RESTRICTED  
  
G/SCM/M/120  
 
2 February 2023  
(23-0738) Page: 1/13 
Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures   
 
  
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING  
HELD ON 25 OCTOBER 2022  
CHAIR: MS KERRLENE WILLS (GUYANA)  
1. The Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures ("Committee") held a special 
meeting on 25 October 2022, convened in WTO/AIR/SCM/45 dated 14 October 2022. The meeting 
was held in person and virtually via Interprefy.  
2. The Committee adopted the following agenda:  
1  REVIEW OF 2021 NEW AND FULL SUBSIDY NOTIFIC ATIONS  
(G/SCM/N/372/…) NOT PREVIOUSLY REVIEWED  ................................ .........................  2 
1.1  Albania (G/SCM/N/372/ALB/Add.1)  ................................ ................................ ......2 
1.2  Argentina (G/SCM/N/372/ARG)  ................................ ................................ ............. 2 
1.3  Cuba (G/SCM/N/372/CUB)  ................................ ................................ .................... 2 
1.4  European Union (G/SCM/N/372/EU and Addenda 1; 11  
and Corrigendum 1; 18; and 25, respective ly pertaining  
to Austria; Germany; Luxembourg; and Slovenia)  ................................ .......................... 3 
1.5  India (G/SCM/N/372/IND)  ................................ ................................ .................... 3 
1.6  Mexico (G/SCM/N/372/MEX)  ................................ ................................ ................. 3 
1.7  Republic of Moldova(G/SCM/N/372/MDA) ................................ .............................. 4 
1.8  Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (G/SCM/N/372/SAU)  ................................ ...................... 4 
1.9  Switzerland (G/SCM/N/372/CHE)  ................................ ................................ .......... 4 
1.10  Türkiye (G/SCM/N/372/TUR)  ................................ ................................ .............. 4 
2  CONTINUATION OF REVIEW OF 2021 NEW AND FULL  
SUBSIDY NOTIFICATIONS (G/SCM/N/372/…)  ................................ .............................  4 
2.1  Brazil (G/SCM/N/372/BRA)  ................................ ................................ ................... 4 
2.2  Canada (G/SCM/N/372/CAN)  ................................ ................................ ................ 4 
2.3  Chile (G/SCM/N/372/CHL)  ................................ ................................ .................... 5 
2.4  China (G/SCM/N/372/CHN)  ................................ ................................ ................... 5 
2.5  Costa Rica (G/SCM/N/372/CRI)  ................................ ................................ ............. 7 
2.6  Ecuador (G/SCM/N/372/ECU)  ................................ ................................ ................ 7 
2.7  El Salvador (G/SCM/N/372/SLV)  ................................ ................................ ........... 7 
2.8  European Union (G/SCM/N/372/EU and Addenda 3; 5; 7; 12; 13; 14; and 26, 
respectively pertaining to European Union, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark,  
Greece, Hungary, Ireland, and Spain)  ................................ ................................ ............ 7 
2.9  Hong Kong, China (G/SCM/N/372/HKG)  ................................ ................................ 8 
2.10  Israel (G/SCM/N/372/ISR) ................................ ................................ .................. 8 G/SCM/M/120  
 
- 2 - 
 
  2.11  Japan (G/SCM/N/372/JPN)  ................................ ................................ ................. 9 
2.12  Republic of Korea (G/SCM/N/372/KOR)  ................................ ............................... 9 
2.13  Lao People's Democratic Republic  
(G/SCM/N/343/LAO - G/SCM/N/372/LAO)  ................................ ................................ ..9 
2.14  Malaysia (G/SCM/N/372/MYS)  ................................ ................................ ............ 9 
2.15  Montenegro (G/SCM/N/372/MNE and G/SCM/N/372/MNE/Corr.1)  ...................... 9 
2.16  New Zealand (G/SCM/N/372/NZL) ................................ ................................ .......9 
2.17  Philippines (G/SCM/N/372/PHL)  ................................ ................................ ....... 10 
2.18  United Kingdom (G/SCM/N/372/GBR)  ................................ ...............................  10 
2.19  United States (G/SCM/N/372/USA)  ................................ ................................ ... 10 
3  CONTINUATION OF REVIEW OF 2019 NEW AND FULL  
SUBSIDY NOTIFICATIONS (G/SCM/N/343/…)  ................................ ...........................  10 
3.1  China  (G/SCM/N/343/CHN and G/SCM/N/343/CHN/Corr.1)  ................................  10 
3.2  Dominican Republic ( G/SCM/N/343/DOM ) ................................ ...........................  11 
3.3  European Union ( G/SCM/N/343/EU/ Add.22  pertaining to Portugal)  .....................  11 
3.4  Indonesia (G/SCM/N/343/IDN)  ................................ ................................ ...........  12 
3.5  Russian Federation ( G/SCM/N/343/RUS)  ................................ .............................  12 
4  CONTINUATION OF REVIEW OF 2015 NEW AND FULL  
SUBSIDY NOTIFICATIONS (G/SCM/N/284/…)  ................................ ...........................  12 
4.1  China  (G/SCM/N/220/CHN – G/SCM/N/253/CHN - G/SCM/N/284/CHN  
AND G/SCM/N/95/CHN/S uppl.1 - G/SCM/N/123/CHN/S uppl.1 - 
G/SCM/N/155/CHN/S uppl.1 - G/SCM/N/186/CHN/S uppl.1 - 
G/SCM/N/220/CHN/S uppl.1 - G/SCM/N/253/CHN/S uppl.1 - 
G/SCM/N/284/CHN/S uppl.1) ................................ ................................ .....................  12 
 
