RESTRICTED  
  
WT/GC/M/187  
 
25 November 2020  
(20-8540) Page: 1/108 
General Council  
13 October 2020    
 
MINUTES OF MEETING  
HELD IN THE CENTRE WILLIAM RAPPARD AND IN VIRTUAL FORMAT ON 13 OCTOBER 2020  
Chairperson: H.E. Dr. David Walker (New Zealand)  
The Chair man bade farewell to H.E Mr. Kyaw Moe Tun (Myanmar), H.E Mr. Saleh Al Husseini 
(Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and H.E. Mr. Taonga Mushayavanhu (Zimbabwe) and expressed 
appreciation for their valuable contribution during their time as Permanent Representatives.  The 
representatives o f Zimbabwe and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia took the floor.  
 
Subjects discussed1: 
 
1  REPORT ON INFORMAL TNC AND INFORMAL HODS MEETINGS  ................................ ..... 2 
2  IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BALI, NAIROBI AND BUENOS AIRES OUTCOMES – 
STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN  ................................ ................................ .......................  3 
3  WORK PROGRAMME ON SMALL ECONOMIES – REPORT BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE 
DEDICATED SESSION OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT  ......................  7 
4  TWELFTH SESSION OF THE MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE – DATE AND VENUE  .............  10 
5  APEC MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR TRADE (MRT) VIRTUAL MEETING JOINT 
STATEMENT 2020 – REQUEST FROM MALAYSIA  ................................ .............................  13 
6  PROCEDURES TO STRENGTHEN THE NEGOTIATING FUNCTION OF THE WTO – 
STATEMENT BY THE UNITED STATES  ................................ ................................ ..............  16 
7  IMPORTANCE OF MARKET -ORIENTED C ONDITIONS TO THE WORLD TRADING  
SYSTEM – JOINT STATEMENT BY BRAZIL, JAPAN AND THE UNITED STATES  ..................  25 
8  PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES FOR WTO C OUNCILS AND COMMITTEES ADDRESSING 
TRADE CONCERNS – STATEMENT BY CO -SPONSORS OF WT/GC/W/777/REV.5  .............  34 
9  WORK PROGRAMME ON ELECTRONIC COMMERCE AND MORATORIUM ON  
IMPOSING CUSTOMS DUTIES ON ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSIONS – 
REQUEST FROM INDIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 37 
10  WTO PENSION PLAN  ................................ ................................ ................................  48 
10.1  Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ending 31 December 2019  ............... 48 
10.2  Report of the Independent External Auditor on the Audit of the Financial Statements  
of the World Trade Organization Pension Plan (WTOPP) for the year  
ended 31 December 2019  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...48 
11  COMMITTEE ON BUDGET, FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION – REPORTS ON  
MEETINGS OF JUNE, JULY AND SEPTEMBER 2020  ................................ ..........................  49 
12  OTHER BUSINESS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 52 
 
1 The proposed agenda was circulated in document WT/GC/W/805.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  12.1  G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting – Statement by the  
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....52 
12.2  Origin Marking Requirements by the  United States – Statement by Hong Kong, China  ........ 53 
12.3  Chairmanship of the Working Party on the Accession of Somalia – Statement  
by the Chairman  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................ 55 
ANNEX 1  - STATEMENTS BY THE GENERAL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN AND BY DEPUTY 
DIRECTOR -GENERAL FREDERICK YONOV AGAH – CHAIRING THE MEETING AND 
REPRESENTING ALL DEPUTY DIRECTORS -GENERAL AND REPORTS BY THE CHAIRS OF 
THE NEGOTIATING GROUPS AT THE INFORMAL TNC AND INFORMAL HODS MEETINGS 
HELD ON 12 OCTOBER 2020  ................................ ................................ ...........................  56 
ANNEX 2  - STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS AT THE INFORMAL TNC AND INFORMAL HODS 
MEETINGS HELD ON 12 OCTOBER 2020  ................................ ................................ .........  63 
ANNEX 3  - STATEMENT BY NIGER ON THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET, FINANCE AND 
ADMINISTRATION – REPORTS ON MEETINGS OF JUNE, JUL Y AND SEPTEMBER 2020  
(AGENDA ITEM 11)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 108  
 
1  REPORT ON INFORMAL TNC AND INFORMAL HODS MEETINGS  
1.1.  The Chairman recalled that on 12 October, the Informal TNC and Informal Heads of Delegation 
meetings had been  convened by the four Deputy Directors -General in coordination with  him as  the 
General Council Chair. As he had  noted at that meeting, the DDGs and he had  thoug ht that during 
the interim period, it would be useful to have a "no surprises" approach, and that include d continuing 
to provide the important usual transparency and inclusiveness in the H ODs/TNCs – for Members to 
update each other on their activities and express views on the way forward ahead of the General 
Council meeting.  
1.2.  DDG Agah, representing all DDGs, had chaired the meeting and  had provided a report on recent 
activities. The Chairs of four Negotiating Groups  had made oral reports on progress in thei r 
respective areas, and 47 delegations had taken  the floor. As per past practice and as had also been 
indicated on 12 October , the report of the Deputy Director -General and the reports of the Chairs of 
negotiating groups  would be included in the minutes of  the General Council meeting. Statements 
delivered by delegations w ould also be included in the minutes, unless  they indicate d otherwise . 
1.3.  The representative of Saint Lucia , on behalf of CARICOM , said that, w hile no WTO Member ha d 
been spared from the upheaval brought about by the COVID -19 pandemic, it was undeniable that 
developing Members , in particular LDCs and SVEs, were far less equipped to address the multi -
layered threats and impact of the pandemic. Small , vulnerable economi es including those in the 
Caribbean face d an outside existential threat unlike any  that others had confronted since the 
establishment of the multilateral trading system. The challenges faced by SVEs were particularly 
acute for those services -based Members that were reliant on the inflows driven by tourism, capital 
investment and financial services.  
1.4.  As responsible members of the international community, CARICOM member States ha d taken 
and continue d to take extraordinary measures to safeguard their people and  visitors from th e 
borderless pandemic. While policy responses ha d resulted in the Caribbean maintaining one of the 
lowest caseloads of COVID -19 globally, th at achievement ha d come at a high cost to social protection 
services and public finance. As small, open economies – those whose sustainable development was 
underpinned by international trade with an emphasis on trade and services such as tourism – 
restrictions on international travel driven by their own containment measures ha d placed members 
of the Car ibbean Community in the invidious position of having no clear economic option to preserve 
and sustain their development aspiration.  
1.5.  Many SVEs ha d a limited policy toolbox and d id not benefit from the support of strong central 
banks able to issue and moneti se debt at unprecedented levels. To make those matters worse, due 
to extended lockdown and historic levels of unemployment in their source markets for vital financial 
remittances, Caribbean Member States face d an almost unsurmountable challenge in the abse nce 
of external support. Added to th at, the threat of and continued unilateral, arbitrary and non -WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  transparent blacklisting strategy employed by some WTO Members d id not serve the cause of 
international solidarity particularly at a time of unprecedented glo bal uncertainty.  
1.6.  CARICOM member States continue d to cooperate in an effort to meet extraterritorial demand 
by enacting legislation, strengthening their regulatory and enforcement regime in keeping with 
international standard and best practice – yet the goa l post continue d to shift beneath their very 
feet. There was a need for (i) an effective consultation with States people -blacklisting, 
(ii) reconsideration of the rigidity of the methodology used to blacklist, (iii) transparency in the 
methodology used and (iv) scope for open discussion with targeted countries to agree mitigation 
measures in advance of blacklisting. Continued extraterritorial action aimed at alleged non -
cooperative jurisdiction d id not take into account the progress, goo d faith and best efforts already 
demonstrated by members of the Caribbean Community.  
1.7.  While the WTO d id not per se have a standing in th e matter, CARICOM member States t ook 
the opportunity to reaffirm its interest in a strong, safe , rules-based international system. The Group 
further reinforce d their previous call for multilateral organizations including the WTO to empower 
their members through respective bodies to assess and ex plore policy options that would support a 
strong exit from the crisis through targeted and collective action. CARICOM member States remain ed 
committed to contributing to the preservation and strengthening of the rules -based trading system 
and cal led on the  support of all Members to take concrete action that w ould forestall the unravelling 
of the socio -economic gains that ha d been achieved over the past three decades . 
1.8.  The General Council took note  of the report2 of Deputy Director -General Agah, representing  all 
DDGs, on 12 October, and of the statement that day as well as those delivered at the 12 October 
Informal TNC and Informal HODs meetings3. 
2  IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BALI, NAIROBI AND BUENOS AIRES OUTCOMES – 
STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN  
2.1.  The Chair man recalled4 that the  item remain ed on the agenda so that the General Council c ould 
continue to follow up, in a horizontal and transparent manner, on the Ministerial decisions adopted 
in Bali, Nairobi and Buenos Aires. His statement w ould focus on those areas where t here had been 
developments and was based on the information provided by the Chairs of the regular bodies on the 
implementation work taking place further to Ministerial mandates in their respective areas.  
2.2.  Starting with TRIPS non -violation and situation comp laints, the tentative indications of a new 
submission ha d not yet materiali sed and he underst ood that the TRIPS Council Chair was considering 
leading an informal exchange after the TRIPS Council meeting th at week, where the item  was again 
on the agenda.  
2.3.  In Agriculture, subsequent to the invocation of the Bali Ministerial Decision on Public 
Stockholding for Food Security Purposes by a Member, the Committee on Agriculture had reviewed 
the notified information at its July and Septembe r 2020 meetings. The specific issues raised by 
Members at those meetings and the responses provided by the notifying Member could  be viewed 
in the Agriculture Information Management System (AG -IMS), which contain ed the record of the 
Committee Review Proces s since 1995.  
 
2 Deputy Director -General Agah's report, representing all DDGs, (also circulated in JOB/TNC/87) and the 
reports of the Chairs of Negotiating Bodies at the  12 October Informal  TNC and Informal HOD s Meetings  are 
incorporated in the minutes of this meet ing and are  reproduced in Annex 1  of this document.  
3 The statements at the 12 October  Informal TNC and Informal HODs Meetings by the following delegations 
are incorporated in the minutes of this meeting and can be found in Annex 2 of this document:  Brazil; Chad 
(LDCs); China; Panama (Article XII Members); Egypt; European Union; Japan; Ango la; Afghanistan; United 
States; Costa Rica (Joint Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation); Argentina; Iceland; Canada (Ottawa 
Group); Jamaica (ACP); Singapore; Australia (Joint Statement Initiative on Electronic Commerce); Botswana 
(African Group); Ind ia; Montenegro; Turkey; Saint Lucia (CARICOM); Philippines; Thailand; New Zealand; 
Mexico; Republic of Korea; Chinese Taipei; Chile (Structured Discussions on Investment Facilitation for 
Development); Switzerland; South Africa; Indonesia (G -33); Norway; Ho ng Kong, China; Uruguay (Informal 
Working Group on MSMEs); Nigeria; Malaysia; Qatar; Ecuador; Colombia; Namibia; Pakistan; Burkina Faso (C -
4); United Kingdom; Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; Sri Lanka and Peru. At its request, the statement of 
Barbados o n this matter is likewise  incorporated in the minutes of this meeting  at the last part of Annex 2.  
4 The Chair man's statement was circulated in document JOB/GC/246.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  2.4.  Subsequent to the adoption by the General Council of the recommendations of the review of 
the operation of the Bali TRQ Administration Decision, the Committee on Agriculture  had considered 
the issue of the follow -up to the Decision at its Sep tember meeting. A Secretariat background note 
featuring data on TRQ administration, fill rates and additional elements based on the agreed 
recommendations had supported the Committee 's discussions. The Secretariat had also shared a 
draft underfill Tracking  Register which w ould be finali sed at the November meeting of the Committee  
on the basis of Members' comments.  
2.5.  The fifth annual dedicated discussion pursuant to the Nairobi Decision on Export Competition 
had also t aken place at the September meeting of th e Committee on Agriculture. A background 
document had been  circulated based on Members' relevant notifications as well as their responses 
to the export competition questionnaire. Written questions by Members on their respective export 
competition practices  and the corresponding responses could  also be found in the Agriculture 
Information Management System (AG -IMS). With respect to the modification of schedules pursuant 
to the Nairobi Decision, Indonesia's revised draft schedule had been  circulated on 12 Oct ober. Two 
Members ha d yet to submit their draft revised export subsidy schedules and they had updated the 
Committee on the steps taken to implement the Decision.  
2.6.  Turning to the LDC Services Waiver, at the last meeting of the Council for Trade in Services, 
the LDC Group had put forward some suggestions to advance the discussion on the operationali zation 
of the Waiver. The Group had proposed that the Services Council organi zed a virtual workshop to 
bring together LDC service suppliers and consumers of LDC ser vices in preference -granting 
Members, and  had asked the CTS Chairman to hold consultations in th at respect.  
2.7.  The Group had also noted that it plan ned to organi ze a webinar on the impact of COVID -19, 
and related measures taken by Members, on the supply of se rvices from LDCs. Additionally, the 
Group had sought the Secretariat's assistance to update the information on LDC services trade 
initially prepared for the dedicated session on the Waiver held in 2019. Members had generally been 
open to discussing the LDC  Group's ideas – with some Members calling for more details to be 
provided.  
2.8.  Regarding DFQF market access for LDCs, the CTD's annual DFQF review w ould take place in 
November. Given that divergent views persist ed on the scope and coverage of the mandated 
Secretariat report on Members' DFQF market access for LDCs, he underst ood that it w ould once 
again not be possible for the Secretariat to prepare its report for the review. Members could 
nevertheless use that occasion to share any updates on their provision o f DFQF market access for 
LDCs.  
2.9.  With respect to the Bali Decision on Trade and Transfer of Technology, at a recent meeting of 
the Working Group, a number of Members had made presentations on the policies they ha d 
implemented to encourage technology transfer, and the role that technology transfer had played in 
their economic development. The Chair of the Working Group intend ed to hold informal consultations 
with Members to hear their views regarding the lack of pro gress in recent years, and to assess what 
could be done differently to fulfil the mandate of the Working Group.  
2.10.   On Aid for Trade, at the meeting on 5 October, Members had considered a proposal by the 
Chairman on an addendum to the existing 2020 -2022 Aid fo r Trade Work Programme entitled: 
"Empowering Connected Sustainable Trade". The purpose of th e addendum was to collect, discuss 
and disseminate information concerning Members' Aid for Trade needs and responses to the trade -
related challenges triggered by th e COVID -19 pandemic, and the central focus was an Aid -for-Trade 
Stocktaking event that w ould be held in early 2021. The addendum5 had been  issued under the CTD 
Chairman's own responsibility on 12 October.  
2.11.   Regarding the Trade Facilitation Agreement, two a dditional Members ha d ratified the 
Agreement since  his last report bringing the total ratification rate to 93% of the Membership.  
2.12.   And finally, on the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce , since his report to the last 
meeting of the General Council which had covered the webinar and the Informal open -ended meeting 
held in July, no additional submissions from Members had been  received. Members continue d to 
 
5 The addendum was circulated in document WT/COMTD/AFT/W/81/Rev.1/Add.1 . WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  engage under the Work Programme in the relevant bodies, in particular in the Goods Council, 
Services Cou ncil, and TRIPS Council. Specifically, in the Services Council, a joint communication6 
proposing exploratory discussions on supporting digital capabilities of business and consumers, 
initially tabled in July, had continued to generate substantive engageme nt, with several delegations 
presenting information on their initiatives, including efforts to promote the development of the e -
payment sector. In the TRIPS Council, delegations had had a rich discussion of specific TRIPS -related 
e-commerce topics at its m eeting in July following a request from a Member. He underst ood that, in 
subsequent consultations, there had been  broad support to put the item on the Work Programme 
on Electronic C ommerce on the agenda of the next meeting with a view to mapping out how th e 
TRIPS Council w ould move forward with th e item. 
2.13.   Those discussions were welcome particularly  given the current pandemic. In that regard, 
Members continue d to underscore the crucial role of e -commerce in fostering economic growth and 
addressing the challen ges faced. He urged all delegations to deepen engagement on both the Work 
Programme and the Moratorium in line with the December 2019 General Council Decision. As Chair, 
he remain ed ready to consult with Members and to facilitate further meetings as necessary.  And for 
the current  General Council meeting, as Members we re aware, they had an item on the Work 
Programme and the Moratorium  – item 9 – which ha d been requested by India.  
2.14.   The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDCs , reiterate d the importance of the decisions 
for the benefit of LDCs with the view to their better integration into the global trading system. Th at 
remain ed a priority. In the current circumstances, the implemen tation of the decisions was all the 
more important for contributing to a better way out of the current crisis. The LDC Group  was 
therefore aiming at the effective implementation of decisions on DFQF market access, Services 
Waiver and Preferential Rules of Origin for LDCs. The Group  referred Members to the statement it 
had made at the  12 October  Informal TNC and Informal HODs meetings.  
2.15.   Concerning e -commerce, since the Ministerial Decision on th e matter had been  adopted in 
Buenos Aires, the LDC Group had  subm itted a communication that had been  mentioned by the 
Chairman in his report stating the importance for LDCs of being equipped  with sufficient information 
and communication infrastructure for them to be able to truly benefit from e -commerce. Regarding 
the e-commerce moratorium, the Group  intend ed to continue to be fully involved in the discussions 
undertaken since December concerning whether that moratorium would be  maintained.  
2.16.   The representative of the European Union  recalled  that a Member ha d invoked the B ali 
Ministerial Decision on Public Stockholding for the first time. The European Union  was currently 
examining the relevant domestic support notification and accompanying data. The E uropean Union , 
along with other Members, was still awaiting substantive answers to the technical questions raised 
on the matter in the Committee on Agriculture.  
2.17.   The European Union recalled that t he Nairobi Ministerial Decision on Export Competition had 
been adopted, as the Chairman had  referred to, in December 2015. Th at had  required sixteen 
Members to submit schedule modifications. Three Members – but the Chairman had indicated earlier 
that Indonesia had submitted the previous day , so it was then two – had not still done so , including 
one who had co-sponsored the proposal which had led to the decision. The E uropean Union  urged 
the Members concerned to submit the nec essary schedule modifications as soon as possible.  
2.18.   The European Union  also recall ed that the next review of the Nairobi disciplines was scheduled 
for 2021  and noted that developing Members  should  eliminate all export subsidies by the end of 
2022. In th at context, the European Union  asked any Member contemplating the introduction of 
export subsidies to refrain from doing so.  
2.19.   The representative of India said that, a s the WTO membership work ed overtime to fulfil the 
mandate of MC11 and SDG 14.6 regarding disciplines on fisheries subsidies, India remind ed them 
about the clear Ministerial mandates from Bali and Nairobi regarding an effective, permanent 
outcome on public stockholding for food secu rity purposes. Th e outcome was also imperative for the 
achievement of Sustainable Development Goals  1 and 2 and for telling the world that the WTO c ould 
still deliver results especially in areas of immediate concern to the large majority of its membership.   
 
6 The joint commun ication was circulated in document JOB/SERV/296. Several revisions of this document 
were subsequently circulated.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  2.20.   The COVID -19 crisis was posing significant challenges to the already strained food, nutrition 
and livelihood security of poor and vulnerable farmers in several developing countries and LDCs. In 
view of th at, India emphasi zed the critical importance of en gaging on the Ministerial mandate from 
Bali and Nairobi to have an effective and permanent outcome on the issue of public stockholding for 
food security purposes by MC12.  
2.21.   Responding to the issues raised by the European Union,  as a responsible Member of th e WTO, 
India ha d been consistently complying with its notification obligations at the WTO including with the 
notification obligations prescribed in document G/AG/2. India's  track-record with meeting its 
transparency obligations ha d been much better than th at of several Members who were pressing for 
enhanced transparency at the WTO. Pursuant to the Bali Ministerial Decision on Public Stockholding 
for Food Security Purposes and the General Council Decision of 2014 as contained in document 
WT/L/939, India had notified the Committee on Agriculture that it ha d, for the first time, exceeded 
the de minimis level of market price support for rice for the marketing year 2018 -2019 by a very 
minor margin of 1.4%. Market price support for rice, a traditional staple food crop, was notified 
under Article 7.2(b) of the Agreement on Agriculture in pursuance of public stockholding 
programmes for food security purposes.  
2.22.   India's public stockholding programmes for food security purposes, covering rice and a 
number of other commo dities, ha d been consistently reported in its Table DS:1 notifications since 
1995. The programme was consistent with the criteria mentioned in paragraph 3, footnote 5, and 
footnote 5 &6 of Annex 2 to the Agreement on Agriculture. Further, the stocks under t he programme 
were acquired and released in order to meet the domestic food security needs of India's poor and 
vulnerable population, and not to impede commercial trade or food security of others. For th ose 
reasons, the notified level of market price suppor t for rice was covered by the peace clause set out 
in the Bali Ministerial Decision on Public Stockholding for Food Security Purposes (WT/MIN(13)/38) 
and the General Council Decision (WT/L/939). India ha d been constructively engaging on th e issue 
with othe r Members in the meetings of the Committee on Agriculture.  
2.23.   The representative of Indonesia  said that a lot of work need ed to be done to ensure 
meaningful progress on the mandated issues. Agriculture and fisheries subsidies negotiations were 
among top mandate d priorities that deserved Members'  utmost attention in the lead up to MC12. 
Indonesia reiterate d its call to achieve s ignificant progress on the negotiations on a permanent 
solution on PSH and the importance of a comprehensive and balanced outcome on SSM. Indonesia 
looked forward to seeing  the advancement of th at agenda in th at context of agricultural reform that 
promote d food security and c ould address the challenges of today's pandemic and its future impact.  
2.24.   In addition, Indonesia  recalled the impasse of the Appellate Body selection process  and called 
on Members to renew their political will in resolving th at issue in an  expedited manner. The new 
Director -General that w ould hopefully be elected in the near future should place th at agenda as an 
immediate priority to facilitate new dialogue between Members to end the impasse.  
2.25.   As the COVID -19 pandemic was continuing to sprea d, any work that Members  were currently 
undertaking should be cognisant of the effect th e pandemic ha d brought to Members. For developing 
and LDC Members, it ha d become difficult to engage meaningfully in all negotiating configurations 
due to continued loc kdown in their capitals. While Indonesia  underst ood that some negotiations 
needed some assistance in ensuring progress, the proliferation of meetings under some negotiating 
groups need ed to be reconsider ed as it could undermine the inclusivity and transpar ency principles 
embedded in the WTO.  
2.26.   Finally, the current agenda item should also take into account the challenges that Members 
faced due to  the pandemic. It was high time for the WTO to provide advice and action for Members , 
that were allowed by existing rules,  to facilitate Members'  easy and affordable access to medicine, 
health equipment and vaccine s. Members should also  start talking about what the WTO c ould do to 
address the pandemic . 
2.27.   The General Council took note  of the statements.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  3  WORK PROGR AMME ON SMALL ECONOMIES – REPORT BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE 
DEDICATED SESSION OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT  
3.1.  The Chairman  recalled that in line with the agreement in the General Council in 2002, the Work 
Programme on Small Economies was a standing i tem on the agenda and the Committee on Trade 
and Development reported regularly to the Council on the progress of work in its Dedicated Sessions. 
In Buenos Aires, Ministers had adopted a Decision reaffirming their commitment to the Work 
Programme and instr ucting the CTD to continue its work in Dedicated Sessions under the overall 
responsibility of the General Council.  
3.2.  Ambassador Mohammad Qurban Haqjo (Afghanistan), Chairman of the Dedicated Session of 
the CTD , recalled that he had  reported to the General Co uncil in July of his intention to convene a 
meeting of the CTD 's Dedicated Session on Small Economies after the summer break , and  the 
planned meeting of the Dedicated Session w ould be held on 2 November . 
3.3.  The Dedicated Session w ould firstly have a discussio n on the opportunities and challenges for 
small economies in attracting investments. As part of th at discussion, presentations w ould be made 
by experts from the ITC, UNCTAD and WTO. Some presentations were also expected from 
representatives of the Group of Small, Vulnerable Economies.  
3.4.  The second item on the agenda concern ed the impact of the COVID -19 outbreak on the trade 
of small economies. The 2 November meeting of the Dedicated Session w ould be an interesting one 
with useful discussions and exper ience-sharing taking place under both agenda items. He looked 
forward to reporting back to the General Council on the deliberations.  
3.5.  The representative of Barbados  associate d with the statements  to be made by CARICOM and 
the SVEs. Barbados  was particularly  pleased to express its collective enthusiasm in being able to 
finally secure a date for convening the 40th Dedicated Session on Small Economies in the CTD. It 
was however bittersweet that the issue that ha d caused the delay to convene earlier was due to t he 
items that was on the agenda for that meeting.  
3.6.  The COVID -19 economic crisis ha d had a detrimental impact on the global econom y. The impact 
had been most felt in the tourism sector – the sector in which many SVEs including Barbados 
depend ed on. The UN W orld Tourism Organization ha d revised its early modest figures to forecast 
60% to 80% decline in tourist receipts in 2020. Equally, the UN DESA ha d indicated that owing to 
their inherent challenges associated with small size and vulnerability, small island  developing States 
which ma de up a significant portion of the SVEs were disproportionally impacted by the COVID -19 
economic crisis. Barbados  therefore welcome d discussions on the impact of the COVID -19 outbreak 
on the trade of small economies and look ed forward to a discussion on meaningful solutions which 
could assist small economies in their continued response and recovery processes.  
3.7.  The discussion on "Investment Attraction: Small Economies' Opportunities and Challenges" 
would come at an opportune time as  Barbados and other small economies continue d to be pressured 
by unilateral and harmful measures that threaten ed to undermine their ability to attract investment 
and their reputation and serve d as yet another problem in a shifting goal post which could have a 
detrimental effect on their ability to trade and access financial services. Barbados was  therefore 
ready and eager to engage in the discussions on th at item in the upcoming meeting.  
3.8.  In its 29 October statement, Barbados had  reminded Members that although the narrative had 
been within  and outside the WTO focus ed on the need to uphold multilateralism and the multilateral 
trading system, the future of the WTO had come down to how Members  at present focus ed and 
reform ed their work. The notions of dormancy of th e organization remain ed unresponsive to the 
changing world and at the same time it being duty bound to complete unfinished business in 
traditional areas that continue d to linger. The area t hat Members  were all seeming to agree on was 
that the WTO should  create a level playing field for its Members. F or Barbados, that  resound ed inter 
alia that the  WTO should be reflective of its Membership and ensure that the issues and interests of 
its Membe rship were reflected in various pillars of WTO work so that  developing countries particularly 
SVEs and LDCs were fully integrated into the multilateral system.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  3.9.  As a small island developing State and a  small, vulnerable econom y, fulfilling such a notion 
would ensure that the issues of importance to their countries were reflected in  WTO work. Barbados  
therefore look ed forward to the continued engagement on the issue of natural disasters and trade 
in Members'  upcoming work. The upcoming discussions w ould no doubt be of importance to 
Barbados. Barbados  looked forward to participating in the meeting and to hearing the report of the 
CTD Chair under th at agenda item during  the next General Council meeting.  
3.10.   The representative of Guatemala , on behalf of the SVE s, noted that  at the next CTD in 
Dedicated Session on Small Economies  on 2 November,  Members  would discuss two  important 
topics: opportunities and challenges for small economies in attracting investment and the impact of 
the COVID -19 outbreak o n small econ omies.  
3.11.   Under the first topic, Members  would discuss the relevance of investment attraction on the 
participation of SVEs in global value chains, key sectors for investment attraction, reduction of trade 
cost, regulatory and policy frameworks and mobili sing investment to finance climate change 
mitigation and adaptation. The SVEs would  also share their perspectives on the challenges that they 
faced in the attraction of investment and w ould hopefully share success stories. The discussions  
would be enriched by the participation of experts from  the ITC, UNCTAD and WTO.  
3.12.   The SVEs look ed forward to the discussions on how COVID -19 affect ed trade in their  
economies. They expect ed that the discussions of th ose specific challenges w ould be a catalyst for 
Aid for Trade p rojects and other technical support initiatives. The economic crisis that ha d resulted 
from the pandemic ha d highlighted that the small economies d id not have the resource s, the safety 
nets nor an econom ic insurance policy that many more resilient economies ha d. That was why the 
SVEs need ed the support of the development community to achieve economic recovery from the 
effects of COVID -19. The SVEs  would be reporting on t he outcomes of th at meeting at the ne xt 
meeting of the General Council.  
3.13.   The representative of Sri Lanka  associate d with the statement made by the  SVE Group. T he 
two topics that the SVEs  intend ed to discuss during the Dedicated Session on Small Economies  – 
the opportunities and challenges for small economies in attracting investments and the impact of 
the COVID -19 outbreak on trade of small economies – were equally important during  a pandemic of 
such an unimaginable magnitude  currently  being experienced by the world.  
3.14.   The COVID -19 pandemic remain ed an unprecedented crisis and had exposed many 
vulnerabilities especially of small economies that had been  heavily depend ent on international trade. 
It had spread through almost all economic sectors mainly those contribut ing to foreign curr ency 
reserve s. While the primary focus of Sri Lanka's  government remain ed the health and safety of its 
citizens , the revival of its economy  and ensuring stable markets, supply chains and job creation were 
some of the other bigger challenges that demand ed immediate attention.  
3.15.   Countries that ha d debt obligations nearly the same  size as their GDP or more would  face 
greater challenges in the post -pandemic period particularly as paying back the debt obligations and 
debt service charges bec ame daunting tasks as the majority of foreign income generating sectors 
were producing zero foreign currency income. Further more, the sectors that were contributing to 
the foreign currency reserve s such as migrant workers were facing the grim prospect of losing their 
jobs and means of livelihood while some were faced with the challenge of enforced return. In such 
instances, they needed collaborative action from their partners, the debt providers as well as from 
institutions on proposed course s of action that w ould not further dig such countries into debt traps.  
3.16.   The consideration of debt relief and financial stimulus for small an d vulnerable economies 
should  be duly recogni zed. It was important to provide necessary financial support to such countries 
to enabl e them to fa ce diverse socioeconomic consequences caused or aggravated by the pandemic. 
Although th at subject was not coming under the purview of th e organization, Sri Lanka  wished to 
put on record the most pressing  challen ges ahead for  their countries following the c urrent pandemic.  
3.17.   In addition, ways and means of ensuring equal access to vaccine s for small economies when 
produced in resource -rich countries was another international response that Sri Lanka  saw essential 
during a pandemic . Analysing the effects of the pandemic on numerous pillars by itself w ould not 
help Members  overcome the challenges created by the pandemic . To address them, e ffective support WT/GC/M/187  
 
