RESTRICTED  
  
TN/CTD/M/57  
 
28 November  2022 
(22-8851) Page: 1/12 
Committee on Trade and Development  
Fifty-Seventh Special Session    
 
NOTE ON THE MEETING OF 23 SEPTEMBER  2022 
Chairperson: Ambassador Kadra Ahmed Hassan (Djibouti)  
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  ................................ ................................ ....................  1 
B. EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THE WAY FORWARD IN THE CTD SPECIAL SESSION  
AFTER THE TWELFTH WTO MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE  ................................ ...................  1 
C. OTHER BUSINESS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 12 
 
A. ADOPTI ON OF THE AGENDA   
1. The Chairperson  said that  the draft agenda for the 57th Special Session of the Committee on 
Trade and Development (CTD SS)  was circulated  in Airgram WTO/AIR/TN/CTD/9 of 
13 September  2022. 
2. The agenda was  adopted .  
B. EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THE WAY FORWARD IN THE CTD SPECIAL SESSION AFTER 
THE TWELFTH WTO MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE  
3. The Chairperson  said that the purpose of the present agenda item was to allow an exchange 
of views on the way forward in the CTD SS after the Twelfth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12), 
which was held in June 2022. Since the present meeting was the first formal meeting of the CTD  SS 
since MC12, she wished to take t he opportunity to congratulat e Members on the outcomes achieved 
at the Ministerial Conference. She saw these outcomes as a positive indication of what Members 
could achieve when working together constructively and demonstrating the necessary political will 
to come to an agreement. The MC12 outcomes were valuable, and it was especially worth noting 
that there was an important development dimension to the overall package. She expressed hope 
that these outcomes would pave the way for more successes at the WTO in the months and years 
to com e. A strong and well -functioning multilateral trading system (MTS) would be key for the global 
economy to overcome the multidimensional crisis it was currently facing. In addition to the 
continuing impact of the COVID -19 crisis, countries were seeing the i mpact of food and energy 
crises, among others. While all Members were affected by the current situation, many developing 
countries were being particularly hard hit. Under these circumstances, it was essential for the WTO 
to continue to pay close attention to the development dimension of its work, and to ensure that all 
its Members – including the weakest and most vulnerable – could enjoy the benefits of economic 
recovery and growth though trade.  
4. She went on to say that special and differential treatment (S& D) was an important component 
of the development dimension of the WTO's work. If S&D was to truly serve its purpose, it needed 
to contribute to the overall development objectives of the MTS. She noted that S&D was a 
cross-cutting and horizontal issue in th e WTO. Provisions relating to S&D were not only spread across 
the existing WTO Agreements and Decisions, but would also inevitably form part of the negotiations 
in the context of future possible agreements. The importance of having strong and effective S&D  
provisions was therefore undeniable, and the CTD SS could play a role in achieving this objective. 
Advancing in the negotiations in the CTD SS was therefore in the interests of the entire Membership, 
and the Organization as a whole. She believe d that  these linkages were well captured by Ministers 
in the MC12 Outcome Document (WT/MIN(22)/24 – WT/L/1135). In paragraph 2 of the Outcome TN/CTD/M/57  
 
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  Document, Ministers had reaffirmed the S&D provisions for developing country Members and  least 
developed countries ( LDCs) as an integral part of the WTO and its agreements. They stated that 
S&D in WTO agreements should be precise, effective and operational. In addition, Ministers recalled 
that trade was to be conducted with a view to raising standards of living, ensuring full em ployment, 
pursuing sustainable development of Members, and enhancing the means for doing so in a manner 
consistent with Members' respective needs and concerns at different levels of economic 
development. Ministers had instructed officials to continue to wo rk on improving the application of 
S&D in the CTD SS and other relevant venues in the WTO, as agreed and report on progress to the 
General Council before the Thirteenth WTO Ministerial Conference ( MC13 ). 
5. Turning to the substance of the work in the CTD SS, she noted that delegations were aware 
of the difficulties that had existed in the past in making progress. However, she wished to believe 
that the success Members had enjoyed at MC12 – as well as the specific instructions given by 
Ministers at MC12 in the area of S&D – would open up new possibilities for the work in the CTD  SS 
to advance. If Members collaborated together in the same spirit as at MC12, there was a chance to 
come to some concrete outcomes, with a view to finally concluding these negotiations.  She also 
believed that it would be important for Members to consider creative approaches and fresh ideas to 
the work. The negotiations in the CTD SS had been long and arduous, and the past few years in 
particular had not seen any consensus. In light of th e importance of the issues under discussion, 
she indicated that this state of affairs should not be permitted to continue. It was therefore critical 
for delegations to work together in the spirit of collaboration, and with the objective of finding 
solution s. She noted that the difficulties surrounding S&D would not simply go away. It was only by 
tackling these issues and working together that Members would be able to find the much -needed 
solutions. She therefore encouraged all Members to actively engage in what could potentially be a 
new chapter for the work of the CTD SS, and to consider how discussions could advance in the 
CTD SS in the post -MC12 period. She welcomed any views that delegations would share at the 
present meeting and noted in this regard  that the G90 had circulated a n unofficial  room document 
(RD/TN/CTD/1).   
6. She said that she would continue to reach out to Members informally after the present 
meeting. She would do so in various configurations, as necessary, and would explore with 
delegations how progress could be made. She assured Members that she was committed to continue 
working on this matter. She also wished to reiterate that it was ultimately in Members' hands to find 
a way forward. As Chair person , she could convene meetings and  facilitate as many discussions as 
were needed. However, it was for Members to show the necessary flexibility and political will to 
collaborate, so as to collectively determine how the work in the CTD SS could advance. She would 
therefore mainly be in list ening mode in her discussions with Members. That being said, if there was 
any proposal she could make from her side which might be helpful to move the process forward, she 
would not hesitate to do so. In opening the floor to delegations, she said that she would start by 
inviting the G90 to introduce the room document that it had circulated. It was her understanding 
that the submission by the G90 was sent to the Secretariat in the afternoon of 22  September  2022 
and was emailed to all delegations that same ev ening after being prepared as a room document.  
7. The representative of South Africa , on behalf of the G90 , commended the Chairperson for her 
stewardship of the work of CTD SS and her efforts towards ensuring an outcome at MC12 on a key 
issue of importance to  developing countries and LDCs, as well as the broader WTO Membership. It 
was in large part because of the various consultations that the Chairperson had facilitated between 
the G90 and other delegations that Members ultimately produced the outcomes they d id at MC12  
on this matter . He welcomed the present opportunity to reflect on these MC12 outcomes, and to 
share how the G90 envisaged the road ahead towards an MC13 that should deliver tangible and long 
overdue outcomes on S&D. He also welcomed Sri Lanka as  a co-sponsor of the room document 
circulated by the G90. He went on to say that, at the last formal CTD SS meeting, the G90 had 
lamented the inability of the Special Session to deliver any substantive outcomes on a longstanding 
mandated issue as critical as the operationalization of S&D. The issue was critical to unlock the policy 
tools necessary for economic development and meaningful integration into the MTS. It was a core 
principle within the MTS and a treaty -embedded right that lay at the centre of the de velopmental 
policy ambitions of developing countries and LDCs. The G90 had expressed its expectation and hope 
at the time that MC12 needed to, at a minimum, reassert the relevance and centrality of S&D within 
the MTS – including the continued role of the C TD SS in delivering on its mandate of reviewing S&D 
provisions within the WTO Agreements with a view to strengthening the se provisions  and making 
them more precise, effective and operational. He therefore welcomed Ministers’ reaffirmation in TN/CTD/M/57  
 
