RESTRICTED  
  
WT/COMTD/SE/M/46  
 
15 December  2023 
(23-8623) Page: 1/14 
Committee on Trade and Development  
Forty -Sixth Dedicated Session    
 
  
NOTE ON THE MEETING OF 16 NOVEMBER,  24 NOVEMBER  AND 1 DECEMBER 2023  
Chairman: H.E. Dr. José R. Sánchez -Fung (Dominican Republic ) 
1   ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  ................................ ................................ ........................  1 
2   PARAGRAPH 41 OF THE HONG KONG MINISTERIAL DECLARATION: 
MONITORING PROGRESS OF THE SMALL ECONOMIES' PROPOSALS IN THE 
NEGOT IATING GROUPS AND OTHER WTO BODIES  ................................ ...........................  2 
(A) Work Programme on Small Economies - Compilation paper p repared by the 
Secretariat (WT/COMTD/SE/W/22/Rev.11)  ................................ ................................ ...........  2 
3   WORK PROGRAMME ON SMALL ECONOMIES: PROPOSAL FOR MINISTERIAL 
DECISION – COMMUNICATION FROM GUATEMALA ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 
SMALL, VULNERABLE ECONOMIES (WT/COMTD/SE/W/46)  ................................ .............  3 
4   DRAFT REPORT OF THE CTD IN DEDICATED SESSION TO THE GENERAL 
COUNCIL (WT/COMTD/SE/W/47)  ................................ ................................ .................  13 
5   OTHER BUSINESS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 14 
 
1  ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  
1. The Chairman said that the 46th Dedicated Session on Small Economies of the Committee on 
Trade and Development (CTD) was initially scheduled to be held on 6 November  2023. The proposed 
agenda for the meeting was circulated on 9 October in Airgram WTO/AIR/COMTD/SE/18 . One of the 
items listed on the agenda concern ed a proposal by Guatemala, on behalf of the Group of Small, 
Vulnerable Economies ( SVEs), for a Mi nisterial Decision at the Thirteenth WTO Ministerial Conference 
(MC13 ) on the Work Programme on Small Economies. In the context of this proposal, he had sent a 
communication to all delegations on 23 October, informing that he had received a request from 
Guatemala to postpone the date of th e Dedicated Session in order to allow the SVE Group a little 
more time to finalize the proposal. The date of the meetin g was accordingly changed to 
16 November , and a  revision to the Airgram convening the meeting was circulated in 
WTO/AIR/COMTD/SE/18/Rev.1  to reflect the new date. Subsequently , and in line with the practice, 
a further revision to the Airgram was circulated on 6 November  – ten days before the meeting  – in 
WTO/AIR/COMTD/SE/18/Rev.2 . This revision contain ed the proposed agenda for the present  
meeting, following the circulation of all documents reflected on the agenda.  
2. He went on to say that  the latest Airgram ha d been prepared in line with the new measures 
that were being implemented to improve the functioning of the CTD. Among other things, the 
Airgram contain ed a simpler and more straightforward numberi ng system for agenda items. It also 
contain ed a hyperlink to access the annotated draft agenda which ha d been prepared for the meeting 
and which  was circulated in document JOB/COMTD/SE/1 . At the  CTD's 122nd Regular Session  on 
17 November,  he would be  saying more about these and other measures that were being 
implemented to improve the functioning of the CTD. He explained that he had initially envisaged 
initiating the new measures beginning with the four CTD meetings scheduled for 17 November. 
These were  the 19th Dedicated Session on the Monitoring Mechanism on Special and Differential 
Treatment , the 21st Dedicated Session on R egional Trade Agreement s, the 13th Dedicated Se ssion 
on Preferential Trade Arrangements  and the 122nd Regular Session. However, given that the CTD 's 
59th Session on Aid for Trade had taken place just two days ago  – on 14 November – and that the 
present meeting was being held just a day before the 17 November meetings, he had worked with  WT/COMTD/SE/M/46  
 
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  the Secretariat to implement the new measures , where possible , for the 14 November Aid for Trade 
meeting and the present  meeting. This was why annotated draft agendas ha d been prepared for 
these two meetings as well. He hoped that this ha d been useful to Members .  
3. The draft agenda  as contain ed in Airgram WTO/AIR/COMTD/SE/18/Rev.2  of 6 November  2023 
was adopted .  
2  PARAGRAPH 41 OF THE HONG KONG MINISTERIAL DECLARATION: MO NITORING 
PROGRESS OF THE SMALL ECONOMIES' PROPOSALS IN THE NEGOTIATING GROUPS AND 
OTHER WTO BODIES  
(A) Work Programme on Small Economies - Compilation paper prepared by the Secretariat 
(WT/COMTD/SE/W/ 22/Rev.11 ) 
4. The Chairman  said that the Secretariat compilation paper had its roots in the mandate 
contained in paragraph 41 of the Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration, which called for the 
CTD's  Dedicated  Session on Small E conomies  to monitor the progress of the small  economies' 
proposals in the negotiating and other WTO bodies. The compilation paper had been updated several 
times over the years, in order to incorporate references to new documents concerning the Work 
Program me on Small Economies. There had in particular been a practice for the Dedicated Session 
to take note of updates to the paper in the run -up to WTO Ministerial Conferences. The paper ha d 
then served as a useful reference for Ministers on matters relating to  the Small Economies Work 
Programme.  In past Ministerial Decisions concerning the Work Programme, Ministers ha d based 
themselves on this document to take note of the work undertaken to date. The new update , 
contained in d ocument WT/COMTD/SE/W/ 22/Rev.11 , would  similarly help to inform Ministers at 
MC13 on the status of the Small Economies Work Programme, and in particular the work that ha d 
been undertaken since the last version of the document was circulated i n October 2021. In line with 
the practice, all existing references to past documents ha d been maintained in the new update. The 
additions that were made concern ed firstly a reference to the Ministerial Decision on the Work 
Programme on Small Economies taken at the Twelfth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) 
(WT/MIN(22)/25  - WT/L/1136 ). The updated compilation paper also made  reference to a proposal 
submitted by Guatemala on behalf of the SVE Group in April 2022 in document WT/COMTD/SE/W/44 . 
This prop osal contained an outline for a background document by the Secretariat on the topic of 
"integrating small economies into the post COVID -19 economy: effects of the pandemic, challenges 
and opportunities ". The outline was agreed at the 43rd Dedicated Session on Small Economies held 
on 20 May 2022. The Secretariat subsequently prepared the background note based on this outline, 
which was circulated on 14  February 2023 in document WT/COMTD/SE/W/45 . The background note 
was presented and  discussed at the 44th Dedicated Session on Small Economies  on 30 March. It was 
also listed as a reference on the agenda of the 45th Dedicated Session on Small Economies on 19 
October.  
5. The representative of the United States  delivered the following statem ent:  
6. The United States has carefully reviewed the compilation paper accompanying the 
Work Programme, and we find it accurate and informative. We also welcome the compilation 
document, which we view as a collection of thoughts and past work and not binding  for future 
recommendations on the content of the work plan. We believe that this is in line with what we 
expressed in the past, that the work plan is a forum for discussion and exchange of views and not 
for negotiation of new rules on any of the proposed issues.  
7. The representative of Barbados  delivered  the following statement:  
8. We are very happy with the compilation  paper . We agree with the U nited States , but with one 
small caveat . As has been done in the past, the discussions that Members have in the 
CTD's  Dedicated Session on Small Economies  can lead to negotiating positions outside of here. The 
Dedicated Session therefore  remains a n important working spac e and laboratory to form ne gotiating 
positions that may be taken elsewhere.  
9. The Dedicated Session took note  of the updated compilation paper, and of all interventions.  WT/COMTD/SE/M/46  
 
