RESTRICTED  
  
WT/COMTD/M/109  
 
8 November 2019 
(19-7642) Page: 1/15 
Committee on Trade and Development  
109th Session    
 
 
  
NOTE ON THE MEETING OF 28 JUNE  2019 
Chairman: H.E. Mr. Chad Blackman (Barbados)  
 
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGEN DA................................ ................................ ......................  2 
B. OBSERVERS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  2 
(I) Request for attendance of ad hoc observers ................................ ................................ .... 2 
(II) Further consideration of requests for observer status by the League of Arab States, the 
Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, the Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting,  
the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie , the Common Fund for Commodities, the 
Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries and the Groupe de la Banque Africaine de 
Développement  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  2 
C. TECHNICAL COOPERATIO N AND TRAINING ................................ ..............................  3 
(I) Annual Performance Report on Technical Assistance and Training 2018   
(WT/COMTD/W/245) ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  3 
D. TRADE AND DEVELOPMEN T – WORK IN THE COMMITTEE ON THE BAS IS OF THE 
CHAIRMAN'S CONCLUDIN G STATEMENT FROM THE  EIGHTH MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 
(WT/MIN(11)/11)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  5 
(I)  Committee  on Trade and Development Mandate: Focal Point for Consideration and 
Coordination of Work on Development in the WTO – Proposal from Barbados, Belize, China,  
Cuba, Ecuador, India, and the African Group (WT/COMTD/W/208) ................................ .............  5 
(II) Operationalization of the CTD's Mandate: A Proposal to Deliver Outcomes based on the  
MC8 Mandate – Proposal from China, Cuba, Ecuador, India and the African Group  
(WT/COMTD/W/192)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  5 
E. SPECIAL AND DIFFEREN TIAL TREATMENT PROVI SIONS IN WTO AGREEME NTS  
AND DECISIONS – NOTE  BY THE SECRETARIAT (WT/COMTD/W/239)  .............................  7 
F. NOTIFICATIONS UNDER THE ENABLING CLAUSE  ................................ .....................  9 
(I) Notifications received pursuant to Enabling Clause (Paragraph 4(a))  ................................ . 9 
(a)  Generalized System of Preferences - Notification by the United States 
(WT/COMTD/N/1/Add.10) ................................ ................................ ................................ .....10 
(II) Implementation of the Transparency Mechanism for Regional Trade Agree ments - Status 
Report on the Committee’s Work ................................ ................................ ........................... 11 
(a) Status of the preparation of factual presentations - Report by the Chairman 
(WT/COMTD/W/246) ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 11 
(III)  Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Notification of Customs Union - Communication  
from China, Egypt and India (WT/ COMTD/W/175) ................................ ................................ ...11 
(IV) Notification of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between  
India and Korea (Goods)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......12 WT/COMTD /M/109  
 
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  G. NOTIFICATIONS UNDER THE TRANSPARENCY MEC HANISM FOR PREFERENT IAL 
TRADE ARRANGEMENTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...12 
(I) Implementation of the Transparency Mechanism for Preferential Trade Arrangements – 
Status Report on the Committee's Work ................................ ................................ ................. 12 
(a) Status of the preparation of factual presentations – Report by the Chairman  
(WT/COMTD/W/247) ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 12 
H. REVIEW OF STEPS TAKE N TO PROVIDE DUTY -FREE AND QUOTA -FREE MA RKET 
ACCESS TO LEAST DEVE LOPED COUNTRIES ................................ ................................ ......13 
I. WORK PROGRAMME ON EL ECTRONIC COMMERCE  ................................ ................... 14 
J. DATE OF THE NEXT MEE TING  ................................ ................................ ................... 14 
K. OTHER BUSINESS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....14 
 
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGEN DA 
1. The Chairman  said that he wished to note for the record that the 109th Session of the 
Committee on Trade and Development ( CTD) had originally been scheduled to be held on 
19 June 2019. This was the date he had announced at the last meeting. However, for various 
reasons , it had not been possible to hold the meeting on 19 June. In a communication dated 
21 May 2019, he had informed Members of the change in the date of the 109th Session to 
28 June 2019. He went on to say that the draft agenda for the 109th Session was contained in 
document WTO/AIR/COMTD/17/Rev.1, circulated on 18 June 2019.  
 
2. The representative of the European Union  said that she wished to provide some information 
under "Other Business" regarding  a proposal that  her delegation was preparing . 
3. The agenda was adopted  as amended.  
B. OBSERVERS   
(I) Request for attendance of ad hoc  observers  
4. The Chairman  recalled that, at previous sessions of the CTD, Members had agreed to invite 
a number of intergovernmental organizations on an ad hoc  meeting -by-meeting basis. These were 
the Arab Maghreb Union, the Economic Community of Central African States, the 
Economi c Community of West African States, the Economic Cooperation Organization , 
the Inter-Arab Investment Guarantee Corporation, the Islamic Development Bank, 
the African  Union, the Organization  of the Islamic Conference, the South Centre, the Pacific Islands 
Forum, the United Nations Environment Programme, the West African Economic and Monetary 
Union, and the World Intellectual Property Organization.  These organizations had been invited to 
the p resent meeting. He proposed that the same organizations be invited to the next formal 
meeting of the CTD.  
5. It was so agreed . 
(II) Further consideration of requests for observer status by the Le ague of Arab States, the 
Organis ation of Petroleum Exporting Cou ntries, the Gulf Organization for Industrial 
Consulting, the Organi sation Internationale de la Francophonie , the Common Fund for 
Commodities, the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries and the Groupe de la 
Banque Africaine de Développement  
6. The Chairman  said that the positions of delegations had been previously expressed. He 
indicated that, if there were no changes in positions on the requests for observer status, the 
Committee would take note and revert to the requests at the next meeting.  
7. It wa s so agreed . WT/COMTD/M/109  
 
