTA Secretariat to enable the AfCFTA Secretariat and 
RMCs (with part icular focus on transition countries), to streamline and embed national and 
regional trade policy -related initiatives and move forward the African trade integration agenda 
through the effective implementation of the AfCFTA.  
20.  Multinational: Madagascar -Port d e Beira: Corridor Development and Trade Facilitation Project 
to develop the productivity of SMEs and strengthen food safety and speed up the conditions for 
importing and exporting products at borders, as well as the modernization of customs.  
21.  Multinational  – Institutional Support to  the Economic Community of Central African States 
(ECCAS ) for the Implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement to enhance the 
capacities of the ECCAS Commission regarding trade facilitation in order to increase its role of 
coordination of regional policy and support the capacity building of National Trade Facilitation 
Committees (NTFC) in ECCAS member countries in implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement 
in Central Africa.  
22.  EAC Trade Portal Project, a tripartite colla boration with The Bank, EAC and UNCTAD to 
address the trade Information and Communications Technology (ICT) systems capacity, low levels 
of online connectivity and inadequate transparency in cross -border trade; with the goal of feeding 
into a regional sing le window to ease barriers to trade and reduce trading cost.  
23.  Africa Continental Single Window Feasibility Study to undertake a feasibility for a continental 
single window through integrating regional single windows, focusing on Single Customs Territories 
in selected Regional Economic Communities ( RECs) in Africa.  
24.  Diversification, Accelerated Industrialization, Competitiveness and Employment Program 
(DAICE) to promote the structural transformation of the Ivorian economy by supporting the 
creation of priorit y industrial clusters, reforms and investments in public goods and services 
required to develop and structure the private sector, de -risk the financing of SMEs and innovative 
start-up. 
25.  Accelerated Industrialization, Competitiveness and Employment Support P rogram (PA AICE1) 
to support sustainable economic recovery, accelerated industrialization and job creation in Senegal 
by improving: (i) the competitiveness and value chains; (ii) productivity and technology adoption; 
(iii) access to financing; and (iv) pri vate sector development.  
 
1 Programme d'A ppui à l'A ccélération Industrie lle, à la Compétitivité et à l'Emploi . WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
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  The Africa Trade Fund – Unlocking Africa 's trade potential  
26.  The Africa Trade Fund is a CAD 15 million Single Donor Fund (Canada) managed by the A fDB 
with the objective of building a competitive African economy that is regionally an d globally 
integrated. The Africa Trade Fund has four pillars : Trade facilitation; Developing products and 
markets; Building capacity for institutions; and Growing the Bank 's knowledge to deliver. At the 
end of 2023, the Fund supported 26 projects led by 25 institutions (7 Africa -wide institutions, 5 
regional bodies, 8 government agencies, 3 not -for-profit organizations, 2 private sector alliances), 
with 16 low -income economi es benefiting, one third of projects focusing on empowering women.  
27.  The African Development Bank is seeking to mobilize additional resources, in the tune of 
USD 100 million to create the Africa Trade Fund 2.0 as a new Multi -Donor Trust Fund to scale -up 
technical assistance, institutional strengthening, and functional capacity development support to 
expand regional, continental, and international trade of RMCs. Most importantly, the Fund will seek 
to coordinate an institutional approach and strategy to advan ce the preparedness and delivery of 
RMC actions in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.   
Conclusion  
28.  In conclusion, I wish to reiterate the Bank 's firm commitment to raise its ambitions to support 
the continent in its dev elopment goals. To that effect, the Bank 's new Ten -Year Strategy will guide 
its efforts to scaling up Aid  for Trade in order to promote and accelerate inclusive, MSME and 
industrial development, digital trade and connectivity, climate -resilient growth and development, 
as it continues to make the High 5s and the Sustainable Development Goals a reality for Africa.  I 
thank you for your kind attention.  
29.  The representative of the Asian Development Bank  (ADB)2 delivered the following statement : 
30.  Honorable Ambassad or Jos é R. Sánchez -Fung, dear colleagues, good morning. Thank you for 
inviting ADB to share with members of the Committee for Trade and Development a brief update 
on our Aid-for-Trade activities.  
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)  
31.  MSMEs remain important driv ers of growth across developing Asia and the Pacific. They 
account for an estimated 96.6% of all enterprises and 28% of economic output on average (based 
on available data from 24 ADB developing member countries through 2022). However, despite 
their substa ntial economic contribution, MSME participation in international trade remains limited.  
32.  According to the last edition of the Asia Small and Medium -Sized Enterprise Monitor released 
in October 2023 focusing on economies in the Pacific, reasons include insu fficient market 
information, regulatory challenges, and difficulty in meeting industry standards and quantity 
demand. MSMEs have significantly less access to finance compared with larger firms. Scarce trade 
finance, which facilitates about 80% of global tr ade, hinders smaller firms from participating in 
regional and global value chains. Reducing trade barriers and increasing supply chain resilience, 
including through access to trade financing, particularly for SME suppliers based in Asia therefore 
remains c ritical.  
33.  Through its active portfolio of projects, as of 2022, ADB 's Private Sector Operations 
Department (PSOD) Assistance to banks, nonbank financial institutions, and microfinance 
institutions for on -lending to businesses has benefited 47.5 million MSM Es, of which 46.1 million 
were owned or led by women.   
34.  In particular, PSOD finance sector operations in 2022 focused heavily on providing funds to 
needy MSMEs. This includes investments to help smaller enterprises in the People 's Republic of 
China lower th eir carbon footprint, financing for enterprises in Kazakhstan affected by COVID -19, 
and assistance for small businesses in the transport and logistics sector in India.  
 
2 Additional information on the  Asian Development Bank's Aid-for-Trade activities are accessible in 
Room Document RD/COMTD/AFT/27.  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
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  35.  In addition, the Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program (TSCFP) and Microfinance Program 
(MFP) play an essential role in filling gaps for trade and supply chain funding estimated at 
USD 2.5 trillion in 2022, and to help micro, small, and medium -sized enter prises (MSMEs) grow. 
In 2022, the TSCFP supported over 10,000 transactions valued at more than USD 7.7 billion, and 
reached more than 6,300 small and medium -sized enterprises.   
36.  Meanwhile, the MFP provided USD 341 million in loans to microfinance institutio ns, which 
extended the proceeds to more than 600,000 individual borrowers, 97% of whom were women. 
The MFP, worked with nine partner financial institutions to support 25 MFIs across five Developing 
Member Countries ( DMCs ), including Bangladesh, Cambodia, I ndia, Indonesia, and Pakistan.   
Digital connectivity  
37.  ADB recognizes the importance of digital connectivity in supporting international trade and 
has been actively involved in various initiatives to enhance digital infrastructure and services 
across Asia an d the Pacific. Digital connectivity encompasses a broad range of activities, including 
the development of digital infrastructure like broadband networks and mobile internet services, as 
well as the promotion of digital skills, digital financial services, a nd cross -border e -commerce 
platforms.  
38.  Infrastructure development: ADB invests in physical digital infrastructure projects, such as 
fibre optic cables, mobile networks, and satellite communications, to improve internet access and 
quality in underserved areas. These projects often include components to enhance the resilience 
and capacity of digital networks, supporting the needs of modern tr ade and commerce.  
39.  Policy and Regulatory Reforms: ADB works with governments to reform policies and 
regulations that facilitate digital trade. This includes support for harmonizing digital standards, 
improving legal frameworks for electronic transactions, and enhancing data protection and 
cybersecurity measures. Such reforms create a more conducive environment for digital trade 
across borders. For example, ADB is supporting its DMCs to adopt the UN Model Laws on Electronic 
Transferable Records (MLETR) or eq uivalent legislation, to materially accelerate the digitization of 
trade.  
40.  Capacity Building and Skills Development: Recognizing the importance of human capital in the 
digital economy, ADB supports training programs and initiatives to improve digital liter acy and 
skills among the workforce. This is crucial for businesses to take full advantage of digital 
technologies in trade and commerce.  
41.  Trade facilitation and paperless trade: ADB promotes, and assists DMCs in implementing, 
trade facilitation measures by  upgrading infrastructure and leveraging digital technology to 
strengthen trade and trade facilitation.   
42.  Digital Services: ADB promotes the development and adoption of digital services, including 
financial services, which are key to enabling international trade. This includes support for mobile 
banking, electronic payments, and fintech solutions that facilitate cross -border transactions and 
financial inclusion.  