1  REVIEW OF 2021 NEW AND FULL SUBSIDY NOTIFICATIONS (G/SCM/N/372/…) NOT 
PREVIOUSLY REVIEWED  
1.1  Albania ( G/SCM/N/372/ALB/Add.1)  
3. No Member raised any questions or comments about this notification.  
4. The Committee took note  of the notification.  
1.2  Argentina ( G/SCM/N/372/ARG)  
5. Written questions and answers regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/ARG/44 – questions from the United Kingdom  
• G/SCM/Q2/ ARG/45 – replies to the United Kingdom  
6. The Committee took note  of the notification, questions and replies.  
1.3  Cuba ( G/SCM/N/372/CUB)  
7. No Member raised any questions or comments about this notification.  
8. The Committee took note  of the notification.  G/SCM/M/120  
 
- 3 - 
 
  1.4  European Union (G/SCM/N/372/EU and Addenda 1; 11 and Corrigendum 1; 18; 
and 25, respectively pertaining to Austria; Germany; Luxembourg; and Slovenia)  
9. Written questions and answers regarding these notifications can be found in:  
• G/SCM/ Q2/EU/61 – questions from the United States (pertaining to Austria)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/76 – replies to the United States (pertaining to Austria)  
10. The Committee took note  of the notification, questions and replies.  
1.5  India ( G/SCM/N/372/IND)  
11. Written questions regardin g this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/IND/55 – questions from the United Kingdom  
• G/SCM/Q2/IND/56 – questions from the United States  
• G/SCM/Q2/IND/57 – questions from Canada  
12. India indicated that the questions were under consideration and the replies would be provided 
shortly.  
13. The United Kingdom  and the United States  looked forward to receiving India's written replies.  
14. The Chair noted that due to pending questions, the Committee would return to India's 
notification at its next special meeting.  
1.6  Mexico ( G/SCM/N/372/MEX)  
15. Written questions and answers regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/MEX/41 – questions from the U nited Kingdom  
• G/SCM/Q2/MEX/42 – questions from the United States  
• G/SCM/Q2/MEX/43 – questions from Canada  
• G/SCM/Q2/MEX/44 – replies to Canada  
• G/SCM/Q2/MEX/45 – partial replies to the United States  
• G/SCM/Q2/MEX/46 – partial replies to the United States1 
• G/SCM/Q2/MEX/47 – replies to the United Kingdom2 
16. The Chair explained that all the questions posed by Canada, the United Kingdom and the 
United  States were submitted within the applicable deadline. Mexico's replies to Canada and partial 
replies to the United States in documents G/SCM/Q2/MEX/44 and  G/SCM/Q2/MEX/45, respectively  
were submitted after the applicable deadline.  
17. Mexico  indicated that it would continue to work with its relevant authorities to provide replies 
to pending questions.  
18. The United States  appreciated the partial replies indicating that it looked forward to receiving 
the rest of the replies.  
19. The United Kingdom  looked forward to r eceiving Mexico's written replies in due course.  
20. Canada  indicated that it would send a follow -up question regarding the programme on 
modernization of large vessels.  
21. The Chair noted that since the replies to Canada and partial replies to the United States had 
been submitted after the applicable deadline and the questions from the United Kingdom were 
pending, the Committee would return  to this notification at its next special meeting.  
 