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  C. TECHNICAL COOPERATIO N AND TRAINING  
(I) Annual  Performance Report on Technical Assistance and Training 201 8 (WT/COMTD/W/2 45) 
8. The Chairman  said that under the present  agenda  item, the Committee would consider the 
Annual Performance Report on Technical Assistance and Training for 2018, contained in document 
WT/COMTD/W/245. He invited a representative of the Institute for Training and Technical 
Cooperation (ITTC) to introduce the report.  
9. The representative of the ITTC noted that  the English  and French version s of the annual 
report had been circulated prior to the meeting , while the Spanish version would be circulated 
shortly . He went on to say that the report had the same structure as the previous year's report, 
and contained three principal sect ions. The first section presented the main developments in 
technical assistance ( TA) in 2018 compared to the previous year . Another section addressed the 
implementation of the TA Plan and  the main features of the TA provided in 2018, while a third 
section was related to the evaluation of performance in 2018. As part of his summary of the main 
developments in 2018, he said that while the resources available to finance TA seemed to have 
stabilized, the overall resources available remained lower than actual ex penses . This meant that 
the Secretariat had to regularly tap into its financial reserves. Further progress during the year in 
the implementation of the 28 recommendations formulated in the external evaluation of the WTO's 
TA conducted in 2016 mean t that, by the end of the year, 71% of the recommendations had been 
implemented and the others were in progress. In line with the implementation of results -based 
management (RBM) for TA in 2018, he pointed to some elements of progress, including with 
regard t o the simplification of TA workflows, and the development of a new TA management 
system. As in previous years, the reporting rate on TA activities was close to 100%. He also noted 
that t he Secretariat had continued to enrich the substantive content of its TA offer. For example, 
five new online courses were released , and the holistic approach to subjects like public health, 
e-commerce, standards and competition was deepened .    
10. Turning to the implementation of the TA Plan, he said that the Secretariat undert ook 307 TA 
activities , which was an increase of 18% relative to the previous year. Overall, 22,800 participants 
were trained during the year – an increase of 25% compared to 2017. This was mainly a result of 
the 65% growth of the participation in face -to-face activities, as participation in online courses was 
stable.  However, despite this growth, total TA expenses were 5% lower than in 2017, as a result of 
tight resource management and the postponement of an internship programme.  In 2018, 36% of 
the 307 act ivities had a general scope, while the other activities were spread across specific 
Agreements or subjects. Subject -specific regional seminars were conducted in all regions. In line 
with the TA Plan, Africa and least developed countries ( LDCs ) remained a p riority in 2018 . Africa 
had also returned  to first place in terms of the number of TA activities hosted. The overall 
proportion of women grew above the 2012 -2017 average to reach 47%. In terms of language 
distribution , 58% of TA was offered  in English, 17% in French and 19% in Spanish, and the 
balance in more than one language. A small increase in the number of global activities with 
interpretation was noted during the year. With regard to the evaluation of performance , the 
proportion of targets met reached its highest level since 2015. Targets were met in 76% of cases, 
while the proportion was 57% on average during the 2015 -2017 period. Key Result 1 registered 
the highest level of performance, with targets met in 83% of cases. This was followed by Key 
Result 4, where targets were met in 80% of cases. In the case of Key Result 2 and Key Result 3, 
the targets we re met in 50% of the cases. He concluded his intervention  by showing some 
developments concerning the TA-related components of the WTO website, in  particular with regard 
to the TA dashboards , and explained that information relating to TA activities was upd ated in real 
time.  
11. The representative of the European Union  thanked the Secretariat for the report, though  
regretted that the Spanish version  had not been circulat ed prior to the meeting . She hoped that , 
next time  around , the report would be made available to Members in all three languages before  
the meeting. She  went on to note that the majority of the recommendations formulated in the 
external evaluation of the WTO's TA had already been implemented , or were in the process of 
being implement ed. Participation in the multilateral trading system (MTS) was important for all 
Members, and TA was a critical element in this regard . LDCs needed  to remain the priority for TA 
activities. She welcomed the increase in the number of participants in TA activities , and indicated 
her delegation's wish to continue to see effort s to ensure a greater effectiveness and impact of the 
activities.  WT/COMTD /M/109  
 
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  12. The representative of Chad , on behalf of the LDC Group,  welcomed the report, and 
expressed apprec iation for the priority given to LDCs in the WTO's TA.  He noted the significant 
level of LDC participation in regional TA activities in Africa and Asia, a s well as the growth in 
participation in online courses. The benefits that LDCs were deriving from the  internship 
programmes w ere additionally highlighted.  He also noted, h owever , that LDCs accounted for only 
28% of the requests for national activities in 2018, compared to 31% in 2017.  He believed that 
this decline was explained by the difficulties faced  by LDCs in cover ing the local costs associated 
with the organization of national activities. He outlined how the situation was particularly 
pronounced for African LDCs , and indicated that it was in this context that the LDC Group wished 
to reiterate the request made previously for the WTO to consider covering the local costs 
associated with the organization of national activities in LDCs. He observed that practically al l 
other intergovernmental organizations  were able to cover the local costs of activities in LDCs , and 
even the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) did so. He invited  the Secretariat provide some 
elements of clarification on this  concern of LDCs.   
13. The repr esentative of the United States  expressed appreciation for the report. She noted 
that 22,800 participants were trained overall during 2018, which was an increase of 25% relative 
to 2017. This was mainly due to the 65% growth of the participatio n in face -to-face activities, 
given that  participation in online courses had remained stable. She welcomed the  evolution in  the 
RBM system and the simultaneous simplification and streamlined effects it had created  – including  
with regard t o the launch of a new TA management system. Effective and substantive training 
content remained a priority, and her delegation was pleased to see the implementation of a new 
e-learning cloud -based platform . She noted that five new online courses  had been r eleased , and 
that the holistic approach to subjects like public health, e -commerce, standards and competition  
had deepened . She also noted that efforts were made in a number of areas such as standards, 
non-agricultur al market access, services, trade-related intellectual property rights (TRIPS), and 
government procurement , in order  to respond to the actual needs of beneficiaries and promote the 
implementation of the WTO Agreements. After highlighting that e-learning had the potential to 
reach many more participants  than in -person training , she noted the overall trend of growth for TA 
activities in LDCs, and the increase in participation and submission of documents. The report 
showed an overall trend pointing towards growth , as the total substantive docum ents submitted 
was higher in 2017 than in 2015. Participants from LDCs accounted for 30% of the participants in 
Geneva -based courses in 2018, and three of the 43 global activities were specifically designed for 
LDCs. Her delegation was encouraged by these statistics, and wished to see LDC participation 
increase . 
14. The representative of Colombia  appreciated the efforts of the Secretariat in implementing 
the various TA activities in 2018, and in taking into account the recommendations and requests of 
Members. She recognized in particular the significant progress made in the context of online 
courses. She also noted that the budget for TA activities  had not changed since 2014 , while the 
number of training requests was  growing each year . In this context, she stressed the importance 
of making efficient use of resources, and also encouraged donors to maintain or increase the ir 
contributions,  since TA activities were having a direct and positive impact on 
Members'  particip ation in the MTS. Appreciation  was expressed  for the three national activities that 
were held in Colombia  in 2018, a s well as for the onsite evaluation  of TA  conducted by the 
Secretariat . She observed  that the evaluation  had allowed authorities in her capi tal to also conduct 
their own assessments of the TA received, and to identify areas for future training activities.   
15. The representative of Nigeria  welcomed the report and noted with satisfaction the increase 
in both face -to-face and online TA activities across various subject areas. He stressed the 
importance of TA for his country, and for the African region, and hoped that Africa would continue 
to be given  priority  attention in the activities offered by the Secretariat.  
16. The representative of Zimbabwe  expressed appreciation for the WTO's TA activities, which 
she said were becoming increasingly demand -driven and result s-oriented. She also indicated t hat 
her delegation shared the concerns raised in the intervention by Chad regarding the financial 
constraints faced by some countries to cover the local costs associated with the organization of  
national TA activities.  
17. The representative of Mozambique  commended the Secretariat for its performance in the 
delivery of TA activities in 2018. She indicated her delegation's support for the  request by the 
LDC Group  for the Secretariat  to consider ways to cover the local costs associated with the WT/COMTD/M/109  
 