43.  E-Commerce and Digital Trade Platforms: ADB assists in the development of e -commerce 
ecosystems and digital trade platforms that enable small and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs) to 
access global markets. This includes technical assistance for establishing online marketplaces and 
digital trade facilitation tools.  
44.  Regional Cooperation and Integration:  ADB emphasizes the importance of regional 
cooperation to enhance digital connectivity. This includes initiatives to improve cross -border digital 
infrastructure, harmonize regulatory standards, and foster trade and digital agreements among 
countries in the  region and other forms of cooperation on digital connectivity.  
45.  Digital divide: significant disparities in digital connectivity persist among countries in the 
region. ADB's work in this area aims to address the digital divide within and between countries,  
ensuring that economies can benefit from the growth opportunities offered by digitalization.   WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
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  Trade and Recovery from Disasters  
46.  Over the last two decades, almost 40% of disasters worldwide have occurred in Asia, much 
higher than just over 20% each in Afri ca and the Americas. The region 's experience with severe 
earthquakes and floods portends a gamut of impacts of climate change -related disasters on 
economic activities, including international trade and investment. For instance, the floods in 
northern Thail and in July 2011 inundated seven industrial parks and affected 800 companies, 
having left considerable damages to part of global value chains that involved the country.   
47.  Through technical assistance, grants and Emergency Assistance Loans, ADB provides time ly 
support to help its developing member countries respond to urgent life -saving requirements, 
rebuild high -priority infrastructure and physical assets, and restore governance and economies 
following disasters and emergencies. Between January 2017 and Dece mber 2021, ADB approved 
USD 818.35  million in financing for 15 post -disaster assistance projects following disasters 
triggered by natural hazards. More recently, in 2022, ADB approved an USD 554 million financing 
package, including new and reallocated fund s, to support recovery and reconstruction efforts in 
Pakistan following devastating floods.   
48.  ADB also provides Contingent Disaster Financing, with budget support disbursed upon the 
satisfaction of pre -agreed condition. Generally, ADB 's budget support will be disbursed against 
economy -wide import requirements.   
49.  Let me conclude here. We look forward to continuing working with this committee and further 
supporting the Aid -for-Trade Work Program me. 
50.  The representative of  the European Development Bank for Reconstruction Development 
(EBRD)3 delivered the following statement : 
51.  In 2023, the EBRD delivered an unprecedented EUR 13 billion in investments across its 
economies. In Ukraine, where it is the largest institutional investor, the Bank deployed a record 
EUR 2 billion.  
52.  These increased investments, along with our policy dialogue and business advice activities, 
have underpinned our ongoing commitment to MSMEs, digital connectivity, and disaster -affected 
countries. Our initiatives fully aligned with the 2023 -2024 Aid -for-Trade priorities, including by 
focusing on food security. Furthermore, the EBRD has continued to work with partners to bolster 
global trade resilience, as reflected in our trade facilitation programme, which enabled 
EUR 4 billion in foreign tr ade within and across EBRD countries in 2023.  
53.  The Bank's approach rests on a range of diverse and complementary initiatives, where 
objectives overlap productively: support for SMEs is integral to both disaster response and food 
security, while enhancing di gital connectivity is crucial in facilitating trade. In all cases, the EBRD 
champions regional and global integration as a catalyst for sustainable and equitable economic 
growth. This contribution outlines a selection of EBRD projects and initiatives speci fically aimed at 
supporting MSMEs, digital connectivity, and disaster relief.  
MSMEs  
54.  Through financing, advisory services, and policy dialogue activities, the EBRD helps smaller 
businesses explore new export opportunities, and integrate into global and regi onal values chains.  
55.  In 2023, the Bank signed 74 small business deals, providing EUR 223 million in financing. 
Beyond financing, it engaged over 2,000 SMEs in advisory projects.  
56.  These efforts yielded significant results. From 2021 to 2023, over 1,500 SMEs in EBRD 
advisory projects increased their exports by EUR 1.9 billion within a year. For instance, EBRD's 
support last year helped Ukrainian food producer Bob Snail expand into European and Canadian 
markets.  
 
3 Additional information on EBRD's Aid -for-Trade activities are accessible in  in Room Document 
RD/COMTD/AFT/ 34. WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
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  Digital Connectivity  
57.  The EBRD's Digital Approach rests on three pillars  – adaptation, innovation, and foundational 
infrastructure  – and acknowledges the essential role of digital connectivity as a driver of trade. 
This understanding fuels our ongoing investment in foundational digital infrastructure, particularly 
in under -served areas.  
58.  Last year, for example, the Bank disbursed an EUR 18 million loan for fibre broadband rollout 
in Serbia's countryside, and committed another EUR 59 million in equity to support the 
establishment of a newly established independent tower company that will consolidate mobile 
towers in the Balkan region. The project is expected to increase tower sharing between 
telecommunications operators, thereby leading to an accelerated deployment of state -of-the art 
mobile technologies.  
Trade and natural disasters recovery  
59.  In 2023, devastating earthquakes struck Türkiye,  the largest economy where the EBRD 
operates, and Morocco. In response, the EBRD mobilized  unparalleled support.  
60.  Following Türkiye's earthquakes, for example, the EBRD promptly announced a EUR 1.5 billion 
package for 2023 -2024. Within a month, the EBRD had  approved a EUR 600 million framework to 
channel funds to local banks via two complementary windows: one providing finance access for 
businesses and individuals affected by the disaster, and the other supporting Turkish companies 
involved in recovery and r econstruction. As of December 2023, the Bank has already delivered 
close to EUR 800 million of investments for the benefit of companies and people in the earthquake -
hit region.  
61.  As we reflect on the EBRD's achievements in 2023, it  is clear that the Bank has  not only 
responded effectively to immediate challenges but also continued to build on its commitment to 
foster long -term and sustainable economic growth in its countries of operations. Going into 2024, 
we remain dedicated to supporting trade and contribut ing to a more prosperous and 
interconnected world.  
62.  Under the same agenda item , Members, Observers, and Observer Organizations shared their 
updates.  
63.  The representative of the  United Kingdom (UK)  provided a summary of a presentation he had 
previously given a t the WTO, outlining the key points related to the UK's new development policy.  
64.  In November 2023, the UK Government had released a white paper titled "International 
Development in a Contested World: Ending Extreme Poverty and Tackling Climate Change." This 
groundbreaking policy statement marked a significant shift, placing the cessation of extreme 
poverty and addressing climate change at the core of the UK's development policy. The document 
stressed the importance of collaboration with low -income countries and emerging markets, 
emphasizing partnership over unilateral development initiatives.  
65.  Acknowledging the essential role of trade in achieving the U nited Nations  Sustainable 
Development Goals by 2030, the white paper reiterated the significance  of trade in goods and 
services as a driver of economic growth. The UK Government made five key commitments to trade 
and development:  
• Increase in Trade in Services: The commitment involve d investing in low and middle -income 
countries, enhancing bilateral t rade through Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA), and 
facilitating access to UK trade services for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) through detailed 
guidance on the LDC service waiver at the WTO.  
• Stimulate Imports and Promote Exports: Aiming to boost tra de, the UK plan ned to launch an 
import campaign, analyze key sectors, promote policy reform, align Official Development 
Assistance (ODA), and encourage trade in sectors that enhance resilience and diversify 
economies.  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
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  • Support for Intra -African Trade: The U K pledged to back intra -African trade and the African 
Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by simplifying accumulation rules in EPAs and 
developing country schemes, allowing African countries in the Development -Capable Trading 
System (DCTS) to accumulate w ith other scheme members . 
• Development as a WTO Pillar: The UK aim ed to make development a cornerstone at the WTO 
by advocating for development outcomes in negotiations, supporting LDCs' integration into 
the international trading system, and providing assis tance to countries during WTO 
accessions.  
• Advocate for International Coordination on Decarbonization: Recognizing the disproportionate 
impact of climate change on developing countries, the UK committed  to advocating for 
international coordination on decarb onization, with a particular focus on addressing carbon 
leakage.  
66.  The UK Government expressed its commitment to these trade initiatives and welcomed the 
opportunity to provide updates on their implementation. Gratitude was extended to the Committee 
for host ing a detailed discussion on the white paper.  
67.  The representative of Nepal, on behalf of the Least Developed Countries , commended and 
welcomed the presentation of the UK's new development policy .  
68.  The representative of the United States  provided an update on the most recent trends in US 
funding for trade capacity -building programs over the previous year as follows:  
69.  In 2022 -2023, US trade capacity building (TCB) obligations totalled about USD  350 million 
distributed among the US Agency for International Development, the US Department of Agriculture 
(USDA) , and the US Department of Labour (DOL).  
