RESTRICTED  
  
TN/C/M/44  
 
31 March  2023 
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Trade Negotiations Committee  
28 February  2023   
 
MINUTES OF MEETING  
HELD IN THE CENTRE WILLIAM RAPPARD ON 28 FEBRUARY  2023 
Chairperson : Dr Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala  (Director -General)  
Contents  
 
1   INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .....................  1 
2   REPORTS BY THE CHAIRPERSONS OF THE BODIES ESTABLISHED BY THE TNC  ..........  2 
3   REPORT BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ ................................ ..................  5 
4   STATEMENTS BY PARTICIPANTS  ................................ ................................ ................  8 
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The Chairperson  welcom ed Members  to th e forty-fourth formal meeting of the T rade 
Negotiations Committee  and to the Informal Heads of Delegation meeting. She express ed her 
condolences1 to the victims, families, and survivors of the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. 
Aftershocks ha d been experienced recently. She assured Ambassador Acarsoy  (Türkiye)  that 
thoughts and prayers were with the people of Türkiye  during these tough and unprecede nted times. 
She likewise  convey ed sympathies through Ambassador Kelly  (New Zealand)  to the people of New 
Zealand following the devastating effects of cyclone Gabrielle.  
1.2.  She noted that at this time  next year, Ministers w ould be in Abu Dhabi for the Thirtee nth WTO 
Ministerial Conference . Members  had less than a year to ensure that th at meeting would yield 
meaningful outcomes. The period from August to Jeûne Genevois were six lost working weeks in 
Geneva. In this regard, she thought it useful to discuss how b est to organize work in the short time 
Members  had – including discussing (i) Members'  vision for MC13, (ii) their top priorities and (iii) 
the contributions they were prepared to make to achieve th ese goals and priorities. Ten months was 
a short time in WTO negotiations, so Members  needed  to step up their efforts. She hoped they had 
come prepared to engage so they could start determining what they could realistically deliver before , 
and at the Conference, and how they could meaningfully progress work post MC13.  
1.3.  Despite the impressive results that Members had  delivered  collectively  at the Twelfth WTO 
Ministerial Conference , they had so much more to do.  Members  had heard her say before  that some 
people had described MC12 as the miracle on L ake Geneva  – and she did not want th is to be the 
case. Members  could only ensure  this by showing that the organization was capable of delivering 
continuously – especially now that there was little faith and belief in multilateral institutions across 
the world. With th is waning, Members  needed to show that they could deliver. The WTO's  sister  
multilateral  organizations were under pressure to reform  and perform . Members  could not afford to 
have an MC13 that did not deliver.  
 
1 Throughout the meeting, delegations joined the Director -General in extending  condolences to the people 
of Türkiye, Syria and New Zealand.  The representatives of Türkiye and New Zealand expressed appreciation to 
the Director -General  and Members in this regard.  TN/C/M/44  
 
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  1.4.  Members  should  also not forget that the polycrisis was still present  – the economic, 
environmental,  natural disaster and other challenges that they had as well  the health risks to lives 
and livelihoods. In that regard, p eople were still looking to the WTO  to contribute to today's global 
challenges from food security to health security to all the other global issues that they were 
confronting today. While Members  needed to be targeted and clear, they also need ed ambition. In 
this regard, s he hoped that Members would  be ab le to have this conversation during the present 
meeting and not just where they wished to  go, but helpfully build on the issue of the modalities for 
getting there.  
2  REPORTS BY THE CHAIRPERSONS OF THE BODIES ESTABLISHED BY THE TNC  
2.1.  Ambassador Alparslan Acarso y (Türkiye), Chair of the Special Session of the Committee on 
Agriculture (CoA SS) and the Sub Committee on Cotton , noted that  it was his first TNC meeting as 
CoA SS Chair  and thanked all delegations for entrusting him with this important responsibility.  He 
paid tribute to the excellent work done by former CoA SS Chairpersons, including Ambassador Gloria 
Abraham Peralta from Costa Rica whose efforts had led to the two agricultural outcomes at MC12. 
His report was struct ured around three key themes: his recent consultations , main take aways and  
way forward.  Regarding his consultations, he had  held 37 bilateral meetings since his election as 
CoA SS Chair at the end of January, including with the group coordinators  thus covering the entire 
Membership. He had  also held his first informal meeting of the CoA SS the previous day  where he 
had reported on his consultations in detail2. His consultations  had focused on Members' priorities in 
the negotiations and the objectives for MC13, as well as on possible new approaches to overcome 
the current impasse.  In his consultations, he had  asked all delegations if they had been  prepared to 
say no to "No", meaning if they had been  prepared to discuss all the issues on the table, even thos e 
they did not particularly like. He was pleased that virtually all of them had agreed. This was 
important, because it constitute d the necessary basis for a virtuous circle that may eventually lead 
to a collective yes in a year from now.  
2.2.  Regarding the mai n takeaways,  while Members ha d different views on the relevant issues , 
Members broadly agree d on the need to address food security challenges. However, views had 
differed on how best to achieve this goal. For some, this had to be done through a "classical"  package 
covering various elements such as domestic support, market access, export restrictions or export 
competition  – for others through P ublic Stockholding  while some other Members had advocated new 
approaches. Some Members had also highlighted the plight of vulnerable countries, particularly L east 
Developed Countrie s (LDCs)  and N et Food Importing Developing Countrie s (NFIDCs)  stating that 
priority should be given to them in any measures  that may be adopted. It had also been considered 
that it was necessary to balance three narratives – food security, sustainability, and trade reform.  
Members  also wanted the process to be driven by them.  Small group meetings had been  considered 
useful pro vided the process remained fully transparent and inclusive. Several had felt that other 
formats  such as retreats or seminars could help to break the stalemate in the negotiations.  There 
appeared to be widespread agreement that restating well known positio ns through reading prepared 
statements would not get Members  anywhere, so it was necessary for new approaches to be 
adopted.  Members were likewise keen on having an outcome in agriculture at MC13. For many, an 
outcome in the agriculture negotiations was long overdue. Some even consider ed that the lack of 
an outcome at MC13 would constitute a systemic failure. At the same time, several Members  had 
also pointed out that, with only one year to go, MC13 would not mark the end of the negotiating 
process. Some ot her Members had cautioned against having unrealistic expectations about what 
would be politically feasible by MC13. The specifics of an outcome still needed to be decided by 
Members and this would be the focus in the coming months.  
2.3.  Regarding the way forwa rd, in the short term, he had  decided to organize a series of seminars 
to unwrap some of the most important issues to Members. The first of these seminars would take 
place in the week of 27 March. During this agriculture week, he intended  to also convene a  CoA SS 
meeting as well as Dedicated Sessions on PSH and S pecial Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) . Since 
Members had expressed during the consultations that they would like this process to be Member -
driven, he request ed them to engage with one another, including with non -proponents, to explore 
the possibility of submitting future inputs and proposals. He believe d this approach w ould help to 
increase the efficiency of the process and enable Members  to make progress toward a compromise 
 
2 JOB/AG/239.  TN/C/M/44  
 
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  outcome at MC13 and beyond.  He was convinced that it was by working together that Members  
would have the best chance of achieving a meaningful outcome on agriculture at MC13 . 
2.4.  Ambassador Einar Gunnarsson (Iceland) , Chair of the Negotiating Group on Rules (NGR) , 
thanked the Director -General for the opportunity to provide the TNC with some details about the 
work on fisheries subsidies that the NGR had undertaken since his appointment as the Chair. He 
would also outline how  they planned to work in the coming  months.  Members had confirmed his 
appointment as the Chair of the Negotiating Group on 27 January 2023. Soon thereafter, he had  
sent a communication inviting all interested delegations and groups to share their views wit h him 
bilaterally on two issues:  the basis on which to start substantive discussions on the outstanding 
issues and the organization of work, including how to structure their meetings . More than 30 
delegations and groups had taken  up his invitation. He had  consulted with them between 8 and 15 
February 2023. The delegations that had come to see him had  expressed enthusiasm to fully re -
engage. Based on what he had  heard in his consultations, he was  optimistic that Members  would be 
able to reach their goal of s ubmitting a Minister -ready draft outcome for additional disciplines on 
fisheries subsidies by MC13 , as mandated by Ministers in their decision at MC12 adopting the 
Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.  
2.5.  On 20  February, he had  convened a plenary meeting of the Negotiating Group, at which he had  
reported back to all Members on his consultations. As he had  indicated at that meeting, all 
delegations with which he met had indicated that disciplines on subsidies contributing to over capacity 
and overfishing, and related provisions on special and differential treatment, should be the central 
focus of their work. He had  also understood that the key issue to resolve within the overcapacity 
and overfishing pillar was finding the right bal ance between the inherently intertwined issues of 
disciplining harmful subsidies on the one hand and recognizing the needs of developing and LDC 
Members to develop their fishing sectors on the other.  Finding this balance between strong 
disciplines and appr opriate flexibilities, in particular for special and differential treatment, was 
therefore the main substantive challenge that he saw before Members . He had  heard a range of 
views from delegations regarding what an eventual solution could look like, so it was clear that 
Members  had work to do to find a way forward that all of them  could accept. That said, he had  found 
it positive that Members were thinking constructively on how to move forward. Importantly, he had  
gotten the sense that Members s aw that most  of the pieces of the puzzle on overcapacity and 
overfishing were, at least in a general conceptual sense, already reflected in documents 
WT/MIN(22)/ W/20 and WT/MIN(21)/ W/5. Members had also expressed openness to exploring other 
options and alternatives.  Beyond overcapacity and overfishing, some Members had also expressed 
interest in resuming discussions on other issues reflected in the WT/MIN(22)/ W/20 and 
WT/MIN(21)/ W/5 but not retained in the Agreement adopted at MC12. Members had mentioned in 
this regard  subsidies contingent on fishing outside of the subsidizing Member's jurisdiction, 
transparency provisions on the use of forced labour in fishing and fishing related activities, and the 
issue of non -specific fuel subsidies.  
2.6.  In his consultations, Members had also spoke n about how to best organize work moving 
forward. One key takeaway was that Members had overwhelmingly endorsed the utility of holding 
so called "fish weeks" – dedicated, periodic clusters of meetings with a mix of configurations and 
with time  for delegations to consult among themselves. Dedicated Fish Weeks, including remote 
technology, w ould also give an opportunity for capital -based participation.  In this regard, he had  
shared with Members his suggestions on the structure of work between now  and the summer break. 
Members had requested that the schedule of the meetings be set for several months running so that 
there was adequate opportunity for planning and preparation. Accordingly, he had shared with 
Members the dates for four clusters of meeting between now and July. These were Fish Weeks during 
the weeks of: 20 March, 25 April, 5 June, and 10 July.  Many delegations  had requested that each 
cluster should be organize d around a specific theme. There had also been widespread support for 
starting  substantive work with some time for conceptual discussions on the building blocks that 
Members  needed for delivering on their mandate, rather than jumping straight into a text -based 
discussion. Accordingly, for the first one or two clusters, he would propose a few questions aimed at 
stimulating that kind of a discussion. He would  communicate such questions for the first cluster to 
Members soon.  
2.7.  Related to implementation of the new Agreement, several Members had suggested to begin a 
process of developing the working procedures, notification templates, and other documentation that 
would be used by the Committee on Fisheries Subsidies once the Agreement enter ed into force. He 
agree d that it would make sense to start a process for this, which could run in parallel to Members'  TN/C/M/44  
 
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  negotiating work. Members  would discuss this during their first fish week.  He would also be looking 
to determine the right moment for beginning text -based discussions and anticipate d that this could 
begin  before the summer break. Also, as he had done at the Negotiating Group meeting the previous  
week, he encourage d all Members to reflect on whether and how they wished to incorporate into 
their work programme possible additional elements such as further knowledge -building workshops, 
themed retreats, and possible Ministerial engagement. He also reiterate d his call to Members to use 
the time before the first fish week to engage with other Members, especially those with differing 
views, to prepare for the discussions during that week.  
2.8.  He again thanked  Switzerland and Singapore – the two Members that had deposit ed their 
instruments of acceptance. He congratulate d those delegations for showing leadership in this way. 
Like the Director -General, he strongly encourage d each Member that ha d not already done so to 
deposit their instrument of acceptance at the earliest possible moment. As he had stated during the 
consultations as well as in the Negotiating Group meeting, he consider ed this to be a top priority 
and w ould be using sometime during the Fish Weeks to seek updates from Members.  He also thank ed 
Japan for being the first Member to make a contribution to the Fish Fund, and he was encouraged 
that so many other Members ha d made pledges. A viable and effective Fund w ould help developing 
and least -developed countries to implement their obligations, and it demonstrate d the WTO's 
commitment to work with them. He was confident that by working together with an open mind and 
a spirit of compromise, Members  would be able to achieve the target set by the Ministers during 
MC12. After his first month as the Chair of the Negotia ting Group, he was optimistic, and eager to 
work with all Members  to accomplish the great task that await ed them. 
2.9.  Ambassador Kadra Ahmed Hassan (Djibouti), Chair of the Special Session of the Committee on 
Trade and Development (CTD SS) , recalled that, w hen Members had  previously met in this format 
in November, she had reported on the formal CTD SS meeting that had taken place in September.  
She had explained that the main purpose of convening the CTD SS meeting was to allow an exchange 
of views on the way forward in the CTD SS after MC12. The basis for this exchange was the language 
found in paragraph 2 of the MC12 Outcome Document which, inter alia, instructed officials to 
continue to work on improving the application of S&DT in the CTD SS and other relevant venues in 
the WTO, as agreed and report on progress to the General Council before MC13.  An unofficial room 
document had been  submitted by t he Group of 90 (G-90) for the CTD SS meeting. A number of 
delegations in their interventions had suggested that the 10 Agreement -specific proposals by the G -
90 provided a good basis for taking the discussions forward in the CTD SS. However, other 
delegatio ns had indicated that a new conversation was needed in order to allow Members to advance 
in discussions on S&DT. The view was shared that any further discussion in the CTD SS on the same 
10 proposals by the G -90 would not yield results.  These positions had been similar to those 
expressed in the CTD SS before MC12. Although the divergence in views on the G -90 proposals 
remained, she noted the readiness expressed by many delegations to fulfil Ministers' instructions in 
paragraph 2 of the MC12 Outcome Document . The G -90 had also indicated at the meeting that it 
would be submitting a formal proposal on how the work of the CTD SS c ould be organized and 
structured, including on the substantive elements.  As the  proposal by the G -90 ha d been circulated3, 
a meeting of the CTD SS w ould be convened to allow Members to consider the submission.  
2.10.  S&DT was a crucial component of the development dimension of the WTO's work. The 
importance of S&DT had also been highlighted by many Members during the informal General Council 
meeting on the development dimension of WTO Reform held on 2 and 3  February. She felt  that the 
discussion that had taken place during the informal General Council meeting provide d an opportunity 
to make progress on development -related work in the WTO.  The need for strong and effective S&DT 
provisions was undeniable, and the CTD SS c ould play a role in achieving this objective. Advancing 
in the negotiations in the CTD SS was therefore in the interest of the Membership, and the 
organization as a whole since S&DT remain ed central in many ongoing negotiations.  She called on 
all Members to engage constructively in the CTD SS, in the spirit of collaboration and with an open 
mind, with the objective of finding solutions together. As she had said before, this  would require the 
political will to negotiate in good faith, and without prejudice to the outcome. As Chair of the CTD 
SS, she could do her part in facilitating meetings, but it was ultimately for Members to collectively 
determine how to deal with this lo ngstanding and critically important issue. A reaffirmed mandate 
by Ministers require d Members'  renewed political will and ways of engaging in negotiations.  
 
3 JOB/TN/CTD/2 – JOB/TNC/106.  TN/C/M/44  
 
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  2.11.  The Trade Negotiations Committee took note  of the reports by the Chairs of the  Committee 
on Agriculture in Special Session, the Negotiating Group on Rules and the Committee on Trade and 
Development in Special Session .  
3  REPORT  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
3.1.  The Chairperson  said that the countdown to MC13 ha d officially begun. She had had the 
opportunity to  witness the preparations underway in Abu Dhabi after the recent World Government 
Summit in Dubai. H.E. Mr Abdelsalam Al -Ali and the ADNEC facilities staff  had kindly show n her  
around the future ministerial venue. She had  also discussed MC12 implementation and MC13 
preparations with H.E. Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the 
United Arab Emirates. She was also pleased to  have been received by His Highness, the Ruler of 
Dubai. There was high anticipation, exci tement and willingness to work on the part of the host.  
3.2.  Since the last TNC and HODs  meeting, she had continued her outreach to Leaders , Ministers, 
and other stakeholders, in the Gulf region, the Caribbean and in Latin America. She had  also held 
several bi lateral meetings with Ministers who were in Geneva to attend the Human Rights Council. 
The importance of implementing MC12 outcomes was a recurring theme. This was important to her 
and to everyone . It was one thing to negotiate an agreement  and another to make sure that 
Members  embark ed on implementation. Another theme that was important in her meeting s was 
addressing the challenges facing the multilateral trading system by delivering new outcomes in the 
lead up to and during MC13. It ha d become a WTO imper ative to contribute to solutions to food and 
energy insecurity, the climate crisis, sustainability issues, pandemic preparedness, economic 
recovery, and persistent developmental challenges.  The sooner they transition ed to delivery mode, 
the better the chan ces were for success. Members had heard the Chairs ' reports . As she was 
encouraged  that certain paths forward were beginning to shape up in some areas , she  urged 
Members  to step up their engagement even further.  
3.3.  Regarding agriculture,  while it was positive that Members had finally reached consensus on 
appointing Ambassador Alparslan Acarsoy (Türkiye) as CoA SS  Chair, it was clear from his report 
that thus far, longstanding positions ha d not much changed. Yet, delivering on agriculture and 
ensuring  food security remain ed vital. Food security was a recurrent theme in her discussions with 
many Leaders in the past two weeks. For example, she had  heard from the 15 CARICOM Heads of 
Government that this was an issue they were keen on and were aiming to re duce food imports by 
25 percent  by 2030. Food security was clearly  a top priority for nearly all Members as Ambassador 
Acarsoy had highlighted.  The challenge before Members  was therefore  taking a food security lens in 
finding a way to deal with the issues that they had always been concerned about so that these did 
not stand in  their way of delivering a food security result for MC13. Some questions for reflection 
that she posed related to the new approaches that Members should  take and how they would  unpack 
the longstanding issues so they could see them transparently and deal with them . 
3.4.  Climate change  likewise  continue d to impact agriculture production from New Zealand to 
Pakistan and the Horn of Africa. She had recently been told that Ukraine m ight not be able to plant  
all of its acreage but only a certain percentage. If this was the reality, Members  could not be sanguine 
– that from that region which was the breadbasket of the world, they would not continue to see 
supply shortages and shrinkages. They needed to bear th is in mind. It was therefore proper to view 
agriculture and address issues in this area through a food security lens . In this regard, taking a page 
from the fisheries subsidies negotiations , focusing first on issues everyone could agree on and 
building from there  could be a good way forward . She urged Members  to constructively work with 
Ambassador Acarsoy  and called on them to  ensure that, by Abu Dhabi, they usher ed in a new, 
results -oriented era for WTO agriculture negotiations break ing throug h the impasse they had seen 
for the past two decades.  
3.5.  Regarding fisheries subsidies, the road to MC13 ha d started positively with Switzerland and 
Singapore depositing their instruments of acceptance of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement. She had 
also heard  from many Members – including 10 Ministers she had met – about progress towards 
acceptance of the Agreement. She was hopeful that significant numbers would be coming in soon. 
The objective that she had  heard at MC12 was quite ambitious – that Members  should try to do this 
within a  year. The year was almost upon Members , and they might not be able to make th is. But 
they could make it an objective that by MC13, two-thirds  of the Membership would have ratified th e 
Agreement. It was slower than what she would have liked but it would still be half the time it normally 
took to ratify an agreement. A clear deliverable for MC13 was ratification of the Agreement on TN/C/M/44  
 
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  Fisheries Subsidies. She thank ed Members  because the issue remained  alive. In all the meetings she 
had recently had , the Ministers of Foreign Affairs  had raised this issue  before she did – and so had  
the Deputy Prime Minister of Viet Nam who m she had met in the  morning. In the meeting in the 
Bahamas with the 15 CARICOM Prime Mi nisters, she had  asked them for a Valentine's Day present. 
Two of them had volunteered that they would give her one shortly. The race was on, and she thanked 
Members.  
3.6.  She likewise congratulate d Japan – through Ambassador Yamazaki – for becoming the first to 
deposit money – approximately CHF 763,000 – to the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism.  She was  
grateful for the pledges that were coming in  and hoped that Members  could make actual 
disbursements soon so that the money could  start assisting LDCs and develo ping Members that 
needed it. It was important for developing and LDC Members to ratify the Agreement . As one could 
only use and get access to the funds through ratification , she hoped this w ould be a good incentive. 
Members had  agreed that they had unfinished business. On the second wave of negotiations, they 
had had the second knowledge building workshop in January and several regional workshops 
including  in Oman and in Panama. The workshop that she attended  in Oman like the one in the 
Pacific was well attended. There were 35 participants from Arab countries  who were  keen. Now that 
Members  had a work plan in front of them – and the political will seem ed to be there to move forward 
– she looked forward to  them working hard to deliver on the mandate. In relation to this, she asked 
Members, w hen taking the floor,  to say more on the specific modalities on the way forward including 
the work plan – whether it would be having more meetings involving capitals , senior officials or even 
Ministers at some point  during the next ten months.  
3.7.  On special and differential treatment, Members  had heard Ambassador Hassan's report. She 
commend ed the G -90 for sustaining the momentum. As Members  had seen the recent G-90 
submission , she hoped they would go through it to see how that ha d changed. She also  thank ed 
Members for participating actively in the reform discussions on development early in the month.  The 
existence of S&DT as an integral element of the WTO d id not seem to be at issue.  The question was 
about who benefit ed and how it was administered. Members  had found answers to this question 
before in the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the MC12 Decision on TRIPS and COVID -19 vaccines. 
She hoped they could build on these answers to find a useful way out.  Members  all agree d that 
development was much broader in scope than the S&DT negotiations. Given the immense economic 
and development challenges facing many Members, Members needed to  deliver in this area even 
before MC13. When she was in the Bahamas with CARICOM Prime Ministers, many of them had 
expressed their disappointment that the WTO ha d not been delivering for them on the development 
agenda. She had been  able to share with them what ha d transpired at the development retreat – 
the new WTO that the Membership  was trying to put forward that was about people. With this being  
well received , she hoped Members  could continue in that direction because of their  desire to see 
something meaningful come up soon. She hoped Members could agree  on something even before 
MC13 on issues of LDC Graduation and others where agreement  was within reach. Members likewise  
had to come to grips with questions such as policy space for industrialization which increasingly 
seem ed not on ly to be a developing country Member issue but also an issue for developed  Members. 
She hoped for  a way through to look at this issue at some point. DDG Zhang, in his summary at the 
development reform retreat, had also detailed various topics that Members had outlined as being of 
interest. She hoped that Members w ould continue these important conversations in a solutions -
oriented manner.  
3.8.  She also  highlight ed services and digital trade, given their centrality to the future of trade , 
growth and job creation for many regions. She had  heard great excitement about services and digital 
trade in particular during recent visits to the CARICOM and the Gulf regions. On the other negotiating 
areas, it was  time to find clarity on how these should fit within Members'  ongoing endeavours. 
Propone nts in these areas remain ed in the drivers' seat, and the Chairs were at their disposal to 
assist as needed. In this regard, it would be helpful for all negotiating group Chairs working with the 
Membership, to set out work plans and get work restarted in t heir respective areas. It might perhaps 
also be useful for Members to reflect as part of the reform process, how their reform work c ould 
feed into existing structures such as the special sessions that had been  created for some of these 
purposes rather than  multiplying new structures.   
3.9.  Turning to the  other areas of work that d id not fall squarely within the remit of the TNC but  
were nonetheless important – particularly in preparing for MC13 , she saw that  WTO Reform remain ed 
of prime importance. She paid tribute to the General Council  Chair – Ambassador Chambovey, other 
Chairs and Ambassador -Facilitators for moving this process along. She also thank ed the Membership TN/C/M/44  
 