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  paragraph  2 of the MC12 Outcome Document that S&D remained an integral part of the WTO and 
its agreements.  
8. As was noted in the room document by the G90, since the last meeting of the CTD SS the 
global economy ha d experienced further shocks beyond COVID -19 that ha d set developing countries 
and LDCs further back in their economic recovery and development ambitions. Rampant inflation, 
the food and energy crises, and balance of payment s difficulties were just some of the major 
challenges that confron ted developing countries  and LDCs and placed the attainment of  the 
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at further risk. These crises and their dire impact on the 
global economy, particularly on developing countries  and LDCs, made the case for the CTD SS  to 
progress in its work and responsibilit ies even  more necessary and urgent. Developing countries  and 
LDCs require d all necessary flexibilities and the policy space to effectively respond to these crises  – 
and more importantly to promote their industriali zation and structura l transformation towards 
resilient and robust economies.  The G90 believe d that a deliberate effort by the CTD  SS was required 
to meet the objectives recalled by Ministers at MC12 . These objectives were the raising of standards 
of living, ensuring full empl oyment, pursuing sustainable development of Members, and enhancing 
the means for doing so in a manner consistent with Members’ respective needs and concerns at 
different levels of economic development.  As Members  confront ed multiple challenges, there was no 
doubt that S&D w ould remain an important issue for developing countries. S&D provisions pla yed 
an essential role in ensuring that negotiated outcomes were just, fair and equitable and 
accommodate d the interests and needs of developing countries  and LDCs. It was in this light that 
the G90 propose d the convening of regular and structured discussions under the CTD  SS over the 
coming months towards July 2023, with a view to ensuring that there were meaningful outcomes to 
deliver to Ministers at MC13. It was believe d that at least four formal sessions would be necessary 
in this regard. The G90 would  in the coming weeks be submitting a formal proposal on how the work 
of the CTD  SS could be organi zed and structured, including the substantive elements that the Special 
Session  should engage on towards responding to the mandate from Ministers.  He expressed the 
continued  support of the G90 for the Chairperson 's efforts to steer Members  towards concrete 
outcomes at MC13 . The G90 remain ed available to engage constructiv ely with Members towards this 
end. 
9. The representative of Kenya , on behalf of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific 
States (OACPS), commend ed the Chair person  for her  leadership and for her opening statement 
charting the way forward after MC12. This first formal meeting of the CTD SS after  MC12 provide d 
an important opportunity  to look back at the progress made  – especially with respect to the MC12 
outcomes  – as work began on building on these gains and look ing towards  MC13. In this contex t, 
the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP)  Group align ed itself with the G90 statement  as delivered by 
South Africa . He said that S&D  remain ed an integral part of the WTO and its agreements, as was 
reaffirmed by Ministers in paragraph 2 of the MC12 Outcom e Document. Consequently, the 
ACP Group would  work with the G90 and other interested Members and submit  proposals on how 
best to advance the work in the CTD  SS – as well as on the development agenda, which went beyond 
S&D. 
10. The representative of The Gambia,  on behalf of the LDC Group, expressed support for the 
statement by South Africa on behalf of the G90. He also thanked the Chairperson for convening the 
present meeting, which provide d Members  with a timely opportunity to h ave a frank exchange of 
views on the way forward in the CTD  SS after MC12. Appreciation was expressed for the 
Chairperson's  leadership in facilitating consultations amongst Members  which ultimately resulted in 
paragraph 2 of the MC12 Outcome Document. Clear Ministerial guidance had been given to continue 
work on improving the application of S&D and report on progress to the General Council before 
MC13. This mean t that the Membership  needed to  redouble its efforts and engagement in the 
CTD SS. T he onus was on both proponents and non -proponents alike to ensure that mutually 
acceptable compromises  were found  on the longstanding proposals. The LDC Group was ready to 
play its part and would  contribute constructively , and in a solution -oriented manner . The Group  
support ed the schedule of work outlined in the G90 room document and was ready to move forward 
on this basis.  
11. The representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela  expressed appreciation to the 
Chairperson for the opening remarks and indicated his delegation's willingness to work with her in 
upcoming meetings. He also thank ed the G90 for submitting the room document . His delegation  
acknowledge d the proponents'  continued efforts  to deliver results as part of the neg otiations on 
S&D, in line with what Members had agreed in paragraph 44 of the Doha  Ministerial  Declaration. He TN/CTD/M/57  
 
