WT/GC/215  
 
14 May 2020  
(20-3594) Page: 1/1 
General Council  Original: English  
 
STATEMENT ON HIGHLIG HTING THE IMPORTANCE  OF MSMES  
IN THE TIME OF COVID -19 
The following statement, dated 1 4 May 2020, is being circulated at the request of the following 
Members : Afghanistan; Albania;  Argentina; Australia; Brazil; Canada; Chile; China; Colombia; 
Costa  Rica; Côte d'Ivoire; Ecuador; El Salvador; European Union; Guatemala ; Guyana;  Honduras; 
Hong K ong, China; Israel; Japan; Kazakhstan; Kenya; Korea, Republic of; Lao People's Democratic 
Republic; Liechtenstein; Malaysia; Maldives; Mexico; Moldova, Republic of; Mongolia; Montenegro; 
Myanmar; New Zealand; North Macedonia; Norway; Paraguay; Philippines;  Qatar; Russian 
Federation; Saudi  Arabia, Kingdom of; Singapore; Switzerland; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; Turkey; 
Ukraine; United Kingdom; Uruguay; Vanuatu.  
 
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1.1.  We note the significant negative impact that the COVID -19 pandemic has had on our citizens 
and our businesses, in particular on those that operate as Micro, Small and Medium -sized Enterprises 
(MSMEs) in economies at all levels of development. We recognize that addressing this global health 
crisis and economic shock requires a coordinate d global response to stabilize our economies and to 
help MSMEs affected during this challenging period.  
1.2.  In this regard, we commend the actions taken by many WTO Members to address the 
immediate challenges faced by workers and businesses alike, in particula r MSMEs, during these 
difficult times.  
1.3.  We will continue careful monitoring of all MSME -related developments. We will take further 
action where necessary to help MSMEs' involvement in international trade and promote that supply 
chains remain open and connec ted. In cooperation with other international organizations and 
stakeholders, we will look to explore solutions and share good practices to facilitate trade, accelerate 
efforts towards trade digitalization, including access to digital tools, as well as impr ove 
MSMEs'  access to trade finance and to trade -related information through online platforms.  
1.4.  We reaffirm our support for the central role of the WTO in international trade. We will continue 
to work together to deliver a free, fair, predictable, and stable  trade environment and to keep our 
markets open with a view to support the global recovery. We invite the WTO Secretariat to continue 
working closely with other international organizations to facilitate MSMEs' participation in 
international trade.  
1.5.  It is cl ear that timely and accurate information on COVID -related trade measures reduces 
uncertainty and allows MSMEs to make informed decisions. We therefore encourage Members to 
continue informing and updating the WTO, as soon as practicable, of any trade -relate d COVID -19 
measures they implement in order to ensure transparency and predictability.  
1.6.  We will continue our efforts to deepen and multilateralize MSME conversations at the WTO, for 
the benefit of our MSMEs and our economies. We will work together to help M SMEs overcome this 
crisis, and build resilience to future shocks.  
 
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