1 This document was circulated on 6 December 2022.  
2 This document was circulated on 6 December 2022.  G/SCM/M/120  
 
- 4 - 
 
  1.7  Republic of Moldova( G/SCM/N/372/MDA)  
22. No Member raised any questions or comments about this notification.  
23. The Committee took note  of the notification.  
1.8  Kingdom of Saudi Arabia( G/SCM/N/372/SAU)  
24. No Member raised any questions or comments about this notification.  
25. The Committee took note  of the notification.  
1.9  Switzerlan d (G/SCM/N/372/CHE)  
26. Written question and repl y regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/CHE/22 – question from the United Kingdom  
• G/SCM/Q2/CHE/23 – reply to the United Kingdom  
27. The Chair noted that since Switzerland's reply had been submitted after the applicable 
deadline the Committee would take up this notification at its next special meeting.  
1.10  Türkiye ( G/SCM/N/372/TUR)  
28. Written questions and answers regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/TUR/42 – questions from the United States  
• G/SCM/Q2/TUR/43 – replies to the United States  
• G/SCM/Q2/TUR/44 – questions from the United Kingdom  
• G/SCM/Q2/TUR/45 – questions from the United States  
• G/SCM/Q2/TUR/46 – replies to the United Kingdom  
• G/SCM/Q2/TUR/47 – replies to the United States  
29. The Committee took note  of the notification, questions and replies.  
2  CONTINUATION OF REVIEW OF 2021 NEW AND FULL SUBSIDY NOTIFICATIONS 
(G/SCM/N/372/…)  
30. The Chair noted that this agenda item was for continuation of reviews of 2021 new and full 
notifications which had started at the previous meeting but had not yet been completed, due to late 
submission of questions or non -submission or late submission of written replies.  
2.1  Brazil ( G/SCM/N/ 372/BRA)  
31. Written questions and answers regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/BRA/55 – questions from the United Kingdom  
• G/SCM/Q2/BRA/56 – replies to the United Kingdom  
32. The Committee took note  of the notification, questions and replies.  
2.2  Canada ( G/SCM/N/372/CAN)  
33. Written questions and answers regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/CAN/74 – questions from Australia  
• G/SCM/Q2/CAN/78 – replies to Australia  
34. Canada  thanked Australia for its questions and noted that the written replies had been 
submitted on 18 October 2022.  
35. Australia  appreciated Canada's substantive and comprehensive replies.  G/SCM/M/120  
 
- 5 - 
 
  36. The Chair noted that because the written replies had been submitted after t he applicable 
deadline the Committee would return to this notification as well as the questions and responses a t 
its next special meeting.  
2.3  Chile ( G/SCM/N/372/CHL)  
37. Written questions and answers regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/CHL/31 – questions from Australia  
• G/SCM/Q2/CHL/32 – replies to Australia  
38. The Committee took note  of the notification, questions and replies.  
2.4  China ( G/SCM/N/372/CHN)  
39. Written questions and replies regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q 2/CHN/105 – questions from the United Kingdom  
• G/SCM/Q2/CHN/106 – questions from the United States  
• G/SCM/Q2/CHN/107 – questions from Australia  
• G/SCM/Q2/CHN/110 – questions from Canada  
• G/SCM/Q2/CHN/111 – replies to the United Kingdom  
• G/SCM/Q2/CHN/112 – replies to the United States  
• G/SCM/Q2/CHN/113 – follow -up questions from the United Kingdom  
• G/SCM/Q2/CHN/114 – follow -up questions from the United States  
• G/SCM/Q2/CHN/115 – replies to Australia3 
• G/SCM/Q2/CHN/116 – replies to Canada4  
• G/SCM/Q2/CHN/117 – replies to follow -up questions from the United Kingdom5 
• G/SCM/Q2/CHN/118 – replies to follow -up questions from the United States6  
40. The Chair explained that China's replies to the questions from Australia and Canada as well 
as to the follow -up questions from the United Kingdom and the United States had been submitted 
the day before the meeting.  
41. China  noted that transparency in trade policies wa s the cornerstone for the effective operation 
of the WTO and it attached great importance to this since its accession. China had been striving to 
improve the transparency of its subsidy policies and had submitted its notifications as required by 
the WTO. C hina would continue to support the multilateral trading system. It had submitted its 
written replies to the questions posed by Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the 
United  States and it was open to further questions.  
42. Australia  thanked China for it s written replies noting that it would review them and might pose 
further questions.  
43. Canada  noted that it had received China's replies the day before the meeting and would need 
time to review them. In one question, Canada noted that China had notified an investment guidance 
fund, the Fund for College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship and requested China to explain 
why other guidance funds, such as those identified by the  WTO Secretariat in the last trade policy 
review report of China, had not been i ncluded in China's subsidy notification. Canada was 
disappointed that China had been refusing to answer questions on government support on the basis 
that those measures were not part of its notified subsidies. Canada reiterated that the subsidy 
notificatio n process was a fundamental exercise and agreeing to provide written answers to 
questions on non -notified measures would go a long way in improving transparency. This was a 
systemic issue and Canada and other Members had proposed clarification to the proce dures for 
review of notifications to address that matter which would be discussed at the regular meeting. 
Canada might send follow -up questions in writing after the meeting.  
 