70.  Central and Latin America received the largest amounts of TCB investment in 2022 -2023 
(USD  140M), followed by Sub -Saharan Africa (USD 131M); South an d Central Asia; and East Asia 
and Oceania with USD 72M and USD  47M, respectively.  
71.  Agriculture remain ed the largest category of technical assistance and capacity building 
investments representing 51 % of USDA programs in Sub -Saharan Africa, and 39 % of USDA 
programs in Central and Latin America,  and South Asia.   
72.  In 2023, Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) technical assistance support reached a bit over 
USD 13 million provided by USDA and USAID.  
73.  Their partnerships and programs are delivered in a wide variety of formats to address 
identified needs. Core areas of technical assistance include feasibility studies; market research; 
sector assessments; as well as SPS specialized training, and business workshops.  
74.  The representative of the  United Nations Co nference  on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)  
made the following statement on UNCTAD's e -commerce and digital economy work and ongoing 
and future capacity -building activities in developing countries:  
75.  UNCTAD is supporting a large number of developing countries  through various activities 
related to the assessments of national and regional e -commerce ecosystems (36 eTrade readiness 
assessments in of which 27 LDCs), 9 E -Commerce Strategies and 2 Action Plans. In addition and 
what makes the value added of UNCTAD is  the Implementation Support Mechanism and 
Implementation Reviews created since 2020 to ensure proper follow -up to eT Ready and 
eCommerce Stra tegies. UNCTAD can also help with the measurement of e -commerce and the 
digital economy as well as the legal and re gulatory frameworks for e -commerce and digital trade.  
• New collaborations have been sealed with Australia (Southeast Asia) and AfreximBank (Africa)  
• UNCTAD is currently engaged with Algeria, Fiji, Mauritania, Timor Leste, Trinidad and Tobago, 
Zimbabwe in th e conduct of eTrade Readiness Assessments and e-commerce Strategies.  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
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  • A comparative review of e -commerce legislation in the Pacific region is to be published in the 
first quarter of 2024.  
• Another upcoming event of importance, following up on the eWeek org anized last December in 
Geneva and which brought together over 3,500 participants from 159 countries (among which 
25 eTrade Focal Points) under the theme "Shaping the future of the Digital Economy ", is the 
UNCTAD Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Build ing digital readiness: From assessment 
to implementation, Geneva, 6 -8 May  2024. It represents an excellent opportunity for 
developing countries and development partners to engage in global discussions on:  
• key challenges faced by developing countries in en gaging with and deriving benefits from 
e-commerce and the digital economy;  
• effective policy measures to facilitate e -commerce adoption at the national level;  
• good practices and tools; and  
• the role of international cooperation in maximizing the advantages of e -commerce and digital 
trade for developing countries.  
76.  eTrade Focal Points have been invited to the meeting which will be followed by a two -day 
workshop dedicated to the new eTrade Refo rm Tracker, developed by UNCTAD 's which is a 
web-based project management and capacity -building tool designed to support national e 
commerce committees or equivalent bodies in coordinating the implementation of the 
recommendations contained in eTrade Readi ness Assessments, or priority measures included eT 
Ready Action Plans or national E -commerce Strategies.  
77.  A second representative from UNCTAD  made the following statement:  
78.  Allow me to provide further details on UNCTAD's initiatives pertaining to micro, smal l, and 
medium -sized enterprises (MSMEs). Firstly, we have actively supported the formulation of 
entrepreneurship policy frameworks and strategies in various beneficiary countries. Collaborating 
closely with several governments, we have facilitated the prep aration of entrepreneurship 
strategies within this context.  
79.  At the enterprise level, our Micro, Small, and Medium -sized Enterprises Productive 
Transformation (MPRTEC) program plays a pivotal role. MPRTEC focuses on building 
entrepreneurial skills and estab lishing business development cent res in over 40 Developing and 
Least Developed Countries. To date, the program has successfully trained over 500,000 
entrepreneurs globally.  
80.  In the year 2023, our efforts extended to developing a guide aimed at promoting the  
development of MSMEs and entrepreneurship within special economic zones in Africa. Additionally, 
we initiated a new project focused on encouraging international investment by SMEs. This project 
delved into the challenges and opportunities associated with SMEs' internationalization, presenting 
case studies from various regions in the developing world. These case studies offer valuable 
empirical evidence on the characteristics of SMEs from Developing Countries, introducing a novel 
framework to assess existin g investment policies and proposing options to facilitate overseas 
investments by SMEs.  
81.  Continuing our commitment to business facilitation, our program leverages digital technology 
to simplify and automate public administration, benefiting all enterprises,  with a particular 
emphasis on MSMEs in Developing Countries. Utilizing digital information portals, digital single 
windows, and digital fiscal services, the program streamlines processes such as business creation, 
license approvals, and tax payments.  
82.  Our ongoing efforts to enhance the utilization of trade preferences, both regionally and in 
various contexts, including the duty -free initiative, involve disseminating tools and information to 
MSMEs. Through web portals and handbooks, we provide valuable g uidance on optimizing the use 
of existing preferences.  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
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  83.  Lastly, a brief overview of our support to LDCs in the realm of rules of origin. Through a 
longstanding collaboration with the European University Institute, we have assisted LDC Delegates 
in the WTO C ommittee on Rules of Origin. Sharing experiences and challenges faced by LDCs, 
MSMEs, and other firms in complying with rules of origin, our work contributed to the Bali and 
Nairobi WTO decisions on preferential rules of origin for LDCs. The assistance pro vided has enabled 
LDC countries to reach agreements with other WTO members, as evidenced in the comprehensive 
report on rules of origin presented at  the WTO's 13th Ministerial Conference  (MC 13 ), contained in 
the document WTO/G/RO/9 of 24 November 2023. Th is report outlines efforts towards establishing 
simple and transparent rules of origin for LDCs and their MSMEs.  
84.  The representative of the  United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO ) made 
the following statement : 
85.  Mr. Chairman, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to inform the 
Committee of some recent developments at UNIDO pertaining to the thematic priorities of the 
Aid-for-Trade Work Programme  – outlining new initiatives in support of enhancing countries ' food 
security and in advancing sustainability.  
86.  I will start by highlighting the recently launched "Alliance for Special Agro -Industrial 
Processing Zones " – an alliance founded by the African Development Bank Group, Afreximbank, 
Arise Integrated Industri al Platforms, the Islamic Development Bank Group and UNIDO. The 
founding members announced US D 3bn in new investment to transform Africa 's underdeveloped 
rural areas into agro -industrial corridors of prosperity.  
87.  The Alliance aims to bridge a critical finan cing gap, complement existing initiatives, and 
mobilize resources towards the common goal of enhancing agricultural value addition in Africa. 
According to the Alliance members, meeting this financing goal will deliver an additional 15 to 20 
Special Agro -Industrial Processing Zones ( SAPZ ) projects in various countries across the continent 
and improve administrative, policy and investment incentives.  
88.  Special Agro -Industrial Processing Zones stimulate structural transformation and integrate 
smallholder farmers  into value chains through logistics and infrastructure, thus linking them to 
agro-industrial processors and consumer markets.  
89.  The Alliance, comprising development financial institutions, the private sector and 
development -oriented technical partners, will  help streamline the development and delivery of 
Special Agro -Industrial Processing Zones projects. As a development partner, UNIDO brings a 
wealth of technical assistance knowledge, practical experience, tools and methodologies to the 
Alliance.  
90.  Still on t he topic of food security, late last year, UNIDO co -organized the "Africa Food 
Regulatory Agencies Forum ", in Egypt, to take stock of current food safety capacity -building 
initiatives and identify required needs for the operationalization of the African Continental Free 
Trade Area.  
91.  On the sustainability side, UNIDO just established the "Global Alliance for R esponsible and 
Green Minerals " with Saudi Arabia, increasing local value addition and production alongside jobs in 
the mining regions, targeting artisanal and small -scale mining that will benefit from living wages, 
adherence to fundamental human rights, as  well as reduced disasters and damage to the 
environment.  
92.  The new Alliance will set up international guidelines and benchmarks for sustainable critical 
minerals supply chains, help countries with the implementation of standards and policies, 
supported by a  sound certification system. Participating countries and industry stakeholders will 
benefit from knowledge transfer and capacity building, and technology and financing approaches, 
promoting a fair and green sector that supports inclusive and sustainable ec onomic development.  