- 9 - 
 
  measures  should be put in place  by way of policy considerations, appropriate Aid for Trade and other 
technical support initiatives.  
3.18.   The representative of Ecuador  underscored the importance of  Members coming together at 
the October meeting on the Aid for Trade Work Programme particularly concerning  the impact of 
COVID -19 on developing countries. Ecuador, together with other Members,  would be  participating  
in discussions in that regard which would in turn help move their work forward on trade in services, 
the integration  of SVEs  into global v alue chains, international tourism , gender perspectives and the 
inclusion of vulnerable sectors particularly MSMEs. Ecuador also  highlight ed the importance of an 
exchange of experience and information on the impact of e-commerce on global trade.  
3.19.   During th eir dedicated discussions,  Ecuador and other Members  had been able  to further 
understand  national perspectives of a variety of Members and to detect  issues of common interest . 
Consequently, Members  had been able to identify the needs and requirements for c ooperation and 
to raise awareness on different avenues  for joint action to face up to th e current crisis . The varying 
impacts of the crisis on different Members  was one of the central elements of the considerations and 
reflections that Members  should  have in their work at the WTO particularly at the General Council.  
3.20.   The representative of  Saint Lucia , on behalf of  CARICOM , associate d with the statement made 
by the SV E Group.  The CARICOM Group place d high priority on discussions within the WTO on 
appropriate responses to the trade -related challenges of SVEs including with respect to climate 
change, trade and natural disasters, attracting sustainable investments , the im pact of exogenous 
shocks as was the case with the COVID -19 pandemic and issues such as trade vulnerability.  
3.21.   Concerning the COVID -19 pandemic, al l Members had made targeted increases in social 
spending to combat the socioeconomic fallout from the pandemic.  In CARICOM Member States'  
tourism dependent economies where in some cases 34 -48% of GDP c ame from tourism and related 
services, with the sector having screeched to a halt, the repercussions ha d been enormous. In their 
more commodity -based economies, on ac count of spira lling trade prices in sectors such as oil and 
gas, their economic experts ha d predicted that growth w ould be greatly diminished and th at was 
already playing itself out. The CARICOM Group  therefore  support ed any attempt to reduce trade 
costs f or SVEs and better integrate them into global value chains.  
3.22.   In that regard, the Group  recogni zed the need to expand Members'  conversation and analysis 
to include those new ways of conducting trade which the COVID -19 pandemic ha d already brought 
into sharp focus. For example, digital access was crucial and w ould continue to be if the SVEs  were 
to become more resilient. However, gaps in digital access, infrastructure and knowledge significantly 
limited the extent to which they could capitali se on the opportunities offered by the online world.  
The CARICOM Group took note of the upcoming Fortieth  Dedicated Session of the CTD on Small 
Economies  and looked  forward to contributing in a substantive and constructive manner to th ose 
discuss ions. 
3.23.   The representative of Mauritius  associate d with the statements made by the SVE  Group  and 
Barbados. Mauritius  looked forward to participating actively in the Work Programme on S mall 
Economies  especially in examin ing in greater detail the impact of COV ID-19 on their economies. 
Mauritius ha d dealt fairly well with COVID -19 but the procurement bill ha d been very substantial  and 
would weigh heavily on its national budget. It was from th at perspective that Mauritius  support ed 
all initiatives that aim ed at improving public health  support . 
3.24.   Mauritius  looked forward to the work of SVEs  particularly focusing  on sustainability. Members 
had heard about the Green Initiative  and Mauritius  support ed the principle of a Green Initiative that 
would speak to small island States and to SVEs generally. Mauritius  had recently been impacted by 
two things – COVID -19 which it had  dealt with well , but it also  had an oil spill. The latter  had shown 
just how vuln erable one could become overnight by a single oil spill. Mauritius'  artisanal fisheries 
had been impacted and its government was taking a lot of measures to try and deal with th at. 
Mauritius  realised that it needed to bring th at reality to the fisheries ne gotiation s and to the Work 
Programme on Small Economies . 
3.25.   Mauritius was a very small island  but had nonetheless a maritime territory of some 
400,000  km2 – to put i t simply, the size of France and Germany together. So , managing that was 
not an easy task which could make one wonder  about how to cope with trade -related vulnerabilit ies WT/GC/M/187  
 
- 10 - 
 
  and the vulnerability of not being able to exploit what one already ha d. Mauritius  took note of the 
dedicated session on small economies  that w ould take place soon and look ed forward to the 
discussions there.  
3.26.   The representative of  the Republic of Korea  was aware that the COVID -19 pandemic ha d led 
to a freefall in international travel  – hitting small, vulnerable economies particularly hard.  Korea 
therefore welcome d the upcoming dedicated session on small economies. Given that the first 
UNCTAD Conference hosted by a small island developing State w ould be held just a few months 
before MC12 , the dedicated session would be a timely occasion to further explore how UNCTAD 15 
and MC12 could be mutually supportive on the topic of small, vulnerable economies. Korea  was 
happy to engage further in the dedicated session.  
3.27.   The representative of Fiji, on behalf of the  Pacific Group , associate d with the statement made 
by the SVE  Group . The Pacific Group welcome d the deferral of the dedicated session to November 
to focus on investment attraction for SVEs. The Pacific Group  had often highlighted that it consisted 
of small, open economies dependent on a narrow range of exports and were highly susceptible to 
external, economic and other shocks like the COVID -19 pandemic. The experience from COVID -19 
had reinforced the perception on their vulnerability to depen ding heavily on imports and on a few 
key sectors such as tourism and attracting new foreign direct investments with their tourism having 
suffered significantly in the last four months.  
3.28.   In that regard, members of the Pacific Group  saw investment as a very important catalyst for 
diversifying their economies as a means to strengthen trade capacity and increase their trade 
including through regional and global value chains. In addition, investment especially foreign direct 
investment was an important conduit f or new technology and new skills needed to improving trade 
competitiveness. The Pacific Group further welcome d the inclusion of a new topic on the impact of 
COVID -19 on SVEs. Th at would be useful to better assess the economic and trade impact of COVID -
19 on SVEs and to see  what lessons could  be drawn to prepare for future pandemics.  
3.29.   Vanuatu was scheduled to graduate from LDC status in December and Solomon Islands in 
2023. They would  soon find themse lves in another vulnerable group – the SVEs, and would continue 
to be part of the small island developing States. The graduation from LDCs w ould not alleviate them 
from the negative effects arising from their vulnerabilities from climate change and vulnerabilities 
attributed to the smallness of their economies and the rising of natural and emerging disasters many 
of which were due to the changing environment and climate.  
3.30.   The Pacific Group  underline d the impo rtance of th e work programme to the group and 
remind ed Members of the objective of th at work as mandated by Paragraph 35 of the Doha 
Ministerial Declaration "to frame responses to the trade -related issues identified on the fuller 
integration of small, vuln erable economies into the multilateral trading system." The Pacific Group  
urged Members to engage in the CTD in November  to help frame meaningful responses to the 
challenges faced by SVEs and to better integrate SVEs into the multilateral trading system.  
3.31.   The General Council took note  of the report of the Chairman of the CTD and of the statements.  
4  TWELFTH SESSION OF THE MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE – DATE AND VENUE  
4.1.  The Chairman  recall ed that at the July meeting of the General Council, he had  reported on the 
consul tations that he had held further to the renewed offer by Kazakhstan to host MC12 in 
June 2021. As he had  also noted at that meeting, the "working hypothesis" continue d to be that the 
Conference would take place in the third week of June 2021 – specifically  from 21 to 24 June – and 
that the General Council would take a formal decision at the appropriate time. A discussion on th at 
matter had taken  place at the July meeting. Some Members had noted the persistent uncertainties 
brought about by the COVID -19 pand emic and the different impact of the virus across different 
regions of the world.  
4.2.  At the same time, several delegations had reiterated the importance of formally agreeing on 
the date for MC12 to help the preparations of both the Members and the host. Some Members had 
also highlighted that logistical considerations should not divert the attention from the ongoing 
substantive discussions in the various WTO bodies which had remained the main focus to ensure a WT/GC/M/187  
 
- 11 - 
 
  successful Conference. Mentions had also been made to the possibility of considering contingency 
plans.  
4.3.  A number of  Members had reiterated that MC12 had remained a crucial event for the WTO, and 
that delivering meaningful outcomes had been  essential especially given the current challenges that 
the wo rld was facing. With th at in mind, he invited all Members to stay constructively engaged so 
that the General Council c ould take a formal decision as soon as feasible, and hopefully at their next 
meeting in December. His door remain ed open to continue to co nsult on th e matter in the context 
of the information  that he had provided t hat day. 
4.4.  The representative of Brazil  still hope d that MC12 c ould be held as had originally  been 
envisaged in Kazakhstan by mid -2021.  Brazil could however not disregard the increasing levels of 
uncertainty due to the evolving COVID -19 pandemic. Members  should therefore re-assess the 
situation at the next meeting of the General Council and have a plan B ready. If the original solution 
would  not be possible, Members  should be flexible and  could  set the venue to Geneva and work on 
a date and format that would allow enough time for (i) the new D irector -General  to take stock of 
the situation and settle in and (ii) Members to finally provide their undivided attenti on to negotiate 
in a credible and relevant package for MC12. Th at was an opportunity  that Members  could not afford 
to waste. Members  should get back on track and start preparing a meaningful package for MC12.  
4.5.  The representative of Botswana , on behalf of the African Group , express ed sincere gratitude to 
the Chairman for his  continued leadership during th ose challenging times , for the excellent manner 
he had  been guiding th e transition period  and for the manner in which he had conducted the DG 
Selection Process. The African Group also thanked the Membership for their active engagement in 
that process and the support that ha d been given to its candidates.  
4.6.  Concerning MC12 date and venue, as it had previously expressed, the African Group welcome d 
the Governmen t of Kazakhstan's offer to host MC12 and welcome d the 21  to 24 June 2021 dates as 
a working proposal subject to the evolution of the COVID -19 crisis and the uncertainty it present ed. 
4.7.  The representative of the Dominican Republic  welcome d the availability th at Kazakhstan ha d 
shown with regard to hosting MC12 in 2021. The Dominican Republic was  aware of the importance 
that the holding of MC12 ha d given that it w ould be the culmination of many different negotiations 
as well as the hard work that Members  had been undertaking at the WTO. However, even though it 
welcome d Kazakhstan's proposal, the Dominican Republic  also hear d the concerns many delegations 
had raised wit h regard to the uncertainty caused by COVID -19 and the lack of knowledge as to how 
things w ould unfold for all Members.  
4.8.  The Dominican Republic  unders tood that any date should  be subject to the reality of the time 
at which a decision was taken . Members  needed to continually monitor the pandemic especially for 
the health and safety  of the delegations, the Secretariat and those in the host country. Members  
therefore need ed to show some creativity by examining alternative options, leveraging new IT means 
which  could  give them an alternative way to hold th at very much anticipated Conference particularly 
during the  most challenging of times.  
4.9.  The representative of the United Kingdom  remain ed committed to maintaining momentum in 
the WTO's negotiations and vital bus iness. Th at was important now more than ever in response to 
the wide -scale economic disruption brought about by COVID -19. The next WTO Ministerial 
Conference w ould be a crucial milestone to taking stock of and concluding negotiations. The U nited 
Kingdom  was willing to reflect on MC12 plans  taking into account the fact that uncertainties around 
COVID -19 persist ed. But Members'  priority should be to agree on the new timing for MC12 as soon 
as possible so that Members c ould focus their attention on the negotia tions. It was important that 
the COVID -19 crisis d id not set back the vital work that the WTO ha d been tasked with.  
4.10.   To that end, Members  should consider how to build the milestones in the journey to MC12 
where decisions could  be taken. The United Kingdom was willing to work with Members to achieve 
that. In particular, the U nited Kingdom  had highlighted the potential benefit of Members comi ng 
together later in the  year for a stocktake to mark progress on the current negotiations.  The United 
Kingdom believed that  there was still merit in considering th at idea. Given th at Members were also 
in the process of selecting a new Director -General, they should seek to work with the new D irector -WT/GC/M/187  
 
- 12 - 
 
  General  once in office to determine what form of political stocktake could  be most helpful to build 
momentum in the negotiations ahead of 2021. 
4.11.   The representative of Namibia  associated with the statement made by  the African Group and 
register ed profound confidence in the Chairman's  leadership including as he direct ed that day's  
proceedings and for his comprehensive report. Namibia expressed appreci ation to the Government 
of Kazakhstan regarding its offer to host MC12 on 21 to 24 June 202 1 as a working proposal while 
observing how  the COVID -19 situation unfold ed. As MC12 remain ed very crucial , Namibia  looked 
forward to the formal decision  on the matter  by the General Council.  
4.12.   The representative of South Africa  associate d with the statement made by the African Group  
and thank ed Kazakhstan for being available to host MC12. As  had been  indicated by other Members, 
the evolution of COVID -19 remain ed unknown. South Africa  agree d with the need to continuously 
review the date in the General Council. As Members  prepare d for MC12, it w ould be important to 
reflect on the role of the WTO in contributing to a global response in fighting COVID -19 and in 
promoting inclusivity, economic recover y and resilience. Balanced outcomes depend ed on the ability 
of Members to effectively participate in an inclusive manner on all issues of the negotiations.  
4.13.   As had been  entailed in the transparency paper  in document JOB/GC/218, transparency c ould 
not only be seen from the view of notification obligation s. It should permeate the full spectrum of 
the operation of the WTO from its day to day meetings as well as the Ministerial Conferences. 
Therefore, the way meetings were organi zed should not overstretch the c apacity of small 
delegations. As Members  prepare d for MC12, they should also focus on mandated issues arising from 
previous Ministerial outcomes  to achieve credible results . 
4.14.   The representative of Viet Nam , on behalf of ASEAN , support ed an early decision on  the date 
and venue of MC12. In th at regard, ASEAN  thank ed Kazakhstan again for its kind offer to host MC12 
in Nur -Sultan tentatively from 21 to 24 June 2021. Deciding on the date and venue of MC12 was of 
utmost priority. It would not only enable Members t o chart a definite course towards MC12 and 
leverage on the momentum in the negotiations but would also provide  a message of confidence in 
the resilience of the WTO amidst the COVID -19 pandemic. ASEAN  looked forward to working closely 
with other Members for a successful MC12.  
4.15.   The representative of the Russian Federation  welcome d the offer by Kazakhstan to host MC12 
in Nur -Sultan. However, due to the uncertainty brought about by  the COVID -19 pandemic, the most  
reasonable and practical solution would be to keep the proposed dates of 21  to 24 June 2021 for 
MC12 as a working hypothesis and to revert to th at matter during the next regular General Council 
meeting in December as the Chairman ha d suggested.  
4.16.   The repres entative of the Philippines  associate d with the statement made by ASEAN. The 
Philippines commend ed the Chairman 's leadership on th at important topic and expresse d 
appreciation to Kazakhstan for its offer to continue on as host of MC12 in spite of the uniqu e and 
difficult challenges presented by the COVID -19 pandemic.  The Philippines echoe d the sentiments 
expressed by a number of Members t hat day and in past meetings of the General Council on the 
importance of holding MC12 in 2021  and in coming to an agreeme nt on the dates for MC12 without 
further delay. At the same time, the Philippines  was fully cognizant that the risks and uncertainties 
generated by the COVID -19 pandemic ha d made the task of reaching agreement on the dates, 
logistics as well as format and on the virtual options more difficult than usual.  
4.17.   Some risks and uncertainties were however entirely within Members'  control and c ould be 
mitigated through their combined political will and closer international cooperation. By th at time, 
governments around  the world would have already gained the necessary experience in preventing 
loss of life, stopping the spread of the virus and reducing the risk and rate of infection. Systems that 
were already in place c ould be extended to respond to the practical realiti es of managing logistics, 
mobili sing resources, and ensuring the health and safety of delegates in a Ministerial Conference 
that was too important to put off any further. As their learning curve in combatting the virus 
improve d, so too  should their  confidence and political will to push through with MC12 and face the 
many challenges confronting  the multilateral trading system head on.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
- 13 - 
 