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  3  WORK PROGRAMME ON SMALL ECONOMIES: PROPOSAL FOR MINISTERIAL DECISION – 
COMMUNICATION FROM GUATEMALA ON BEHALF OF T HE GROUP OF SMALL, VULNERABLE 
ECONOMIES ( WT/COMTD/SE/W/46 )  
10. The Chairman said that  the present agenda item concern ed a proposal by Guatemala on behalf 
of the SVE Group for a Ministerial Decision at MC13 on the Work Programme on Small Economies . 
He invited Guatemala to introduce the proposal , which  was contained in document 
WT/COMTD/SE/W/46 . 
11. The representative of Guatemala  delivered the following statement:  
12. I would like to firstly thank the members of the SVE Group  for their a ctive participation and 
the fruitful discussion s, which led to the  propo sed text  for a Ministerial Decision at MC13 on the 
Work Programme on Small Economies.  I would also like to express appreciation to other Members 
for their support and interest in the w ork o n small economies to date. The first paragraph of the 
propos ed text  focuses on recognizing the work done since MC12 , as contained in the updated 
Secretariat compilation paper ( WT/COMTD/SE/W/22/Rev.11 ). The second paragraph refers to the 
Secretariat's background note, contained in document WT/COMTD/SE/W/45 . This background note , 
which  was prepared in accordance with the guidance  from Ministers at MC12 , is on the topic  of 
"integrating small economies into the post COVID -19 economy: effects of the pandemic, challenges 
and opportunities".  At the last meeting of the Dedicated Session, members of the SVE Group shared 
perspectives and experiences on the challenges a nd opportunities our countries face in working 
towards effective post  COVID -19 integration. That productive discussion led us to identify a number 
of areas of particular interest that should be discussed in depth to ensure economic recovery . This 
is addres sed in the third paragraph of our proposal.  The fourth paragraph mentions the importance 
of working with other relevant international organizations  – as we recently did with the South Centre, 
the World Bank, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development ( UNCTAD ) and the 
Commonwealth  Secretariat . The objective of cooperating  with other international organizations is to 
focus on and make use of work undertaken in areas of interest to the SVE Group .  
13. In that regard, the first area of interest con cerns the challenges and opportunities for our 
countries in relation to e -commerce and the digital ecosystem , as we strive to boost competitiveness. 
Boosting competitiveness was a recommendation made to us in the Secretariat background note, as 
well as by other international organizations. Therefore , we should seek to deepen discussions on 
topics such as data protection, data flow, digital infrastructure and cybersecurity, among others.  
The second area of interest to the SVE Group  lies in addressing the imp ortance of resilient, accessible 
and transparent supply chains , in light of food security issues and the impact of non -tariff measures  
(NTMs)  on trade costs. This topic is in line with the expected inputs and outcomes of 
UNCTAD's  Global Supply Chain Forum to be held in Barbados in 2024, which will focus on small 
economies and small island developing states  (SIDS) . UNCTAD and other organizations have carried 
out several research activities within the framework of the Forum.  The third area of interest is to 
continue the important and complementary collaboration with international agencies and with other 
Committees, Divisions and Working  Groups within the WTO  – for example with the Committee on 
Trade and Environment  – to address the integration of climate chang e adaptation into the trade 
policies of small economies. It was clear from the Secretariat's background note that our countries 
were not  only affected by the COVID -19 pandemic but are also vulnerable to climate change and 
natural disasters.  
14. We believe that  the work and information contained  in the Secretariat's background note is 
not complete, and th is is why our proposals are aligned with the document. Our proposals are also 
in line with the experiences shared by our members and other international agencie s at 
experience -sharing sessions. Our primary objective is to achieve a maximum integration of small 
economies into the international trading system and to continue assessing the eff ectiveness  of the 
proposals developed so far in that regard. While we have three distinct areas of interest, I would 
like to stress that they are inter -related and support our countries' economic recovery.  I would like 
to express my gratitude to other Members , who h ave expressed  suppor t for the work o n small 
economies , for the various informal consultations and discussions that we had . In that regard, some 
minor editorial changes have been proposed. The first change is to remove the word "vulnerable" 
and refer only t o "small economies". This change is in line with the language used in the 
MC12  Ministerial Decision. The second change  is to establish a clear link between our proposal s and 
the Secretariat's  background note . If Members are in agreement, I propose that we approve the 
proposed text for the MC13 Ministerial Decision , as these are minor changes . The text of the WT/COMTD/SE/M/46  
 
