WT/TPR/OV/M/ 19 
11 March  2022 
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Trade Policy Review Body   
 
  
OVERVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE  
INTERNATIONAL TRADING ENVIRONMENT  
MINUTES  OF THE MEETING  
9 December 20 21 
Chairperson: H.E. Dr Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme (Botswana)  
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1. Good afternoon and welcome to this meeting of the TPRB, which was convened by 
Airgram  WTO/AIR/TPR/ 120 on 22 November  2021.  
2. The purpose of this meeting is for Members and Observers of the Trade Policy Review Body 
to undertake their annual overview of developments in the international trading environment which 
are having an impact on the multilateral trading system, as provided in Paragraph  G of Annex  3 of 
the Marrakesh Agreement.  
3. As mentioned in the Airgram, today's discussion is assisted by the Director -General's Annual 
Report which provides a comprehensive overview of the overall state of global trade, of significant 
developments in the implementation of trade policies by WTO Members and Observers, and an 
up-date on several trade policy i ssues affecting the trading system for the period between 
mid-October  2020 and mid -October  2021. 
4. This Report has also been produced in the context of the COVID -19 pandemic, and the recent 
emergence of a new variant, causing the postponement of the MC12 wer e stark reminders that we 
live in precarious and uncertain times. Against this backdrop, the ramifications of the pandemic - on 
trade as well as more broadly on the global economy, are covered extensively in the Report.  
5. The Report was circulated in documen t WT/TPR/OV/24 on 22  November  2021.  
6. Let me briefly recall the purpose of the Trade Policy Review Mechanism, which according to 
Annex  3 of the Marrakesh Agreement, is to achieve greater transparency in, and understanding of, 
Members' trade and trade -related policies and measures. The TPRM is not intended to serve as a 
basis for the enforcement of obligations under WTO Agreements, for dispute -settlement purposes 
or to impose new policy commitments on Members.  
7. These same fundamental principles app ly to the periodic reports by the Director -General 
- such as the Annual Report presented today. The trade monitoring exercise is, above all, a 
transparency exercise. It is intended to be purely factual and has no legal effect on the rights and 
obligations of WTO Members.  
8. As you know, the preparation of these reports relies on Members ' timely and specific inputs 
to the trade monitoring exercise as well as on their notifications under the various WTO Agreements. 
For the current Report, 60% of the Membership provided input, representing around 94% of world 
trade.  WT/TPR/OV/M/ 19 
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  9. I do not wish to go into detail about the substantive findings of the Director -General's Report. 
It speaks for itself, and I will shortly invite Director -General Dr  Ngozi  Okonjo -Iweala to present the 
Report and share her views. Before I do so, allow me to make a few observations.  
10. The Report found that there has been encouraging news for a post -pandemic recovery over 
the period covered, although the outlook for the global economy remains uncertain. As we know, 
the recovery is uneven across regions. Nevertheless, the multilateral trading system has shown 
resilience and played an instrumental role in encouraging restraint in the implementation of 
trade -restrictive measures.  
11. I believe that the findings of  the Report, while positive in terms of the world trade and 
economic growth, also reminds us of the fundamental challenges towards ensuring a sustainable 
recovery, including equitable access to COVID -19 vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Although 
immediately after the outbreak of the pandemic Members implemented many measures which 
restricted the flow of trade, today we see a different and more positive picture.  
12. For example, of the 399  COVID -19 trade related measures recorded since the outbreak of th e 
pandemic, 66% were of a facilitating nature and 34% were restrictive. Generally, Members have 
shown commitment to providing transparency on these measures and, importantly, to rolling them 
back when no longer needed.  
13. The Report shows that, as at mid -October 2021, 205  COVID -19 related trade -facilitating 
measures with an estimated trade coverage of USD  112 billion were still in force compared to 
56 restrictive measures, with an estimated trade coverage of USD  92 billion. Therefore,  it is 
important to note that the trade coverage of the COVID -19 facilitating measures still in place is 
significantly larger than that of restrictive ones.  
14. At the same time, the monitoring of non -COVID -19 trade measures reveals that fewer 
restrictions we re put in place during this period. However, the stockpile of previous trade restrictions 
which are still in place remains large.  
15. Overall, I believe the Report provides us with a very important and useful snapshot of the 
latest developments in the implemen tation of trade policies – specifically in relation to the pandemic, 
but also more broadly. Providing this kind of transparency is what the trade monitoring mechanism 
is about and hopefully that is helpful to the Membership.  
16. Now, let me give the floor to t he DG to introduce this Report. Subsequently, I will open the 
floor for comments from delegations.  
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE DIRECTOR -GENERAL  
17. I am pleased to join you today to take stock of recent trade policy developments.  
18. You all will have seen my Repo rt which was circulated to Members on 22  November, in 
document WT/TPR/OV/24.  