3 This document was circulated on 25 October 2022.  
4 This document was circulated on 25 October 2022.  
5 This document was circulated on 25 October 2022.  
6 This document was circulated on 25 October 2022.  G/SCM/M/120  
 
- 6 - 
 
  44. The United Kingdom  stated that it had not yet reviewed China's responses as it had  just received 
them. It also noted that those follow -up questions had been submitted because the original questions 
had not been adequately addressed. According to the United Kingdom, the question -and-answer 
process was an essential part of the review of n otifications. The responses to questions which were 
then published on the WTO website would allow all Members to assess potential trade effects of 
subsidy programmes. Not fully addressing Members' questions would deny Members that 
opportunity. This was esp ecially true for those Members who did not have the resources to seek out 
the missing information themselves. The United Kingdom, therefore, encouraged China to reflect on 
its approach to how it would respond to questions on its notifications going forward . Providing more 
detailed responses could help to address the concerns raised and would also reduce the number of 
follow -up questions.  
45. The United States  aligned itself with the previous speakers and their comments. It had two 
follow -up questions with respe ct to China's replies. The first one was with respect to question one 
on the IC Fund, which was a Government Guidance Fund that supported semiconductors in China 
and had never been notified. The United States requested China to explain whether the Governme nt 
Guidance Funds were obligated to invest in consistence with government economic policy. With 
respect to question seven, the United States recalled that it had asked China to explain whether any 
of the normative measures cited in its notification had bee n published. Further, it requested China 
to clarify how this would be consistent with China's Protocol of Accession obligations regarding 
publication of measures pertaining to or affecting trade. China's answer was as follows: "China values 
information dis closure and works in compliance with the regulations on information disclosure of the 
People's Republic of China". Indicating that this was not a responsive answer to its question, the 
United States asked China whether it should assume that China has not p ublished in the MOFCOM 
Gazette most of the legal measures that established its subsidy programmes.  
46. Japan  noted that China had been providing an extremely large -scale support to the advanced 
industries included in "Made in China 2025" and others, through v arious means including 
state-owned investment funds and government -affiliated financial institutions. Massive 
governmental support, which was not provided in line with market principles, might cause excess 
capacity even in the advanced industries, as witne ssed in the steel and other sectors. Japan was 
concerned with the major negative impact of such support on international markets and highlighted 
the importance of submitting appropriate subsidy notifications. It also requested China to respond 
seriously to  the questions in order to make the notification system meaningful.  
47. In response to the concerns raised by Canada, China  reiterated that in accordance with 
Articles  25.8 and 25.9 of the SCM Agreement, Members could raise questions with regard to the 
subsidy  policies which were not included in the notification. Those articles did not require notifying 
Members to provide written replies. Therefore, requesting greater explanations on an uncovered 
policy in the list of questions would be imposing new obligations  into the aforementioned Articles. 
Nevertheless, in order to show its sincerity in improving transparency, China had shared the verified 
information in its written reply. That best endeavour manner, however, did not mean that China 
agreed with the practice  of some Members that raised concerns with regard to uncovered policies in 
the written questions.  
48. In response to the concerns raised by the United Kingdom, China hoped that Members would 
understand that the written questions covered vast areas which requi red involvement of different 
competent authorities, both in central and local level. In order to provide as detailed information as 
possible, MOFCOM had communicated and checked with relevant authorities and managed to submit 
replies.  
49. With respect to the f irst question posed by the United States, China indicated that the IC Fund 
was a corporate equity investment fund owned by the Fund Company which was a joint stock 
enterprise established in accordance with company law and was not affiliated with any govern ment 
department. The employees of the company were not government administered public servants and 
had no administrative ranks. In accordance with the principle of separation between ownership and 
management, the Fund entrusted the professional management company to be responsible for the 
management and conducting investment business independently based on market -oriented 
principles. The Fund's investment management and decision -making were completely market -
oriented and government departments did not inter vene or participate in any investment decision -
making process of the Fund. As the Fund adopted a form of equity investment, its shareholders had G/SCM/M/120  
 