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  for their efforts and continued engagement including submitting new papers to be taken up in t he 
General Council at its next meeting . She was also  encouraged to hear many Leaders – at the World 
Government Summit, CARICOM Heads of Government, Gulf Cooperation Council  (GCC)  Trade 
Ministers and during her bilateral visit to Colombia – make clear the n eed for a well -functioning 
multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. Th is was what the reform process Members 
had launched was all about  – and they needed to advance work on all WTO functions . She 
appreciate d the work being done at the Committe e-level which  was an essential part of WTO Reform. 
She urged Members to  ensure that they could report meaningful progress to Ministers at MC13 – 
one that show ed that the WTO was responsive and capable of driving success.  There was also 
widespread support o n dispute settlement reform . It was clear that in the eyes of the outside world, 
the WTO lack ed credibility as a  rules-based organization since it was not resolving disputes the way 
it should. A clear road map and way forward  was therefore needed . This r eform d id not simply mean 
resolving the crisis in the Appellate Body  as there wa s much more at stake. In this regard, she 
thank ed the United States for its efforts and Members for their engagement. She unders tood that 
these discussions ha d entered t he next stage. She hoped they would continue to constructively 
engage in this process to find a solution to this matter as quickly as possible and by MC13.  
3.10.  Members  likewise need ed to find a solution on the TRIPS waiver extension. Whil e this issue 
was no longer in the headlines, Members  could not afford to be complacent. They needed to  learn 
the lessons of the past so as not to repeat mistakes in the future. She had  received a delegation 
from the UN General Assembly who ha d been asked to draft a political st atement for adoption by 
UN Heads in September. The y had come to see how the WTO c ould be integrated into this statement 
– a political commitment to pandemic preparedness. Part of the assessment they ha d was that, in 
spite of everything that ha d happened, t he world was still not prepared. Should there be  another 
pandemic breakout today, they were not sanguine, and neither was she , that the world  would be 
prepared to handle it before many more people die d. In this regard, the delegations  were expecting 
the WTO to play a role  and was also  liaising with the WHO work on the Treaty on Pandemic 
Preparedness. It had been  sobering to hear such assessment and the fact that the UN Heads in 
September at the UN want ed to adopt a political statement to sho w their willingness to be better 
prepared for the next pandemic. She hoped Members would not forget this issu e which remained 
current and enable d the WTO to play its role .  
3.11.  On e-commerce, the MC12 Ministerial Decision was clear. Members  needed to work hard  to 
reach a  collective agreement on where the moratorium was going, and to reinvigorate work on the 
Work Programme based on the mandate and in line with its development dimension. She thank ed 
Ambassador Usha Dwarka -Canabady for facilitating  this work . Para llel to the preparations for MC13, 
the world was also counting on the WTO  to respond to pressing challenges about the way business 
was done across borders. This necessitate d a conversation on shaping a forward -looking agenda for 
the WTO. She was concerned that the WTO  was not moving with the times – discussing issues that 
had passed by while still not being able to comprehensibly deal with them and already being faced 
with new ones. As she often said, t he future of trade was digital, services, green and inc lusive. She 
therefore invite d Members to reflect on what the WTO c ould do in these areas.  
3.12.  Concerning Secretariat matters, she informed Members of  the plan to develop a vision and a 
strategy for the Secretariat . The C ommittee on Budget, Finance and Adminis tration (CBFA)  had been 
thinking about this for many years  and there was  finally  some movement on this matter . Members 
should get the Secretariat as much as they could into a vision of the 21st century. They needed to 
consider w hat trade was going to be like looking forward  and what the Secretariat should be doing 
to deliver for the Membership. This process was being led by the Tran sformation Office of the 
Secretariat with the help of McKinsey and others. They might  come to Members  to conduct  focused 
group discussions  to move this forward. The need to think of the WTO's future  required Members to 
be imaginative  and clear if they wanted this organization to survive.  
3.13.  She h ad said all of these not only t o set out the MC13 agenda but also to stimulate Members ' 
minds about the exciting challenges ahead. She did not find these challenges intimidating  – but 
rather exciting . She invited all Members  to also get excited about some of these issues and have the 
political will to move forward. She called on Members to engage – working in the same manner as  
in the development discussions , negotiate  and deliver.  
3.14.  The Trade Negotiations Committee took note  of the report  by the Chair . TN/C/M/44  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY PARTICIPANTS  
4.1.  The representative of Brazil  noted that MC13 was a renewed opportunity to demonstrate that 
cooperation and multilateralism were the best course of action for delivering trade related solutions 
to global concerns such as food security and sustainability. Sustainable development should  be the 
principle f or potential outcomes on trade and environment at MC13. The WTO ha d a key role to play 
on promoting trade, investment and technology transfer that support ed Members especially 
developing  ones and LDCs in building their capacity to address climate change an d to reach economic 
and social develop ment building upon clean energy sources. These WTO efforts should  be mutually 
supportive and harmonious with existing UN treaties such as the United Nations Framework 
Convention on Climate Change  (UNFCC C). Unilateral m easures that attempt ed to shift and backtrack 
on pledged responsibilities w ould only undermine the multilateral environment and trade frameworks 
and move  Members  further away from a decarbonised economy. In this regard , Brazil  welcome d the 
contribution mad e by India in document JOB/TE/78 which  offered a solid and constructive basis for 
a multilateral discussion on this matter.  Agriculture was also an indispensable part of a credible 
MC13 package. Members should  develop a fresh approach to fulfilling the mandate on Article 20 of 
the Agreement on Agriculture based on addressing issues related to global food security. In the next 
few months , a discussion on how the WTO and international trade in agriculture c ould be part of the 
solution to global food insecurity w ould help to identify the concrete elements that should be tackle d 
by MC13 including trade distorting subsidies and export  restrictions on international trade. In order 
to move the agricultural rulebook for ward, Members should  continue their discussions on WTO 
Reform in all its pillars particularly with a view of having a fully and well -functioning dispute 
settlement system by 2024.  Brazil also remained  fully engaged in the debates on Paragraph 8 of 
the MC12 Decision on the TRIPS Agreement. COVID -19 continue d to inflict a disproportionate toll on 
developing and LDC Members .  Members  should  therefore work with a sense of urgency to reach an 
outcome that provide d for enhanced and timely access to COVID -19 therapeutics and diagnostics at 
an affordable price. Brazil also remain ed committed to the continuation of the talks on the 
outstanding issues on fisheries subsidies.  Brazil w ould constructively work with other Members with 
a view to achieving progress on add itional provisions by MC13. Brazil w ould spare no effort to deliver 
a robust set of results at MC13 capable of reinvigorating international  trade and promoting 
sustainable development and food security.   
4.2.  The representative of Japan  noted that, as the  second largest food importing country, Japan 
relied on imports for more than 60% of  its food consumption . Japan therefore continued to  stress 
the importance of food security in trade negotiations. In order to ensure food security, it was 
essential that smooth flow of agricultural trade was retained, and sustainable domestic agricultural 
production was maintained and enhanced in each Member. To ensure food security, as Japan  had 
been repeatedly point ing out, Members should  address the issue of export restrictions  especially as 
it had been occurring  rather frequently. Discussions in agricultural negotiations should be carried 
out not in a way to discourage but rather encourage each Member 's efforts to address current 
challen ges such as food insecurity, climate change and biodiversity loss. It was al so important to 
bring the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies adopted at MC12 into force swiftly . Japan was making 
every effort to advance the relevant domestic process as quickly as possible. The Membership should 
support developing  and LDC  Members in effectively implementing the Agreement. Japan  appreciate d 
the kind words of the NGR Chair and the Director -General on its recent contribution to the WTO 
Fisheries Funding Mechanism as th e first donor. Japan w ould engage in the negotiations to MC13 
constructively from the viewpoint of securing ocean sustainability. On WTO Reform, dispute 
settlement reform remained  the highest priority. As for an immediate target on the way to 2024, 
Members  needed to  strive to start text -based discussions after the summer break. On the 
deliberative and monitoring function, Japan  welcome d the fact that discussions and efforts to 
improve this was  underway in subsidiary bodies. The practical and realistic way f orward to advance 
reform was to accumulate these bottom -up improvements and report them to Ministers at MC13. It 
was important to increase transparency of the measures taken by Members with regard to new 
challenges such as measures related to environmental  issues, and to enhance mutual understanding.  
4.3.  On development, these issues require d a holistic approach in collaboration with other relevant 
international organizations. Concrete discussions on the basis of needs and evidence were needed. 
Japan would  constructively engage in such discussions, including with readiness to examine what it 
could do to address the challenges faced by Members graduating from the LDC category. The 
discussions on S&DT also need ed to be based on facts and specific needs. On the rul emaking 
function, Japan would  strive toward achieving outcomes on the Joint Statement Initiatives, namely: 
swift certification in the WTO of the improvement of GATS Schedules on Service Domestic TN/C/M/44  
 
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  Regulation, substantial conclusion of negotiations on E -Comme rce by the end this year, and finalizing 
the negotiating text on Investment Facilitation for Development in the first half of this year. On e -
commerce, Japan  appreciate d the meaningful discussions Members  had been having in the dedicated 
sessions on reinvi gorati ng the Work Programme on E -Commerce facilitated by Ambassador Usha 
Dwarka -Canabady . On the moratorium, Japan's  position of striving to make it permanent remain ed 
unchanged . Members would  at least need to agree on its extension at MC13. Discussions on securing 
a level playing field were also essential and should be initiated at an appropriate juncture. These 
include the response to government support and forced technology transfer in the i ndustrial sector. 
On environment, trade policy 's contribution to environmental sustainability, especially the issue of 
climate change, was also an important element. In light of Paragraph 14 of the MC12 Outcome 
Document, Members  should explore what c ould b e achieve d prior to MC13 including the revitalization 
of the CTE. Japan  also promote d the activities of the joint initiatives on trade and the environment.  
4.4.  The representative of the European Union  said that, w ith just under a year to MC13 in Abu 
Dhabi, the  European Union was looking forward to intensifying work across the board in order to 
make good progress towards a substantive package for MC13. The European Union  saw a number 
of areas where concrete and substantive results could be reached . Activating an  improved and fully 
functioning dispute settlement by 2024 through meaningful, multilaterally agreed reforms remain ed 
the EU 's top priority. The WTO dispute settlement system was vital for the credibility of a rules -
based trading order  – the position share d by the vast majority of WTO Members. While the European 
Union was attached to a binding, two -tier and independent adjudication – which were the system 's 
core characteristics – the EU  saw ample scope for improvement. Time was pressing a s 2024 was 
fast app roaching. With this in mind, the European Union was keen to see reform discussions 
accelerating and focusing on identifying solutions for a limited set of issues that require d 
improvements. This should pave the way for text -based negotiations in good time before MC13. The 
Membership c ould not afford to miss the 2024 deadline to have a fully functioning dispute settlement 
system which mean t finding a solution no later than MC13.  The European Union also welcome d the 
plan of work on fisheries subsidies set out by the NGR Chair and saw MC13 as the target date for 
the two main work strands . First was the entry into force and implementation of the phase 1 
agreement. The European Union  was well advanced on its internal ratification procedures and had 
also committed to support the Fisheries Subsidies Funding Mechanism at EUR 1 million . The other 
strand was the phase 2 negotiations on the outstanding issues  which was possible to conclude by 
MC13. The EU  called on all Members to engage constructively in these negotiations.  
4.5.  Development was a key issue that should be mainstreamed across the whole WTO Reform 
agenda. The priority for MC13 should be a development package that include d addressing  LDC 
concerns notably in relation to their smooth transition out of the LDC category. The European Union 
would continue to listen to the priorities of developing countries and st ood ready to consider how to 
address their underlying concerns without changin g the agreements. Members  needed to start 
substantive deliberation s on the E-Commerce Work Programme with a particular focus on the 
development dimension. While it was  an important multilateral track of work , for it to be meaningful 
and to deliver , Members  should  also prevent the creation of potential new obstacles to the digital 
transition across the globe. Termination of the moratorium would seriously undermine the WTO 's 
relevance for the digital economy. The EU hoped  that Members could work on both a rei nforced 
multilateral Work Programme and the extension of the Moratorium. The European Union likewise 
remain ed fully committed to continue the work on agricultural reform. The EU  support ed the need 
for a new approach. Members should integrate the issues of food security, environment, climate, 
poverty and sustainable production into the negotiations on reforming trade -distorting policies. The 
European Union suggest ed to start working on improving transparency in agriculture across all pillars 
notably in areas linked to food security such as export restrictions and international food aid. The 
European Union also underline d the importance of work on the implementation of t he work 
programme under the MC12 Declaration on Food Insecurity and w ould remain constructively 
engaged to deliver concrete outcomes that contribute d to overcoming the challenges related to the 
ongoing food insecurity situation.  
4.6.  The EU  stress ed the import ance of making good progress in the negotiations on the open 
plurilateral JSI on investment facilitation for development. Conclusion by MC13 was a priority. It was 
also crucial to achieve substantial progress on the JSI on e -commerce by MC13. The European Union 
also expect ed the outcome of Services Domestic Regulation to enter into force before that. In line 
with its approach to a comprehensive response to the COVID -19 pandemic, the European Union 
support ed the continuation of the discussion on the extensio n of the TRIPS Decision to COVID -19 
therapeutics and diagnostics and w ould continue to engage with all Members. On the European TN/C/M/44  
 
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  Union 's latest contribution to the process of WTO Reform , the success of MC13  would be measured 
by how much more effective Membe rs could make the WTO. The EU  had proposed to develop the 
deliberative capacity of the WTO as a key component of the reform process. The European Union 
had circulated in this sense a submission a week ago on "Reinforcing the Deliberative Function of 
the WT O to Respond to Global Trade Policy Challenges " (WT/GC/W/8 64). The European Union was  
looking forward to presenting it at the General Council and to engaging with the Membership on how 
best to take forward these ideas.  
4.7.  The representative of Uruguay  stress ed that a griculture  was the missing piece of MC12  – so it 
should be at the forefront of MC13. Agriculture n egotiations were as important today as they had 
been in the Uruguay Round given the challenges that high levels of distortions and restrictions 
prese nt to international agriculture markets in order to achieve sustainable development including 
in the area of food security and environment protection. These matters continue d to be relevant  and 
could  have even become  more urgent in some aspects since the Uruguay Round. Trade and 
environment protection were neither mutually exclusive nor d id they oppose each other  – as they 
could be mutually supportive. All Members  agree d that this organization should  contribute in a 
tangible way to the achievement of global food security objectives. It was clear that agriculture 
reform was an intrinsic part of the food security agenda. Uruguay  wished  to have an outcome in 
agriculture at MC1 3 which should be  meaningful along the lines of  the objectives set down in Article 
20 of the Agreement on Agriculture. Agriculture reform  was a  long process  and Members c ould not 
realistically hope that this w ould be  concluded at the next Ministerial Conference. But as it ha d been 
stated by some Member s, they should at least see the establishment of modalities to move forward 
in this process towards a meaningful outcome. Uruguay  likewise s aw importance in the speedy 
resolution of the pending issues that Members  had to resolve in dispute settlement becau se of its 
clear systemic relevance to this organization. The best way of addressing these issues was for all 
Members to focus on the concrete, particular aspects that ha d been pointed out as dysfunctional in 
the Dispute Settlement Understanding ( DSU) – which could always be improved. Uruguay however 
cautioned on  getting lost in long discussions that would not lead Members  to achieving their main 
objective  which was a fully functioning dispute settlement system.  
4.8.  The representative of Djibouti , speaking on b ehalf of the  LDCs, underscored the n ecess ity of 
looking into the actions and the reports , including in  the MC12 Outcome Document , to be presented 
at the next Ministerial  Conference . This could facilitate Members'  consider ation of  pragmatic 
approaches for early harvest particularly in favo ur of LDCs. The LDC Group welcome d the resumption 
of work on fisheries subsidies. The Group ha d taken part in the consultation s of the new NGR Chair. 
The LDCs  urged Members to commit to continue n egotiations based on WT/MIN(22)/W/20 with a 
view to making recommendations at MC13 on additional provisions that achieve d disciplines on 
certain forms of fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing. The LDC s also 
applaud ed the resum ption of work  in agriculture . The Group ha d also taken part in the consultation s 
of the new CoA SS Chair and encourage d Members to intensify work in order to achieve concrete 
results at MC13. The Group support ed a reform of the Agreement on Agriculture tow ards a fair and 
market -oriented agricultural trading system which prioritize d issues related to food security and 
resilience such as domestic support with trade distortion, including cotton, SSM, PSH and export 
restrictions. The LDCs hope d to receive speci al coverage in any agreed reform because of their 
NFIDC status. They also hope d that some of its members w ould be able to benefit from guaranteed 
market access for certain special products. To this end, the Group invite d Members to refer to its 
proposal in G/AG/W/225. Furthermore, in the context of public stockholding for food security 
purposes, the LDCs were in favo ur of a permanent solution taking into account the new programmes.   
4.9.  On the MC12 Decision on the TRIPS Agreem ent, the co -sponsors  of the TRIPS Waiver proposal , 
including the LDC Group, maintain ed their support  to reach consensus by MC13 to include 
therapeutics and diagnostics in the Ministerial Decision  in WT/MIN/(22)/30  – WT/L/1141 . Regarding 
the CTD  SS work, as  part of G -90, the LDC Group reiterate d its support for the G -90 submission  and 
called on Members to engage constructively as instructed by Ministers in Paragraph 2 of the MC12 
Outcome Document. The LDC Group likewise called on Members to operationalize th e decisions 
adopted at previous sessions of the Ministerial Conference in line with Paragraph 8 of the MC12 
Outcome Document. The LDCs ha d been waiting for several years for the operationalization of 
decisions on the services waiver and the one on preferen tial rules of origin, among others. Under 
the services waiver and DFQF market access, Ministers  had instructed the General Council to report 
at MC13  on the progress made. They had also instructed the Committee on Rules of Origin to report 
on its work to th e General Council before MC13. The effective implementation of these decisions 
would contribute to the development of LDCs.  TN/C/M/44  
 