19. I won't go through the main findings of the Report in great detail. Ambassador  Molokomme 
has already alluded to many of them, and you have no doubt looked at the report yourselve s.  
20. There are a few figures I want to highlight. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, WTO Members 
and Observers have implemented 399  COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures on goods. Of 
these, 262 (66%) were of a trade facilitating nature and 137 (34%) co uld be considered trade 
restrictive. In other words, trade -facilitating measures outnumbered trade -restrictive ones by nearly 
two to one. This is positive.  
21. Of the restrictive measures recorded, 85% of them – that is, 117  measures, have been export 
restrict ions. Although almost 60% of these had been repealed as of mid -October  2021, 45  export 
restrictions are still in place targeting products such as medicines, other medical supplies , and 
personal protective equipment. I urge Members to roll back these restri ctions as soon as possible as 
they may be hampering the COVID -19 response, including vaccine production and deployment. 
I may also add that there are still some import restrictive measures related to the pandemic.  WT/TPR/OV/M/ 19 
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  22. Some of the trade -facilitating measures - around 22% of them – have also been unwound.  
23. All told, the value of traded goods covered by the 205  COVID -19 trade -facilitating measures 
still in place as of mid -October  2021 was estimated at USD  112.1  billion while the trade coverage of 
the 56  trade -restrictive measures stood at USD  92.3 billion.  
24. While the report focuses primarily on goods trade, it also finds that 138 of the 153  reported 
pandemic -related measures affecting services trade remain in force. Most of these appear to be 
trade -facilit ating with an eye to minimi sing supply chain disruptions, such as quicker entry processes 
for transport personnel and business travellers. Despite such efforts, services trade has been slower 
to recover than goods trade, in part due to weak demand and cont inued limitations on travel and 
tourism.  
25. When it comes to the monitoring of trade measures not directly related to the COVID -19 
pandemic, the Report reveals that Members and Observers put fewer restrictions in place between 
October  2020 and October  2021 co mpared to previous review periods. Nevertheless, the stockpile 
of trade restrictions introduced but unrepealed since 2009 has continued to grow, and now covers 
traded merchandise worth an estimated USD  1.5 trillion, or close to 9% of world imports as at 
mid-October  2021. This steady accumulation of trade restrictions should be of concern to all of us.   
The Report  
26. First, the Report shows that trade has been central to combatting the pandemic, and that the 
multilateral trading system has played an instrumental role in encouraging restraint in the use of 
trade restrictions in response to the shocks arising from COVID -19.  
27. As we know, the outlook for the global economy remains uncertain. The postponement of 
MC12 as a result of the new Omicron  variant was certainly a stark and disappointing reminder of 
that.  
28. The monitoring report makes clear that the multilateral trading system has been, and 
continues to be, an important factor in our response to the pandemic. It makes clear how WTO 
Committees have con tinued operating throughout the health crisis to service Members. But we also 
know that trade and the WTO can and must do more to foster production of, and equitable access 
to, sufficient quantities of COVID -19 vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics. This is why I have urged 
Members to reach an agreement on pandemic response, including intellectual property issues, by 
the end of February. As Dr  Tedros said the other day "We may be done with COVID, but COVID is 
not done with us". Future pandemics are almost certain to emerge as well – and we owe it to the 
people we serve, and to future generations, to ensure the WTO makes its full contribution to 
preparedness and response and the national and global levels.  
29. Second, this trade monitoring exercise has since day  one been about transparency and 
predictability – about collaborating with you, the Members, to reduce uncertainty and bolster 
confidence in how markets are operating. This is one of the WTO's core functions to support our 
Members, and it also matters for businesses and consumers. When the pandemic hit in early 2020, 
we all had to adjust and adapt, and for the WTO Secretariat, part of this meant using the trade 
monitoring exercise, with its familiar verification mechanism, to  report on the developments with 
regard to trade measures taken in response to the crisis.  
30. Third, while it is true that this multilateral and cross -cutting transparency exercise is only as 
strong as Members want it to be, I believe credit is due to delega tions for your collaboration with 
this exercise. But like Oliver Twist, I always ask for more – so I will say that with your support we 
can do better, and echo Ambassador  Molokomme on the importance of getting more Members 
involved in trade monitoring.  
31. Since this exercise started in 2009, it has become an important factual transparency tool for 
Members. As you are aware, the contents of this Report have no legal effect on the rights and 
obligations of WTO Members. The Report does not question the explicit r ight of Members to adopt 
certain trade measures.  
32. I will stop here. I look forward to hearing delegations exchange views on the findings of the 
Report.  WT/TPR/OV/M/ 19 
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  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  
SWITZERLAND  
33. First, we would like to thank Director -General Okonjo -Iweala for her in troductory remarks, 
and the Secretariat for having produced this new Report on trade -related developments.  
34. This outstanding monitoring report offers once again a comprehensive picture of the situation, 
problems and challenges we are currently facing in th e area of international trade almost two  years 
since the outbreak of the pandemic.  