  4.18.   The representative of India thank ed Kazakhstan for its continued commitment to host MC12 
in June 2021 at Nur -Sultan d espite the uncertainty associated with the global C OVID -19 pandemic. 
Holding the much delayed Twelfth Ministerial Conference remain ed a matter of urgent priority for 
the membership. The certainty of schedule for MC12 ha d the advantage of allowing Members  to 
work collectively towards implementing a work plan with appropriate markers and ambition for 
outcomes by then. An early decision on th e issue w ould also help mute criticism that the WTO ha d 
not held a Ministerial Conference at a critical time. India hoped that there w ould be clarity on the 
scheduling of MC12 soon.  
4.19.   The representative of Afghanistan  supported the renewed offer of Kazakhstan to host MC12 
in June 2021  and thank ed the Government of Kazakhstan for its proposal.  
4.20.   The representative of Malaysia  associate d with statement made by ASEAN. Malaysia 
registered its  support to Kazakhstan as the future MC12 host. Malaysia  was flexible with the dates 
proposed by Kazakhstan and st ood ready to contribute towards achieving a meaningful MC12 
outcome.  
4.21.   The represe ntative of Chad, on behalf of the LDCs , noted that Members we re living in a wor ld 
full of uncertainties where the only certainty was that there was none. The LDCs  fully espouse d the 
Chairman's  position and his intention to discuss th e matter  at the next regular  meeting  of the General 
Council in December. At that point, Members  would assess the situation  and see whether it was still 
appropriate to hold MC12  in Kazakhstan as per the potential host country's offer  or to consider some 
other way forward. In any case, Members should  take into account the constraints faced by small 
missions in terms of infrastructure . That, in turn, should be the basis  of undertaking an  objective 
assessment as they move d towards a deci sion on the date and venue of MC12.  
4.22.   The representative of Kazakhstan  referred to the communication sent on 27 April 2020 on 
Kazakhstan's readiness to host the Twelfth WTO Ministerial Conference in June 2021 in Nur -Sultan. 
Despite all the unprecedented and current difficult circumstances, Kazakhstan  remained  confident 
that Members  should  continue their efforts and build on the progress made so far to further 
strengthen the multilateral trading system. The Government of Kazakhstan wa s strongly committed 
to wo rking constructively with all Members to ensure successful outcomes of the next Ministerial 
Conference. Kazakhstan  was also confident that MC12 w ould contribute to a positive path for the 
WTO and its work in the future.  
4.23.   Having heard some concerns expressed  by delegations, Kazakhstan reiterated that its 
government st ood ready for any proposals on alternative or creative ways of conducting the 
Ministerial Conference including the hybrid format as well as if there were any proposals on the new 
dates. In any ev ent, Kazakhstan thank ed the Chairman for his skilled leadership in ensuring the 
smooth transition in general and in conducting his continued consultations on the date and venue of 
the next Ministerial Conference in particular.  
4.24.   The General Council took note  of the Chairman's report and of the statements.  
5  APEC MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR TRADE (MRT) VIRTUAL MEETING JOINT 
STATEMENT 2020 (WT/GC/220) – REQUEST FROM MALAYSIA  
5.1.  The Chairman  recalled that the item was  request ed to be included  on the agenda  by the 
delegation of Malaysia together with the communication in document WT/GC/220 concerning the 
APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Virtual Meeting Joint Statement 2020.  
5.2.  The representative of Malaysia  share d with the Membership the APEC Ministers Responsible for 
Trade (MRT) Virtual Meeting Joint Statement 2020 circulated in document WT/GC/220 . The COVID -
19 pandemic was far from over  as it continued to  send shocks through out the global  economy  which  
require d concerted efforts from all Members to minimi se the impact.  As the APEC 2020 Chair, 
Malaysia said that the APEC MRT Statement reaffirm ed APEC members ' commitment to effectively 
mitigate the economic impact of the C OVID -19 pandemic and promptly navigate the re gion towards 
a path o f resilient, sustainable, inclusive and expedited economic recovery.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  5.3.  Malaysia further noted that t he Joint S tatement acknowledge d the importance of a free, open, 
fair, non -discriminatory, transparent and predictable trade and investmen t environment to drive 
economic recovery at such a challenging time. Most importantly, the Joint Statement also affirm ed 
APEC economies ' commitment to ensure that emergency measures designed to tackle C OVID -19 
were targeted, proportionate, transparent, tem porary, d id not create unnecessary barriers to trade 
and were consistent with WTO rules.  
5.4.  The representative of Australia  expressed gratitude to  Malaysia for hosting the APEC Virtual 
Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting and for facilitating the joint statement it had shared with 
Members t hat day. The path to economic recovery from COVID -19 would not be smooth and w ould 
require concerted and col lective efforts by all Members. In th at respect, APEC's support for an open, 
rules-based approach to trade, to building supply chain resilience and to advancing digital trade was 
particularly relevant.  
5.5.  In that regard, several  activities were under way in 2020 that allow ed APEC to support the 
WTO as one of its key priorities and that include d notification of emergency measures, support to 
digital trade rules, work on the effects of COVID -19 on supply chains and work on women's economic 
empowerment and capac ity building for women -led MSMEs. Australia  thank ed Malaysia for its report 
and look ed forward to its hosting of APEC Leaders' Week later in the  year. 
5.6.  The representative of Chile congratulated  Malaysia for host ing the APEC meetings in 2020 . As 
a member of APEC, Chile fel t that APEC ha d an important role to play in th ose uncertain times 
particularly in defending predictable, rules -based trade to support the work that Members  were doing 
at the WTO in increas ing capacity to participate in negotiations, impleme nting WTO initiatives such 
as the Agreement on Trade Facilitation and the E -Commerce Moratorium as well as offering a safe 
space to exchange ideas on emerging topics.  
5.7.  The APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade ha d put out three statements – one in May and two 
in July – and in those, the APEC economies had committed to taking measures to tackle th e crisis 
with which all Members  were familiar with and to ensure supply of essential goods. Chile recogni zed 
that the cri sis ha d exponentially increased the pace of digitalization programmes  – one of the main 
consequences of the pandemic . Members  therefore needed to provide their people  with all 
opportunities  in connecting to and  access ing economic means to recover from th e crisis.  
5.8.  Chile contributed to the paper  in document  WT/GC/2 20 and supported Malaysia's work  in that 
regard . No one c ould tackle th e crisis alone. Members  needed to operate on the basis of solidarity 
and international cooperation to overcome th e health crisi s and adapt to  the new set of 
circumstance s that w ould emerge from it. Chile congratulate d Malaysia for the work that it had been 
doing with the view to a better economic and trade -focused cooperation.  
5.9.  The representative of the United States  thanked  Malays ia for its leadership in 2020  especially 
in light of the incredible challenges posed by the pandemic. APEC remain ed the premier economic 
forum in the Asia Pacific and the United States  appreciate d Malaysia's efforts in ensuring that APEC's 
important work continue d. The United States  looked forward to working with Malaysia to help ensure 
that the APEC Leaders Meeting and the work on APEC's post 2020 vision were as successful as the 
meeting of the AP EC Ministers Responsible for Trade.  
5.10.   The representative of Canada  noted that APEC's  commitment to a resilient, sustainable, 
inclusive and expedited economic recovery was an important one. Achieving that result c ould only 
happen by keeping markets open and w orking together to facilitate trade among them . In the short -
term, one step Members  could take was to implement unilateral trade facilitating measures to 
support access to essential goods for all Members. Canada ha d done so and so ha d a number of 
other Mem bers. In the longer term, an important step w ould be enhancing WTO disciplines to make 
sure that they align ed with the global imperative of collective and mutually supportive efforts to 
address future health crisis. Members  should also avoid putting in pla ce policies that w ould 
permanently raise costs for their healthcare systems.  
5.11.   As had been  mentioned during the 12 October Informal TNC and Informal HODs meetings, 
Ottawa Group members were intensifying their discussions on trade in health with the goal of s oon 
having ideas to share with the broader Membership. Canada was committed to ensuring that the WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  multilateral trading system continue d to do its part to address the current crisis and that it was well 
prepared to respond to future public health emergencies . 
5.12.   The representative of the Philippines  associated with the statement to be made by  ASEAN and 
thank ed the APEC Chair Malaysia for its leadership at th at crucial time. As a member of APEC, the 
Philippines ha d expressed its commitment to actively engage in operationali sing the APEC MRT 
Statement on COVID -19 adopted by the APEC MRT in May under the capable stewardship of Malaysia 
as the 2020 APEC Chair. APEC' s concrete actions to safeguard the health of their people, build their 
resiliency, and address the economic consequences of the COVID -19 pandemic c ould inform 
Members'  collective efforts in the WTO going forward.  
5.13.   In that regard, the Philippines  echoed the call of the APEC Minister Responsible for Trade, 
H.E. Mr. Ramon Lopez, for global action through international cooperation in data gathering and R&D 
in order to reinforce health systems and improve access to affordable, high -quality medical products, 
treatments, and services. To th at end, the Philippines ha d expressed support for Malaysia' s proposal 
for the "APEC COVID -19 LIVE" platform for virtual sharing of best practices and was open to discuss 
a regional stockpiling mechanism for critical goods.  
5.14.   Like other member -economies of APEC, the Philippines had also called for keeping trade in 
essential goods free, open and fair and facilitating cross -border essential movement of people. As 
had been reported by its Trade Minister, the Philippines had not implement ed any import or export 
trade restrictions. The Phili ppines had  exempted from duties, taxes and fees the importation of 
medical supplies and protective equipment deemed critical to address COVID -19 and had 
streamlined the process of their importation. The Philippines had  demonstrated its adherence to the 
G20 principles that COVID -19 trade -related measures should not go beyond what was necessary 
and should remain timebound, targeted and transparent.  
5.15.   The Philippines  had likewise urged Members to avoid actions that impose d additional burden 
and costs for consume rs and traders particularly MSMEs. As the biggest sector imperilled by the 
pandemic, MSMEs need ed Members ' support to ad apt to new business models and acquire digital 
tools and skills if they were to survive the crisis.  
5.16.   APEC' s work on connectivity and on building a roadmap for the internet and digital economy 
reflect ed the role that the digital economy had played in sustaining many APEC economies amid the 
COVID -19 pandemic. The Philippines had acknowledged that more work was needed on d ata privacy, 
consumer protection, intellectual property protection and enforcement, and cybersecurity, and had 
stressed the need to provide access to finance, especially for MSMEs and other vulnerable groups.  
5.17.   The representative of Viet Nam , on behalf of AS EAN, agreed that concerted efforts were 
required for all to minimi se the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic . ASEAN appreciate d the 
commitment shown by all APEC members to work together towards a resilient, sustainable, inclusive 
and expedited economic recover y through joint declarations and statements in relation to the 
COVID -19 pandemic by their Leaders and Ministers . Earlier in the year, a s could be seen in document 
WT/GC/210 , ASEAN members ha d made a similar commitment which they continue d to uphold. 
ASEAN  support ed the WTO efforts to coordinate a comprehensive response to the COVID -19 
pandemic leading to the recovery of their economies.  
5.18.   On behalf of Viet Nam , she associate d with the statement made by ASEAN. As an APEC 
member, Viet Nam  pointed out that the A PEC MRT Statement include d a comprehensive declaration 
on facilitating the movement of essential goods which concretely addresse d export restrictions and 
prohibitions  and non-tariff barriers, encourage d trade facilitation and trade liberalization of th ose 
goods and provide d a constant review mechanism to ensure commitments were met. Viet Nam  was 
pleased to note that 46 Members including Viet Nam had co-sponsored document WT/GC/212/Rev.2 
led by Switzerland wh ich had strongly reaffirmed support for the rules -based multilateral trading 
system and the essential role of the WTO.  
5.19.   Viet Nam shared the view that a predictable, transparent, non -discriminatory and open global 
trading system w ould be essential for broad -based, s ustainable economic recovery noting that there 
was a significant negative impact that the COVID -19 pandemic ha d had on MSMEs. Viet Nam  
remained committed  to continue its effort to deepen and multilaterali se MSME conversations at the WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  WTO including through t he Informal Working Group  on MSMEs. Viet Nam  would work together with 
other Members to help MSMEs overcome the crisis and become more resilient.  
5.20.   The representative of Japan  appreciate d Malaysia' s leadership as Chair of APEC. To further 
strengthen the multi lateral trading system amid the COVID -19 crisis, Japan stresse d the importance 
of the WTO 's role in coping with the COVID -19 situation as well as advancing WTO Reform with more 
urgency. Japan  welcome d APEC' s contribution , led by Malaysia  as its Chair , to that end. 
5.21.   The General Council took note  of the statements.  
6  PROCEDURES TO STRENGTHEN THE NEGOTIATING FUNCTION OF THE WTO – 
STATEMENT BY THE UNITED STATES (WT/GC/W/757/REV.1 AND WT/GC/W/764/REV.1)  
6.1.  The Chairman  recalled that the item was included on the agenda by the delegation of the United 
States  together with document s WT/GC/W/757/Rev.1 and WT/GC/W/764/Rev.1.  
6.2.  The representative of the United States  recalled that, a t the Informal HODs meeting on 
12 October , the United States  had spoke n about the paralysis of the WTO 's negotiating function. 
The root causes were complex and varied. They include d: Appellate Body overreach, which had 
enticed many Members to disfavour negotiation and instead pursue litiga tion to achieve desired 
outcomes; a chronic lack of transparency by many Members, especially some major players, which 
was distorting Members'  grasp of key issues and undermining the foundation for negotiations; and 
certain Members ' unjustified claim of au tomatic entitlement to blanket special and differential 
treatment, which ensure d that ambition levels remain ed far too weak to produce negotiated 
outcomes. Members c ould not find trade -offs or build coalitions when significant players use d S&DT 
to avoid ma king meaningful offers.  
6.3.  As the United States had  discussed its S&DT reform proposal with Members, it had  heard three 
criticisms. First, certain advanced, wealthy or influential Members claim ed they ha d an automatic, 
permanent and sacrosanct entitlement to blanket S&D T. The United States  disagree d. Its approach 
to S&D T eligibility c ould and should  evolve to reflect the trade and development reality of today.  
6.4.  Second, some Members argue d for a different solution – the "case-by-case" approach, where 
each Member was asked to contribute to the full extent of its capabilities to a set of disciplines. But 
Members  knew from experience  – it was called the Doha Round  – that th at approach d id not work 
when some Members were not willing to tak e on obligations commensurate with their role in the 
global economy.  
6.5.  Some Members point ed to the Trade Facilitation Agreement as a successful case -by-case 
approach to S&D T but the TFA was not a readily or generally applicable model moving forward. As 
Membe rs would r ecall, under the TFA, a Member could  lose competitiveness if other Members fully 
implement ed the agreement and it d id not. Most trade agreements operate d differently in that a 
Member was likely to believe it w ould be better off if other Members f ully implement ed the 
obligations and it d id not. 
6.6.  Third, some Members sa id it was folly to try to create categories of Members. Th at was an odd 
criticism given that categories already exist ed. At present , there were three categories – first, those 
Members t o which all obligations appl ied; second, the LDCs that enjoy ed enhanced flexibilities  and 
third, the majority of Members – around 90 – that claim ed entitlement to blanket S&D T as self -
declared developing countr ies. 
6.7.  So, the starting point was not categoriza tion but what to do with th at last category of Members 
that represent ed significantly divergent economies. Th ose Members simply d id not fit the same mold 
or had the same needs. The more economically advanced of th ose Members  were clearly capable of 
negotiating the flexibilities they need ed rather than availing themselves of blanket S&D T. 
6.8.  As just one example, China' s global merchandise exports were 14 times greate r than the 
combined exports of all 49 countries that the UN categori zed as LDCs. Its economy was more than 
11 times the economies of all 49 LDCs combined. China' s per capita income was more than five 
times higher than that of the LDC average – a remarkable  development since 1995 when China' s 
per capita income had been within USD 900 of the LDC 's average.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  6.9.  China had even admitted at the General Council meeting in July that China was not in the same 
position as Benin or Liberia. It was helpful that China recog nized that it should not receive the same 
flexibilities as LDCs. But the United States asked whether  that mean t that China believe d it was in 
the same position as Pakistan or Kenya because China currently  claimed the right to seek the same 
blanket S&D T as those and other lower -income countries.  
6.10.   In 1995, China's  per capita income had been nearly 20 per  cent smaller than that of Kenya 
and more than 25 per  cent smaller than that of Pakistan. Today, China' s per capita income was 
nearly four times that of Kenya,  and more than triple that of Pakistan. The failure to differentiate 
some of th e organization 's most advanced, wealthy or influential Members from LDCs and others 
diminishe d the value of S&DT  to those who need ed it most. It also imperil led Members'  ability to 
reach new agreements that could provide greater opportunities for the WTO 's poorest Members who 
were least integrated into the global trading system. Th at issue, and the need for reform, was not 
going away. The United States  looked forward to continuing its engagement with Members.  
6.11.   The representative of Brazil  recalled what it had  mentioned before  that S&DT was a means to 
an end and not an end in itself. It was and had been  designed to be flexible, varied and  evolving to 
accommodate the ever -changing needs of the developing countries. Members  should focus therefore 
on the technical aspects of S&DT and what it  had been meant to do. S&DT was a tool to promote 
development but by itself it c ould not guarantee deve lopment. It only allow ed time for those who 
needed it to promote the necessary reforms to achieve development.  
6.12.   Members  had all agreed when they had  established the WTO what those principles had been . 
In 1994, there had been  a common desire to operate in an  open and fair multilateral trading system. 
They were there to promote international trade as a driving force of economic growth, prosperity 
and development  – as indeed  it was . It was clear that there were significant difference s among 
developing countries . Some need ed S&DT more than others.  
6.13.   As a WTO Member , Brazil had decided to begin to forego the use of S&DT in current and future 
WTO negotiations. As a matter of fairness, Brazil  urged Members to look at the true needs recalling 
that policy space also implie d the need to have fiscal space to evaluate if Members  could follow 
Brazil's example. For those that were not in a position to forego the instrument, Brazil believe d that 
the use of S&DT should be precise to address specific sensibilities and needs thus providing room 
for those developing countries especially the LDC s who need ed S&DT the most.  
6.14.   The representative of the European Union  reconfirm ed that development was a central pillar 
of the organi zation. The current distinction between developed and developing countr y Members  no 
longer reflect ed the reality of the rapi d economic growth in some developing countries. Members 
should therefore continue to work on special and differential treatment with a view to ensuring that 
flexibilities were made available to those Members who actually need ed them to enable them to fully  
benefit from their Membership to th e organization.  
6.15.   If the organi zation was to prosper, special and differential treatment should  become much 
more granular in function of an individual Member's demonstrated needs and capacities. Future 
differentiation sho uld be designed in terms of specific individual country needs at the sectoral or 
activity level rather than calling for a block exemption of a large category of Members. Furthermore, 
the E uropean Union  consider ed that each developing country  Member 's need for S&DT should be 
assessed on a case -by-case and evidence -based basis. The notable exception should be the LDCs 
who deserve d particular treatment and who in any case ha d graduation mechanism.  
6.16.   The European Union  was open to looking into special and differe ntial treatment provisions in 
future agreements such as the ongoing negotiations on fisheries subsidies. The European Union  
expect ed to have a discussion with Members as to what development concern was raised by the 
provisions under discussion and what flexibility was necessary in order to eventually allow the 
affected Members to fully implement the agreement. It was only where special and differential 
treatment respond ed to a specific need that it c ould be truly effective. In th at context, the European 
Union  called on advanced  WTO Members claiming developing country status to undertake full 
commitments in ongoing and future WTO negotiations. As had been mentioned previously, th at 
should particularly be  the case for members of the G20 which represent ed the world 's most 
important economies.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  6.17.   The representative of the Russian Federation  noted that i n order to achieve the goals of 
economic growth and development for all, it was vital to ensure that  Members h ad equal 
opportunities to effectively participate in the multilateral trading system including in the rules 
negotiating processes and in the implementation of their results. One of the crucial steps in th at 
direction w ould be to provide for a true level pl aying field among all the participants of the ongoing 
and the future rounds of negotiations.  
6.18.   Striking a fair balance between Members' negotiating rights and implementation of the 
resulting commitments could be a fairer solution. Any negotiating party ha d the right to support 
agreement it was comfortable with. Such should also implement results of those  negotiations and 
Members  who c ould not do it for objective economic reasons should be identified in advance. Russia 
stood ready for discussion of th e item in  a meaningful way.  
6.19.   The representative of Botswana , on behalf of the African Group , said that the Group  reiterate d 
its statements on th e matter from the previous General Council meetings. To date, the African Group 
was not in a position to accept the use of  a pre-defined criterion for eligibility to access special and 
differential treatment provisions in the WTO.  Rather, special and differential treatment remain ed a 
treaty embedded -right within the WTO framework for all developing and least -developed countries. 
It was founded on the recognition of the differences in the level of development and capacities 
between developed and developing Members  and the necessity t o bridge the development divide 
through flexibilities that allow ed developin g Members  to better integrate into the global trading 
system.  
6.20.   The prerogative of a Member to determine their development status in the WTO and as such 
any decision to opt out of special and differential treatment flexibilities remain ed the voluntary 
decision of a Member who cho se to do so. The African Group recall ed the Joint Statement it had  
submitted with some developing and LDC Members contained in document WT/GC/202/Rev.1. 
COVID -19 emphasi zed the need for a development -oriented  multilateral trading system  that 
promote d inclusive growth. The pandemic ha d disproportionately affected Africa on the health, 
economic, financial, social and development fronts as the Group had  articulate d the peculiar 
challenges facing Africa in document WT/GC/219 – TN/C/20.  
6.21.   The African Group believe d that trade was an important part of the economic recovery process 
and that delivering on the mandate in Paragraph 44 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration was critical 
to achieve th at objective. In addition, precise, effective, operational special and differential 
treatment across various WTO agreements ha d to remain an integral part of current and future trade 
agreements and negotiations. Building better to p romote economic recovery and resilience 
necessitate d promoting policies and programs that help ed create jobs and accelerate economic and 
structural transformation to reduce the economic impact of the pandemic now and build the 
capabilities needed to ensure  inclusive economic growth in the future.  
6.22.   The G -90 S&D T proposals were specifically targeted to achieve th ose objectives . The African 
Group  called on Members to engage constructively in the CTD  SS with a view to achieve a meaningful 
outcome at MC12. The A frican Group likewise  called on the CTD SS Chair to undertake consultations 
aimed at taking th at issue forward.  The African Group st ood ready to engage constructively with the 
view to finding a mutually satisfactory approach to S&DT that aim ed to preserve and promote a 
transparent, inclusive and development -oriented multilateral trading system.  
6.23.   The representative of South Africa  associate d with the statement made by the African Group 
and that to be made by the ACP. South Africa recall ed the submission that it had  co-sponsored with 
a number of developing countr y Members  in document WT/GC/W/765 and it continue d to be its 
response on th at issue. South Africa also recall ed previous statements since the submission of th at 
item and its position remain ed. The mandate on S&DT was in accordance with Paragraph 44 of the 
Doha Ministerial Declaration and it was to strengthen S&DT provisions to make the m precise, 
effective and operational. The CTD SS was a forum mandated to negotiate on th at issue within the 
parameters of Paragraph 44. Th at was where Members  should be focusing their energy.  
6.24.   S&DT was not an obsolete concept in trade negotiations. The more  the trade agenda was 
expanded, the more demanding the commitments were and the more necessary it was to 
accommodate the various interests and levels of development of WTO Members. As the structural 
imbalances that  justified S&DT were still there, Members witness ed an increasing tendency to narrow WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  S&DT from a developmental tool to an adjustment tool that confine d S&DT to transition periods, 
capacity building and technical assistance. Th at ignore d the differences between the Members  that 
could take advantage of trade liberalization and those that were left behind in the process.  
6.25.   S&DT was a key instrument to enhance the credibility of the WTO so that it was not perceived 
as an institution that serve d the interest of a few but led to fair and equ itable outcome that benefit ed 
all its Members. Further, COVID -19 clearly demonstrate d the prevalence of the development and 
digital divide both within and between Members  but more importantly how disproportionate the 
impact was and w ould continue to be on developing count ry Members . The divide was also visible in 
the response measures to the pandemic. While many developed Members  had been  able to put huge 
stimulus packages, many developing countr y Members ' governments ha d been torn between saving 
lives and saving economies due to limited fiscal space. Large fiscal deficits and high levels of public 
debt pose d significant challenges to many developing count ries particular commodity dependent 
economies, small island States and LDCs.  
6.26.   The pandemic was worsening  poverty and inequality. The UN World Economic Situation and 
Prospects Report state d that 56% of the additional 34 million people who w ould be extremely poor 
due to massive unemployment and income losses w ould be in Africa. Developing countries face d 
mount ing financial constraints especially those  with low levels of reserve and large fiscal and current 
account deficit. COVID -19 expose d the deepening external vulnerability of many developing and 
emerging economies that rel ied on external flows whether throug h trade revenues, remittances and 
borrowing. The sharp decline in revenues ha d significantly increased the likelihood of debt distress 
in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.  
6.27.   In the case of South Africa, the UNDP Report on the Impact of COVID -19 on Sou th Africa 
stated that due to the pandemic, South Africa's GDP was expected to plunge nearly 8% in 2020 . It 
was also projected that South Africa's economy w ould recover slowly through 2024 with some 54% 
of households ha ving been pushed out of formal job s and at risk of falling into poverty. 34% of 
households were likely to exit the middle class into vulnerability. Due to investor panic as a result 
of the pandemic, the South African Rand together with the Brazilian and Mexican currencies had 
depreciated by ab out 30% between January and March 2020 pushing up the debt to GDP ratio.  
6.28.   That prove d that S&DT and access to it c ould not be based on some arbitrary criteria that d id 
not recogni ze the real development challenges and growing development divide between developing 
and developed Members . That was the time for global cooperation and not differentiation. It was the 
time when Members should be sensitive to the development plight of devel oping countries. While 
South Africa  underst ood why Members could  push that imposition, th at was the time to reassess 
whether th ose positions were realistic under the current climate and whether they assist ed to foster 
global cooperation that was so much ne eded right now . 
6.29.   South Africa  did not believe that the General Council was the place to have a discussion on 
S&DT and development. The CTD SS was the dedicated forum for th at purpose. South Africa  invite d 
the United States and other Members to support a Wor k Programme in the CTD SS to discuss the 
G-90 agreement -specific proposals as had been further clarified in light of the impact of COVID -19 
and the achievement of the SDGs. The G -90 proposals aim ed to strengthen S&DT in line with the 
mandate especially in the context of COVID -19 with a view to promote public health, accelerate 
industrialization, promote technology and close the digital divide. S&DT was an important principle 
and a right that should  be preserved and was central to the integration of developi ng countries in 
global  trade  and to promote a fair, equitable multilateral trading system as well as trade justice.  
6.30.   The representative of Saint Lucia , on behalf of CARICOM , associated with the statement  to be 
made  by the ACP. The issue of differentiation was an important one for CARICOM  which  had been 
constructive and w ould continue to be constructive in the deliberations on th at matter. The United 
States had  aptly started its submission in document WT/GC/W/757/Rev.1 by citing the Marrakesh 
Agreement Establishing the W TO. Indeed, the Marrakesh Agreement call ed on Members to conduct 
their trade and economic endeavours with a view to raising standards of living,  ensuring full 
employment , among others,  in accordance with the objective of sustainable development.  
6.31.   However, where the U nited States  ended its citation, the Marrakesh Agreement went on to 
indicate that Members'  objectives should be pursued in a manner co nsistent with their respective 
needs and concerns at different levels of economic development. CARICOM was not prepared to WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  resile from the important principle that Members'  multilateral obligations now and in the future 
should  continue to reflect the real differences in their needs, concerns and levels of economic 
development.  
6.32.   The CARICOM Group further wishe d to underscore the importance it assign ed to preserving 
the principle of S &DT for developing countrie s in the WTO. The Community d id not believe in th e 
need to eliminate self -declaration of developing country status in the WTO and its proposed 
categori zation of Members  which were ineligible for S &DT in WTO rules and negotiations. Moreover, 
the Community note d with concern approaches by some Member s to secure th ose proposed reforms 
through unilateral action, if necessary.  
6.33.   CARICOM reaffirm ed the existing Doha mandate to make S &DT provisions more precise and 
effective. CARICOM f urthermore d id not support a rigid categori zation of Members  for the purpose 
of determining eligibility for S &DT across all current and future negotiations. Additionally, the use of 
gross national income per capita as a determinant of eligibility for S &DT would erode CARICOM 's 
longstanding efforts to have the special circumstances of SVEs recogni zed in the WTO.  
6.34.   Since the Eleventh Ministerial Conference, CARICOM ha d emphasi zed the need for focused 
global attention on the impact of climate change and natural disasters on the vulnerability of small 
States. Th ose and other exogenous shocks pose d an existential threat to their economies, their 
wellbeing and the way of life of their people in a manner that GNI per capita for instance c ould never 
account for.  CARICOM  was advocating for a more nuanced approach to S &DT than the one proposed 
by the U nited States  in its submission s – an approach that would allow for flexibilities to be calibrated 
across negotiations in a manner which allow ed Members  to determine the extent or nature of the 
flexibilities they require d to achieve their development objectives.  
6.35.   The representative of Australia  appreciate d the contribut ions by the United State s and others 
to the important  topic of the role of S&DT in the WTO. Trade and openness were critical to economic 
development and it was in th at context that Australia  viewed S&DT as a tool rather than as an end 
in itself to assist Members to move to full i mplementation of the WTO Agreements and to drive 
economic development. Australia  continue d to support the provision of S&DT especially to LDCs and 
recogni zed its value in helping th ose Members  integrate better into the global economy.  
6.36.   As Australia had said before, Members'  approaches to S&DT over the years ha d not 
contributed to th e objective of helping all Members  integrate most effectively into the world trade 
system nor had helped them achieve negotiated outcomes. In some cases, their approaches ha d not 
reflected developments in the global economy. It was important to note that as some Members ha d 
benefited from the global trading system so it was that they should contribute in a manner  
commensurate with the growing role they play ed. If Members  were to make progress in the critical 
rulemaking function in th e organization, they needed to face up to th at issue and discuss in more 
detail the real needs of individual Members in the negotiati ons currently before them. 
6.37.   The representative of Namibia  associate d with the statement made by the African Group and 
that to be made by the ACP. Namibia reiterate d its statements on development from previous 
General Council meetings a nd Informal TNC and In formal HODs meetings. S&DT provisions were an 
integral part of WTO agreements. Namibia's position ha d been that the issue of S&DT should be 
addressed in a proper and transparent manner for all Members to achieve the objectives of the WTO.  
As trade was esse ntial to achieving the SDGs , the WTO  should  ensure that LDCs and developing  
Members  were provided such a privilege in order to achieve the objectives of the WTO which among 
others were to help developing Members  benefit fully from the global trading system  and to ensure 
that no Member was made worse off as they strive d to preserve the multilateral trading system.  
6.38.   The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDCs , had listened carefully to the United States 
and welcome d the flexible treatment that the United States was giving to S&DT to the LDCs. The 
LDC Group  also thank ed the Membership who ha d underlined the special case of LDCs when it c ame 
to the implementation of S&DT particularly the United States, Brazil, the Euro pean Union, the African 
Group, South Africa, Australia and those who would take the floor thereafter . While th at was a topic 
worthy of reflection, the LDC Group underscored  the principle of S&DT for developing country 
Members who need ed it particularly  the LDCs. It was an integral part of the Marrakesh Agreement  
Establishing the WTO  and of  the covered  agreements.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  6.39.   S&DT was a legally binding commitment and was essential for those who face d structural 
capacity constraints . S&DT was needed for them  to catch up  economically , to enable a  large portion 
of the ir population to leave poverty and to pave the way towards a more fair, equitable and inclusive 
multilateral trading system. The principle of S&DT was an integral part of the WTO and its 
agreements. S&DT  shoul d therefore continue to be a tool at the service of the development of those 
Members wh o needed it the most . 
6.40.   The representative of Norway  recalled that the item ha d been in the General Council's agenda 
for more than a year and a half. In May 2019, under an other agenda item but related to the same 
issue, Norway had warned that the negotiating pillar wa s in danger of deadlock and called for an 
open and pragmatic dialogue on how Members  collectively accommodate d the development 
dimension in current and future negotiations. Looking back at how th at issue ha d been addressed in 
the General Council, there seem ed to be little to report in terms of significant convergence.  
6.41.   Some nuances were however noteworthy. From on e side of the debate, Members  had noted 
the clarification that th at was not a question of development status as such but a question of blanket 
access to S&DT. From another side of the debate, Members  had noted statements expressing 
readiness to assume more  responsibility and to make a greater contribution to the best of their 
capabilities. Both th ose signals were important and encouraging – raising expectations that Members 
could  at some point be able to engage in a more practical and pragmatic approach to that issue.  
6.42.   Development was at the heart of the WTO and S&DT was one of the fundamental principles 
embedded in WTO Agreements. There was however not one single pre -defined operational S&DT 
modality that c ould be applied horizontally to every subject under  negotiation. What was practical 
and possible in one area could  not be practical or possible in another area. Members  could not pre -
define the result of a negotiation.  
6.43.   In the same way as the standard modalities ha d to be negotiated, any deviation from the  
standard should  be negotiated. Modalities c ould not be negotiated in the abstract but ha d to be 
negotiated in a specific context. What matter ed was not how Members  were labelled . What matters 
was what commitments Members were ready to take on and how S&DT  could be designed to address 
the development challenges Members were facing in each area under negotiation. Norway continue d 
to believe that th at was where Members  should concentrate their collective energy and effort.  
6.44.   The representative of China  had repeated many times that the debate on criteria to 
differentiate developing Members was totally meaningless as it was a systematic and directional 
mistake. Development was one of the WTO's key objectives which was also an important attraction 
for many cou ntries choosing to join  the organization. As WTO Members, their focus on development 
should be on how to translate the concept of development into practice rather than anything else.  
Members'  collective efforts should be focused on how to effectively enfor ce the existing S&DT  
provisions and negotiate meaningful S&DT for developing Members such as  in the fisheries subsid ies 
negotiations. For the existing S&DT provisions, there should be assurance that developing Members 
in need could truly benefit from and f ully integrate into the multilateral trading system.  
6.45.   China had done  a preliminary review on the current 155 S&DT provisions contained in the 
16 WTO agreements finding that at least 105 provisions were too vague to operate , accounting for 
67.7% . For the rem aining 50 provisions, at least half of them were related to transitional period or 
technical assistance. So, there were only 25 S&DT provisions in existing WTO agreements that were 
directly linked to individual Members ' rights and obligations accounting fo r 16.1% of the total. It was 
therefore fair to say  that the overwhelming majority of current S&DT provisions were only pie in the 
sky. There ha d never been an almighty blank check.  
6.46.   It was a long -standing consensus to make S&DT provisions more "precise, eff ective and 
operational " which was also a commitment across WTO Agreements. That was the very reason why 
developing Members had requested to discuss more than 200 "Implementation Issues " aiming at 
rebalancing the imbalanced rules from the Uruguay Round and  the G-90 had put forward its written 
proposals. China  fully endorse d the statement made by South Africa. China recalled that over  the 
past 20 years, the G-90 ha d been compromising by re ducing its 88 original requests to 25 in Nairobi 
and to 10 in Buenos Aires  – demonstrating the G -90's utmost sincerity and restraint. Such reduction 
was not because the request was wrong . Rather, it was  because th e G-90 hoped all Members could 
be engaged a nd thus show flexibility.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  6.47.   For the current 10 proposals, some were to fill the loopholes of existing provisions such as 
proposing a procedural arrangement to invoke Article XVIII of the GATT . Some were to restore good 
practices in multilateral rules such as  treating subsidies granted by LDCs and developing Members 
facing certain constraints as non -actionable subsidies according to Article 8 of the ASCM . Some were 
to allow developing Members to have longer timeframes for transitions or comments such as granti ng 
180 days for Members facing capacity constraints to make comments on SPS measures notified by 
developed Members whereas the current practice was 90 days . Some were to urge developed 
Members to hono ur their already -committed obligations including technology transfer. The G-90 ha d 
made comprehensive responses both orally and in writing to all questions from Members on their 
proposals. No progress ha d however been made due to certain Members ' reluctance  to engage.  
6.48.   The WTO was a rule s-based organization. If Members  wanted to win back people 's confidence 
in the organization, the most fundamental thing was to treat existing rules and implement promised 
commitments with respect and awe. To make existing S&DT  provisions "more precise, effective and 
operational " was the clear commitment and unfinished mission of all Members which was also the 
most urgent task in the area of development. China  called upon all Members to show their sincerity 
by meaningfully engag ing in the discussion of the G -90 proposal and carefully responding to practical 
concerns of developing Members rather than wasting time and resources on no outcome debates.  
6.49.   As a response to the specific comments on China, his delegation  responded that standing 
against the differentiation of developing Members d id not mean it wanted to enjoy the same 
favourable treatment as small economies and LDCs. What China  wanted was only to safeguard its 
institutional right of S&DT.  In practice, according to its access ion agreement, China ha d 14 specific 
S&DT provisions among all 155 Articles accounting only for 9%. Among the 14, 6 provisions were 
traditionally "obligations " of the developed Members such as providing translations of documents in 
WTO official languages upon request . Only 8 provisions were so-called meaningful "rights " such as 
relatively higher tariffs for certain goods.  
6.50.   Even in such circumstances, China always show ed restraint in invoking S&DT provisions. 
Obviously, China had not request ed to have the same S&DT as Benin, Liberia, Kenya or Pakistan, 
which had been  proclaimed by the United States. On the contrary, as a large trading nation, China  
recogni zed the responsibilit y it should bear. China's  approach was to address different issues 
accordi ng to their specific situations and make contributions within its capability. As it had  done in 
the ITA expansion negotiations, China was the largest contributor among all the participants. China  
would continue to do that in the future.  
6.51.   The representative of Jamaica , on behalf of the ACP Group , took note of the submissions by 
the United States in document s WT/GC/ W/757/R ev.1 and WT/GC/ W/764/R ev.1. In the discussions 
on S&DT, Members should put into context the fact that the development div ide continue d to persist 
at every level of the socio -economic dichotomy with developing  countries  in a less advantageous 
position.  The development indicators put forward in the submission would not adequately reflect 
whether or not the extent to which the development gap between developed and developing 
Members  was narrowing. Developing Members continue d to face formidable obstacles.  
6.52.   Those obstacles ha d been magnified by the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic. Developing 
countries remain ed more impacted by COVID -19 and d id not have the financial means to finance 
program mes aimed at supporting the economy in response to the  crisis. Due to COVID -19 induced 
lockdown policies and the disruption of global supply chains, developing Members  had, inter alia , 
suffered a decrease in revenue earnings, strong downward pressure on the exchange rate of national 
currencies and the worsening of the balance of payment situat ion. Agriculture, manufacturing and 
tourism were among the worst hit sectors  – making it difficult for MSMEs ' operations.  
6.53.   The June 2020 Global Economic Prospects Report forecast envision ed a 5.2 per  cent 
contraction in global GDP in 2020  – the deepest glo bal recession in decades despite the extraordinary 
efforts of governments to counter the downturn with fiscal and monetary policy support. The ILO 
predict ed that 1.6 billion informal economy workers could suffer "massive damage " to their 
livelihoods. Devel oping Members  were and w ould be disproportionately affected.  The ACP Group 
remind ed the Membership that developing Members  were not in a position to provide support for 
businesses or grant massive fiscal support to address the impact of COVID -19.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  6.54.   Under th ose circumstances, it was clear that developing Members  needed to maintain 
flexibilities recogni zed in the WTO system  with the principle of self -selection remaining a central 
pillar of the S&DT framework. COVID -19 had shown that the development divide was widening and 
not narrowing . The G -90 ha d submitted an updated paper in document JOB/DEV/60  – JOB/TNC/79 
in which it had been  pointed out that S&DT should be assessed by the extent to which it ha d enabled 
social and economic transformation to occur in order to meet the Sustainable Development Goals 
and to ensure that no Member wa s left behind.  
6.55.   Unfortunately, Members  were nowher e near achieving the SDG targets. In fact, all 
assessments point ed to the targets being missed due to the impact of COVID -19 thereby resulting 
in, inter alia , many millions falling back into poverty. SDG Target 10.a specifically mandate d 
governments to "Im plement the principle of special and differential treatment for developing 
countries, in particular least -developed countries, in accordance with World Trade Organization 
Agreements". The CTD SS remain ed the only forum where th at very important issue shoul d be 
discussed. The ACP Group remain ed concerned regarding the low level of interaction on the 
10 agreement specific proposals. The ACP  called on Members to proactively engage on th ose 
proposal s which were further clarified and backed by new information an d data.  
6.56.   On the draft General Council Decision in  document  WT/GC/W/764/R ev.1, the ACP could not  
support a priori graduating criteria for developing Members. S&DT was an integral part of WTO rules 
provided to developing Members  to adjust to trade rules at th eir pace and in accordance with their 
level of development.  If existing rights c ould not be respected, the elimination of S&DT as a treaty 
right through th at draft decision would fetter Members'  ability to arrive at new negotiated outcomes. 
The ACP Group h ad long maintained the view that S&DT was part of the flexibilities meant to enable 
developing Members  to progressively take on more obligations based on their capacity to do so and 
subject to the necessary technical support and capacity building as needed .  
6.57.   The draft decision contradict ed the Ministerial mandates and invalidate d Paragraph 44 of the 
Doha Declaration. There was no question that LDCs deserve d maximum flexibilities in the WTO 
system. The right to development was a sovereign right of every Member. It was important that 
Members  respect ed that right in the WTO and support ed the achievement of the ir development goals  
in line with the objectives of the Marrakesh Agreement and the S ustainable Development Goals. 
6.58.   The re presentative of Indonesia  noted that t he Marrakesh Agreement  acknowledged economic 
development differences among Members as justified consideration for differential obligation in WTO 
rules. S&DT enable d developing and LDC Members to secure a share in the g rowth of international 
trade commensurate with the needs of their economic development.  Indonesia  acknowledge d the 
contribution of the WTO to the economic development of each Member since its inception. While 
those developments br ought  socio-economic chang es and allow ed Members to have a bigger share 
in global economic trade, a huge divide among Members however persisted and  needed to be 
addressed by the WTO.  
6.59.   The pandemic show ed that economic and digital divides contribute d significantly to the lack 
of econ omic resilience of developing and LDC  Members  to external shocks. The pandemic also 
showed that economic divide differentiate d the ability of Members to assist its business actors and 
labourers navigating through the crisis. Upsetting the current balance concerning  the self -declaration 
of development status including abolishing S&DT for the rightful Members was therefore not only 
against the spirit of the WTO and other international agreements but was also tantamount to  the 
worsening of the economic situati on of some developing and LDC Members – worse than  what they 
were already fac ing at the moment.  
6.60.   The representative of Barbados  associated with the statements made by CARICOM and the 
ACP. Barbados continue d to take note of the statements by the United States as they relate d to its 
proposals under th at agenda item. Barbados'  position in th ose proposals was well-known and ha d 
not cha nged since its last statement at the March General Council meeting. Barbados  recall ed its 
previous statements under th at agenda item  and continue d to draw Members' attention to the 
shortcomings of per capita income as a measure particularly if it was used to determine the 
development status of small, vulnerable island States like Barbados. Th at stance d id not only relate 
to Members'  deliberations on th at agenda item in the General Council but in other aspects of their 
work in the WTO including in the fisheries subsidies negotiations.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  6.61.   In March, Barbados had  asked the proponents why despite the shortcomings of per capita 
income  particularly as it relate d to the small countries with their high economic and environmental 
vulnerabilities , Barbados and Members lik e it would be excluded from assessing S&DT . Barbados 
was ready to engage with the United States and other interested Members wh ich sought  to find 
viable solutions aimed at strengthening the negotiating and other functions of the WTO that Members  
could all coalesce around and which d id not unduly impede  vulnerable developing Members  like 
Barbados from accessing S&DT.  
6.62.   The representative of Japan noted that his delegation  always put emphasis on the 
development aspect in the world economy and regard ed development as an important element of 
the WTO. As Japan  had stated in the previous  General Council  meeting , moderni sing S&DT was an 
important com ponent of  WTO Reform. S&DT which better reflect ed the current world w ould offer 
more effective, fair trade conditions to the economies really in need in the context of comparative 
advantage.  In that context, Japan  once again welcome d the decision by some M embers to forgo 
S&DT in  current and future negotiations. An increasing number of Members who would make those 
decisions w ould contribute to WTO Reform and reflect the reality of the 21st century and would  
further enhanc e free and fair trade. As Members  prepare d for MC12 in 2021 , Japan would like to see 
more Members taking th at decision thus lending positive momentum to WTO Reform.  
6.63.   The representative of India referred to the submission in document WT/GC/W/765 by India 
and other Members where they had dealt with most of the issues raised by the U nited States  in the 
paper. India had underlined that special & differential treatment  was a treaty -embedded right at the 
WTO – an entitlement which developing Members  had paid for and that it c ould not be taken awa y 
from them based on certain arbitrary assumptions  – certainly not in creative interpretations of the 
basis of G20 membership. G20 membership had not been conceived as a determinant of a Member's 
development status . G20 had been established  for financial s tability in an interconnected world. 
Developed Members recogni zed the need to have a group also consisting of emerging market 
economies to bring financial stability particularly after the debt crisis of the late 1990s. Continuing 
with such narrative on dif ferentiation would only widen the trust deficit among Members.  
6.64.   The basis of S&D T was to give Members flexibility to integrate into the rules -based system. 