- 7 - 
 
  clear demands on the financial returns of the Fund and therefore there was no subsidy in any form 
for this ente rprise's investment fields.  
50. According to the United States , given that the IC Fund was 99% owned by 
Government  Ministries and state -owned enterprises, it was abundantly clear that the Government 
of China controlled the IC Fund and its investments. Referrin g to the legal measures which imposed 
an obligation on all Government Guidance Funds to invest in accordance with Government's 
economic policy, the United States found it difficult to understand China's statement that the 
Government had no involvement what soever.  
51. China  reiterated that the Fund was independent and market -oriented.  
52. The European Union  requested China to clarify its statement regarding the demand of the Fund's 
shareholders for financial returns.  
53. China  reiterated that the Fund adopted the form of equity investment and its shareholders had 
clear demands on financial returns of the Fund.  
54. The Chair noted that because the written replies to the questions from Australia and Canada as 
well as to the follow -up questions from the United Kingdom and the United States had been 
submitted the day before the meeting, the Committee would take up this notification and the 
relevant questions and replies again a t its next special meeting.  
55. The Committee took note  of the notification, questions, replies and statements made.  
2.5  Costa Rica ( G/SCM/N/372/CRI)  
56. Written question and answer regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/CRI/14 – follow -up question from the United States  
• G/SCM/Q2/CRI/15 – reply to the follow -up question from the United States  
57. The Committee took note  of the notification, question and reply.  
2.6  Ecuador ( G/SCM/N/372/ECU)  
58. Written questions and answers regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/ECU/5 – questions from the United States  
• G/SCM/Q2/ECU/6 – replies to the United States  
59. The Committee took note  of the notification, questions and replies.  
2.7  El Salvador ( G/SC M/N/372/SLV)  
60. Written question  and answer regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/SLV/3 – question from the United States  
• G/SCM/Q2/SLV/4 – reply to the United States  
61. The Committee took note  of the notification, question and reply.  
2.8  European Uni on (G/SCM/N/372/EU and Addenda 3; 5; 7; 12; 13; 14; and 26, 
respectively pertaining to European Union, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Hungary, 
Ireland, and Spain)  
62. Written questions and answers regarding these notifications can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/62 – questions from the United States (pertaining to Denmark)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/63 – questions from the United States (pertaining to Hungary)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/64 – questions from the United States (pertaining to Spain)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/65 – questions from the United States (pertaining to European Union)  G/SCM/M/120  
 
- 8 - 
 
  • G/SCM/Q2/EU/66 – questions from Australia (pertaining to Bulgaria)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/67 – questions from Australia (pertaining to Cyprus)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/68 – questions from Australia (pertaining to Denmark)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/6 9 – questions from Australia (pertaining to Greece)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/70 – questions from Australia (pertaining to Spain)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/71 – questions from Australia (pertaining to Ireland)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/72 – replies to the United States (pertaining to Hungary)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/73 – replies to the United States (pertaining to Spain)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/74 – replies to the United States (pertaining to Denmark)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/75 – replies to the United States (pertaining to European Union)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/77 – additional questions from th e United States (pertaining to the 
European  Union)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/78 – follow -up questions from the United States (pertaining to Denmark)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/79 – follow -up questions from the United States (pertaining to Hungary)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/80 – replies to Australia (pertaining to Bulgaria)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/81 – replies to Australia (pertaining to Cyprus)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/82 – replies to Australia (pertaining to Denmark)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/83 – replies to Australia (pertaining to Greece)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/84 – replies to Australia  (pertaining to Ireland)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/85 – replies to Australia (pertaining to Spain)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/86 – replies to follow -up questions from the United States (pertaining to 
Hungary)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/87 – replies to follow -up questions from the United States (pertaining to 
Denmark)  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/88 – replies to additional questions from the United States (pertaining to the 
European Union)  
63. The Chair noted that because the written replies to the additional and follow -up questions from 
the United States had been su bmitted after the applicable deadline, the questions and replies in 
documents G/SCM/Q2/EU/77, G/SCM/Q2/EU/78; G/SCM/Q2/EU/79; G/SCM/Q2/EU/86; 
G/SCM/Q2/EU/87; and G/SCM/Q2/EU/88 as well as the notifications contained in documents 
G/SCM/N/372/EU and addenda 7 and 13, respectively pertaining to the European Union, Denmark, 
and Hungary would be on the agenda of the next special meeting of the Committee.  
64. The Committee took note  of all other notifications, questions and replies.  
2.9  Hong Kong, China ( G/SCM/N/372/HKG)  
65. Written questions and repl y regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/HKG/15 – questions from Australia  
• G/SCM/Q2/HKG/17 – reply to Australia  
66. The Committee took note  of the notification, questions and replies.  
2.10  Israel ( G/SCM/N/372/ISR)  
67. Written questions and replies regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/ISR/19 – questions from the United States  
• G/SCM/Q2/ISR/20 – questions from Australia  
• G/SCM/Q2/ISR/21 – replies to the United States  
• G/SCM/Q2/ISR/22 – replies to Australia  
• G/SCM/Q2/ISR/23 – follow -up question from the United States  
• G/SCM/Q2/ISR/24 – reply to follow -up question from the United States  
68. The Committee took note  of the notification, questions and replies.  G/SCM/M/120  
 