93.  With your permission, Chair, I would like to briefly highlight two other activities of relevance 
to the Aid -for-Trade Work Programme.  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
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  94.  As part of its biennial General Conference, UNIDO recently held the Industrial Innovation 
Forum. The F orum identified tangible solutions to shared challenges, including food system 
transformation, fostering sustainable supply chains, and addressing the threats posed by climate 
change. High -level speakers from governments, industry, academia and financial i nstitutions, 
agreed that through sustainable industrialization and inclusive industrial policy, we have the 
means to generate economic growth, support sustainable supply chains, limit climate breakdown 
and contribute to ending hunger worldwide.  
95.  At the Foru m, UNIDO presented its flagship Industrial Development Report 2024 presenting 
model solutions for developing countries, such as supply chain development in the green minerals 
sector  – a key element for the energy transition  – skills development for local d igital solutions to 
improve advanced manufacturing, and strategically strengthening trade infrastructure to attract 
Foreign Direct Investment.  
96.  Importantly, the report shows a huge need for investment in agribusiness infrastructure and 
in the food -processi ng industry, in sustainable energy for all, in decarbonization of industry and in 
job creation.  
97.  Looking ahead, UNIDO is ready to implement concrete projects for more value addition and 
job creation  – in line with the main call for a fairer globalization ma de at the 10th Ministerial 
Conference of the Least Developed Countries ', a conference held prior to UNIDO 's General 
Conference. UNIDO 's new Operational Strategy for the LDCs, which is fully aligned to the six Doha 
Programme of Action areas, sets out to exp and technical cooperation in key areas like food 
security, energy, green minerals and digitalization. Thank you for your attention. We look forward 
to continuing supporting the Aid -for-Trade Initiative.  
98.  The representative of China  updated the Committee on what his country had accomplished in 
the area of Aid for Trade in 2023. There were four main aspects to highlight. First, China had 
supplied production and manufacturing equipment and facilities, such as agricultural machinery 
and water supply projects in Africa. Second, China had contributed to enhancing trade -related 
transportation infrastructure, exemplified by the international airport and fish harbour project in 
Ghana. Third, China had sponsored seminars on trade facilitation and cross -border e -commerce, 
providing training to over 2,200 individuals. Fourth, China was hosting an international import 
Expo on an annual basis. Last year, China had allocated booths to developing country Members, 
allowing them to showcase and sell th eir products in China. China remained committed to 
providing Aid -for-trade assistance to enhance conditions and standards for developing countries 
and help integrate LDCs into the multilateral trading system.  
II. MAINSTREAMING  
99.  Under this agenda item, Membe rs that had recently completed their Trade Policy Review 
delivered their statements to the Committee.  
100.  The representative of the Türkiye  gave the following statement:   
101.  Mr. Chair, Türkiye has always remained committed to the principle of openness. Indeed, 
thanks to its open economy and its geopolitical position, as well as its strong manufacturing and 
logistics infrastructure, Türkiye has become an important hub for global supply chains.  
102.  Considering this significant position, Türkiye has taken steps to furthe r facilitate trade. In 
this sense, as part of its national trade facilitation strategy in line with the WTO Trade Facilitation 
Agreement, Türkiye has taken major steps for achieving paperless trade and successfully  
performing Single -Window System. The Nati onal Committee on Trade Facilitation of Türkiye has 
served an effective platform with strong private sector engagement.  
103.  Besides trade facilitation measures, major steps were taken with respect to infrastructural 
development in terms of trade logistics. Es pecially, thanks to the new bridges and railway 
connections, the trade between Asia and Europe is much better connected than before, and 
uninterrupted railway transportation between two continents has been made possible, crossing 
under the Bosporus  Strait.  Due to its geographical location, as well as the steps we have taken to 
increase the logistics connectivity and to reduce trade costs, Türkiye has become a vital transit WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
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  country in most of the transportations carried out between Central Asia, Middle East,  Africa and 
Europe.  Therefore, every step Türkiye takes in the field of logistics and customs creates an impact 
on a broader geography.  
104.  Furthermore, Türkiye continued its efforts to diversify its trade within a larger geography and 
developed partnerships around the world through increased cooperation, free trade agreements 
and its generalized system of preferences, which is one of the most generous autonomous 
preferential trade scheme implemented by a developing country. With its General Scheme of 
Preferences ( GSP), Türkiye provides important market access opportunities for other developing 
members and LDCs under its GSP Scheme. In this respect, around 35% of imports of Türkiye are 
being conducted with 0 customs tariff.  
105.  Taking into account the high concentration of our trade within neighbouring and 
geographically closer regions, we have launched the "Far Countries Strategy " for further promoting 
our trade and economic relations with overseas. Given the special importance Türkiye is according 
to its p artnership with African Continent, we also implement a special dialogue mechanism with 
our African partners including cooperation in manufacturing, agro-industries, energy, investments, 
tourism and transportation. We will continue our efforts to enhance co operation and facilitate trade 
in broader geography and support LDCs ' participation in global trade. Thank you.  
106.  The representative of Chinese Taipei  gave the following statement:  
107.  Good afternoon, Mr. Chairperson, the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, 
Kinmen and Matsu conducted its 5th Trade Policy Review on 9th November, 2023. Our report also 
encompasses our efforts in the Aid -for-Trade Initiative.  
108.  After our 5th Trade Policy Review (TPR), we released our "International Cooperation and 
Development Policy White Paper" on 7th December, 2023. In this latest document, we replaced 
the term "foreign aid" with "international cooperation and development ." This change aligns with 
the overarching goal of uniting all nations in the pursuit of the U nited Nations' 17 Sustainable 
Development Goals.  
109.  According to the White Paper, our Official Development Assistance (ODA) spending in 2022 
reached to 432 million US dollars, accounting for 0.055 % of our gross national income for that 
year. This marked an increase from 0.04 % in 2021. Our focus extends to combating the 
COVID -19 pandemic, addressing climate change, reducing poverty and inequality, empowering 
women and youth, particularly in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and fostering a more 
inclusive and equitable society within our Aid -for-Trade agenda.  
110.  Furthermore, the White Paper underscores the distinctive features of our model in promoting 
international cooperation and development. This involves addressing the specific needs of partner 
Members, le veraging our industrial and trade technologies, collaborating with local governments 
and communities, and deploying technical missions on -site. The ultimate objective is to assist our 
partners in engaging in fair and rule -based international trade. This co llaboration encompasses 
four key operational aspects: (1) supporting trade -related infrastructure, (2)providing technical 
assistance, (3) offering lending and investment assistance, and (4) fostering capacity building.  
111.  In our Aid -for-Trade initiatives, we collaborate with international organizations such as APEC, 
the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (ERBD), and the Central American Bank 
for Economic Integration (CABEI).  
112.  As a responsible Member of the WTO, we reaffirm our commitment to the Ai d-for-Trade 
Initiative. We stand ready to collaborate with our partners on all fronts to advance the integration 
of developing country Members LDCs into the global trading system. We view these efforts as 
essential in achieving the "2030 Agenda for Sustainable D evelopment" and the "17 Sustainable 
Development Goals."  
113.  The representative of Zambia  provided the  following  update:  
114.  Chairperson, may I take this opportunity to update members on Zambia 's trade and 
development strategies developed in the recent past . I wou ld like to begin by highlighting the fact WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
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  that Zambia 's Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS) was updated in 2023 to take into account 
developments related to climate change as well as developments surrounding Zambia 's graduation 
from the category of l east developed countries.  
115.  Other strategies guiding Zambia 's trade and development Agenda include:  
• The National standards Strategy whose aim is to support a structured development of 
standards to support industrial and trade sector growth and development;  
• The Zambia Export Diversification Strategy for gold and gemstones to structure the 
engagement of players in these sub -sector and support the formalisation for the informal 
sector to enhance the contribution of the sub -sectors to economic growth and develop ment;  
• The revised National Micro, small and medium enterprise Development Policy to enhance the 
role of micro small and medium enterprises in economic development by promoting their 
participation in productive activities and their anchor to trade framework s; 
• The National E -commerce Strategy to support the development of ICT infrastructure and skills 
development and facilitate the integration of business communities into regional and global 
electronic marketplace . 
• The National strategy for the implementation  of the Agreement Establishing the African 
Continental Free trade Area to ensure that Zambia benefits from expanded market access and 
investment opportunities arising from the AFCFTA.  
116.  These strategies build on existing policies on trade and industrial sect or development as well 
as the national development plan, whose latest series is the Eight h National Development Plan. 