Members with huge differences in economic and social development c ould not be put in the same 
categor y. For instance, to put India, which ha d an annual per capita income of less than USD 2 ,500 
in the same development category as the United States with a much higher per capita GDP – about  
25 times  – would be unfair. Recent studies ha d highlighted that the gap that had existed between 
developed and developing countries  in the 1940s ha d actually widened and new gaps in the form of 
digital divide ha d emerged.  
6.65.   The strain of C OVID -19 on economic, food and livelihood security was disproportionately 
impacting developing and LDC  Members  with large populations. Members could  be facing the same 
storm , but they were certainly  not in the same boat. As the developing economies and LDCs were 
set to experience their worst economic setback since the 1930s thanks to the uneven impacts of the 
pandemic, S&DT  became  all the more relevant now than ever before.  
6.66.   India was firm in its conviction that S&DT provisions should be part of any current and fu ture 
negotiation in the WTO and c ould not agree to a case -by-case approach. It was high time that 
developed Members consider ed foregoing flexibilities available to them under various existing 
Agreements and Decisions. Th ose include d AMS and green -box subsi dies, Special Safeguard 
Mechanism and flexibilities under the Nairobi Decision on Export Competition which provide d them 
with reverse S&D T – none of which were generally available to developing Members  and in fact badly 
hurt their exports. The Membership n eeded to consider a case-by-case approach for such reverse 
S&DT unjustifiably enjoyed by developed Members  en masse.  
6.67.   The only mandate that exist ed on S&DT was to review the S&D T provisions in the existing 
WTO disciplines with a view to mak ing them more pre cise, effective and operational, as entailed in 
Paragraph 44 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration. In th at context, India strongly support ed the 
G-90's Agreement Specific S&D T Proposals as contained in document JOB/TNC/79  – JOB/DEV/60. 
India was at pains to see that the biggest votaries of the foundational principles of the WTO were 
not willing to engage on th ose concrete proposals that narrow ed down on strengthening just 10 out 
of more than 155 S&DT provisions in various WTO Agreements. India hoped that Members c ould 
gather enough will required to work towards a meaningful outcome on th ose proposals by MC12.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  6.68.   The representative of Turkey  said that, as  a firm supporter of the multilateral trading system, 
Turkey was ready to discuss every proposal t o enhance the negotiating function of the WTO. As it 
had however voiced several times, Members  could not do th at at the expense of the development 
needs of the Members hip. S&DT ha d been an important tool for developing Members  to receive 
benefits from inte rnational trade in accordance with the development requirements. Members should 
not forget that S&DT provisions as  currently characteri zed had been  part of an overall balance in the 
past negotiations. They had not therefore been simply granted to developin g Members . 
6.69.   All Members knew that development was multi -dimensional and multi -faceted. In th at 
respect, Turkey was  opposed to the idea of determining the level of development by mainly 
interpreting some selected macroeconomic data and injecting arbitrary criteria. At th at critical 
juncture, Members  should rather focus on strengthening the negotiating function of th e organization 
in the current agenda. There was ample room for achieving th at without polari sing the Membership. 
Turkey  hoped that Members could concentrate their energy already on the ongoing negotiations.  
6.70.   The representative of Pakistan  referred to its statements made under the same agenda item  
in previous General Council meetings. Pakistan  saw no change in the proposal. S&DT  was a trea ty 
embedded righ t and had been  negotiated at a time when the WTO had been  established . Even during  
that time, all developing Members  had not been a monolit h. They already had their unique 
differences. When S &DT had been  negotiated as a treaty embedded righ t in 1995  – even then Egypt 
had not been comparable to Ethiopia or Sudan and Mozambique to Turkey. But it had still been 
agreed as a treaty embedded concept and right.  
6.71.   Those differences between developing Members  still remain ed but they ha d not altered the 
fundamental concept that developing Members  needed policy space and flexibilities. If any Member  
felt it had grown big enough for th ose flexibilities, it could choose to give up any rights it liked but 
that should not preclude others to ex ercise their rights. S&DT  was a right which Members  should 
exercise themselves or relinquish themselves. If those that ha d grown want ed to forego their right, 
they were most welcome but they c ould not  and should not force others to do so . 
6.72.   The representativ e of the United States  thank ed Members  for continuing th e discussion which  
had been going on for some time  – but a year and a half in WTO terms was still a short period. The 
United States support ed S&DT for LDCs and for certain self -declared developing Members as a means 
of helping them integrate into the global trading system. But there was a group of self -declared 
developing countr y Members  that ha d advanced significantly since 1995 which  should no longer be 
entitled to S&DT as a matter of right a s they w ere fully capable of negotiating their own flexibilities.  
6.73.   The failure to differentiate among th ose self -declared developing countr y Members  had had a 
very negative impact on the negotiating function at the WT O. The United States was  only asking or 
requesting that the most advanced, wealthy or influential Members remove d themselves from 
blanket S&DT to allow more effective delivery of appropriate S&DT to those that need ed it most. 
Again, the US  proposal was aimed at the future. The Un ited States was  not speaking about  provisions 
on existing agreements. The question for the United States  was whether Members  were able to 
update and adjust their approach commensurate with the way the world ha d changed since 1995.  
6.74.   The General Council took note of the statements.  
7  IMPORTANCE OF MARKET -ORIENTED CONDITIONS TO THE WORLD TRADING SYSTEM – 
JOINT STATEMENT BY BRAZIL, JAPAN AND THE UNITED STATES (WT/GC/W/803/REV.1)  
7.1.  The Chairman  recalled that the item was included on the agenda by the delegation of the United 
States  and concern ed the Joint Statement by Brazil, Japan and the United States on the Importance 
of Market -Oriented Conditions to the World Trading System circulated in document 
WT/GC/W/803/Rev.1.  
7.2.  The representative of the United States  noted that t he United States, Brazil and Japan ha d 
requested th e agenda item to continue addressing the importance of market -oriented conditions to 
the global trading system. As a result of their work together, Brazil, Japan and the United States 
had released a joint statement circulated in document WT/GC/W/803/R ev.1. The statement reflect ed 
the importance they attach ed to market -oriented conditions for the world trading system and further 
elaborate d the draft General Council decision circulated earl ier in the  year. WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  7.3.  The joint Brazil -Japan -US statement reflect ed their shared belief in the core principles of the 
WTO to include that market -oriented conditions were fundamental to a free, fair and mutually 
advantageous world trading system. They affirm ed a number of criteria that reflect ed the market -
oriented conditions and disciplines to which their own enterprises were subject. And they affirm ed 
that all Members ' enterprises should operate under th ose conditions to ensure a level playing field 
for their citizens, workers and businesses.  
7.4.  When Brazil and the United States had first introduced the joint statement in July, they had  
invited the support and engagement o f Members who wish ed to become co -sponsors. They were 
pleased to report that, since that time, they had been able to hold consultations with a number of 
supportive Members. They had also been pleased to welcome Japan' s decision to become a co -
sponsor of th e joint statement and were thankful for their efforts to engage with other Members on 
that important matter. The views that they had heard in small group discussions confirm ed that the 
joint statement reflect ed their shared values as WTO Members. They would continue to invite 
supportive Members to participate in one of their small groups as the discussions intensif ied.  
7.5.  The United States  saw the discussion as necessary in the context of achieving meaningful WTO 
reform. To achieve such reform, Members should  continue moving toward – and not away from – 
more open, market -oriented policies and conditions. But , as had been  made clear in recent G20 
discussions and reflected in the Riyadh Initiative Annex to the Trade Ministers ' Communiqu é, not all 
Members agree d that "market -oriented policies " was a principle of the WTO. One Member in 
particular could not reaffirm the principles of the Marrakesh Declaration or even bring itself to 
reference the Declaration and had gone  on to dispute that its accession commitments had tied it to 
any market -oriented policies.  
7.6.  The usefulness of the recent G20 exercise had been  to clearly articulate th at division in the 
membership and that some d id not agree with the core values of the institution. Th at crystali zed the 
importance of reaffirming those core values. The Brazil -Japan -US joint statement recall ed that the 
WTO had been  established to promote Member economies ' participation in a world tradi ng system 
"based on open, market -oriented policies and the commitments set out in the Uruguay Round 
Agreements and Decisions ". 
7.7.  The market -based reforms that GATT parties and acceding Members had undert aken during  
that process had helped ensure that their p articipation had been based on open, market -oriented 
conditions. Th ose Members ' reform efforts had demonstrated their commitment to an international 
trading system that depend ed on the operation of market -oriented conditions in their economies. 
Ensuring th at market -oriented conditions exist ed for market participants was critical to reali sing the 
benefits of the international trading system that c ame from their mutual commitment to th ose rules. 
That common foundation was necessary to ensure a level playing f ield for all Members.  
7.8.  Some Members ha d argued that the efforts to affirm the importance of market -oriented 
conditions were a pretext for questioning Members ' choice of different economic models  and that 
the WTO provide d no basis for discussing those choice s. However, that was not the discussion the 
United States  was proposing to have , and th ose Members could  have misunderstood its purpose. 
What the United States  had argued was that market -oriented conditions provide d a level playing 
field and therefore were necessary conditions for fair trade. The United States  had not heard any 
Member argue for a different position  – and asked  whether  any Member  believe d that fair trade 
could result when special advantages were given  to domestic entities under th ose conditions . 
7.9.  For example, on the joint statement elements on financing and investment , where a Member 's 
economic conditions generally ensure d market -determined financing and investment decisions, it 
would mean that receipt of state -directed or politically -directed financing confer red an unfair 
advantage. Th at was not a question of debating different economic models but rather reflect ed a 
shared understanding of fair play. To th at end, the Brazil -Japan -US joint statement affi rmed that 
Members ' enterprises should operate under market -oriented conditions and note d the elements that 
indicate d and ensure d those conditions for market participants. The United States  encourage d 
Members to review th ose elements in detail as the discus sions advance d. WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  7.10.   As the United States  saw it, the continued relevance of the WTO w ould depend on whether it 
could deliver on the promises of a world trading system based on open, market -oriented policies. 
The success of Members'  reform efforts w ould depend on their ability to ensure the fundamental 
premise of free, fair and mutually advantageous trade remain ed intact.  
7.11.   The representative of Brazil  express ed its appreciation for the decision of Japan to co -sponsor 
the joint statement. Japan's engagement on th e issue of core importance to WTO reform was much 
welcome d and encourage d Brazil  to move forward with a higher degree of optimism. Since the last 
General  Council meeting, Brazil and the United States ha d been reaching out to Members to present 
and clarify the scope of th e declaration. They would continue working together to answer any 
questions that delegations could  have about it.  
7.12.   Brazil  hoped that an in creasing number of Member s would join them in reaffirming and in 
strengthening their collective commitment to market -oriented policies to ensure a level playing field 
and a fair and more open world trading system. Members  were all aware of the harmful effe cts of 
non-market -oriented policies and practices to the proper functioning of international trade and that 
the WTO had been  established to promote Members' economies' participation in a world trading 
system "based on market -oriented policies" as stated in  the Marrakesh Declaration.  
7.13.   Brazil ha d systemic concerns with non -market -oriented policies and practices but also 
strategic objectives in reaffirming market -oriented conditions. Brazil's  systemic concerns relate d to 
the effects of those practices: overcapa city, unfair competitive conditions and distortion of 
international trade relations. The United States'  strategic objectives were connected to the reform 
of the WTO. Agreeing on basic principles was the surest path to renewed WTO and the long -term 
strength ening and stability of the multilateral trading system.  
7.14.   In 1994, there had been  a common desire to operate in an open and fair multilateral trading 
system. There had been  a common understanding that th at had been for th e benefit and welfare of 
all. There  was currently  a need to reaffirm th at common understanding and to highlight once again 
the importance of market -oriented conditions to the world trading system. Members  would not be 
able to move forward with  WTO Reform unless they took a step back and reaffirm ed the principles 
and goals upon which they had established th e organization and the multilateral trading system.  
7.15.   It was encouraging that in a recent communiqué of the G20 Trade and Investment Ministers, 
there had been  convergence on the need to advance in the reform process. All G20 countries agree d 
that fair competition and market openness were principles of the WTO and most of them stress ed 
that market -oriented policies were also principles of the organization. It was about time to bring th at 
discussion to the WTO and to speak up to its foundational principles. Members  were there to foster 
international trade as a driving force of economic growth, prosperity and development.  
7.16.   That common goal should unite , not divide Members . The debate that Brazil, Japan and the 
United States  were proposing was neither ideological nor academic. On the contrary, it was saying 
and reinforcing the multilateral trading system in the face of new challenges. Brazil was willing to 
work together with Memb ers in order to build on th at declaration and initiate discussions on how to 
deal with certain non -market -oriented and trade -distorting practices.  
7.17.   Horizontal disciplines to level the playing field were more important now than ever. Th at 
declaration contai ned gateway principles for discussing for instance subsidies in the industrial and 
agricultural sectors. Brazil  remain ed open to discuss th at declaration with all Members. It was Brazil's  
hope that it w ould include other co -sponsors in the future. Above all, it w ould be one of the 
fundamental pillars of WTO Reform.  
7.18.   The representative of Japan  recalled  that Japan had  decided to become a co -sponsor of th e 
statement in document WT/GC/W/803/Rev.1. The essence of  the WTO system was to secure an 
environment that allow ed the market to function efficiently and reali se optimal resource allocation. 
Market-oriented conditions were therefore fundamental principles for the multilateral trading system 
in the WTO a nd the GATT. By observing the current global trading environment, it was important for 
Members to reconfirm th ose basic principles which had been  confirmed, among others, by the 
Marrakesh Agreement.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  7.19.   That importance was even greater in the situation of the market tu rbulences due to the 
COVID -19 crisis. The reconfirmation of th ose principles by Members was also expected to have the 
effect of further revitali sing various WTO Reform efforts. Based on th at recognition, Japan consider ed 
it important to obtain  broad suppor t from Members for th at statement. To that end, Japan was ready 
to contribute to the discussion with other  Members.  
7.20.   The representative of South Africa  noted that t he substance of the statement ha d not changed 
from the statement presented by the United Stat es in December  and recall ed South Africa's  
statements in th at regard. As a principle, South Africa  agree d with the importance of promoting 
market -oriented policies.  The market was not however perfect. Cases of overpricing, market 
concentration, rising unemployment and inequality necessitate d government intervention to ensure 
proper functioning of the market and to promote a range of public policy imperatives.  
7.21.   South Africa  recall ed the Preamble to the Marrakesh Agreement that recog nized the right of 
every developing country including LDCs to secure a share of the growth in world  trade 
commensurate with the needs of their economic development. The statement recogni zed the right 
and ability of Members to regulate in the public interes t and in promoting the public's welfare. South 
Africa  however needed to understand what was meant by "no significant government interference".  
7.22.   Almost all Members ha d mixed economies where governments intervene d in the economy to 
achieve a developmental ma ndate. Th at clarity was important in a context of a legally multilateral 
framework that was subject to dispute settlement and especially in the context of COVID -19 during 
which many developed Members ha d undertaken massive fiscal stimulus packages. Th at was by far 
the best demonstration of the important role the State play ed in national economies.  
7.23.   South Africa's  key objective was to ensure that multilateral rules d id not overly constrain the 
ability of governments to address their specific challenges includ ing in the previously stated cases 
such as  regulating the labour market and ensuring that it operate d fairly through a minimum wage. 
Members  needed a multilateral trading system that support ed inclusive growth and enable d national 
authorities to pursue ste ps to achieve national development objectives and outcomes that were 
based on their peculiar circumstances.  
7.24.   The discretion should be left to the State to decide how best to achieve national economic 
objectives and public policy objectives. Relying solely on the market was not practical given many 
market failures attributed to current practices of multinational corporations including patent abuse, 
anti-competitive practices that were associated with a number of the industries. Recent estimates 
on tax avoidance and other fo rms of illicit flows amount ed to between USD 49 to 193 billion which 
account ed for 2.3% of the combined GDPs of Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa. Th at provide d 
a clear example of market limitations.  
7.25.   The representative of the European Union  recalled  that his delegation had repeatedly stated 
that market -oriented conditions were central to allowing a level  playing field. The European Union  
had also repeatedly expressed its concerns with non -market -oriented policies and practices that ha d 
resulted in dis tortions to the world trading system. The role of the WTO – and therefore the role of 
all Members wa s to ensure that there were effective rules in place to eliminate th ose distortions and 
to ensure a level  playing field. There had clearly been gaps in the WTO rulebook that d id not enable 
them to do so. Th ose gaps should  be addressed through the negotiation of new or updated rules to 
address the issues raised in the statement of the United States and its co -sponsors.  
7.26.   The representative of the United Kingdom  recalled that t he WTO Agreements as had been 
agreed by the membership recogni zed the importance of market -oriented conditions to the world 
trading system. They sought  to ensure fair competition by guaranteeing that all  Members uph eld 
their obligations under the agreements. The world trading system c ould only succeed if Members  
tackle d unfair practices when th ose occur red. The United Kingdom  therefore thank ed Brazil, Japan 
and the United States for enabling th at discussion. Members  should make progress on issues such 
as industrial subsidies, state -owned enterprises and forced technology transfer  and ensure that they 
reduce d protectionist measures. Unfair practices not only violate d the agreements but ha d real life 
impacts on the life of their citizens , innovation was stifled , communities were damaged and 
uncompetitive companies were bolstered.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  7.27.   The representative of the Philippines  acknowledge d and continue d to consider the statement 
of the co -sponsors in  document  WT/GC/W/803/Rev.1 and w ould only  make preliminary and general 
comments. The Philippines  agree d that market -oriented conditions were fundamental to a free, fair 
and mutually advantageous world tradin g system because th ose ensure d a level playing field for all 
Members.  The world was a dynamic one where competitive circumstances constantly evolve d and 
where it was necessary that all  Members  adapt ed to maintain a relevant and effective set of rules in 
the WTO. Th at invariably mean t not only clarifying existing rules but  moderni sing them as well while 
remaining faithful to the spirit and letter of the Marrakesh Agreement and the covered agreements.  
7.28.   Reality dictate d that th e exercise would  need to be undertaken not in isolation from other 
exercises that require d balancing as well as recogni sing and maintaining the important and positive 
role of governmental action such as w hat Members  had seen in the mi dst of the COVID -19 pandemic 
and prior financial crises. Th at would hopefully pave the way for discussions towards a holistic 
resolution of the many challenges to achieving at the WTO a fair, open, market -oriented and rules -
based multilateral trading syste m. 
7.29.   The representative of Nigeria  commend ed the Chairman and the Facilitators of the DG 
Selection Process for the transparent and excellent management of the process. Nigeria  also thank ed 
all Members for their support which enable d its candidate, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala to progress to 
the third and final round. Nigeria  looked forward to their continued support for its candidate and for 
the conclusion of th e process so Members  could collectively build a WTO of their dream s. 
7.30.   Concerning the initiative, as had b een stated at the previous meeting of the General Council, 
Nigeria  welcome d the fact that unlike when th e issue had first been presented through document 
WT/GC/W/796, the presentation t hat day was such that w ould foster discussion on th e issue and 
would enable Members  to gain greater insight on the meaning of market -oriented conditions and its 
importance to the world trading system. To be properly guided on the issue, Nigeria again sought  
clarification on the meaning of the term "market -oriented con dition", the scope and application of 
the proposal and whether  that was done with the purpose of establishing them at the WTO. 
7.31.   As it had said in July, Nigeria's assessment of market -oriented conditions existing in some 
liberal and market -driven economies b oth before and after the creation of the WTO depict ed a 
system of market -subsidy schemes that provide d financial support to prop up domestic enterprises. 
Those policies continue d to distort global trade and undermine producers ' competitiveness in most 
developing countries  with limited fiscal space to provide support. During the COVID -19 pandemic, 
while most African States ha d extreme ly tight fiscal space to provide support for their industries, 
some Members were able to roll out robust stimulus package s to speed up economic recovery.  
7.32.   Nigeria asked about the effects of the pro posed  WTO decision on  Members'  econom ies. Such 
decision was likely to freeze the competitiveness of firms in developing countries at the current level 
– enabl ing developed countries' en terprises to take advantage of the overcapacity already created 
by their market subsidy schemes and undermin ing the survival of developing countries' firms even 
in their domestic market. Its views on th ose issues notwithstanding, Nigeria  remained  open to 
further discussions with the proponents to enable it to gain greater insight on that issue.  
7.33.   The representative of Switzerland  said that a number of founding principles of the WTO 
promote d the market -oriented conditions that had been  mentioned. Th ose principles were anchored 
both in the letter and in the spirit of the WTO Agreements and were entrenched in the Preamble. 
For example, the principle of non -discrimination guarantee d economic operators fair, competitive 
conditions on the global market. Th e other key principles of the WTO contribute d to the proper 
functioning of markets notably transparency, predictability and legal security. The problem at 
present  was that th ose principles ha d not been properly upheld.  
7.34.   Strengthening th ose principles and m aking them more operational was certainly going to be 
key in the reform. The founding principles of the WTO should also serve as an inspiration for Members  
to overcome the challenges they found themselves confronted with – addressing the issue of 
overfishi ng, ensuring that trade and environment c ould work together, adapting the rules of global 
trade to the digital era, differentiating the commitments taken on by Members in line with their 
capacity and ability to contribute to the system and updating the rul es which govern ed international 
trade to ensure fair, competitive conditions.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  7.35.   The representative of the Russian Federation  noted that t he United States ha d been including 
that agenda item since December 2019. In the course of discussion of th at agenda item , many 
Members had indicated that they w ould be interested in hearing from the United States and co -
sponsors what role they envisage d the WTO playing in practice to address non -market -oriented 
policies. During the General Council meeting in July, the Unite d States "looked forward to further 
engagement on the statement on the weeks and months ahead as it was a very important issue."  
7.36.   The Russian Federation agree d that the multilateral trading system should be based on open, 
market -oriented principles as prov ided in the Marrakesh Declaration of 1994. In order to achieve 
that, the Russia n Federation  like other Members ha d placed in the WTO several negotiating proposals 
including on subsidies in agriculture. The United States, the European Union and Japan had 
developed proposals on new rules in industrial subsidies.  
7.37.   When the Russian Federation  said that trade in the WTO should be based on market -oriented 
principles, it presume d that it also mean t less governmental involvement into activities of 
companies. The WTO should support competition between products and services and not between 
State budgets and money of taxpayers. Th at was an important feature of a normally functioning 
market. Members  already ha d different ideas on how to do it including through the  mentioned 
proposals on agricultural and industrial subsidies.  
7.38.   The United States, Brazil and Japan had proposed to develop another type of specific criteria 
which w ould help to determine where market -oriented conditions exist ed. Such criteria had existed 
in the legislation of some Members for dozens of years. The Russia n Federation , being not a Member 
of the WTO at some point had been  forced to pass through  a very similar examination of its internal 
policies in order to qualify for the "market economy coun try" status and to avoid discriminatory 
treatment in the application of trade remedies.  
7.39.   The Russian Federation was n ot sure whether that  could  work again in respect of other 
Members. If so,  the Russian Federation asked about  the aim of th e eight criteria  – as it needed to 
understand the aim  of the exercise before agree ing to do it. Although each of them had its own 
merits and its own problems, the Russian Federation  did not want to open a discussion in respect of  
the substance of each of th ose eight criter ia. All Members would however  benefit from an example 
of a WTO Member which the co-sponsor s thought automatically qualifie d as one that satisfied all 
eight criteria. Th at could help evaluate the whole proposal.  
7.40.   The representative of Norway  had no major objections to the principles listed in the paper 
presented. They describe d conditions for a well -functioning market economy which Norway 
subscribe d to. The principles underpinning th e organization were embedded in the agreements 
Members  had enter ed into. Norway subscribe d to them too. Norway share d the concern regarding 
market distortions created by non -market -oriented policies. Norway  knew that the magnitude and 
direction of government interventions and other behind the border measures c ould have a significant 
impact on international trade.  
7.41.   Norway was likewise  concerned by unilateral actions and protectionist measures as well as 
bilateral agreements with the terms of trade seem ed to be managed by governments rather than by 
the invisible hand of th e market. It was important to remind themselves of the values and principles 
that should guide their endeavours. Members  should do their utmost to abide by those principles – 
act as they preach ed. Furthermore, whenever inadequacies in the rulebook were ide ntified, Members  
should do what it t ook to rectify those shortcomings. Norway agree d that such shortcomings existed,  
and that Members  should address those issues head on within the framework of th e house. Norway 
stood ready to do its part.  
7.42.   The representati ve of Mexico  reiterate d its readiness to discuss in an objective and 
comprehensive way with the Membership the elements which ha d been presented t hat day. Given 
the challenges facing the organization, Members  should reaffirm its relevance by being ready  to 
improv e the functioning of the multilateral trading system. Any possible dialogue on th at topic should  
have the aim of improv ing the functioning of the WTO and ensur ing transparent and fair competition 
among their  economies and in the international market. It was important to discuss and to find a 
solution to the measures which in one way or another had made Members  put thought to the free 
flow of goods and services – one of the founding principles of th e organizatio n. WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  7.43.   The representative of Canada  recalled that,  as it had  mentioned in the past, Canada fully 
support ed the principles that the multilateral trading system should be based on open and market -
oriented policies. Canada  also support ed pursuing progressive libe ralization or recognising the need 
to support economic development and sustainability. Canada  share d the concerns of the United 
States, Brazil and Japan on the impact of non -market -oriented policies in creating trade distortions. 
For example, Canada  was concerned about situations where governmental policies, 
intergovernmental agreements or government practices play ed a significant role in directing or 
influencing business decisions.  
7.44.   Canada  was also concerned with the subsidies of some Members including fro m state-owned 
enterprises that ha d caused persistent overcapacity in certain sectors. Canada  remain ed open to 
engaging all Members in th at regard including in discussions that could eventually lead to new or 
improved WTO disciplines. Canada  would, for example, be interested in hearing from the United 
States, Brazil and Japan on what specific role they envisage d the WTO playing in practice to address 
non-market policies.  
7.45.   The representative of Chinese Taipei  said that t he WTO was established t o uphold the rules -
based global trading system to provide fair and freer trading environment and to ensure a level 
playing field which respect ed market forces as the key determinant of enterprise and business 
decisions. Th at was reflected in the Marrakesh Declaration of 1994 which included the concept of 
open and market -oriented policies. The joint statement by Brazil, Japan and the United States which 
emphasi zed the importance of market -oriented conditions to the multilateral trading system seem ed 
to have not created new disciplines or added new obligations on Members. Hence, Chinese Taipei  
did not find flaw in the elements included in the joint statements.  
7.46.   Certainly, every Member ha d its own right to pursue its own economic development models 
and to prote ct public interest and legitimate goals through proper intervention so long as there was 
no market distortion and the general principle of fairness embedded in the WTO Agreements was 
strictly observed. Most Members d id not like to see undesirable market di storting trade practices 
caused by state interventions. Chinese  Taipei looked forward to learning from the proponent s on 
how they intend ed to advance th at discussion and the future operation of th at principle in the WTO.  
7.47.   The representative of India noted t hat the joint statement was still being examined by its 
capital and would  offer its detailed comments on the proposal in due course. India ha d strived to 
pursue pro -market, pro -competition and transparent policies.  State interventions ha d however been 
some times warranted to address market failures given the significant need to pursue pro -poor, pro -
welfare and pro -equity policies to bring millions of people out of poverty. While doing so, India ha d 
been mindful of the need to achieve a fair balance between t he market and state interventions.  
7.48.   India celebrate d openness in people and governance. Open minds ma de open markets. Open 
markets led to greater prosperity. India share d those principles with many of its partners including 
the proponents of th e statement. During the last six years, the government ha d made many efforts 
to make the Indian economy more open and reform -oriented. Th ose reforms ha d ensured increased 
competitiveness, enhanced transparency, expanded digitization and more policy stabilit y.  
7.49.   India had raised its concerns on the proposal since it had been  brought to the G eneral Council . 
In that regard, India  thank ed the U nited States  for providing some clarity on the proposal in its 
statement at th e General Council  meeting in July . India wa s however disappointed that the proposal 
remain ed the same and d id not reflect the clarification given in the oral statements. India therefore  
looked forward to discussing with Brazil, Japan and the United States in the coming days.  
7.50.   As a founding Member of the WTO, India believe d that the  WTO's core objective was 
promoting sustainable development in a manner consistent with the needs and respective levels of 
economic development of its Members. The focus of the WTO in that regard was to facilitate trade 
for welfare and development for the benefit of all Members . India remain ed committed to supporting 
measures  aimed towards that end.  
7.51.   The representative of Australia  welcome d the statement from the United States, Brazil and 
Japan on one of the founding principles of th e organization , and of the GATT before it. Australia  
share d the view that the WTO represent ed a fundamental commitment by Members to an open 
trading environment underpinned by market -oriented principles as set out in the Preamble to the WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  Marrakesh Declaration. Openness was critical to advancing economic development. Adherence to 
market -oriented policies therefore provide d the basis for healthy trade between economi es – a key 
contributor to economic growth and development.  
7.52.   Australia  stood ready to contribute to constructive discussions with all Members on th at 
important principle of the WTO to ensure that th e organization remain ed fit for purpose and further 
contrib uted to liberali sing global trade. Australia  welcome d greater efforts to address those issues 
raised in the statement which could  not be adequately covered by existing WTO rules. At the same 
time, Members  should continue their work to find a way to further  improve Member compliance with 
existing rules including those relating to transparency.  
7.53.   The representative of Pakistan  referred to  his delegation's  statement s at the March and July 
General Council  meetings. Pakistan  thank ed the co -sponsors for clarifying some elements in the 
proposal , but was intrigu ed that Members  continue d to debate a concept such as market -orientation 
in the General Council  – assumedly berating government intervention while their capitals continue d 
to seek ways to intervene in  their economies for various reasons.  
7.54.   Developed and developing alike, whether on grounds of protecting farms and farmers , 
research and development , taking green initiatives , bailing out too -big-to-fail companies  or 
supporting businesses in financial crises , one way or another , Members  continue d to defy their own 
so-called orientation towards markets. Pakistan asked whether it was  because Members  believe d 
that interventions were necessary and any orientation , market or otherwise , was only a matter of 
perspective ; because  they knew from their history that no successful economy in the world ha d been 
a sanitised market , completely clean of any interventions  or because  they knew that without 
interventions, markets fail ed and sometime s brought  about crises and chaos. In Pakistan's view, all 
those were correct.  
7.55.   Members  could not wish away government intervention just as they could not wish for perfect 
markets. The current global situation, not the least in terms of the pandemic confront ing the world , 
was a stark reminder of th at as Members  continue d to contemplate newer interventions e ach day. 
Pakistan  therefore maintain ed that market -orientation was an ambiguous concept and that there 
was no perfectly free market or a perfectly market -oriented country or economic model.  
7.56.   It was not up to th e organization to impose on its Members a particular model on how to run 
their respective  economies. Each Member should take  decisions based on its own domestic realities, 
requirements, development trajectory and methods of policy -making. Instead of seeking a one -size-
fits-all approach  which would only impede their progress as an organization, Members  should allow 
and accept mo re diversity in their way of thinking and in their  economic policies.  
7.57.   The representative of Colombia  share d and uph eld the principles mentioned in the proposal. 
Colombia ha d always based its participation in global trade on those principles. Colombia had 
participated in the creation of the WTO and ha d always reaffirmed  being in agreement with it and 
being satisfied by the principles which help ed uphold the global trading system and the market 
principles. Concerning the statement that ha d again been put forw ard, Colombia  was looking at the 
affinity provided there and the possibility of extending its reading to other areas which ha d not been 
explicitly mentioned. In particular, all the practices involving subsidies in all sectors br ought  about 
a great risk for  small and medium -sized Members which distort ed their ability to compete with other 
producers  – highlighting the importance of maintaining a level playing field.   
7.58.   The disciplines on market subsidies was one the fundamental reasons why Colombia and other 
small and medium -sized countries would be benefitting from the existence of the WTO. In th at 
connection, the proposed strengthening of the market -oriented conditions found in the indicative list 
in the joint statement had been  intrinsically well received by Colombia . The natural reading of that 
list should be extended to other sectors of the global economy beyond industrial subsidies as was 
correctly mentioned by Brazil. Colombia  was open to participating constructively in th at discussion.  
7.59.   The representative of China  said that it  was true that the multilateral trading system was built 
on the basis of market economy and all the WTO rules reflect ed the prevailing practices of market 
economy and were binding on all Members. There was also no do ubt that in the past 40 years, China 
persistently deepen ed its reform and opening up to the world in the direction of market economy, WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  which was exactly the basis of its accession to the WTO and the reason for its firm support for the 
multilateral trading s ystem.  
7.60.   The challenge  the WTO was currently  facing was not however on  what the Marrakesh 
Declaration s aid but on what some Members were doing. With regard to the Marrakesh Declaration, 
when Members  talked about open and market -oriented policies, they should  not forget Article V 
which provided that,  "Ministers recall that the results of the negotiations embody provisions 
conferring differential and more favo urable treatment for developing economies, including special 
attention to the particular situation of least-developed countries" . Those words were equally 
important. Unfortunately, some Members had selective amnesia.  
7.61.   China  had no intention to repeat what it had said at the previous meeting that "common sense 
issues like market orientation do not need to be discussed at the General Council " and would simply 
dismiss the whole discussion. Albert Einstein, a scientist who had worked in Bern, once said, "Success 
is equal to hard work plus correct method plus less empty talk ". Chinese people ha d also believed 
in "empty talks harm the country " since ancient times. China asked about the purpose of the proposal 
and the follow -up measures to be taken . He sai d that w hat puzzle d China  even more was that, at 
that moment, if  the WTO  could not prevent a M ember 's government from forcing foreign companies 
to sell their equities and technology to its national companies in any way, how c ould they sit there 
comfortably and discuss and tell the world what the market -oriented conditions were.  
7.62.   Members should bear in mind that , for more than three years, they had failed to take effective 
actions to stop unilateralist and protectionist measures that undermine d the market rules from 
raging around the world  and th e organization they worked for ha d been widely critici sed for falling 
short of such actions. He said that Members  should feel ashamed. However, at least, they could still 
argue that it was not because they did not want to but because they were not capable enough. But 
now, China asked why Members  should talk emp ty about the market -oriented conditions to give 
more reasons for the international community to laugh at them for being not only incapable but also 
naïve.  
7.63.   When a principle or a system was broken,  one should  take concrete actions to try to fix it 
rather than verbally repeating the importance and correctness of the rules to show the innocence of 
someone who had broke n them. Ambassador Shea once said that "when the State puts its thumb – 
or even its fist – on the scale to distort competition and drive preferred outcomes to benefit certain 
domestic actors, that is unfair. " China  could  not agree with him more . But it was common sense that 
if one asked others to do something, one should do it first.  
7.64.   For example,  when a country, on the grounds of national security, arbitrarily and frequently 
impose d tariffs on foreign goods or deprive d foreign services of market access, that was unfair. 
When a country use d tariffs as a leverage to force its trading partners to conced e in trade 
negotiations, the market was distorted. When a country blatantly violate d fundamental trade rules 
and at the same time block ed the independent and neutral adjudications, the level playing field was 
gone. Instead of chanting the empty slogan of "market -oriented conditions ", it would be  better for 
Members  to take concrete actions to address the above wrongful practices which undermine d fair 
competition and market -oriented conditions.  
7.65.   The representative of the United States  thank ed the Members for t heir statements of support 
and even for their statements of criticism and statements of clarification. The United States  
appreciate d that and w ould continue to work on th e issue going forward. Through mutual recognition 
of those fundamental values, Members  could ensure a WTO that function ed as a place where 
countries c ame together to promote a common goal of free and fair trade based on openness and 
market principles. To that end, the United States encourage d Members to continue expressing their 
views in the General Council however strongly felt or expressed so that they could promote robust 
engagement on th at important issue.  
7.66.   The United States  disagree d with those who would say that the importance of th ose conditions 
was only academic. Distortions caused by non -market policies and practices ha d a very real impact 
on citizens and businesses. The damage to the world trading system caused by th ose non -market 
policies and practices was not confined to a mere debat e. Some Members appear ed to take the 
position that market -oriented conditions were not part of the bargain they had  struck  – as if they 
did not want to provide a level playing field for other Members. If that was the case, th at discussion WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  was even more imp ortant to have. Th ose Members should explain how they could have a level 
playing field if some Members offer ed market -oriented conditions,  but others d id not.  
7.67.   The United States  also note d that some appear ed to have misunderstood the Brazil -Japan -
United St ates Joint Statement as promoting some vision of an unrealistic, pure, free market outside 
the bounds of any governance. They we re not proposing such a scenario. Rather, the United States, 
Brazil and Japan ha d described a set of elements that c ould help id entify whether market -oriented 
conditions exist ed for market participants for example in a particular sector which was critical for 
fair trade. While no  Member was perfect, they would  want to know that they  were going in the right 
direction. Th ose elements  provide d a fair indicator of where Members  wanted to go. It would be 
unfortunate if th ose elements should be considered controversial or too polari sing for the WTO. 
Those conditions were the basis for ensuring fair trade. For the WTO to remain relevant, it should  
provide a level playing field . And for WTO reform to be meaningful, it should  move Members  toward 
and not away from more open, market -oriented policies and conditions.  
7.68.   The Gene ral Council took note  of the statements.  
8  PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES FOR WTO COUNCILS AND COMMITTEES ADDRESSING TRADE 
CONCERNS – STATEMENT BY CO -SPONSORS OF WT/GC/W/777/REV.5  
8.1.  The Chairman  recalled that the item was included on the agenda by the delegation of the  
European Union.  
8.2.  The representative of the European Union , on behalf of all co -sponsors of the "Procedural 
Guidelines for WTO Councils and Committees Addressing Trade Concerns", thank ed Members for the 
conversation about th e proposal at the General Council  meeting in July. For the sake of new 
colleagues who ha d recently joined, the European Union  wished to  briefly recap the main objectives 
and features of the proposal. The proposed guidelines for WTO bodies dealing with trade concerns 
were part of  the wider  efforts to reform the WTO. Their concrete objective was to make an important 
part of the WTO 's regular work more effective and responsive to the expectations of their 
stakeholders.  
8.3.  The starting point was that numerous regular Councils and Committees spen t a considerable 
amount of time addressing trade concerns. The outcomes were however not always commensurate 
to the efforts that went into th at work. Instead, Members  saw too many repetitive, time -consuming 
exchanges which fail ed to generate genuine dialogue and collaborative solutions. At present, 
practices differ ed widely across Committees even though the concerns raised in different bodies 
were about the same or related measures. The co -sponsors share d the view expressed by several 
Members that the specificities of each Committee or Council should be respected but they also s aw 
room for improving the interaction between bodies working on related issues such as trade concerns.  
8.4.  Accordingly, the proposed guidelines buil t on existing practices a nd procedures. They had been  
carefully drafted not to put th ose into question. When implemented, they would create a minimum 
platform of meeting arrangements and a set of good practices. In fact, some WTO bodies ha d applied 
certain  provisions over the last  months to better cope with logistical and organi zational challenges 
of lockdown. Other provisions would have made life easier had they been in force  such as improved 
timelines for convening meetings and circulating documents to be considered at meetings a nd a 
database where all documents pertaining to a trade concern c ould be easily access ible.  
8.5.  At the General Council meeting  in July, the European Union had  noted that some Members 
continue d to have doubts about th e proposal. A few had questioned whether a horizontal approach 
would be beneficial  rather than leaving it to each Committee to come up with solutions. The European 
Union believed that a  common platform would provide more clarity, allowing Members to engage 
more effectively. Some Members ha d express ed concerns that the proposal would jeopardise the 
neutrality of the Chairs and the Secretariat. The intention of the proposal was certainly not to 
encroach on such neutrality which was of high value to the proponents as for other Members. But 
the proposal aim ed to give incentives to rely on the expertise of the Secretariat or of the good offices 
of the Chair within the remit of their competences.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  8.6.  A few Members had also been concerned that the suggested best practices would create 
additional burden for LDCs and other Members with capacity constraints. The European Union  once 
again stressed that, apart from the section related to meeting arrangements, the proposal would 
create no binding rules. The proposal set out guidelines which would bring improve ments for all 
Members  with an assistance provision enshrined in it. 
8.7.  The c o-sponsors h ad tried to address th ose points including in bilateral conversations  and 
thank ed again those Members who ha d engaged with them over the last few weeks. It was true that 
the current virtual way of working ha d made it more difficult to engage with more Members directly 
in an informal setting to go through comments in detail. Over the coming weeks and months, they 
would continue reaching out to those Members who ha d doubts an d to try to address their concerns 
directly. They remained  ready to consider any suggestion that could contribute to improve the 
proposal further and hope d that the Membership w ould reach consensus on it before  MC12.  
8.8.  The representative of India support ed the need for a mechanism to address specific trade 
concerns effectively and the proposal to improve the meeting procedures of the WTO bodies. 
Proposals such as indicative yearly schedules of meetings for each of the WTO bodies , timely 
circulation of the age nda and the minutes of the meetings and strengthening of the existing 
processes were welcome d. A pre -requisite for efficien cy in  Committees ' work was Members' 
compliance with their transparency obligations. It was natural to expect that the track record of  the 
main votaries of enhanced transparency such as the European Union  would be nothing short of 
exemplary in complying with their existing notification obligations.  
8.9.  But India found that the E uropean Union  had still not submitted its DS:1 notification for the 
marketing year 2018 -2019 well past the deadline of 30 September 2019 by when they should have 
notified th at information according to the deadlines mandated in document G/AG/2  – constituting a 
delay of more  than a year . The European Union had also been late by a period of almost 19 months 
in notifying its DS:1 notification for the marketing year 2017 -2018. It was also disappointing to note 
that specific trade concerns concerning the European Union's  policy r elated to MRLs and endocrine 
disruptors ha d remained on the agenda of the SPS Committee for several years.  
8.10.   Those were just the tip of the iceberg. It was not India's  intention to point fingers at any 
Member . But India expected  that Members practice d what they preach ed. India encourage d the 
European Union  and other Members to lead by example and ensure that they fulfil led their existing 
transparency obligations before proposing to add an ever -growing list of new obligations and 
chastising other Members. The  proposal was still being examined in its capital. In the earlier G eneral 
Council  meetings, India had already expressed its concerns over certain aspects of the proposal  and 
for the sake of brevity would  not reiterat e them. India thank ed the European Union  for its 
engagement on th e proposal  and looked forward to continuing th ose discussions and its constructive 
engagement on th e matter.  
8.11.   The representative of South Africa  remain ed concerned with the horizontal application of the 
proposal. Addressing specific concerns was provided for under certain agreements. Mainstreaming 
of STCs across all Committees and Councils w ould negatively impact developing Members  who 
already face d capaci ty constraints. While there were elements in the proposal that could  be useful 
and could assist in improving the functioning of Committees, it was important for each Committee 
to assess th ose in terms of whether they were aligned to the mandate. South Afri ca therefore did 
not believe in the horizontal implementation.  
8.12.   South Africa  also remained  concerned with the additional obligations. South Africa  had 
listened carefully to what the European Union had said but upon looking at the guidelines, they  still 
encourage d submission of written questions and replies within a specific period which w ould 
overstretch the limited human and institutional capacities of Members. South Africa remained further 
concerned with the enhanced role of the Chair and the Secretariat.  In the discussion on how to 
improve the functioning of the regular bodies, development was missing. With the current crisis in 
mind, it would  be important to look at how the role of regular bodies c ould be seen through the lens 
of development including ho w the regular bodies c ould assist to achieve the SDGs.  
8.13.   The representative of the United Kingdom  continue d to support th e proposal . Some Members 
had previously referred to the fact that the proposal would apply  a common framework across most 
Committees and Councils  – which was  a reasonable approach. The proposal set out a fairly light WT/GC/M/187  
 