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  organization of national activities  in LDCs . She urged donors to continue to provide resources for 
TA activities in developing countries and LDCs . 
18. The representative of the ITTC said that the Secre tariat had taken note of 
Members'  comments, in particular the renewed call by the LDC Group to find ways to cover  the 
local costs associated with the organization of national TA activities in LDCs. He said that the 
Secretariat was still reflecting  on the r equest, and would keep Members informed .  
19.  The Director of the ITTC  indicated  that she wished to make  some comments on the request  
by the LDC Group  for the Secretariat to cover the local costs of national activities held in LDCs. 
She noted that, since Members had agreed in the past to the principle of shared responsibility on 
the issue of funding the costs of national TA activities , a collective decision would need to be  taken 
by Members if this practice were to change. She also recalled that national activities were funded 
from the regular budget, and that this was being done in the context of a zero growth budget. If 
the Secretariat were to draw upon the resources alloc ated to TA activities, then certain activities 
would have to be given up. Members  would need to discuss which TA activities could be 
abandoned in favour of funding local costs related to the organization of national activities in LDCs. 
Meanwhile, the Secre tariat was explor ing ways to assist LDCs to cover local costs , including  by 
collaborating with other institutions when organizing national TA activities. In addition, t he 
Secretariat had held informal discussions with some donors on this matter, although  further 
discussions were still needed. Since many of the donors that contribut ed to the Global  Trust Fund 
were also bilateral donors to  some LDCs and other developing countries , the Secretariat was trying 
to see whether  some linkages could be developed , so as to take advantage of the resources 
available  through bilateral program mes.  
20. The representative of Chad  stressed the importance to LDCs of local cost coverage  for 
national activities . He noted once again that other i nternational organizations were able to cover 
the local costs of activities , and expressed his hope that this could also be the case for the WTO.  
21. The representative of Burkina Faso  highlighted the benefits of TA activities for his country . 
He supported the  intervention by Chad regarding the importance of local cost coverage for national 
activities in LDCs, and also noted that this might provide an incentive for LDCs in other areas, 
including with regard to meeting their  notification  requirements .  
22. The Committee took note  of the Annual Performance Report on Technical Assistance and 
Training for 201 8, and of all interventions.   
D. TRADE AND DEVELOPMEN T – WORK IN THE COMM ITTEE ON THE BASIS O F THE 
CHAIRMAN'S CONCLUDIN G STATEMENT FROM THE  EIGHTH MINISTERIAL  
CONFERENCE (WT/MIN(1 1)/11)  
(I) Committee on Trade and Development Mandate: Focal Point for Consideration and 
Coordination of Work on Development in the WTO – Proposal from Barbados, Belize, China, 
Cuba, Ecuador, India, and the African Group (WT/COMTD/W/2 08)  
(II) Operationalization of the CTD's Mandate: A Proposal to Deliver Outcomes based on the MC8 
Mandate – Proposal from China, Cuba, Ecuador, India and the African Group 
(WT/COMTD/W/192 )1 
23. The Chairman  said that, at the Eighth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC8), Ministers had 
reaffirmed the positive link between trade and development and called for focused work in the 
CTD. Ministers had called on Members to fully operationalize the mandate of the CTD as a  focal 
point for development work. Two submissions containing proposals for work under the MC8 
mandate were included on the agenda of the present meeting. The first submission – by Barbados, 
Belize, China, Cuba, Ecuador, India and the African Group , contai ned in document 
WT/COMTD/W/208 , was for the CTD to report on the development -related work taking place in 
other WTO bodies. The second submission – by China, Cuba, Ecuador, India and the 
African  Group , was contained in document WT/COMTD/W/192. This submiss ion contained three 
                                              
1 The discussion concerning documents WT/COMTD/W/208 and WT/COMTD/W/192 is  pre sented 
together in this Note, as the Chairman invited the Committee to take the two sub -items together .  WT/COMTD /M/109  
 