Following the presentation by the representative of Zambia, multiple delegations, including the 
representative of Nepal of behalf of the L DCs, took the floor to express their appreciation for the 
address. Additionally, three other delegations added their contribution to the discussion:  
117.  The representative of the European Union (EU)  said that it acknowledged and supported 
Zambia's ambition to develop local transformation capacities for battery minerals in cooperation 
with other African neighbours . The EU was committed to working together with Zambia along the 
entire minerals value chain, furthering the industrialization of the country. The over all objectives of 
this partnership were, inter alia , first to develop a closer economic and industrial integration of 
Zambia and the European Union in the sustainable value chain of raw materials by identifying and 
jointly developing innovative, sustainable, and responsible raw materials value chains. Second, to 
promote and invest in circular economy value chains for the recycling, reusing, and 
remanufacturing of critical raw materials, including through technology transfer between the 
European Un ion and Zambia. Third, to promote the alignment of sustainable raw material value 
chains developed for cooperation on skills, capacity building, and competencies necessary for the 
development of sustainable raw material value chains, including the promotio n of the most 
sustainable extraction and transformation practices in the circular economy. And finally, to 
facilitate closer cooperation on research and innovation along the raw materials value chain, 
including advanced exploration, earth observation, inno vative extraction, processing, refining, and 
recycling technologies. The EU was looking forward to continuing its work with the Government of 
Zambia on the implementation of this memorandum of understanding.  
118.  The representative of the United Kingdom , reiter ated their support to Zambia, having 
provided over GBP 65 million in Aid for Trade between 2017 and 2022. His delegation  was pleased 
to discuss plans to collaborate with the Government of Zambia and Trademark Africa to upgrade 
the border post between Zambi a and Tanzania. The project was expected to reduce truck dwell 
time at the border from the current average of 32 hours down to 10. Zambia was also eligible for 
the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme and would be welcome to join the Economic 
Partnersh ip Agreement between the UK and Eastern and Southern African countries.  
119.  The representative of UNCTAD  expressed appreciation for Zambia's collaboration in 
developing e-trade readiness assessment and a self -funded e -Commerce strategy  – a notable 
initiative.  Zambia had sought UNCTAD's support in monitoring and implementing this strategy, 
with plans to utilize the recently developed eTrade tracker and reform tracker.  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
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  120.  The representative of the Enhanced Integrated Framework  (EIF) made the following 
statement:  
121.  I would like to start by thanking all the partners in the EIF, the Donors, LDCs and 
international agencies. The current focus of the work programme on Aid for Trade resonates 
strongly with the EIF. With respect to food security; over half of EIF projects ar e agriculture 
related, such as in Togo where soya production has increased by more than 500%; digital 
connectivity where more than 100  e-commerce initiatives have been supported; and 
mainstreaming, the cornerstone of what we do with supportive structures t o facilitate this 
established across the LDCs, working with countries such as Zambia to anchor trade into the 
National Development Plans.  
122.  We are now into the last year of Phase 2 of the EIF and remain focused on the effective 
closure processes in conjuncti on with harvesting and sharing key lessons and results. While the 
Task Force continues to work on the future of multilateral development assistance for LDCs I am 
pleased to share that a number of donors are coming forward to contribute towards an Interim 
Facility enabling EIF support to LDCs to continue for the duration of 2024. We have already 
received USD 1.9M from the Government of Norway and other donors are also finalising their 
contributions to this facility. The interim facility will enable time crit ical interventions in LDCs to 
continue, including amongst other areas support towards WTO accession and post -accession 
support, leveraging EIF structures to ensure sustainability of past projects, regional integration, 
cotton, green trade and the leveragin g of additional resources facilitating deeper mainstreaming of 
trade and development.  
123.  In this key phase the EIF is documenting learnings from the initiative. This includes for 
instance two studies focused on learnings from the EIF and external resources on best practice on 
how to assess aspects such as Gender and Climate Change in trade policy. The EIF thanks the 
Gender Unit at the WTO for the opportunity to gather feedback at the Youth and Gender Summit 
held at the end of 2023, held on the same  day as the EIF 's last address to this Committee.  
124.  More broadly, lessons and impacts are being shared through the EIF 's Trade for 
Development News and social media platforms. Find out how the EIF has supported embedding 
trade into National Development Plans , facilitated the diversification of Zambia 's trade, the growth 
of Cambodia 's rice exports, more than doubling both exports and export destinations, through to 
catalytic impacts leveraging tourism in the Solomon Islands and strengthening value chains in th e 
Gambia.  
125.  I thank the LDCs for the incredible commitment to deepening the structures facilitating the 
mainstreaming of trade for development and the political capital invested by the Ministries of 
Trade in this endeavour; the expertise of the EIF partners hip and particularly the generosity of the 
EIF Donors; and more recently in particular the donors to the Interim Facility for their support in 
contributing to these results for the LDCs.  
 
126.  The representative of Nepal, on behalf of the Least Developed Count ries (LDCs)  expressed 
appreciation for the EIF's dedicated efforts in enhancing the trade -related capacity of LDCs. He 
recalled that the representative of the EIF Task Force had provided valuable insights during the 
meeting, outlining the ongoing work towa rds the future EIF programme and the creative solutions 
being explored as the second phase neared its closure. The representative highlighted the Task 
Force's commitment to shaping the future multilateral programme for LDCs. Moreover, 
acknowledgment was ex tended to donors for their crucial contributions to an Interim Facility, 
ensuring continued EIF support to LDCs throughout 2024, bridging the gap until the anticipated 
commencement of a new programme. The representative took the opportunity to urge 
develop ment partners to increase Aid for Trade, aligning with the provisions of the Doha Action 
Plan and SDGs 2030.  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
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  127.  The representative of the Standards Trade Development Facility  (STDF)4 made the following 
statement:  
128.  The STDF is a global partnership that helps developing countries building their sanitary and 
phytosanitary (SPS) capacity to access regional and international markets. SPS barriers are among 
the main  non tariff barriers ( NTBs) that can block trade in agri -food products. Addressing these 
barrie rs is especially important in developing countries where the agriculture sector is a key source 
of employment and provides a large contribution to GDP. Because agri -food products are so 
important for developing countries – and shipments tend to be relative ly small – much of their 
trade faces SPS  problems.  
129.  The STDF operates as a knowledge platform and funding mechanism for the development 
and implementation of collaborative, innovative SPS projects. In doing so, we contribute to the Aid 
for Trade 2024 work p rogramme, notably with a focus on digitalization, food security and 
mainstreaming trade.  
130.  The demand on the STDF trust fund (housed at the WTO) from public and private sector 
organizations in developing countries to prepare and finance SPS projects is outst ripping STDF's 
resources by and large. Last year we received around 120 applications in total – but only a fraction 
of these can currently be funded.  
131.  Many STDF projects are regional in scope, with two or more countries working together. One 
obvious reason is that pests and diseases do no respect borders, which makes it necessary for 
countries to collaborate. We are currently assessing our portfolio to identify and share the 
experiences and lessons, including on South -South assistance, with a broader trade a nd 
development audience.  
132.  Since 2015, we have supported more than 80 developing and least developed countries. A 
list of all ongoing STDF project and project preparation grants, including the beneficiary countries 
and links to the relevant webpages, is atta ched to my statement. I will give a few examples.  
Improving health, facilitating trade  
133.  In Asia and the Pacific, we tested a new approach to tackle issues around pesticides, which 
often cause trade problems for agri -food exports. Farmers and producers rely  on pesticides to 
protect their crops against pests and diseases - but need to limit residues to protect health and 
ensure market access. Working in partnership with governments, farmers and the agri -food 
industry in nine countries, this STDF project illus trated how biopesticides (a type of pesticide made 
from natural materials) can be used – alongside conventional pesticides – to limit residues 
affecting health and trade. This project is now being replicated in Latin America and in Southern 
Africa. It is a lso a good example of how STDF projects deliver benefits for the environment.  
Reducing trade costs  
134.  We also financed the development of a new system for the electronic exchange of 
phytosanitary certificates that are used in the trade of plants and plant pro ducts ("ePhyto"). This 
project has been very successful, with close to 90 countries now using the ePhyto Solution to 
exchange certificates and reduce trade costs. We are currently working with the Global Alliance for 
Trade Facilitation, TradeMark Africa an d other partners to scale up the ePhyto Solution in Africa. 
We just approved a new project in Latin America to test a similar solution for the electronic 
exchange of veterinary certificates used in the trade of animals and products of animal origin 
("eVet" ). 