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  Ministerial Decision may therefore be circulated to Members for consideration at MC13.  Once again, 
I would like to thank the SVE Group  for supporting G uatemala in preparing this proposal.   
15. The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
16. My delegation  seeks clarification and would like to share  comments on some  aspects of  the 
fourth paragraph.  First, the three proposed areas  for future work are cross -cutting  and are being 
discussed in other WTO bodies as well. It may therefore be more appropriate  to instruct the 
WTO Secretariat to provide relevant informa tion and factual analysis for discussion s in the 
CTD's Dedicated Session , as well as in other relevant WTO bodies.  Second, it may be appropriate to 
replace the phrase "and, in particular, to work on" with " and, in particular, on" , since  we are not 
sure whether the proposed work would all be done by  the WTO Secretariat. Finally , we have some 
suggestions regarding the third area of proposed work, which currently calls for collaboration "with 
other relevant bodies and other relevant external expertise ". The term  "other relevant external 
expertise " is broad  and is also not consistent with the earlier language in the paragraph which 
mentions cooperation with relevant international organizations. We would therefore like to propose 
that the term "other relevant external expertise " be replaced with "other relevant inte rnational 
organization s", which is consistent with the spirit of this paragraph. In addition, we note that this 
third proposed  area of work  currently indicates that the work will explore how to integrate climate 
change adaptation and mitigation policies in to the trade policies of SVEs. We suggest specifying  that 
the work will  explor e how to integrate  trade-related climate change adaptation and mitigation 
policies  into the trade policies of SVEs . 
17. The representative of  Hong Kong, China  delivered the following statement:  
18. I would like  to thank Guatemala for the draft Ministerial Decision , which we support. 
My delegation seeks clarification on the phrase "collaborating with other relevant WTO bodies and 
other relevant external expertise ". We would like to know if Guatemala and the SVE Group ha ve any 
such expertise in mind at this point  of time, or if they wish only to have broad general language in 
order to allow for broad expertise.  
19. The representative of Fiji, on behalf of the Organisatio n of African, Caribbean and Pacific States  
(OACPS) , delivered the following statement:  
20. The African, Caribbean and Pacific ( ACP) Group would like to commend the Chair for his tireless 
efforts. We would also like to  thank Guatemala for its leadership in coordinating the SVE Gr oup, as 
well as other Members for their continued support.  The ACP Group is a diverse group of countries 
with unique development needs and challenges that require support and mainstreaming withi n the 
multilateral trading system  (MTS) . Most of the challenges we face in the aftermath of COVID -19 has 
been highlighted in the background note by the Secretariat contained in  document 
WT/COMTD/SE/W/45 . Nothing much has changed in view of the ong oing inflation, the food security 
challenges, the debt issues, lack of connectivity, climate change and natural disasters, amongst 
others . Past Ministerial Decisions , since Doha to Hong Kong  to MC12 , reaffirm commitment to the 
Work Programme on Small Econo mies. The ACP Group would like to ensure  that this remains in the 
upcoming Ministerial. Additionally, we recommend tangible progress within this Dedicated Session 
on Small Economies to materialize these Ministerial Decisions  that would ensure the further 
integration of small economies into the MTS. The ACP Group supports the draft Ministerial text as 
presented by Guatemala. The text has gone through the necessary phases of consultations amongst 
the small economies. We note and support the change to review and eliminate the word "vulnerable " 
and refer only to small economies , in line with the MC12 Decision . The second change  mentioned  by 
Guatemala , which is to establish an explicit relationship between  the Ministerial text  and the work 
on integrating small economies  into the post COVID -19 economy , is also supported by the 
ACP Group. The WTO should continue to work with international or ganizations to address the issues 
faced by small economies. With the support of all Members, we look forward to the adoption of this 
outcome document for the consideration of our Ministers at MC13.  
21. The representative of Brazil  delivered the following state ment:  
22. I would like to thank Guatemala for the proposal.  We recently participated in a  seminar 
organized by the Secretariat, with Ecuador, Guatemala and other countries in the region.  I want to 
underscore that collaboration and cooperation with UNCTAD, the South Centre, the World Bank and WT/COMTD/SE/M/46  
 
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  the Commonwealth is very welcome . This is  particularly the case with UNCTAD, which is conducting 
useful  work with a group of experts on Financing for Development, including on sustainable green 
industrialization.  Last week at UNCTAD, some  recommendations were agreed by consensus, which 
will be forwarded to the Second Committee of the United Nations . This is important for the most 
vulnerable economies, including those in South America, because some of our small or vulnerable 
economies are landlocked.  Such is the case with the Plurinational State of Bolivia, for example.  
Last week, the Brazilian Congress approved Bolivia's entry into the Southern Common Market, 
MERCOSUR, which is good news.  We believe that the issue of climate change is and should be 
important because the smallest and most vulnerable economies are most at risk . I would like to 
express my appreciation  to Guatemala, the Secretariat and the Chair for the work done since MC12.  
I am sure that they will pur sue their efforts right through to the Fourteenth WTO Ministerial 
Conference ( MC14 ) in Africa.   
23. The representative of Sri Lanka  delivered the following statement:   
24. Let me extend my delegation's  appreciation to Guatemala for tabling the draft Ministerial 
Decision . Despite Members' repeated commitment to the Work Programme on Small Economies , and 
in particular to adopt specific measures that would facilitate the fuller integration of SVE s into the 
MTS, the SVEs' participation in global merchandise trade increased by only 0.05% between  2010 to 
2019.  In light of the interconnected risks and many contemporary challenges facing SVEs, 
my delegation believes that the draft Ministerial  Decision  presented by Guatemala on behalf of the 
SVE Group contains many positive elements.  It emphasizes the area of e -commerce and digital 
ecosystems, transparent supply chains for food security issues, trade costs, and how to integrate 
climate change adaptation  and mitigation policies into the trade policies of SVEs. These are areas 
that the wider WTO Membership deliberate s on, and SVEs should benefi t from these multilateral 
processes.  As has been highlighted in many forums, SVEs are diverse and dynamic in their problems 
and solutions , which could possibly go beyond the scope of the WTO. Therefore, as indicated in the 
draft Ministerial Decision, external collaboration is very important.  Box 2 of the 
Secretariat's  background not e (WT/COMTD/SE/W /45), whic h is dedicated to Sri Lanka, shows how 
unique the problems and the solutions c an be. It is stated that " Sri Lanka has recently experienced 
the worst economic crisis in its history. Shortages of essential food, fuel, and medicines, and rolling 
power blackou ts led to protests and political unrest. With the currency plunging steeply and foreign 
reserves dwindling, Sri Lanka suspended payment on most foreign debt in April 2022, beginning the 
country's  first sovereign default episode. Inflation accelerated in th e second half of 2021 through 
2022". Solutions to all these issues may be limited within the WTO, but promoting collaboration 
between the WTO and other international agencies could be helpful in cushion ing these extreme 
situations.   
25. The representative of  Barbados  delivered the following statement:  
26. I would like to thank Guatemala for presenting the proposed text  on behalf of the SVE  Group . 
I would also like to give my delegation's full support for the elements contained therein, especially  
the three series of priorities. These priorities were taken from work that some other organizations 
have done for small economies , includ ing UNCTAD, the International Trade Centre ( ITC) and the 
Food and Agriculture Organization ( FAO). This is therefore very much a demand -driven request 
based on evidence and based on what we see as the constraints and opportunities in our respective 
economies. I don’t have to elaborate on why improving our digital ecosystem is so important. The 
same goes for  transparent sup ply chains. We have a huge issue with the costliness of supply chains 
in small economies. The trade costs of NTMs  are now more than double that of tariffs. When it is 
recommend ed that the WTO Secretar iat work with other relevant partners, we 're thinking ab out 
agencies like ITC and UNCTAD that have done very deliberate work on NTMs  and have conducted 
NTM surveys that can be drawn upon . I noted the questions raised by India and Hong Kong, China  
regarding relevant external expertise . I would prefer not to leav e it to just 
international  organizations . It is possible today to get assistance and advice from others besides 
international organizations. These include global fund s and the private sector . We can learn from 
micro, small and medium -sized enterprises ( MSMEs ) in other countries that have been able to put 
some useful  measures in place. I therefore prefer to leave it quite flexible. In terms of some of the 
other queries raised by India, I think these are essentially semantics , and I will defer  to the SVE 
Group C oordinator . From Barbados ' perspective , we don’t have a problem in removing the wor d 
"work" from the fourth paragraph or  in referring specifically to "trade-related climate change ".  WT/COMTD/SE/M/46  
 