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  proposals. In the order they were presented in the document, the first proposal was for the 
Secretariat to continue to update its report on the implementation of special and differential 
treatment (S&D) provisions in the WTO Agreements and Decisions. The second proposal was for 
the CTD to report on the development -related work taking place in other WTO bodies, while the 
third proposal was for the CTD to make a recommendation for parties to regional trade 
agreements ( RTAs) to submit their  notification and information requirements jointly. He noted that 
the two submissions had remained on the CTD's  agenda for several years, and at the last meeting, 
a number of the proponents had requested that the submissions appear on the agenda for the 
present meeting as well. As had been done in past meetings, he suggested that the Committee 
once again take up  the two submissions together.  
24. The representative of India said that the two submissions , when taken  together , contained 
three proposals. The first proposal , which was for the Secretariat to continue to update its report 
on the implementation of S&D provisions in the WTO Agreements and Decisions , was discussed 
and agreed to at the 87th Session. Accordingly, the Se cretariat had prepared an update in 
June 2013, and subsequent updates were prepared in 2016 and 2018 . India expected that the 
Secretariat would continue to prepare and circulate these reports  every two years . Turning to the 
second proposal, which was for t he CTD to report on the development -related work taking place in 
other WTO bodies, she said that this proposal was in line with the terms of reference (TORs) of the 
CTD, as well as with the MC8 mandate. Referring to the CTD's annual report to the General C ouncil 
for 1996, as contained in document WT/COMTD/9, she noted that the CTD had agreed that year to 
review the implementation of provisions in favour of developing countr ies on the basis of 
contributions from Members and from the WTO bodies responsible fo r monitoring the 
implementation of the Uruguay Round commitments. To assist in this exercise, the Chairman had 
invited the Chairpersons of other WTO bodies to submit information on how provisions in favour of 
developing countries had been dealt with in the ir respective Committees. On the basis of the se 
responses, the Secretariat had prepared background documentation presenting the replies 
received in an analytical format. She went on to say that the proponents urged the Committee to 
restart that practice , and ensure that the CTD act ed as a focal point for development work.  As for 
the third proposal  – which  was for the CTD to make a recommendation for parties to RTAs to 
submit their notification and information requirements jointly – she said that this would help 
ensure a timely consideration of RTAs, and the full realization of the responsi bilities assigned to 
the CTD.  In closing, she requested that the items concerning the two submissions be maintained 
on the CTD's agenda.  
25. The representative of China expressed support for the statement by India, and indicated 
that his intervention related to both documents WT/COMTD/W/192 and WT/COMTD/W/208 . He 
stressed the usefulness of the Secretariat report on the implementation of S&D provisions in the 
WTO Agree ments and Decisions, and requested that the report continue to be updated in the 
future . He also noted that the CTD  should be expected to serve as a focal point for development 
work in the WTO. Furthermore, as mentioned by India, the Committee had performe d this role in 
the past, which was also in alignment with the CTD's TORs and the MC8 mandate. Finally, he said 
that there was a systemic and specific need to discuss the proposal for the CTD to make a 
recommendation for parties to RTAs to submit their noti fication and information requirements. He 
requested that the items concerning the two submissions be maintained on the agenda for the 
next meeting.  
26. The representative of Ecuador  expressed support for the statements by India and China. She 
said that the pro posals contained in documents WT/COMTD/W/192 and WT/COMTD/W/208 aimed 
to ensure that the CTD fulfilled its TORs , including by operationalizing the MC8 mandate . She also 
reiterated her delegation's interest in pursuing informal consultations with other Memb ers on the 
proposals . 
27. The representative of the United States  said that her delegation had repeatedly stated that 
there was no consensus on the substance of the remaining proposals, nor for the submissions to 
remain on the agenda as standing items , as if there was unfinished business to address. She 
pointed out that , at several meetings, the Chairman had had to actively solicit acknowledgment of 
the item s from the proponents . While the proponents were free to add these items to the agenda 
of a futur e meeting, the United States did not agree to these as standing items. H er delegation 
saw no basis from the CTD's rules of procedure that would justify these items remaining on the 
agenda, without required action by the proponents. She called on the  propon ents to cease using 
the time of the Committee on these items . WT/COMTD/M/109  
 
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  28. The representative of the European Union  indicated  that she would repeat elements of her 
statements from previous CTD meetings. She said that her delegation's understanding of the 
MC8 mandate wa s that the CTD should further explore the positive link between trade and 
development. This needed to be based on constructive exchanges on clearly identified topics, in 
line with the instruction from MC8 to carry out focused work. She emphasized that the 
European  Union had engaged constructively on the proposals submitted in the context of the MC8 
mandate that had previously been agreed to by the Committee . However, the remaining proposals 
did not respond to the requirement to carry out focused work. Moreover, her delegation was not 
aware of any efforts by the proponents in the last few years to take into consideration comments 
from other Members or to engag e with them. Regarding the proposal for the CTD to report on the 
development work of other WTO bodies, her delegation was of the view that this would give the 
CTD an oversight function for all aspects of the WTO's work. The proposal  went against the 
mandat e to act as a focal point on development issues and carry out focused work. Members 
needed to discuss what this focused work should be, and not re -open the CTD's mandate. Turning 
to the proposal for the CTD to make a recommendation for parties to RTAs to s ubmit their 
notification and information requirements jointly , she said that th is needed to form part of a  wider 
discussion in the context of  paragraph 28 of the Nairobi Ministerial Declaration. She indicated her 
delegation's readiness to engage in  constru ctive discussions with a view to clarifying issues 
relating to notification s, and expressed support for the possibility of joint meetings of the CTD and 
the Committee on Regional Trade Agreements ( CRTA ). She urged the proponents to engage with 
other Member s in order to  try and address the concerns  that had been raised . She also observed  
that, w hile it was the prerogative of the proponents to continue to request  the items on the 
agenda, a repetition of the same position s at every meeting did not help make good use of the 
Committee's time.  
29. The Chairman  encouraged continued engagement among Members in order to try and make 
progress on the proposals . He also indicated that he would  assess the possibility of holding 
informal  consultations before the next meeting in order to try to help advance work on this matter . 
30. The Committee took note of all interventions.  
E. SPECIAL AND DIFFEREN TIAL TREATMENT PROVI SIONS IN WTO AGREEME NTS AND 
DECISIONS – NOTE BY THE SECRETARIAT (WT/COMTD/W/239)  
31. The Chairman  recalled that the updated report by the Secretariat  on the implementation of 
S&D provisions in the WTO Agreements and Decisions , contained in document WT/COMTD/W/239, 
had already been considered at the last meeting. The same document appeared on the agenda of 
the present meeting at the request of Ecuador. Before opening the floor, he indicated that he 
wished to remind Members of t he context in which the updated report had been prepared. In this 
regard, he recalled that , at the 97th Session in November 2015, the Committee had agreed to a 
proposal by Ecuador, which was contained in document WT/COMTD/W/204/Rev.1 . The proposal 
was for the Secretariat to update its report on the implementation of S&D provisions in WTO 
Agreements and Decisions at least once every two years. In addition, as part of the proposal, it 
had been agreed that, following the circulation of the second report by the  Secretariat, the 
Committee would review the report and the discussions that had taken place to date in order to 
determine whether it was worth continuing to produce this type of document. He went on to say 
that, a fter the proposal was agreed to, the Secre tariat had prepared a first update of the report , 
which was circulated in September 2016 in document WT/COMTD/W/219. The report contained in 
WT/COMTD/W/239, which was circulated  in October 2018 , was therefore the second update since 
the proposal had been agreed to. Given  that the second update had been circulated , and had been 
considered at the last CTD meeting , he wished to draw Members’ attention to the need for the 
Committee to determine whether i t was worth continuing to produce this type of document, as per 
the proposal by Ecuador. He hoped that Members were in a position to make that determination at 
the present meeting, as this would provide clarity on the Committee’s future work on this matter . 
In opening the floor, he requested that Members indicate whether they would be able to agree for 
this document to be updated at least once every two years.  
32. The representative of Ecuador  thanked the Secretariat for prepar ing the updated paper, 
which her d elegation believed was of value to Members. She invited the Committee  to agree to 
update the document at least once every two years, as per the proposal by Ecuador contained in 
document WT/COMTD/W/204 /Rev.1 . WT/COMTD /M/109  
 