Monitoring, evaluation and learning  
135.  We systematically capture and disseminate the experiences and lessons from our innovative 
work, including a focus on cross -cutting issues such as gender mainstreaming and on the 
 
4 A copy of the statement that includes  links to the STDF project and ongoing Project Grants (PGs) is 
accessible in document RD/COMTD/AFT/32.  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
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  environmental benefits and impacts of S TDF and other SPS projects. We frequently organize 
webinars and other events with a wide range of partners to share results and explore new topics. 
Last week, for example, we organized a webinar with GrowAsia, A ssociation of Southeast Asian 
Nations  and oth er organizations on driving food systems transformation, including for trade, 
through public -private partnerships.  
136.  In November last year, we issued a new STDF briefing note on climate change, which will 
bring about new challenges for the design and applica tion of SPS measures (as also recognized in 
the M inisterial Conference 12 SPS Declaration). Developing countries are particularly affected – as 
their SPS systems tend to be weaker and underfunded, while they are located in areas where 
climate change scenarios predict the most severe consequences. We held a side -event at the 28th 
Conference of the Parties to the U nited Nations  Framework Convent ion on Climate Change  
(COP28 ). One key message is that strong SPS systems in developing countries should become a 
priority in the international climate change debate, to increase production levels, enhance food 
security, and realize the full potential of i nternational agricultural trade.  
137.  In the last CTD meeting, we reported on the external evaluation of the STDF programme. 
This evaluation is underway, and a final report is expected towards the end of April. The evaluation 
team may have been in contact with Committee delegates for interviews. If that's the case, thank 
you for your insights and time.  
138.  The evaluation's recommendations are expected to feed into the development of a new 
strategy for the STDF for 2025 and beyond. We'll reach out to Committee delega tes in due course 
on what that strategy should like, in view of emerging trends and developments (increase in 
South-South trade, evolving regulatory environment, food systems approach/One Health, etc.).  
Concluding remarks  
139.  It is clear that 2024 is an import ant year for the STDF. That  is also because the STDF was 
created in 2004 (i.e. 20 years ago) by the WTO, together with the Food and Agriculture 
Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization  (WHO), the World Organisation for Animal 
Health (WOAH) and Wor ld Bank. In June, during the Global Aid for Trade Review, we will celebrate 
our 20th anniversary, and organize an evening reception, for which you are all invited.  
140.  In concluding, I would like to thank all delegates for their ongoing trust and engagement in  
the STDF. I would also like to thank our development partners for their generous contributions to 
the STDF Trust Fund.  
141.  The representative of the United  States  stated that  it was a key donor to the STDF and 
viewed this mechanism as complementary to its extensive bilateral assistance work conducted by 
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID ) and other US Government 
agencies. The US welcomed utilizing the Ai d-for-Trade sessions and, more broadly, the CTD, as a 
venue for directly engaging with the work being carried out on the ground by technical assistance 
providers. This approach allowed the US to ensure that its work supported those efforts and 
addressed th e challenges faced by those seeking to modernize legal and regulatory frameworks.  
142.  In response to the comment by the United States and a request for more information from 
Japan on the STDF work related to Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards, the STDF  representative 
mentioned the facility's close collaboration  with the United States, including the Food and Drug 
Administration, the United States Department for Agriculture, and USA ID. Collaboration of these 
agencies with the STDF was highly valued. In response to  the question from Japan, the STDF  
indicated that it was  characterized as an Aid-for-Trade program me specifically focused on SPS 
standards, which was crucial for many Develo ping Countries, given its emphasis on agriculture and 
SPS compliance.  
143.  Regular reports on operations are provided to the Committee on Trade and Development on 
Aid for Trade. Additionally, updates are shared during every meeting of the SPS Committee under 
the agenda item of technical assistance. Close collaboration is maintained with SPS Delegates. In 
the context of implementing the MC12 SPS declaration, there was a specific focus on technical 
assistance, and a workshop on SPS -related technical assistance for  the SPS Committee was WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
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  organized. The representative expressed willingness to arrange a meeting to provide a more 
detailed briefing on the programme, activities, and specifically with a focus on Asia and the Pacific.  
144.  The representative of the WTO Fisheries  Funding Mechanism Trust Fund (Fish Fund)  made 
the following statement:  
Introduction  
145.  This is my first presentation to this Committee, and in my new role as Manager of the Fish 
Fund, I am delighted to provide this briefing. My name is Jonathan Werner. I previously worked at 
the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) and the Secretariat's Trans formation Office before 
joining the Fish Fund after the summer holidays last year. I am happy to update you on the Fund's 
progress, especially as we move closer towards entry into force of the Agreement on Fisheries 
Subsidies (AFS).  
146.  The Fish Fund's primar y objective is to assist developing country and Least Developed 
Country (LDC) Members who have deposited their instruments to implement the Agreement. In 
order to fulfil this objective, in late 2023, the Fish Fund established a Steering Committee 
responsib le for oversight and governance of the Fish Fund.  
147.  The Steering Committee consists of Members that have contributed to the Fund, 
representatives of developing and least -developed Members that will be eligible to benefit from the 
Fund, and the Fund's core p artner organizations. Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Iceland, 
Japan, the Netherlands, and Spain are representing the group of Members that have contributed to 
the Fund. Djibouti, Fiji, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Peru, Saint Lucia, and Senegal are 
representing the beneficiary group. The FAO, the International Fund for Agricultural Development 
(IFAD), World Bank, and WTO, as core partners, are also represented on the Steering Committee.  
Contributions  
148.  To date, the Fund has received CHF 8'291'556 from 14  Members and additional 
commitments of CHF 3'082'519. Other Members, beyond those that have already contributed, 
have expressed their intention to contribute to the Fund and those pledges amount to 
approximately CHF 1'100'000 more.  
Basis of the Initial Wor k 
149.  Since taking on the role of Fund Manager, my focus has been on preparing for and 
supporting the launch of the Fish Fund's start -up phase so that it will be ready once the Agreement 
enters into force. This work is based on the document WT/BFA/INF 15, titl ed "Notification of the 
Establishment of a Fisheries Funding Mechanism Trust Fund," dated October 24, 2022, which was 
considered at the Committee on Budget, Finance, and Administration (CBFA) in November 2022.  
150.  WT/BFA/INF15 has served as the foundation for  consultations with all Members engaged and 
interested in the Fund. The document details the Fund's objectives, funding targets, and key 
intervention areas.  It also addresses the initial start -up phase of the Fund, an estimated 12 -month 
period to establish  governance, processes, and tools, to ensure that technical assistance is 
deployed effectively and efficiently to Members that need it. Most of the initial consultations with 
Members, including those that have contributed to the Fund and those that will be nefit from it, 
have focused on establishing initial governance arrangements for the start -up phase, so that the 
permanent structures can be put into place.  
151.  In collaboration with the Rules Division and supported by Deputy -Director General Angela 
Ellard and  the Director of Rules Clarisse Morgan, we have engaged in a series of meetings with 
donors and beneficiaries, in particular WTO Group Coordinators, Members that have ratified the 
AFS, and Members that have contributed to the Fund.  
152.  These interactions have  been crucial in aligning expectations, fostering a shared and 
evolving vision for the Fund, and setting up the Steering Committee of the Fund. Consultations 
with the core partners of the Fund – the World Bank, the FAO, and IFAD – have taken place in 
parallel. These organizations will play a vital role in providing technical assistance and capacity WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
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  building. This cooperation will now intensify following clear guidance on the next steps from our 
first Steering Committee meeting.  
Steering Committee Establishm ent and Organization of the Work  
153.  We held the first official Steering Committee meeting of the Fish Fund yesterday, 
January  31, at the WTO. The Steering Committee provided overall guidance, and decided to 
organize the start -up work into three different trac ks: Governance, Project Guidelines, and 
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E).  
154.  A small working group will be formed by Steering Committee members for each track. Each 
working group will be composed of representatives of donors, beneficiaries, and core partner 
organizations. This work will be based on best practices and will rely on input and expertise from 
all stakeholders.  To this end, the working groups will draw on the experience of the core partners, 
on the ground beneficiaries, and relevant development orga nizations engaged in technical 
assistance and capacity building, as well as fisheries management, data collection, and 
implementation of institutional arrangements, of the kind needed for Members to implement the 
Agreement.  
Concluding Remarks  
155.  Although the Fish Fund is in its early stages, WTO Members have shown clear and 
constructive engagement. Our core partners also are highly engaged and will play a crucial role, 
bringing to bear their expertise to the Steering Committee's work to shape the practical fou ndation 
for the Fund's technical assistance and capacity -building efforts.  