- 36 - 
 
  touch minimum standard while still allowing individual Committees t o develop their own tailored 
approach to other questions relating to how the Committee operate d. 
8.14.   The United Kingdom likewise recogni zed additional challenges faced by developing countries 
particularly the LDCs and the importance of providing technical assi stance from the Secretariat. The 
United Kingdom look ed forward to engaging further with Members on th e proposal  and reiterate d its 
thanks  to the Secretariat and to Members for their collective efforts to quickly and effectively resume 
WTO meetings in hybri d format during the pandemic. The United Kingdom was  pleased that the 
important work of the Committees ha d continued during th ose unprecedented times.  
8.15.   The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDCs , took note of the proponents' intention  not 
to encroach  on the neutrality  of the Chairs and the Secretariat and of  the fact that the European 
Union had clarified t hat the proposal would not create any binding rules  apart from those on meeting 
arrangements . The LDC Group thank ed the co -sponsors of th e communica tion and agree d with the 
principle of potential benefits which could be drawn from a better structuring and functioning of the 
Councils and Committees of the WTO with the view to responding to Members' trade concerns.  
8.16.   In that regard, the LDC Group had submitted a communication in December 2019 spelling 
out the fact that any changes to procedures of WTO Councils and Committees should not entail 
additional burden for LDCs given their very limited resources both in Geneva and in capital s. 
Members should avoid any overlap in meetings. The LDC Group  was not in favour of tightening of 
deadlines nor of a structured written exchange between Members regarding information concerning  
trade mea sures and any related consultations . For more details on the Group's  position on reform 
matters, the LDCs referred Members to their communication circulated in document JOB/GC/223.  
8.17.   The LDC Group welcome d the flexibility of the co -sponsors. It was true tha t the LDCs  had had 
several meetings with the m to iron out discrepancies. The LDCs  remained in that frame of mind and 
would continue to pursue discussions to move the matter forward . The membership clearly need ed 
a functioning WTO which ensure d the continui ty of WTO activities regarding implementation of 
multilateral trade rules, analysis and technical assistance. The LDC Group remain ed open to 
discussing th at matter and hope d that the concerns aired by them would  be taken on board.  
8.18.   The representative of Mexico said that th ere was still some work to be done on th e matter. 
Mexico was more than ready to pursue discussions on th at to try and find alternatives which would 
enable  to ensure that Committees overc ame the difficulties in monitoring Members' commitment s 
and the trade concerns arising from the implementation of the WTO Agreements.  
8.19.   The representative of Indonesia  commend ed the continued efforts of the proponents in 
pursuing th e proposal. Indonesia was not however convinced that th e new arrangement would 
provide an efficient and transparent way of resolving any trade concern. The proposal c ould be an 
attempt to brush discussions on trade concerns under the carpet of the so -called "informal resolution 
mechanism". Th e proposal, even af ter several revisions, was still trying to put the already limited 
Secretariat resources and the limited ability of the Chair into a more difficult situation. Indonesia  
therefore need ed more clarity through  continued discussions on th e proposal.  
8.20.   The repres entative of Thailand  associate d with the statements made by ASEAN under agenda 
items 4 and 5. Concerning th e current  item, the disruptive and widespread economic impact from 
the COVID -19 pandemic further highlight ed the need for prompt, coordinated actions  from the WTO 
including through reform to minimi se impact and expedite economic recovery. The proposed 
guidelines was a practical step to enhancing the effectiveness of the WTO in one of its core functions.  
8.21.   The elements of meeting arrangements in the prop osal were designed with a view to facilitat e 
and foster Members' participation in meetings of regular bodies. They were especially helpful to 
smaller delegations in prepar ing for meetings and keeping updated with the work and information 
under regular bodi es. The proposal provide d an alternative mechanism to address resolvable trade 
concerns on a voluntary and flexible basis. Such enhancement c ould improve the WTO's functioning 
and help elevate the increasing burden and dependence on the dispute settlement system. Thailand  
had heard and had reflected on Members' views on the proposal and w ould continue its efforts to 
engage with Members to further clarify and address possible concerns.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  8.22.   The representative of Bangladesh  associate d with the statement made by th e LDC Group. The 
proposed guidelines aim ed to bring positive change in the working procedure of the Committees and 
Councils. Bangladesh  welcome d the constructive ideas in the draft proposal reflected in the fifth 
revision. In previous meetings, Bangladesh ha d constantly suggested changes in the existing 
convening notice templates which should include information such as the date of the meeting, 
relevant documents, reference of the minutes of the previous meeting and name of the Chair. 
Members  should also review the suggested time  limit for serving a convening notice before the actual 
date of the meeting and for circulating the minutes of the meetin g.  
8.23.   Bangladesh also propose d that a summary note should go to the WTO website immediately 
after the meeting. Th at would immensely help smaller delegations unable to attend  all meeting s in 
generally updating their information repository. The aim of the subm ission, as the proponents ha d 
explained, was to strengthen the capacity of regular WTO Councils and Committees to help Members 
function more efficiently. Bangladesh encourage d Members to reflect on the wider scope that the 
proposed guidelines ha d so that their decision  would  not create difficulties in the future.  
8.24.   Paragraph 13 of the draft suggest ed that Members should involve capital -based experts.  
Determining who to involve in its affairs should be  under  the prerogative of each  Member concern ed. 
The oblig ation or the necessity of participation of capital -based experts in the informal meeting in 
person or through video conferencing  remained  an issue for many Members. Bangladesh  urged the 
proponents to rethink whether all Members would be  in a position to im plement th ose calls. 
Bangladesh remain ed constructively engaged with the proponents and other Members on th e issue.  
8.25.   The representative of Chinese Taipei  said that it had co-sponsored th e proposal with the hope 
that Members w ould work together to improve the daily work of WTO bodies through various 
methods as had been suggested in the guidelines to deal with specific trade concerns more 
effectively. A set of horizontal procedural guideline s could help save time to address recurrent 
procedural issues and  facilitate focused discussions on long -term or substantive trade concerns.  
8.26.   Some WTO Committees ha d recently tried to arrange discussions of issues, raising of concerns 
and provision of responses in a more efficient manner. Examples include d the e-agenda system used 
by the TBT and SPS Committees and the possible use of the same system by the Market Acce ss 
Committee. Th at system was similar to the database on trade concerns proposed in the joint 
proposal. It w ould improve the efficiency of related work and could help respond to the demands of 
WTO Reform.  Chinese Taipei  looked forward to further understand ing and support from more 
Members on th e proposal.  
8.27.   The representative of the European Union  thank ed all the co -sponsors of th e proposal and all 
Members that intervened on the matter . The co -sponsors  would be continuing to work with all 
Members to clarify a nd improve the proposal. As  the European Union had indicated in  its first 
intervention, the co -sponsors  were proposing guidelines that c ould better organi ze work in the 
different bodies, Councils and Committees. The proposal was not a set of binding rules  but was  
simply a code of best practices that c ould be used by the different Chairs in order to better organi ze 
the discussions in the different subsidiary bodie s. The co -sponsors would be continuing their 
discussions with the Membership with the aim of pro gressing even further with th eir proposal.  
8.28.   The General Council took note  of the statements.  
9  WORK PROGRAMME ON ELECTRONIC COMMERCE AND MORATORIUM ON IMPOSING 
CUSTOMS DUTIES ON ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSIONS – REQUEST FROM INDIA  
9.1.  The Chairman  recalled that the item was included on the agenda by the delegation of India.  
9.2.  The representative of India said that t he tennis aficionados in th e house should  have followed 
the French Open that had recently concluded . If the International Tennis Federation or ATP had 
decree d that tennis could only be played on grass courts  like Wimbledon there would neither be  
Roland Garros , US Open nor Australian Open. The world would be deprived of watching Rafael 
Nadal 's prowess on clay . If the inventors of the Gentleman 's Game cricket ha d ordained that the 
long-duration format of Test Cricket had been  the only acceptable format then the world  would have 
been deprived of the experience of one day cricket or T20 format of cricket. There would neither be  
the Caribbean Premiere League, the Au stralian Big Bash League nor the Indian Premier League.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
- 38 - 
 
  9.3.  In the same vein, if th e house had to make rules authori sing digital payments only using 
conventional instruments then th at amount ed to a curb on innovation in terms of alternative digital 
payment pla tforms. Similarly , using only conventional authentication for digital signatures side -lined 
other cheaper options such as biometrics -based authentication for digital signatures that was being 
used in countries like India. In making rules on digital trade, the membership should  be very careful 
not to curb innovation and intellectual creativity by restricting the play ing field to established players. 
Rulemaking under JSI at th e current  stage would  create asymmetry and reverse S&DT similar to the 
one existing in  the Agreement on Agriculture. It w ould create a non -level playing field in support of 
existing players and  to the detriment of  new ones especially those that lacked  resources and skill s 
to compete in the game  shape d by those that had resources and with early mover advantage . 
9.4.  As the digital revolution was still unfolding, India ha d on a number of occasions reiterated that 
it was important to first understand the complex and multifaceted dimens ions of issues related to e -
commerce. Members  still d id not comprehend the full implications of effects of e -commerce on 
competition and market structures, issues related to transfer of technology, data storage and 
automation and its impact on traditional jobs and the gaps in policy and regulating frameworks in 
developing countries. India had therefore  been a proponent of strengthening Members'  multilateral 
work under the non -negotiating and exploratory 1998 Work Programme on Electronic Commerce . 
9.5.  Under th e multilateral Work Programme and with the intention of understanding the 
implications of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, India along with South 
Africa ha d introduced three submissions which explain ed their understanding on the scope and 
impact of the moratorium. In December 2019, India had joined the consensus on the six -month 
extension of the moratorium with the understanding that the Work Programme on Electronic 
Commerce w ould be reinvigorated with the specific objective of ac hieving clarity on issues related 
to the scope of the moratorium, the definition of electronic transmissions, identification of products  
covered under the moratorium a nd its impact. I ndia urged Members to engage sincerely on th ose 
issues in the multilatera l Work Programme.  
9.6.  India remind ed the Secretariat and the membership that Paragraph 1.2 of the 1998 Work 
Programme on Electronic C ommerce mandate d that "the General Council shall play a central role in 
the whole process and keep the work programme under con tinuous review through a standing item 
on its agenda ". India expect ed that in line with the clear mandate of Paragraph  1.2 of the Work 
Programme , the Secretariat w ould keep the review of the 1998 Work Programme as a standing 
agenda item on the agenda of the meetings of the General Council.  
9.7.  The representative of South Africa  recalled that t he 1998 mandate on e -commerce and the 
General Council Decision of 11 December 2019  called for a structured discussion on all trade -related 
topics of interest brought forward by Members on the scope, definition and the impact of the 
moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions. Furthermore, Members had  agreed that 
the current  practice of not imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions should continue until 
MC12. It was therefore important to continue their discussions on the moratorium so that they could 
ensure that the Ministerial Conference c ould take an informed dec ision at MC12 . 
9.8.  South Africa  had seen a widening of the definition of electronic transmissions as had been 
interpreted by some delegations. South Africa  reiterate d the views expressed in its joint paper with 
India which highlight ed that, as online trade inc rease d with digitization, the share of physical trade 
would correspondingly decrease so customs revenue from physical trade in digitizable products 
would decline and therefore examining the revenue impact of the moratorium was all the more 
important. A mor e accurate picture could  emerge if the revenue impact of the moratorium was on 
the basis of online trade. The moratorium w ould negatively impact the efforts of many developing 
countries which were lagging behind as far as digital industrialization was conc erned. It was also 
important to examine the impact on the basis of what it was doing on existing industries.  
9.9.  Given that there was a difference of opinion between Members on whether content was covered 
in electronic transmission and the consequent significa nt implications th at it had for calculating 
revenue losses, it would be useful for the Membership to arrive at a common understanding on th at 
critical issue before the next session of the Minister ial Conference.  The General Council  should  
therefore keep th at matter under review.  South Africa  listen ed to the Chairman indicating that he 
was willing to assist the Members.  The Membership  needed another informal dedicated General 
Council meeting before the end of the year to further reflect on that important issue specifically the 
scope, the definition and the impact of the moratorium.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
- 39 - 
 
  9.10.   The representative of Indonesia  share d the view on the urgency for all Members  to move 
forward with meaningful progress in the discussion under the Work Programme  on Electronic 
Commerce. It should be comprehended by the whole Membership that the rapid growth and 
relevance of electronic commerce within global trade should also serve as the engine of economic 
and social development to developing Members. Members shou ld clarify the scope of electronic 
transmission. In th at regard, Indonesia  reaffirm ed its position that electronic transmission s should 
not apply to electronically transmitted goods and services.  
9.11.   On the moratorium, the effort to address the moratorium shou ld be accelerated including its 
impact to fiscal revenue, digital competition and work creation, among others. Indonesia  also 
reiterate d the inevitable need for all Members to seek consistency in every pursued discipline related 
to that issue instead of es tablishing conflicting rules on the same matter. Indonesia  looked forward 
to continue discussions on th at issue.  
9.12.   The representative of Nigeria  said that e -commerce was an economic reality that was 
unlocking the potential of economies by triggering growth a s well as creating wealth and jobs. In 
today's world, e -commerce ha d become an important determinant for the distributional effects of 
trade and growth. It was therefore pertinent that Members  continually discuss ed how they could 
foster inclusive development of th at sector taking into account the challenges of developing countries 
especially LDCs. In furtherance of the General Council Decision of 11 December 2019 for Members  
to reinvigorate the work under the Work Programme on Ele ctronic Commerce, Australia and Nigeria 
together with other Members  had co-sponsored a proposal in the Services Council on exploratory 
discussions on supporting digital capability of business and consumers.  
9.13.   The aim of the proposal was to encourage Members  in the  Services Council  under the 1998 
Work Programme to share information on current domestic programmes seeking to increase 
capability and address the digital divide as it relate d to e-commerce. The knowledge that Members  
would gain from each other's ex perience w ould equip them with information needed to formulate 
and implement appropriate policies and programmes to address e -commerce challenges respective 
countries were facing such as the digital divide. The proposal ha d triggered robust conversation on  
the issue. Nigeria  called on all Members to support it so that they could  achieve the desired outcome.  
9.14.   Concerning the e -commerce moratorium, Nigeria agr eed with some Members on the need for 
the WTO to clarify the scope and the definition of electronic tr ansmission s. Nigeria was  also mindful 
of the particular concern of some Members on the effect of the moratorium on tariff revenue 
especially given the result of some static analysis that were in public domain. In modelling the impact 
of trade arrangements on economies of Members, static analysis alone d id not however  tell the 
whole story given that it exclude d the economic -wide dynamic effect of such arrangement s.  
9.15.   For Nigeria, the benefits of e -commerce were unambiguous. The sector ha d become the 
engine of  economic transformation in Nigeria and ha d set the country on a new growth trajectory. 
Rather than dwelling on the constructed revenue loss indicated in the results of some static analysis 
of the impact of the moratorium which were in public domain, Niger ia's focus was on the 
opportunities e -commerce avail ed of and on how to optimi se its gains from global digital trade.  
9.16.   Nigeria was  also cautious of the statutory effects of an unpredictable global e -commerce 
environment for businesses and consumers that was likely to occur from the non -renewal of the 
moratorium at MC12. The effects of such unpredictable global e -commerce environment on the world 
economy already shuttered by COVID -19 was unthinkable. Nigeria  called on Members to approach 
the issue with an open mind to enable them to continue to engage constructively on how they could 
foster inclusive development of e -commerce in their respective economies and globally.  
9.17.   The representative of Australia  support ed making the moratorium permanent. It was a critical 
part of the modern trading system providing better access to markets and providing consumers 
more choice. Letting it expire woul d encourage restrictions on digital trade and that would be 
detrimental to all of the efforts to restore the global economy. Consistent with the December 2019 
decision to extend the moratorium and reinvigorate work under the work programme, Australia had 
engaged in a constructive workshop  and an open -ended discussion in July. Australia also  submit ted 
a proposal on 1 July to the Services Council with 11 other Members to exchange information on ways 
Members were facilitating business and consumer engagement. Australia was  open to engaging in WT/GC/M/187  
 
- 40 - 
 
  future discussions. As to where those discussions occurred, each of the Committees c ould make their 
own decisions about whether they wish to pursue th em. Australia  would be pleased to engage.  
9.18.   On the JSI which India had mentioned at the outset, Nigeria had  made the point well. E -
commerce and digital trade were unlocking considerable growth, jobs and development in all 
economies and it was high time that the WTO  respond ed. It was important for Members  to foster an 
open digit al economy – one that foster ed innovation, growth and development. That was the purpose 
of the JSI. Most people were familiar with that. 85 Members were currently engaged in th e project 
of building rules of the game for unlocking exactly those benefits. All Members were free to 
participate in the JSI and were welcome in doing so to contribute to those rules as they evolve d. As 
the world kn ew well, every good sport need ed good rul es if it was to be enjoyed fairly by all.  
9.19.   The representative of Botswana , on behalf of the African Group , reiterate d the importance of 
the 1998 Work Programme on Electronic Commerce in the various bodies  where  the General Council 
played an important role in reviewing its progress . The December 2019 General Council Decision on 
extending the moratorium on the application of customs duties on electronic transmissions remain ed 
an important focus area. Without a clarification on the scope and the definition of an electronic 
transmission, Members  could never accurately estimate the revenue implications of the moratorium.  
9.20.   While COVID -19 ha d highlighted the importance of digital connectivity and e -commerce, it 
had brought to light the implications of the digital divide both within and between Members , 
particularly infrastructural gaps to enable e -commerce in Africa and how to de velop it. The African 
Group therefore support ed that discussions continue d under the auspices of the General Council to 
explore appropriate mechanisms to address the relationship between electronic commerce and 
development in a focused and comprehensive ma nner. 
9.21.   The representative of Bangladesh  referred to his delegation's initial submission in JOB/GC/152 
circulated on 14 November 2017  and the subsequent revision in JOB/GC/152/Rev.1. Bangladesh's 
submission on the future work on e -commerce focused on the dif ferent core issues. It had been  
decided at the Second Ministerial Conference that the General Council sh ould play a central role in 
the whole process and keep the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce under continuous review 
through a standing item on its agenda. Though Members had adopted the Work Programme in 1998, 
no work ha d been carried out on the core elements identified there in. Ignoring those elements would 
be an injustice to the Work Programme especially as they remained relevant . Bangladesh therefore  
proposed to conclude the work assigned to the relevant bodies  to help deepen Members'  discussion s 
and expect ed that Members w ould engage in fruitful discussions on those elements . Bangladesh 
remain ed constructively engaged on the issue. 
9.22.   The representative of Jamaica , on behalf of the ACP Group , noted that t he workshops held 
under the auspices of the General Council on the moratorium on imposing customs duties on 
electronic transmissions h ad been informative and had highlighted the need for further analysis on 
the measurement of revenue loss from digitization.  It had also highlighted the need for experience 
sharing and meaningful technical assistance and capacity building as it relate d to the imposition of 
taxes on products purchased elec tronically, beyond the question of tariffs as the moratorium d id not 
cover imposition of internal taxes. Th ose were among the issues that the ACP Group would have 
indicated to be of core importance for discussions under the development component of the 
discussions of the Work Programme  on Electronic C ommerce .  
9.23.   While th ose issues remain ed of importance, recent developments had elevated the need for 
urgent, serious and focused discussions on other aspects of the development aspects of the Work 
Programme.  What had initially emerged as a health crisis and resulted in the imposition of measures 
to curb the spread of a virus ha d wreaked serious havoc on the economies of ACP countries. The 
literature show ed however that despite the devastating impact that the crisi s had had on a number 
of economic sectors, there ha d been at least one obvious highlight. The information communication 
technology sector unlike other areas ha d realised exponential growth at the time when other sectors 
had been  declining.  The increased demand for services relating to telecommuting such as web 
conferencing and electronic commerce was evidence of th at. 
9.24.   At a more granular level, electronic commerce ha d allowed for telemedicine, online education 
and increased personal and professional communication. As a Group, th ose mechanisms ha d 
benefitted its members  through supporting their engagement and participation in the WTO and other WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  processes. The ACP Group than ked its technical assistance partners for that support. The ACP Group  
looked beyond the question of the moratorium to the other elements of the Work Programme that 
together with the issue of the moratorium underpin ned the needs of consumers and entrepreneu rs 
to enjoy a liberal and level playing field to participate in the e -commerce platform.  
9.25.   Despite th ose positive advances, the crisis ha d exposed the gaping digital divide and , in some 
instances , had widened it.  The impact ha d been particularly felt by developing and LDC Members  
including those in the ACP Group. Access to the internet and basic electricity were some of the basic 
infrastructural challenges faced by a large section of the population in many ACP countries thereby 
stymieing the ability to provid e online education, teleworking and online access to provisions.  
9.26.   While statistics could  reveal a positive trend in online purchases in developing countries, what 
was not apparent was that access to online platforms as sellers by a vast majority of MSMEs in  ACP 
countries remain ed elusive. Further, the statistics on the unbanked in a number of their countries 
had been understated. The crisis ha d also further warranted the need for effective and efficient 
legislation and regulations.  That was pertinent if cons umer protection, data privacy, cyber security 
and cybercrime were to ensure that governments, consumers and businesses in ACP developing 
countries were to be protected and guarantee d an adequate level of safeguards for online activities.  
9.27.   The ACP Group was pleased to have witnessed the experience sharing by Members during the 
recent  meeting of the Services  Council , one of the bodies entrusted to advance and intensify the 
organization 's work on electronic commerce. The Group  stress ed the urgency in discussions seeking 
to see how the WTO , and equally its Members , could  assist developing and least -developed ACP 
countries to bridge the digital divide thereby allowing for greater participation and benefit sharing 
from the global trade in electronic commerce.  
9.28.   The ACP Group recogni zed that if th ose issues were to be brought forward, the onus w ould 
be on the members of the ACP Group  and countries like them. The Group  therefore continue d to 
engage amo ng them selves and with other Members with t he aim of treating  to the issues relating 
to the development component of the Work Programme and look ed forward to its continued 
engagement in the General Council and other respective bodies charged with undertaking work on 
the Work Programme on Electronic  Commerce.  
9.29.   The representative of Namibia  associate d with the statement made by the African Group and 
the ACP. Subsequent to the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce and other Ministerial 
Declarations and Decisions, Namibia  support ed India's request for th at important item to be part of 
the discussion of Members'  work moving forward. Without repeating its well -known position, Namibia  
pointed out that th e request w ould assist to explore different avenues with a view to overcome the 
negative impact of e -comme rce on industrialization due to the loss of the use of tariffs as a critical 
trade policy instrument during  and after  the COVID -19 pandemic.  
9.30.   The representative of Saint Lucia , on behalf of CARICOM , associated with the statement made  
by the ACP . As Members  continue d to grapple with challenges related to the COVID -19 pandemic, it 
was perhaps time for Members  to reorient their approach to the December 2019 General Council 
decision to reinvigorate work under the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce. The current 
global reality was vastly different from  that in December 2019. The pandemic ha d confirmed the 
indispensability and urgency of digital transformation especially as it relate d to electronic commerce. 
Those with limited capacity to deploy digital s olutions ha d experienced the paralysis of businesses, 
sectors and economies as a whole. Th at had compromised their social development systems and 
had set back their sustainable development efforts.  
9.31.   Some Members ha d benefited considerably from exponential increases in demand for digital 
solutions in 2020  such as those relating to electronic payments and telework. On the other hand, 
many developing and least -developed Members ha d lacked the wherewithal – including the requisite 
infrastructure, capacity and r egulatory frameworks – to leverage such solutions. Th ose challenges 
had long constrained their ability to access the benefits of electronic commerce and the digital 
economy and they gravely undermine d efforts to weather the crisis triggered by the pandemic . The 
digital divide seem ed wider now than ever before.  Given the present circumstances, it would 
therefore be instructive for Members to prioritise other aspects of the e -commerce conversation 
rather than dedicate their efforts almost exclusively to the m oratorium.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  9.32.   While  providing opportunities to clarify perspectives and consider technical studies, Members' 
discussions ha d not brought them closer to convergence on the scope and impact of the moratorium, 
without which it was difficult to advance their work. In that regard, CARICOM  welcome d efforts to 
broaden the dialogue on electronic commerce including in the Services  and the TRIPS Council s and 
would support further efforts in th at regard in the period ahead. Upon entering the final quarter of 
2020 and in considering the outcomes under the Work Programme Members  would wish to pursue 
in the context of MC12, the CARICOM Group reiterate d its call for the consideration of other trade -
related topics of interest to Members  such as focused discussions on t he digital divide.  
9.33.   The representative of the United Kingdom  reiterated that his delegation  was a strong  
supporter of the moratorium and believe d that th at should be made permanent. As Jamaica ha d 
said, COVID -19 ha d highlighted just how important digital tr ade and services were to the global 
economy. It w ould continue to be of fundamental importance as Members  looked to build back better 
from th e crisis. The United Kingdom  also agreed with Nigeria that digital trade should be uninhibited 
by tariff barriers l ike customs duties to provide the stability and predictability that businesses need ed 
whether in developed or developing countries to innovate, grow and prosper in the digital age.  
9.34.   Barriers to trade were barriers to trade  and Members should  seek to avoid introducing them. 
The United Kingdom recogni zed that there were a range of views held by Members on the impact of 
the moratorium and dr ew Members' attention to the paper by the OECD entitled "Electronic 
Transmissions and International Trade" which shed new  light on the moratorium debate. Th ose 
publications play ed an invaluable part in increasing understanding of what was a complex set of 
issues and they could  help to generate informed and constructive debate between Members. The 
United Kingdom welcome d continued discussions on th at important issue through the Work 
Programme on Electronic Commerce.  
9.35.   The representative of Turkey  said that e -commerce was an area w ith growing importance for 
all Members and it ha d to be thoroughly discussed in th e organization . The WTO c ould not afford to 
be left behind on developments in e -commerce. In th at respect, the Work Programme on Electronic 
Commerce already require d Members to examine all trade -related issues relating to electronic 
commerce taking into account the economic, financial and development needs of developing 
countries. Members  should continue to do their part in th at regard in the relevant WTO bodies and 
reinvigora te the Work P rogramme with more solid action.  
9.36.   As ha d been  stated before, there were a number of questions and concerns surrounding the 
current moratorium which include d the terminology used and questions related to classification and 
technological neutrali ty. Before making any decision on the moratorium, Members  needed a better 
understanding of the consequences of the current practice especially the fiscal implications of the 
moratorium for developing and LDC Members since they were net importers of digitiz able products.  
9.37.   In all their work, Members  should focus on preserving policy space to address the challenges 
of the current rapid technological advances.  That assessment should also take into account its 
potential benefits in promoting trade, creating new industries, boosting innovation and development. 
That assessment was absolutely necessary  as it was  crucial in fostering the rapid increase of trade 
in electronic transmissions with digitali sed works. The practice of extending the moratorium while 
they further discuss ed those aspects w ould be the optimal solution.  
9.38.   The representative of the United States  noted that when Members  had first established the 
prohibition on customs duties on electronic transmission in 1998, e -commerce had been  in its 
infancy. More than twenty years later, it was clear that the moratorium ha d supported the rapid 
growth of digital trade by ensuring that exp orts of digital products and services were not subject to 
tariffs . The benefits of the moratorium ha d only become more salient in the current context of the 
pandemic in which the availability of digitally delivered products and services ha d become a lifeli ne 
for many consumers and businesses including SMEs around the world.  
9.39.   In December, when the General Council had agreed to extend the moratorium until MC12, it 
had also called upon Members to reinvigorate the work under the Work Programme on Electronic 
Commerce based upon the existing mandate as set out in document WT/L/274. To th at end, the 
United States had actively participated in the webinar  and an open -ended meeting of the Work 
Programme that  had taken  place in July to discuss the moratorium.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
- 43 - 
 