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  27. The representative of Mauritius  delivered the followin g statement:   
28. My delegation would like to  commend Guatemala for its work on behalf of the SVEs . We also 
support the statement made by the ACP Group. Some progress has been made in the CT D's work 
since MC12 . However, SVEs remain in the same precarious situation as before MC12. In fact, things 
have worsened.  We are yet to see the concrete formulation and implementation of measures to 
address the problem s of small economies amidst the deteriorating international conjuncture and 
geopolitical instabilities . This is happening at a time when the SVEs are reeling from the disastrous 
effects of the pandemic. The majority of SVEs are net food importing developing countries  (NFIDCs ), 
and their precariousness in terms of f ood security must be addressed on an urgent basis. To integrate 
the SVEs further into the MTS, taking into account new international trade challenges that are 
arising, Members  need to urgently assess the effectiveness of the response s frame d so far to 
integrate SVEs into the MTS, and see what else needs to be done . Members cannot simply  move  
from one M inisterial Conference  to another with just compilation  documents. A ction needs to be 
taken. Members  need to develop a framework of flexibilit ies and support t o assist small economies . 
Critical challenges facing small economies, like those relating to supply chain s and food insecurity , 
need to be addressed. Small economies' participation in new areas like e -commerce and digital 
technologies  must be fostered . My delegation  calls for an enlarged, reinforced and reinvigorated 
participation from Members with a view to  reaching concrete out comes at MC13 and thereafter that 
will address the needs of SVEs and the challenges they face  in integrat ing into the international 
trading system. We  are not  here just to create compilation  documents . Members need to be 
progressive and come up with target ed measures . The support of the big countries , including the 
big developing partners , is needed  in this regard.  
29. The representative of Australia  delivered the following statement:  
30. Australia thanks Guatemala and the SVE Group  for the draft Ministerial Decisi on on the table 
today. We  are very supportive of a Ministerial Decision on the Small Economies Work Programme 
being agreed at MC13 and we welcome the discussion. While we broadly support the draft Decision, 
we would like to put forward several amendments for consideration. First, for point 2 in the list of 
identified areas of work, which starts with the phrase, "addressing the importance of resilient, 
accessible, and transparent supply chains ", we wo uld request the addition of the words "open and 
reliable ". So, our recommendation would be : "addressing the importance of resilient, accessible, 
open, reliable, and transparent supply chains ". This would align the draft Decision with other 
multilateral sta tements on food security, by noting the importance of open and reliable trade to 
support food security. Second, and again for the same point 2, rather than the current language of 
the impact of NTMs  on trade costs, we would strongly recommend inserting the  word "unnecessary " 
and switching from NTMs  to "non-tariff barriers ". Our recommendation would therefore be: "the 
impact of unnecessary non -tariff barriers ". This is actually a red line for us as we  are concerned that 
the current language implies that any NTM is a cause  of concern . Legitimate NTMs  fall within the 
scope of the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures ( SPS Agreement)  
and the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade ( TBT Agreement ). We think that switching to 
"unnece ssary non -tariff barriers " would more accurately reflect this distinction. Thank s again to 
Guatemala and the SVE Group for the draft Decision . We look forward to working together towards 
reaching an outcome at MC1 3.  
31. The representative of  the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
32. The European Union would like to welcome all the documentation that has been  provided for 
this meeting, including the annotated draft agenda, the Secretariat compilation paper, the draft 
Ministerial Decisio n, and the draft report to the General Council. These documents show that the 
Work Programme on Small Economies is alive and well. The European Union remains very supportive 
of the Work Programme and  the small economies themselves. We would  like to thank t he SVE Group  
for submitting a proposal for a Ministerial Decision.  This proposal clearly builds on previous work and 
in particular the question of integrating small economies into the post -COVID -19 economy. We 
understand that the three areas of work identi fied in the proposal reflect some of the major themes 
in the analysis of the post -COVID recovery so far.  The European Union welcomes the suggestion to 
deepen the analysis on this topic and to focus on the themes proposed. Referring to the statement 
by Guat emala, we could accept that the link between the themes and the background document is 
further specified, but we  are not insisting on any textual change . This is  because the 
Secretariat's  background note is already referenced in the second paragraph  of the  draft Decision.  
As was the case at MC12, the Decision proposed for MC13 covers an ambitious range of topics . I WT/COMTD/SE/M/46  
 