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  33. The representative of Hong Kong, China  said that , at the last meeting, many positive 
comments had been made on the updated Secretariat paper . She believed that the document 
provided a useful  basis for the review of the implementation of S&D provisions in various WTO 
bodies, and could also be useful in the context of the Monitoring Mechanism  (MM) on S&D. As an 
example , she noted that it was indicated in the document that some provisions had not been 
invoked since the entry into force of the concerned Agreement s, or in some cases transition 
period s had not  been extended. She wondered in this regard whether some provisions were 
difficult or complicated to use, and even when used , whether they had really contributed to a 
better integrat ion into the MTS. She also wondered w hether it would be beneficial for the relevant 
WTO Committee s to review the utilization of the concerned provision s. She  observed  that written 
answers to such questions could form the basis for a written submission in the MM . In closing, she 
explained  that she had provide d an example to illustrate the usefulness of the updated Secretariat 
report, and how the report could focus attention and discussion on S&D provisions. Her delegation 
commended the Secretariat 's effort s in producing th e report , and supported the preparatio n of 
further update s in the future . 
34. The representative of India expressed support for the comments by Ecuador and 
Hong Kong, China. She believed that t he Secretariat report was a useful reference document, 
which provided a comprehensive compilation of the S&D provisions in the WTO Agreements and 
Decisions. Her delegation was of the view that the document needed to be updated at least once 
every two years , so as to incorporate developments and decisions taken. Each updated report  
should appear on the agenda of the CTD for discussions and further exchange s of views .  
35. The representative of Norway  said that his delegation supported  the preparation of 
continue d updates to the Secretariat report. He also indicated support for the intervention by 
Hong Kong, China . 
36. The representative of Chad , on behalf of the LDC Group, welcomed  the updated report  by 
the Secretariat . He noted that t he report provided a listing of the S&D provisions in the 
WTO Agreements and Decisions, and also allowed  for an appreciation of their implementation and 
their effectiveness , including for LDCs . He pointed to a number of Ministerial Decisions which were 
crucial to LDCs, includi ng those relating to duty-free and quota -free (DFQF) market access for 
LDCs, the waiver for services and service suppliers from LDCs, and preferential rules of origin in 
favour of LDCs. The operationalization of other S&D provisions was also important  for LDCs, 
including those contained in the TRIPS Agreement . In closing, he said that the LDCs wished to see 
a positive impact  of S&D provisions on the ground. The report could be used as a reference to 
evaluate impact, and where necessary make recommendations or identify TA needs . 
37. The representative of Australia  supported the proposal for the Secretariat to update the 
report at least once every two years. He said that t he report provided a useful basis for discussions 
on S&D in general , and should serve as  an important reference for Members as they proceeded to  
design appropriate and targeted S&D in current and future WTO negotiations . 
38. The representative of  the Russian Federation  stressed the usefulness of the Secretariat 
report, which he indicated was well structured, and provided a valuable source of information for 
practical and analytical purposes. He expressed his delegation's support for the preparation of 
continue d updates of the report .  
39. The representative of the European Union  welcomed the Secretariat report, and said that it 
was important for the report to continue to be updated in the future.  She also indicated that she 
wished to reiterate the comments  made by her delegation at the last meeting .  In this regard, she 
said that additional information on the actual use of S&D provisions could be added in the 
respective tables under the "Comment " column, in particular with regard to which Members had 
used individual provisions and when . Such information, which could cover the past five years, 
would greatly enhanc e transparency .  
40. The representative of  the Plurinational State of Bolivia  support ed the proposal for  the 
Secretariat report to be updated at least once every two years. His delegation believed that this 
was an essential aspect of the CTD's work. He also indicated that each successive update should 
be reflected on the CTD agenda , so that a discussion could tak e place on the basis of the report.  WT/COMTD/M/109  
 
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  41. The representative of Colombia  thanked the Secretariat for the updated report, and for  
having presented the report at the last meeting. She believed that the information contained in the 
report  provided a strong basis for discussion in the CTD , as well as in the MM. Her delegation 
supported the proposal for the report to continue to be updated in the future, and also wished for 
the Secretariat to continue t o present each update to the Committee. She additionally  expressed 
support for the idea to expand on the information contained in the "Comment" column , so that 
experiences and specific cases of the use of S&D provisions could be provided . 
42. The representativ e of Japan  welcomed the Secretariat report,  and supported the proposal for 
the report to continue to be updated in the future. She indicated that the report was a good 
reference , and could also serve as a basis for the prepar ation of a written submission i n the MM. 
43. The representative of the United States  said that her delegation did not object to the  
Secretariat  report being updated every two years. The expectation of her delegation was that the 
report would be updated consistent with, and with no deviation from, prior practice. She noted 
that interest had been expressed in some interventions to expand on elements of the report. In 
this regard, she invited any Member wishing to  pursue such an interest to submit a written 
proposal for consideration b y the Committee. She reiterated that her delegation had no objection 
to the report being updated every two years, as long  as the update s were prepared consistent with 
prior practice . 
44. The representative of Canada  expressed appreciation to the Secretariat fo r having prepared 
the updated report. She recognized the usefulness of the document, and support ed the proposal  
for the report to be updated at least once every two years.  
45. The representative of China  thanked the Secretariat for the updated report,  and for the 
presentation of the report made at the last meeting.  His delegation supported the proposal for the 
Secretariat to update the report at least once every two years, as well as the suggestion to reflect 
each update on the CTD agenda . 
46. The Chairman  observed  that Members seemed to be supportive of the idea for the 
Secretariat report  to continue to be updated  in the future . He invited the Committee to agree for 
the report to be updated at least once every two years.  
47. The Committee agreed  that the Secre tariat report would be updated at least once every two 
years.  
F. NOTIFICATIONS UNDER THE ENABLING CLAUSE  
(I) Notifications received pursuant to Enabling Clause (Paragraph 4(a))  
48. The Chairman  said that there was one new notification to be considered by the Committee 
at the present meeting. This was a notification by the United States concerning its Generalized 
System of Preferences (GSP) scheme. However, before turning to this notification, he  said that he 
wished to provide the Committee with a few updates on matters related to notifications received 
under the Enabling Clause. He starte d by informing the Committee about a number of new 
notifications concerning preferential trade arrangements (P TAs) or RTAs under the Enabling Clause 
that had been submitted for circulation after the agenda for the present meeting was issued. With 
regard to PTAs, a notification had been received from the Russian Federation concerning its GSP 
scheme. As for RTAs, th e new notifications concerned  firstly  the agreement between Morocco and 
the United Arab Emirates . In addition , a notification of changes to the Asia -Pacific Trade 
Agreement (APTA) had been submitted by India, on behalf of the APTA parties. These notificati ons 
would be circulated as soon as possible .  
49. He continued by indicating that he wished to say a few words on the matter of the 
notifications submitted in November 2018 by Uruguay, on behalf of the members of the 
Latin American Integration Association (LAIA) . He recalled that the Committee had been informed 
at the 107th Session on 21 November  2018 that several notifications – a total of 223 – had been 
submitted by Uruguay to the Secretariat on  1 November  2018, and a further 35 notifications had 
been submitted on 20 November 2018. All the notifications had been submitted as modificati ons to 
the 1980 Treaty of Montevideo  (TM80) . The first batch of notifications concerned  agreements WT/COMTD /M/109  
 