156.  Yesterday's Fish Fund Steering Committee meeting underscored the importance of 
partnerships and cooperation among various stakeholders. This positive mindset is essential as we 
ensure that the necessary structures are in place to support developing and LDC Members in 
implementing the Agreement as it comes into force. Thank you again for the opportunity to brief 
this Committee.  
157.  The repre sentative of the Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility (TFAF)  made the following 
statement:  
158.  In 2024, the TFAF is focusing on responding effectively and efficiently to the requests from 
Member States for support in finding Trade Facilitation Agreement Contact Points (TACB) to 
implement the Trade Facilita tion Agreement (TFA). Currently, we are in contact with 29 members, 
of which 12 are Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and two regional economic communities to 
provide appropriate responses to their requests. In this process, we are strengthening our 
collab oration with the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) in its role as a donor coordinator in 
the LDCs. We believe that the close relationship with the EIF will be beneficial to the TFAF and the 
Members, preventing duplication of Aid -for-Trade resources and e fforts to support LDCs.  
159.  The TFAF is planning to participate in the III Global Forum for National Trade Facilitation 
Committees in May in Barbados. We will organize sessions to strengthen the role of the National 
Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFC) in impl ementing the TFA. Collaboration with the Trade 
Facilitation (TF) section and the Annex D partners is underway for this initiative. In 2024, we are 
increasing spending to address the rise in members' requests. This impacts the TFAF budget, and 
we will explo re ways to sustain funding for the TFAF.  
160.  In reaction to the presentation by the TFAF, the representative of the United States  said that 
in 2023, USAID had pledged USD  7 million in incremental funding to the Global Alliance for Trade 
Facilitation (GATF). Specifically, USAID would broaden Alliance activities in Malawi, and the 
Dominican Republic, and launch new programs in Ecuador focusing on engagement with local 
partner networks, scaling up trade solutions, and promoting good governan ce. These initiatives 
were designed to strengthen the connection between the TFA and the policies and practices within 
the customs world that best prepare our economies to be resilient to shocks from external  
crisis - whether they come from a pandemic, nat ural disaster, or are of a humanitarian nature. She 
invite d delegates from Ecuador, Malawi, and the Dominican Republic to work with the United 
States and showcase their joint efforts under the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation . WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
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  III. REGIONAL DIMENSION   
161.  Under this agenda item, the representative of the Economic Community of West African 
States  (ECOWAS)5 outlined  the regions E -commerce Strategy and Implementation Plan 
for 2023-2027 and organized his presentation into four key segments : 
1. Introduction and Consultative Process: The Commission highlighted the development of its 
eCommerce strategy through an extensive and participatory consultative process. This process 
encompassed four major stages, including mapping existing regional and nat ional initiatives, 
conducting an ET readiness assessment with the support of UNCTAD, elaborating the strategy 
in collaboration with various stakeholders, and validating the outcomes. The involvement of key 
stakeholders, such as Member States, ministries re sponsible for trade and digital economy, the 
private sector, and major partners, played a crucial role in shaping the strategy.  
2. Vision and Strategic Goals: The vision articulated for the eCommerce strategy aimed at 
establishing a sustainable, inclusive,  and secure eCommerce ecosystem. This vision aligned 
with broader objectives, such as technology -driven structural change, regional integration, 
economic diversification, and job creation. The strategy defined four strategic goals:  1) Strong 
Institutions: Focused on anchoring eCommerce within ministries of trade, providing support for 
eCommerce development, and monitoring national and regional eCommerce initiatives. 
(2) Trust Along the Supply Chain: Centred  on harmonizing and updating legal and regulatory 
frameworks, ensuring access to secure digital payment systems, and reviewing digital 
addressing experiences. (3) eCommerce Intelligence: Emphasized improving data and 
statistics, monitoring eCommerce trends, and supporting participant growth through 
communi cation and capacity -building programs. (4) Inclusion: Addressed the goal of inclusive 
eCommerce development, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as women, youth, 
people with disabilities, the informal sector, and small rural producers.  
3. Impleme ntation Plan: The presentation detailed an implementation plan spanning from the 
current year to 2027. This plan translated the vision into 19 strategic objectives, further broken 
down into 64 measures. A monitoring and evaluation framework, accompanied by  indicative 
targets, was established to ensure practical accountability during the implementation phase.  
4. Governance Framework: For effective strategy implementation, the ECOWAS Commission 
proposed the establishment of four key governance structures: (1)  Regional eCommerce 
Committee: Comprising focal points from ministries responsible for trade. (2)  Experts Group: 
Providing advice on holistic eCommerce areas beyond the expertise of trade ministries. 
(3) eCommerce Community Forum: Facilitating dialogue amo ng diverse stakeholders, including 
the public, private sector, media, practitioners, and researchers. And (4) Internal Working 
Group on eCommerce: Internally focused within the ECOWAS community and institutions to 
support the strategy's operationalization.  
162.  In response to ECOWAS's presentation , the representative of UNCTAD  highlighted the fruitful 
collaboration with the ECOWAS secretariat and its nine member States, including the ICT readiness 
assessments, laying a strong foundation for the subsequent develo pment of the ECOWAS 
Secretariat's eCommerce strategy. UNCTAD reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the 
strategy's implementation. Emphasizing the importance of providing the means for effective 
implementation, UNCTAD was actively seeking support from the  African Development Bank and 
other donors, recognizing the crucial contributions of co -donors in Germany and Switzerland to the 
project . 
163.  The representative of the  United States  made the following statement:  
164.  Donors throughout the development assistance com munity are increasingly results -oriented, 
and they are looking for thorough assessments of the challenges and likelihood of success before 
committing funding.   
 
5 A PDF version of the ECOWAS presentation can be accessed through document RD/ COMTD/AFT/ 39. WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
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  165.  The United States has developed several tools for diagnostics and assessments that can help 
countries that are proposing work with donors. Some examples, from the United States, are as 
following:  
• Digital Ecosystem Country Assessment (DECA): It  is an assessment tool to inform USAID and 
partner governments, including the private sector, about developme nt opportunities and risks 
in a country 's digital ecosystem.  
• Inclusive Growth and Job Diagnostics: Helps USAID identify and prioritize the constraints to 
private investment, and to job creation for new and existing programs.  
166.  These diagnostic tools are often paired with cost -benefit analysis, data analytics, and mar ket 
analyses.  This suite of economic tools promotes evidence -based decision -making and ensures that 
taxpayer -funded interventions are informed by solid and established economic principles. 
Additionally, they help identify potential market failures, barrier s to broad -based growth and 
private -sector development opportunities. By linking USAID ' experience, expertise, and resources 
(i.e. diagnostic tools) with developing countries ' national development plans and goals we can 
ground our discussions in real world  problems and solutions.   
IV. PRIVATE SECTOR  
167.  The International Trade Centre (ITC ) made the following statement:  
168.  Chair Ambassador José R. Sánchez -Fung, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, we 
are living at a time when effective collaboration has n ever been more crucial. We  are all hearing, 
every day, that the world is in crisis, from which no country is immune. Whether it 's the impacts of 
a changing climate, the outbreaks and intensifications of conflicts, or rising costs of living, we 
know that th ese are uncertain, and often painful, times. These crises are, of course, affecting 
global trade. But we also know that trade and trade policy can be part of the solution, so long as 
we work together and pool our resources, expertise and political will.  
169.  ITC reaffirms its commitment to strengthening partnerships within the Geneva Trade Hub to 
foster connected, sustainable and inclusive trade that serves all, especially those who have 
previously been unable to experience its benefits fully.  
170.  In recent discuss ions, you emphasized the importance of enhancing ITC's contributions to 
WTO committees and initiatives. Today's statement highlights our progress towards this goal. We 
welcome your feedback and thank you for the opportunity to share our reflections.  
WTO A ccessions  
171.  Our rules -based multilateral trading system, anchored by the WTO, is critical for sustainable 
development. But how much the system can achieve depends on how much of world trade it 
covers, and the more countries that join the WTO, the more effective it can be. As you will all 
know from experience, acceding to the WTO is a long journey  — but a worthwhile one. That is why 
ITC is supporting several developing and least developed countries with their accession efforts, 
providing customized suppo rt for each country 's needs, while adapting in real -time to reflect the 
respective negotiations ' state of play.  
172.  Currently, ITC is supporting countries such as Iraq, Timor -Leste, Turkmenistan, and 
Uzbekistan in their accession bids. While Turkmenistan has recently initiated its process, Iraq is 
re-invigorating its efforts with the support of a dedicated ITC project, and Uzbekistan undertook its 
7th Working Party Meeting in November.  