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  went on to say that S&D was of great importance to developing countries and LDCs, including 
Venezuela. In this connection, his delegation  fully s upport ed the text submitted by the G90. He 
hoped that the proposed roadmap would  lead to positive discussions on the concerns raised by the 
G90 in relation to the operation of various provisions of the WTO Agreements, especially the specific 
limitations fa ced by developing countries and LDCs. He also expressed hope that the policy space 
required to achieve development goals, structural economic transformation and poverty reduction 
would be provided.  
12. The representative of Malaysia  thank ed the G90 for introducing the room document.  His 
delegation viewed the submission as timely, and in line with what Ministers ha d committed to at 
MC12 amid the current challenges  in the global economic environment. Following the guidance by 
Ministers, Malays ia welcome d the proposal to have four formal sessions of the CTD  SS. His delegation  
looked forward to participating constructively in these  meetings.  
13. The representative of Egypt  said that  she wished to stress the importance of the CTD SS  in 
working  towards the formulation of a clear, specific and balanced vision that capture d and deliver ed 
on the development aspirations of developing countries and LDCs . Her delegation was of the view 
that the S&D  provisions in the various WTO Agreements  needed to allow for the proper policy space 
for developing countries to pursue their policy objectives , and adequately address current challenges 
such as pandemics and food security. These provisions needed to  support economic resilience and 
contribute to enhancing th e level of production and productivity in developing  countries, including 
through the proper and timely transfer of technology. Ministers ha d provided a mandate to continue 
to work on improving the application of S&D and to report to the General Council be fore MC13. It 
was therefore necessary to develop a concrete, forward -looking and ambitious work programme on 
this topic. Discussions needed to  be based on the parameters identified in paragraph 44 of the Doha 
Ministerial Declaration . More specifically, it was necessary to identify which S&D provisions were 
mandatory and to consider the implications of making mandatory those which were currently 
non-binding. Discussions should also reflect on the mandate to consider how S&D may be 
incorporated in the new negotiations. Furthermore, t he CTD SS  needed to discuss the Monitoring 
Mechanism (MM) on S&D, which was established at the Ninth WTO  Ministerial Conference (MC9) in 
2013. She requested  the Secretariat to provide updated information on the implementation  and 
operation of the MM . Egypt suppo rted the statement made by South Africa on behalf of the G90 and 
also support ed the room document submitted by the G90, which  provide d useful insight s on how to 
advance in implementing the mandate contained in paragraph  2 of the MC12 Outcome Document. 
Her delegation stood  ready to engage constructively in future discussions.  
14. The representative of Fiji, on behalf of the Pacific Group, expressed support for the statements 
by the G90 , the OACPS and the LDC Group.  He also supported the room document circulated by the 
G90 and called for the advancement of the G90 Agreement -specific proposals (ASPs) in the CTD  SS, 
with the aim of preparing recommendations to Ministers by MC13.  The Pacific Group, whose share 
of global  trade average d 0.04%, remain ed in the margins of the global trading system . Pacific 
countries  therefore  looked to flexible and equitable rules that w ould enhance their trade and facilitate 
their integration into the global trading system.  He went on to say that S&D wa s a fundamental 
building bloc of the MTS and was an integral part of the WTO negotiations. It was one of the main 
motivations that had driven the Pacific countries to join the WTO. The S&D provisions  in the WTO 
needed to  provide developing countries  – including small, vulnerable economies ( SVEs) and LDCs  – 
the tools to overcome crises and build resilience. Trade needed to  lead to development  and was 
therefore not an end in itself . The reali zation of t he G90's ten ASPs would enable the Pacific countries  
to put in place a number of trade tools necessary  to diversify their small  economies to ensure 
sustainable growth and development in the future . The ASPs would also ensure a sustainable, 
resilient and in clusive recovery , as countries  continue d to cope with the polycrisi s in which they 
found themselves . It was imperative that Members  upheld and deliver ed on the mandate in 
paragraph 44 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration , which ha d been reaffirmed by paragraph 2 of the 
MC12 Outcome Document. The G90 room document propose d next steps in terms of four formal 
sessions , with a view to report ing to the General Council  in July 2023 . He expressed support for  this 
way forward and urged Memb ers to engage constructively on the ASPs and to address the 
development concerns of developing countries, including SVEs and LDCs. He stress ed that th e work 
must continue to ensure that S&D was made precise, effective and operational . This would support 
the economic diversification of developing countries , especially those that were most vulnerable. 
The Pacific Group remain ed committed to engage actively and constructively in the CTD  SS to 
address these issues.  TN/CTD/M/57  
 
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  15. The representative of the European Union  said that his delegation was committed to working 
with other Members to make progress by MC13 on fulfilling the mandate agreed by Ministers. At 
MC12 , Members ha d been instructed to work on improving the application of S&D in the CTD  SS and 
other relevant venues  in the WTO  and to report on progress to the General Council before MC13.  He 
thanked the G90 for the  very recent  tabling of a  room document , which  suggested  a post -MC12 
roadmap on S&D. The European Union was open to the idea of having dedicated discu ssions in the 
CTD SS with a view to reporting to the General Council in July 2023 and was also open to having a 
CTD SS meeting before the end of 2022.  However, it was key that these discussions were well 
prepared so as to identify those issues where progress was possible. This would require  pragmatism  
and a focus on responding to the needs of those countries that face d particular difficulties in 
integrating in to the global trading system.  At this s tage, his delegation  had no comments on the rest 
of the very recently submitted room document . However, he wished  to stress that inflation and the 
food and energy crises mentioned in th e document ha d been exacerbated by Russia’s  illegal, 
unprovoked  and premeditated attack against Ukraine, a sovereign democratic state. He wished to 
refer to the full statement that the European Union made with other countries on the occasion of 
MC12. His delegation  insisted that the Russian Federation urgently stop its milita ry aggression 
against Ukraine and immediately withdraw its troops.  
16. The representative of Nigeria  expressed appreciation to the Chairperson for her leadership in 
the run -up to MC12, which had enabled Members to agree on paragraph 2 of the MC12 Outcome 
Document. He associate d his delegation  with the statement delivered by South Africa on behalf of 
the G90. As the difficulties faced by developing countries , and the ir need for S&D, had  already been 
highlighted by  South Africa , he indicated that he would not repeat those points. Nigeria support ed 
the sc hedule  of work proposed by the G90 and call ed on all Members to engage in the discussion s 
constructively  so as to collectively deliver on the mandate  in paragraph  44 of the Doha Ministerial 
Declaration, which was further reaffirmed in paragraph 2 of the MC12  Outcome Document. He also  
requested  Members to refrain from actions and attitude s that would derail the discussion s in the 
CTD SS.  
17. The representative of the United States  thanked the Chairperson for facilitating discussions 
on this topic. In terms of her delegation's position, nothing ha d changed. The United  States  believe d 
that this was an important discussion to be had , but did not support work to renegotiate or revise 
S&D provisions in existing WTO Agreements , which appeared to be what was being sought  in the 
G90 room document . She added that the  room document had been circulated late on the day before 
the meeting, and her delegation had not had the time to review it comprehensively. It was clear 
that Members had  divergent views on th e matter , and a conversation need ed to take place . However, 
she did not believe that the conversation could happen with the same issues being brought forward. 
Paragraph  2 of the MC12 Outcome Document also commit ted Members to moving S&D conversation s 
forward across all venues . This was a cross-cutting is sue which concerned several Agreement s. Her 
delegation sought to have a common objective but did not see a role for that in the CTD SS  if the 
discussion was just based on the same ASPs. She noted that the representative of Egypt had 
mentioned the MM . In th is regard,  she recalled that Ministers at MC9 had established the MM  as a 
focal point within the WTO to analyze and review the implementation of S&D  provisions . She 
indicated that  her delegation would be happy to see the MM being used , as this would be a 
constructive way to have productive and specific discussion s on the challenges and opportunities 
associated with the  utilization of existing S&D provisions. Finally , she expressed support for the 
comments by the European Union on Russi a and Ukraine, as well as her delegation's solidarity with 
Ukraine.  
18. The representative of Uganda  aligned his delegation with the statement  by South  Africa on 
behalf of the G90.  He noted that the MC12 Outcome Document reaffirmed the principles and 
objectives of the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the WTO , which recognize d in its preamble the 
need for positive efforts designed to ensure that developing countries, and especially the least 
developed among them, secure a share in the growth in internat ional trade commensurate with the 
needs of their economic development.  The MC12 Outcome D ocument  also reaffirmed the  S&D 
provisions for developing countries and LDCs as an integral part of the WTO and its agreements . 
However,  the reality was that trade ha d not had the desired transformational impact on the 
economies of developing countries and LDCs . For instance, the LDC s accounted for about 1% of 
world GDP  prior to the COVID -19 pandemic , which was roughly the same share as in the early 1970s . 
The GDP per capita of LDCs represent ed 15% of the world average in 1971 and had declin ed to less 
than 10 % by 2019 . There was no doubt that trade ha d the potential to transform the economies of 
developing countries  – especially with the intensification of globalization  – but it was necessary to TN/CTD/M/57  
 