35. The situation remains dramatic worldwide and continues to affect us all, in particular the most 
vulnerable. The emergence of new variants keeps on versing shadow on our unce rtain environment. 
The monitoring report offers once again encouraging perspectives as GDP and world trade growth 
in 2021 may exceed early estimates.  
36. According to the Report, the volume of world merchandise trade is now expected to increase 
by 10.8% in 202 1, revised up from 8.0% in the previous report. Trade growth should then slow to 
4.7% in 2022, revised up from 4.0%.  
37. As in previous reports, we welcome the section on COVID -19 trade and trade -related 
measures, as well as the section on general economic sup port measures.  
38. We are somehow relieved to note that Members have exercised restraints in imposing 
trade -restrictive measures on C OVID -19 related goods and services over the review period. 
205 COVID -19-related trade -facilitating measures with an estimated trade coverage of 
USD 112 billion are still in force compared to 56  trade -restrictive measures with an estimated trade 
coverage of USD  92 billion.  
39. Witnessing four  times more trade -facilitating measures than trade restrictive -measures is 
indeed encouraging . We should however acknowledge that the negative impact of export restrictions 
or export bans significantly outweighs the benefits of facilitating trade. In fact, it is inefficient to 
facilitate trade in a certain type of goods if they, hypothetically und er export restrictions, do not 
reach the borders where trade -facilitating measures are in force.  
40. The Report suggests that the multilateral trading system has played an instrumental role in 
encouraging restraint in the implementation of trade -restrictive me asures. At the same time, 
WTO Members have not found a way, yet, to coordinate on an effective response to the pandemic, 
in particular on export restrictions, transparency and trade facilitation. This is where we could do 
better. Switzerland will continue to support a holistic approach in the WTO response to the pandemic. 
Likewise, we remain committed to work out a multilateral solution in the underlying discussions.  
41. The WTO has a central role to play in ensuring that supply chains are kept open and restric tive 
trade policies are avoided. Maintaining and enhancing transparency is key in contributing to this 
objective. In that regard, I wish to recall the importance of the continuation and strengthening of 
this monitoring exercise.  
42. Empowering the Secretariat in its monitoring role could benefit the whole Membership. Let me 
emphasize that transparency is a source of confidence and a matter for businesses, consumers and 
policy makers. Therefore, we should not refrain from confirming the Secretariat 's requests for 
verification whenever the underlying measures are sourced in official or reliable websites.  
43. Increasing transparency does not only mean to improve participation to and the quality of the 
monitoring reports. It is also a matter of respecting our  notification obligations. In this respect, let 
me refer to the proposal discussed in the CTG and the General Council to improve compliance with 
notification obligations and of which Switzerland is a co -sponsor.  
  WT/TPR/OV/M/ 19 
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  REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
44. My delegation appreciates the Director -General 's efforts to present the WTO Trade Monitoring 
Report, which has contributed to enhancing our understanding on developments in the international 
trading environment from mid -October  2020 to mid -October  2021.  
45. This Report cov ers a wide range of trade -related policies, including those in response to the 
pandemic. In this difficult time of COVID -19, it not only provides an overall picture of trade -related 
policies and the world trade environment but also helps to reduce the unce rtainty caused by the 
pandemic.  
46. From this Report, we could hear some good news that economic recovery has been boosted 
by governmental support and improvements in the production and dissemination of COVID -19 
vaccines. However, the recent, fast -spreading v ariant O micron  can cause uncertainty again to the 
growth of international trade and GDP. To enable the positive trend to continue, we all need to renew 
our commitment to free trade by exercising restraint in adopting new trade -restrictive measures and 
lifting such measures to the extent possible.  
47. My delegation supports the Secretariat 's continued efforts of publishing its Trade Monitoring 
Report, which will provide an updated picture with more information about trade -related measures 
and the trade environm ent in the coming months.  
UNITED  KINGDOM  
48. The United  Kingdom appreciates the work of the Director -General and the Secretariat in 
preparing this Annual Report on developments in the trading system.  
49. We would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the Direct or-General, the Secretariat and the 
Membership in maintaining WTO business in the period under review. Although it was not possible 
to hold the Twelfth  Ministerial  Conference as planned last week, the Secretariat and Members did a 
commendable job in Committee work and in ongoing negotiations. Work on most disputes was able 
to follow the schedules developed by the panels and arbitrators in consultation with the disputing 
parties.  
50. Similarly, Trade Policy Reviews for 15  Members went ahead between October  2020 and 
December  2021.  This was accomplished despite the challenges of the pandemic, including 
disruptions to both travel and usual working patterns, which complicated the process and prevented 
many delegations from attending their TPRs in person. This e ffort was important to maintaining the 
schedule of reviews to the extent possible and reflects the value of the TPRs to the WTO system.  