- 9 - 
 
  2.11  Japan ( G/SCM/N/372/ JPN)  
69. Written questions and replies regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/JPN/82 – questions from Australia  
• G/SCM/Q2/JPN/83 – replies to Australia  
70. The Committee took note  of the notification, questions and replies.  
2.12  Republic of Korea ( G/SCM/N /372/KOR)  
71. Written questions and replies regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/KOR/66 – questions from Australia  
• G/SCM/Q2/KOR/67 – replies to Australia  
72. The Chair noted that since the replies to Australia had been submitted the day before the  
meeting, this notification would be on the agenda of the  next special meeting of the Committee.  
2.13  Lao People's Democratic Republic ( G/SCM/N/343/LAO - G/SCM/N/372/LAO)  
73. Written questions and replies regarding this double -symbolled notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/LAO/1 – questions from the United States  
• G/SCM/Q2/LAO/2 – replies to the United States  
74. The Committee took note  of the notification, questions and replies.  
2.14  Malaysia ( G/SCM/N/372/MYS)  
75. Written questions and replies regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/MYS/26 – questions from the United States  
• G/SCM/Q2/MYS/27 – replies to the United States  
76. The Committee took note  of the notification, questions and replies.  
2.15  Montenegro ( G/SCM/N/372/MNE and G/SCM/N/372/MNE/Corr.1)  
77. Written questions regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/MNE/1 – questions from New Zealand  
• G/SCM/Q2/MNE/2 – questions from the United States  
78. The Chair noted that since Montenegro had not yet provided its written replies to the questions 
posed b y New Zealand and the United States, the Committee would return  to this notification at its 
next special meeting.  
2.16  New Zealand ( G/SCM/N/372/NZL)  
79. Written questions and replies regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/NZL/32 – questions from the United States  
• G/SCM/Q2/NZL/33 – replies to the United States  
80. The Committee took note  of the notification, questions and replies.  G/SCM/M/120  
 
- 10 - 
 
  2.17  Philippines ( G/SCM/N/372/PHL)  
81. Written questions and answers regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/PHL/21 – questions from the United States  
• G/SCM/Q2/PHL/22 – replies to the United States7 
82. Philippines  noted that it had submitted its replies the day before the meeting.  
83. The United States  confirmed the receipt of written replies and stated that i t would review them.  
84. The Chair noted that since the replies to the United States had been received the day before 
the meeting, the Committee would take up this notification again at its next special meeting.  
2.18  United Kingdom ( G/SCM/N/372/GBR)  
85. Written questio ns and replies regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/GBR/1 – questions from Australia  
• G/SCM/Q2/GBR/2 – replies to Australia  
86. The Committee took note  of the notification, questions and replies.  
2.19  United States ( G/SCM/N/372/USA)  
87. Written questions and replies regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/USA/83 – questions from Australia  
• G/SCM/Q2/USA/87 – replies to Australia  
88. Australia  thanked the United States and noted that it might have follow -up questions.  
89. The Committee took no te of the notification, questions and replies.  
3  CONTINUATION OF REVIEW OF 2019 NEW AND FULL SUBSIDY NOTIFICATIONS 
(G/SCM/N/343/…)  
90. The Chair noted that this agenda item was for continuation of reviews of 2019 new and full 
notifications which had started at prior meetings but had not yet been completed, due to late 
submission of questions or non -submission or late submission of written replies.  The Committee also 
considered under this agenda item the follow -up questions that had been submitted regarding those 
notifications.  
3.1  China (G/SCM/N/343/CHN and G/SCM/N/343/CHN/Corr.1)  
91. Written questions and answers regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/CHN/103 – follow -up question from Canada  
• G/SCM/Q2/CHN/104 – second set of follow -up questions from the United States  
• G/SCM/Q2/CHN/108 – replies to second set of follow -up questions from the United  States  
• G/SCM/Q2/CHN/109 – reply to follo w-up question from Canada  
92. The United States  reiterated the lack of publication of trade -related measures in the MOFCOM 
Gazette as China had agreed to do in its Protocol of Accession. When the United States asked that 
question, China's reply was that the MO FCOM Gazette's website had gotten 3.9 million hits, which, 
according to the United States, was not a very helpful answer as to whether China has been meeting 
its WTO obligations.  
93. Canada  recalled that at the April 2022 meeting of the Committee it had expre ssed its 
disappointment at China's replies to Canada's follow -up questions. Canada reiterated that it was 
 