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  move beyond rhetoric in order to  truly prioritize the development needs of developing  countries and 
LDCs, and reinvent the support geared towards this goal. It was also necessary to creatively support 
the forging of mutually advantageous arrangements, as envisaged in the Marrakesh Agreement 
establishing the WTO, so as  to redress long -standing inequalities and mar ginalization and move 
towards the implementation of the unfinished development  agenda . Paragraph 2 of the MC12 
Outcome Document was instructive on where the priorities of the CTD SS should lie  – in particular, 
on improving the application of S&D to make it  precise, effective and operational. He agree d that 
the process of implementing these instructions  in preparation for MC13  should involve structured 
discussions around the challenges associated with the current texts and the application of S&D. The 
discussions needed to highlight the opportunities, as well as proposals to harness these opportunities 
and reform the current str ucture for the development of all Members.  
19. He went on to say that a major contributing factor to the marginalization of developing 
countries and LDCs  in global trade was their dependence on  exports of  primary  commodities . The 
G90 submission  was an importan t step towards deeper discussions around how existing  structural 
weaknesses in developing  countries  and LDCs could  be addressed . This would  includ e through 
strengthening  productive capacities ; building forward and backward linkages  across sectors ; and 
address ing other supply -side constraints such as the quality of human capital , deficiencies in physical 
infrastructure  and the level of technological capabilities.  His delegation also strongly bel ieved that  
the opportunities presented by regional and subregional integration  needed to be leveraged  in order 
to potentially  overcom e some of the barriers to trade that impede d the flow of people, goods, 
services and knowledge.  Initial research by  the Uni ted Nations Conference for Trade and 
Development  (UNCTAD ) suggest ed that t he relative sophistication of intra -African trade  could  offer 
greater scope for supporting economic diversification, if the African Continental Free Trade Area 
(AfCFTA) were implemented as an opportunity to enhance consistency in the trade  policy  framework 
of Africa and the structural transformation agenda of the continent.  This was where a more 
coordinated approach to support the A fCFTA w ould bring greater dividends, especial ly since p rogress 
towards regional integration  in Africa  had been uneven  thus far , with some  countries well integrated 
at the regional or subregional level and others less so.  The AfCFTA  could rectify this and boost  
intra-African trade while harmonizing tr ade rules across  various regional initiatives and  agreements.  
20. The representative of Cuba associated his delegation with the statement s by South Africa on 
behalf of the G90 and Kenya on behalf of the OACPS . He also welcomed Sri Lanka as a co-sponsor 
of the room document by the G90 . He went on to say that  the post -Ministerial Conference phase  
had been entered  with optimism and confidence. There  was optimi sm and confiden ce that all 
Members  underst ood the existing inequalities and the fact that the se inequalities clearly and 
persistently affect ed developing economies, including LDCs. These inequalities and challenges had 
been exacerbated by the pandemic and the other multiple external shocks that ha d not only 
prevented countries  from moving forward, but also threaten ed to reverse the progress achieved. It 
was impossible to look the other way  and ignore the systemic difficulties that these economies face d 
in obtaining equitable and significant benefits from economic, technological and scientific 
development and in fully integrating into the global economy. Furthermore, some Members  – as was 
the case for Cuba – were subject to additional pressures from a Member of th e Organization.  For 
over six decades, Cuba ha d faced and resisted a ruthless and unilateral economic, commercial and 
financial embargo that ha d reached extreme levels, even during th e COVID -19 pandemic.  Efforts to 
fuel material deprivation, shortages and suffering were continuing, which were causing despair and 
harm to the Cuban people.  In addition, pressure was being stepped up on governments, banks and 
companies from across the worl d that were interested in engaging with Cuba, and all sources of 
income and foreign exchange inflows were being pursued with the aim of bringing about economic 
collapse.  The embargo was an act of economic war in times of peace.  His delegation was  confident 
and optimistic regarding the involvement of all Members in the proposal to convene regular and 
structu red discussions in the CTD SS  over the coming months up to July 2023, as was proposed in 
the room document submitted by the G90 , with a view to ensuring that there were  significant 
outcomes to present to Ministers at MC13 .  
21. The representative of Sri Lanka  said that  Members had not been able to meaningfully address  
issues relating to S&D  since the Doha Ministerial Conference. In this light, she expressed satisfaction 
with the renewed mandate on S&D given by Ministers at MC12. She also expressed support for the 
statement by South Africa on behalf of the G90 and indicated that her delegation was pleased to 
join as a co -sponsor of the G90 room document. She went on to highlight the benefits of S&D to 
developing countries , including sm all economies like Sri Lanka , in their efforts to integrate into the 
MTS. However, like other delegations, she believed that S&D provisions needed to be made more TN/CTD/M/57  
 