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  4.10.  At MC12, the LDC Group had shared its priorities with  Members  with some  not receiv ing 
favourable treatment. After MC12 , the Group had reviewed some of its proposals and had formulated 
others.  With the aim of reaching an outcome before MC13, the LDC proposal on graduation had been  
revised to take into account Members' concerns. The revised proposal in WT/GC/W/807/Rev.2  had 
been f orwarded to the General Council. LDCs urge d Members to favo urably consider their proposal  
in order to allow graduated Members to continue to benefit from the flexibilities offered to LDCs for 
a smooth transition and a sustainable exit from the category. Thus, the Members who w ould be 
graduat ing would benefit from a legal framework and the necessary predictability allowing them to  
preserve their development achievements. A positive outcome on graduation w ould inspire and 
reassure LDCs who were vying for grad uation. WTO Reform should  take into account the diversity 
and needs of all Members of the organization. The elements contained in communication 
JOB/GC/223/Rev.1 c ould be useful for the negotiations on the reform of the WTO. The submission 
addresse d areas s uch as principles, transparency, administrative measures, institutional reform , 
committees and two -tier dispute resolution. It include d pragmatic approaches. Aspects of reform 
related to administrative and institutional issues within the existing mandate o f the WTO could be 
part of the early harvest by MC13. At MC12, Members had been  instructed to reinvigorate  the work 
programme on e -commerce  particular ly its development dimension. The LDC Group commended  the 
work initiated in this area in accordance with  the Ministerial Decision  in WT/MIN(22)/32  – 
WT/L/1143 . In this regard, the submission in WT/GC/W/787 constitute d the LDCs' contribution for 
future work. It highlight ed the group's position and identifie d the challenges its Members face d. 
Given the excessive volatility of food prices in the international market, the LDC Group urge d 
Members to implement the declaration  in WT/MIN(22)/28  – WT/L/1139  on the urgent response to 
food insecurity. They should  find pragmatic solutions to meet the needs of thos e facing food 
insecurity around the world particularly in LDCs. The LDC Group  stood ready for constructive 
engagement on all issues of interest to the LDCs . 
4.11.  The representative of  the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , speaking on behalf of the  Arab Group , 
express ed appreciation to the U nited Arab Emirates  for hosting the next WTO Ministerial conference 
in February 2024 in Abu Dhabi. The Arab Group was  certain that the UAE w ould lead this conference 
to more progress and success in shaping tangible and balanced outcome s for the benefit of all 
Members. The successful outcome from MC12 demonstrate d that consensus was still possible even 
in times of deep challenges and uncertainty. MC13 was a year away  and there was a lot of work 
ahead. Given the long list of outcomes on t he table , Members  needed to  seize th e current  momentum 
to continue to work in the same spirit that they had witnessed at MC12. In order to achieve concrete 
results before and at MC13 , the Arab Group  urged Members to come with an open mind to find 
possible ways to bridge the gaps on different positions that still exist ed on a number of issues. The 
Arab Group  emphasi zed that the overall WTO Reform should reaffirm the founding principles of the 
WTO and must be open, transparent  and inclusive – conside ring Members ' concerns.  The reform 
should also promote greater linkages between the trade rules and development.  Discussions on WTO 
Reform should focus , among other issues,  on the current impasse of the Appellate Body with a view 
to having a fully and wel l-functioning dispute settlement system accessible to all Members by 2024. 
On food insecurity , Members  should  accord high attention to address this specific need and 
circumstances of developing country Members including those of LDCs and NFIDCs . The Arab G roup 
likewise  stress ed the paramount importance of agriculture to their economies. Although i ssues 
surrounding agriculture were not easy to reconcile , they  should not deter all Members from working 
closely with each other and thriv ing for concrete outcomes  at MC13. The Arab Group  commend ed 
Ministers' commitment at MC12 to facilitate the conclusion of ongoing accessions especially for LDCs 
fully in line with the General Council Guidelines on LDC's accessions and to provide technical 
assistance where appropri ate including in the post accession phase. The Arab Group remain ed 
committed to work ing constructively post MC12 and towards meaningful outcomes in MC13 that 
would serve the interests of all Members.    
4.12.  The representative of Norway  noted that although t he various retreats ha d kept the 
Membership , it was only now that Members could regain the momentum from MC12. As the Director -
General had pointed out, multilateralism was under pressure. The Membership should  take 
advantage of the positive multi lateral results that ha d happened after MC12  especially last fall 's 
COPs on climate change and on biodiversity. There had been  near universal agreement at both 
meetings, and this should give spin -offs in the WTO  discussions to find consensus. A resolution of 
the Appellate Body crisis and a conclusion of the Fisheries Subsidies negotiations were Norway 's 
main priorities for MC13. Norway  also want ed to see positive developments for renewed negotiations 
on agriculture and more generally on all aspects of WTO Reform. The Kunming -Montreal "Global 
Biodiversity Framework" (GBF), agreed in December 2022, ha d direct relevance for WTO 's work on TN/C/M/44  
 
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  fisheries subsidies. It g ave a clear statement to protect at least 30% of all sea and all land, as well 
as at least 30% of de graded area under restoration by 2030  and it ha d a clear objective on funding . 
Up to USD 500 billion was to be found by removing incentives harmful to biodiversity including  
subsidies  by 2030. This ha d clear implications for the WTO  negotiations on reducin g harmful fisheries 
subsidies. Members should discuss development aspects for all relevant parts of new disciplines from 
the start of negotiations, rather than negotiating disciplines first and then second exceptions. The 
fisheries subsidies negotiations g ave Members the opportunity to put this into effect. Specifically for 
agriculture, food security ha d become a very relevant theme and should be given the necessary 
attention in negotiations – for example by focused clusters of meetings. As the Director -General had 
said, Members should start by focusing on what they could agree on. MC13 w ould need to make 
reference to environmental challenges. They were cross -cutting global issues also for trade and the 
WTO which also came into WTO work on subsidies, market access, least trade restrictive measures , 
TBT and SPS, and technology transfer , among others . The  entire M embership needed to  work on 
green solutions , including through WTO negotiations, and find respective comparative advantages .  
4.13.  The representative of  the Republic of Korea  underscored the  importan ce of creating a winning 
streak at MC13 after the success of MC12 so that the multilateral trade system could contribute to 
building back sustainable economic growth. Accordingly, the TNC w ould provide an important 
opportunity for Members  to seek progress on different topics and to discuss potential achievements 
to make MC13 a success. Korea welcome d the new facilitator -led informal discussions on dispute 
settlement reform starting next month to review proposals from Members and to have text -based 
negotiations after the summer break. The discussions w ould be a meaningful step forward in 
achieving the objective of a fully functioning dispute settlement system by 2024. Korea  urged further 
discussions and actions o n WTO Reform at the subsidiary bodies on the monitoring and deliberative 
function and look ed forward to new development s in the negotiati ng function. The MC12 mandate 
was due in a year so Members  should effectively utilize the remai ning time to fulfil this goal. The 
discussions held the previous  month on the development dimension of WTO Reform had been  very 
useful.  As development was a cross -cutting issue, Korea h oped that Members  could resolve the 
stalemate in many fronts of WTO businesses with enhanced mutual understanding on development 
needs. Korea  support ed the CTD as the focal point for discussing the development agenda and st ood 
ready to constructively engage in further discussions.  
4.14.  On fisheri es subsidies, Korea commended the new NGR Chair  for taking the initiative in 
mapping out the work program me until the summer break  and welcome d his commitment to this 
role as Members  had witnessed how critical the role of the Chair was in the first phase o f 
negotiations. On the  way forward, setting the date s for the fish week and defining the central focus 
of work as the disciplines on overfishing and overcapacity,  and S&DT was right on track. Engaging 
in conceptual building blocks or elements of solution could turn out useful if Members  transit ed to 
text-based discussion in a timely manner. As bridging the gap between different positions on the 
remaining issues remained  a challenge , Korea  stood ready to constructively engage with other 
Members. Korea likewi se looked forward to moving away from the stalled agriculture negotiations 
and embark ing on a new journey with a renewed sense of mind under the leadership of  the new CoA 
SS Chair . As a net food importer, Korea expect ed that export restrictions should be e nforced in a 
transparent manner tak ing due account of global food security concerns. The sensitivities of each 
negotiating group should also be assured in the negotiation processes to achieve a balanced 
outcome. In addition, the current global challenges s uch as climate change, environment, food 
security and rural livelihood should  be addressed properly in future agricultural negotiations.  
4.15.  With regard to JSI negotiations on E -Commerce, Korea  looked forward to further progress in 
ongoing discussions.  Korea  would continue to actively participate in the negotiations to achieve 
substantial conclusion by the end of 2023 as agreed by Ministers on the margins of the WEF annual 
meeting in Davos. On the E -commerce Work Programme, Korea  appreciate d that Members were 
collectively moving forward through a series of dedicated discussions. On Trade and Environment, 
the fact that more and more unilateral trade restrictive measures were issued under the name of 
environmental policies was a reality that was now impossible to ignore.  Unilateral environmental 
measures that could  violate multilateral trade rules should be restrained. Meanwhile, Members 
should  invigorate the WTO's deliberative and rulemaking function s with regard to environment and 
climate change before see ing a plethora of trade remedy actions stack ing up in the DSB. Korea 
called for dedicated discussions in committees such as the CTE or CTE  SS to discuss unilateral trade 
restrictive measures regarding en vironment, and to develop further what c ould be negotiated within 
the WTO framework.  TN/C/M/44  
 
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  4.16.  Speaking as Coordinator of the Structured Discussions on Investment Facilitation for 
Development , in accordance with the open, inclusive, and transparent nature of the in itiative, Korea  
update d Members on the latest developments in the Joint Initiative on Investment Facilitation for 
Development. Last December had marked a key milestone in the text negotiations as reflected in 
the negotiating text, the so -called "Draft IFD Agreement " as well as in the "Statement by the co -
Coordinators " both circulated to all WTO Members in December 2022. The text of the Draft IFD 
Agreement had now only a handful of remaining open issues in the Annex. Participants were 
currently  focusing on r esolving these few open issues aiming to conclude the text negotiations as 
early as possible within the first semester of 2023. As for the needs assessments process, the work 
on developing the IFD Self -Assessment Guide was ongoing.  The WTO Secretariat and a group of 
seven international organizations w ould present this Guide at the IFD negotiating round on 3 -5 April.  
Thereafter, needs assessments should start by the second semester of this yea r, with some pilot 
projects starting even earlier. As Co -Coordinators, Chile and the Republic of Korea  stood ready to 
engage with Members on any issue they may wish to discuss.  
4.17.  The representative of China  recalled that, during the  December TNC meeting , he had  shared 
a key word in his statement – "urgency". Dr. Ngozi and many other Members had also expressed 
the sense o f urgency . The reality had however remained  not so desirable in the past two months. In 
particular , the negotiations on fisheries subsidies and agriculture ha d been substantially at a  
standstill until the recent nomination of the two new Chairs. As Members  had less than 12 months 
left before MC13 , he share d another key word – "focus". In the past 8 months since MC12 , Members 
had been looking up at the sky and doing  some philosophical reflections on the future of this 
organi zation including in four retreats on key issues which were enlightening. It was now high time  
for Members  to look down on the earth and focus on the specific negotiations with an aim to finding 
consensus on important issues by intensively, flexibly and pragmatically enacting with each othe r – 
like what they had  done in MC12. Members  should especially focus on those issues that were urgently 
needed and widely considered by them as top priority. Restoring a full and well -functioning 
independent , impartial and bi nding two-tier dispute settlement mechanism was a top priority. Such 
a mechanism ha d been and w ould continue to be an essential element in providing security and 
predictability to the multilateral trading system. To fulfil MC12's mandate by 2024 , the fisheries 
discussions should be objective -driven, priority -focussed and balanced to build a solid foundation for 
the text -based negotiation in the near future. Like WTO Reform , development was a broader issue 
that involve d almost every aspect of the WTO which  could not b e addressed all at once . Members 
should therefore  get the development issue done by doing, focusing on what  was already on the 
table to translate them to concrete outcomes by MC13. There ha d already been many proposals and 
mandates such as the LDC's propos al on smooth transition, the G-20 proposal on S&DT and 
agriculture mandates on food security. Agriculture was a fundamental and urgent issue for 
development especially in this challenging global context. In this regard, China suggest ed that the 
agriculture  discussion s in 2023 should focus on two aspects. Food security should be the priority. 
China  agree d with the CoA SS Chair's statement that after two failed attempts to deliver outcomes 
in agriculture at a Ministerial Conference , success  at MC13 was more critical than ever.  With the 
current pressing food security challenges, Members should continue discussi ng PSH in order to have 
an early outcome. More urgently , they should move forward to get a concrete and a meaningful 
deliverable by MC13 based on  the MC12 Ministerial Declaration on the Emergency Response to Food 
Insecurity  especially for LDCs and NFIDCs. Fulfilling the existing mandates should continue to be an 
integral part of agriculture negotiation s. Climate change and food insecurity should be  taken well 
into account while expecting agreed road map on the mandated negotiations as early as possible. 
MC13 was the nearest and most important time for Members  to prove to the world that the success 
of MC12 was not just a coincidence. As most of the i mportant negotiations ha d restarted , Members 
should  stay focussed with a sense of urgency to build up momentum for MC13. China w ould continue 
to participate in all discussions in an active, pragmatic and constructive manner.  
4.18.  The representative of the United Arab Emirates  associated with the statement made by the 
Arab Group . The United Arab Emirates was pleased to receive the Director -General in Dubai and Abu 
Dhabi where she had participated heavily and met a lot of Presidents , Ministers and Policy makers at 
the World Government Summit . She also had  a successful visit to ADNEC where MC13 w ould take 
place. After the Director -General had left Dubai, officials  had a serious meeting with His Royal 
Highness and about fifteen  Cabinet Ministers of the UAE  – including  Ministers of  Trade and Econom y, 
Agriculture, Fisheries and Artificial Intelligence , among others – where the y had  all been instructed 
to heavily engage towards an MC13 package. In his personal capacity , he believe d that soft power 
was key towards a ny successful Ministerial Conference  including MC13 – using it to kick-off a 
meaningful  package building on the success at  MC12. The Government of the United Arab Emirates TN/C/M/44  
 
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  remained always keen  and very constructive , and stood  ready to heavily  engage in WTO w ork in the 
lead up to MC13 and beyond.  
4.19.  The representative of Paraguay  would continue working constructively with Members to fulfil 
the MC12 mandate on WTO Reform and ensure that a functioning disp ute settlement system  was in 
place by 2024. Without a functi oning dispute settlement system, any new multilateral rule negotiate d 
would be a dead letter and the WTO  would lose credibility. With regard to S&DT  discussions, 
Members should  pay particular attention to Landlocked Developing Countries  (LLDCs)  and called for 
this aspect to be included in the reform discussions . Paraguay also stressed its commitment on  
deliberative function  noting that,  together with Ecuador and Argentina, they had put forward 
concrete proposals4 for improvements to be made to the funct ioning of the Council for Trade in 
Goods and its subsidiary bodies with a view to enhancing the deliberative function.  
4.20.  Paraguay  hoped to collaborate with the new CoA SS Chair  to move towards concrete 
modalities in a comprehensive package that serve d all interests. There c ould be no separating the 
discussions on food security and those on agricultural trade reform . Delivering on the reform 
mandated under Article 20 of the Agreement on Agriculture was the way to guarantee global food 
security. In this regard,  Paraguay's  priority in any agriculture package was the market access pillar. 
The need to move forward with agricultural reform was not a past  but rather a present concern. 
Members  still ha d a long way to go if they were to achieve a fairer and more transp arent, predictable, 
equitable and market -oriented agricultural trading system that contribute d to people's sustainable 
development. This was the WTO's guiding principle and the objective and approach that should 
underpin all WTO discussions. Paraguay  was seeking an ambitious, fair and balanced agriculture 
outcome and w ould work collaboratively with all Members to achieve this. As noted by the CoA SS 
Chair, while seeking an outcome at MC13, this should be conducive to moving forward rather than 
backward in t he reform process or in relation to the existing rules.   
4.21.  Paraguay consider ed that, as part of the discussions on trade and sustainability, Members  
should  study how environmental measures c ould be developed from a rules -strengthening 
perspective with a view to achieving common objectives and progressively reducing trade 
protections and distortions. This would not only contribute to environmental sustainability, but also 
to the social and economi c elements of sustainable development. Within the WTO, Members  should  
discuss how to prevent unilateral responses to these challenges from creating new barriers to trade 
and further protectionism ; how best to incorporate in the design of trade measures for  environmental 
purposes the fundamental principles of international environmental law such as common but 
differentiated responsibilities and provide means of implementation; and how to ensure that, in all 
cases, those responses and measures were delivered in a way that further ed the objective of this 
organization. Today, the opposite was happening, as shown by the high number of trade concerns 
across all for a – resulting from protectionism.  
4.22.  With regard to the JSI on Services Domestic Regulation, Paraguay  express ed concern on the 
uncertainty generated by the objections put forward by certain Members and the unilateral 
modifications to the Schedules of Specific Commitments of 61 WTO Members. Paraguay was 
particularl y concerned about the systemic impact that these objections w ould have on discussions 
on this initiative and on others especially on  the risk of such objections impeding the process of 
incorporating and immediately implementing the negotiated outcomes due to the uncertainty they 
generate d as regards the legal incorporation of such outcomes into the framework of WTO 
Agreements. On the JSI on E-Commerce, Paraguay  reiterate d to the co -convenors that the 
negotiations should be strengthened through an open, tran sparent and inclusive process tak ing into 
account the needs of developing and LDC Members . Consideration should be given to any possible 
flexibilities such as implementation periods and other forms of special and differential treatment so 
that there were incentives for other Members to join the initiative.  
4.23.  Paraguay reaffirm ed its commitment to the work of other joint initiatives such as those on 
investment facilitation for development, MSMEs and women's economic empowerment, in addition 
to the initiatives on trade and the environment, plastics pollution and environmentally sustainable 
plastics trade, fossil fuel subsidy reform and the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured 
Discussions, as it consider ed them to be key matters for driving sustainab le economic development 
for the people in the 21st century. Paraguay ha d always supported these types of initiative s on the 
understanding that they would  be inclusive, transparent and open to all Members, with a view to 
 
4 JOB/CTG/21 – JOB/TBT/498 – JOB/SPS/25 – JOB/MA/158 – JOB/AG/238 – JOB/TF/232.  TN/C/M/44  
 
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  their eventual multilateralization. Should the initiatives begin to require that certain Members 
become co -sponsors, based on their size or other considerations, in order to participate effectively, 
Paraguay would have to reconsider its position in this regard as this would signal an abandon ment 
of their spirit of multilateralization.  
4.24.  The representative of Samoa , speaking on behalf of the Pacific Group , associated with the 
statement by the ACP . The Pacific Group thank ed the NGR Chair for the work plan proposed for 
March to July  and support ed his report that WT/MIN(22)/ W/20 ha d the necessary elements to 
advance the negotiation although noting that some work or refinements may be needed. The Pacific 
Group  welcome d the Chai r's proposal to start with conceptual discussions to allow any new ideas 
that might be proposed to strengthen WT/MIN(22)/W/20 . The Pacific Group continue d to prioriti ze 
the negotiations on overcapacity and overfishing  to complement the partial outcome on fisheries 
subsidies delivered at MC12 and fully meet SDG 14.6. The negotiation in th e second phase should  
deliver on the mandates' two dimensions to find the balance , as the NGR C hair had referred  to, to 
strong disciplines for subsidies that contribute to o vercapacity and overfishing such as those to large 
industrial fleets , and appropriate and effective S&DT  for developing and LDC  Member s. The Pacific 
Group had  also taken note of the Director -General's ambition for ratification of the Agreement on 
Fisheries  Subsidies  as a target for MC13.  
4.25.  Agriculture was an important sector for food security and economic diversification. Members  
should  progress the discussions and aim at some outcomes at MC13. The Pacific Group continue d to 
place priority on domestic suppor t to remove trade distortions, on public stockholding that extend ed 
to new products and SSM to cushion the effect of import surges and price volatilities. The Pacific 
Group  also underline d the importance of S&DT  in agriculture negotiations.  The Pacific Group agreed 
with the Director -General that w ork on WTO Reform  went beyond addressing the impasse on the 
dispute settlement system. The Group remained  open to discussions and cal led for a fair, transparent 
and inclusive process for all discuss ions. The Group  support ed all efforts to reali ze the MC12 mandate 
to restore a fully and well -functioning dispute settlement system  accessible to all Members by 2024. 
The Pacific Group  acknowledge d the informal meeting held earlier this  month  dedicated to the 
development dimension of WTO Reform and looked forward to building on these discussions to 
ensure that the WTO would meet  one of its utmost objectives of facilitating the achievement of 
Members' development needs and objectives.  
4.26.  The Pacific Group also support ed the work that ha d already started in the E-Commerce Work 
Programme and Moratoriu m and thanked the Facilitator  for convening two dedicated sessions that 
had focused on consumer protection and the digital divide faced by developing countries and LD Cs. 
The Pacific Group  found the sharing of national and regional experiences useful in identifying 
challenges. Members  needed also to work together in the WTO as well as other relevant institutions 
to find solutions as they looked to make progress in the l ead up to MC13. On development issues, 
the Pacific Group underline d the importance of addressing the G -90 Agreement -specific proposals 
especially those that focus ed on trade and industriali zation and urged Members to engage 
constructively in the discussion s in the CTD  SS to find solutions to these proposals. The Pacific Group 
stood ready to engage actively and constructively with all Members in the hope of delivering 
meaningful outcomes at MC13.  
4.27.  The representative of Singapore , speaking as Co-Convenor  of the Joint Statement Initiative  
on E-Commerce , provided an update on behalf of Australia, Japan, and Singapore  on the JSI on E-
Commerce cluster meeting held on 13 to 16 Februar y. They had welcome d the Kyrgyz Republic as 
the 88th Participant in th e JSI on E -Commerce  which  reflect ed the growing importance that 
developing Members attach ed to e-commerce. The JSI continue d to make steady progress 
particularly on electronic invoicing and personal information data protection. Except for one  Member 
mainta ining a couple of square brackets, they had parked the provision on electronic invoicing. They 
continue d to make progress in streamlining the issues under discussion. In this connection, they 
were encouraged that one Member ha d exercised flexibility by wit hdrawing its proposal concerning 
source code. They looked forward to accelerating the pace of negotiations in order to achieve their 
target of substantial conclusion by 2023.  
4.28.  Speaking on behalf of Singapore , he share d some thoughts on Singapore 's vision for MC13 
and how Members c ould contribute to a successful MC13.  He commend ed the new NGR and CoA SS 
Chairs for the gusto with which they ha d embarked on their work. The three points which he wished 
to share were encapsu lated in "3Rs" – Relevance , Realistic and Result -oriented. On Relevance, MC13 
should  reinforce the Relevance of the WTO. Members must build on the substantive outcomes of TN/C/M/44  
 