173.  We look forward to seeing WTO Members adopt the accession  packages of Timor -Leste and 
Comoros at the Thirteenth Ministerial Conference, which once ratified will mark the first accessions 
since 2016. With both Timor -Leste and Comoros, 37 out of the world 's 45 LDCs will be part of the 
organization.   WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
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  WTO Committees  
174.  An essential aspect of ITC 's work involves bringing the voices of small businesses from 
developing countries into decision -making forums, including at the WTO. This is critical so that the 
decisions and conversations that take place here  — which have glob al implications  — factor in the 
situations that these small businesses face and what they need. Let me share some examples.  
175.  With the negotiations for the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement, ITC has 
provided capacity building support to polic ymakers as they determine how to engage with this 
process. We  have also been making it possible for small businesses to share their perspectives 
with negotiators on what this proposed agreement would mean for them and what they need.  
176.  Along with providing t his support for agreements under negotiation, ITC has focused on 
making these same connections possible for the implementation of existing agreements. That 
includes the WTO 's Agreement on Trade Facilitation, where we  have been sharing insights and 
lessons learned from our on -the-ground implementation of technical assistance projects and 
potential new projects that WTO Members have requested.  
177.  Sustainability is a core pillar of ITC 's work. At the WTO, ITC has been actively engaged in 
discussions taking place under the regular Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE), as well as 
under the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions (TESSD). In the latter 
instance, our contributions have focused on trade -related climate measures and environment al 
regulations, sharing what these mean for small businesses and their ability to access international 
markets and stay connected to global supply chains.  
178.  Inclusion is another driving principle behind ITC 's work, as you can see through our efforts to 
support women -led and women -owned businesses. Much of this work takes place under our 
SheTrades Initiative, our flagship program me on women and trade, and today I  would like to 
highlight two major facets of this work that are designed specifically for policyma kers. 
179.  The first is our SheTrades Outlook, an online tool for policymakers seeking to promote 
gender equality and women 's economic empowerment. Increasingly, WTO Members have rolled 
out the SheTrades Outlook in their countries to see what their current poli cy environment means 
for critical areas, from trade policy to access to finance, and use this information to take the 
necessary steps to support women -led and women -owned MSMEs.  
180.  The second is our work to help bring a gender lens to the WTO rulebook  — both for how 
current rules are implemented and for new rules under negotiation. Last year, we published a 
gender -lens analytical framework that highlighted the WTO 's Government Procurement 
Agreement, the WTO 's Trade Facilitation Agreement, and the Joint Initia tive on E -Commerce and 
the Investment Facilitation for Development negotiations.   
181.  The WTO Informal Working Group on MSMEs and the Informal Working Group on Trade and 
Gender have also developed a new document on access to finance for women -led MSMEs, which 
should be publicly available soon and which refers to good practices collected through the 
SheTrades Outlook.  
182.  At ITC, however, we believe that the best storytellers about the full potential of women 's 
economic empowerment are women entrepreneurs themselves and the business support 
organizations they work with every day.  
183.  That is why, when we held our annual meeting of SheTrades Hubs in November, 
representatives from these Hubs ' host institutions took part in a meeting of the Informal Working 
Group on Trade and Gender. At the Informal Working Group ( IWG) meeting, they shared what 
they'd learned about what works best and why, and they showed how they can achieve even 
greater results when partnering with one another  — and when engaging with policymakers like 
you. We were happy to hear your appreciation for the practical insights they provided through 
real-world examples.  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
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  The Road to MC13  
184.  We look forward to the WTO 's Thirteenth Ministerial Conference this m onth, as it presents an 
opportunity to deliver concrete outcomes that help safeguard the world 's fisheries, improve global 
food security, and set the stage for the WTO 's next steps. ITC stands ready to contribute to a 
successful MC13. Our ITC team will be in Abu Dhabi and we have an exciting program lined up.  
185.  On February 24 -25, the WTO -ITC SheTrades Summit for Women Entrepreneurs, held in 
partnership with the Government of the United Arab Emirates, will take place and we hope to see 
you there. From access to finance to gender -responsive public procurement, from digital trade to 
the green transition, this event will showcase the breadth and depth of what women entrepreneurs 
can do and what they need to achieve their goals.  
186.  As a highlight, we will launch the  WTO-ITC Women Exporters in the Digital Economy Fund, 
which seeks to tackle one of the most entrenched challenges women face in the digital 
economy:  that is, of course, access to finance.  
187.  At the  International Institute for Sustainable Development ( IISD) Trade and Sustainability 
Hub, we will host two events. First, alongside the World Resources Institute and UNEP, we will 
explore the path towards effective and inclusive deforestation -free global value chains. Second, we 
will delve into the Investment Facilit ation for Development Agreement, examining its implications 
and how to ensure it enables business -friendly environments that attract sustainable investments. 
Our Executive Director will also take part in the IISD Hub 's opening plenary, which will focus on 
how we can foster greater cooperation in trade policy.  
188.  ITC will also host a roundtable on "Enabling MSME Trade through Technology and 
Innovation " at the WEF 's TradeTech Forum. This session aims to raise awareness of the 
transformative impact of new technol ogies on trade, particularly artificial intelligence, blockchain, 
advanced robotics, and smart logistics.  
60th Anniversary  
189.  As I conclude, I want to highlight that 2024 holds special significance for both ITC and the 
WTO. Sixty years ago, the ITC was found ed by the GATT, and as we celebrate this milestone in our 
collective history, our team will be looking at how ITC 's work in recent years has supported the 
goal of connected, sustainable and inclusive trade. As our parent and founder, the WTO has played 
a defining role in this history, and we look forward to where the road ahead leads. We will 
communicate more on the events for our 60th anniversary, so stay tuned!  
190.  In response to ITC's statement, the representative of the United States  said that she saw 
real value in the ITC 's practical and relatable capacity building programs. She added that ITC 
helped in bringing a variety of voices directly to the WTO — including the private sector from 
developing countries and particularly LDCs, which could thereby inform and shape the wor k 
undertaken by Committees.  
191.  Then the representative of the United States highlighted the public -private partnership which 
was a follow -up initiative building on the President Biden 's US-Africa Leaders ' Summit in late 2022. 
In April 2023, USAID had launched  "Prosper Africa Tech for Trade Alliance ". Part of a package of 
USD 15.7 billion in new and expanded trade and investment commitments, the Alliance will focus 
on supply chain and logistics solutions; digital payments and trade finance; e -commerce, and 
digital skills and training in the African continent. The Alliance was founded on public -private 
partnerships. Large companies like Visa, but also "Kasha, " a woman -owned health e -commerce 
platform serving East Africa (Kenya and Rwanda)  are members of the Allia nce. This showed the 
commitment of the Alliance to invest in US and African companies ' technology assets, services, 
and expertise to spur innovation in Africa.  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/60  
 
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  V. MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF IMPLEMENTATION AND DEVELOPMENT  
EFFECTIVENESS  
192.  A representative o f the Secretariat  addressed two key points relating to : (i) responses 
received as the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) exercise concluded ; and (ii) on preparations for 
the 2024 Global Review of Aid for Trade. This year, a more streamlined questionnaire had resulted 
in a strong  response rate, with 108 questionnaires received, 12 more than in the previous 
exercise. The sample, including 68 responses from d eveloping countries and 27 from LDCs, was 
considered robust despite slightly below -expected LDC participation.  
193.  He then emphasized engagement from the Pacific Island States. Broad geographical 
coverage had also been reached with Africa, Latin America and th e Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific, 
the Middle East, and regional institutions participating. A total of 23 donors, including the top 10 
provider s of Aid -for-Trade financing, along with five South -South partners , had also participated in 
the exercise.  
194.  On the second point, the speaker provided information on the Thematic Session proposal 
form circulated under document WT/COMTD/AFT/W/99 , noting  the approaching  March 31 deadline. 
Members were encouraged to consider themes, potential partners, speakers, and log istical details 
once MC13 was over . The detailed agenda would be shared during the April 30 CTD Aid -for-Trade 
meeting. Priority would be given to Members' requests, especially those from groups , for practical 
reasons. The Secretariat welcomed ideas and fac ilitated connections among organizers with similar 
themes.  
195.  In response to the Secretariat's statement, the United States  expressed its readiness  to 
contribu te to the upcoming Global Review.  
C. OTHER BUSINESS  
196.  No comments were provided under this agenda item.  
197.  The meeting was adjourned . 
__________