  9.40.   To the sp ecific General Council point raised by India, issues under the Work Programme ha d 
regularly been discussed in General Council meetings as well as in recent informal open -ended 
meetings. In order to ensure that there was sufficient Member -interest to sustai n a productive 
discussion, the United States  prefer red that th ose discussions continue d to proceed on the same 
basis that they ha d that day rather than establishing any new permanent items that were 
automatically added to the General Council agenda.  
9.41.   The re presentative of Mali said that e -commerce was a development matter. Mali which was 
a landlocked LDC Member ha d suffered severely from the catastrophic effects of border issues 
following COVID -19 – represent ing more than 40% of the State budget. Th at was an  official figure. 
Although Mali  would like to join the JSI, it also  recall ed that there was a problem and a mandate 
which had not yet been  implemented and achieved. There were four bodies in the WTO for which 
the issue of e -commerce ha d been discussed  – none of which had been able to give a proper account. 
Nobody k new what the status of the work programme wa s. Those bodies need ed to publish it. At 
the same time, Members  should also be fully aware of the effects of the moratorium  on devel opment.  
9.42.   Mali agree d and was happy for those which were developed enough to eliminate customs 
duties  and wished that it was among them. Mali hoped they would share their experience with the 
Membership . The issue of e -commerce was a development issue. There were African countries and 
LDCs where the r ate of electrification was at 20%  and t here were those experiencing less.  There 
were Members with a very low level of  banking activity where electronic payment did not  exist. Mali 
quest ioned the discussions surrounding the  moratorium and on engaging in conversations on rules  
on e-commerce given such circumstances  including the fact that Article 66.2  of the TRIPS Agreement  
on the  provision of  technology transfer had not yet been applied. Mali therefore appeal ed to Members  
to consider and resolve the issue of technology transfer as it continued to  suffer from th at problem.  
9.43.   Online classes and telework seemed like effective concepts to address school and work 
arrangements during the pandemic. In Mali, children had not been in school for a long time . 
Schooling had been stalled for an entire generation. In several countries, students had been back to 
school since August or September but for Mali, it would still be sometime in October. And e-
commerce could  help address such issues . The problem was that Mali did not have the sufficient 
means for it and nobody want ed to give Mali the essential resources despite what was enshrined in 
Article 66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement. Members should theref ore implement that provision. Mali called 
on all Members to  help each other to achieve the  objectives of the  Work Programme on Electronic 
Commerce and to implement technology transfer under Article 66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement.  
9.44.   The representative of Mexico  said that his delegation had always looked for a permanent 
moratorium with the commitments which ha d been undertaken according to regional and bilateral 
agreements. E -commerce ha d been able to grow beyond what had been  predicted thanks to the 
multilateral commitment to not impose customs duties on electronic transmissions. The increase in 
electronic transmissions and transactions ha d positively impacted employment and innovation and 
had encouraged and favoured low -income groups. With regard to the COVID -19 pandemic, 
consumers ha d used electronic platforms more and more in order to access banking services and 
undertake electronic payments including accessing public services, buying goods and services 
especially with relation to health as well as the use of mo bile telephony and urban mobile services 
– enabling them to have access to educational services , among others.  
9.45.   With regard to the effects of the COVID -19 pandemic, recent studies  had confirmed that e -
commerce ha d helped many families to stay at home and t o have access to health  services  and 
medication. It ha d also helped many MSMEs to remain relevant in a difficult economic environment. 
A non-comprehensive fiscal analysis approach would not  lead to successful public policies. The 
benefits of no t imposing customs duties  on electronic transmissions should be seen in  light of the 
comprehensive economic effects of the expansion of th e sector  and not on short-term economic 
appetite  which induced the negative effects on the development of the sector . Mexico ther efore 
reiterate d its position supporting the  extension of  the moratorium.  
9.46.   The representative of Canada  support ed the points made by Nigeria and Australia and reject ed 
India's concerns about the JSI on E -Commerce. Th e JSI was open to all , was transparent  and aimed 
at increasing openness and predictability. Many participants were developing Members and they ha d 
full rights in th ose negotiations and Canada was  working closely with them. Canada was convinced 
that ensuring a permanent, tariff -free space for cros s-border electronic transmissions provide d 
valuable long -term predictability and openness for businesses and consumer. Obviously, th at had WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  always included content transmitted electronically, if not it would  be meaningless. To th at end, 
Canada  reiterate d its support for having the multilateral moratorium become a permanent 
prohibition and had also welcomed and participated in the informal, open -ended meetings on the 
Work Prog ramme on Electronic Commerce  brought forward by Members' submissions.  
9.47.   The representa tive of Switzerland  was pleased to see that activities ha d picked up even if 
they ha d been delayed by the recent lockdown. Switzerland thanked  the Chair for the regular update 
that he was providing to the General Council under the item dedicated to the implementation of the 
Bali, Nairobi and Buenos Aires Decisions. That was a useful format to channel the discussions. On 
the moratorium, activities foreseen under the structured discussions ha d also resumed in the 
summer with a workshop and discussions on the basis of two submissions, one by Switzerland and 
12 other Members, the other by India and South Africa.  
9.48.   While looking forward to continuing the structured discussions, Switzerland remain ed of the 
view that the moratorium was part of the framework conditions that ha d contributed to the expansion 
of e-commerce. Switzerland  caution ed against the temptation to introduce barriers to digital trade 
in the form of customs duties. Th ose tools were unsuited to the digital environment and excessively 
costly if they c ould be implemented at all. Switzerland  saw no good reason to let go of an important 
contribution of the WTO that le ft Members  the full discretion in the area of internal taxation. On the 
contrary, Switzerland  support ed making the moratorium on electronic commerce permanent.  
9.49.   The representative of Israel  welcomed the decision to extend the moratorium on e -commerce 
to MC12 . It was an important decision that sen t a positive message of certainty  and predictability to 
the international business community. The benefits of the moratorium outweigh ed the potential cost 
for revenue losses. Th ose benefits were made clearer on a daily basis during the ongoing COVID -19 
pandemic which demonstrate d the impo rtance of cross -border trade by electronic means. Israel  
welcome d the continued work on th at and other e -commerce related rules.  
9.50.   The representative of Singapore  remain ed committed to fully implementing the December 
2019 GC decision to (i) re -invigorate the  Work Programme and (ii) maintain the practice of not 
imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions until MC12. Members  should  recogni ze that the 
COVID -19 pandemic ha d accentuated the importance of digital trade  and it was imperative that 
Members continue d to engage constructively on th at important issue. It was impossible to wait until 
the full effects of the digital transformation were clear because the digital transformation was already 
upon them and they could not be left behind.  
9.51.   Member s had been engaging in regular exchanges of views on the E -Commerce Work 
Programme under the General Council agenda item on the " Implementation of the Bali, Nairobi and 
Buenos Aires Outcomes – Statement by the Chairman ". The Work Programme ha d also been 
addressed in various committees throughout the year . For example, the recent CTS meetings, on 
1 July and 2 October, had seen  substantive discussions under the agenda item on the "Exchange of 
Information and Experiences based on Submission by Members ". Singap ore looked forward to 
continuing such useful exchanges using th ose modalities.  
9.52.   Singapore was puzzled by the request to include the E -Commerce Work Programme as a 
standing  agenda item  of the General Council  since it was already covered under  agenda item 2. In 
fact, that agenda item was  a standing agenda item under which Members  had regularly exchanged 
views on the E -Commerce Work Programme. From a pragmatic and procedural viewpoint, if every 
issue Members  discuss ed at the WTO were to become a standing item i n the G eneral Council  then 
the agenda w ould become bloated in no time.   
9.53.   In concluding, Singapore noted that t he rules of tennis had been  invented in 1837. Clay courts 
had become popular in the mid -1900s. Having established rules had not prevent ed innovation and 
had not prevent ed clay courts from becoming a fact of life which the world  could now enjoy. So, 
when Members  drew lessons from history, they should draw the right ones.  
9.54.   The representative of Japan  support ed the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce  which 
had formulated a solid foundation for Members'  longstanding practice of the moratorium on customs 
duties. Japan was  open to reinvigorating the work under the Work Program me as appropriately in 
the run up to MC12 based on Members'  agreement in the December General Council meeting.  In the 
General Council, discussions related to the Work Programme were covered under the agenda item WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  on the " Implementation of the Bali, Nairobi and Buenos Aires Outcomes ". In addition, Members had  
already agreed in the General Council meeting in December to have structured discussions on the 
moratorium. Those existing format and agreement c ould provide sufficient foundation for  discussions 
on the Work Programme and the moratorium.  
9.55.   On the customs duties moratorium, Members  should recall its objective  of ensur ing free trade 
environment that was conducive to the development of electronic commerce. The moratorium ha d 
been providing both businesses and consumers with certainty and predictability in international trade 
for more than 20 years. To discontinue the moratorium would be considered a serious step backward 
for e-commerce and international trade  especially during the  COVID -19 crisis which shed light on 
the utility and the potential of electronic commerce. Th at was why Japan strongly believe d Members  
should maintain the current multilateral practice of the moratorium and make it permanent.  
9.56.   At the same time, Japan  was open to finding solutions to address the challenges faced by 
developing Members in adapting to electronic commerce. In th at regard , Japan  was co-sponsoring 
the proposal in the CTS (JOB/SERV/296/Rev.3) that encourage d Members to share information on 
how to increase digital capability and address the digital divide in developing Members. Such work 
was instrumental for Members to overcome challenges in electronic commerce such as those pointed 
out by India and other Members. On the JSI, as a co -convener , Japan  believe d that the  ongoing JSI 
on electronic commerce c ould complement the required work under the Work Programme as 
Australia had  mentioned.  
9.57.   The representative of Sri Lanka  support ed India for having proposed th e agenda item. When 
the moratorium on c ustoms duties on electronic transmissions had been agreed in 1998, there had 
been no clarity on the scope of the moratorium and how that could have unfolded with the digital 
revolution. Members had therefore agreed  on disciplines on electronic transmission s without a clear 
indication of the fiscal, industrial and economic implications. Accordingly, Ministers in 1998 had 
agreed on the establishment of "a comprehensive work programme to examine all trade -related 
issues of global e -commerce".  
9.58.   The subsequent M inisterial Conferences and the General Council had adopted decisions to 
extend the moratorium on  the imposition of customs duties on electronic transmissions with the 
promise of reinvigorating the work under the E -Commerce Work Programme, including having 
structured discussions. The Work Programme was therefore a critical aspect that should have 
informed decision -making on the moratorium.  As per the latest decision, Members ha d agreed to 
maintain the moratorium until MC12 and for the General Council to report to MC12 on the work 
under the Work Programme  on Electronic Commerce . 
9.59.   Sri Lanka  notice d from the discussions held so far since December 2019 that Members 
continue d to have d ivergent views on the scope and impact of the moratorium  which indicate d that 
there was still a lot of work that need ed to be done for another extension of the moratorium beyond 
MC12. Meaningful and genuine engagement by the Membership was a critical build ing block towards 
the reinvigoration of the work under the Work Programme for achieving clarity on scope, definition 
and impact of the moratorium as mandated by the General Council in December 2019.  
9.60.   As it ha d been emphasi zed by many, it was important for M embers to come to a common 
understanding on the scope of the moratorium. Without clarity on the scope of the moratorium, 
there w ould be no predictability for business, trade and industry. More importantly, governments 
would not have known what their obliga tions and rights were. Only a clear understanding on the 
scope and an appreciation of its impact w ould help the Ministers take a well -considered and wise 
decision on the moratorium at MC12.  
9.61.   The submissions before Members , particularly the joint proposal by  South Africa and India in 
document WT/GC/W/798 dated 11 March 2020, which Sri Lanka support ed, provide d their 
understanding of the scope of the moratorium and its implications. The empirical evidence ha d drawn 
from a number of studies which they ha d outlined in the paper to define the scope of the moratorium 
on electronic transmissions as applicable to physical goods.  
9.62.   The key concern was the impact of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic 
transmissions on Members'  efforts to industrialise digitall y including its impact in undermin ing 
existing industries. Meaningful progress on the work programme was therefore important due to the WT/GC/M/187  
 
- 46 - 
 
  value Members had  attached to effective and inclusive participation in e -commerce and the digital 
economy, and the role it could have played in the development of their economies. Governments 
should have been able to promote digital industrialization and ensure that e -commerce was 
conducted in a fair manner and contribute d to the resources of government just as every other 
economic activity was typically required to do.  
9.63.   The benefit that developing countries derived from e -commerce could not be limited to 
consumer welfare. While that was important, the role of trade policy was more relevant as an 
instrument of industrial deve lopment. The meaningful economic impact for developing countries 
arising from e -commerce would be from an industrial and job creation point of view which would 
promote resilient economies and sustainable development. The moratorium therefore ha d long-term 
implications for the developmental prospects of developing countries.  
9.64.   For the last 22 years there had been a remarkably inefficient situation in which similar goods 
such as e -books and physical books were receiving different policy and tax treatment. One c ould not 
ignore the revenue losses estimated by UNCTAD as amounting to USD 10.1 billion per annum for 
developing countries if bound rates had been  applied and USD 5 billion when based on applied rates.  
Sri Lanka' s corresponding per annum tariff revenue los s from the m oratorium using bound duties 
was estimated to be around US D 10 million and the total tariff revenue loss from the m oratorium 
using effective applied duties was around US D 9.3 million . 
9.65.   The custom surcharges and other additional duties were also important source s of revenue 
for developing countries including Sri Lanka.  Rising digitalization of products and shift of imports 
from physical imports to online imports with moratorium on electro nic transmissions  could have 
serious implications on government budgets especially in th ose small economies including Sri Lanka.  
A true reinvigoration of the 1998 Work Programme was therefore needed through the relevant bodies 
taking up the discussion base d on their mandate. The priority ha d to be the scope of the moratorium 
which would inform decision -making on the moratorium at MC12 a nd the developmental aspects 
that would promote inclusive participation in the digital economy under the CTD.  
9.66.   To assist de veloping countries such as Sri Lanka in making the above decisions in a more 
pragmatic way, the Work Programme should be reinvigorated and accelerated with a pre -defined 
agenda enabling Members to focus on the following issues for which clear milestones an d a constant 
review mechanism under the General Council for arriving at  decisions before proceeding for another 
extension and paving the way for further extension of the moratorium beyond MC12 : to examine 
the scope and definition of electronic transmission s in relation to the customs duties moratorium 
and, particular ly, whether it cover ed only goods or also services and the implications thereof and to 
take a decisive action on the scope and definition of electronic transmissions and to examine the 
technical  feasibility of implementing customs duties on electronic transmissions.  
9.67.   While looking forward to more intensive discussions on the various aspects of the moratorium 
in various settings, Sri Lanka support ed India' s proposal that in the light of the Buenos Aires and 
the December 2019 General Council Decisions on the Work Programme, it was useful and productive 
for the Membership to continue with the periodic reviews of the Work Programme by the General 
Council in it s future sessions until the following Ministerial Conference. Accordingly, Sri Lanka  called 
for the General Council to review progress on the Work Programme as ha d been proposed by India.  
9.68.   The representative of the European Union  remain ed convinced that the multilateral 
commitment not to impose customs duties on electronic transmissions ha d brought multi -faced 
benefits to all  Members. It ha d contributed to the development of digital trade, ha d helped 
consumers to access new services and ha d provided certainty to business, including MSME s. A 
permanent moratorium would provide the necessary certainty to business and consumers and would 
facilitate planning decisions related to further engagement in digital trade.  
9.69.   The E uropean Union  remain ed committed to continue engaging in the structured discussions 
on the moratorium in line with the General Council decision of December 2019 taking into account 
the new evidence that ha d been published over the past year on the multiple benefits of the 
morator ium for business and citizens.  The European Union remain ed committed to continue 
discussions in the informal open -ended General Council meetings, in the regular WTO Committees 
and structured discussions and fail ed to see the need for a standing item on the  General Council 
agenda on the Work Programme and moratorium.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  9.70.   The representative of Pakistan  said that  the rules of various games ha d evolved with 
technological advances  – the introduction of the third umpire, the electronic eye in cricket being a 
case in point. The moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions ha d been under 
discussion at th e house for some time now. The more Members  discuss ed and explore d, the more it 
became evident that changing times were revealing new dimensions and implicat ions of the 
moratorium. Rapidly evolving technologies dictate d that developing countries, most often 
constrained financially, c ould not ignore serious revenue and industrial implications. The scope and 
definition of electronic transmissions was increasingl y becoming a complex area. Moreover, at a 
domestic and social level, welfare for the consumers and producers within a national economy 
needed to be balanced by governments. Any decision on the continuation of the moratorium c ould 
not therefore  be straightforward and should  consider all aspects for developing countries.  
9.71.   Pakistan  underst ood that the multilateral mandate on the  Work Programme need ed to be 
fulfilled in a focused way to discuss and explore solutions for developing countries.  The G overnment 
of Pakistan had placed digiti zation and digital development as one of its top priorities  and Members  
should  find collective ways for developing countries to secure their place on the global digital map.  
9.72.   The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDCs, noted that Mali ha d highlighted the 
concerns of LDCs  and ha d given a clear picture of the situation. The LDC Group grant ed importance 
to the Work Programme  and stress ed the importance for LDCs to be equipped with the appropriate 
infrastructure as far  as new technologies were concerned. Th at would enable them to benefit from 
e-commerce. It was important to explore new and appropriate avenues to enable LDCs to reach th at 
objective.  Before talking about  e-commerce, Members  should first have  the necessary  tools. It was 
regrettable that during the WTO meetings, many delegations in capitals ha d not been able to take 
part in the meetings simply because they did not have the required infrastructure to able to do so. 
Sometimes their Ministers intervene d virtual ly and during the intervention the sound would cut  off. 
The use of internet was failing because they did not have advanced technology which d id not enable 
their capitals to take good part in their discussions also due to the pandemic. The re was a sense of 
urgency in addressing such issues .  
9.73.   Members should  help LDCs at least  by ensuring that they were  equipped with the necessary 
infrastructure so that they c ould take part in the meetings and exchange their experiences from 
capital with the WTO. Some  Members ha d the necessary tools to help LDCs gain access to th ose 
tools at lesser costs so that they could make better and easier use of e -commerce. Some Members 
had important infrastructure such as satellites.  The LDC Group therefore  launch ed an appeal t o 
Members to look at th e matter in depth to help the LDCs.  Regarding the moratorium, the LDC Group 
thank ed India for all the explanations it had provided . The Group would c ontinue to fully participate 
in the discussions under way on th e moratorium , would remain flexible and open and w ould continue 
to take part on discussions on th e matter.  
9.74.   The representative of Chile thank ed India, an active protagonist at the WTO , for providing 
Members  an opportunity to exchange views on th e issue even though  they already had that 
opportunity under another agenda item . At the previous meeting , Chile had given  a detailed 
statement saying why it supported  the extension of the moratorium. Chile was comfortable as a co -
sponsor together with other developing and developed Members on the discussions on the extension 
and development of the moratorium on electronic transmissions in document WT/GC/W/799/Rev.1. 
That document pick ed up the conclusions from a paper  by the OECD  entitled , "Electronic 
Transmissions and International Trade: Shedding a new light on the debate on the moratorium".  
9.75.   The OECD paper  reflect ed that an evaluation of the costs and benefits should be based on a 
holistic analysis which inclu ded many variables on the one hand but also various economic effects 
that such a decision would entail. Members  all kn ew that the analysis of one or two variables was 
not per se a holistic analysis. The OECD study c ame to the conclusion that the terms of t he 
moratorium w ould have an effect on limiting public income and w ould be done at the expense of 
more interest for the consumers and the competitiveness of companies in th at sector. The benefits 
of the moratorium therefore  compensate d for the possible loss  of public income. But it was not just 
the study that had mentioned the advantage s of the moratorium . Those had also been made more 
visible by stakeholders including in seminars organi zed by various sectors in developing countries.  
9.76.   Chile was fully aware of  the limitations of developing countries especially  LDCs to benefit fully 
from the digital economy such as infrastructure and technical capacity. Chile had also encountered 
similar constraints . It was however  difficult to conclude that the imposition of cu stoms duties on WT/GC/M/187  
 
- 48 - 
 
  electronic transmissions c ould help overcome th ose obstacle s because it would give greater 
competition to the digital market.  Like Chile, m ajority of developing Members did not have  big 
developed domestic markets. Their digital SMEs ha d bases elsewhere. They need ed to have 
necessary tools to connect to th ose companies outside the country making it necessary  to enhance  
trade with simple, transparent and predictable systems.  That wa s what Chile had learned and what 
it had wanted to share with the WTO. None of its digital MSMEs ha d identified imposing customs 
duties as something that would stop them from developing  – another data that Members  should 
bear in mind.  
9.77.   Concerning the discussi ons on the Work Programme, Chile echoed what other delegations had 
previously pointed out that  the Chairman regularly informed  the General Council  on updates 
regarding the Work Programme  under the item on  the "Implementation of the Bali, Nairobi and 
Buenos  Aires Outcomes" . In December 2019, it had been  agreed to hold structured debates on the 
moratorium  that was why there had been meeting s throughout the year in that regard. B ut Members  
should thank India for being so active  in that matter . Chile hoped that Members would  find a 
multilateral solution on that issue and would reach an agreement  soon as the matters discussed  
were not theoretical concept s but realities. 
9.78.   The representative of India thanked the Chairman  and the Members for the ir engagement 
that day under that  agenda item. The interest shown by Members t hat day clearly show ed the benefit 
of having a set agenda for review. In the end, all  Members  had learned their lessons in the last 25 
years but India still d id not  know  whether th ose had been the  right or the wrong  ones. 
9.79.   The Chairman  recalled that South Africa had earlier  noted  that he had urged all delegations 
to deepen the engagement on both the Work Programme and the Moratorium in line with the General 
Council  Decision  of Decemb er 2019. He reiterated that, as Chair, he remain ed ready to consult with 
Members and to facilitate further meetings as necessary.  
9.80.   The General Council took note  of the statements.  
10  WTO PENSION PLAN  
10.1  Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ending 3 1 December 2019 
(WT/L/1093)  
10.2  Report of the Independent External Auditor on the Audit of the Financial Statements 
of the World Trade Organization Pension Plan (WTOPP) for the year ended 31 December 
2019 (WT/L/1094)  
10.1.   The Chairman  drew Members' attention to the  Annual Report of the Management Board for 
2019 contained in document WT/L/1093 which was submitted to the General Council in accordance 
with Article 5(d) of the Regulations of the WTO Pension Plan. He also drew their attention to the 
Report of the Indepen dent External Auditor on the Audit of the Financial Statements of the WTOPP 
in document WT/L/1094.  
10.2.   Mr. Jean-Marc van Dril  (Switzerland), Chair man of the WTOPP Management Board , present ed 
to the General Council the 2019 Report of the External Auditor and the 2019 Annual Report of the 
World Trade Organization Pension Plan which c ould be found in WT/L/1093 and WT/L/1094. Th ose 
reports, covering the period from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2 019, ha d been prepared in 
accordance with Article 5 of the Regulations of the Plan for presentation to the General Council and 
to Plan participants.  The Annual Report and External Audit Opinion were issued unusually late  mainly 
due to travel restrictions a ssociated with the COVID -19 pandemic which ha d delayed completion of 
the work of the external auditors. The Management Board was pleased to inform about a positive 
audit report with an unqualified opinion.  
10.3.   Regarding Investment , in 2019, financial markets had been unexpectedly strong. Th at was 
reflected in the return of the Pension Plan investments portfolio at end -2019. The Management 
Board's investment strategy had delivered a nominal return of 12.6% which was significantly above 
the 3.5% target rate of re turn used in the actuarial assumptions. Over the last five years, the Plan's 
portfolio had generated an average annual return of 4.7% in nominal terms.  Variations in returns 
with years above and year below the target were normal. If 2019 ha d brought strong  returns, 2020 WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  would be challenging for investors with the C OVID -19 global pandemic affecting the economic 
activity and weighing on the performances of the financial markets.   
10.4.   That uncertainty mean t that the prospects for investors were likely to remain ch allenging in 
the near future. In such a context, it w ould be normal to expect that markets could  correct and that 
the Pension Plan experience d some below average returns in the future. The WTO Pension Plan was 
however a long -term investor. Its investment s trategy was designed to make use of opportunities 
provided by market downturns, by purchasing at attractive prices assets that h eld the potential for 
more sustained , even if modest , returns.  
10.5.   Regarding the actuarial matters, a triennial full actuarial valua tion based on 2019 data was 
ongoing. The disruptions of C OVID -19 and the technical complexity of th at work ha d meant that th at 
valuation was still in progress. For th at full valuation, the Board ha d launched a comprehensive 
review of the ass umptions to be used for projecting the future liabilities of the Plan. In just the past 
weeks, the Management Board had learned that the company employing the lead actuary had made 
his position redundant in a corporate restructuring . The lead actuary had b een responsible for th at 
valuation and ha d been advising the Board since many years. Th ose sudden developments ha d made 
it impossible to complete on schedule the triennial full actuarial valuation.  
10.6.   Consequently, the Management Board was in the process of l aunching a competitive 
procurement exercise for a new consulting actuary.  That would allow it to continue the periodic full 
actuarial valuation and to issue the report of the valuation. Although the recent events were causing 
a delay in the delivery of the  report, the valuation w ould more appropriately be based on 2020 data.  
As mentioned earlier, near term economic conditions were expected to be challenging, a situation 
that c ould result in sustained below -average returns. Combined with unprecedentedly low , and even 
negative , interest rates and shifting staff demographics, th at could  lead to an actuarial imbalance. 
The Board w ould be closely monitoring th ose trends and , if necessary , would be making 
recommendations to address such an imbalance.  
10.7.   Regarding Outlook/Governance , in 2019, the Management Board's Working Group on 
Governance  had adopted its first policy on risk management which ha d been gradually implemented 
since adoption. The Working Group on Investment had focused on Environmental, Soc ial and 
Governance aspects. Th at had  led to the updating of investment guidelines which had also been 
implemented into the portfolio during the year. The Management Board remain ed committed to full 
engagement in ensuring the continued good governance and sustainability of the WTO Pension Plan.  
10.8.   The General Council took note  of the Annual Report in document WT/L/1093, of the Report in 
document WT/L/1094, and of the WTOPP Management B oard Chair man's statement.  
11  COMMITTEE ON BUDGET, FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION – REPORTS ON MEETINGS 
OF JUNE, JULY AND SEPTEMBER 2020 (WT/BFA/186, WT/BFA/187, WT/BFA/188)  
11.1.   The Chairman  noted that the  final agenda item concern ed the reports on the work of the 
Budget Committee. In th at regard, he drew Members'  attention to the reports in documents 
WT/BFA/186, WT/BFA/ 187 and WT/BFA/ 188 and invite d Ambassador T eehankee  (Philippines), 
Chairman of the Budget Committee, to introduce them. The General Council w ould then take action 
on the recommendations from the Budget Committee. Then, Ambassador  Teehankee w ould provide 
an update on Administrative Measures for Members and Observers in arrears.  
11.2.   Ambassador Manuel Teehankee (Philippines), Chairman of the Committee on Budge t, Finance 
and Administration , reported that since his last report to the General Council, the Committee ha d 
met on several occasions, both formally and informally. His remarks t hat day w ould focus on the 
items recommended for approval by the General Council at the meeting of the CBFA held on 17 
September 2020. The report of that meeting had the reference WT/BFA/188. He would  also provide 
some highlights of the carry -over of discussions of oth er meetings that ha d taken place since then 
as well as of the formal meetings of the Committee on 3 June, 23 June and 7 July. The reports of 
those meetings were contained in documents WT/BFA/186 and WT/BFA/187.  
11.3.   With respect to the WTO Financial Performance  Report, he report ed that the Committee ha d 
endorsed the transfers between budgetary sections as outlined in Paragraph 2.34 of document 
WT/BFA/W/527. He also note d that the Independent External Auditor ha d placed an unqualified audit WT/GC/M/187  
 