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  MC12 to continue to reinvigorate the WTO. At MC12, Members had been  able to overcome the odds 
and deliver globally relevant outcomes in fisheries subsidies, food security, and health. In the face 
of the ongoing polycrisis , when multilateralism was under stress, it ha d become more important 
than ever for the WTO to entrench its relevance. F or a start, Members should  accelerate the 
ratification of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and restore a fully functioning and effective 
dispute settlement system. More importantly, the WTO must, in the longer run, address 
contemporary challenges such as food security, supply chain resilience, and climate change. Other 
international organi zations such as the World Bank, IMF and OECD ha d already undertaken work in 
many of these areas, and if the WTO remain ed static, they would miss the opportunity to con tribute 
to these important conversations, to shape meaningful outcomes, and above all, to ensure that the 
WTO remain ed relevant in the 21st century.  
4.29.  Members should  be Realistic as they teed up for MC13. Since summer last year, Members ha d 
had several usef ul retreats to exchange views candidly on longstanding negotiations. These 
engagements ha d allowed Members to collectively unpack these longstanding and complex issues, 
and identify certain key areas of priority, including S&DT  and development, food securi ty, and 
dispute settlement system reform. In a way, these priority areas represent ed bite-size objectives 
that Members c ould focus on in the run -up to MC13. Given that Members  had less than a year left, 
they should  be careful not to overburden the agenda o r impose unrealistic expectations on MC13. 
Members should also  be Result -oriented  – a point  earlier made by the Director -General.  This w ould 
require Members to think differently, work differently, and act differently. Members must now walk 
the talk by comm itting to negotiate seriously, in good faith, and with an eye to securing win -win 
outcomes that serve d both domestic  interests as well as those  of the WTO. In terms of modality, 
Members  should do the heavy lifting in Geneva with the active participation of capital but involve 
Ministers j udiciously. He had heard the WTO and its Members being compared to koalas and pandas 
which spen t long hours chomping on food with low nutritious value such as eucalyptu s leaves and 
bamboo. But what was often overlooked was that both these animals ha d evolved and adapted to 
make the best out of their situations. For example, a panda ate for ten to sixteen  hours a day but it 
was able to extract a proportion of protein from  bamboo comparable to the carnivorous diets of 
wolves. Similarly, the evolution of koalas ha d allowed them to efficiently digest the toxins present 
in eucalyptus leaves. In the same way, he hoped that the WTO would be able to evolve, adapt and 
prove the na y-sayers wrong  – and like the panda and koala, become a universally loved icon.  
4.30.  The representative of Panama , speaking on behalf of the  Article XII Members , recall ed 
Paragraph 7 of the MC12 Outcome Document  in which Ministers had recognized the special sit uation 
of the Members who acceded in accordance with Article XII, undertaking extensive commitments at 
the time of accession, including in market access. Ministers had agreed that this situation sh ould be 
taken into account in negotiations. As they move d forward with the negotiations ahead of MC13, the 
Membership should remember that these extensive commitments made at accessions were over and 
above those of original Members. The Article XII Members  hoped that Members w ould be recognizant 
of this fact in negotiations and make corresponding significant contributions to reach a level playing 
field. The Group  stood ready to work constructively with Members to achieve fair and balanced 
outcomes in all negotiating pillars. On WTO  Reform, the restoration of a fully -functioning, binding, 
and two -tiered dispute settlement  system should remain a top priority for the WTO in the year ahead 
before MC13, as mentioned in Paragraph 4 of the MC12 Outcome Document. One of the main reasons 
for joining the WTO after its establishment was the benefit of gaining access to a fully operational, 
fair, predictable, and transparent dispute settlement  system. This was an acquired right and 
obligation, both in the Uruguay Round and in the accessions nego tiations  – a right that was currently 
being undermined . Members should therefore not continue to allow the current impasse. Accessions 
used to be an important feature of Ministerial Conferences. Accessions should also be viewed as 
important negotiation top ics but there had  not been  new accessions since 2016. The Article XII 
Members  remain ed committed to facilitating ongoing accessions which were of benefit to all. 
Accessions strengthen ed the multilateral trading system and br ought Members  closer to their goal 
of universal Membership. The Article XII Members  reiterate d their support to the ongoing accessions 
and hope d to see new Members join the WTO next year.  
4.31.  Speaking on behalf of Panama , he noted that, since the Negotiating Group Chairs were in 
place and wo rk ha d restarted, Members  should  move forward and build convergence in order to 
deliver significant results in all their undertakings and negotiatin g fora before MC13.  Panama had 
noted a splitting of the working groups resulting in  an increase in for a and meetings. Members should  
consider the limitations of small delegations. The matters addressed by many of the new working 
groups fi tted in with the mandate of certain regular bodi es in which informal work should be TN/C/M/44  
 
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  integrated at the appropriate time. As the TNC Chair had suggested, Members should  make 
maximum use of these existing mechanisms and bodies. This w ould enable Members  to make 
progress on many of the reform -related matter s. In this connection, Panama  commended the efforts 
made by the Chair of the Council for Trade in Goods in relation to the functioning of the Council and 
its subsidiary bodies and was hopeful that these conversations w ould soon contribute to facilitating 
work within the organization. Panama  hoped that such efforts could  also serve as a new example of 
how reform and improvement efforts could be  an organic and permanent part of the organization 's 
regular work  - where  there would be  no need to constantly estab lish new for a. Panama was pleased 
to hear the NGR Chair's  intention to organize fish weeks and ha d received the schedule of meetings. 
As suggested by the TNC  Chair, Panama  called on the other Chairs and facilitators, with proposals 
and support from Members , to prepare schedules including goals, dates and interim targets and to 
coordinate with one another to avoid conflicts in the scheduling of major meetings. Panama w ould 
participate as far as possible in the consultations on revitalizing negotiations and t he regular work 
within the WTO, including in the work to transform the Secretariat.  
4.32.  The representative of Nepal  associate d with the statement of the LDC Group.  MC12 ha d 
created hope in WTO Reform, e -commerce, food security, pandemic  response including the  TRIPS 
Agreement  and the smooth and sustainable transition to graduation , among others. Reaching 
consensus on MC13 date and venue  and on appoint ing the Chairs of  different bodies were positive 
indicators  of the WTO's deliberati ve fun ction. The General Council, various WTO N egotiating Groups,  
and WTO Councils and Committees had likewise t aken some steps  in this area.  With less than a year 
until MC13, Members did not  have the luxury of time  – making it essential to  harvest the ripen and  
hanging fruits first. The se included the  extension of  the waiver under the MC12 Decision on the 
TRIPS A greement to the production and supply of COVID -19 diagnostics and therapeutics and the 
proposal of LDC Group on the smooth transition package in favour of those who would graduate  
from the LDC Category (WT/GC/W/807/Rev .2). The interest and concerns expressed  by most 
Members on this proposal during the Informal Meeting on  WTO Reform focused on Development  
provided optimism on this matter .  
4.33.  As Members ident ified reform areas, it was necessary to take steps to realiz e their varying  
needs based  on the ir level of economic development. The reports by the Facilitators and DDG Zhang 
during th is Informal Meeting  could be a good basis to proceed ahead. Nepal ha d shared its 
perspectives in detail both in the breakout  and plenary sessions. About 14 percent of people ha d 
less than 1 percent of global trade. WTO rules, agreements and program mes should focus on 
enhanc ing LDC trade. Enhancing and strengthening infrastructure both in backward and forward 
linkages, transfer of technologies and enhancing the knowledge and skill was necessary to address 
the unique situation of LDCs and LLDCs.  Such support would be important  in the field of agriculture, 
manufacturing, and digital connectivity to overcome supply side constraints. Another important 
element of the reform agenda would be addressing the huge trade deficit . Any Member facing huge 
trade gaps after joining the WTO suc h as having several times higher export -import ratio , where the 
ratio threshold c ould be discussed further , should be given adequate flexibility for adopting needful 
policy space in a non -discriminatory manner. Members' c oncerns , especially th ose of the ac ceded  
LDCs with high level s of commitment and obligations beyond their capacity , should be addressed. It 
was necessary to review all the provisions relating to S&DT with a view to strengthening them and 
making them more precise, effective, and operational.  It was also necessary to expediate the work 
mandated by MC12 for the full functioning of the dispute settlement mechanism.  
4.34.  Nepal  appreciate d the constructive steps taken by the CoA SS Chair  through bilateral 
consultation s to expedi ate the existing work an d setting priorit ies. While talking about ensuring  food 
security in LDCs and NFIDCs, Members should  focus on enhancing the LDCs' and NFIDCs' productive 
capacity and production of agriculture products. For this to happen, e asy access to fertilizer s, support 
on logistics including warehouses and cold storages, trade infrastructure for connectivity, ICT and 
e-commerce were necessary. Nepal  hoped that the biennial work program me on Aid for Trade for 
2023 and 2024 w ould be a cornerstone in this regard.  The recent dedicated discussions organized 
by the Facilitator  on the E -Commerce Work Programme and Moratorium had  focused on e -commerce 
and the digita l divide  – identi fying the unique conditions of the LDCs on how the digital divide  had 
posed the challenges to participate in and benefit from e -commerce. Mobilizing resources to bridge 
the digital divide, lowering costs of internet access, and supporting investment in digital skills, 
transfer of technology and enhancing institutional and human capacity in LDCs and LLDCs were 
some important aspects that could be addressed through the reinvigoration of e -commerce work 
programme.  Nepal likewise urged all Members to engage constructively and positively on the G -90 
proposal with a view to address ing the development dimension within the WTO framework.  TN/C/M/44  
 
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  4.35.  The representative of Malaysia  noted that  the Informal Meeting  on WTO Reform focused on 
Development had provided the M embership with a good kickstart. The exchange of perspectives and 
priorities in a frank manner ha d enabled Members  to better understand each other's positions on 
critical issues. While divergence remain ed, engagement in various configuration s should  continue to 
sustain  the momentum on this crucial agenda. While all Members  affirm ed the importance of the 
development agenda in the WTO system, they should reflect on thei r understanding of the 
development gaps by acknowledging the ne ed for policy  space and flexibilities by some of them . In 
this regard, S&DT should remain as a crucial element and should be embedded in the current and 
future agreements. On the  dispute settlement mechanism, in line with Ministers ' mandate at MC12, 
Malays ia would continue to work with the Members hip towards having a fully and well -functioning 
dispute settlement system accessible to all Members by 2024. Malaysia welcomed  the ongoing 
informal discussions on  dispute settlement reform with a view to restor ing and mak ing the dispute 
settlement system operational again. A fully functioning two -tier dispute settlement system was 
fundamental to this organization, and should  remain as the central pillar of this institution.  
4.36.  Malaysia  support ed the new NGR Chair's  leadership  on fisheries subsidies a nd w ould 
constructively participate in these negotiations . Malaysia welcomed the  Chair's proposed work plan 
of having fish weeks with capital -based participation beginning next month up until the summer 
break. On substantive matters, disciplines on subsidies contributing to overcapacity and overfishing 
and the S&DT provisions sho uld be the central focus of Members ' work in the next stage of 
negotiations. There was a crucial need to find the right balance between disciplining harmful fisheries 
subsidies and recogni zing the needs of the developing and LDC Members to develop their fishing 
sector.  Malaysia also welcome d the new CoA SS Chair and expressed its readiness to collaborate 
with other Members to make progress in the agriculture negotiations with the aim of having a 
significant outcome at MC13 . Malaysia look ed forward to continue engag ing especially on its priority 
area – domestic suppo rt. Based on past experience, if Members wanted to progress forward, they 
should  thoroughly discuss and close gaps in understanding related issues especially  on public 
stockholding for food security purposes. At the same time, d evelopment  and the S&DT principle 
remained  an integral part of negotiations. As a Member that firmly believe d in the multilateral trading 
system , Malaysia would continue to advocate open, inclusive and sincere discussions to ensur e that 
work in the lead up to  MC13 w ould result in  balanced outcomes acceptable to all Members.  
4.37.  The representative of Costa Rica  noted that t he WTO ha d proven to be a key instrument for 
development and should  continue to play this role. To continue complying in a relevant way , it was 
necessary  to deliver on long -standing outstanding mandates such as agricultural trade reform. 
Members should  also fulfil MC12  mandates and achieve results in MC13 and beyond. Costa Rica  
welcome d the resumption of work on agriculture and fisheries subsidies  and reiterate d its support 
and collaboration with the new Chairs . Costa Rica agreed with the Director -General  on the 
importance of achieving the entry into force of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies by MC13. It 
was also essential to complete the  WTO Reform  process.  Costa Rica  would work to deliver results 
for all three pillar s. In the monitoring and deliberation function, Members should  seek results to 
significantly improve transparency, including compliance with notifications and the better functioning 
of the WTO Co uncils and Committees . On the negotiating function, Members should find ways to 
facilitate the conclusion of the ongoing negotiations which would make it easier to find ways to 
update the WTO rulebook. Resolving the crisis in the dispute settlement mechani sm was a priority 
that Members should resolve  by 2024. Members  should  also achieve development results using trade  
as a tool  to achieve development goals.  On MC13 outcomes, there should be modalities in the three 
pillars of agriculture or at least achieve progress in this work  with a mandate to continue the 
negotiations towards their conclusion. As the CoA SS Chair reported,  "MC13 may not be the end of 
the journey, but it can be a step forward." Negotiat ions on the domestic support pillar  would pave 
the way  for levelling the playing field and achiev e balanced outcomes  on cotton, food security and 
sustainability  – areas which should yield results . Costa Rica would also  seek to achieve substantial 
results on the digital economy  and would actively  participate in the work under the E-Commerce 
Work P rogramme and in  making the moratorium on electronic transmissions permanent. Burden s 
on electronic transmissions would only wi den the digital divide and cause enormous harm to 
developing and LDC Members . Members should also move  to the next phase on the issue of trade 
and environmental sustainability. Costa Rica was a n active participant in all joint initiatives  – a 
valuable opti on for linking domestic economies to global trade  through updated provisions that  had 
not yet been  multilaterally reached.  
4.38.  Speaking as Coordinator of the Joint Statement Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation , 
he report ed on the latest developments sin ce the adoption of the Declaration on the Conclusion of TN/C/M/44  
 
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  Negotiations on Services Domestic Regulation on 2 December 2021. Between December 2022 and 
January 2023, 61 WTO Members – representing more than 89% of global services trade – had 
circulated their certification requests in accordance with the "Procedures for the Certification of 
Rectifications or Improvements to Schedules of Specific Commitments" contained in document 
S/L/84, in order to give legal effect to the new commitments on services domestic reg ulation in their 
respective services schedules. The remaining eight participants of the Joint Initiative on Services 
Domestic Regulation ha d not yet submitted their certification requests as they had indicated that 
they were still working internally to obt ain the necessary domestic approvals and they w ould be 
submitting their certification requests as soon as possible. Unfortunately, on 3 February, two 
delegations had submitted objections to the certification requests circulated by these 61 Members. 
The S/L /84 procedures provide d that the objecting and the certifying Members sh ould enter into 
consultations as soon as possible with a view to reaching a satisfactory solution within 45 days.  
Accordingly, on behalf of the certifying Members, he had  quickly appr oached the two objecting 
delegations – a week after the objections were received – to invite them to joint consultations. While 
the services schedules incorporating the improved SDR commitments in draft form ha d been 
available to all Members for more than one year, the objecting delegations ha d, unfortunately, not 
yet been available to engage in consultations. The certifying Members st ood ready to provide the 
objecting delegations with the clarifications they may require so that a solution would be  found on 
this matter as soon as possible. In line with the open, inclusive and transparent nature of this 
process, he would continue to keep Members informed about any developments.  
4.39.  The representative of India hoped that Members  would deliver during MC13 both on the critical 
issues confronting the world toda y as well as long pending mandated issues that had been  agreed 
by Ministers. These issues were particularly important to enable developing and LDC Members  to 
navigate  through this crisis period. In this regard, India requested to consider proposals/submissions 
by Members for negotiations. For that, Members should reinvigorate the negotiating and deliberative 
function and then the respective Chairs may facilitate negoti ations to be started on the basis of texts 
presented by Members. One such example was JOB/AG/229 in agriculture which had been  presented 
by more than 80 Members on the permanent solution for public stockholding. Regarding the conduct 
of small group meeting s, he saw that sometimes Members may have to take recourse to the small 
group meetings. But for the purpose of transparency in these meetings which were in less than 
plenary configuration, details of these meetings should be provided to all Members includi ng the 
agenda, participants and their respective positions. There should also be an option for the Members 
not invited to a particular small group meeting due to space or time constraints, to attend these 
meetings remotely without taking the floor. Since t ransparency in text -based negotiations was very 
important and positions attributable to Members should  be clearly reflected in the text for discussion. 
Therefore, whenever a Chair's text would come out, it should come with the name of the proponents. 
This would facilitate further discussion with such Members.  
4.40.  On substance, India's  priority remain ed agriculture which was a previous Ministerial mandate. 
India assured the C oA SS Chair of its complete support in his leadership and in the pursuit of 
achieving good outcomes for MC13 including the mandated issues on priority. India thank ed the CoA 
SS Chair  for consulting with India bilaterally and in groups. India reiterated its request at the re cent 
Informal COA SS meeting to start text -based negotiations using Members ' submissions. For 
example, on the PSH pillar, more than 80 Members representing more than two -thirds of the world 
population ha d submitted a joint proposal. This need ed to be consi dered for negotiations. In this 
regard, time was short, but this proposal had been  presented nine months back and Members  still 
had about twelve  months for MC13. So, taken together, about 21 months were there for Members  
to work on this proposal. Twenty -one months, by WTO 's standards , was not a short period especially 
given the expect ation of  achiev ing an outcome on this pillar. India also  reiterate d its request  
regarding  agriculture reform where  a good starting point would be to review the way External 
Reference Price ( ERP) was calculated. India had  requested the Secretariat to create a simulation 
using the current ERP which c ould be based on the available data of maybe year 2020, 2021, 2022. 
If data for 2022 was not available, they could  use data for 2019,  2020 or 2021 and then compare it 
with the historical ERP which was at 1986, 1987, 1988 prices. It was difficult to digest the current 
scenario where the subsidy was calculated in the current prices, whereas the market price was 
determined based on the 1986, 1987, 1988 pricing. These were India's  requests on the agriculture 
front. On the fisheries side, India continue d to engage. India thank ed the NGR Chair for having 
bilateral and group discussions. In these negotiations, S&DT should  be clearly defined, and principles 
of polluter pays and common but differentiated responsibilities should  be ingrained into this proposal.  TN/C/M/44  
 
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  4.41.  On TRIPS and Pandemic  Response , India looked forward to a successful outcome on the 
expansion of the MC12 TRIPS Decision to therapeutics and diagnostics. On pandemic response, as 
its contribution, India had submitted two papers5 which w ould be coming up in the General Council 
meeting. One relat ed to how to pool healthcare resources in case of pandemics or natural disasters. 
The second one was on how the world  had gained from the expansion of telemedicine during the 
pandemic and learnings from cross -country experiences and how to utilize them. On E -Commerce, 
India was actively participating in the Work Programme as reflected in both dedicated sessions. India 
had presented its submissions6 on consumer protection and digital public infrastructure which had 
been widely acknowledged with Members actively participat ing in the discussions. India might be 
submitting a third paper before the next dedicated discussion on competition. India thank ed the  
Ambassador Usha Dwarka -Canabady for facilitating this process and  would continue to actively 
engage. O n WTO reforms particularly focused on development, Members had  heard clearly during 
the two -day informal meeting that there w as a consensus emerging that the CTD should be 
designated as the focal point for discussion as well as coordination of development -related issues. 
Accordingly, India was putting forward  a proposal7 in the upcoming G eneral Council  for discussion  
and look ed forward to that. India likewise l ooked forward to engaging constructively with a view to 
delivering a successful MC13  and to the D irector -General's visit  to India . 
4.42.  The representative of the Russian Federation  recognize d the value of the bilateral 
consultations held between Members that allowed to collect their views, concerns and ideas on how 
further work should be organized and cond ucted  on fisheries and agriculture . Russia appreciated the 
NGR and CoA SS Chairs'  intention to secure an inclusive and open negotiation process  in their 
respective areas  based on  consensus decision -making so that each interested party could contribute 
efficiently. Any other approach would not allow to accommodate the interests of all participants, 
would prevent the establishment of an effective system of international trade, and would bear the 
risk of missing the negotiati ng target. If certain major Members  kept promoting their individual 
political interests to the detriment of the interests of other s, they might end up stuck in the search 
for consensus. The new round of agricultur e negotiations should focus on a comprehensive approach 
involving the discussi on on food security. This c ould only be achieved by taking into account the 
interests of all market participants, including producers and exporters. Equal access to markets, 
technology and capital were a prerequisite.  
4.43.  Four months ha d passed since the 10 November 2022 Informal Meeting on WTO Reform. To 
deliver tangible results on these issues at MC13, Members should  step up the pace of their work. 
Russia suggested  preparing a roadmap of consultations with indications of specific dates and themes  
with the  immediate goal of identifying areas where the WTO instruments and procedures were 
lacking or ineffective. Members should  reach a common understanding on this to clearly define the 
scope of reform and the pathways to reach it. A practical starting point could  be compiling a working 
paper detail ing Members ' views on the WTO 's current shortcomings and ways to correct them 
through the reform process. This could be achieved with the help of subsidiary WTO bodies. The 
working paper could be structured in accordance  with key themes, aligned with the WTO functions 
of dispute settlement, negotiations and monitoring. It was imperative to set priorities straight and 
tackle the big overarching issues. The most urgent problem that need ed fixing was the defunct 
dispute sett lement mechanism. Without doing so , any other efforts c ould be compared to carrying 
out merely a cosmetic renovation of a building in need of major repairs.  
4.44.  The o verall goal of reform was to ensure that this organization continue d to provide a stable 
frame work of openness which promote d economic recovery and development as well as stability and 
predictability of trade regimes. To achieve this, the WTO should  be effective in combating the 
emerging forms of protectionism, distortion of competition and discrim ination. WTO rules should  be 
efficient, enforceable and fair, adapted to tackling modern day challenges. These rules should  be 
respected and there must be legal remedies should they be violated. Members  should think not only 
on "what" to reform, but also "how" to reform the WTO. The reform process should be inclusive, 
transparent, aim to safeguard multilateralism and uphold consensus -based decision -making – to 
which Russia  saw no alternative. Transforming decision -making into a "behind the closed doors " 
process undermine d the whole system. In this regard, Russia echoed the  opinion and ideas  
expressed by India. The same was true for the plurilateral formats. Russia reiterate d its belief in 
Joint Statement Initiatives. JSIs had a chance to serve as an effe ctive tool to make the WTO more 
 