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  concluded under the TM80  over the period 1980 to 2016, while the second concerned the 
instruments concluded under the TM80  in 2017. At the last CTD meeting, the Committee was 
informed that the Chairman and the Secretariat had been in touch with the LAIA members. T he 
Secretariat had sought clarification on a number of points relating to the notifications submitted, 
and discussions had been held on possible ways  to circulate the notifications. The LAIA members 
had indicated that they would need to consider these points, and had requested that the 
circulation of the notifications be suspended until further notice. He went on to say that he had 
recently been in tou ch with Uruguay, and it was his underst anding that there were no updates as 
yet that the LAIA members could provide to the Committee. He indicated  that he would maintain 
contact with Uruguay on this matter , and expressed his hope that the notifications could be 
circulated soon.  
50. The Committee took note  of the Chairman's update . 
(a)  Generalized System of Preferences - Notification by the United States 
(WT/COMTD/N/1/A dd.10) 
51. The Chairman  said that the notification by the United States concerning its GSP scheme  had 
been circulated in document WT/COMTD/N/1/Add.10. He invited the United States to introduce the 
notification.  
52. The representative of the United States  said that her delegation was  pleased to provide an 
update on the implementation of the United States' GSP programme. She recalled that t he 
previous update had been  submitted in February 2016. She went on to say that t he present 
notification provided the most recent information on the operation of the GSP programme. The 
programme had firstly been extended , and was scheduled to expire on 31 December 2020. In 
addition, the document summarized the findings of the annual reviews of the programme 
conducted since 2016, and also described changes to  the beneficiaries of the programme . 
53. The representative of India said that the United States had terminated India's designation as 
a beneficiary developing country of the GSP  scheme  effective  5 June 2019. Paragraph 4 of 
Presidential Proclamation 9902 of 31 May 2019  stated that the U nited States had decided to 
terminate India's designation as a GSP beneficiary because India ha d not assured the 
United  States that India w ould provide equitable and reasonable ac cess to its markets. 
Furthermore,  paragraph 9  of the same Presidential Proclamation  stated the determination  to 
remove India from the list of developing country WTO Members exempt from application of the 
safeguard measures on crystalline silicon photovolta ic (CSPV) products and large residential 
washers.  She went on to say that the termination of India's designation as a GSP beneficiary  was a 
clear violation of paragraph 5 of the Enabling Clause , which said that: "The developed countries do 
not expect recip rocity for commitments made by them in trade negotiations to reduce or remove 
tariffs and other barriers to the trade of developing countries, i.e., the developed countries do not 
expect the developing countries, in the course of trade negotiations, to mak e contributions which 
are inconsistent with their individual development, financial and trade needs. Developed 
contracting parties shall therefore not seek, neither shall less -developed contracting parties be 
required to make, concessions that are inconsis tent with the latter’s development, financial and 
trade needs."  She indicated that the reason given for the termination of India's designation as a 
GSP beneficiary was not consistent with the provisions of the Enabling Clause. The removal of 
India from the list of developing country WTO Members exempt from the application of the 
safeguard measures on CSPV products and large residential washers was not tenable  either . 
54. The representative of  the Russian Federation  said that his delegat ion wished to obtain some 
information for analytical purposes. In this regard, he asked  what was  the volume of trade covered 
under the GSP  programme of the United States , and which were the top five beneficiaries . 
55. The representative of the United States  indicated  that she presently did not have the 
information requested by the representative of the Russian Federation, but that she would provide 
it to him  when she received it . In response to India's intervention , she said that the 
United  States'  GSP progra mme included eligibility criteria . In order for a country to benefit from 
the programme, it was necessary to continue to meet the eligibility criteria . 
56. The Committee took note  of the notification by the United States, and of all interventions .  WT/COMTD/M/109  
 