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  meaningful  and effective.  Taking the case of her country , she indicated that Sri  Lanka was in a 
relatively better place economically in 1995  than at present . In 1995, Sri Lanka  had not ma de use 
of certain measures, including trade -related investment measures (TRIMs), because the feeling was 
that it could  generate adequate  productive  capacity. However, the situation today was drastically 
different . In 2019, Sri Lanka ha d a growth rate of 3.6%. However, in 2020, when the COVID -19 
pandemic hit Sri  Lanka, the growth rate turned  negative and stood at -3.6%. Since then, Sri  Lanka 
had been unable to generate a positive growth rate.  Although Sri Lanka  had previously notified that 
it was not implementing any TRIMs,  consideration was be ing given in the current situation to 
introduce TRIM s and other policies such as balance of payments measures.  She recalled that 
Sri Lanka had previously present ed empirical evidence to demonstrate how certain  flexibilities had 
not been meaningfu l enough to  address domestic issues. In this light, she believed that the proposals 
by the G90 had validity. While  the view had been shared that the proposals were seeking a 
renegotiation of the S&D provision s in existing WTO Agreements , she did not believe that this was 
the case. In order for the WTO to remain relevant as an  institution  that was capable of address ing 
the many concerns that developing countries were facing, she  called on Members to  broaden their 
perspectives and think outside the positions that they had maintained for several years. She 
expressed her delegation's readiness to engage in order to find  the long overdue solutions on this 
matter.   
22. The representative of Tanzania  expressed disappointment that a concrete outcome on S&D 
had not been possible at MC12. He noted that d eveloping countries and LDCs had been seeking an 
outcome on paragraph 44 of the Doha Ministerial D eclaration for more than 20 years . The evidence 
from the last two decades demonstrate d that more trade ha d not brought about structural 
transformation. The pandemic ha d also highlighted how v ulnerable and exposed developing 
countries and LDCs were. His delegation full y supported  the room document by the G90 , including 
the proposed organization of work. He believed that the work of the CTD SS was  critical to support 
development goals and therefore urged all Members to engage positively in the discussions.  With 
regard to the MM, he recalled that the G90 had explained on  numerous occasions the sequencing  
issue. In particular, once the S&D provisions had  been clarified  in the context of the m andate in 
paragraph  44 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration , the M M could then come into play . In closing, he 
indicated his delegation's readiness to engage with Members to take forward the work in the CTD  SS. 
23. The representative of India said that the COVID -19 pandemic ha d unleashed unparallel ed 
destruction globally . Over 6.5 million live s had been lost, and people had also experienced losses of 
livelihoods and soci o-economic disruptions. Furthermore, t he negative impact of the pandemic ha d 
been disprop ortionally higher on developing countries and LDCs . In this context, she believe d that 
the work of the CTD SS  had become more relevant than ever to enable Members to chart a course 
for a comprehensive recovery. Her delegation's  position on this issue was well known. India believe d 
that S&D was an integral aspect of  the WTO’s framework and was a treaty -embedded right for all 
developing countries and LDCs. The se were no t exceptions to the general rules . More importantly, 
they were in themselves inherent objectives of the MTS. For her delegation , S&D provisions had to  
be part of any current and future negotiations in the WTO . In addition, her delegation did  not agree 
with the rationale behind the case -by-case approach on this issue.  India believe d that it was time to 
review the work as per the Ministerial mandate and the latest guidance provided in paragraph 2 of 
the MC12 Outcome Document, and  that the G90 submission  provide d a good foundation to advance 
work in this crucial area. Her delegation  remain ed committed to take these discussions forward and 
urged all Members to constructively engage and work towards a meaningful outcome by MC13.  
24. The representative of Canada  said that her delegation was deeply committed to cooperating 
with developing Members and welcome d all opportunities for evidence -based discussions on 
supporting development. Trade rules – be they multilatera l or regional , such as  in the agreement 
establishing the AfCFTA – were fundamental to ensuring an environment that  facilitate d 
development. This was not just Canada’s point of view. This was what the vast majority of decades 
of literature, evidence and experience sa id as well. Members  had spent many years in th e CTD SS 
repeating the same discussion about essentially the same proposals.  As had been indicated on many 
occasions, Canada  was deeply concerned that the proposals made in th e CTD SS were  motivated by 
the concept that trade rules were bad for development. This  was something that Canada d id not 
believe and c ould not support. While her delegation  remain ed open to discussions, it saw little value 
in meeting  unless  Members could  have a fundamentally different kind of conversation in th e CTD SS. 
It was necessary to move beyond attempts to undermine the re sults of the Uruguay Round.  She 
said that she wished to take the opportunity to encourage Members to make written submissions in 
the M M, whose mandate was to analyze and review the implementation of S &D provisions found in  TN/CTD/M/57  
 