7 This document was circulated on 24 October 2022.  G/SCM/M/120  
 
- 11 - 
 
  China 's obligation to provide information on specific subsidies that were provided within the period 
covered by the notification. The subsidy notifica tion process was an important aspect of the 
multilateral system, and it was regrettable that China did not take its transparency obligations 
seriously. All Members had to make every effort to provide notifications and respond to questions in 
a complete man ner for the proper functioning of the system. Canada would submit a second set 
follow -up questions after the meeting.  
94. China  reiterated that it  had been continuously striving to improve transparency which China 
valued as the cornerstone of the WTO. The MOF COM Gazette's website was a method of improving 
the transparency practice in China, and it was open to the follow -up questions from Canada.  
95. The United States  appreciated China's statement that it was continually striving to improve its 
notification record noting that China had been a Member for 21 years and it had made the obligation 
to publish its trade -related measures in the MOFCOM Gazette 21 years ago. The United States hoped 
that after 21 years, China could meet its obligation.  
96. China  stated that it had been a WTO Member for 21 year s and most of the WTO Members would 
recognize China as a responsible member for the WTO as well as the multilateral trading system. 
The transparency was a process of improving and China had been trying its best to improve i ts 
practices.   
97. The United States  appreciated China's comments that it was a process. However, according to 
the United States 21 years was quite a process. The United States asked China whether it had a 
particular plan to meet its obligation to publish all of its trade -related measures in the MOFCOM 
Gazette.  
98. The Committee took note  of the notification, questions, replies, and statements made.  
3.2  Dominican Republic (G/SCM/N/343/DOM ) 
99. Written questions regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/DOM/3 – questions from the United States  
100.  The Dominican Republic  noted that the questions had been under review and replies would be 
submitted in the near future.  
101.  The United States  noted that it looked forward to receiving the written replies.  
102.  The Chair noted that since the Dominican Republic had not provided its written answers to 
questions posed by the United States, the notification would be on the agenda of the next special 
meeting of the Committee.  
103.  The Committee took note  of the notification, q uestions, and statements made.  
3.3  European Union (G/SCM/N/343/EU/ Add.22  pertaining to Portugal)  
104.  Written question regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/EU/59 – question from Australia8 
105.  The European Union  stated that the responses from Portugal  which  had just been received 
would be submitted in the form of a supplementary notification. The relevant subsidy program was 
in relation to a credit facility to support the fisheries sector and the notification would cover the 
period between 2017  and 2020. The policy objective was to promote sustainable, economically viable 
and socially responsible fisheries and aquaculture by pursuing the objectives of the protection and 
restoration of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems and ensuring a balance be tween fishing capacity 
and available fishing opportunities. The funding amounts were EUR 0.123 million for 2017; 
EUR 0.129 million for 2018; and  EUR 0.292 million for 2019. The amount for 2020 would also be 
 