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  think i t is fair to anticipate that work may have to continue into the future, beyond MC14 if necessary.  
The European Union would be interested in continuing the discussion on small 
economies ' post-COVID recovery or resilience, including with other organi zations and experts 
different than the one s that presented  at the previous meeting of the Dedicated Session . This would 
includ e private sector representatives as well, as mentioned by the Ambassador of Barbados.   
33. On the theme of resilient supply chains, which was addressed  by Australia, our understanding 
is that the ref erence to NTMs  covers trade  restrictive measures, such as those taken during the 
COVID -19 pandemic . The Secretariat background note indicate s that these have significant trade 
costs for small economies.  On the basis of that understanding, we have no object ion to the inclusion 
of this sub -theme but would suggest that the Decision refer to "trade restrictions " instead of NTMs.  
This would perhaps also solve Australia 's issue.  That being said, may be I have not fully understood 
what the SVE Group would like to p ropose and discuss under this sub -theme. I also think that India 
has a point in noting  that the themes proposed overlap with the subject matter dealt with by other 
WTO bodies , but I would suggest that this goes without saying. We are not in favour of repla cing 
"other relevant external expertise " with " other  relevant  international organi zations ". We don’t think 
that’s a good idea.  In the area of climate change, Members have a  tradition of bringing in expertise 
from beyond international organi zations . The European Union therefore feels that SVE s and other 
Member s should  have access to the widest possible expertise . Some delegations have already 
spoken along those lines, and we support them.  Lastly, on the parallel use of the terms "small 
economies ", "SVEs" and "small, vulnerable economies " mentioned by Guatemala, I would like to say 
that t his parallelism does not change or challenge the mandate of the Dedicated Session and my 
delegation can therefore live with it.  I would like to conclude  by proposing tha t the Dedicated Session 
endorse the draft Ministerial Decision proposed by the SVE Group.   
34. The representative of China  delivered the following statement:  
35. I would like to t hank Guatemala for presenting the proposal on behalf of the SVE Group. 
The mandate an d legal framework for the Work Programme on Small Economies comes from 
paragraph 35 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration . Several subsequent Ministerial Conferences 
reaffirmed Ministers' commitment to the Work Programme. In February of this year, the Secretariat 
issued its background note on integrating small economies into the post COVID -19 economy. 
(WT/COMTD/SE/W/45 ). We find that all  the three proposed topics for future work are mentioned in 
this background note . In this context, China fully understands that all three areas are important to 
SVEs, and we are open to talk with Members on how to deliver on this proposal at MC13. 
My delegation would also like to know more about the targeted outcomes from the  proposal. Will 
there  be factual analy ses on all the three topics , compiled  by the Secretariat and other international 
organizations ? Or will there be thematic  sessions on e ach of the topics , followed by some 
recommendations? Thank  you for further elaborat ing on the roadmap.  With regard to the suggestion  
by Australia to use the term "non -tariff barriers" , my delegation will be considering the matte r. 
At the moment , we feel that that NTMs may be the right term to use, b ut we are open to further 
discussions .  
36. The representative of Nicaragua  delivered the following statement:  
37. My delegation  thanks Guatemala for its excellent coordination in preparing the 
proposed  Ministeri al Decision on the Work Programme on Small Economies. Nicaragua supports t he 
proposed Decision and urges Members to consider the needs , vulnerabilities and challenges of small 
economies in their integration into international markets . This is particularly important in  this time 
of polycrisis marked by high trade costs, opportunities and challenges in attracting investment, post -
pandemic economic and trade repercussions and natural disasters exacerbated by climate change.  
Against this backdrop, Nicaragua believes that the proposed Decision contains many positive 
elements for the work of the Dedicated Session on Small Economies after MC13.  With regard to 
challenges and opportunities in e -commerce and the digital economy, pandemic security measures 
enabled the development and promotion of digital commerce  in some countries . However, the 
experience s of small economies were different . They are lagging behind the d eveloped countries , 
who have consolidated digital and electronic platforms and online marketplaces. Greater capacity -
building efforts are required to promote participation in international trade . The sharing of 
experiences between  Member s will be useful , including on adopting di gital solutions for infrastructure 
and services, payments, trade facilitation and logistics, legal and regulatory frameworks , skills 
development and e -commerce strateg ies. There is also a need to discuss the importance of resilient, 
accessible and transpar ent supply chains from the perspective of small economies facing high WT/COMTD/SE/M/46  
 
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  logistics and transport costs.  We welcome collaboration with other relevant WTO bodies and other 
external experts in exploring how to integrate climate change adaptation and mitigation p olicies into 
the trade policies of small economies. This is especially relevant for Nicaragua and other members 
of the SVE  Group that are vulnerable to the consequences of climate change.  
38. The representative of the United States  delivered the following stat ement:  
39. We have reviewed the proposed Work Programme that the small economies put forth for 
endorsement at MC13 and we sincerely welcome it. The themes proposed are all important topics 
to address and we look forward to exploring pragmatic ways to work with  you and learn from and 
with you. We want to also encourage discussions on climate change adaptation and mitigation with 
Members , across Committees  and through workshops . This would be done through 
experience -sharing and exchanges to foster collaboration a mong peers and colleagues, thereby 
filling the knowledge gaps and generat ing fresh thinking. On the language of the Work Programme, 
we are still consulting with capital specifically on the second area of proposed work, concerning the 
reference to supply ch ains for small economies and the impact of NTMs  on trade costs.  We will 
certainly submit our final editorial suggestions in writing. We have listened carefully to both Australia 
and the European Union and are certainly willing to find a landing  zone. I would like to  encourage 
Guatemala to take the time to elaborate a little bit further on this second area of proposed work  in 
the coming days or even at our meeting t oday. On the issue of collaborating with international 
organizations and other relevant external experts, the United States is very supportive of bringing 
the voices of the private sector and other relevant stakeholders into the implementation of the 
Work Programme.   
40. The representative of the United Kingdom  delivered the following statement:  
41. Thank you to the SVE Group for circulating the proposal and for some of the clarifications 
provided  today. As demonstrated in the insightful presentations at the last m eeting of the 
Dedicated  Session, the challenges that SVEs face are unique and are often caused by exogenous 
shocks . In a world of increasing shocks, it  is important that we continue to learn from the past in 
order to inform future responses.  The United Kin gdom  is very supportive of continuing work on small 
economie s. We are also broadly supportive of the suggestion to focus on the three areas of work 
identified  in the draft Decision. I am still receiving some final comments from capital, which I will 
provide soon . I am very appreciative of the clarification s provided on how the proposed work will 
build on the Secretariat 's background note  prepared after MC12 . It will be important to build on what  
has already been done.  I also echo the support for broad ening the conversation to include other 
organi zations. Expertise obviously exists outside of this room, and it  will be  important to draw from 
this. I would like to request some clarification on the third paragraph of the draft Decision , and in 
particular the request for the Dedicated Session to consider in further detail the various submissions 
that have been received to date . I like to ask whether this would go beyond what is found in the 
Secretariat's  compilation paper , and if so how .  
42. The representative of Trinidad and Tobago  delivered the following statement:  
43. I want to extend my delegation's  gratitude to Guatemala for its leadership , and to the wider 
SVE Group for the robust engagement in identifying the priorities to be reflected in the Ministerial 
Decision to guide our work after MC13. I also want to echo some of the views expressed by previous 
speakers about ensuring that the Work Programme becomes increasingly effective in achieving its 
aims.  In this regard, it is important to mention the reaffirmation in the 2015 Nairobi Ministerial 
Decision  to continue to address the needs of SVEs in a substantive and meaningful manner  in every 
area of WTO work. I would like to thank the Members that  have given their reflections on the draft 
Ministeri al Decision.  The SVE Group wants to ensure that the work going forward is robust . The 
proposed text really does reflect a demand -driven approach , as mentioned by the Ambassador o f 
Barbados . With regard to the comments made on the proposed second area of wo rk, I would need 
some time to reflect. F urther discussion would be useful , as there may not be a shared understanding 
on what is meant by NTMs in the text .  WT/COMTD/SE/M/46  
 