- 50 - 
 
  opinion on the WTO's F inancial Statements.  The CBFA was therefore submitting the following 
recommendation to the General Council for approval: "The Committee recommends that the General 
Council approve the transfers between budgetary sections as outlined in Paragraph 2.34 of do cument 
WT/BFA/W/527. The Committee further recommends that the General Council approve the WTO 
Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019."  
11.4.   Further, regarding the proposed utilization of the 2019 Budgetary Surplus, the Committee 
had endorsed and was herewith submitting the following additional recommendation to the General 
Council: "The Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration recommends to the General Council 
that the WTO budgetary surplus for the year ended 31 December 2019, a mounting CHF 5,010,376 
be transferred to the Working Capital Fund."  
11.5.   Concerning the 2021 Budget Proposal,  a key priority for him wa s to ensure the timely passage 
of the 2021 budget proposals. The WTO 2021 budget proposal had further  been discussed at the 
meeting of the Committee held on 17 September and subsequently also on 5 October. For its part, 
the Secretariat had responded to questions raised by Members at the relevant meetings of the 
Committee and through written communications contained in document WT /BFA/INF/12 dated 11 
August 2020 and in document WT/BFA/INF/13 dated 7 October 2020. No action was required at th at 
time on th e matter.  
11.6.   On the Suspension of Administrative Measures for Niger, he report ed that the CBFA ha d 
endorsed a payment plan for Niger – a copy of which c ould be found in document WT/BFA/W/528. 
He then  read the recommendation: "In accordance with the decision of the General Council of 15 
November 2012, the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration recommends that the 
General Council  suspend the application of Administrative Measures for Niger with the proviso that 
Niger undertakes, in writing, to abide by the schedule of instalment payments for liquidating all 
arrears, over a period of seven years. The payments must be received no la ter than 31 December 
of each year, starting in 2020, failing which the Administrative Measures will be reinstated."  
11.7.   The representative of India said that w hile India was  reasonably satisfied with the work of the 
CBFA in 2020  including progress in the discu ssions on budget, India wished to bring to the attention 
of the General  Council some  issues . Concerning the Report of the External Auditor , the report of the 
Independent External Auditor on the WTO budget 2019 ha d pointed out irregularities in recruitment, 
procurement policies that were inconsistent with WTO policies and commonly accepted practices 
globally. India hoped the Secretariat w ould address th ose issues expeditiously.  
11.8.   Concerning  Trust Funds , the report of the Independent External Auditor ha d also noted serious 
concerns over the way in which the Trust Funds were being managed by the WTO. It ha d 
recommended that the WTO should critically review its Trust Funds Policy. Th ose were the same 
concerns that India a nd other Members ha d been raising for the past several years and they had not 
seen much progress in implementing measures to improve the management of Trust Funds. The 
Auditor 's Report was a wake -up call for Members and should help them work towards a bett er system 
to govern the Trust Funds.  
11.9.   Concerning  the budget -cut, austerity beg an at home. With the WTO being a home and a s the 
global economy battle d a significant recession, WTO Members across developed and developing 
countries were experiencing significan t budgetary constraints. Though it appear ed that Member 
contributions ha d remained the same over the years, the currency depreciation ha d in fact increased 
the nominal contribution outgo for majority of Members. I ndia called upon the Secretariat and the 
WTO Membership to consider a voluntary short -term cut in the budget of the organization as a 
symbol of solidarity with the Members who were battling a grave economic situation. I ndia hoped 
Members  could consider th at for the budget for 2021 and 2022.  
11.10.   The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDCs , noted that t he consequences of the global 
health crisis caused by COVID -19 in WTO's activities especially concerning technical assistance ha d 
meant that all technical ass istance activities provided by the WTO Secretariat and the ITC ha d 
stopped completely since the pandemic. The LDC Group regret ted that undesirable situation which 
affect ed the programmes  for LDCs and continued to place importance on  the follow up of th ose 
technical assistance and training programme s. Members  should strengthen the LDCs'  capacity to 
implement the WTO Agreements to enable them to better integrate into the multilateral trading 
system. In th at connection, the funds which ha d been earmarked for t echnical assistance in 2020 WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  should be preserved and should be added to the 2021 budget – in particular the capacity -building 
activities requested by their capitals and provided for in the biannual technical assistance plans but 
which had not been implement ed due to the restrictions linked to the COVID -19 pandemic.  
11.11.   Members  should be able to make up for the delay in technical assistance and capacity 
building for LDCs which should be  provided for as soon as it would  once again be possible without 
any losses i n terms of funds allocated in the current budget nor those within the budget under 
discussion for the succeeding period . The LDC Group would like to see the funds carried forward for 
the next  period  because of the exceptional circumstances linked to COVID -19 as it was impossible 
for those  programmes  to take  place in 2020 . The LDC Group call ed on Members to approve the 
budget and improve predictability . Members  require d an organization that was operational which 
assure d the continuity of activities while limiting uncertainties  – such would be beneficial for all.  The 
LDC Group invite d Members to redouble their efforts to guarantee as soon as possible the granting  
of resources to be allocated to the 2021 budget for the WTO and the ITC bearing in mind t he need 
to allow them to propose technical assistance adapted to the increasing development needs.  
11.12.   The General Council approved  the Budget Committee's specific recommendations in 
paragraph 2.49 of WT/BFA/188 concerning transfers between budgetary sections and the WTO 
Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 and in paragraph 4.3 of 
WT/BFA/188 concerning the budgetary surplus; took note  of the CBFA Chair man's statement 
concerning the WTO budget proposal; approved  paragraph 5.5 of WT/BF A/188 concerning the 
suspension of Administrative Measures for Niger; adopted  the reports in WT/BFA/186, WT/BFA/187 
and WT/BFA/188 and took note  of the statements7. 
11.13.   Ambassador Manuel Teehankee (Philippines), Chairman of the Committee on Budget, 
Finance an d Administration , recalled that the administrative measures applicable to Members and 
Observers with arrears in contribution h ad been in place since 1 March 2013. In accordance with the 
decision of the General Council, he would  state all Members and Observ ers under all categories of 
administrative measures. As at the end of the third quarter on 30 September 2020, and as updated 
that day with the approval by the General Council of Niger's payment plan , there were currently a 
total of 1 6 out of 164  Members and 6 out of a total of 25 Observers that were under Administrative 
Measures.  
11.14.   For Category III Measures, there were the following 7 Members: Antigua and Barbuda; 
Burundi; Central African Republic; Congo; Guinea -Bissau; Sierra Leone and Bolivarian Republic of 
Venezuela. The following 3 Observers were subject to measures of Category III: Libya; Sao Tomé 
and Principe and Somalia.  
11.15.   For Category II measures, the above -mentioned Members and Observers he had just quoted 
were also subject to Category II mea sures. In addition to them, the following Members and 
Observers were also subject to Category II measures: Democratic Republic of Congo; Senegal and 
Yemen and Comoros – an Observer . That brought  to 10 Members and 4 Observers subject ed to 
Category II measur es. 
11.16.   All the above -mentioned Members and Observers were also subject to Category I measures. 
In addition to them, the following Members and Observers were subject to Category I  measures : 
Plurinational State of Bolivia; Cuba; Ghana; Guinea; Tonga and Zambia and Observers  Iran and 
Syrian Arab Republic.  That brought  to the total of 16 Members and 6 Observers being subject to 
Category I measures. The CBFA recommend ed the General Council t o take  note of th at update.  
11.17.   The Chairman  said that t he General Council Proc edures for Members and Observers subject 
to Administrative Measures in WT/BFA/132 require d that, at the end of each meeting of the General 
Council, the Chair of the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration w ould provide 
information with regard to wh ich Members and Observers were under Administrative Measures. And, 
as had also been required by the General Council Procedures, at each General Council meeting, he 
request ed Members and Observers in Categories II and III of the Measures to inform the Secre tariat 
as to when their payment of arrears could  be expected.  
 
7 At its request, the statement of the delegation of Niger is incorporated in the  Minutes of th is General 
Council meeting  and can be found in Annex 3 of this document.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  11.18.   The representative of Cuba went on record with its firm will to comply with its financial 
commitments such as its obligations with the WTO budget. Unfortunately, its assessments ha d been 
late for the first time in the history of the WTO  and as a consequence,  administrative measures ha d 
been applied as foreseen in the Rules of Procedures.  
11.19.   The aggressiveness of the economic financial blockade imposed by the United States on 
Cuba ha d increased brutal ly over the last two years – even during the pandemic.  The US 
Administration ha d particularly intensified going after Cuba's financial transactions a nd its main 
sources of income were continually attacked to strangle it. For example, from 2019, the US 
Administration ha d applied 121 punitive measure s against Cuba which was equivalent to over one 
measure per week. That was the unilateral policy of the current US Administration  – which  had also 
imposed fines on companies that ha d financial relations with Cuba worth millions of US dollar s. Cuba 
nonetheless fully intend ed to comply with its financial commitments even under the very difficult 
conditions their trade relations were in. 
11.20.   The General Council took note  of the statements.  
12  OTHER BUSINESS  
12.1  G20 Trade and Investment  Ministerial Meeting – Statement by the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia  
12.1.   The representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , speaking under "Other Business" , 
express ed sincere thanks on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the support of many Members 
for the candidacy of H.E. Mr. Mohammad Al -Tuwaijri for WTO Director -General. The Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia was honoured by the encouragement expresse d for him in the selection process. H.E. 
Mr. Al -Tuwaijri  personally consider ed his participation to be a success as he had been  able to 
contribute to the critical debate about the future leadership of the WTO , to meet and hear the views 
of so many represen tatives of Members and to share his ideas and solutions regarding many of the 
challenges facing the WTO.  
12.2.   As the holder of the current Presidency of the G20, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wished to 
provide a brief report on  the recent G20 outcomes relevant to  the WTO . In particular, the Kingdom 
of Saudi Arabia  referred to the communiqué from the G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial issued 
on 22 September 2020 and that had subsequently  been circulated in document WT/GC/221. The 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia emphasi zed the clear recognition that the work of the G20 c ould in no way 
prejudice any Member's position at the WTO. In th at context, the communiqué from G20 Trade and 
Investment Ministers was shared to promote transparency and reference to discussion within a gro up 
of G20 members and guest countries. The discussion of the communiqué w ould hopefully  lead to 
further debate and actions at the WTO among its full Membership.  
12.3.   Regarding the scope of the coverage of the communiqué, several topics could  be of interest 
to the WTO Members , including G20 cooperation and coordination to (i) support recovery of 
international trade and investment; (ii) support the necessary reform of the World Trade 
Organization to which the Riyadh Initiative on the Future of the WTO provide d political support; (iii) 
encourage greater international competitiveness of MSMEs; (iv) foster economic diversification and 
(v) strengthen international investment. Concerning the WTO, G20 Trade and Investment Ministers 
had transmi tted to all WTO Members thro ugh the General Council the summary of the exchange of 
views under the Riyadh Initiative on the future of the WTO which had been  attached to their 
communiqué as Annex 1. The summary had been  prepared by the Saudi Chair of the Trade and 
Investment Working G roup under his own responsibility and was without prejudice to the position 
of the individual G20 members.  
12.4.   As background to the Riyadh Initiative, G20 Leaders ha d repeatedly called for and supported 
the necessary reform of the World Trade Organization. In  Argentina in 2018, Leaders had recogni zed 
the contribution that the multilateral trading system ha d made to "growth, productivity, innovation, 
job creation and development" and that "[t]he system is currently falling short of its objectives and 
there is r oom for improvement", and had therefore supported "the necessary reform of the WTO to 
improve its functioning." In Japan in 2019, Leaders had reaffirmed their "support for the necessary 
reform of the WTO to improve its functions" and had committed to "work constructively with other 
WTO Members, including in the lead up to the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference." Additionally, in WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  endorsing the "G20 Actions to Support World Trade and Investment in Response to COVID -19" at 
their Extraordinary Meeting of 14 May 2020, the Trade and Investment Ministers had noted that the 
long-term actions identified in the document "support the necessary reform of the WT O and the 
multilateral trading system."  
12.5.   The Riyadh Initiative had been  launched by the Saudi G20 Presidency and the support of all 
G20 members to build on commitments from Leaders to provide an additional opportunity for 
Members to work constructively towa rds the necessary reform of the WTO. Although the Riyadh 
Initiative had sought to identify common ground of WTO objectives and trade policy principles shared 
among G20 members, it had explicitly been confirmed that discussion on the specific issue of WTO 
Reform w ould continue to take place exclusively at the WTO among its full Membership. Therefore, 
further to th at commitment especially in th at challenging time for international trade and as 
Members  finalise d the selection process for the next Director -General, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
hoped that the Riyadh Initiative w ould provide a helpful basis for broad discussion among all 
Members regarding the common ground that b ound Members  together to pursue the objective to 
realise a free, fair, non -discriminato ry, transparent, predictable and stable trade and investment 
environment and to keep markets open as supported by the founding text of the WTO.  
12.6.   With respect to the shared principle that underpin ned the WTO, the Chair's Summary of the 
Riyadh Initiative had noted that G20 members had referred to the fundamental principles embodied 
in the Marrakesh Agreement and  included in the covered agreement with most Members noting that 
some of th ose fundamental principles were also reflected in the Marrakesh Declaration.  The WTO 
principles listed by G20 members were included in the Chair's Summary which the Membership 
would hopefully  have a chance to discuss and develop further.  
12.7.   Most importantly , the Riyadh Initiative had confirmed that G20 member and guest countries 
shared common objectives and were committed to trading according to shared principles that c ould 
serve as a guide to the necessary reform of the WTO. The Riyadh Initiative had also highlighted 
areas where further work was required  to achieve consensus and unde rscored  that the WTO was the 
only venue to address those particular issues. All G20 members had agreed on the need to provide 
political support to achieve the necessary reform of the WTO and to improve its functioning. The 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hope d that the Riyadh Initiative w ould help expand and strengthen political 
support for all Members for t he reform of the WTO.  
12.8.   The Kingd om of Saudi Arabia  thank ed all G20 members and guest countries for their 
collaboration and input on the Riyadh Initiative. In particular, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  welcome d 
feedback from WTO Members on how they could all wo rk together to move the multilateral trading 
system ahead in order to achieve their common objectives based on their mutual commitments to 
the fundamental principles of the WTO.  
12.9.   The General Council took note  of the statement.  
12.2  Origin Marking Requirements by  the United States – Statement by Hong Kong, China  
12.10.   The representative of Hong Kong, China , speaking under "Other Business" , noted that o n 
11 August, the United States had announced a revised origin marking requirement for products  from 
Hong Kong, China  imported into the U nited States . Under th at revised requirement scheduled to 
come into effect on 9 November, goods produced in Hong Kong , China  and to be exported to the 
United States could no longer be marked to indicate "Hong Kong " as their origin but shoul d be 
marked to indicate "China"  instead.  
12.11.   Hong Kong, China expresse d its strong objection to the revised origin marking requirement 
imposed by the U nited States . Hong Kong, China had already written to request the United States 
to withdraw such measure with immediate effect and invite d the U nited States  for bilateral 
discussions with a view to resolving the matter in their mutual interests. Regrettably, the U nited 
States  had so far not withdrawn the measure.  
12.12.   The objection  of Hong Kong, China  was multi-fold. Not only d id the US measure disregard 
the fact that Hong Kong , China  was a separate customs territory with its own trade policies and 
origin rules, it w ould also impose unnecessary burden and difficulties to the business communities 
of both sid es and would cause confusion to US customers.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  12.13.   The U S requirement also ignore d the well -established origin marking rules under the WTO 
which aim ed to facilitate the flow of international trade and to eliminate unnecessary trade barriers.  
If Members  turned a blind eye to such arbitrary move, they were risking the dismantling of the 
principle of neutrality and objectivity in the origin marking of goods.  
12.14.   From a systemic perspective, if a Member had been  allowed to unilaterally and arbitrarily 
dictate the name o f another Member, or the name of the place of production or the identification 
that c ould be shown on the products of another Member, without regard to the facts, prevailing 
commercial practices and the relevant WTO rules, serious disruptions would be caus ed to 
international trade.  
12.15.   As a staunch supporter of the rules -based multilateral trading system, Hong Kong, China 
took the rights and obligations of the WTO seriously and expect ed all WTO Members to also respect 
WTO rules, honour their commitments and act  in accordance with the WTO framework. Th at was the 
very reason why Hong Kong, China was currently bringing the matter to the attention of the General 
Council  – the body responsible for overseeing and facilitating the implementation of WTO 
agreements, to s ee to it that the U nited States , as a WTO Member, fulfil led its commitment and 
responsibility under the WTO.  
12.16.   He recalled that, t hirty-four years before , Hong Kong , China,  being a separate customs 
territory, had been  accepted as a Contracting Party to the G ATT. Hong Kong, China  was proud of its 
separate and full membership and treasure d the values of openness and non -discrimination that 
were fundamental and unique to the rules -based multilateral trading system.  
12.17.   Profound developments had been  witnessed in the ensuing 34 years: the establishment of 
the WTO in 1995 with Hong Kong  as one of the founding Members; the establishment of the Hong 
Kong Special Administrative Region in 1997 when it had  started using  its present name "Hong Kong, 
China" ; its hosting of the Sixth Ministerial Conference in 2005; and there were many more. But what 
remain ed unchanged was its status as a separate customs territory, its full membership at the WTO 
as well as its continuous and steadfast commitment to free and ope n trade and to the rules -based 
multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core.  
12.18.   Hong Kong, China again urge d the United States  to honour its commitment and responsibility 
as a WTO Member and take the necessary actions to ensure its compliance with the  rules under the 
WTO. Should the U nited States  fail to address its concerns over its revised origin marking 
requirement, Hong Kong, China was determined to defend its legitimate rights and interests in 
accordance with the dispute settlement procedure under  the WTO.   
12.19.   Hong Kong, China then posed the following question:  "How would it be justified for any WTO 
Member to deny another Member of its intrinsic rights to mark the origin of its products for 
international trade clearly, truthfully and unambiguously? " Such a denial was tantamount to erasing 
the name of a Member from an overseas market together with the brand names and goodwill that 
its entrepreneurs and traders ha d worked so hard for generations to build.  
12.20.   The representative of the United States , as a procedural matter, noted that it was not 
appropriate for a Member to raise a substantive issue under "Other Business".  
12.21.   As Members were aware, on 5 June 1997 the US Customs Service had issued a Federal 
Register Notice that goods produced in Hong Kong , China  should continue to be marked to indicate 
the origin as "Hong Kong " under 19 USC 1304 after Hong Kong, China 's reversion to the sovereignty 
of the People's Republic of China on 1 July 1997. On 14 July 2020, the  President of the United States 
had issued Executive Order 13936 entitled " The President's Executive Order on Hong Kong 
Normalization ". Pursuant to Section 202 of the United States Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992, the 
President had suspended the application o f Section 201 (a) of that Act as amended to certain statutes 
including 19 USC 1304 due to the determination that Hong Kong , China  was no longer sufficiently 
autonomous to justify differential treatment in relation to China. The United States ha d implemented 
Executive Order 13936 transparently. On 11 August 2020, the US Customs and Border Protection  
had issued a Federal Register Notice that  had informed the public that in light of the Executive Order, 
imported goods produced in Hong Kong , China  could no longer be marked to indicate "Hong Kong " 
as the origin but  should  be marked to indicate "China" . The United States had also provided for a 
transition period in light of commercial realities.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  12.22.   The USTR was currently reviewing and analysing the concerns  that Hong Kong, China ha d 
raised in letters to Ambassador Lighthizer, Acting Deputy USTR Barloon and Ambassador Shea. The 
USTR was in contact with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC and w ould 
follow up once they had completed a revie w and analysis.  
12.23.   The General Council took note  of the statements.  
12.3  Chairmanship of the Working Party on the Accession of Somalia – Statement by the 
Chairman  
12.24.   The Chairman , speaking under "Other Business" , recalled that a  process of consultations ha d 
been unde rtaken by Deputy Director -General Alan Wolff on his behalf concerning th e Chairmanship 
of the Working Party on the Accession of Somalia and in th at respect, he referred to the relevant 
communications sent by DDG Wolff in May, August and September. Followin g those consultations, 
and in keeping with usual WTO practice, he was pleased to inform Members that there was a broad 
consensus on the appointment of Ambassador Mikael Anzén  (Sweden) as Chair  of the Working Party 
on the Accession of Somalia. On behalf of the General Council, he thank ed DDG Wolff for his efforts 
in the process and wish ed Ambassador Anzén all the best in his new role.  
12.25.   The General Council took note  of the Chairman's Statement . 
_______________  
 WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  ANNEX 1  
STATEMENTS BY THE GENERAL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN AND BY DEPUTY DIRECTOR -
GENERAL FREDERICK YONOV AGAH – CHAIRING THE MEETING AND REPRESENTING ALL 
DEPUTY DIRECTORS -GENERAL  AND REPORTS BY THE CHAIRS OF THE NEGOTIATING 
GROUPS AT THE INFORMAL TNC AND INFORMAL HODS ME ETINGS   
HELD ON 12 OCTOBER 20201 
Statement by the General Council Chairman  
1. You will have all seen the convening notice for today's meetings - which was sent out to all 
TNC Participants by the four Deputy Directors -General, in coordination with me as General Council 
Chair.  
 
2. We have already had a very busy start to our second semester, with work having resumed in 
several areas in a number of configurations, including with the Chairs and amongst Members.  
 
3. Therefore, we – the DDGs and I – thought th at during this interim period, it is important to 
have a "no -surprises" approach.  This includes continuing to provide the opportunity to all Members 
for transparency and inclusiveness through today's TNC/HoDs mechanism, ahead of General Council 
meetings.  
 
4. As you know, the next General Council is scheduled for tomorrow and 14 October – so, 
immediately after these informal TNC/HoDs meetings today.  
 
5. As was indicated in the convening notice, today's meetings are being chaired by DDG Agah, 
representing all  DDGs, in coordination with myself as the General Council Chair.  
 
6. We are acting in line with the understanding that was reached at the General Council in July 
– that reflecting the existing and appropriate boundaries of governance, the Deputy 
Directors -General will undertake their responsibilities in close consultation w ith Members, where 
relevant, as represented by the General Council Chair.  
 
7. I am also pleased to note the DG Appointment Process continues to advance expeditiously 
with the second round of consultations having been concluded last week and the third round  of 
consultations - to assist you – the Members – to arrive at consensus on the next Director -General – 
commencing next week.  
 
_______________  
 
 
Statement by Deputy Director -General Frederick Yonov Agah – Chairing the Meeting and 
Representing all Deputy Di rectors -General  
 
1. As the General Council Chair has pointed out, our main focus – as Deputy Directors -General 
– is ensuring stability and continuity during this transition period.  
 
2. That is what you, the Membership – through the General Council - reques ted of us. And, it is 
what we are committed to.  
 
3. In that regard, we have remained in contact with the General Council Chair and Members, as 
appropriate.  
 
4. In preparing for today's meetings, and acting in coordination with the GC Chair, we held a 
virtual meeting of Negotiating Group Chairs, on the 2nd of October. At that meeting, the Chairs 
stressed the importance of continuing to carry out the work of the TNC during the transition period; 
and of keeping Members informed about ongoing developments in th e negotiating bodies.  
 
 
1 Also issued as JOB/TNC/ 87. WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  5. They stressed that it was important to keep working – as Members indeed have work to do. 
I believe that this is also what we heard from many of you at the last TNC/HoDs meetings in July.  
 
6. The Chairs informed us that, since July , a number of them had resumed work or contacts in 
various configurations. I will, shortly, give the Chairs whose groups have seen developments since 
July the opportunity to report to you.  
 
7. In addition, the Chairs of the special sessions  of the TRIPS Co uncil and the Services Council 
will soon reach out to delegations for your views on how to advance work in these areas. We should 
hopefully hear reports on their outreach efforts at our next meeting.  
 
8. But, before moving to the reports from the chairs, I  would like to update you on the 
management of the Secretariat during this interim period, including our own recent activities as 
DDGs.  
 
9. We, the DDGs, wish to reassure all Heads of Delegation that the transition has been smooth, 
in line with your instru ctions at the General Council. The Secretariat continues to function normally 
in all areas of its work, and remains available, as usual, to support delegations with all means at its 
disposal.  
 
10. I am happy to report that since the summer break, we have witnessed an increase in the 
number of meetings and activities on -site – with many delegations returning to the building. 
We welcome this.  
 
11. In this regard, let me assure all delegations that the top objective of the Secretariat's Health 
Task Force  is to ensure that the WTO remains one of the safest places in town. While there have 
been isolated cases of staff members testing positive for COVID -19, there is no evidence of spread 
within the Centre William Rappard despite the increased numbers of peop le here. This, I am sure, 
can be traced to the good practices that we have adopted.  
 
12. We will continue to count on your cooperation in adhering to the sanitary guidelines that we 
have put in place, to ensure the safest possible environment for Members a nd the Secretariat to 
meet and work.  
 
13. In addition, we are responding to Members' requests to increase the number of meeting 
rooms, equipped with virtual technology for hybrid meetings. This month, two additional rooms were 
made available to delegations . At the same time, we continue to explore other platforms to find 
better, lower -cost alternatives.  
 
14. We – the DDGs – want to ensure that the WTO maintains its engagement with all stakeholders 
during this transition period. And so, we have continued wit h outreach activities in Geneva and 
elsewhere, mainly through digital platforms.  
 
15. In all these discussions, the economic and social impacts of the COVID -19 pandemic have 
featured prominently.  
 
16. Our activities have included:  
 
• First, the G20 Trade and  Investment Ministerial meeting in September chaired by the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with DDG Wolff representing the WTO.  
• Second, the Inter -Agency Task Force on Financing for Development met at the principals 
level last week, with the WTO represented by me . 
• The first anniversary of World Cotton Day, which we marked last week is also an 
important outreach event.  
• All four of us have taken part in a wide range of events and panel discussions, on topics 
ranging from the 25th anniversary of the TRIPS Agreement t o women's economic 
empowerment, agriculture and WTO Reform.  
17. We have also had several contacts with many of you – Ambassadors – here in Geneva.  
 
18. In all of these discussions, we have emphasi zed the critical importance of international 
cooperation and  coordination to meet today's challenges. We stress the importance of open and WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  predictable markets to foster a strong and inclusive recovery for all countries. And we make clear 
that closing off trade would mean unnecessary supply shocks, slower global tra de growth, weaker 
productivity and lower living standards.  
 
19. G20 Trade and Investment Ministers pledged to continue cooperation and coordination to 
support the recovery of international trade and investment, and to support the necessary reform of 
the WT O. The G20 Ministers also underscored the significance of ongoing WTO negotiations, and 
reiterated their support for an agreement by 2020 on comprehensive and effective disciplines on 
fisheries subsidies.  
 
20. The G20 Communiqué was circulated to all Membe rs at the request of the delegation of the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as document WT/GC/221.  
 
21. Last week, WTO economists provided some positive news about global trade flows following 
the deep, COVID -19 induced slump.  
 
22. June and July saw stronger -than-expected growth in merchandise trade. Our economists now 
predict that the volume of global merchandise trade will shrink by 9.2% this year compared to 2019. 
This would be among the worst contractions in years, on par with the drop seen during  the 2008 -09 
crisis. But, it is significantly better than the 13% drop that appeared likely in June, which would have 
been the worst fall in trade since the 1930s. And back in April, when our economists issued their 
first forecast for the year, that 13% co ntraction represented a relatively optimistic scenario. They 
projected that, if the outbreak and the policy response took turns for the worse, merchandise trade 
could fall by 32%, or even more.  
 
23. Another positive sign for trade is that imports and expor ts are clearly helping to meet the 
sharply rising demand for key medical goods. For example, new trade data shows that trade in 
personal protective equipment (PPE) in the second quarter of this year was 92% higher than the 
year before - 122% higher if we c ompare May of this year to the same month in 2019. This confirms 
that trade is part of the solution when it comes to supply resilience.  
 
24. None of this means we can afford complacency or inaction. While precise data are not yet 
available, we know that se rvices trade has been badly affected, with a sharp fall in travel and 
in-person services. And even for merchandise trade, the 7.2% rise foreseen for 2021 would leave 
us below the pre -crisis trend, with serious downside risks from a possible resurgence of t he pandemic 
that could disrupt the trade recovery.  
 
25. We must remain vigilant, and continue to lay the groundwork for a strong, sustained and 
inclusive economic recovery. For job creation and growth, the policy choices you adopt at home will 
matter. So w ill the decisions and actions you take here at the WTO.  
 
26. This includes transparency and information -sharing. We are pleased that Members continue 
to discuss COVID -19 related trade measures in relevant WTO bodies, as well as share information 
with the S ecretariat's pandemic -related trade monitoring work.  
 
27. Also, in relation to our transparency mandate, let me take this opportunity to remind you that 
the preparatory process for the WTO's end -of-year trade monitoring reports has been underway 
since earl y September. We urge you all to provide the necessary information to the Secretariat.  
 
28. The pandemic and its impacts only compound the challenges that our organization was already 
confronting. Our task now is not only to ensure that trade contributes, i n every way possible, to 
making the COVID -19 response more effective. It is also to ensure that the trading system emerges 
from this crisis stronger and better -equipped to respond to the aspirations of all Members. This 
means bringing ongoing reform effort s to fruition, in the shape of new agreements and renewed 
cooperation.  
 
_______________  
 
 
 WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  Reports by the Negotiating Group Chairs : 
 
1. Negotiating Group on Rules  
 
The last report to the TNC in July  
1. As colleagues will recall, my last report on activities in the Negotiating Group on Rules was at 
our last TNC HoDs on 20  July. At that meeting, I noted that I had prepared a first draft of a basic 
consolidated text that I had introduced to the Negotiating Group on Rules at the level of Heads of 
Delegation on 25  June.  
 
2. Since then, at another NGR HoDs meeting on 21  July, Members indicated that they were 
prepared to use the consolidated draft document to continue work with the objective of reaching an 
agree ment at the end of this year. This is the first time the NGR is negotiating on the basis of a 
single document and the significance of this should not be understated.  
 
3. Of course, this does not mean anyone has agreed to anything. Indeed, as I have stated many 
times, the entire document is in brackets, and it includes a good number of additional internal 
brackets along with some placeholders where no text has yet been introduced. The document was 
always meant to evolve step -by-step into a text that everyone  could accept. So, it goes without 
saying that we still have a lot of work to do to arrive at that point, but now at least we have a focus 
for that work.  
 
4. At that meeting on 21  July, Members agreed to move into a continuous negotiating mode from 
Septemb er onwards, with clusters of meetings organi zed for the weeks of 14  September, 5  October, 
2 November and 30  November, and an intensive schedule of work in different configurations 
between these clusters. That said, several delegations stressed the impact o f the COVID -19 
pandemic, both here in Geneva and at home, on their ability to participate fully in all of these 
activities.  
 
Events after July: September and October cluster and consultations  
5. Since we resumed work in September, we have had two negotiati ng clusters; one during the 
week of 14  September; and the other last week. During the two weeks in between, I also held 
various meetings in different configurations, and we have several meetings lined up for later this 
week. I can, therefore, confirm that we are indeed in continuous negotiating mode. Despite the 
challenges that have come with the pandemic, remote conferencing technology has actually 
increased participation in our negotiations, with many interventions from capitals.  
 
6. At the NGR HoDs meeti ng on Monday 14  September, I received broad -based support for my 
suggestion that I take responsibility for changes to the draft text – and that these would be made 
only when all delegations had had the chance to consider and exchange views on the respectiv e 
issues.  
 
7. During and after the September cluster, the plenary sessions have focused on specific issues 
in the draft consolidated document, either where existing text needs to be clarified, or where 
placeholders need to be filled. So far, we have had pl enary meetings on:  
 
i. Certain aspects of the overcapacity and overfishing discipline, namely the general 
prohibition and special and differential treatment;  
ii. Prohibition on subsidies for fishing outside national jurisdictions;  
iii. Transparency and notifications;  
iv. The mode for drafting the consolidated document;  
v. The definition of "fish";  
vi. An exemption for natural disasters;  
vii. Due process in IUU determinations; and  
viii. How best to ensure that the final document has no implications for territorial claims.  
8. At the NGR HoDs meetings on 18  September I reported to you on the work undertaken during 
that week's cluster; and last Friday – 9 October - I reported to you on the work of the NGR since 
18 September, including last week's cluster. Therefore, I will not repeat the same de tails today.  
 WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  9. As you know, I also stated that, later this week, we will have meetings to address:  
 
i. IUU minor infractions;  
ii. artisanal and small -scale fishing; and  
iii. government -to-government access agreements.  
10. Also, as I said to you on Friday at the NGR HoDs, I am currently reflecting on how to make 
the best use of the coming weeks, and I will communicate more details to the NGR soon. What I can 
say for now is that, in order to make the necessary progress in the  short time before the end of the 
year, we will need to keep up a similar intensity for the three weeks between now and the first 
November cluster.  
 
11. I must say that my sense over the last few weeks is that we are starting to see some 
movement, even if the movement may be perceived as slow. We have very little time before the 
end of the year, and a significant number of issues still to be addressed, and/or returned to.  
 
