WT/GC/215/Rev.1  
 
26 May 2020  
(20-3788) Page: 1/2 
General Council  Original: English  
 
STATEMENT ON HIGHLIG HTING THE IMPORTANCE  OF MSMES  
IN THE TIME OF COVID -19 
Revision* 
The following statement, dated 25 May 2020, is being circulated at the request of the following 
Members : Afghanistan; Albania;  Argentina; Australia; Brazil; Canada; Chile; China; Colombia; 
Costa  Rica; Côte d'Ivoire; Ecuador; El Salvador; European Union; Guatemala ; Guyana;  Honduras; 
Hong K ong, China; Iceland; Israel; Japan; Kazakhstan; Kenya; Korea, Republic of; Lao People's 
Democratic Republic; Liechtenstein; Malaysia; Maldives; Mexico; Moldova, Republic of; Mongolia; 
Montenegro; Myanmar; New Zealand; North Macedonia; Norway; Paraguay; Phi lippines; Qatar; 
Russian Federation; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Saudi  Arabia, Kingdom of; Singapore; 
Switzerland;  the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu ; Thailand; 
Turkey; Ukraine; United Kingdom; Uruguay; Vanuatu; Viet N am. 
 
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1.1.  We note the significant negative impact that the COVID -19 pandemic has had on our citizens 
and our businesses, in particular on those that operate as Micro, Small and Medium -sized Enterprises 
(MSMEs) in economies at all levels of development. We recognize that addressing this global health 
crisis and economic shock requires a coordinated global response to stabilize our economies and to 
help MSMEs affected during this challenging period.  
1.2.  In this regard, we commend the actions taken  by many WTO Members to address the 
immediate challenges faced by workers and businesses alike, in particular MSMEs, during these 
difficult times.  
1.3.  We will continue careful monitoring of all MSME -related developments. We will take further 
action where neces sary to help MSMEs' involvement in international trade and promote that supply 
chains remain open and connected. In cooperation with other international organizations and 
stakeholders, we will look to explore solutions and share good practices to facilitat e trade, accelerate 
efforts towards trade digitalization, including access to digital tools, as well as improve 
MSMEs'  access to trade finance and to trade -related information through online platforms.  
1.4.  We reaffirm our support for the central role of the WT O in international trade. We will continue 
to work together to deliver a free, fair, predictable, and stable trade environment and to keep our 
markets open with a view to support the global recovery. We invite the WTO Secretariat to continue 
working closel y with other international organizations to facilitate MSMEs' participation in 
international trade.  
1.5.  It is clear that timely and accurate information on COVID -related trade measures reduces 
uncertainty and allows MSMEs to make informed decisions. We therefo re encourage Members to 
continue informing and updating the WTO, as soon as practicable, of any trade -related COVID -19 
measures they implement in order to ensure transparency and predictability.  
 
* This revision is to add Iceland,  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines  and Viet Nam as co -sponsors to the 
Statement.  WT/GC/215/Rev.1  
 
- 2 - 
 
  1.6.  We will continue our efforts to deepen and multilateralize MS ME conversations at the WTO, for 
the benefit of our MSMEs and our economies. We will work together to help MSMEs overcome this 
crisis, and build resilience to future shocks.  
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