51. Noting the Report, the fact that both GDP and world trade growth and continued to exceed 
expectations in the first  half of the year, which resulted in upgraded WTO forecasts for 2021 and 
2022, is a very positive development.  Other positive news includes the slowed pace of 
trade -restricting measures implemented because of the pandemic, and the removal of a number of 
COVID -related trade restricting measures, while a large share of the trade -facilitating measures 
remain in effect.  
52. The report notes the importance of trade in responding to and recovering from the pandemic. 
The multilateral trading system will remain essential t o the global economic recovery.  The 
emergence of the O micron  variant reminds us that we cannot take for granted the continued 
recovery of world trade and the global economy. We note in particular the risk to recovery in trade 
in services. WTO Members must remain committed to ensuring that any trade restrictive measures 
are targeted, proportionate, transparent , and temporary in order to prevent disruptions to global 
supply chains and to minimise inflationary effects.  
53. Members have also responded to the pande mic by providing an unprecedented number of 
support measures – measures that have been greater than those observed in the wake of the Global 
Financial Crisis. While the flow of new measures has slowed, many of the measures involve packages 
implemented over  several years. It is important to track the types of measures being put in place, 
including the sectors of the economy that are targeted by these support programmes.  WT/TPR/OV/M/ 19 
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  54. We remain concerned that the stock of trade restricting measures implemented since  2009 
and not related to the pandemic now covers close to 9 % of world imports, or about USD  1.5 trillion 
worth of trade.   
55. In conclusion, the United  Kingdom considers that the report continues to make a useful 
contribution to transparency, particularly by indicat ing areas where Members need to be alert 
regarding disruptions to trade and to the multilateral trading system.  
JAPAN   
56. To begin with, Japan would like to express its appreciation to the Director -General and the 
Secretariat for developing this Annual Monit oring Report  
57. Japan recognizes that the TPR and the monitoring reports are the core of the monitoring 
function for the implementation of trade agreements. We appreciate that the Report has been 
circulated in a timely manner, particularly under the current COVID -19 pandemic which has 
underscored the importance of enhancing transparency in global trade.  
58. As explained by the Chair and the Director -General in their remarks earlier, according to the 
Report, international trade and GDP have recorded higher than ex pected growth with a volume of 
trade in goods increas ing by 10% and GDP increas ing by 5% in 2021.  
59. Since the outbreak of COVID -19, during  all the reporting period, trade -facilitating measures 
significantly outweigh ed trade -restrictive measures. In total the re were 262  cases of the former and 
137 cases of the latter.  
60. Japan values the fact  that it shows to  the international community the  efforts of the Member 
countries to create a predictable and stable trading environment and that the WTO can play a 
meaningful role in addressing the COVID -19 pandemic.  
61. MC12 has been postponed but, looking ahead to post -pandemic time, Japan would like to 
cooperate with other Members to support the economic recovery from the perspective of trade with 
the aim of ensuring the recovery is beneficial for all Members.  
UNITED  STATES   
62. The Report notes that whatever the trade growth figure is for 2021 we remain in a period of 
remarkable uncertainty , trying to confront rolling a nd multifaceted challenges that were unforeseen 
not long ago. Against this backdrop  of uncertainty,  we believe the rules -based multilateral trading 
system has made an important contr ibution to global economic stability . We shouldn't continue to 
overlook these positives; it is important for building confidence.  
63. The Report , again , provides important information on Members' trade measures during the 
pandemic. The data continues to demons trate that Members, by and large, are acting responsibly 
during a period of unprecedent ed challenge and even emergency . This two  should give us 
encouragement.  
64. Members put in place relatively few COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures during the 
past yea r. Of the nearly  400 such measures since the beginning of the pandemic, trade -facilitating 
measures have out paced  trade -restrictive measures by two to one. Of the trade -facilitating 
measures only 22% ha d been repealed by October. However, more than 60% of the 
export -restrictive measures had been eliminated. It is clear that Members are eliminating restrictive 
measures as the y deem conditions warrant  and retaining trade -facilitating measures . This too is 
encouraging.  
65. The story for non -COVID -19 trade and trad e-related measures also provide s some welcome  
news. Trade -facilitating measures outpaced trade -restrictive measures and the comparison of trade 
coverage isn't even close. The trade coverage of facilita tive measures swamps that of 
restrictive -measures by ne arly five to one. Of course,  none of th is means that we cannot or should 
not try to learn trade lessons from the pandemic . We strongly support starting these discussions in WT/TPR/OV/M/ 19 
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  the WTO ; and in fact, that is why we support and action plan on pandemic resilience  and 
preparedness . 
66. Members  should have the opportunity in WTO Committees to reflect on and discuss what has 
happened during the crisis and work together to identify lessons learned. The facts reflected in the 
Report support our view that it is premature to consider new obligations,  that Members are 
responding responsibly, and we should be thoughtful in our approach based on facts and a better 
understanding of the important policy objectives being achieved.  