5 WT/GC/W/866 – S/C/W/426 and WT/GC/W/867 – S/C/W/427.  
6 WT/GC/W/857  and WT/GC/W/863 . 
7 WT/GC/W/ 865. TN/C/M/44  
 
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  relevant. If they however  failed to be open, transparent and inclusive, if the current trend towards 
selective approach to Members participation persist ed – their value as a tool to improve the WTO 
rulebook w ould be much les s evident. Russia  share d certain concerns raised in this regard by 
developing Members.  At the same time, t he role and place of plurilateral negotiations, including 
under the JSIs, in the WTO system seem ed to be an unavoidable question Members  needed to dea l 
with in the reform process. The recent situation in the domestic regulation track with blocking the 
certification of improved schedules of commitments was another proof o f the critical need to tackle 
this issue. Dedicated discussions on this particular t opic could be helpful.   
4.45.  The representative of Kenya , speaking on behalf of the  ACP, said he had participated in  the 
consultations of the Chairs of the CoA SS and NGR  and the ACP's  views ha d been captured in the 
reports of the respective Chairs. The ACP recalled that, notwithstanding the results obtained at MC12 
on food security, Members  could not afford another Ministerial Conference without an outcome on 
the agriculture negotiations. The ACP saw MC13 as the ministerial for agriculture  with priorit y on 
domestic support, cotton, PSH for future programmes and SSM. The ACP  would however engage 
actively and constructively on other areas  and had detailed the Group's  specific interests and 
approaches at  the recent CoA SS meeting . On fisheries, the ACP had  participated in the NGR Chair's 
consultations held on 8 February and  thank ed the NGR Chair for his transparency meeting held on 
20 February.  The NGR Chair 's report on 20 February had been  balanced and h is consideration of the 
approaches and scheduling of fisheries weeks for Phase 2 negotiations appear ed to take into account 
the principles  the ACP had  outlined.  The Group stresse d the need to work on the basis of 
WT/MIN(22)/ W/20 and to conclude Phase 2 negotiations by MC13. All Members , including the ACP,  
were taking a pragmatic approach.  The core of the overcapacity and overfishing pillar must be to 
discipline those with subsidies to large -scale industrial distant water fishing where the overcapacity 
lays and preserve the appropriate S&DT for those developing and LDC  Member s who were not the 
problem. Members  could not go back to loopholes in the text that maintain ed the status quo for 
subsidization to overcapacity and the resulting overfishing that was depl eting the world 's fish stocks.    
4.46.  The ACP Group, as part of the G -90 with ten agreement specific proposals on the table, 
support ed the CTD SS Chair in her efforts and call ed on all Members to take a constructive and 
positive approach. The ACP  had not seen any counter proposals to the many revisions and proposals 
from the G -90. This file was the only other Doha mandated negotiation that ha d been side-lined. 
Members must work t ogether to resolve these issues by MC13. As far as the ACP's  other priorities 
for MC13, Members  should have a clear idea of ongoing work and guidance from Ministers on all of 
the pillars in the MC12 Outcome Document where Ministers gave instructions for wo rk this year and 
reporting for MC13. These w ould include areas on WTO Reform in Paragraph 3 where decisions for 
MC13, if appropriate, were contemplated, and LDC issues in Paragraph 8, where reporting was 
expected.  The ACP Group attache d great importance to  fulfilling the Ministerial mandate in Paragraph 
4 of the MC12 Outcome Document. The Group recognize d that there were ongoing informal 
discussions towards this end. These discussions should  be done in an open, transparent and inclusive 
manner, with the ult imate goal of having a multilateral outcome acceptable to all Members. On all 
of the  work ahead to prepare for MC13, Members  should  adhere to the principles of consensus 
decision -making, balance and  inclusiveness throughout all of the processes in prepara tion for MC13 
including on substance.  
4.47.  The representative of Barbados  was pleased to hear the positive feedback  from the Director -
General's  meetings with CARICOM Heads of Government. From all reports , the regional consultations  
and bilateral talks with Barbados had both been timely and productive.  On fisheries subsidies, 
Barbados  welcome d the NGR Chair's commitment to being a Chair for all Members and  looked 
forward to engaging with him in advanc ing the second wave of negotiations o n an area that was 
critical for developing sustainable ocean economies, food and nutrition security and for many  –their 
continued existence. Barbados  commend ed Switzerland and Singapore for being the first two 
Members to submit their instruments of accepta nce for the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. 
Barbados noted that its o fficials in capital were moving forward on the internal procedures for the 
ratification of the Agreement. Work going forward should focus on ensuring that the disciplines 
capture d those  engaged in large scale industrial fishing associated with the most egregious types of 
subsidies.  It was unreasonable to expect Members that d id not contribute to the problem of 
overcapacity and overfishing to pay for those that d id including by applying l ast century metrics like 
per capita income to assess access to S&DT  in the WTO. Barbados  was pleased to see the 
operationali zation of the Fisheries Subsidies Mechanism which countries like it could  utilize to assist 
with the implementation of the Fisheries  Subsidies Agreement. Initiatives like this Mechanism, if 
capitali zed adequately, and if accessible to all Members  that need ed it, could assist with closing TN/C/M/44  
 
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  capacity and infrastructural gaps in the implementation process. Barbados  therefore thank ed Japan 
for its contribution and urge d developed Members  and developing ones in a position to do so to 
capitali ze the Fisheries Subsidies Mechanism.   
4.48.  As a S mall Island Developing State (SIDS) , Barbados was acutely aware of the nexus between 
trade, climate and deve lopment.  The recent openness by some Members to discuss the trade -
related impact of issues that may not fall squarely under the traditional definition of trade, w ould 
give an important space for discussion. Barbados  thank ed Members for their growing support for the 
Bridgetown Initiative which  include d some important elements on climate finan ce. Barbados  looked 
forward to engaging in an honest conversation with other Members on the elements of that document 
at the appropriate  time. WTO Reform continue d to be a priority area for Barbados which  would 
engage with the aim of lifting all boats especially for small vulnerable economies and LDCs . The 
Membership should step back to consider t he needs of all of them . A genuine first st ep would be to 
ensure that meetings were not scheduled in a manner that would cause delegations  to forgo other 
equally important meetings. Barbados associate d with the statements by the CARICOM and the ACP . 
4.49.  The representative of Australia  recalled that  it was over twelve months since Russia 's illegal 
and immoral invasion of Ukraine. The best thing that c ould be done for this house was to put an end 
to that illegal invasion which ha d so compromised the international rule of law from which  this house 
was buil t. Australia noted that Members  had several months for reflection on how to move forward 
on agriculture, fisheries and WTO Reform . Instead of continuing to retreat, it was time to advance  
– and how they  advance d was important. Ambassador Tan (Singapore) ha d introduced the relevance 
of koalas in trade policy in the WTO. As the custodian of the koala community, he felt a special 
responsibility to comment on the particular role that a koala might play in trade policy. Koalas, as 
Members all kn ew, were asleep f or 23 hours of the day. They m ight be lovable,  but they were asleep 
for 23 hours of the day. Members  could not afford to be asleep for 24 months. This mean t that they 
needed to be conscious of the particular role that Ministerial Conferences play ed in their work. 
Members  could not have only advances made at Ministerial Conferences. They could not tie the 
credibility of this organization to those conferences. They could not pu t their Ministers in a position 
where they were faced with a last-minute  throw of the dice each time to see what was possible. It 
was up to delegations in Geneva to make as much progress as they could in the period between now 
and MC13 – as the Director -General ha d said, and to harvest the ir good work.  
4.50.  Australia 's highest reform priority remain ed the urgent restoration of a fully functioning 
dispute settlement system. Australia  welcome d the next phase of discussions to progress dispute 
settlement reform und er the guidance of an able Facilitator. It was essential that this phase focus ed 
on identifying viable and concrete solutions to those issues that were critical to restoring the system 
as soon as possible. Agriculture was the unfinished business of the WTO . The imperative for action 
had never been greater with global hunger increasing and climate change worsening. As the Cairns 
Group said at the discussions at the recent CoA SS meeting , the WTO must respond with real reforms 
that reduce d domestic support an d other barriers to trade, rather than with those that raised them. 
Agricultural trade reform was intrinsic to food security  and, a s what had been  heard clearly during 
the development retreat, it was also intrinsic to development. The fisheries subsidies negotiation 
was critical including for the development of the Pacific  region. Australia  called on Members to keep 
an open mind and be willing to explore new ideas in this next phase of negotiations t o increase the 
chance of attracting convergence.  
4.51.  On WTO Reform, continuing a "reform by doing " approach w ould allow Members  to harvest 
helpful improvements where ver they could and build trust among the Membership. By continuing 
the strong progress they were making on the Joint Statement Initiatives between now and MC13 , 
Members  would deliver on a reform by doing approach to rulemaking. Australia  was a lso pleased by 
the strong engagement in the Work Programme on E -Commerce. This c ould complement rulemaking 
efforts undertaken in other fo ra such as the JSI on E-Commerce. On the growing use of subsidies , 
the collective use of agricultural, environmental and industrial subsidies ha d now surpassed tariffs 
as one of the greatest challenges facing this institution. If Members  were not careful , they risked 
sleepwalking into an even greater subsidies war in the decade ahead.  They urgently need ed 
transparency, cooperation and action in this institution to protect their global trading system for all 
Members regardless of  their size. They needed that action to ensure the WTO was not missing in 
action on one of the biggest challenges that the system ha d faced in a generation.  
4.52.  The representative of Morocco  noted that the meeting was taking place in a particular and 
difficult international environment unfavour able to  international trade – making sustainable TN/C/M/44  
 
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  development out of reach to developing and LDC  Member s. Time was therefore of the essence . The 
WTO should take on the challenge in order  to urgently reach  appropriate solutions specifically for 
food insecurity and sustainable development.  At the same time , Morocco  welcome d the appointment 
of the CoA SS and NGR Chairs and was  encouraged by the launch of consultations and the clearing 
of the  way forward in their respective areas . The level of participation in deliberations and discussions 
that had taken  place in the last months, particularly on development, reform and the informal 
process on the dispute settlement system we re good signs of Members' commitment and good faith. 
These exercise s had been a good opportunity for Members to come together, have frank discussions 
and exchange views on the pressing issues in WTO negotiations in order to overcome obstacles  that 
hindered progress in the se discussions. In the lead up to MC13, Members  should continue their work 
in the same spirit  as MC12, and intensify their  discussions to deliver significant outcome s. 
4.53.  Morocco was strongly convinced that WTO Reform discussions should be sustainable 
developmen t oriented to provide the necessary policy space for developing and LDC  Member s to 
promote their industrial emergence and integration into global value chain s. An accessible and fully 
functioning  two-tiered dispute settlement system  was a cornerstone of the multilateral trading 
system . Morocco  looked forward to bring ing the informal dispute settlement  reform process to a 
formal for um. Morocco also remain ed committed to the fisheries subsidies negotiations towards a 
comprehensive agreeme nt and  to ratifying the current agreement expeditiously. The objective of 
these negotiations was to identify and discipline harmful subsidies that affect ed the sustainability  of 
fish stocks  and perpetuated  overfishing and overcapacity. Morocco reiterate d its position that 
flexibilities should be conditional on the establishment of efficient fisheries management systems 
capable of ensuring the sustainability of resources. Moreover, other flexibilities for developing and 
LDC Member s could be considered by cal ling on creative capacities and avoiding a recall of 
approaches that were not based on science or considering references other than the level of 
subsidi zing. Morocco strongly support ed all efforts to conclude the fisheries subsidies negotiations 
as soon as  possible ahead of MC13.  
4.54.  On agriculture and food security, Morocco was committed to engag ing constructively in the 
ongoing discussions and negotiations. Morocco wa s also encouraged by the adoption of the Work 
Program me in the CoA on the implementation of P aragraph 8 of the Ministerial Declaration dealing 
with food security issues affecting NFIDCs and LDCs and w ould actively participate in discussions for 
its implementation. Agriculture and food security were of utmost importance for Morocco. The 
Moroccan OC P Group ha d launched a new strategic program me for 2023 -2027 devoted to raising 
fertilizer production, investing in new green fertilizers and renewable energy. The OCP Group's green 
growth program me provide d for a global investment of about USD 13 billion over the 2023 -2027 
period. It was based on increasing mining and fertilizer production capacities while achieving full 
carbon neutrality by 2040. On investment facilitation for development, progress on th ese 
negotiations was important to help facilitate investment in many developing and LDC Members. 
Morocco w ould continue to engage substantively and constructively to conclude negotiations as soon 
as possible. Morocco  commend ed the Ministers' commitment at MC12 to facilitate t he conclusion of 
ongoing accessions, especially for LDCs, and to provide appropriate technical assistance, including 
in the post -accession phase. As Chair of the Working Party on the accession of Comoros, Morocco 
believed that Comoros' accession goal was within reach . Morocco urged M embers to show more 
flexibility towards this acceding LDC in order to celebrate its accession as soon as possible.  
4.55.  The representative of South Africa  said that t he immediate deliverable before MC13 was the 
extension of the TRIPS  MC12 Decision to therapeutics and diagnostics. It was unfortunate that the 
WTO ha d missed the deadline. Concentration of production of essential medical tools le ft all Members  
vulnerable . Delivering on the MC12 mandate remain ed critical to ensure diversif ication of production 
across the wor ld. The slow progress with which the WTO ha d responded to the pandemic emphasize d 
the need for trigger ready mechanisms to ensure preparedness for future and increasingly inevitable 
pandemics.  South Africa's  vision for M C13 was a Ministerial that deliver ed substantial developmental 
outcomes for developing and LDC Members – multilateral outcomes that preserve d the multilateral 
trading system and avoid ed the temptation for fragmentation. In light of current, dire and persis tent 
global food security challenges, with developing and LDC  Members  disproportionately impacted,  
Members  should deliver a meaningful food security and livelihoods package at MC13 that centr ed on 
PSH, SSM, trade distorting domestic support  and cotton whil e observing existing mandates. S&D T 
should permeate the negotiations and their outcomes. South Africa was concerned with the increas e 
in use of SPS measures  not based on science.  Members should build on the MC12 SPS Declaration 
to deliver tangible outcomes at MC13 ensuring that  SPS measures were not used as protectionist 
tools.  TN/C/M/44  
 
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  4.56.  South Africa  reiterate d calls for a balanced text  on fisheries . The agreement must safeguard 
food security, livelihoods and enable developing and LDC Members  to use their marine resources for 
their development. It must be aligned to the mandate, including providing appropriate S&D T. The 
negotiations should  be conclude d with an appropriate level of de minimis to give sufficient policy 
space to sm all fishing nations and developing countries above de minimis.  The 0.8% in the text was 
unacceptable. The outcome must be underpinned by CBDR with large subsidizers and distant water 
fishing nations taking the responsibility.  On S&D T and the G -90 ASPs , Mem bers should  ensure that 
S&DT underpin ned all the outcomes for MC13. As indicated by the CTD SS Chair,  the G -90 ha d 
submitted document JOB/TNC/106 which w ould assist to take discussions  forward  building on the 
MC12 outcomes. In line with the MC12 mandate, South Africa  urged Members to strengthen the 
application of S&D T and the CTD  SS must report progress to the G eneral Council  before MC13. South 
Africa  called on Members to engage constructively to deliver on the longstanding G -90 ASPs. 
Members  must also focus on unfinished business from MC12 including food security for NFIDCs  and 
LDC graduation. She agreed with Ambassador Mina (Australia) that Members  should not wait for 
Ministerial Conferences to deliver . The General Council  had a role as the highest decision -making 
body in between Ministerial Conferences.  
4.57.  On other issues, development and inclusivity must underpin WTO Reform. There was scope 
to build on the development retreat held recently . Members should  work with speed to ensure that 
tangibl e outcomes were achieved in the interest of developing and LDC Members . Reform must 
fundamentally provide policy space to promote African industrialization and must preserve the WTO's 
principles and multilateral character. Members  needed a coordinated mult ilateral response to 
address global challenges to avoid resort ing to unilateral measures. South Africa  hoped the paper8 
on policy space for industrialization to be discussed in the upcoming G eneral Council  would assist to 
focus work.  A multilateral discussion on the proliferation of non-tariff barrier s in the name of 
sustainability or climate change was also required given  the grave threat to exports, particularly 
from developing economies . South Africa  thank ed India for its contribution9. On e -commerce, South 
Africa  echoed what Minister Patel had said in Davos  in agree ing that, by MC13, the moratorium 
would lapse especial ly in the absence of a meaningful package of measures that addresse d e-
commerce capacity in developing and LDC Members . South Africa  called on the Membership to 
outline a work programme that promote d digital industrialization in developing and LDC Members  
by July. The WTO dispute settlement system remain ed in crisis especially as Members appeal ed into 
the void, leaving some disputes in limbo. Members  had committed to having a fully and well -
functionin g dispute settlement system by 2024. This require d that in 2023, they establish ed a clear 
roadmap to restore the two -tier dispute settlement system. They must address its shortcomings  
including ensuring its accessib ility to all and that Members ' rights and  obligations  were not altered . 
4.58.  The representative of Colombia  acknowledge d the new NGR Chair' s work to revive discussions 
for a second phase of negotiations. Work in various configurations, together with informative 
plenaries and  discussions w ould be key i n the process. Colombia support ed the proposed work plan 
and the suggestions to run information sessions for delegates and capital -based experts. Colombia  
also reiterate d its commitment to reaching, by the next Ministerial Conference, a substantive and 
ambitious agreement that deliver ed on the mandate to discipline subsidies that contribute d to 
overfishing and overcapacity. Furthermore, Colombia was making decisive progress towards the 
ratification of the Agreement and was grateful for the valuable boost gi ven to the process by the 
Director -General on her recent visit to the country. Colombia also  express ed its support for the 
efforts of the new CoA SS Chair and thanked him for  his consultations. It was vital for the agricultur e 
negotiation s to be centred on SDG 1 – no poverty and SDG 2 – zero hunger. It was essential for 
progress to be made in reducing and limiting distorting subsidies in order to level the playing field.  
4.59.  Colombia called for open and frank discussions to be held on intellec tual property. The 
protection of intellectual property rights must be balanced with other key public policy objectives, 
such as human health or the fight against environmental degradation. Colombia support ed the 
extension of the TRIPS  waiver for diagnostic s and therapeutics and was hopeful for a positive 
decision in this area soon.  There was a growing technological component to both the right to health 
and the energy transition . Access to new technologies was therefore becoming increasingly 
important. The e xtreme concentration of the market in these critical sectors was not conducive to 
the rapid identification and adoption of global solutions. Collaborative and cooperative solutions, 
including a discussion on the transfer of environmental and health technol ogies, were required. 
 
8 WT/GC/W/868 – G/C/W/825 – WT/COMTD/W/270 – IP/C/W/695 – WT/WGTTT/W/33.  
9 JOB/TE/78 . TN/C/M/44  
 
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  There was a need to find models that promote d innovation while also facilitating a rapid and wide -
scale energy transition.  
4.60.  Colombia support ed the discussions to develop common rules in the areas of the digital 
economy and investment facilitation and consider ed that collective action in such areas was 
necessary to ensure that the WTO was able to address current challenges in global trade. It was 
however  equally important for the substantive and procedural discussions to take into accou nt the 
interests, needs, perspectives and realities of developing and LDC Members . Colombia  called for the 
spaces for substantive discussion within plenaries to be reinforced and for there to be greater 
traceability in the negotiations  with a view to ensur ing the effective participation of delegates in 
Geneva and capital -based experts. It was also  highly important to ensure that these negotiations 
did not result in fragmentations or divisions within the WTO.  That was  why Colombia  insisted that 
consideration  always be given to the fact that the outcomes  should  be multilateraliz ed in the future.  
4.61.  The representative of the United Kingdom  said that the Director -General was right in trying 
to get Members  to focus on what they needed to deliver in Abu Dhabi a year from now. The Director -
General knew how much the UK  support ed her desire to get th e WTO  focused on a new forward -
looking  agenda around green services, digital and inclusive trade. It was also  quite right that she 
had flagged the issues that the world currently faced around food insecurity . One of the principle 
ways to deal with this was for Russia to remove its tanks from the fields of Ukraine and to stop 
bombing Ukrain e's infrastructure. At the same time, Members should thin k of what they needed to 
do to finish the work that Ministers  at MC12  had asked them to do . This job was for delegations in 
Geneva – not for other peopl e neither for Ministers nor for capital . The Permanent Representatives 
and the teams that  they led were talented  and committed . They just need ed to get on with this 
work. They had spent  a little bit too long since June debating issues about who should chair which 
committee rather than actually dealing with substance . It was great to hear the CoA SS and NGR 
Chairs  reporting on  work that they ha d set out  in their respective areas.  It was also impressive to 
see the energy and commitment br ought to the table  – the same with dispute settlement.    
4.62.  Members  should  move forward from words to deeds  – stop r etreating and start advancing as 
Ambassador Mina (Australia)  said – by putting in place agreements what Ministers c ould sign off at 
MC13 . They should  be careful not to  step back between now and MC13 . On e-commerce, there was 
good work both in the  JSI and the work programme . Members should  move forward  as they could 
not go next February and explain that somehow they had decided to suspend time to start imposing 
taxes on a digital sector which underpin ned future economic prospects for developed, developing 
and LDC Members . On environment, Members should try to identify how, through the various WTO 
bodies, they could enable that transition to net zer o in a way that deliver ed in terms of the net zero  
objective  and d id not  set off a whole new subsidy race  where everyone would be the losers at the 
end of the day. Members  also had good discussions including at the development retreat. They 
should look at their work through a development prism . Members needed to start thinking  about 
how to go about their tasks and the UK looked forward to working with other delegations in this 
regard . He was very fond of koalas like so many other Members , but as Ambassador Mina (Australia)  
had reminded Members,  they were quite sleepy animals . On the eve of St David's day, Patron Saint 
of the Welsh , Members  needed a bit more Welsh dragon and a little less koala in this organi zation.  
4.63.  The representative of Nigeria  associate d with the statement by the ACP. As Members did not 
have much time before MC 13 in Abu Dhabi , it was important to resume into action with constructive 
engagement on the preparatory process particularly on substance. The successes at MC13 w ould be 
another milestone to the WTO  – building  more confidence and trust to the WTO by the international 
community and Leaders . Members should therefore be committed to ensure its success and fruitful 
outcome. The major concerns of some Members especially developing ones had to do with lack of 
complia nce to the full implementation of some key MC12 decisions. It w ould be disheartening if 
things remain ed the same until MC13. Members should  expedite action by fully engaging with each 
other to ensure that they implement ed most part of the MC12 decisions, e specially the TRIPS waiver 
issue, respon se to pandemic preparedness, ratification of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and 
dispute settlement reform  with a view to reporting positive development to Ministers at MC13. 
Nigeria's objective and expectation was to see Members' serious commitment prior to MC13 in the 
negotiatin g issues to ensure  fruitful outcome s at MC13. Nigeria  remain ed committed and determined 
to ensure outcomes in MC13  on agriculture and food security , WTO Reform especially on dispute 
settlement and the full functioning of subsidiary bodies , conclud ing the remaining part of the fisheries 
subsidies negotiations , trade and development especially S&DT in line with the G -90 proposals and 
the reinvigoration of th e E-Commerce Work P rogramme espec ially in its development dimension TN/C/M/44  
 