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  the WTO Agreements. To date there ha d been no written submissions made. She also indicated  that 
she wished to mention ongoing work regarding  WTO reform.  She referred in particular to a 
submission by the African Group, Cuba, India and Pakistan from July 2022 entitled "Strengthening 
the WTO to Promote Development and Inclusivity " (WT/GC/W/778/Rev.5 ). The submission  
support ed improving upon meeting arrangements , including by making available documents to be 
considered at formal meetings 15 days beforehand. She regretted to say that her delegation had 
not ha d enough time to provide comments on the proposal tabled by the G90 because it had been 
made available less than 24  hours before the present meeting . Canada strongly encourage d the 
circulation of key documents well ahead of time so that Members c ould more effectively engage in 
Committee meetings. Finally, as Members met at the present meeting  to discuss issues surrounding  
the importance of trade to development, her delegation co uld not  but note the enormous impact on 
trade of Russia’s illegal, unjustifiable and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. In addition to the 
widespread humanitarian and food crises, this invasion w ould have a negative impact on 
development writ large – in parti cular for the most vulnerable. It w ould also set back Members'  
ability to reach the SDGs  more broadly.  This was not just an attack on Ukraine. This  was an attack 
on international law, including the U nited Nations (UN)  Charter.  Canada w ould continue to work  
closely with allies and partners to promote peace and security for all states and their citizens , and 
stood  in solidarity with Ukraine.   
25. The representative of China  said that  her delegation echoe d the comments of South  Africa  
and others in noting the significance of S&D as a fundamental principle of the WTO. Her delegation 
had carefully read the room document submitted by the G90 and would share it with her capital for 
a closer look. China called for the resolute implementation of paragraph 2 of the MC12 Outcome 
Document. As two -thirds of Members were developing countries, she reaffirm ed the importance and 
significan ce of S&D within the WTO . She also expressed  support for the conduct of discussion s and 
negotiation s in a results -oriented format within the framework of the CTD SS , with a view to 
improving the application of S&D . Members were called upon to actively engage in the discussions 
so as to find a way to ensure  that S&D provisions were made more precise, effe ctive and operational, 
and to make unremitting efforts to achieve a concrete outcome at MC13.  As for the next step s, she 
believe d that discussions need ed to be based on the existing G90 proposals. She also encourage d 
the G90 to update the existing proposal s so as to advanc e with the times and needs. Her delegation 
support ed the holding of informal consultations by the CTD SS Chair as soon as possible to solicit 
Members' views on the next step s. It also support ed increas ing the frequency of CTD SS meetings 
as appropriate. In order to maintain the momentum, s he believed that it would be conducive to 
report to the Trade Negotiations Committee  on progress in the work . Finally, she noted that China 
had engaged constructively in previous discussions, and would  continue its efforts in the future. She 
looked forward to sound progress in the negotiation s in the CTD SS.  
26. The representative of Japan  thanked the Chairperson for facilitating discussions to find a way 
forward on the basis of paragraph  2 of the MC12 outcome document. He said that Members needed 
to consistently  review the application of S&D. Japan believe d that it was important that the LDCs 
that truly need ed S&D in the WTO c ould enjoy their ri ght to avail of such treatment. Japan also 
believe d that developing countries that had achieved sufficient economic development had the ability 
to fulfill their responsibilities without the need for such treatment. Therefore, S&D provisions needed 
to be di scussed individually according to specific needs. In this connection, he emphasized  the 
importance of deepening discussions on S&D in order for the WTO to function as an organization 
that could  meet both current and future needs. Recalling Ministers' instr uction in paragraph 2 of the 
MC12 Outcome Document , he believed that it was important to recognize the need for constructive 
discussions in this area. Members were at an impasse in discussions based on the current G90 
proposals. Although the G90 was intending to table a new submission, he indicated  that discussions 
on the current  proposals ha d already been completely exhausted before the Eleventh WTO Ministerial 
Conference ( MC11 ). It needed to be recognize d that any further attempt to advance the discussions 
based on these proposals  would simply be a non -starter.  At the same time, in order to produce a 
report to the General Council by MC13, without prejudging the outc ome, it was important to find a 
way forward for engaged discussions  in good faith . Finally, Japan wished  to echo other Members’ 
condemnation of Russia. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine clearly infringe d upon Ukraine's 
sovereignty and territorial integrity . It constitute d a serious violation of international law prohibiting 
the use of force and was a grave  breach of the UN Charter. Any unilateral change of the status quo 
by force was totally unacceptable. Japan condemn ed Russia’s actions in the strongest terms. Japan 
stood  in solidarity with Ukraine and its people and continue d to cooperate closely with the  members 
of the international community to support Ukraine.  TN/CTD/M/57  
 
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  27. The representative of New Zealand  said that  her delegation welcome d the opportunity to begin 
a discussion on how to translate into practice the objectives set out in the MC12 Outcome Document. 
Before proceed ing, she said that New Zealand , like other Members , remain ed deeply concerned and 
condemn ed in the strongest possible terms Russia's unprovoked and unjustified attack on Ukraine. 
Russia's illegal invasion was an act of aggression under international law. New Zealand  continue d to 
convey its support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and stood firmly against steps 
that risked a  further escalation in th e conflict. New Zealand steadfastly support ed the collective 
actions taken in response by the international community  and continue d to call on Russia to act 
consistently with its internationa l obligations, to cease its invasion of  Ukraine, withdraw its troops 
and return to diplomatic negotiations as a pathway to resolution of  the conflict. Looking at the way 
forward in the CTD SS , her delegation was pleased to see the clear importance accorded  to trade 
and development in the MC12  outcomes . The MC12 Outcome Document contain ed a firm 
commitment to pursue work across the Organization to enable all Members to benefit from the 
rules-based MTS established under the WTO , including to advance their development by means of 
this system. With this in mind, her delegation had  taken due note of the paper that was tabled in 
the room and circulated the previous night, which outlined  some suggestions for structur ed 
discussions and a work timetable. Although the specific suggestions  were still being considered , her 
delegation wished to believe that the MC12 outcomes had the potential to open up new possibilities 
for work and discussions in the CTD SS. However, it would be important to have an injection of fres h 
thinking to support the work. New Zealand  looked forward to engaging in this work both in the 
CTD SS and in other forums where development issues were under discussion.  
28. The representative of the United Kingdom  thanked the Chairperson for her efforts to seek 
genuine progress on S&D. His delegation wa s pleased with the language agreed on S&D at MC12. 
Members had now been formally mandated to present proposals that improve d the application of 
S&D by MC13 . This should provide a launchpad for a more collective and conciliatory conversation 
on th e issue. He explained that Members  were presented with an opportunity to build on the 
momentum brought about by MC12 to achieve change on one of the most difficult, yet imp ortant , 
issues at the WTO. However, this would  ultimately require compromise from all sides. He invite d the 
Chair person  and Members to consider ways of revitali zing the discussion around S &D. His delegation  
believe d that S&D needed to be considered more ho listically,  optimistically and in a forward -looking  
manner . The United Kingdom  was open to additional  meetings of the CTD SS , as part of a 
reinvigorated work plan that promote d a broader conversation on S&D, including its allocation.  The 
United Kingdom' s view was that S&D remain ed a fundamental pillar of the WTO and could  act as an 
effective tool for developing countries , and in particular LDCs , to integrate fully into the international 
rules-based trading system and enjoy the benefits of th e system. However, the current mechanism 
for awarding and claiming S&D require d reform. It could not be that some of the largest global 
economies receive d the same level of support as some of the smallest economies. He noted that 
S&D could be much greater for the smallest economies if the largest ones weren 't also able to equally 
benefit from it.  His delegation believe d that S&D should be assessed case -by-case, looking at a 
Member’s productive capacity on a sector -specific basis. Such an evidence -based approach would  
enable  support to those Members that truly need ed it. This would ensure that those Members with 
legitimate development needs w ould be able to conti nue to access the necessary support . It also 
present ed the opportunity to strengthen the support package his delegation  was able to offer. The 
United Kingdom wa s committed to working towards a balanced and positive solution to S&D in the 
WTO that advance d this issue in a way that support ed free and fair trade and allow ed developing 
countries to feel the benefits of the rules -based international trading system. His delegation  
recogni zed the strength of opinion on either side of these discussions and was keen to work closely 
with all partners to find a solution that work ed. Finally, he wished to echo the remarks of other 
delegations  in condemning Russia’s egregious violations of international law and the UN Charter , 
committed by one WTO Member against another . These actions were  impeding the ability of Ukraine 
to fully participate in the work of th e WTO  and the global trading system at large.  The 
United  Kingdom would  work with its allies and partners across the multilateral system to condemn 
Russia’s appalling actions and to isolate it on the international stage.  
29. The representative of Bangladesh  supported the statement delivered by The Gambia on behalf 
of the LDC Group. He said that S&D was an  integral part of the WTO Agreements , and two-thirds of  
Members were developing countries and LDC s. He recalled Ministers' instructions in paragraph 2 of 
the MC12 Outcome Document and indicated that this mandate needed to be converted into concrete 
action . The G90 was therefore inviting  Members to resume work and regular engagements through 
structured discussions in fulfilment of the commitment and expected outcomes of Ministers before 
MC13. The COVID -19 pandemic and its impact on the economies  of developing countries and LDCs TN/CTD/M/57  
 