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  (II) Implem entation of the Transparency Mechanism for Regional Trade Agreements - Status 
 Report on the Committee’s Work  
(a) Status of the preparation of factual presentations - Report by the Chairman 
(WT/COMTD/W/ 246)   
57. The Chairman  said that his report on the status of the preparation of factual presentations 
had been circulated in document WT/COMTD/W/246. It contained 16 separate entries relating to 
the status of preparation of factual presentations. He noted that the factual prese ntation on the 
agreement between Ecuador and El Salvador would be circulated shortly. With regard to the 
ASEAN -Korea agreement, he inform ed Members that, after his report had been finalized, 
comments  on the draft factual presentation had been received from  Philippines. These were in 
addition to the comments received from the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, 
Thailand and Viet Nam which were mentioned in his report . Comments were still awaited from 
other parties to the agreement. More general ly, for several other agreements, the Secretariat was 
still awaiting the submission of the full set of data, or the comments on the draft factual 
presentations. He urge d all the parties to these agreements to provide the data and information as 
soon as pos sible. He also indicated that he wished to explore the possibility of meeting informally 
with the relevant parties before the next formal CTD meeting, in order to discuss what could be 
done to help expedite the provision of the required data and informatio n. Finally, he said that 
there remained one RTA notified under the Enabling Clause that had not been ratified by all the 
parties. This was the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA). Following CRTA 
procedures, a factual presentation on PICTA woul d only be drafted after the agreement had been 
ratified by all the parties. He urged the parties to PICTA to inform the Secretariat as soon as all 
ratifications had been completed.  
58. The Committee took note  of the Chairman's report.   
(III) Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Notification of Customs Union  - Communication from C hina, 
 Egypt and India (WT/COMTD/W/175)  
59. The Chairman  said that the present  sub-item concerned the Gulf Cooperation Council ( GC C ) 
Customs Union notification. The sub -item als o referred to the communication from China, Egypt 
and India, which was circulated in document WT/COMTD/W/175 . The sub -item was requested by 
China and India at the last meeting .  
60. The representative of India said that her intervention related to both the present sub -item, 
as well as to the next sub -item. She said that document WT/COMTD/W/175 raised systemic 
concerns relating to the legal and procedural implications of the dual notification of the 
GCC Customs Union under both the Enabling Clause and GATT Article XXIV. These concerns also 
applied to some other RTAs . In this context, some Members had expressed the view that the 
systemic concerns raised in document WT/COMTD/W/175 were outside the scope of the CTD and 
needed to be discussed in the Negotiating Group on Rules. In India's view, the CTD was the 
appropriate forum to consider issues arising from RTAs with a dual notification. In doing so, the 
CTD could consult with other WTO bodies, as per paragraph 3 of its TORs. The non -resolution of 
the matters raised in document WT/COMTD/W/175 was the main reason why the consideration of 
RTAs with a dual notification were pending for such a long time. Her delegation requested that 
both the present sub -item and the next  sub-item be maintained on the CTD's agenda . 
61. The representative of the European Union  indicated  that her intervention related to the 
present sub -item, as well as to the next sub -item. She said that, i n the case of the 
GCC Customs  Union,  the agreement should be considered in the CRTA, or otherwise in both the 
CTD and the CRTA. She made reference in this regard to the consideration of the Southern 
Common Market ( MERCOSUR ). She  also said that, while developing countries could notify an RTA 
covering  preferential tariffs on goods on the basis of the Enabling Clause  rather than under GATT 
Article XXIV , such a choice did not exist for a customs union, which  involved not only the reduction 
of duties, but also the modification of external tariffs.  In addition, the Enabling Clause did not 
provide cover for preferential non -tariff barriers . She urged the GCC parties to fulfil their 
obligations and proceed with the mandated review of th e agreement in a timely manner. Turning 
to the ASEAN -Korea and Ind ia-Korea  agreements, she noted that no improvements had been 
recorded. She said that she wished to reiterate  the importance of clarifying the legal and WT/COMTD /M/109  
 
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  procedural questions arising from an agreement being notified by each party under different legal 
provisions. In that respect, she invited the parties to these agreements to make additional efforts 
to find  an acceptable solution for all Members involved i n this matter. She regretted that no 
progress was made concerning the review of the goods aspects  of the ASEAN -Korea Agreement, 
whereas the services aspects had already been reviewed  in the CRTA.  
62. The representative of China  said that his intervention related to document 
WT/COMTD/W/175. His delegation believed  that it was for the CTD to address the dual  notification 
issue. In that respect, he requested that the present sub -item be maintained on the agenda for 
the next meeting . 
63. The representative of the United States  said that document WT/COMTD/W/175 – which  was 
dated 30 September 2010 – should  have long ago been removed from the CTD agenda. Her 
delegation also questioned why Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other GCC parties continued to allow 
the Committee to use its time on  matters specific to the GCC Customs Union .  
64. The Committee took note  of all interventions.   
(IV) Notification of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and 
 Korea (Goods)  
65. The Chairman  said that the present  sub-item concerned the notification of the 
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and Korea. The sub-item was 
requested by India at the last CTD meeting . 
66. The representative of the European Union  said that her intervention under the pre vious 
sub-item also related to the present sub -item. 
67. The representative of the United States  expressed her delegation's disappointment that 
while India had requested the inclusion of the present sub -item on the agenda, India was not 
prepared to engage substanti vely on this issue in the CTD. She urged India to submit the  required  
data, after nearl y a decade, so that the Committee could move forward on this matter . 
68. The Committee took note  of all interventions.   
G. NOTIFICATIONS UNDER THE TRANSPARENCY MEC HANISM FOR PREFERENT IAL 
TRADE ARRANGEMENTS  
(I) Implementation of the Transparency Mechanism for Preferential Trade Arrangements  – 
 Status  Report  on the Committee's Work  
(a) Status of the preparation of factual presentations – Report  by the Chairman  
(WT/COMTD/W/2 47)   
69. The Chairman  said that his report on the status of the preparation of factual presentations 
was circulated in document WT/COMTD/W/247. In summarizing the information contained in the 
report, he informed the Committee that there were currently five PTAs that had been n otified since 
the establishment of the Transparency Mechanism  (TM) for PTAs for which the Secretariat had still 
not received the full set of data or information required for the preparation of the factual 
presentations. These were the PTAs being implemente d by China, India, the Russian Federation, 
Chinese Taipei and Thailand. He urged these Members to provide all the requi red data and 
information as soon as possible. He also indicated that he wished to explore the possibility of 
meeting informally with thes e Members before the next formal meeting, in order to discuss what 
could be done to help expedite the provision of the required data and information. He reminded 
Members implementing PTAs of their notification obligations with respect to changes in the 
implementation of the PTA. In particular, such changes – including  any legal changes – needed  to 
be notified to the CTD. Finally, with regard to the new notification concerning the 
Russian  Federation's GSP scheme that he had referred to earlier, he  indicated that it would be 
circulated as soon as possible  using the template for the notification of PTAs under the PTA TM. WT/COMTD/M/109  
 