67. We are confident that such an investment of Members' energy and focus will ma ke important 
contributions as we continue to move forward.  
68. I would like to make a few observations specific to the Report.  
69. Regarding the SPS section, the United  State s appreciates the level  of detail provided in 
Table  3.13 – New STCs Raised in the TBT Comm ittee Meetings of October  2020, February  2021, and 
June 2021. We would like to suggest that a similar table be added to the SPS section of the 
document ; such an addition will help to highlight new specific trade concerns and promote 
consistency between the  sections.  
70. We have a few comments regarding Section  6 - Transparency of Trade Policies . The Report 
notes in paragraph  6.2 that a lack of capacity is a major reason for non -compliance with notification 
obligation s and that this is something to be addressed collectively by WTO Members. However, 
through our engagement with Members on the proposal to enhance transparency and improve 
compliance with notification requirements under WTO Agreements (GC/204/Rev.8 and 
CTG/14/Rev.8) , we have observed that lack of capa city often means lack of manpower to prepare 
notifications rather than a technical inability to complete notifications. If this is correct, it is not clear 
how this could be addressed collectively.  
71. The Report also allows us to make several horizontal obser vations. For example, compliance 
with notification obligations is significantly better in some Committees than in others and it would 
be interesting to hear if other Members have perspectives on why this is so.  
72. Once again, the Report shows that across a nu mber of WTO Committees there is an observable 
trend that Members are not submitting required notifications. For example, in the Committee on 
Subsidies and Countervailing Measures the share of Members not making any notification registers 
a substantial incr ease from 25% to 68% in the period 1995 -2021. We have one suggestion for the 
Secretariat to improve this portion of the Report . The subsection on agriculture notifications provides 
extensive detail on the number of questions submitted by Members but has li ttle information on 
Members' compliance with their notification obligations and we ask this to be provided in the next 
report.  
73. Finally, we would like to call attention to the Secretariat's statement on page  7 that the Report 
is "first and foremost a transp arency exercise. It is intended to be purely factual" . And the Report is 
useful in providing salient  facts. There are moments, however, when the Secretariat strays into 
advocacy, stating  what Members must do. We ask that the Secretariat maintains its neutr ality and 
objectivity – traits that sustain well -earned trust  and confidence.  
HONG  KONG,  CHINA   
74. Hong Kong,  China would like to thank the Director -General and her team for the efforts in 
compiling the Annual Report . 
75. As the world continues to battle the COVID -19 pandemic, the outlook for the global economy 
remains uncertain . 
76. The information and analysis in the Report, in particular trade and trade -related measures 
relating to the COVID -19 pandemic, are particularly usef ul when Members reflect on the latest trend s 
in international trade and prepare for economic recovery. Although  there are some encouraging WT/TPR/OV/M/ 19 
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  signs as world trade and GDP growth exceeded expectations and prompted a more positive  forecast , 
risk remain as le ss developed regions feel left behind.  
77. Moreover, as commercial trade continues to be restricted by limits  in international travel, WTO 
Members should bear in mind the need to ensure sustainable as well as inclusive growth for all . 
78. We are pleased to note that WTO Members have demonstrated restrain in imposing new trade 
restrictive measures related to the pandemic. As at mid-October  2021, 59% of the trade -restrictive 
measures implemented since the outbreak  have been repealed , whereas the  number and trade 
coverag e of the facilitating  measures are higher than that of the trade -restrictive measures.  
79. As for non -COVID -19 related measures, we are pleased to note that fewer restrictions were 
put in place during the review period. For example, on goods trade , more new trade -facilitating 
measures compared to trade -restrictive ones have been recorded.  The trade coverage of the import 
facilitating measures is much higher than that for the import restrictive measures and represents 
the second -lowest value recorded  since October  2012.  
80. That said,  we continue to be concerned about the large stockpile  of trade restrictions 
implemented since  2009 and which are still in force . These were estimated at USD 1.5 trillion , 
representing some 8.7% of world imports as at mid -October  2021.  
81. With that, we call on Members to exercise caution and restrain t when considering taking trade 
remedy action s and to roll back such measures when circumstances no longer warrant their  
continu ation. Members should also consider taking appropriate trade -facilitating and support 
measures instead,  especially when the world is still battling the COVID -19 pandemic.  
82. As one of the Members actively responding to the DG 's request s for information and fo r 
verification , we continue to encourage more Members to participate in this exercise to enhance the 
transparency and predictability of trade policy development worldwide.  
83. The DG's Report notes that compliance with the notification requirement s of WTO Agre ements 
remain s uneven. This will undermine individual  agreement s and the effective operation of the 
multilateral trading system. We urge all WTO Members to work constructively to improve the 
situation . 