8 The European Union's reply was circulated in docume nt G/SCM/Q2/EU/89 dated 25 January 2023.  G/SCM/M/120  
 
- 12 - 
 
  provided shortly. The European Union also stated that it would submit the notification for circulation 
in the following days.9  
106.  Australia  thanked the European Union for the response and looked forward to reading and 
reviewing the notification.  
107.  The Chair noted that since the European Union had not provid ed its written answers to 
questions posed by Australia, the notification contained in document G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.22 
pertaining to Portugal would be on the agenda of the next special meeting of the Committee.  
108.  The Committee took note  of the notification, questions, and statements made.  
3.4  Indonesia (G/SCM/N/343/IDN)  
109.  Written questions and answers regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/IDN/16 – follow -up questions from the United States  
• G/SCM/Q2/IDN/17 – replies to follow -up questions from the United States  
110.  The Committee took note  of the notification, questions and replies.  
3.5  Russian Federation (G/SCM/N/343/RUS)  
111.  Written questions regarding this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/RUS/21 – questions from the United States  
112.  The Russian Federation  stated that the replies would be submitted as soon as they were ready.  
113.  The Chair noted that since the Russian Federation had not provided its written replies to 
questions from the United States , the Committee would return to t his notification at its next special 
meeting.  
114.  The Committee took note  of the notification, questions, and statements made.  
4  CONTINUATION OF REVIEW OF 2015 NEW AND FULL SUBSIDY NOTIFICATIONS 
(G/SCM/N/284/…)  
4.1  China (G/SCM/N/220/CHN – G/SCM/N/253/CHN - G/SCM/N/284/CHN AND 
G/SCM/N/95/CHN/S uppl.1 - G/SCM/N/123/CHN/S uppl.1 - 
G/SCM/N/155/CHN/S uppl.1- G/SCM/N/186/CHN/S uppl.1 - 
G/SCM/N/220/CHN/S uppl.1 - G/SCM/N/253/CHN/S uppl.1 - 
G/SCM/N/284/CHN/S uppl.1) 
115.  Written questions and answers regarding  this notification can be found in:  
• G/SCM/Q2/CHN/88 – Follow -up questions from the United States  
• G/SCM/Q2/CHN/95 – Replies to follow -up questions from the United States  
116.  The Chair explained that the notifications in question cover 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 20 11, 
2013 and 2015 new and full notifications and would be taken up together under this agenda item. 
She also recalled that in document G/SCM/Q2/CHN/95 China provided its partial replies to the 
follow -up questions indicating that it was checking further inf ormation for two of the questions posed 
by the United States contained in document G/SCM/Q2/CHN/88. China had not provided any written 
replies to those pending questions.  
117.  The United States  recalled that China had become a WTO Member in 2001 and it had not 
provided a notification of its sub -central programmes until 2017. The United States had been asking 
questions on those sub -central programmes for seven years, and still had not got a complete 
response. T he United States noted that the delay in the notification and in answering those questions 
 
9 G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.22/S uppl.1 - G/SCM/N/3 72/EU/Add.22/S uppl.1  G/SCM/M/120  
 
- 13 - 
 
  seemed at odds with China's earlier statement that it considered transparency to be a cornerstone 
of the WTO.  
118.  China  recalled that it had completed and submitted the written replies to the follow -up 
questions from the United States on China's 2015 notification. China stated that those two pending 
questions were on local governments' legislation or policies which were no longer in force. In order 
to demonstrate its sinc erity in enhancing the transparency of its trade policy, China had shared very 
wide information with Members in its written reply. According to China, this was another evidence 
that improving China's practices in transparency was a process. China had some difficulties in 
submitting the notification in the past, but it has been doing its best and its practice in transparency 
had improved.  
119.  The United States  noted that when there was a delay in the notification and delay in answering 
questions and then the pro gramme was no longer in effect, it would tremendously undermine the 
whole purpose of the notification system.  
120.  China  stated that it would double check the concerns raised by the United States and provide 
its written reply.  
121.  The Chair noted that due to the pe nding written answers, the Committee would return to this 
notification at its next special meeting.  
122.  The Chair reminded the delegations that had not yet replied to questions that they had 
received in connection with this or previous meetings to provide thei r written responses as soon as 
possible, so that the Committee could conclude the review of the notifications at its next special 
meeting. She also reminded Members that had not yet done so to submit their 2021 new and full 
subsidy notifications as soon as  possible.  
123.  For new and full notifications to be placed on the agenda of the next special meeting, the Chair 
reminded the delegations that these notifications would have to be circulated in all three working 
languages not later than 4 January 2023. Given th e time needed for translation, this left a narrow 
window to notify in time for review in the fall. The Secretariat stood ready to offer any assistance in 
this regard. The Chair also noted that the notifications from Dominican Republic, the European Union 
pertaining to Malta, Guyana, Mali, and Myanmar would be on the agenda of the next special meeting 
of the Committee for review.  
124.  The Chair also informed delegations wishing to receive written answers to any questions 
regarding notifications reviewed at the pr esent meeting that they should submit their questions in 
writing, to both the Member concerned and to the Secretariat. Similarly, the written answers must 
be submitted directly to the Member that posed the question, and to the Secretariat. The Chair 
emphas ized that it was the responsibility of the Members submitting questions and answers to 
provide them directly to the other Member concerned, at the time it submitted it to the Secretariat 
for circulation to all Members concerned.  
125.  Finally, the Chair informed  the delegations that after the week's Rules Committee cluster, the 
Secretariat would circulate the usual triple -symbolled document in G/SCM/W/587 containing all of 
the deadlines for documents to be submitted.10 
126.  The meeting was closed . 
__________  
 
10 G/ADP/W/510 - G/SCM/W/587 - G/SG/W/256.