- 26 - 
 
  discussed under the facilitat ion of  Ambassador  Usha Dwarka -Canabady ( Mauritius ). Since MC12 did 
not produce an outcome in agriculture , it was important and paramount to have fruitful and 
meaningful  results in this area  especially on domestic support, SSM , PSH a nd cotton.  Agriculture 
remain ed one of the most important areas  in the WTO.  Nigeria  therefore call ed on the Membership 
to ensure that agriculture form ed part of the outcome s in MC13 so that Members  could address the 
food insecurity challenges and hunger affecting most of the m.   
4.64.  The representative of Thailand  count ed on the  respective Negotiating Group Chairs  to continue 
work under the CoA SS, NGR, and CTD  SS but extend ed appreciation to track s of work under the 
General Council including E -Commerce  and WTO Reform, and to the JSIs. Outcome s in these areas 
should become part of the substantial package at MC13 plus other areas that may emerge in the 
near future such as trade and climate change. During this meeting, she had  heard a lot of views 
illustrating that M embers ha d the same expectations on what should be on the plate for MC13 such 
as food security and agriculture, fisher ies subsidies, WTO Reform with high hope s on the functioning 
of the dispute settlement mechanism, development issues with emphasis on those related to LDCs  
and E-Commerce Work Program me and Moratorium . Some Members had also mentioned the TRIPS 
waiver extension  and trade,  sustainability and climat e change . Since e verybody want ed to have the 
same menu , the question on how to deliver on these areas. Members might differ on that.  From 
Thailand's point of view , having concrete submissions was very useful. Ambassador Navnit (India) 
had mentioned it and she shared his view on this. In this regard, Thailand thanked Members that  
had recently made  concrete  contributions on various areas including  E-Commerce and WTO Reform 
such as Singapore, Indonesia, India and the European Union. These were very helpful in facilitating  
capital engage ment. The Group statement s of the OECS and the African Group during the recent 
CoA SS meeting were also useful. She encouraged  their respective  coordinator s to circulate the se 
statements  if they th ought  it was appropriate.  
4.65.  The next phase of negotiations should be based on evidence particularly in some areas that  
needed updated information such as  food security, fisheries subsidies, e-commerce, TRIPS waiver, 
and trade and climate change, where possible. Members should not continue negotiat ing without 
any proper information or data . It was important  to know the current situation including in  access 
to medicine  and in the state of food i nsecurity. Members should be clear on  what was happening, 
where and who was affected and in what kind of areas. Members  should step up in getting updated 
information from the WTO Secretariat and other international organizations and stakeholders as 
appropr iate as they should  continue negotiations based on concrete information. Even though 
Members  might want the same thing, divergent views remained on the details . In this regard, 
crossover discussions among delegations with different positions and perspectiv es would be vital.  
The CoA SS C hair call ed this "talking to non -proponents ". She was not so sure how this c ould take 
place but it would be useful to try to understand where Members were  coming from and what kind 
of flexibilities both sides c ould show to mo ve closer together before MC13.  
4.66.  At some stage, capital engagement  would be necessary . Things were not only happening in 
Geneva . Based on  experience, some technical negotiations such as fisher ies and agriculture 
benefit ed a lot from capital experts having the in -person engagement to understand and to discuss 
issues among themselves . At a certain time, they may also need to have engagement at a  political 
level especially in areas where expectation s were much higher than the reality. For example, 
Members' expectations on one of the areas in WTO Reform was very high but the reality maybe not 
be at the same level.  The Director -General would  decide  on when would be the appropriate time and  
the format of discussion  get people at  the political decision -making level together. Political 
engagement might be required down the road before the MC13.  At the same time, Thailand 
express ed disappointment on services d omestic regulation  – being  one of the 61 JSI participants 
looking forward to the cert ification process on this issue. Thailand  was disappointed that they ha d 
failed to follow through. She thank ed Costa Rica for the report and hope d that all interested parties 
would be able to start engaging on the consultation and come out with the outcome  that would allow 
for the certification to take place before MC13.  
4.67.  The representative of Cambodia  associated with the statement by the LDCs. It had been over 
eight months since Members achieved  successes at MC12 . Although work ha d been moving forward 
at different speed s in different tracks, much remained to be done to replicate the successes of MC12 
with MC13  taking place in less than a year. Cambodia  welcome d the acceptance of the Agreement  
on Fisheries Subsidies  by Switzerland and Singapore  and appreciate d the workshops on fisheries 
subsidies which were valuable in sensitizing capital -based officials on the Agreement. Cambodia also 
welcomed  the appointment of the new NGR  Chair and his proposed way forward for the  negotiation s TN/C/M/44  
 
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  that he had outlined on 20 February . Cambodia  stood ready to constructively engage in the second  
wave of negotiation s to fulfil the mandate provided by Ministers at MC12 on this issue.  A number 
of critical issues relevant to Cambodia and the  LDCs however remained to be addressed including 
the need to have effective S&DT provisions for the LDCs and graduated LDCs in the overcapacity 
and overfishing pillar, in particular, by addressing the challenges face d by low income, resource -
poor and livel ihood fishers.  
4.68.  As an agricultural country, Cambodia placed high value on the agriculture negotiations. The 
retreat that had taken place in October ha d been constructive as it had provided a platform for 
informal discussion s among Members to find new ways and approaches to carry out the negotiation s. 
In welcoming the appointment of the new CoA SS Chair, Cambodia  stood ready to continue the 
negotiation s in a constructive manner on all agriculture issues in order to reach substantive 
outcomes at MC13. On Para graph 8 of the Ministerial Declaration on the Emergency Response to 
Food Insecurity, Cambodia support ed the establishment of the work program me and the contents 
outlined in document G/AG/35 to address food security issues which were the main concern of the  
LDCs and NFIDCs. Food security remain ed one of the key priorities for LDCs . In the current situation, 
poor and vulnerable countries ha d capacity constraints in boosting agricultural production and face d 
high prices of imported food. As trade and domestic production play ed important roles in improving 
global food security and sustainability , Members should take concrete action to improve the 
functioning and long -term resilience of global markets by not imposing export prohibitions or 
restrictions and ensur ing that  measures introduced to address food security minimize d trade 
distortions as much as possible in order to effectively respond to  the concerns of  LDCs and NFIDC s.  
4.69.  The proposal on the smooth transition for graduated LDCs would go a long way in sustai ning 
and accelerating the level of development of graduating LDCs and to avoid ing any potential pitfalls. 
Cambodia again  urged all Members to work constructively on the LDC proposal in document 
WT/GC/W/807/R ev.2. Cambodia also took  WTO Reform seriously and with careful consideration. 
Document JOB/GC/223/Rev.1, which provide d the LDC Group 's views on WTO Reform, was a clear 
indication of the LDCs'  commitment and strong interest in having a well -functioning WTO in all of its 
pillars includi ng the dispute settlement mechanism. Cambodia  noted the usefulness of the retreat 
on WTO Reform and some improvements that ha d been adopted on the monitoring and deliberative 
function of some Councils and Committees which provided indications that the best  approach in 
addressing WTO Reform was to have reform by doing that was Member -driven and inclusive and to 
take up reform areas as and when they were ready to be agreed by all Members in a conse nsual 
manner. Cambodia also stressed  the need to restore the two-tier dispute settlement system which 
was a critical pillar of the WTO and to achieve result s on dispute settlement reform by MC13.  
4.70.  Cambodia  regret ted that agreement could not be reached on Paragraph 8 of the MC12 TRIPS 
Decision to exten d its coverage t o diagnostics and therapeutics by the original deadline. The LDCs 
had been disproportionately impacted by the COVID -19 pandemic and the extension of the TRIPS 
Decision would have provided LDCs better access to all essential medical products in the fight ag ainst 
the current pandemic and improve readiness for future ones . Cambodia  had taken  note of the  WHO, 
WIPO, WTO Joint Technical Symposium on the COVID -19 Pandemic in December  which had 
emphasized the critical need for the extension of the scope of the Deci sion. Cambodia  underst ood 
that the extension of the deadline agreed in December was the only practical solution to allow 
Members more time to continue to discuss this issue. Cambodia likewise observed  that e -commerce 
contribute d a lot to online business, facilitate d consumers' needs, and was fast growing in both 
developed and developing Members  but not much in LDCs. LDCs face d systemic challenges to 
leverage benefits from e -commerce. In this regard, technical assistance and capac ity building was 
needed to strengthen the development  of  the  e-commerce ecosystem to allow for effective 
participation of LDCs in e -commerce, especially for micro, small and medium -sized enterprises. 
Cambodia  welcome d the initiative to have dedicated sess ions on e -commerce work programme, 
especially the discussion on the development dimension of e -commerce. In this regard, Cambodia 
urged Members to take into account the challenges faced by LDCs as listed in the communication 
WT/GC/W/787.  
4.71.  The representative  of Trinidad and Tobago , speaking on behalf of  CARICOM , took good note 
of the Director -General's  reflections on her recent engagement with CARICOM  Heads of Government 
in Nassau  and associated with the statement by the ACP. CARICOM noted that the first TNC/ HODs 
for 2023 gave Members the opportunity to assess progress on the implementation of MC12 outcomes 
even as they orient ed themselves towards prepar ing meaningful outcomes for MC13 in February 
2024. The CARICOM Group recogni zed the support of the Director -General and the Secretariat in TN/C/M/44  
 
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  this regard, including as relate d to the convening of workshops, retreats and dedicated discussions 
over the last period of time, all in an effort to advance work. The discourse on WTO R eform must 
uphold the core principles o f transparency, inclusiveness and consensus -based decision -making.  
The process should be based on the proposals of all Members and be held in a comprehensive, 
balanced, structured, non -discriminatory, transparent and inclusive manner, including as it rela ted 
to work conducted pursuant to Paragraph 4 of the MC12 Outcome Document towards restoration of 
a fully  functioning dispute settlement mechanism by 2024. It w ould therefore be useful to clarify the 
relationship between work on WTO Reform pursued under Paragraph 3 of the MC12 Outcome 
Document and work undertaken on the dispute settlement mechanism pursuant to the mandate in 
Paragraph 4 of the Outcome Document; and to add structure to work on WTO Reform, develop 
different work streams around the core funct ions of the WTO, namely, negotiation, monitoring and 
deliberation and dispute settlement.   
4.72.  The work programme agreed in the CoA on the implementation of Paragraph 8 of the 
Ministerial Declaration  on Emergency Response to  Food Insecurity was an encouraging  sign that the 
WTO c ould deliver for NFIDCs. CARICOM members were NFIDCs whose food security was vulnerable 
to external shocks  and we re actively participating in the implementation of the Work Programme. 
In fact, there were two  CARICOM pane llists currently  discussing the trade finance elements of the 
Work Programme  in the Workshop on Financing in the Committee on Agriculture . In welcom ing the 
appointment of the new CoA SS Chair, the CARICOM Group g ave him its full support.  Article 20 of 
the Agreement on Agr iculture and Ministerial mandates to date should be the basis for agricultural 
reform. CARICOM's  priority was on domestic support and SSM, especially disciplines that provide d 
certain exemptions for SVEs. The Group took  note of advocacy for the agriculture  negotiations to be 
more closely aligned to the climate change agenda. As supporters of climate action in the multilateral 
fora, CARICOM  would  work to see how the negotiations c ould take on these issues within its mandate 
and without creating barriers for trade for small economies such as those in CARICOM. The Group  
already ha d concerns with non -tariff barriers packaged as measures to mitigate climate change. The 
negotiations should not be used to legitimi ze what would normally be untenable under WTO rules.  
4.73.  CARICOM  welcome d the renewed energy and interest Members ha d injected into work under 
the E-Commerce Work Programme under the stewardship of its Facilitator. The dedicated discussions 
to date ha d been insightful and constructive. In keeping with the empha sis on the development 
dimension of the Work Programme, CARICOM  highlight ed the wide -ranging discussion last week on 
the digital divide. It was clear that  Members  had not exhausted their dialogue on this subject. The 
Group  welcome d the indication from the Facilitator regarding convening pertinent stakeholders so 
that they could deepen Members'  discussion and secure a better understanding of ways in which 
external entities could assist with efforts to address e-commerce related devel opment needs. Beyond 
that, it would be important to clarify  and move towards action on the WTO 's preparedness  to 
strengthen its support for CARICOM , better positioning its members  to access and leverage the 
benefits to be derived from engagement in electro nic commerce. In this regard, CARICOM  had posed 
some questions and made suggestions relating to Aid for Trade and the Institute for Training and 
Technical Cooperation,  among others . In looking forward to the upcoming discussion on legal and 
regulatory fram eworks , the CARICOM Group continue d to attribute importance to work under the 
Work Programme and remain ed committed to participating robustly in this regard.  
4.74.  As it welcomed the appointment of the  new NGR  Chair, CARICOM  thank ed him for outlining 
an approach  for the months before the summer break. The Group reiterate d its commitment to work 
towards achieving a comprehensive agreement on fisheries subsidies, including through agreeing 
disciplines relating to overcapacity and overfishing, utilizing the WT/MIN(2 2)/W/20 document as a 
basis and starting point. Accordingly, CARICOM  placed importance on effective and appropriate S&DT  
and de minimis  where it was flexible on the final figure. The Group underscore d the importance of 
the principles of transparency and in clusivity through the NGR work. Concerning the organization of  
the NGR's work, consideration should be given to the capacity constraints of small delegations, such 
as CARICOM delegations, when planning meetings and informal consultations.  
4.75.  The representativ e of Canada  underscored the timeliness of the discussion on supporting 
success at MC13. Taking stock of progress since MC12, the informal retreats held over the past few 
months ha d helped elucidate Members ' positions and interests, and good progress ha d been made 
on reforms to the deliberative function. At the same time, timelines for multilateral negotiations ha d 
been shortened. Members  now ha d less than a year to achieve promised deliverables. With th is in 
mind,  Canada hoped that Members  could work together in an effective, pragmatic and expeditious 
manner towards a realistic package of deliverables. Members c ould count on Canada 's continued TN/C/M/44  
 
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  constructive engagement on the best way to move forward the agricu lture negotiations. All Members 
needed to work through any and all configurations to reach their common goal. Canada  support ed 
the D irector -General' s ambitious goal of ratification of the Agreement  on Fisheries Subsidies  by MC13  
and was  fully committed to continue the negotiations on the outstanding elements in line with the 
MC12 Ministerial Declaration. Canada  looked forward to participating in the upcoming negotiating 
clusters recently announced. To respond to the specific questions on modalities, Canada  support ed 
the NGR Chair's work programme. Participation from capital -based senior officials, and perhaps a 
meeting of Ministers was something Canada was open to. Canada also welcomed the frank and 
constructive exchanges at last month 's retreat on developme nt. On the margins of the World 
Economic Forum, the Ottawa Group Ministers had reaffirmed their commitment to WTO Reform, 
including through ensuring developing Member voices were heard, and tasked officials with forward 
work in this regard.  
4.76.  Canada  welcome d the current reinvigoration of the work program me on e-commerce, with 
particular attention to the development dimension and to cover the moratorium during the dedicated 
session in April. On dispute resolution , Canada's  common goal was to have a fully operational system 
back in place by 2024. To that end, Members  would need to focus on what was really needed to 
meet their needs. Canada intend ed to participate actively and constructively in discussions aimed at 
achieving this objective.  On structured discussions on trade and environmental sustainability , these 
covered a variety of topics in 2022 which allowed for more focused and in -depth discussions with 
the aim of identifying concrete actions that participating Members could take indiv idually or 
collectively to advance trade and environmental objectives. As the global economy evolve d and 
transform ed, it was important for the WTO to be able to deal with emerging issues. In this context, 
Canada  welcome d the progress made under the various  initiatives of the Joint Statements and look ed 
forward to a speedy conclusion on investment facilitation for development and e -commerce.  Canada 
also said that it had now been more than a year since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine – an event 
that had catastrophic events on Ukraine and its neighbours, and people around the world. For 369 
days, Ukraine had endured staggering levels of destruction and human suffering. Its ability to 
participate in the global trading system had been severely impaired. Memb ers needed to stand 
united against this unprovoked and illegal invasion. Canada would stand in solidarity with Ukraine 
for as long as it takes.  
4.77.  The representative of Chinese Taipei  said that o ne of the pressing issues for MC13 was WTO 
Reform  and discussions on reform  issues up to now ha d been positive. On dispute settlement reform, 
Chinese Taipei  consider ed that the informal discussions previously led by the United States and now 
led by Guatema la had been very constructive  and hoped that there w ould be concrete results arriving 
from this round of discussion. Chinese Taipei  especially hope d that a fully functioning dispute 
settlement system accessible to all Members w ould be reinstalled. The idea  of fully functioning 
dispute settlement system include d the full functioning of all existing dispute settlement tools in the 
DSU including mediation, panel procedure and arbitration. Chinese Taipei  would continue to engage 
constructively in the ongoing in formal process led by Guatemala with the hope that discussions 
would soon be institutionalized in the next stage to secure full support of the Membership. On the 
deliberative function  reform , Chinese Taipei had  read the proposal by the European Union on 
reinforcing the deliberative function of the WTO to respond to global trade policy challenges with 
high interest.  There might be different views on what constitute d the global trade policy challenges 
among Members.  The approach proposed by the EU about identifying best practices, sharing 
experiences and developing non -binding guidelines as an approach nonetheless coincide d with the 
Chinese Taipei's suggestion in earl ier discussions. The EU's suggestion was pragmatic and useful. 
He was hopeful that the approach w ould be seriously considered by all Members. Chinese Taipei  
thank ed the CoA SS Chair for his earnest consultation and proposed way forward. As  a net -food 
impor ter, Chinese Taipei prioriti zed ensuring food security and believe d that agriculture play ed a 
multifunctional role including mitigating climate change and preserving traditional culture among its 
other functions. Continuous collection of more scientific da ta and evidence c ould help move the 
negotiation forward on tackling food security and other challenges. For MC13, e -commerce was also 
an important component not to be forgotten including reaching consensus on the moratorium to 
ensure a stable and predictab le global digital trade environment.  
4.78.  On the implementation aspect of fisheries subsidies, Chinese Taipei  congratulate d Singapore 
and Switzerland for having completed their domestic ratification procedures and thank ed Japan for 
having put forward its finan cial contribution to the fisheries funding mechanism. To encourage the 
domestic ratification procedure, Chinese Taipei  suggest ed holding periodical stocktaking sessions for 
the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies to allow Members sharing their progress on dom estic TN/C/M/44  
 
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  ratification and approval procedure. This could create a positive atmosphere to encourage earlier 
implementation of the agreement. On the second wave of negotiations, Chinese Taipei  thank ed the 
NGR Chair for his efforts on identifying ways forward. W hen entering the second wave, Members  
should bear in mind WT/MIN(22)/W/20 as their basis. The issues left o n overcapacity and overfishing 
at MC12 were limited in scope mainly about how to structure the S&DT mechanism for developing 
country Members. Chinese  Taipei  hoped that Members c ould identify innovative and workable 
solution s to address the most difficult issues such as the nautical miles for artisanal fishing and the 
transitional period for developing country Members. Chinese Taipei  was confident with the leadership 
of the NGR Chair to help Members  come to a successful conclusion of additional disciplines at MC13. 
In recent months, after MC12, Chinese Taipei ha d exchanged experiences with some Members. He 
had heard many valuable experiences of Members h elping their domestic disadvantaged fishing 
villages and fishing population to engage in much more viable economic activities based on their 
knowledge and skills. Such successful stories c ould help Members  consider whether they should shift 
part of their focus on mutual assistance and experience sharing among  each other  in helping 
disadvantaged fishermen develop economically much viable activities as supplementing methods for 
S&DT.  
4.79.  The representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines , speaking  on behalf of the  OECS , 
thanked the Director -General  for her productive exch ange with OECS Prime Ministers in Nassau, 
Bahamas. At the highest level, the OECS  remain ed committed to the work of this organization. The 
OECS associated with the statements by the ACP and CARICOM. With MC13 pending, it was critical 
to advance work in the agriculture and fisheries  files in a manner which uph eld the fundamental 
principles of openness, transparency and inclusivity to which the OECS  subscribe d. The OECS  was 
confident that the new CoA SS and NGR Chairs w ould work in a manner which g ave full ef fect to 
these fundamental principles. On fisheries subsidies, Members  had the twin objectives of securing 
effective disciplines on overcapacity and overfishing whil e also ensuring appropriate flexibilities for 
developing and LDC  Members . The OECS looked forward to constructive exchanges on elements 
such as de minimis and other aspects of S &DT and was  supportive of how the NGR Chair intend ed 
to organize the work ahead . The OECS  looked forward to contributing to a meaningful outcome as 
soon as practicable. Agriculture  continue d to be a difficult area for multiple reasons, but the OECS  
was certain that the new CoA SS Chair  was up to the task. Maintaining the flexibilities available to 
developing  Members  under Article 6.2 of the Agreement on Agriculture was a priority to the OECS – 
which a lso look ed forward to a meaningful outcome on  SSM. The OECS would also engage 
meaningfully on all proposals brought forward by Members.  
4.80.  The OECS was  pleased with the injection of momentum by the General Council Chair on 
matters under Paragraph 3 of the MC12 Outcome Document  – noting that a number of proposals 
were emerging in the General Council and at the level of the subsidiary bodies. The OECS  intend ed 
to engage on these in a fulsome manner  and urged Members to consult broadly, especially when 
proposals were being developed so that all Members could all be co -creators higher up on the value 
chain of ideas. Reform should further institutionalize the devel opment dimension for developing 
Members. In this vein, the OECS  called for more constructive engagement on the G -90 proposals on 
S&DT. The OECS  also place d a high degree of priority on achieving dispute settlement reform, 
particularly with respect to the r estoration of the full functioning of the two -tiered structure. There 
was also scope to prioritize other issues  such as making dispute settlement more accessible to 
developing and LDC  Members,  strengthening the incentives to comply with panel and Appellate  Body 
decisions , creating guardrails to shield the system from power differentials which were largely 
unfavo urable to developing and LDC  Member s and having more effective remedies. The OECS  had 
been engaging constructively in the informal conversations which it hope d would be  eventually 
multilateralized. In these discussions, Members  could not separate process from substance . 
Organizing work in a manner which allow ed for the full participation o f small delegations was key in 
contributing to the substance of the work. Regarding the E -Commerce Work Programme, the OECS 
was pleased with the work being done by  the Facilitator and would remain engaged including through 
the submission of proposals. At t he end of these discussions, the OECS  hoped that Members  could 
better identify a clearer role for the WTO on this topic.  
4.81.  The representative of Jamaica  noted that t he WTO 's preparation for MC13 provide d a unique 
opportunity to ensure that the WTO play ed its part in contributing to the myriad of challenges 
currently facing the international community. The WTO c ould assist its Members in finding durable 
solutions to current and emerging global issues such as food security, economic volatility, the impact 
of climate change and natural disasters and difficulties attaining the SDGs. In this regard, outcomes 
on WTO Reform, agriculture, fisheries subsidies, e -commerce and LDC Graduation should be among TN/C/M/44  
 