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  44. The representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines , on behalf of the WTO Members of the 
Organiz ation of Eastern Caribbean States  (OECS) delivered the following statement:  
45. We align with the statement by Guatemala  and thank the delegation of Guatemala for its very 
efficient coordination of this work . We also align with the statement by Fiji on behalf  of the 
ACP Group . We want to thank Members for what appears to be overwhelming support for the 
proposal for a Ministerial Decision on the Work Programme on Small Economies.  The tone of this 
meeting has been very encouraging. We want to lend full support for the proposal as presented by 
Guatemala on behalf of the SVE Group . We agree with the European Union that it builds on previous 
work, but we also want to note that it reflects the status quo with respect to some of the immediate 
challenges that are confr onting small economies. The three areas would broadly complement the 
work done and the discussions which are ongoing on integrating small economies into the 
post COVID -19 global economy. I want to share  some initial reactions to some of the specific 
language suggestion s that have been made. T hese comments are without prejudice to further 
internal deliberations by the SVE  Group. On the reference to NTMs in the text , I took note of the 
suggestions  to add "unnecessary " or to replace NTMs with "trade restrictions ". However, the text  
makes no value judgment on the nature of the measures and only has an interest in exploring their 
impact . There are some measures which are legitimate , necessary and WTO-consisten t, but 
nonetheless have very severe consequences for SVEs . The text is neutral with respect to whether 
those measures are necessary or unnecessary.  On the issue of external expertise, I took note of the 
comments from India . However, I  agree with the United  States  and others that it will be important 
to have external expertise and involvement from the private sector . The language needs to be 
sufficiently broad to ensure that we are not unduly restricted in our ability to engage with external 
stakeholders and  experts.  
46. The representative of Barbados  delivered the following statement:  
47. Thank s to Members  for making some useful suggestions. I would like to support what was 
said by the representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines . "Barriers " is a value judgment and 
"unnecessary " is a value judgment . The objective of the proponents is to look at the impact of certain 
trade measures . To respond to the European Union, this would include  the NTMs  that were seen in 
the COVID -19 era. However , the o bjective is to go beyond that.  Our preference is to retain the 
language as is because we think that i t reflects our objectives . To respond to the suggestion from 
Australia, my delegation doesn't have any  objection to  including  the words  "open and reliable " in 
the context of supply chains. To elaborate on this proposed area of work , it relates to one of the 
most critical constraints for  SIDS. Many of us rely on completely open economies for food security.  
We rely sometimes up to 90% on imports. Many of us, especially in the Pacific, are very  far away 
from trade hubs and from main ports.  Having  predictable, transparent, open and cost -effective 
supply chains is critical to feeding us and is critical to giving us the technology that we need for the 
green tr ansition.  In essence, we  are supply -chain takers. There needs to be more sensitivity and 
awareness of the impact of costly supply chains on small economies. During the COVID -19 period , 
small economies really felt the impact of being supply -chain  takers  when it came to pharmaceuticals . 
That's  why it 's so important that this issue is on the agenda, including here at the WTO.  On the 
question from the United Kingdom on specific proposals , I recall that in the past the SVEs would 
submit proposals in the Dedicate d Session on Small Economies  – for example  on SPS and  TBT issues, 
which  were then discussed in the SPS and TBT Committee s. The draft Decisions  refers to  proposals  
of this nature  that were made in the past and  would also cover any proposals that the SVEs wo uld 
want to make  in the future.   
48. The representative of Fiji, on behalf of the Pacific Group, delivered the following statement:  
49. The Pacific  Group  joins others in expressing  appreciation to the Chair for  the efforts made in 
the CTD, including with regard to small economies.  As five of our six members are small economies , 
with a few in the LDC category , we stress the importance of this Work Programme in framing 
responses that will facilitate the full integration of small ec onomies into the MTS. The Work 
Programme on Small Economies was mandated  through Ministerial Declarations since the Doha 
Ministerial Conference in 2001, and we place great importance on this work.  The Pacific Group 
acknowledges the role of Guatemala in thi s process, and we commend all its efforts in highlighting 
and promoting greater understanding of the trade challenges faced by small economies. These trade 
challenges are coupled with other vulnerabilities, such as exposure to external shocks  – including 
inflationary pressures and the food crisis, as well as the impact of climate change and natural 
disasters. We therefore appreciate the ongoing work to find solutions to these challenges and WT/COMTD/SE/M/46  
 
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  address the development needs of SVEs in the ever -changing global c ontext. The Pacific Group 
supports the extension and renewal of the work under the mandate in paragraph 35 of the 
Doha Declaration. Considering our vulnerabilities, the Pacific Island leaders in their meeting last 
week in the Cook Islands agreed that the P acific region will elevate its trade and environmental 
sustainability as part of its new agenda going forward.  We recognize that much work will be needed 
in this area, and we appreciate that one of the key elements outlined in the draft Ministerial Decisio n 
will assist us in these efforts. The other elements focus on digital connectivity and addressing food 
security issues , which are equally important.  The extension of support  beyond international 
organizations  will be also important , thereby  cover ing other expertise that suits our specific needs  
and ensuring that we are  not constrained going forward. The Pacific Group therefore agrees with the 
draft Ministerial Decision as presented by Guatemala  and looks forward to the support of all 
Members.  
50. The re presentative of Japan  delivered the following statement:  
51. We would like to thank Guatemala and the SVE Group for preparing this proposal for a 
Minist erial Decision . We find that th e draft highlight s the challenges and opportunities that SVE s 
have been facing and we fully support th e proposal.  
52. The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
53. It is a pity that  the representative of India had to leave the meeting because I think his 
delegation is the only one  that might have a problem with the reference to other relevant external 
expertis e. If he’d still been here, he might have  accepted the  view of the majority that it 's not 
necessary to l imit ourselves . In fact , the SVEs  do not want to be limited . I would also like to thank  
the SVEs for the explanations regarding NTMs . The interpretation that I put on this was based on an 
exchange with the SVE Group C oordinator . However, I understand that the Caribbean delegations  
in particular  also have other measures in mind . It would help my delegation if  they could explain 
what would be included in a broader definition of NTMs.  
54. The representative of Guatemala  delivered the following statement:  
55. I would like to thank Members for all their comments and recommendations aimed at 
identifying, improving, clarifying and defining the next steps for small economies. I would also like 
to make a few preliminary remarks which echo those made by other members of the SVE Group. 
The changes I mentioned earlier are editorial, and will be discussed within the SVE Group, so that 
they can be reflected in the proposal. In response to the comment from India about the proposed 
work by the Secretariat being undertaken only for the CTD's Dedicated Sessions on Small Economies, 
I would note that all Secretariat documents can be accessed from the WTO's Documents Online. On 
the issue of external expertise, my delegation agrees with Barbados that it is important to maintain 
this refer ence, since it will allow information to be obtained from relevant sources including the 
private sector. With regard to the question from China, the intention would be to not only wait for 
documents to be prepared by the Secretariat but to also hold themat ic sessions that would allow the 
identification of best practices to implement at the national level and build capacity in small 
economies. The SVE Group will be consulting with delegations and considering the suggestions made 
with a view to presenting a r evised text as soon as possible.  
56. The representative of Barbados  delivered the following statement:  
57. I want to take the opportunity to respond in a preliminary way  to the question from the 
European Union. If one looks at some of the NTM surveys that have been done for some small 
economies , for example by the ITC, one will have a very clear idea of what some of the NTMs are 
that affect our exporters . These are based on actual interviews that have been conducted  with our 
business communit ies. When you look at some of the studies for the Caribbean, for example , you 
see that food and agro -based products was the most strongly affected sector. In some countries, 
about  40% of the exporters that have been surveyed report diffic ulties there. You also have issues 
around conformity assessment and technical requirements. Many of our small and medium -sized 
enterprises have issues entering into markets because of SPS  measures , conformity assessments or 
certification requirements. Rule s of origin and pre -shipment inspections have also been raised by 
our exporters as some of the issues they face . These are just some examples. We're not saying that 
conformity assessments or SPS measures are wrong. However,  the reality is that some of our MSMEs WT/COMTD/SE/M/46  
 