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  70. The representative of Russian Federation  said that the GSP scheme of the 
Russian  Federation fell under both paragraph 2 of the Enabling Clause  and the PTA TM . He 
welcomed the fact that  the notification would be circulated shortly  using the new symbols for 
notifications and subsequent documentation that the Committee had agreed to at its 108th Session. 
Turning to some details of the GSP scheme, he said that 153 countries  were included as 
beneficiaries . He explained that t he scheme that would be shortly notified was a new one, and was 
distinct from the previous GSP scheme that was notified in 2013. His de legation was considering 
how to proceed on this matter – in particular since no factual presentation was prepared on the 
previous scheme – and had been in contact with the Secretariat. He went on to say that, according 
to a recent report by the Organizatio n for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the 
Russia n Federation  was among the top eleven WTO Members in terms of fulfilment of  notification 
requirements. During the last six months, his delegation had submitted a significant amount of 
information  to the WTO's Integrated Database  (IDB) , which would help in the prepar ation of the 
factual presentation. He noted that  there was no requirement for factual presentations to be 
prepared in the case of PTAs that were notified before the entry into force of the PTA TM, while 
PTAs notified after the entry into force of the Mechanism were subject to the preparation of factual 
presentations. Although he believed that this raised some questions, he nevertheless indicated his 
delegation's willingness to fulfil its obligations . 
71. The representative of the United States  encouraged the concerned Members to provide the 
full set of data and information that would allow the Secretariat to complete the drafting of the 
outstanding factual presentations. She noted from the Chairman's report that the Secretariat had 
been waiting for such information  for between  six to nine years, depending on the particular PTA. 
This lack of transparency only further contributed to the perception of a decreasing relevance of 
the WTO to some s takeholders. She once again urged the concerned Members to provide the 
required  data as soon as possible.  
72. The representative of the European Union  welcomed the Chairman's report, which provided 
the state of play in the preparation of factual presentations.  She wished to hear from the Members 
that had not yet submitted the required data and information as to why there were such significant 
delays .  
73. The Committee took note  of the Chairman's report , and of the interventions.  
H. REVIEW OF STEPS TAKEN TO PROV IDE DUTY -FREE AND QU OTA-FREE MARKET 
ACCESS TO LEAST DEVE LOPED COUNTRIES  
74. The Chairman  said that an item concerning DFQF market access for LDCs had been on the 
CTD's agenda since early 2006. Under this item, delegations had provided infor mation on the steps 
they were taking, or had already taken, to provide DFQF market access to LDCs. Written 
communications by some Members had also been considered. He indicated that , before opening 
the floor, he wished to take th e opportunity to touch on t he issue of the Secretariat report on 
Members’ DFQF market access for LDCs, which was mandated by the Bali DFQF Decision to be 
prepared for the CTD’s annual DFQF review. As outlined by his predecessor in the Chair at the last 
CTD meeting, divergent views c ontinued to exist among some Members on the scope and 
coverage of this report . For two years, it had not been possible for the Secretariat to circulate the 
report for the CTD’s annual DFQF review. The Committee’s 2019 annual review was scheduled to 
be held  at the next meeting of the Regular Session, in November . He hoped that a Secretariat 
report could be prepared for the upcoming annual review. To that end, he intended to build on the 
efforts of his predecessors, in particular by reaching out informally to  Members, with the purpose 
of exploring what possibilities might exist to unblock the situation with regard to the Secretariat 
report.  
75. The representative of Chad , on behalf of the LDC Group, said that DFQF market access 
remained essential to help LDCs bett er integrate into the MTS. He thanked the developed and 
developing Members that provided LDCs with DFQF market access, and called on other Members 
to provide such market access to LDCs. He also stressed the importance of technical assistance to 
make the be st possible use of the preferences granted . 
76. The representative of the United States  expressed appreciation for the efforts of the 
Chairman  and his predecessors to try and find a solution that was acceptable to all Members.  She WT/COMTD /M/109  
 
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  indicated  that her delegation wished to see the report issued, and could continue to accept the 
compromise that it had previously accepted .  
77. The representative of the European Union  said that she wished to express her delegation's 
strong attachment to the commitment to p rovide DFQF market access  to LDCs . She noted that , in 
2018, while the European Union’s agricultural imports from LDCs had decreased by 5.5% , imports 
of industrial products had increased by 12.7% to reach US D 37 billion. Th is meant that the 
European Union's  import s from LDCs had increased by 10 .4% between 2017 and 2018 to reach a 
total of US D 42 billion. In addition, while the LDCs' share in global trade was about  0.95%, the 
corresponding figure for the European Union's  imports from LDCs stood at  2.1%. She also noted 
that she was encouraged by the growing number of emerging economies that were providing 
preferential treatment to products  from LDCs, in light of the  growing importance of these  
economies as destination s for LDC exports . 
78. The Committee  took note of all interventions.  
I. WORK PROGRAMME ON EL ECTRONIC COMMERCE  
79. The Chairman  said that, in previous meetings, Members' attention had been drawn to the 
Decision taken at the Eleventh WTO Ministerial Conference ( MC11 ) concerning the WTO's Work 
Programme on E -Commerce, which called for a continuation of the work under the Work 
Progra mme. He recalled that the CTD was one of the subsidiary bodies of the General Council 
mandated to undertake work under the Work Programme. Although there were no specific 
proposals from Members to consider in the CTD, it had been agreed at the last meeting  that the 
item would remain on the agenda for the present meeting . 
80. The representative of Chad , on behalf of the LDC Group, emphasized the need to pursue 
discussions under the Work Programme on E -Commerce – taking into account the economic, 
financial, and d evelopment needs of developing countries – and to report on progress in this 
regard, including any recommendations for action. He noted that , in line with this mandate,  and 
given the specific challenges that LDCs faced in  benefitting economically from e-commerce, it was 
vital to reinvigorate the Work Programme in order to take into account the LDCs' needs and 
realities . 
81. The Committee took note  of the interventions.  
82. The Chairman  proposed that the agenda item concerning the Work Programme on 
E-Commerce be maintained on the agenda for the next meeting.  
83. It was so agreed .  
J. DATE OF THE NEXT MEE TING  
84. The Chairman  said that the next meeting of the CTD Regular Session was tentatively 
scheduled to be held on Friday, 22 November 2019. An initial agenda wo uld be circulated four 
weeks before the meeting, on 25 October 2019, as per the CTD's rules of procedure. After the 
circulation of this initial meeting notice, Members would still have the opportunity to request items 
on the agenda for the meeting. The age nda would close on 11 November 2019, and would be 
circulated on 1 2 November 2019.  
K. OTHER BUSINESS  
85. The representative of the European Union  said that she wished to inform the Committee of 
her delegation's  initiative to strengthen the ability of regular WTO bodies to effectively address and 
resolve concerns with respect to trade -related measures adopted by Members. While  an increasing 
number of Members were raising these concerns in WTO bodies, the issues often remained on 
meeting agenda s for long periods of time, without substantial progress in discussions. This was 
why the E uropean Union and several other Members were currently working to develop a proposal 
for a set of horizontal procedur al guidelines tha t would apply to WTO Councils and Committees 
dealing with trade concerns. Examples of ideas contained in the proposal included a better 
preparation for meetings, more informal consultations between the Members raising and WT/COMTD/M/109  
 
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  responding to trade concerns, better coordination between different WTO bodies which sometimes 
debated the same concerns , and the possibility for the Chair person  of the concerned WTO body to 
hold an informal meeting with the concerned Members in order to find a way forward. While the 
CTD d ealt less with trade concerns than other WTO bodies, this information was nevertheless 
being shared at the present meeting , as it could be useful for the Committee. She went on to say 
that her delegation was in the process of consult ing with other  Members, and was willing to meet  
informal ly with interested delegations to explain the elements of the proposal in more detail. The 
intention was to present the proposal to the General Council in July 2019 .  
86. The meeting was adjourned . 
 
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