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  had set additional  global challenges that  threaten ed to reverse progress towards achieving the SDGs. 
The expectation of his delegation was that Members w ould commence work as soon as possible in 
the CTD  SS with a view to having substantial outcomes in the General Council prior to MC13. 
Bangladesh remain ed committed to wo rk with all Members to achieve fruitful outcome s within the 
mandated period.  
30. The representative of the Republic of Korea  said that it was reassuring to see the Chairperson 
on the podium. There were two reasons for this. First, the Chairperson was the Coordinator of the 
LDC Group, whose engagement was instrumental in making progress in the discussions in the 
CTD SS. Second, if Members were to make progress by MC13 in these discussions, continuity and 
knowledge of what had happened thus far  was indispensable , so that Members could  avoid a 
repet ition of the discussions that had taken place in the run -up to MC12 . He recalled that  five 
informal open -ended meetings of the CTD SS were held in 202 1. At each meeting, Members 
discuss ed two of the G90's proposals. However, it had not been possible to make progress  in these 
discussions . He believed that Members needed to refl ect on why these discussions had not been 
successful , so that a similar situation could be avoided in the CTD SS meetings that would  be held 
before MC13 . He agreed with Canada's concern that trade should not be perceived as being 
detrimental to  development. He explained in this regard that his country's economic growth had 
been driven by trade for the past 50 years.  He also agreed with Japan that developing countries in 
a position to implement the W TO Agreements should do so. Similarly, he noted the observation from 
the United Kingdom that special treatment given equally to larger and smaller developing countries 
would diminish  the ability of the smaller countries to enjoy  these benefits.  Other  comme nts that he 
agreed  with included the one from New Zealand on the need for fresh thinking , and the one from 
The Gambia on the onus being  on both the proponents and the non -proponents  to show flexibility. 
In this regard, he additionally took note of China's suggestion for the G90 to update its proposals in 
line with  the times and needs . He believed that these were all important messages  that Members 
needed to heed in order to avoid a repeat of the outcomes o f previous discussions in the CTD SS.  
Finally , he noted that South Africa had mentioned the  additional  challenges that had arisen since 
the previous meeting  of the CTD SS . Any discussion of new challenges would be incomplete without 
mentioning Russi a's invasion of Ukraine . His delegation once again voiced its serious condemnation 
of Russia's actions and call ed upon Russia  to immediately halt its acts of aggression  in Ukraine  which 
were in violation of international law.  
31. The representative of Switzerland  thanked the Chairperson for providing an opportunity for 
Members to exchange views on the way forward after MC12 . She also thanked the G90 for the room 
document circulated the previous day, which had been shared with her capital . Although she was 
not in a position to react on the substance, she confirm ed that Switzerland was committed to fulfilling 
the mandate from MC12 and w ould engage in constructive discussions on the terms agreed in the 
MC12 O utcome Document. She said that she also wished to echo previous interventions  in 
expressing her delegation's  solidarity and support for Ukraine. She noted that Members were facing 
an extremely concerning humanitarian and food crisis . Switzerland call ed on Russia to respect its 
international  obligations and to reverse its actions, as well as to immediately withdraw its troops 
and contribute to de -escalation.  
32. The representative of Australia  thanked the Chairperson for facilitating th e present  
conversation, which her delegation  looked forward to engaging in constructively. Australia remain ed 
committed to working with all  Members to fulfil the mandate delivered by Ministers at MC12. She 
thank ed the G90 for tabling the room document outlining a possible pathway forward. However, 
given it s very recent tabling , her delegation had not had an opportunity to give the ideas outlined 
within it due consideration.  Australia looked forward to constructively engaging with the document 
in due course.  She went on to say that she wished to echo other Members by noting Australia’s 
condemnation of Russia's unilateral, illegal and immoral aggression against the people of Ukraine. 
Australia strongly support ed Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and call ed on Russia to 
immediately withdraw its f orces from Ukrainian territory. Australia was deeply concerned by the 
global ramifications of Russia’s invasion, including the impact on economic development . This was  
particularly because  all countries, including developing and least developed economies, continue d to 
respond to the economic shocks caused by COVID -19. 
33. The representative of Norway  said that t rade and development, including S&D, were among 
the most challenging and important issues under the negotiation pillar in the WTO . Her delegation 
welcome d Members working together to make progress in line with  the MC12 Outcome Document . 
Norway wanted  an open and pragmatic dialogue on how to accomm odate the development TN/CTD/M/57  
 