84. While 67 Members share d COVID -19-related economic supp ort measures in response of the 
DG's request , we are however disappointed that only 33  Members volunteered information on 
regular general economic support measures. We reiterate our view that  economic support measures 
form an integral part of the trade pol icy of an economy.  
85. Recognizing that the WTO has an important role to play in ensuring transparency of trade 
measures , we appeal to Members to supports this transparency exercise . We look forward to having 
a separate annex  on general economic support measur es in future trade monitoring reports.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
86. The EU would like to express appreciation to the Director -General and the WTO Secretariat 
for their efforts in preparing and releasing the Annual Report and in particular for the thorough 
analysis of the impact of the global health crisis on trade and trade policy in the world.  
87. We would like to stress the import ance of this trade monitoring exercise as it brings some 
additional transparency to current trade policies and practices, in particular during the pandemic. 
Transparency is vital in this exercise as well as in the overall context of making the WTO function  
effectively.  
88. This Report reflects that the world continues to battle the COVID -19 virus. The pandemic 
represents the greatest threat to the world economy and by extension to the international trade, 
particularly if more dangerous variants emerge over the next months.  WT/TPR/OV/M/ 19 
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  89. MC12 had unfortunately to be postponed due to a worsening sanitary situation globally. 
However, we need to preserve what was achieved in negotiating texts, as well as maintain 
momentum on a range of subjects, which includes the WTO response t o the pandemic.  
90. The EU is the world 's leading exporter of COVID -19 vaccines, having exported more than 
1.45 billion of finished doses by end November, to 156  countries in the world. In total, one in each 
two vaccines produced in the EU has been made availa ble for export, and one in each two vaccines 
placed on international markets (i.e. outside of domestic markets) originates from the EU.  
91. Paradoxically we are also one of the two WTO Members to have notified an export measure 
on vaccines, in the form of our export authorisation mechanism, which allowed us to keep track of 
exports and to ensure compliance with our public health objectives. That measure has been in 
compliance with G20 commitments on COVID -19 trade measures in that it was targeted, 
proportionate , transparent and indeed temporary. As a demonstration of our commitment to this 
last aspect - the EU has now notified the end of our export authorisation measure for vaccines to 
take effect on 31  December  2021.  
92. We welcome the work done by the WTO Secretar iat in reporting on COVID -19 trade -related 
economic support measures. Transparency of support measures (even though not exhaustive) is 
especially important now, given that we have entered an economic recovery phase and the 
undoubted impact of such measures  on trade.  
93. We are ready to further discuss how the WTO should engage in the reporting of economic 
support measures.  
94. Let me now say a few words on specific trade -related measures taken by WTO Members in 
reaction to the pandemic. The Report has highlighted the Secretariat 's valiant efforts to provide 
Members with as comprehensive an overview as possible of national measures taken in reaction to 
the global health emergency. We would like to echo the comments by Switzerland, including on the 
important role tha t the WTO Secretariat could fulfil if empowered to do so.  
95. The Director -General has made this a personal priority since her arrival in March, and we 
would like to thank her and commend her for her efforts. It is now incumbent on Members to reflect 
how we c an do better in future. We have to acknowledge that the WTO 's current transparency 
arrangements have not provided for the necessary overview of trade -related measures that 
Members have taken to combat the pandemic within their own countries. As the Report states, 
11 Members have still not notified measures that they have introduced in response to COVID -19, 
and there are doubtless others of which the Secretariat is not aware. In our view, especially Members 
within whose territories there are significant prod ucers of essential medical goods, in particular 
vaccines, should be prepared to provide additional transparency about potential domestic restrictions 
that would affect the supply of essential medical goods to trading partners that are dependent on 
them to treat their own populations. This can help map out the reliability of international supply 
chains and reduce frictions around questions of equitable supply of essential medical goods.  
96. Some further openness by the private sector or by trade associations, in terms of providing 
basic transparency around plans to help diversify production or regarding the number of licensing 
agreements in place, may also be appropriate, of course within the limits of not divulging proprietary 
information.  
97. The up coming appraisal of the Trade Policy Review Mechanism in 2022 would be another good 
occasion for Members to engage further on monitoring and the pursuit of transparency.  
98. We thank the WTO Secretariat for its ongoing contribution to the trade monitoring wor k in 
enhancing transparency. We call for the continuation and strengthening of this exercise.  
CHINA  
99. China appreciates the Secretariat 's efforts on the comprehensive and updated monitoring 
Report , which plays a very important  role in enhancing the transpar ency of trade and trade -related 
measures , encouraging restrain t in the implementation of trade -restrictive measures and monitoring WT/TPR/OV/M/ 19 
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  international trade -related developments as the world is still battling the COVID -19 pandemic and 
the global economy faces a period of recover y. 
100.  As noted in the Report, although there is some encouraging news for post -pandemic economic 
recovery, which is mainly world trade and GDP growth continued to exceed expectations in the 
first-half of the year , the outlook for the global e conomy remains uncertain.  