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  the key outcomes at MC13.  WTO Reform was a key priority for Jama ica with development issues 
being at the centre of Members'  work. In thanking the General Council Chair for convening the 
Informal Meeting on WTO R eform focus ed on Development  and the Ambassador -Facilitators who 
had led the breakout sessions , Jamaica recalled  delegations ' constructive ness and the useful 
exchange of ideas  that they had . Reports from this informal meeting would  be helpful in Members' 
work going forward. Jamaica stressed that Members  could deliver results on development at MC13.  
4.82.  Development issues, including the implementation of internationally agreed development 
goals such as the SDGs, should be mainstreamed and embedded in all WTO negotiations and 
agreements. The WTO should ensure that the outcome of reform include d mechanisms to periodically 
evaluate WTO agreements  not only for progress in implementation but also for their development 
impacts on developing and LDC  Member s. Technical assistance and capacity building, in addition to 
S&DT  that include d exemptions and adequate tran sition periods in respect of certain commitments, 
must be a core part of the development agenda in WTO Reform. Members  should  also ensure that 
the WTO, within its mandate, play ed a role in global efforts to address the impacts of climate change 
and natural  disasters. Jamaica would welcome and participate in activities to this end. Members 
should however be  careful  to ensure that thei r work d id not create barriers to market opportunities 
for developing and LDC Members  disguised as environmental protection me asures. The WTO must 
also re-establish a fully functioning two -tier dispute settlement system by 2024. In welcom ing the 
appointment of the new CoA SS Chair, Jamaica  assured him of its fu ll support in his efforts to 
facilitate delivery of a balanced and dev elopment -oriented outcome at MC13. Jamaica 's priorities 
were domestic support and SSM. Members  should  also conclude negotiations on PSH to bolster the 
food security position of developing  and LDC  Member s. SVEs must be accorded special treatment in 
any outc ome given that their agriculture and food systems were extremely underdeveloped and 
vulnerable making it unfeasible for SVEs to take on full commitments in any outcome on agriculture.  
4.83.  Jamaica  welcome d the appointment of the  new NGR  Chair and look ed forwar d to giving its  
full support for his work in the second phase of the negotiations. WT/MIN(22)/W/ 20 should be the 
basis of work going forward and Members should deliver by MC13. Jamaica was  approaching the 
negotiations with an open mind but w ould insist that key elements of WT/MIN(22)/W/20  such as the 
de minimis threshold for exceptions  be a part of an outcome.  Jamaica  welcome d the high level of 
engagement at the last two dedicat ed sessions which focused on online consumer protection and 
the digital divide. The discussions ha d been rich . Jamaica  had heard several ideas on the role of the 
WTO on issues relating to e -commerce and digital trade including emphasis on its convening role. 
Jamaica l ooked forward to the proposed workshop of the Facilitator that w ould bring together 
relevant stakeholders. It was critical that the WTO facilitate d in-person participation of capital -based 
representatives to enrich the Geneva -based discussions. Jamaica w ould continue to actively 
contribute to the dedicated discussions.   
4.84.  On services, Jamaica  noted that the CTS Chair ha d undertaken consultations on how best to 
implement the outcomes from MC12 . Jamaica  reiterated the importance of services to Members 
whose ec onomies rel ied heavily on service -based industries such as tourism  – which were severely 
impacted by the C OVID -19 pandemic. On the discussions in the TRIPS Council to expand the waiver 
to cover therapeutics and diagnostics, Jamaica  urged Members to work co nstructively to find an 
amicable solution to deliver on the MC12 mandate.  Jamaica  called on Chairs of Negotiating Groups 
and Facilitators to continue maintaining transparency and inclusivity in their post -MC12 work  – the 
best way to build trust. If small g roups were necessary to move forward on an issue, represent ation 
was crucial to give legitimacy to those processes. Views of all Members  must be treated equitably.  
Jamaica st ood ready to work with other delegations in approaching work in the WTO on these i ssues.  
Jamaica associated with the statements by  CARICOM and the ACP. 
4.85.  The representative of Türkiye  was pleased to start work on agriculture and fisheries subsidies 
with the appointment of the CoA SS and NGR Chairs a month ago. Due to challenges posed by the 
pandemic and geopolitical developments, there was a need to tackle food insecurity by building a 
sustainable and  resilient agriculture sector. As the most problematic area in the Agreement, 
rebalancing the domestic support entitlements was a high priority for Türkiye. Market distortive 
subsidies were historically a fundamental reason for food insecurity. Development  had to be an 
integral part of these negotiations and thus preserving and building meaningful and operable S&DT 
provisions for developing  Members  was essential. Mandated issues such as SSM and PSH should be 
part of agricultur e reform. Türkiye  supported the work programme and the format of the fish weeks 
as proposed by the NGR Chair and agree d to start with conceptual issues. At the same time, Türkiye 
hoped to proceed to text -based negotiations well before the summer break. While seeing  merit in TN/C/M/44  
 
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  small group configurations , Türkiye stressed that transparency and inclusivity were crucial . Any 
progress should in principle take place in the plenary sessions. Türkiye  remained  ready to engage 
constructively in the discussions for a Minister -ready draft outcome by M C13. 
4.86.  While WTO Reform  was no easy task, there were ways to go about this process as outlined 
by Members with work  starting incrementally. As DDG Gonzalez had stated , "WTO Reform is likely 
to be a slow burn rather than a big bang " and yet was too valuable an opportunity to let go. Türkiye  
thanked the G eneral Council Chair and DDG Zhang for holding a dedicated session on development  
where Members  had rich discussions confirm ing a common understanding that development was 
central to the multila teral trading system. Members should  keep S&DT and development part and 
parcel of the negotiations. Addressing  the inherent imbalances in existing Agreements was one of 
Türkiye's  priorities. Türkiye  also welcome d the work that h ad already been initiated un der the Goods 
Council  to improve the daily functioning of its subsidiary bodies. These steps m ight seem small but 
they w ould render WTO work more effective and efficient at the end of the day. The paralysis of the 
Appellate Body need ed immediate attention.  Türkiye would have preferred formaliz ing the ongoing 
dispute settlement  reform informal conversations in the DSB to expedite it in line with the objective 
of having a fully and well -functioning dispute settlement system by 2024  – but welcome d the 
progress  made in these conversations and would  continue to actively participate.  
4.87.  Türkiye's priority  on the E -Commerce Work Programme  was to clarify the scope and definition  
of the Moratorium. The moratorium was written in an ambiguous way which d id not clearly re flect 
what was expected of th e decision. Türkiye  looked forward to dedicated discussions on this issue in 
April. Türkiye  expected  to have a clear view of what the moratorium mean t and a well -defined and 
streamlined language  by MC13 . With only a  year left before MC13,  Türkiye hoped that Members 
would not leave decisions to the last minute w hen prepar ing and finaliz ing potential outcomes. 
Türkiye  encourage d Members to try to complete  everything before the start of the Conference. At 
this time of turbulence marked by multiple shocks, the pandemic, geopolitical developments and 
resulting food, energy and financ ial crises as well as the climate emergency and a growing number 
of natural d isasters, the WTO was needed more than ever to keep the multilateral trading system 
intact. Members should  step up to meet current needs and challenges of their era. 
4.88.  The representative of the Philippines  commend ed the new NGR and CoA SS Chairs for 
immediat ely engaging with Members on how to carry forward work on these critical portfolios. Based 
on the recent informal open-ended meetings, the Philippines s aw avenues for optimism, particularly 
the commitment to transparency and inclusivity as well as the shar ed sentiment to build on work 
that ha d been done while remaining open to new concepts and approaches in securing balanced 
outcomes towards MC13. The Philippines s aw value in approaching these negotiations through the 
interlinked perspectives of food securi ty and sustainable development. The Fisheries Subsidies 
Agreement was a touchstone for building further work on environmental sustainability in the WTO 
and the Philippines  commend ed Switzerland and Singapore for their swift domestic acceptance of 
the Agree ment. The Philippines remain ed committed to leveraging trade policy tools to support 
climate action within the WTO such as voluntary commitments that would lower trade barriers, 
stimulate access and adoption of green goods and services, and reduce trade of  environmentally 
harmful products such as certain plastics.  
4.89.  The Philippines note d the constructive spirit that ha d permeated recent informal meetings on 
WTO Reform  and hope d the process of "reform by doing " would continue along similar lines. The 
most recent session ha d provided the opportunity to carry forward targeted discussions on 
development, particularly on the crucial issue of LDC graduation. Future discussions could be focused 
on the role of the WTO Secret ariat, stakeholder engagement, and new approaches to rules setting. 
The Philippines remain ed committed to the restoration of the two -tier dispute settlement system 
and note d the advances in the informal process on dispute settlement reform. The Philippines  
encourage d Members to adhere to a compressed timeline and support ed efforts to mainstream these 
discussions in WTO bodies. The Philippines ha d also noted calls from Members to create an informal 
space to discuss industrial subsidies and would be supportiv e of such efforts.  
4.90.  The Philippines note d the renewed impetus for cooperation under the Work Program me on 
Electronic Commerce and ha d benefited from these rich discussions including on consumer 
protection and the digital divide. The Philippines encourage d the Facilitator to consider a future 
session that focuse d on the specific challenges faced by MSMEs and under -represented groups in 
pursuing digital trade. These discussions complement ed Members' efforts to pursue new disciplines 
that address ed contemporary  trade challenges. The Philippines  looked forward to the conclusion of TN/C/M/44  
 
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  the IFD agreement by mid -year and encourage d Members to substantially advance negotiations on 
the JSI on Electronic Commerce. The Philippines, as a participant in the J SI on Services Do mestic 
Regulation, support ed recent efforts by Members to certify additional and improved commitments 
under their respective GATS schedules, and which crucially were mutually advantageous to all 
trading partners. Given the current state of play on this iss ue, the Philippines  encourage all Members 
to demonstrate good faith in supporting an open and rules -based multilateral trading system.  
4.91.  The representative of Switzerland  inform ed Members that, a t the invitation of Federal 
Councillor Guy Parmelin, 23 Members  and the Director -General met in Davos on 20 January on the 
side-lines of the WEF Annual Meeting to discuss further WTO negotiations. Participants represented 
a broad spectrum of trade interests. Besides allowing to get some insights into the lives of Pand as 
and Koalas, as rightly mentioned by several delegations, the meeting provided an opportunity to 
give political direction and impetus to the preparations for the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference. 
After the successful Ministerial Conference in Geneva last June, participants expect ed to see some 
key outcomes to strengthen the WTO and the international trading system. The Ministers discussed 
their priorities for the next stages of WTO negotiation s and expressed their resolve to preserve the 
credibility of the rules -based multilateral trading system and to undertake a meaningful reform of 
the WTO to improve all its functions.  Participants  underlined the importance of restoring a fully 
functioning dispute settlement mechanism for the global tra ding system.  
4.92.  Many Ministers had underlined the importance of considering development needs along the 
entire reform process. Issues related to LDC graduation were also stressed. Ministers called on 
Members to ratify the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies without delay so that it c ould enter into 
force soon. Numerous Ministers also stressed the importance of completing the remaining 
negotiations on fisheries subsidies by the next Ministerial meeting. Referring to concerns about the 
considerable social and econo mic impact of the COVID -19 pandemic, a number of Ministers 
emphasi zed the need to extend the TRIPS Decision adopted at MC12 to cover COVID -19 diagnostics 
and therapeutics. Ministers furthermore stressed the need for effective negotiations on agricultural 
trade policy reform. Many participants highlighted food security as well as other concerns such as 
subsidies, export restrictions, public stockholding and environmental issues. Several Ministers also 
called for an extension of the moratorium on customs duti es on electronic transmissions. The 
reinvigoration of the work program me was also underlined in order to inform decision -making on 
the matter. While multilateral outcomes remain ed the preferred option, many participants 
considered that it was important to continue to apply approaches that allow ed Members to pursue, 
in an open and inclusive manner, initiatives of interest to them. The importance of environmental 
sustainability and trade and climate were also highlighted by several participants. Finally, Mini sters 
showed their readiness to remain involved in the preparations for MC13 to further engage for 
meaningful results.  
4.93.  Turning now to the Swiss priorities for WTO negotiations, Switzerland  consider ed the Director -
General's  call to identify topmost prioriti es as very timely, with the next M inisterial Conference  to 
take place in less than a year from now . Considering structural challenges of the multilateral trading 
system, Switzerland continue d to strongly support the WTO Reform process. In the short -term, 
finalizing the DSU reform by 2024 was a top priority . Switzerland  welcome d the process dedicated 
to this issue. For the overall reform process to strive, agility was of the essence. Members  should be 
under no illusion that if they wanted concrete outcomes, this w ould only be achieved through an 
incremental, step -by-step approach  – reform by doing. In this perspective, there was great potential 
to achieve tangible results within the monitoring and deliberative function where concrete work 
within Committees was under way. On the negotiation function, Switzerland  called on Members to 
engage with each other in an open mind to identify workable avenues to aim for a result over the 
mid- to long -term. To do so, Members  should create room for informal and genuine exc hanges to 
improve mutual understanding of their respective expectations. Considering development needs 
along the entire process w ould be key.  Switzerland  welcom ed the retreat dedicated to the 
development dimension that ha d allowed an initial and rich excha nge of views , and would remain 
engaged in discussions to find a solution to support the graduation process in an appropriate way.  
4.94.  Switzerland stood ready to engage with the CoA SS Chair and Members in order to contribute 
to the shaping of a balanced and meaningful outcome in agriculture – one that addresse d current 
challenges including food security and nutrition. Switzerland remain ed convinced of the positive role 
of intellectual p roperty (IP)  in developing and ramping up the production of vaccines, therapeutics 
and diagnostics. Based on the discussions held so far, Switzerland was not convinced of an extension 
of the MC12 TRIPS Decision to therapeutics and diagnostics  but was  open for further evidence -based TN/C/M/44  
 
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  discussions on this matter in the TRIPS Council. Switzerland attache d great importance to the 
Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and ha d submitted its instrument of ratification. Switzerland 
congratulate d Singapore for doing the sa me and encourage d other delegations to follow suit as soon 
as feasible. Regarding the further negotiations, it was essential to achieve progress and that all the 
Members remain ed committed to this important goal. In continu ing to support the different  JSI 
processes , Switzerland was  hopeful that the initiative on Investment Facilitation for Development 
would be concluded at MC13  and support ed the substantial conclusion of the negotiation on e-
commerce by the end of the year. Switzerland  furthermore support ed the discussions on trade and 
environmental sustainability and the initiatives on MSMEs and trade and gender. Switzerland  
welcome d the holding of dedicated sessions of the General Council on e -commerce and was pleased 
by the level of engagement witnessed s o far. This was the  appropriate format to reinvigorate the 
Work Program me and to deepen the discussions on the moratorium which provide d predictability to 
economic operators and was necessary for the WTO to be relevant in the context of digital 
transformat ion. 
4.95.  The representative of Indonesia  said that t he current global financial volatility and ongoing 
conflict add ed further pressure to the world . The situation could be more challenging for developing  
and LDC  Member s. It was the responsibility of the whole Membership to act on the commitment to 
put developmental issues at the heart of this organization and contribute to address the most urgent 
and important issues such as health, food crisis and livelihood of people. Followi ng the appointment 
of NGR and C oA SS Chair s, Members should  speed up their pace in the negotiation s to advance their 
homework with a view to achieve concrete and meaningful outcomes at MC13. On agriculture, 
Indonesia continue d to reiterate the need to deli ver on the critical mandated issues at the Ministerial 
Conference. Agricultural trade rules need ed to address the historical imbalances so that they could 
move toward a more equitable trading system. This w ould allow economic development and fair 
competiti on among Members regardless of their development status. Resolving their homework on 
PSH and SSM as well as achieving a balance d and fair outcome in domestic support and cotton 
should continue to be in the agenda under the C oA SS. Indonesia  reiterate d its commitment to work 
on the joint proposal on PSH  in JOB/AG/229 to be the basis of the PSH negotiation s. On fisheries 
subsidies, in parallel with the process of acceptance, Members  should  continue their negotiations to 
conclude the comprehensive agreement pa rticularly on the overfishing and overcapacity pillar with 
S&DT  as an integral part of the negotiations. This was important if Members  were to achieve the 
SDG 14.6 that they had all envisioned. Indonesia  looked forward to the deliberation of the fish weeks  
to better jumpstart the negotiatin g process.  
4.96.  As a co-sponsor of the TRIPS Waiver proposal, Indonesia  was disappointed that Members  had 
been unable to arrive at a decision to extend the scope  of the MC12 TRIPS Decision  to therapeutics 
and diagnostics in time. Indonesia  appreciate d the effort made by the U nited States  to conduct a 
fact-finding  investigation . Following the WTO's partnerships with FAO and the World Bank for some 
negotiating issues, Indonesia underline d the importance of the WHO , as the leading body in 
responding and tackling the COVID -19 pandemic, to be given an appropriate role to provide 
information on the global state of therapeutics and diagnostics feed ing into Members'  discussion s on 
this issue. Without discounting the importance of all the issues under the reform umbrell a, 
Indonesia 's continued priority was to resolve the current Appellate Body impasse to maintain the 
security and predictability of the multilateral trading system. While prefer ring for the ongoing dispute 
settlement discussion s to be conducted in a fully formalized manner, Indonesia  could compromise 
with the option to have an informal discussion with regular reporting to the DSB and the General 
Council. Indonesia  also hope d that the disc ussion should be open, transparent and inclusive. 
Indonesia also underline d the importance of resolving the issue on the work program me on e-
commerce  and commend ed the Facilitator  for organizing the dedicated discussion s. The se 
discussion s had been fruitfu l and constructive  in ensur ing that digital trade policies would  be inclusive 
and able to accommodate the needs of the wider community. Indonesia  re-emphasize d that the 
discussions to reach clarity and consensus on the scope, definition and impact of customs duties 
especially to developing and LDC Members  were needed prior to agreeing on any course of action. 
Current challenges were becoming more complex and req uired global cooperation instead of 
unilateral measures. As such, Members  should  expeditiously work together to advance their 
homework and complete their unfinished business with strong political commitment while at the 
same time pick up their pace and way s of work in light of newly emerging issues. Indonesia was 
fully committed to engage constructively in the WTO negotiations to achieve meaningful outcome s 
at MC13.  TN/C/M/44  
 
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  4.97.  The representative of Hong Kong, China  highlight ed two priority areas of work  in the 
prepara tion for MC13: fisheries subsidies and restoration of a fully -functioning dispute settlement 
system. With s ome Members complet ing their domestic procedures with regard to the 
implementation of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies , Hong Kong, China report ed that its relevant 
authorities were also actively preparing for the implementation of the Agreement with a view to 
contributing to its early entry into force. Members ha d different wishes and priorities on the 
outstanding issues  in the second wave of negot iations . Hong Kong, China support ed the work plan 
presented by the new NGR Chair and would  continue to engage constructively in the negotiations.  
The restoration of a fully -functioning, binding, two -tiered dispute settlement system was a top 
priority for H ong Kong, China. Many Members also share d the same view. It could not be emphasi zed 
enough how important the dispute settlement system was to the WTO. It not only assist ed Members 
in resolving trade disputes among themselves but also support ed making new rules by reassuring 
Members that there w ould be an effective mechanism for enforcement of newly agreed provisions. 
The MC12 Outcome Document ha d set out a timeframe for res toring a fully and well -functioning 
dispute settlement system accessible to all Members by 2024. Members should step up efforts to 
make this happen. A new stage of informal discussion on the dispute settlement reform commenced 
on 17 February. Hong Kong, Ch ina was pleased to note the progress in this important area of work 
and w ould continue to engage constructively with other Members so as to revitali ze the dispute 
settlement function of the WTO. In this connection, Hong Kong, China  also highlight ed the 
importance of the early involvement of the General Council and its subsidiary bodies in the relevant 
discussions, or in the review and consideration of recommendations that m ight be generated in the 
process so as to prepare all Members for consensus to the ev entual submission to MC13.  
4.98.  The representative of Botswana  associated  with the statement by the ACP Group. Botswana 
welcome d the developments in the appointment of Chairpersons of the CoA SS and NGR . Their 
appointments were timely in order to advance MC13 preparations. Having had the opportunity to 
interact with them in a number of initiatives and hearing their reports, she was  encouraged by their 
resolve and confident that with Members'  support, they w ould move Members  in the direction of 
progress on these issues. With regard to MC13 deliverables, MC12 outcomes provide d a solid basis 
and path to be followed for the issues Members  should focus upon. While acknowledg ing the MC12 
outcome on food security, MC13 should deliver binding commitments on agriculture e specially that 
addresse d challenges for developing  Members  particularly LDCs and NFIDCs . The WTO must also 
adopt a development -oriented approach  on WTO Reform . The outcome must provide the necessary 
policy space to cater for developing and LDC Members'  economic diversification and industrialization. 
Botswana  underscore d the importance of upholding basic principles of transparency and 
inclusiveness especially for small delegations in these processes. Botswana emp hasized the need to 
maintain S&DT  as an integral part of WTO Agreements  and remain ed committed to engage 
constr uctively in the upcoming discussions aimed at achieving concrete outcomes at MC13.  
4.99.  The representative of Nicaragua  welcome d the appointment of the new CoA SS and NGR 
Chairs and was confident that their skills and leadership w ould enable Member s to achieve results 
for the benefit of all . Overcoming the impasse in the dispute settlement system was a priority for 
Nicaragua and, in line with the guidance of Ministers, Members  must find a solution to this issue by 
2024 at the latest. Agricultur e negotiations should take into account the needs of the most vulnerable 
groups . The outcome of these negotiations should  particularly benefit small farmers in developing  
Members . Nicaragua continue d to support the reduction of trade -distorting domestic support such 
as subs idies and other forms of support used by developed countries in their agricultural markets. 
With regard to the fisheries subsidies negotiations, Nicaragua support ed the S&DT  provisions that 
grant ed longer timeframes for the implementation of commitments. N icaragua reaffirm ed its 
commitment to taking part in the reform negotiations with a view to ensuring that the outcomes 
benefit ed developing Members  – and particularly small, vulnerable economies – and address ed the 
food security crisis, climate change, env ironmental sustainability issues and the post -COVID -19 
global economic recovery.  Nicaragua  hoped that this process w ould be open, transparent and 
inclusive, with a development dimension, and urge d Members to ensure that the outcomes include d 
S&DT  provision s. Nicaragua reiterate d its call for Members to comply with and promote the rules -
based, open and predictable multilateral trading system. Members enjoy ed a range of benefits, yet 
with the se came responsibilities. Nicaragua  therefore call ed on Members to avoid adopting trade -
restrictive unilateral measures, especially coercive measures based on interests unrelated to trade 
objectives that f ell outside  the scope of the WTO.  
4.100.   The representative of Ecuador  was delighted to attend this TNC meetin g to reflect collectively 
on MC13 with a view to enabling Members to begin to discuss the future work of the organization TN/C/M/44  
 