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  have difficulty meet ing these requirements. Doing an impact assessment is not about changing a 
regulation . It could be about helping those who can 't meet the regulation. It 's not a value judgment, 
and it 's not about penalizing the measure . If there  is a good measure  in place , but it is having a 
detrimental impact on our economie s, it can't be ign ored.  
58. The representative of Trinidad and Tobago  delivered the following statement:  
59. This is  a preliminary comment, as I understand that Members  will continue the discussion , 
perhaps  in a different format. In our  experience , NTMs do sometimes undermine small 
economies'  ability to access the supposed advantages of trade liberalization. We've  become very 
much aware that market access does not always  translate into market penetration, precisely because 
of NTMs. We're asking that the Secretar iat look into this and conduct work on this area, specifically 
as it affects small economies. One element that has come to the fore for us in practical terms is the 
issue of transparency. Sometimes  we find out about  these measures  late in the game , and w e have 
no say about how they function. A number of these  measures relate to public health and the 
environment. The implementation timeframes are particularly short a nd challenging for us.  I think 
Members could deepen the discussion to make sure that we  are all on the same page. I  am confident 
that it will be possible to find language that reflects the intent but is also agreeable to all Members.  
60. The representative of Mauritius  delivered the following statement:  
61. I would like to reiterate the call to have a system in place to assess the effectiveness of the 
responses that have been framed so far to integrate small economies into the MTS, in view of the 
challenges and difficulties  that they face . If there have been actions, how have they been effective 
and where have they not been effective ? What needs to be done to make them effective? Or perhaps 
there have  not been any targeted measures implemented for small economies? We cannot just go 
from one M inisterial Conference to the next without such an analysis. Members agree that small 
economies face difficulties , but this needs to lead us somewhere. We therefore need a progressive 
agenda , beyond just the preparation of compilation documents . Mauritius climbed up the ladder in 
2021 but fell down again in a matter of six months.  Sustained capacity comes from the purchase of 
a country's products.  When talk ing about value chains, we are not talking about selli ng our products 
to ourselves . We need an economic route  to trade that is safe, clear and cost -effective . Countries 
facing food insecurity need to buy products from other countries. The necessary conduits to allow 
this to happen must be put in place. The point is not about isolation, but about being  inclusive in 
growth and recogniz ing the need s that SVEs have on certain issues . A progressive agenda must 
identify the issues and determi ne how they are to be addressed . We have seen the effects of 
Cyclone  Dora in Hawaii. What would have happened if Hawaii was an SVE without the support of a 
big country?  SVEs face cyclonic calamities every year, which destroy years of growth. Members need 
to therefore identify the issues to be addressed. If some countries don 't want to touch the mandated 
areas , maybe there are other routes to take the discussions forward . I would also support the point 
made by the Ambassador of Barbados  that some institution s with technical mandates in specific 
areas have come up with some findings which are more than relevant. This is not the time to turn a 
blind eye  or to just continue hopping from one M inisterial Conference to the next with a compilation 
of best intentions . 
62. The Chairman thank ed Guatemala for the effort s made . However, it s eemed that there were 
still some outstanding questions that need ed to be resolved before the Dedicated Session would be 
in a position to agree to the proposal by the SVE Group for a Ministerial Decision at MC13 on the 
Work Program me on Small Economies.  He intended to suspend  the meeting at this stage. 
Discussions would continue shortly with a view to reaching an outcome .  
63. The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
64. My delegation supports the Chair. I don't want to miss the opportunity to thank Barbados  and 
Trinidad and Tobago for their replies.  My delegation is certainly in favour of moving  this forward, as 
also mentioned by Mauritius. I think we will not get around the fact that th e proposed  Decision is 
quite broadly worded.  We sh ould therefore accept that  we will inevitably have to narrow things  down 
a bit, if only so that I can bring my relevant experts to the relevant meetings.  WT/COMTD/SE/M/46  
 