101.  Fundamental changes, such  as equitable access to vaccines , diagnostics , and therapeutics , 
remain at the core of the downside risks that the world faces from the pandemic.  
102.  We note that since the outbreak of the pandemic around 400  trade and trade -related 
measures in goods have been implemented by WTO Members and Observers. It is encouraging that 
two thirds of them were of trade -facilitating nature and only one  third could be considered 
trade -restrictive.  
103.  We also note that export restrictions accounted for 85% of all restrictive measures recorded, 
of which 59% had been repealed by mid -October  2021.  
104.  We call for Member s' elimination of the remaining export restrictions in order to avoid further 
disruption of the global supply chain.  
105.  As the most serious pandemic in a century is still spreading,  we have to make the WTO more 
responsive to the pandemic. It is all the  more imperative that Members pull together to tide  over 
this very difficult time.  
106.  As a Chinese pro verb reads  "the going may be tough when one walks alone , but it gets easier 
when people walk together".  
107.  China strongly supports the rules -based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. 
Although MC12 has again be en postpone d the momentum here i n the WTO shall never be lost. China 
stands ready to work with all Members to build an open world economy and it supports the fair 
distribution of unimpeded trade in vaccines and other key medical supplies across the world. We 
look forward to a gr eater rol e of the WTO in fighting against the pandemic and boosting world 
economic recovery.  
COLOMBIA  
108.  We would first like to thank the Director -General and the Secretariat for having prepared this 
report, and for the efforts made to gather information from Members and to quantify and systematize 
this information.  
109.  We note that the report contains very interesting and useful analytical data on global economic 
performance, and projections for the coming months, which will help our authorities navigate 
through these unc ertain times. It is safe to say that the most recent COVID variant – Omicron – has 
created fresh uncertainty, while raising new questions about economic performance and economic 
recovery.  
110.  We also note the increasingly comprehensive information provided on trade in services and 
trends in these sectors. The information concerning the pandemic's impact on trade in services, 
tourism and the movement of persons, contains elements that are useful for our authorities.  
111.  Furthermore, this version of the report separa tes ordinary trade -related measures from the 
extraordinary measures taken in response to the pandemic. This provides clarity, facilitates 
understanding and allows for comparison with earlier periods.  
112.  Looking at the document in greater detail, we note that a large number of the measures taken 
in response to the pandemic have been trade facilitation measures and that a considerable number 
of restrictive measures have been lifted. This shows that trade rules are effective in responding to 
the challenges of the  current health crisis.  WT/TPR/OV/M/ 19 
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  113.  Nevertheless, when it comes to trade -restricting measures, my delegation cannot hide its 
concern regarding the restrictions imposed on exports of vaccines and their components. These 
measures, which have different names and characteristics, have recently decreased to a certain 
extent, but continue to constitute significant barriers to ensuring timely access to vaccines for all 
Members. We stress that it is facilitation measures, and not restrictive measures, that will enable us 
to collectively and effectively address this global problem.  
114.  Furthermore, as we have pointed out at previous Trade Policy Review Body meetings, an 
increase in general economic support measures and emergency measures taken by governments 
was to be expect ed in the context of the pandemic. We welcome the information provided on support 
measures introduced by governments in response to the pandemic and measures of a cross -cutting 
nature.  
115.  It is clear that these support measures have a considerable impact on g lobal trade. Such 
measures can have highly significant distortive effects, particularly on small economies like that of 
Colombia. We encourage the continued inclusion in future reports of specific information and analysis 
concerning general support measure s and measures taken to address the crisis brought about by 
COVID.  
116.  Lastly, I should mention that this report provides information that is relevant to all Members 
and shows, now more than ever before, the importance of the commitment to transparency within 
the Organization.  
117.  My delegation has been and will remain committed to this monitoring exercise and to 
transparency. We benefited from the technical support of Secretariat staff when submitting 
information for the various notifications and for the preparati on of this report, and in this respect, 
emphasize the importance of enhancing cooperation within this Organization in order to respond to 
this collective challenge.  
RUSSIAN  FEDERATION   
118.  We thank the Director -General and the Secretariat for preparing and cir culating the Report. 
We also value the endurance of the Secretariat in obtaining the information from the delegations.  
119.  My delegation is always an active participant of the efforts in the Report. One of the issues 
mentioned in that Report is the COVID pande mic and the response of Members to it. The issue which 
we need to raise is the recognition of vaccines . Currently the Russian vaccines Sputnik -V is accepted 
in 71  countries , and we believe that worldwide recognition of vaccines without any prejudice, 
espec ially medical ly-effective ones, is a very important point and issue to overcome this bottleneck  
to world trade.  
120.  Apart from COVID, we monitor  that trade coverage of trade -restrictive measures is this year 
only USD  105.9  billion . It is much less than in the previous reports , and it means that the amount 
of non -COVID trade -restrictive measures diminishes comparing to previous reports. It is a positive 
sign. 