- 11 - 
 
  dimension in current and future negotiations.  It believe d that S&D could  make trade an engine for 
development . However, in the same way that the result of a negotiation c ould not  be pre defined , 
there was no predefined S&D modality that could  be applied horizontally to every subject under 
negotiation. What really matter ed were the commitments Members were ready to take on and how 
S&D could be designed to address the development challenges Members were facing in each area 
under negotiation. Technical assistance and capacity -building were other important components of 
an enabling approach . Norway  remain ed a consistent contributor to Aid for Trade. Her delegation 
looked forward to a constructive dialogue on the way forward, as Members  engage d in current and 
future negotiations.  She invite d Members to re -read or seek inspiration from Norway 's 
communication  from 2019  which was entitled "Pursuing the Development Dimension in WTO 
Rule-Making Efforts"  (WT/GC/W/770). Finally, she that Norway join ed others in condemning  in the 
strongest possible terms the unprecedented military aggression of the Russian Federation against 
Ukraine. Norway stood  in solidarity with Ukraine.  
34. The representative of the Russian Federation  said that his delegation strongly reject ed the  
unfounded allegations voiced by the European Union, Canada, Japan and other s. This was a 
coordinated action to discredit Russia and had nothing to do with the a genda for the present meeting 
or the mandate of the  CTD SS . He urged Members to refrain from politi cization and from disrupting 
the work  of the WTO . He said that he wished to remind Members of what h ad been happening in 
Ukraine since 2014. For eight years, there  had been a genocide of Russian -speaking citizens in the 
east of Ukraine. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NAT O) had created military infrastructure 
which threaten ed Russia. A network of biological laboratories ha d been deployed on Russia's  border s. 
There w ere also threats from Ukrainian politicians of a nuclear strike. Each of these factors g ave the 
right to resort to Article 51 of the UN Charter, and all of them had happened together. If the Minsk 
agreements  brokered by France and Germany had been implemented, the current crisis would not 
have happened. A peaceful way  had been possible , but it was  rejected. He explained that these 
issues  were not related to the topic of the present  meeting , but that he had been obliged to react to 
the state ments made . Attempts to accuse Russia in the global energy and food crisis were 
unfounded. Longstanding difficulties in ensuring energy and food security were part of a 
macroeconomic crisis  that had lasted several  years. A number of  factors played a role, including 
challenges relating to COVID -19, weather conditions, and soaring inflation and booming commodity 
prices as a result of irresponsible financial policy . He al so pointed to the unilateral economic 
restrictive measures of deve loped countries  against Russia . He said that he wished to cite an example 
which concerned the export s of food in accordance with the grain deal between Russia and Ukraine , 
with the mediation of the UN and Turkey. Since 1 August  2022, 100 ships ha d left por ts carrying 
over 2 million metric tons of grain. However, ships with Ukrainian products arrived most frequ ently 
to the European Union . The European Union accounted for 33 vessels , while  Africa  only accounted 
for 12 vessels . Russia had come  up with a proposal to give free of charge to the poorest countries 
the fertilizers that were seized in ports  in the European Union . However , no response had been 
received to this proposal. As was the case with  food, energy prices became highly volatile and began 
to rise a few years ago due to fiscal policy. Currency fluctuations, underinvestment in energy 
production due to the green agenda, and the sanctions that were introduced by developed countries 
again st Russia also played a role. Russia remain ed a responsible trading partner for all friendly and 
constructive countries.  In closing, he thanked the G90 for its contribution and for the room 
document. His delegation remain ed open to dialogue and discussion of development issues in WTO 
forums in the lead -up to MC13.  
35. The representative of South Africa  said that  his delegation supported the proposed work 
programme under the CTD  SS as captured in the G90 room document. He agreed with the 
Chairperson that the MC12 outcomes present ed new possibilities for the work of th e CTD SS . He 
urged Members to be open -minded and not  be consumed by hang -ups from pre -MC12 dynamics. In 
this regard , he noted that the G90 room document  encouraged Members, including the G90 , to use 
the period in the lead -up to the proposed CTD SS meeting before the end of the year to reflect on 
ideas and concrete proposals that would facilitate an outcome in this critical area of work of interest 
to the majority of Member s. The call for precise, effective, and operational S&D provisions  – as made 
by the  G90 and a number o f developing countries and LDCs  – was for the purpose of reinforcing 
current rules , and not undermining them as ha d been suggested  by so me. It was an act of 
strengthening the MTS towards ensuring equitable gains from international trade  – and not an act 
of opposing trade – while restoring the credibility of the system among the majority of Members. 
South  Africa note d the view that the G90 proposals w ould reopen agreed provisions. This was 
interesting , particular ly in light of some interventions at the present meeting  that sought  to redefine 
the very meaning and essence of S&D, including who would qualif y for it. Furthermore, there were TN/CTD/M/57  
 
- 12 - 
 
  discussions elsewhere that sought  to amend not just the trade rules, but even the founding principles 
of the WTO.  He also noted that there had been reference s to the MM as an alternative to the CTD  SS. 
In this regard, he wished to remind Members that the MM was housed in the CTD Regular Session . 
It did  not allow for the strengthening of S&D provisions , but only for reviewing the implementation 
of existing S&D provisions. The view of the  G90 and many other developing countries  was tha t the 
MM was an ineffective recourse mechanism . Testing its efficacy was not a constructive or 
solutions -based approach for work in the CTD SS . The MM had its role, but it did not and should not 
come at the expense of negotiations that the CTD SS ha d been mandated to undertake.  He urged 
Members to show flexibility and openness , in the same way that the G90 had communicated in the 
room document. He expressed the willingness of h is delegation to engage with Members to make 
progress in the work of the CTD SS . 
36. The Chairperson  thanked Members  for their contributions. She noted that there was a general 
recognition among delegations of the importance of S&D, even if there were diverge nt views on how 
the matter should be addressed. Some of the words  and suggestions  she had hear d during the 
discussion included optimism, confidence, the need to pursue result s-oriented discussions  and have 
an open mind , as well as the need to look f or fresh ideas while pursuing  collective and conciliatory 
conversations. She also noted the need for compromise and flexibility from all sides.  The issue 
remained a difficult one, but renewed political guidance had been given by Ministers at MC12 . It was 
now for delegations in the CTD SS to see how the discussions could be taken forward to achieve a 
positive outcome. In this regard, she emphasized the need for genuine engagement  in good faith  by 
the proponents as well as other Members . Such engagemen t, which had been lacking in the past 
few years,  might allow her to come up with a possible compromise  document  for Members' 
consideration , as well as a work plan that was  suitable for all. In closing, she said that she would 
leave time for Members  to study the room document by the G90, since  some delegations had 
indicated that they had not had the opportunity to do so. Although s he would be reaching out 
informally to delegations to continue the discussions, she also encouraged Memb ers to engage 
directl y with each other. She recalled in this regard that Members had successfully coll aborated to 
eventually agree on the language in paragraph 2 of the MC12 Outcome Document and invited similar 
collaboration going forward.  
37. The representative of Egypt  said that  he wished to clarify what his delegation had said earlier 
regarding the MM . He recalled that the idea of the MM came from the African Group in 2002  with 
the intention of support ing the implementation of paragraph 44 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration. 
The MM was a focal point within the WTO to analy ze and review the implementation of S&D 
provisions , and could make recommendations to other WTO bodies.  The MM could complement the 
work of the CTD SS but could not replace the CTD SS , including  on matters relating to the mandate 
in paragraph 2 of the MC12 Outcome Document .  
38. The Special Session took note  of all interventions.  
C. OTHER BUSINESS  
39. No matter was raised under "Other Business" . 
40. The meeting was adjourned .  
 
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