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  65. The representative of Fiji delivered the following statement:  
66. I have noted that the Chair intends to suspend the meeting. I would like to ask for some 
clarification on the process  that will be put in place to address the specific issues or concerns that 
have been raised, with the objective of coming to an agreement.   
67. The Chairman said that  his intention was to hold informal consultations  with Members  so that 
the Dedicate d Session would  be in a position to agree to the proposal by the SVE Group as soon as 
possible. He stress ed the need for urgency in the work, given the short time remaining until MC13. 
He would  be in touch with Members shortly. Once Members were able to de termine the way forward 
on the SVE Group 's proposal, the Dedicated Session would  turn to  agenda item 4 concerning its draft 
report to the General Council.   
68. The meeting was suspended . 
69. The meeting was reconvened  on 24 November 2023.  
70. The Chairman recalled that the meeting was suspended on 16 November 2023 under agenda 
item 3, as Members needed more time to consider the proposed text submitted by Guatemala on 
behalf of the SVE Group for a Ministerial Decision at MC13 on the Work Programme on Small 
Economies. The proposal that was considered on 16 November was contained in document 
WT/COMTD/SE/W/46 . A revised proposal  had been circulated on 23 November in document 
WT/COMTD/SE/W/46/Rev.1 . It was this revision  that the Ded icated Session would now consider . He 
said that he would first invite Guatemala to introduce the revised proposal  under agenda item 3 . 
As he had indicated in the  communication that had been sent to delegations reconvening the 
meeting , discussions would thereafter continue in  informal mode .  
71. The representative of Guatemala , on behalf of the SVE Group , delivered the following 
statement:  
72. I would first ly like to thank the members of the SVE Group for their continued work over the 
last week to improve our proposal for a Ministerial Decision  at MC13 . This was the result of a team 
effort , and not just coordination work by Guatemala . I would also like to express my appreciat ion to 
the delegations that we had informal bilateral meetings with. The revised  text was formulated based 
on the suggestions  for improvements  that were made by delegations. The discussions were open, 
transparent and constructive, leading to consensus among Members in these meetings . The main 
change is in the third area of pro posed work, where it has been broadly established that an 
exploration with other  relevant  WTO bodies would take place on how to integrate trade-related 
climate change adaptation and mitigation policies into the trade policies of small economies. 
However, this does not stop us from being able to hold informal meetings and sessions with other 
external experts, which we already do in practice.  I remain at your disposal if any explanation or 
clarification of the revised text is required. Otherwise,  I would like to invite Members to support this 
proposal.  
73. Discussions continued in informal mode . 
74. The meeting was suspended . 
75. The meeting was reconvened  on 1 December 2023.  
76. The Chairman recalled that the 46th Dedicated Session on Small Economies began on 
16 November 2023. The meeting was suspended under agenda item 3, as Members needed more 
time to consider the proposed text submitted by Guatemala on behalf of the SVE Group for a 
Ministerial Decision at MC13 on the Work Programme on Small Economies. The propos al that was 
considered on 16 November was contained in document WT/COMTD/SE/W/46 . A revised proposal, 
circulated in document WT/COMTD/SE/W/46 /Rev.1 , was considered at the reconvened meeting held 
on 24 November. The meeting was suspended once again. A further revision to the proposal was 
circulated on 30 November in document WT/COMTD/SE/W/46/Rev.2 . It was this revision that the 
Dedicated Session would now consider. He said that he would first invite Guatemala to introduce the 
revised proposal under agenda item 3. As he had indicated in the communication that had been sent 
to delegations reco nvening the meeting, discussions would thereafter continue in informal mode.  WT/COMTD/SE/M/46  
 
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  77. The representative of Guatemala , on behalf of the SVE Group , delivered the following 
statement:  
78. It is wonderful to see you all again so soon. I hope that on this occasion there wi ll be good 
news for the SVE  Group. I would first ly like to thank the members of the SVE G roup for their 
contributions and commitment to this task. I would like to reiterate that it is a team effort, rather 
than just coordination work on the part of Guatema la. Secondly, I would like to thank the delegation 
of the Russian Federation for its willingness to engage in discussions on our proposal. These 
discussions were conducted in an open and transparent manner, leading to the new proposal that 
has been submitt ed for consideration by the Dedicated Session today.  As the Chair explained in his 
communication reconvening th e meeting, the change was made in the second paragraph. Our 
objective remains the same , which is to highlight the work undertaken in response to the instruction s 
given at MC12 and that have been  implemented since the n. I hope that this revised proposal will be 
approved by the Dedicated Session . 
79. Discussions continued in informal mode . 
80. In switching the meeting back to formal mode , the Chairman noted that Members could  
support t he proposal by the SVE Group. He invited the Dedicated Session to agree to the proposal.  
81. The Dedicated Session agreed  to the proposal submitted by Guatemala on beh alf of the 
SVE Group , as contained in document WT/COMTD/SE/W/46/Rev.2 . 
82. The Chairman expressed  appreciation to Members for their support of th e proposal by the 
SVE Group, which he indicated  was the first agreed text for a Ministerial Decision at MC13. He 
thanked Guatemala for its efforts. He believed  that there was a need for  more agreements reached  
at the WTO and in other  international organizations .  
4  DRAFT REPORT OF THE CTD IN DEDICATED SESSIO N TO THE GENERAL COUNCIL 
(WT/COMTD/SE/W/47 ) 
83. The Chairman  said that , as was the normal practice in the run -up to a WTO Ministerial 
Conference, the Dedicated Session would  need to approve and submit a report to the 
General  Council. The draft report for consideration , which was contained in document 
WT/COMTD/SE/W/47 , had a sim ilar structure to past reports by the Dedicated Session. In addition 
to the Introduction, the draft report ha d two main sections. The first of these sections, titled 
"Submissions and Proceedings", contain ed a summary of the work undertaken in the Dedicated  
Session since the last Ministerial Conference. The second of these sections was titled "Future Work".  
He noted  that both of these sections contain ed some square brackets. As part of the process of 
adopting the report, the square brackets w ould be removed,  and appropriate text would  be inserted. 
He said that he would run Members through the two key areas where there were square brackets in 
the draft report and would indicate how the report would be finalized when the square brackets were 
removed. He firstly  referred Members to paragraph 2.4 of the report, which summarize d the 
discussions at the 46th Dedicated Session on Small Economies. In addition to the text that was 
already in this paragraph, the final report would  note that discussions on the various ver sions of the 
SVE Group's proposal took place on 16 November, 24 November and  1 December  2023. This 
paragraph would  also reflect the fact that, on 1 December , the Dedicated Session agreed to the text 
contained in document WT/COMTD/SE/W/46 /Rev.2 . He next referred to paragraph 3.2 of the draft 
report, which had been left blank. In line with past reports of the Dedicated Session to the General 
Council, this location in the final report would  contain the elem ents of the proposal by the SVE Group 
that ha d just been agreed to. The elements of the SVE Group 's proposal would  be framed in terms 
of recommendations or proposals from the CTD's Dedicated Session on Small Economies to the 
General Council.  He asked wheth er the Dedicated Session  could adopt its report to the General 
Council.   
84. The Dedicated Session adopted  its report  to the General Council .1 
 
1 The report was circulated in document WT/COMTD/SE/12 . WT/COMTD/SE/M/46  
 
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  5  OTHER BUSINESS  
85. No matter was raised under "Other Business".  
86. The meeting was adjourned . 
__________