121.  The Russian  Federation is a st aunch  supporter of the multilateral trading system and its ability 
to promote trade in a rules -based manner. Also we value, as said above, the efforts by the 
Secretariat and by our friends, and I would say the friends of all delegations, Peter and Gloria, in 
providing this Report.  
122.  One issue w hich arose last time and which we raise today is that the Report starts from 
mid-October and finishes in mid -October . It contradicts the astronomical  year, because probably it 
would be more convenient and we could think to  promote reports for the whole astronomical  year. 
When the report was first published in 2009 , it was prepared for G20 for the first two meetings under 
the wave of the world's financial crisis of 2008 -2009 and that is why the Report was prepared directly 
for the meeting s which took place, not in the beginning of the year, but during the year. But now, 
this Report is of separate value of itself and for the Members and that is why probably it would be 
more useful to provide reports from the beginning of the yea r, from  1 January to 31  December. But 
in general, of course, we understand that the Secretariat does tremendous, very important , and 
valuable work for the Members. We thank the Secretariat and we will continue our support.  WT/TPR/OV/M/ 19 
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  CHAD  ON BEHALF  OF THE LDC GROUP  
123.  Chair, yesterday we followed the launch of the Secretariat's study entitled "Easing Trade 
Bottlenecks in Landlocked Developing Countries".  
124.  This morning, we followed with interest the launch of the third phase of the WTO Chairs 
Programme, which provides an o pportunity not only to increase the awareness of the universities 
and academic and research institutions that inform our societies about international trade policy, 
but also to develop linkages with political decision -makers and officials responsible for f ormulating 
and implementing trade policy.  
125.  Discussion is currently taking place on the report on developments in the international trading 
environment. It is clear that the WTO's multifaceted work, the relevance and coherence of which 
have been affirmed and  which seeks to firmly establish the spirit of development through trade, is 
truly interesting.  
126.  On behalf of the group of least developed countries, I would like to congratulate the Secretariat 
and the Director -General and all her team for their commitment  and for the efforts made to 
strengthen this multilateral trading system that is currently suffering a little.  
127.  The current pandemic is undoubtedly one of the greatest crises this century. Its social and 
economic effects are still visible. We are meeting at  a critical juncture, with the pandemic in full 
swing. LDCs represent the low -income -country category, which is the most affected by the 
pandemic.  
128.  Given the lack of diversification in their economies, LDCs have seen a considerable decline in 
their market share. Inadequate health protection measures, disruption to national transport and 
supply systems and a lack of digitalization forced the majority of LDC enterprises to close during the 
pandemic. LDCs have seen a greater decline in exports of goods and services than the rest of the 
world: 16 % for LDCs compared to 12 % for the rest of the world in 2020. The pandemic brought the 
share of LDC exports in world trade down to 0.9 % in 2020. All this paints a fairly gloomy picture for 
LDCs; their performance is suboptimal and the situation must be remedied. The contraction has left 
LDCs with little fiscal space to drive recovery. LDCs therefore need to further build their productive 
capacities so as to be able to diversify their production and export base, bet ter integrate into global 
and regional value chains, generate employment, and lift their populations out of poverty.  
129.  Chair, allow me to conclude by saying that, given the importance of digital tools in today's 
world, we feel it would be appropriate for the  WTO to help LDCs seize the opportunities provided by 
e-commerce so that they can be competitive in markets and meet their development goals. It is 
therefore necessary to facilitate our market access through technology transfer and to promote trade 
in our countries, which are the most vulnerable of all.  
CHAIRPERSON 'S CLOSING REMARKS   
130.  I think this has been a constructive meeting and we have heard wide support for the 
transparency which this exercise offers. Overall, Members have responded quickly and coopera ted 
constructively with the Secretariat to further enhance transparency around COVID -19 related trade 
measures as well as trade -related measures more generally.  
131.  Transparency and predictability are essential elements of a healthy and well -functioning 
international trading system – and more so when a situation changes rapidly and unpredictably. The 
ability of the monitoring exercise to deliver factual and up -to-date information depends, to a very 
large extent, on the input of Members. This includes, providin g and verifying information which can 
only be obtained from you, the Members.  
132.  However, some regions remain underrepresented, and I would like to encourage those who 
have not been able to participate - to do so in the preparation of future reports.  
133.  Your timely contributions to the Trade Monitoring Report and your support to the Secretariat 
is fundamental to ensure and preserve the high quality and accuracy of the reports.  WT/TPR/OV/M/ 19 
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  134.  Before I close the meeting, I would like to remind you that the next TPRB meeti ng will take 
place on 12 and 14  January  2022 when the TPRB will review Georgia's trade policies. I wish you all 
a restful end -year break. With those words, I hereby close this meeting. Thank you for your 
participation.  
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