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  on the basis of the understandings reached and, above all, those that could not be reached at MC12. 
Agriculture was an essential part of the package for the next Conference. The WTO and the 
multilateral trading system must play their part , in terms of the mandates a nd rules , to contribute 
to addressing the serious challenges facing the international community in various areas. Given  the 
dynamics of WTO work, Members  had taken longer than they should to take action on COVID -19. 
Much remain ed to be done on the issue as well as on fisheries subsidies . Although the outcome ha d 
been significant and positive, it was not sufficient. Members  must define the disciplines for a major 
part of the mandate on overfishing and overcapacity and for food security taking into account the 
price crisis and the crisis in the supply of food and the inputs needed to produce it, which ha d been 
aggravated by the wa r in Ukraine. In Members'  work, they would develop the understandings 
reached on these topics in order to find the best way to implement them, adjust them if the 
circumstances so require d, and work together in a constructive manner  to contribute, from the 
perspective of trade, to solving problems that unquestionably affect ed the entire planet. In view of 
the triple planetary crisis, the multilateral trading system should outline – as a matter of urgency – 
the contribution of trade to global efforts to comba t climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, 
from the intersection of trade and the environment, in line with the SDGs . The COVID -19 crisis had 
put decades of progress in combating poverty at risk. Under the General Council, Ecuador ha d 
indicate d the importance of organizing Ministerial Conferences so as to increase transparency, 
inclusion and the effective participation of all Members. The reports of the Chairs ha d reflected the 
importance of effective, full and inclusive participation in discussions  on proposals that concern ed 
all Members. Any effort to improve the organization of work, including consideration of the realities 
of delegations with few staff members, was a positive step. Its proposal at the Council for Trade in 
Goods, jointly prepared with Paraguay, Argentina and Colombia, was focused on improving the 
functioning of the organization in an inclusive manner, with particular consideration of the situation 
of delegations with few  staff members.  
4.101.   The representative of New Zealand  recalled that previous  week marked one year since Russia 
had launched its illegal invasion of Ukraine.  New Zealand 's resolve to stand against Russian 
aggression and alleged atrocities committed in Ukraine was undiminished. New Zealand  stood 
shoulder -to-shoulder with Ukraine in support of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Through its 
illegal and unprovoked attack on one of the world 's leading food producers, as well as its destruction 
of Ukraine 's civilian infrastructure and blockading of its ports, Russia ha d massively disrupted the 
production of and trade in key staples such as wheat, barley and sunflower oil. The implications for 
global food security in both the short and medium term ha d been disas trous. Food markets were 
global and the restrictions in supply caused by Russia 's actions were further exacerbating food 
shortages and price rises globally. Russia ha d undermined living standards for the most vulnerable 
among Members  and condemned many mil lions around the world to hunger over the coming year. 
As it had  said in the CoA  SS, MC13 must deliver for agriculture. The Director -General had asked 
what Members'  top-most priorities were. For New Zealand, and many other Members, that was 
agricultural tr ade reform. Addressing trade and production distorting, and frequently 
environmentally harmful, agricultural subsidies was a key part of any agriculture discussion. There 
was already  a compelling evidence base on why Members needed change to address food i nsecurity, 
development objectives, and climate change. The UN estimate d that an additional 150 million people 
were now affected by hunger since the outbreak of the COVID -19 pandemic. The Director -General 
had also asked what Members  were willing to contribu te to achieve the objective. New Zealand was 
ready to talk about all of the agriculture issues of interest to Members  and was open to a discussion 
on PSH – which New Zealand  would be working hard in and outside of  the CoA SS to come into the 
room not with pre -prepared statements but with new ideas and new understandings.  
4.102.   Another key priority for MC13 was fisheries subsidies. This was an issue of utmost 
importan ce to New Zealand 's region  – the Pacific. Members  should be abl e to submit a Minister -
ready draft outcome by MC13. New Zealand  reiterate d the call made by Pacific Ministers at the end 
of 2022, during the Director -General's  visit to the region, for all Members to ratify and implement 
the agreement as soon as possible. New Zealand continue d to pursue its own ratification at pace. 
Members c ould count on New Zealand 's continued active support for this negotiation, building on 
the achievement secured at MC12 and further demonstrating this organi zation's contribution to the 
shared environmental and sustainability challenges. New Zealand w ould also be looking to progress 
frank and open discussions on the reform of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies following the Ministerial 
Statement at MC12 and direction to elaborate concrete options in advance of MC13. N ew Zealand  
noted the importance of maintaining the e -commerce moratorium for business, and s ought  to work 
with others in the crosscutting Work Programme to address any outstanding concerns well in 
advance of the Ministerial Con ference. Another priority area was WTO Reform. Members should be TN/C/M/44  
 
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  on a journey of continuous improvement and reform. But they must make tangible progress by MC13 
on dispute settlement. Moreover, they should be able to take positive steps forward on various 
plurilateral negotiations. On the development dimension of WTO Reform, LDCs place d significant 
value in the LDC graduation proposal.  This was a practical and feasible decision that  Members could 
make in the short term.  
4.103.   The representative of Pakistan  stressed the  need to realize that, in light of the polycrises  
faced around the world, some were less capacitated especially in financial terms to ride through 
these turbulence triggered by various supply shocks . The underlying factors common to many 
developing and LDC Members – which were  not all multilaterally infl icted – was that they had put 
them at a disadvantage  leading to the need to capacitate the m to become effective trading partners 
for others and not just markets. The risk of not doing that now was not only to the se Members  but 
to the multilateral trading a nd international financial systems. Rising indebtedness of many 
developing and LDC Members and ensuing Balance of Payments crises need ed to be addressed not 
as a one off but on a systemic basis  which mean t that  the needed to take up the development issues 
with some urgency. A related issue was of food insecurity that need ed to be focused on by Members. 
This issue c ould not wait for wider outcomes on agriculture and should  be fast tracked.  
4.104.   The representative of Côte d'Ivoire  hoped that, with the leadership  of the Director -General 
and various Chairs  and the constructive engagement of all Members, they would  achieve positive 
outcomes in relation to the outstanding matters and issues of interest for developing and LDC  
Member s. Côte d'Ivoire  welcome d the appointm ent of the new CoA SS and NGR Chairs and assure d 
them of its support in discharging their respective duties. Côte d'Ivoire associated with the 
statements  by the ACP, the African Group and the C otton 4 (C-4) on the issues at stake at MC13 in 
the areas of ag riculture, fisheries subsidies, the dispute settlement mechanism, e -commerce, the 
TRIPS waiver and development.  Côte d'Ivoire  highlight ed the priority it placed on  agriculture. 
Although MC12 had been  unanimously recognized as a success, it had failed to deliver an outcome 
on agricultural reform. MC13 should be the Ministerial Conference for agriculture. Côte d'Ivoire  called 
on Members to focus additional efforts on agriculture . The new impetus injecte d by the appointment 
of the new CoA SS Chair g ave cause for hope that the WTO w ould be able to provide concrete and 
effective responses to the contemporary challenges in agricultural trade.  
4.105.   Negotiations on agricultural reform should prioritize food securit y to complement the work 
programme adopted under Paragraph 8 of the Ministerial Declaration on Emergency Response to 
Food Insecurity. Côte d'Ivoire  encourage d Members to work on reforming the multilateral trading 
system to provide developing Members , LDCs and NFIDCs  with the tools and sufficient political space 
to promote agricultural production systems that were resilient in the face of the threat of food 
insecurity facing their populations. Agriculture play ed a key role as it structure d economies and 
generated a significant share of the financial resources required to address development needs. 
Agriculture was also crucial for the livelihoods of small producers and of the most vulnerable 
populations in rural areas. It was therefore essential for Members, p rior to MC13, to focus their 
efforts on finding consensus based, functional and purposeful solutions to the issues contributing to 
the imbalance of the global agricultural market, such as domestic support, special safeguards and 
public stockholding. Member s must also take care not to minimize the issue of cotton and should 
instead focus on translating into concrete results the longstanding mandates and decisions requiring 
that the issue be addressed ambitiously, expeditiously and specifically. Côte d'Ivoire  reiterate d its 
commitment to contribut e in a constructive and open manner to all initiatives and approaches that 
would help make MC13 a success.  
4.106.   The representative of the United States  had not heard anybody  talk about de -dramatizing 
the next Ministerial Conference . She remind ed delegations about  the conversation that they had had 
on this fairly recently.  She had heard calls to focus on the task ahead and to be realistic and results -
oriented. She share d those calls  because Members  did not have much time. Members had  agree d to 
an agenda at MC12 for MC13 that was fairly fulsome.  The United States  was committed to working 
on those issues and hopefully Members could deliver. Specifically, there were significant items that 
were linked to those  that n eeded to be delivered by MC13 : fish eries subsidies  negotiations, E-
Commerce W ork Programme  and Moratorium, SPS Work Programme and WTO Reform under 
Paragraph 3  of the MC12 Outcome Document . These were four substantive set s of negotiations and 
conversations that the United States  was committed to spending time on and hopefully Members  
could deliver. The United States was very comfortable with the path that the new NGR Chair had 
laid out  and was  committed to working to fulfil  that. Work on the ratification of the Agreement on 
Fisheries Subsidies as agreed at MC12  was also important . The United States  was working on that TN/C/M/44  
 
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  and hope d to have something in the near term. On E-Commerce Work Programme and Moratorium, 
the United States  was investing a lot of time on this and thought  it was important. Given that there 
had been a lot of engagement , the United States  hoped that this w ould help Members have a good 
conversation on these issues for MC13. A lot of work was likewise being spent  on the SPS Work 
Programme. On WTO Reform under Paragraph 3, there was a lot of work going on the various 
Committees and hopefully Members  could have some good outcomes there. Th is by itself was a 
fulsome agenda.  
4.107.   There were other important issues that everyone  knew would be part of the MC13 
conversation . Everybody agree d that agriculture was an important element  and Members  should  get 
this right. At the  recent  CoA SS meeting, the United States had  expressed its views. There ha d been 
others who ha d expressed their views both yesterday and today that ha d a focus on food security 
being an important part of this conversation  – a view  share d by the United States . Members had 
also been working on food security particularly with respec t to NFIDCs and LDCs.  The United States  
would continue to spend time on that.  Members  had had a retreat on development . There w ould be 
some work related to that  which was important . The United States  hoped to have good 
conversations.  Pandemic response was still something Members  were working on. There was a trade 
facilitation  event on humanitarian shipments  scheduled for March . This was one of those little thing s 
that t ook some time to get right but something that c ould have a  practical effect and c ould 
demonstrate the practical aspects of the work that c ould be done particularly in light of the fact that 
Members  had pandemics and natural disasters . These issues ha d practic al importance.   
4.108.   If there was one priority that the U nited States  had – which was also  heard from everybody 
else – it was dispute settlement reform. DS Reform was of high priority  for the United States perhaps 
for the reverse reason than others . Members  had said that the current situation diminishe d their 
rights.  This was exactly how the United States  felt about what  the Appellate Body  had done and why 
the dispute settlement  system need ed to be reformed. The United States  had been and was engaged. 
The United  States  hoped everybody w ould continue to seriously engage on this issue. It was 
important to get it right. There were other issues that ha d come up  – which were by themselves  a 
fulsome agenda – some things that ha d specific outcomes that Members  agreed to deliver by MC13, 
others that they knew they needed to  tackle. The United States  share d the call to  focus on work 
particularly because they also hear d often, and understandably so, that Members  had limited 
bandwidth  to deal with a lot of issues. They should not expect  Ministers to deal with a plethora of 
issues.  Members  needed to focus work in relation to whether this was something they wanted to 
deliver for MC13 versus all the other work that they should continue to  do at  the WTO but letting 
them move at their own pace.   
4.109.   Environment , climate change and intersection of  measures  with respect to the trade space  
were important conversations. The United States  was engaged with them through the  Trade and 
Environmental Sus tainability Structured Discussions  (TEESD ) and other  spaces . Members  should  be 
careful  as they were not easy conversations  – ones that they needed to work with. Members  should 
take their time to understand the issues and look at them. The United States  caution ed against 
trying to aim for any specific outcome on th is front for MC13 because these were difficult issues. 
They should  spend time thinking about it.  The United States  shared the disappointment of Members 
who ha d put forward improvements to their GATS schedules on services domestic regulation being 
offered to the entire Membership on a unilateral basis  – particularly on the blocking of the  
certifications of their schedules by a cou ple of Members. The United States  looked forward to 
engaging with those Members to see if they could resolve that issue as soon as possible. This was 
one way where Members  could make unilateral improvements to their schedule. The United States  
remain ed committed to continuing to work on any and all issues at the WTO  – but caution ed that, 
as Members  started working to the path o f what they were actually going  to deliver at MC13 , they 
should try to be focused, realistic and results -oriented.  
4.110.   The Chairperson  agree d and noted that  if Members  focused on what they could deliver – 
especially given  the good and substantive pieces  on the table – that w ould help de -dramatize  the 
Ministerial Conference . If Members  did not focus, there w ould be drama as eve rybody w ould try to 
get everythin g all at once . The two were linked and she agree d with that.  
4.111.   The representative of Peru supported  the work programme proposed by the NGR Chair., 
Peru was currently  deploying its best efforts to  ratify the Agreement on Fish eries Subsidies  as quickly 
as possible. Peru hoped that the number of necessary ratifications for the agreement to come into 
force w ould be reached as soon as possible. Peru also thank ed the CoA SS Chair for the work he was TN/C/M/44  
 
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  carrying out. Peru would like to see the full implementation of the current agreements as well as 
agriculture reform. The effective implementation of Article 20 of the Agreement on Agriculture was 
the best way to deal with food security at a global level and to have positive  impacts for the 
environment bearing in mind the effects of the majority of agricultural subsidies. Members should 
make progress in the three pillars of the negotiations . At the same time,  with other Cairns Group 
members, Peru would always be looking for a reas where Members  could converge and work 
together. On the process and the ambition in the lead up to MC13, Members should keep this process 
on a single path. They could not split food security from the rest of agriculture reform. But Peru also 
underst ood the need to make progress in the three pillars of agriculture negotiations as quickly as 
possible. Peru was committed to find multilateral solutions on modalities which would allow Members  
to reduce the level of internal support that they had as well as m aintaining the relevance of PSH 
discussion s. Peru reiterate d its commitment to work in the lead up to MC13 bringing all the efforts 
they could to the table so that they could achieve meaningful and sustainable results.  
4.112.   The representative of Cameroon , speak ing on behalf of the  African Group , noted that the 
time ha d come for this organization to finally meet expectations in the areas of agriculture, cotton 
and development look ing ahead to MC13 . The African Group  share d the idea of prioritizing a package 
of food security measures, without prejudice to the reduction or elimination of subsidies that clearly 
distort ed economic exchanges. The Group  reiterate d the need to reduce domestic aggregate 
measurements of support to the d e minimis threshold level. The success of MC13 depend ed on 
achieving outcomes in agriculture. With over 60% of arable land and a young and growing 
population, Africa need ed to regain its foothold in the agricultural sphere and develop its potential 
to meet  its food needs. Agriculture was a key element of Africa's "Agenda 2063". Future discussions 
would be enriched by being structured around textual proposals. This was the best way to 
progressively build a common understanding of the topics concerned, follow ed by a consensus. For 
this reason, the African Group ha d submitted proposals on several topics, most notably food security 
and public stockholding for food security purposes. The African Group  remain ed convinced that 
actions in favour of the above -mention ed elements, as well as SSM, were needed in order to create 
positive momentum. To this end, the Group  was open to Members' constructive contributions and 
had taken it upon thems elves to work with the C airns Group and with other Members that share d 
the same  interest in finding solutions through these negotiations. On cotton, which was so important 
for the day-to-day lives , cotton farmers continue d to keep a close eye on any concrete decisions 
taken at the WTO to resolve the issue of subsidies. Decades ha d passed and there ha d been very 
few positive decisions. This lack of progress in the cotton negotiations, coupled with the timid nature 
of development -oriented action in favour of cotton projects, was a real concern. The African Group  
commend ed the Director -General's  efforts to think outside the box by proposing new partnerships 
to assist cotton -producing countries in Africa. Her efforts deserve d to resonate more widely thanks 
to the engagement of Members willing to take the discussions forward.  
4.113.   The mandate g iven by Ministers in Paragraph 8  of the MC12 Decision on the  TRIPS 
Agreement was clear. The text reached at MC12 was the result  of a hard fought and  delicate balance.   
The only  question  that remain ed wa s whether Members ha d the political will to take the necessary 
step of extending the Decision to cover therapeutics and diagnostics. Test -to-treat strategies were 
essential. This was particularly true in Africa where, due to vaccine nationalism,  vaccination  rates 
were low. Co-sponsors  had spent  three  years providing evidence of intellectual property  barriers. 
The inability of the WTO to deliver on issues of public health amplifie d the need for African countries 
to achieve health security by prioriti zing local production and add ress concentration of production. 
The A frican Union  Summit ha d issued a Decision on Africa 's Industrialization and Economic 
Diversification.  The Decisio n recall ed the pharmaceutical  manufacturing  plan for Africa,  reaffirm ed 
Africa 's support  for the TRIPS  Waiver  proposal  and called for extension  of the WTO  Ministerial  
Decision  on the TRIPS  Agreement  to cover  therapeutics and diagnostics. Fulfilment of the Paragraph 
8 mandate remain ed a key priority for the Group . The African Group  remain ed attentive to the matter 
of extending the MC12 Ministerial Decision to therapeutics and diagnostics. According to WHO 
reports, it ha d been proven that the control of COVID -19 relie d on effective testing as well as on the 
treatment of the effects of the virus. Africa's low v accination coverage  however meant  that the level 
of exposure was higher for their populations. The African Group  therefore called upon all Members 
to join consensus to extend the TRIPS Decision to therapeutics and diagnostics without delay.  
4.114.   The African Gro up favour ed a phased, inclusive and transparent approach  to WTO Reform . 
The slogan "reform by doing" should not give rise to the implementation of new measures unless 
they were agreed by consensus. To ensure that all Members ha d an opportunity to participa te in the 
discussions, it was vital that the scheduling of meetings be better coordinated so as to prevent TN/C/M/44  
 
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  scheduling conflicts wherever possible  as African  delegations were small  – forcing them to prioritize 
certain issues.  The African Group appreciate d the quality of the workshops organized by Ambassador 
Usha Dwarka -Canabady  in her capacity as Facilitator, and the quality of Members' participation.  It 
was vital that these discussions continue d and that Members  were able to find joint responses to the 
key issues in particular the acquisition and development of infrastructure, data processing and 
mobility, consumer protection, competition, services related to the development of e -commerce, 
taxation and customs dutie s. The Group  was aware that reaching consensus w ould only be possible 
through open and constructive discussion. Together with other Members, the African Group  would 
play its part in ensuring a balanced agreement that t ook into account the development needs  of the 
continent. It was important that the principle of common but differentiated responsibility be 
understood, so as to ensure that the main contributors to the over -exploitation of fisheries resources 
effectively engage d in reducing the level of their subsidies.  
4.115.   The Chairperson  noted that Members had  had quite a robust debate with 48 interventions. 
Many of the interventions were to the point and not as long as before. More importantly, they were 
constructive. In this regard, she  thank ed Members for what  she felt ha d been a good debate. She 
had listened carefully  and thought Members we re on a path where they could work constructively 
towards what they wanted to deliver. She was happy about that. The tone was changing. If Members  
kept in this direction, they may be able to get somewhere together and get deliverables.  
4.116.   Before clos ing the meeting, she recall ed that  she had mentioned about the business of trying 
to get more interaction with the business community and with civil society. At that time, Members  
thought they could get an advisory group. There had been  much demand for this. Since there was 
no universal view on that, what she had decided to do was to have an advisory group to the 
Secretaria t. Interactions with business and civil society  had helped the Secretariat  since she came 
to the WTO . The Secretariat  was thinking through and forming these groups which w ould be 
representative of the Membership. She would share more information as the matter  progressed . 
4.117.   She had  also mentioned earlier that  the Secretariat  was trying to look at a Secretariat vision 
and strategy. This was something that need ed to be done the same way that they did not have a 
gender policy in place. There were some things that were missing. The Secr etariat  did not have a 
strategy, a Strategy Unit and a vision. She did not know how one c ould run an organization without 
a vision of what was happening for the future and how one should staff -skill oneself to support 
Members if thought was not put to what  trade was going to be like. She was not used to that. She 
found it anomalous, and would try to do something for the Secretariat. To do that, interact ion with 
Members  was needed as they were important. Ambassador Dacio Castillo (Honduras) ha d kindly 
agreed  to help do this – to get together some focus groups that c ould interact and give their views 
on what that Secretariat strategy should be and the vision the Secretariat  should be looking towards. 
She hoped to be able to leave something that c ould help guide the Secretariat  moving forward to 
the future. On the part of the Secretariat, the Transformation Unit w ould lead this process.  
4.118.   The Trade Negotiations Committee took note  of the Chair's statement and the statements 
of Participants.  
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