12. Given this, the intersessional agenda will continue to be busy. For a very long t ime now, there 
have been calls for "text -based negotiations". Now that we have finally entered that phase, 
interventions should be about the text – with specific suggestions for modifications aimed at making 
it more likely to attract convergence. There is neither the time nor the need for lengthy general 
statements. We need to put all of our collective energy into actually negotiating a text that can be 
agreed by all.  
 
13. In this regard, as I continue to say, we need to seek text that all of us can live wi th rather 
than a text that one Member or group of Members prefer. You, as Heads of Delegation, now face a 
choice: either you insist that your delegates engage and negotiate; or you will need to step in and 
negotiate for them. I heard some delegations say t hat I should only go to you when an issue is 
"mature enough" or when there are "bottlenecks". But if the delegates in the technical discussions 
do not negotiate pragmatic solutions, issues will never become mature, and there will indeed be 
bottlenecks, whi ch you will need to deal with, sooner or later.  
 
14. All of that said, I believe that last week was productive and I remain optimistic that we can 
continue to make progress. In this regard, I was very encouraged by the communique from the G20 
Trade and Inv estment Ministerial Meeting of 22  September that underscored the high priority of 
these negotiations, with their reiterated support for reaching an agreement this year.  
 
15. To conclude, you may recall that I have been saying that I would be reaching out t o some of 
you who had volunteered to help me as Friends of the Chair, something that had been suggested to 
me at previous NGR HoDs.  
 
16. Today, I am pleased to share with you that Ambassador Didier Chambovey, Permanent 
Representative of Switzerland to the WTO, has accepted to work in this process as Friend of the 
Chair. He will be working primarily on Special and Differential Treatment. I take this opportunity to 
welcome you and thank you Didier for your willingness to work with me and the whole NGR in thes e 
important negotiations.  
 
17. I am currently in the process of speaking with other Ambassadors that have kindly volunteered 
to help. I will report back to you as soon as I have their confirmation.  
 
2. Committee on Agriculture in Special Session and Sub -Commi ttee on Cotton  
 
1. I would  like to structure my statement today around three key points : 
i.  The importance Members attach to advancing agricultural negotiations;  
ii. The need for a balanced outcome in agriculture for the benefit of all WTO Members and 
for the credibility of the organization; and  
iii. My suggested way forward to facilitate progress with a view to achieving an incremental 
outcome at MC12.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  2. Following my appointment as Chairperson of the CoA Special Session on 21  July, I held after 
the summer break co nsultations with 36 group coordinators and individual Members. I then 
convened an informal meeting of the CoA Special Session on 25  September. This meeting had two 
main objectives: (i) to provide an opportunity to Members to introduce new submissions; and (ii) to 
report on my consultations and discuss the state of play in the negotiations and way forward.  
 
3. I was impressed by Members' commitment and engagement in the agriculture 
nego tiations  as demonstrated by the number of submissions introduced, and the intensity of 
discussions that followed. As expected, COVID -19 was part of the discussions. Members debated on 
how the COVID -19 crisis and Members' policy responses could impact the n egotiations, in particular, 
on issues such as Export Restrictions, Domestic Support, PSH and transparency. My report on this 
meeting was circulated on 29  September in document JOB/AG/189.  
 
4. Based on my consultations and the discussions in the CoA SS, I f ully share the view that an 
agricultural outcome at MC12 is needed to continue the reform program for the benefit of all 
Members, to build trust, as well as to preserve the credibility and relevance of the organization, 
including for  addressing challenges such as those posed by the COVID -19 pandemic.  
 
5. While  recogni sing the uncertainty around the date for MC12, it should not delay in any way 
our collective effort to move forward in the negotiations. Many members stressed the need to 
maintain the momentum and look at ways to engage quickly in a problem -solving mode. There is 
no time to waste  given the amount of work that still needs to be done to enhance our common 
understanding of some issues and close the negotiating gaps, and to develop doable elements f or 
an outcome at MC12.  
 
6. It is with all these elements in mind that I decided to initiate a topic -by-topic 
facilitators -led process . This process will complement CoA SS meetings, Dedicated Sessions, and 
my consultations. On 1  October, I circulated a comm unication laying out the main features of this 
process and calling for interested delegates to put their names forward. I am currently in the process 
of finali sing the list. The facilitators should start their work soon.  
 
7. In suggesting this way forward,  I am mindful of the request by many delegations to look at 
ways to engage in a more interactive and solution -searching mode. In this regard, several Members 
noted that open -ended meetings could be complemented by small group meetings that have proven 
in the past to be more effective in stimulating dialogue. Facilitators would therefore have the 
possibility to convene meetings in various configurations, including small group meetings broadly 
representative of the range of views within the Membership.  
 
8. I am aware of the inherent challenges related to such an exercise, including the need to ensure 
it does not become too burdensome as well as the fundamental requirement to preserve 
inclusiveness and transparency. Therefore, facilitators will make every effor t to avoid overlap with 
other relevant meetings. They will also take into consideration the fact that delegations, in particular 
the smallest ones, would require time between meetings for internal work and exchanges with other 
Members. To ensure full trans parency, Facilitators will report on their work at CoA SS meetings.  
 
9. This process will remain under my guidance and direct supervision and I expect it to be 
technical and flexible in nature. It should contribute to advancing discussions as far as possib le on 
the various negotiating topics, based on Members' inputs and analytical work, taking into account 
the specificities and level of maturity of each one of them. The goal is to look at ways to narrow 
gaps and identify realistic landing zones where possi ble. 
 
10. My intention is to be pragmatic and adapt the process as necessary to the changing and 
uncertain environment we find ourselves in. This process will therefore be subject to a first evaluation 
at the latest in the beginning of 2021.  
11. It is also  my intention to convene two more CoA SS meetings before the end of the year, 
tentatively scheduled for 10 November  2020 and 7  December  2020 . 
 
12. I am convinced that with the engagement of all Members, this process will contribute to 
building confidence and trust despite the current exceptional and unprecedented conditions and 
allow us to make progress in the negotiations.  
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  3. Committee on Trade and Development in Special Session  
 
1. A formal meeting of the CTD SS was held on 23  September  2020. Th e main  purpose of the 
meeting was to allow Members to consider and express themselves on a communication from the 
G-90 circulated in the early part of this  year, which  contains the G -90's ten Agreement -specific 
proposals on S&D, as well as an introductory section with some explanations on the proposals.  
 
2. A second communication, containing  the responses  by the  G-90 to written questions by  other 
Members on the proposals, was also reflected on the agenda. The second  submission is the outcome 
of a process fo r a written exchange on the G -90 proposals that I initiated during the lockdown period.  
 
3. In their statements, the G -90 representatives stressed the importance of S&D for developing 
countries and LDCs, and outlined the rationale for their proposals. They  pointed to the COVID -19 
pandemic and its negative impact on the economies of developing countries and LDCs as an 
additional reason to strengthen S&D provisions. They also indicated their intention to submit a 
proposed work plan in order to make progress i n the CTD SS.  
 
4. While some delegations expressed their support for the G -90 proposals, the sentiment 
expressed by some other delegations was one of disappointment. These Members recalled that the 
same ten proposals had been discussed on several previous occasions, and that their concerns on 
these proposals had been previously shared with the G -90. In their view, discussion on the ten 
proposals has been exhausted, and there is little scope to move forward in the CTD SS on the basis 
of these proposals.  
 
5. In closing the meeting, I noted the disappointment and frustration on both sides, but 
nevertheless encouraged Members to continue to engage. I indicated that I would need to consider 
what the next steps might be, and that I will be in touch with Members in  that regard. While 
recogni sing the difficulties, it continues to be my hope that  Members may  be able to work towards  at 
least some  concrete deliverables on S&D for MC12.  
 
4. Dispute Settlement Body in Special Session  
 
Ongoing work  
1. I do not have new things  to report, but I wanted to say that at the last meeting of the DSB in 
Special Session in November  2019, some Members signalled that resuming intense work in the group 
may not be fruitful at that time, as the attention of participants was focused on more p ressing issues 
relating to the functioning of the dispute settlement system and the upcoming MC12.  
 
2. This appears to be still the case in the current circumstances.  
 
3. That said, I would like to stress that I remain available to meet with any delegation  wishing 
to discuss the work of the DSB in Special Session. If there is interest in such discussions, my door 
is still open.  
 
_______________  
 
 
 
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  ANNEX 2  
STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS AT THE INFORMAL TNC AND INFORMAL HODS MEETINGS 
HELD ON 12 OCTOBER 2020  
Following the General Council Chairman's statement under Item 1 of the agenda of this meeting – 
"Report on Informal TNC and Informal HODs Meetings", the statements made by: Brazil; Chad 
(LDCs); China; Panama (Article XII Members); Egypt; European Union; Ja pan; Angola; Afghanistan; 
United States; Costa Rica (Joint Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation); Argentina; Iceland; 
Canada (Ottawa Group); Jamaica (ACP); Singapore; Australia (Joint Statement Initiative on 
Electronic Commerce); Botswana (African Gr oup); India; Montenegro; Turkey; Saint Lucia 
(CARICOM); Philippines; Thailand; New Zealand; Mexico; Republic of Korea; Chinese Taipei; Chile 
(Structured Discussions on Investment Facilitation for Development); Switzerland; South Africa; 
Indonesia; Norway; Hong Kong, China; Uruguay (Informal Working Group on MSMEs); Nigeria; 
Malaysia; Qatar; Ecuador; Colombia; Namibia; Pakistan; Burkina Faso (C -4); United Kingdom; 
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; Sri Lanka and Peru are included below as part of the Minutes of 
the General Council meeting. At its request, the statement of Barbados on this matter is likewise 
incorporated in the minutes of this meeting.  
 
_______________  
 
 
1. Brazil  
 
As we approach the end of a challenging year for the WTO, it is time to put our act  together and to 
prepare for deliverables that will strengthen the multilateral trading system into the future.  We need, 
first and foremost, to conclude the selection process of the next D irector -General  by November as 
scheduled. Finding a new D irector -General that understands the importance of reforms and the need 
to have a credible negotiating package for MC12 to keep this organization relevant is vital.  Having 
a Director -General  that is able to offer political leadership, at the highest level, to navigat e the most 
serious crisis of this organization – compounded by a pandemic which had severe effects across the 
globe – is a step in the right direction.  
 
While focusing on the DG selection, we should take the opportunity until the end of this year to seed 
the ground for progress in the negotiating functions of this organization. We need to refocus our 
attention on the substantive matters of the WTO.  There are two interlinked questions here: the 
short-term WTO responses to the international trade consequences  of the pandemic and, equally 
important, the shaping of a negotiating package towards MC12 and beyond.  
 
On the coronavirus pandemic, Members should consider rolling back some of the trade -restrictive 
measures put in place during the early onset of the pan demic. This does not mean that Members 
cannot or should not protect their populations in a period of a clear public health crisis. But, having 
a better picture of the effects of the pandemic, thanks in part to the transparency exercise we all 
conducted, it  is now possible for Members to start to differentiate between what is necessary to 
preserve public health and what is hard to justify.  
 
We should take the wake -up call of the pandemic to deal with issues such as export restrictions and 
domestic support in  agriculture, elements that impact the availability of food and global food 
security. If we use the pandemic as an excuse to restrict trade and promote self -sufficiency ideals, 
we will all be worse off. Not to mention that one of the cornerstones of the mu ltilateral trading 
system is the idea that development and prosperity are only made possible by free and open 
markets.  
 
On the negotiating package for MC12, Brazil believes it must contain clear deliverables in agriculture, 
an issue that contains both short-term responses to COVID -19 and long -term reforms. Indeed, food 
security discussions relating to international trade which were prompted by the pandemic point to 
the need for reforms. Brazil presented a conceptual paper to both the Ottawa Group and th e CoA SS 
on the subject. It is clear that we need to reduce all current agricultural trade -distorting domestic 
support entitlements.  
We fully support Ambassador Peralta 's approach and consider we need to start the work of facilitators 
in the next few weeks . WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  On SPS, we are working with the U nited States , Argentina, Australia, Chile, Canada, Singapore and 
others on the Ministerial Declaration on SPS that we expect will be endorsed at the Ministerial 
Conference to enhance the negotiating agenda in agriculture.  
 
The conclusion of the fisheries negotiations is also relevant for its trade, environmental, and systemic 
repercussions. Last week, Brazil circulated a revised proposal on limits and reductions of fisheries 
subsidies, which incorporates sugges tions from various Members and seeks to offer a balanced, 
feasible and effective approach to this issue. Equally relevant are advances in plurilateral initiatives 
such as e -commerce , investment facilitation and domestic regulation.  
 
We are pleased that Jap an has joined the statement on the Importance of Market -Oriented 
Conditions (WT/GC/W/803/Rev.1) by Brazil and the U nited States . Horizontal disciplines that level 
the playing field are central to the multilateral trading system. The principles of market ec onomy 
and the pursuit of open trade as a driving force of economic growth, prosperity, and development 
must be re -established at the WTO. Market -oriented conditions are a gateway to horizontal 
discussions on industrial and agriculture subsidies. They also guarantee that overcapacity, unfair 
competitive conditions and trade distortions do not find their way into our markets. Members should 
be prepared to live up to the WTO foundational principles.  
 
This brings me to the date and venue of the next Ministeria l Conference. There is much uncertainty 
given the evolving pandemic situation across the globe. We should reassess the situation by the end 
of this year, and be prepared for a plan B, providing adequate time for both the new D irector -General  
and ourselves to negotiate a credible and relevant package for MC12. Furthermore, a virtual WTO 
Ministerial should simply be avoided.  
 
We should not underestimate the challenges ahead to the multilateral trading system. A system that 
does not address today's fast changi ng reality, that does not foster international trade as a driving 
force to economic growth and development, will not remain relevant. Solutions will be found 
elsewhere. That is why Brazil prefers, above all, to reform and strengthen the WTO.  
 
2. Chad (LDCs)  
 
I take the floor on behalf of the LDC Group. Thank you for convening this Trade Negotiations 
Committee meeting, as well as for your report on the state of world trade and on ongoing 
negotiations at the WTO.  Also, I would like to thank the negotiating bodie s' Chairs who spoke to 
take stock of the progress made in their respective files.  
 
Our Group remains deeply concerned by the consequences of the C OVID -19 crisis, of which we do 
not yet know the full magnitude, knowing that there is at this time no effectiv e treatment, or vaccine, 
able to stop the progression or resurgence here and there of the pandemic. So, the pressures on 
our economies remain strong. We do not know when we will see the light at the end of the tunnel 
and the return to near -normal operating  conditions.  The LDCs' economies are already fragile and 
face significant structural and institutional constraints. The negative effects of the pandemic only 
further increase our burden, roll -back our progress, and expose us to increased poverty.  
 
In such a context, where the pandemic affects us all, but even more the LDCs on the economic and 
development front, we have a crucial need for WTO's contribution and of its Members, in order to 
offset, as much as possible, the crisis effects, and enable Members, i n particular LDCs, to emerge 
from the recession in the best possible conditions, and to promote their greater resilience – to better 
cope with such exogenous shocks in the future.  
 
From the LDCs' point of view, building a greater resilience, and a better ability to come out of 
recessions, lies in our structural transformation, notably through the development of trade – both 
at national and international levels.  Therefore, it is important to keep open possibilities of trade in 
goods and services, as much as  possible. Also, it is important for us all to have the possibility of 
being equipped with the best existing protection devices, against infection with the virus, so as to 
maintain an optimal business activity, as well as consumption and investment – despi te the difficult 
circumstances. The LDC Group communication dated 4 May 2020 (WT/GC/211) falls within this 
framework. It noted the dire situation for the world to protect their nationals but urged Members to 
maintain LDCs access to essential medical and fo od products.   
 WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  Members of the LDC Group need to see an industrialization and diversification of our economies, to 
be able to better generate income, and to be less dependent on the primary sector and the sale of 
raw products. From this perspective, a way i s to support our better anchoring to regional and global 
value chains, for diversifying our production, industriali sing it, and increasing its value. The result 
will be economies that are more resilient, more job -creating, and better integrated into world trade.  
The rules we set at the WTO, as well as the Aid for Trade programmes, and the technical assistance 
provided, are likely to significantly contribute to the achievement of the objectives we have 
mentioned, and which will allow us to better resist fut ure crises.  
 
The positions that the LDC Group holds on various trade -related issues, in negotiations at the WTO 
and the implementation of decisions in favo ur of LDCs are all intended to serve the strengthening of 
our economic and social conditions, and the existence of a more fair, more equitable and more 
inclusive multilateral trading system – for the benefit of all and a better global economic stability, in 
time of crises.  Thus, we call on Members to accede to our stated requests, parti cularly in the area 
of trade in agricultural products, and trade in cotton. We must find the necessary solutions to the 
issue of domestic support. On this point, we refer Members to our submission made on 9 July 2019 
(JOB/AG/159).  
 
Also, we wish Members ac cede to our requests relating to the negotiations on fisheries, so that we 
can live better off the fishing activity and better exploit our sovereign waters economically, and 
sustainably. Our Group has made several proposals on this issue, the last submissi on dated  6 March  
2020 (RD/TN/RL/125). We are actively engaged in bilaterals and in the Negotiating Group on Rules  
with ideas we hope will build convergence.  
 
Also, it is important for our Group to operationali se the decisions taken in the past, in favour o f 
LDCs, notably in terms of facilitating access to markets for services providers from LDCs. Likewise, 
LDCs wish to better utili se the preferences granted on duty -free and quota -free market access, as 
well as on rules of origin. We have initiated work in t his direction, in collaboration with Members and 
the WTO Secretariat, but we need to pursue our efforts and receive more technical assistance. We 
will shortly circulate to Members a new submission on rules of origin. Regarding trade in services 
and prefere nces notified for LDCs, at the last Council for T rade in Services this year, our Group 
announced our intention to run a virtual meeting on C OVID -19 impact to our services portfolio.  We 
also requested that Members, the Chair and the WTO Secretariat work wit h us to deliver a virtual 
seminar to be organi zed early next year, that comes closer to bringing forward concrete information 
in an exchange between LDC services suppliers and consumers in notifying Members. We thank 
notifying Members who have recently rep orted concrete updates on implementation of the waiver, 
in particular the Nairobi Decision. We urge other Members to do so. Also, at the CTS, we asked for 
updated and more detailed data from the WTO Secretariat on LDC services exports and imports by 
sector  and mode of supply.  
 
Moreover, it is important for us to obtain more results in terms of technological endowment, which 
is crucial for our productive modernization, for improving our capacities to export, and for doing 
electronic commerce. We have circula ted several communications to this effect, as part of the TRIPS 
Council (the latest under documents  IP/C/W/664  dated  17 July 2020 and IP/C /W/668  dated  1 
October 2020), or at the General Council level, as part of the Work Programme on Electronic 
Commerce (under document  WT/GC/W/787  dated 21  November 2019). We wish Members meet 
their commitments on these issues in order to contribute to the achievement of our objectives using 
vectors of better integration into world trade.    
 
Also, the LDC Group rei terates its call on Members to consider maintaining flexibilities for graduated 
LDCs, during a reasonable period, allowing a smooth transition and a sustainable graduation. This 
is an additional aspect of building better resilience to face unexpected econo mic shocks.  
 
The Special and Differential Treatment is a necessary instrument to be applied, ex ante, as part of 
WTO rules, in order to facilitate LDCs' economic catching up, and allow, ex post, a more solid 
multilateral trading system.  This dimension of S pecial Differential Treatment must not be omitted in 
the momentum of WTO Reform undertaken so as to take into account the specific and multiple 
constraints faced by LDCs in terms of infrastructure, institutions, and human and financial resources. 
We invite  Members to take into account our submission made on 6 December 2019 (JOB /GC/223) 
on the various WTO Reform aspects. Also, we take the opportunity here to reiterate the importance 
of appointing new Appellate Body members as soon as possible in order to re store a fully functioning 
multilateral system.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  The LDC Group is committed to a constructive approach of negotiations at the WTO to achieve 
positive results  not only for our societies but for those of all WTO Members – on the long run. We 
need, now more tha n ever, a more equitable, fair, and inclusive multilateral trading system – 
therefore more resilient, facing major unexpected shocks, as we experience it today.  
 
3. China  
 
Let me start by expressing my sincere appreciation to the four DDGs for their hard work  ensuring 
the smooth function of this organization in the vacancy of the D irector -General . We also commend 
the Secretariat 's work of monitoring pandemic -related policies and welcome Members ' initiatives 
that aim to manage the emergency and achieve full rec overy. In particular, we support the statement 
to be made by Indonesia on behalf of G -33 highlighting the importance of food security and farmers ' 
livelihood in fighting against the pandemic and calling on the advancement of agriculture 
negotiations in the  WTO.  
 
On Fisheries Subsidies, we fully support the Chair 's efforts to intensify the negotiations and 
encourage him to lead Members to formulate a complete text. China is open to any proposals that 
will help push the negotiations forward but would like to  stress the fundamental fairness of the 
potential outcome. That is, the fairness in the treatment of various kinds of subsidies. No matter 
whether subsidy programs are specific or not, as long as they are harmful to the sustainability of 
fish resources, th ey should be bound by the discipline equally.  
 
On Development, the focus should be concentrated on how to address the real concerns and practical 
difficulties of developing Members by introducing precise, effective and operational favo urable 
treatment. It  is disappointing that some Members refuse to do so. China calls upon all Members to 
start a real conversation on G -90 proposals in a constructive manner and deliver development 
outcome as soon as possible.  
 
China also welcomes further progress on JSIs' d iscussions including E -commerce, Domestic 
Regulations and MSMEs. In particular, we commend Mr. Mathias Francke , Ambassador -designate of 
Chile for his great leadership and coordination on the Investment Facilitation for Development and 
are pleased to see th e initiative successfully moved into negotiating mode last month. The 
participants had another two days of negotiations last week, and we expect more progress to be 
made as well as more Members to join our initiative in the months to come.  
 
Restoring the Appellate Body remains the top priority. We have strong concerns that cases were 
appealed while there is no functioning Appellate Body at all, which will inevitably cause serious 
negative impact on Members ' confidence to effectively implement existing rule s as well as 
negotiating new disciplines. China calls upon meaningful and constructive engagement of all 
Members with a view to finding a multilateral solution to break the deadlock.  
 
The DG Selection Process is still ongoing under the leadership of the Troika. Like others, we hope 
this is a transparent and fair process without any political interference. We look forward to having a 
capable D irector -General  who can unite the Members and bring the organization out of the current 
crisis.  
 
4. Panama (Article X II Members)  
 
Good morning. I am making this statement on behalf of the Article XII Members.  As we have already 
said, our Group expects that current negotiations should result in levelling the imbalances that have 
accumulated in Members' commitments with each new accession negotiation. We do not seek to 
backtrack on commitments we undertook on accession at the request of Members that now enjoy 
significantly higher levels o f entitlements and flexibilities. In our view, in order to reach a l evel 
playing field, all those who currently enjoy these higher levels of entitlements and flexibilities will 
have to make more significant contributions within the ongoing reforms process.  
 WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  Our Group would like to remind Members that while large gaps remai n in agriculture domestic 
support and market access commitments, the built -in agenda is not limited to agriculture. While 
there has not been much activity in the non -agricultural market access negotiations, we reiterate 
that wide gaps remain in the average  bound tariff levels and coverage levels of the Article XII 
Members and the Original Members. This is also evident in services where Article XII Members have 
undertaken more commitments in every subsector in comparison to the Original Members. We 
expect th at our ongoing negotiations lead to closing these gaps and would like to see significant 
progress by MC12.  
 
In this context, we would like to thank the Cairns Group Members for their document 
RD/AG/81/Rev.1. We also acknowledge and greatly appreciate the w ork of other Members whose 
contributions helped to move forward discussions in the Committee on Agriculture in Special Session. 
On a general note, we would like to urge all other Members to aspire as a minimum to the 
commitments assumed by the Article XII Members in domestic support but also in the other pillars 
of agriculture.  
 
We would also like to express our Group's continued support of the ongoing discussions on WTO 
Reform in transparency and inclusion. This includes ensuring all Members have equal acc ess to all 
WTO meetings through flexible format during these uncertain times. Improving compliance and the 
quality of notifications would allow us to have a reliable measure of the state of play in negotiations 
towards MC12.  
 
Lastly, we reiterate our suppo rt to the ongoing accessions and hope that we can see new Members 
join the WTO by MC12 in Kazakhstan – the first one to be hosted by an Article XII Member. Our 
Group stands ready to work with other Members towards achieving incremental, balanced and 
meanin gful results for MC12.  
 
5. Panama  
 
The WTO has forecasted a dramatic reduction in global trade for 2020, as DDG Agah was saying at 
the outset of the meeting, as a consequence of the disruption to trade activities due to measures 
related to COVID -19. Now, we a re looking at what recovery may be possible in 2021 but that is also 
very uncertain. Trade in services as a component of global trade has been seriously affected by 
COVID -19. And, among other factors, it has led to the introduction of transport and mobilit y 
restriction. As Members, we must continue to deploy efforts to guarantee that there is free flow of 
trade in services particularly essential goods and services including medicine and food.  
 
Panama is of the view that we must do everything possible to co ntinue our work across all areas of 
negotiation to ensure that there is a balance of rights and obligations of Members in the range of 
negotiations and discussions including in the services pillar. In this regard, Panama thanks the 
proponents of a series o f different discussion papers that have been circulated on environmental 
services, logistics and financial services which will be taken up in the coming meetings of the Council 
for Trade in Services in Special Session.  
 
We would like to thank Ambassador Ab raham for her leadership in agriculture discussions. We 
support her process with a view to a result in all agricultural pillars – to meet Members' obligations.  
 
On fisheries subsidies negotiations, my delegation would like to thank Ambassador Wills for hi s 
efforts. We reaffirm our support to these talks. We call on delegations who hold extreme views or 
positions which do not garner enough support to come towards the centre – and likewise those 
proposals which do not seek further commitments or adjusts but just seek to maintain the status 
quo. We are calling also on those who are pursuing actions which do not have a mandate to do the 
same given the complexity of the situation.  
 
Panama would like to furthermore thank the Coordinators of the Structured Discussions on 
Investment Facilitation for Development, the Informal Working Group on MSMEs and the Joint 
Statement Initiative on Electronic Commerce. It is more obvious than ever how important it is for 
us to strike concrete results as part of the multilateral wing of e -commerce talks.  
 
We reiterate our commitment to work actively and constructively as part of the multilateral 
framework and we will work alongside all the DDGs and the Secretariat, particularly those involved 
in the DG Selection P rocess – and wish them the best of luck on their work.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  6. Egypt  
 
I would like to endorse the statement to be delivered by Botswana on behalf of the African Group.  
While the COVID -19 pandemic continues to spread in many countries, its economic and social 
impac ts will last for much longer, especially in developing countries, jeopardi sing the progress 
achieved on many SDGs. This setback should be a catalyst for further global collaboration to lay the 
ground for economic recovery, in which the WTO has a central ro le to play. Therefore, we call upon 
Members to view our work and discussions through a developmental lens, with the aim of achieving 
a fairer international trade environment that would enable our countries to pursue sustainable 
growth and contribute to the  realization of the SDGs. Having said that, I would like to briefly address 
several  issues . 
 
Agriculture  
 
We praise the ambitious work plan proposed by the C oA SS Chair and trust that she will maintain 
the principles of transparency and inclusivity every s tep of the way. We call on Members to consider 
the sensitive nature of food security issues for LDCs and NFIDCs as well as the flexibilities they need 
to enhance their productivity and build up their agricultural production capacities. We also believe 
COVID-19 underscored the need to focus on issues related to food security including domestic 
support, PSH and SSM.  
 
Fisheries Subsidies  
 
Egypt acknowledges the Chair 's diligent efforts to bring Members ' divergent views into a convergence 
as well as Members ' strong commitment and active engagement on this issue. Such commitment, 
complemented by a spirit of compromise and a sense of urgency, is key for a meaningful outcome 
towards the achievement of SDG 14.6. Nonetheless, caution shall be made not to divert from the 
goal of our negotiations which is to prohibit harmful subsidies. We believe our scope shall not include 
subsidies provided to low income, resource -poor fishing activities aiming at ensuring food security 
and improved livelihoods especially that this ca tegory of fishing activities has no or minimal impact 
on the sustainability of fish stocks. Additionally, Egypt echoes the call by several Members for 
effective special and differential treatment for developing countries and LDCs to be an integral part 
of any agreement as per the Ministerial Decision in Buenos Aires.  
 
WTO Reform  
 
It is evident that reforming the organization is the way to deal with the unprecedented challenges 
affect its basic functions. Perhaps among the most important of these challenges are the crisis of 
the Appellate Body, the deadlock in the negotiations on special and differential treatment in the CTD 
SS and the urgent need for reform in agriculture trade.  
 
In our view, the next D irector -General's  first priority should be building cons ensus among Members 
on an agenda for the reform process. Efforts towards effective and inclusive reform must be 
accelerated to accommodate different perspectives on what is required to be done to restore 
credibility and confidence in the WTO. Special consi deration is deeply needed to reform the current 
procedures of the DG Selection Process including the breadth of support indicators.  
 
We have a collective responsibility to agree on how to make MC12 a success and create the "WTO 
of the Future ". In our view, an inclusive, balanced and, above all, realistic reform process is the way 
to achieve an organization responsive to Members' development needs and the challenges of the 
twenty -first century and the post COVID -19 world.  
 
7. European Union  
 
I would like to congratulate the four deputy Director s-General for their dedication and commitment 
to steer the organi zation during this transition period.  Maintaining a positive agenda at the WTO is 
a challenge under the current circumstances that will require strong political commitment and 
concerted efforts. We need to urgently pursue our work on reforming the WTO, to ensure that it 
remains the bedrock of open markets and free trade and contributes to the recovery effort post -
crisis.  
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  In this context, until the end of the year, the priorities for the European Union will be:  
 
• First, to bring the DG selection to a successful conclusion and ensure a smooth and 
rapid entry into office for the new Direct or-General. In order to face the multitude of 
challenges ahead, the WTO needs strong new leadership as soon as possible.  
 
• Second, to deliver on ongoing negotiations, starting with the fisheries subsidies 
negotiations where significant progress is needed to  achieve conclusion by the end of 
2020 deadline, and crossing significant thresholds in the Joint Statement Initiatives on 
e-commerce, domestic regulation in services, MSMEs and investment facilitation. 
Concretely this means:  
 
– for e-commerce , to present a significantly more streamlined, consolidated text by 
the end of the year ; 
 
– for services domestic regulation , to get a clean draft reference paper by the end 
of the year ;  
 
– for MSMEs , to continue to progress to reach a significant threshold by the end of 
the year ; and, 
 
– for investment facilitation , to streamline as much as possible the current 
negotiating text.  
 
• Thirdly, to ensure that the WTO lives up to the current challenges born out of the 
pandemic, in particular on two topics:  
 
– Health where the European Union has started work for a WTO trade and health 
initiative. We are currently discussing with the Ottawa G roup members the 
content of such an initiative which we intend to bring to the WTO soon. W e will 
be ready to engage with Members on that basis.  
 
– Sustainability where, as recently announced by the Executive Vice President 
Dombrovskis  and new Commissioner fo r Trade, we are working on advancing the 
environmental agenda through an initiative that would encompass various angles 
such as facilitating trade in green goods and services, transparency, development 
and other aspects. We aim at having an inclusive and t ransparent process that 
others can join. This would contribute to ensuring a sustainable and green 
recovery. We will be ready to explore this further with Members as the initiative 
progresses.  
 
8. Japan  
 
Summer is already behind us, and the end of the year is  fast approaching. At this juncture, it is 
important to take stock of the progress made and discuss the way forward toward MC12.  
 
First, concluding the fisheries subsidies negotiation is a priority both from the perspective of 
achieving the SDGs and as a test case for the WTO 's multilateral negotiation function. Members are 
engaging in more focused, text -based negotiation, yet a wide gap remains. Going back to our 
mandate is the most significant way to advance the negotiations, in particular in the field o f 
overfishing and overcapacity. With our deadline in mind, we will support and cooperate with the 
Chair man, Ambassador Santiago Wills, to expedite the negotiations.   
 
On agriculture negotiations, Japan firmly believes it is critical for global food securit y to ensure that 
global supply chains remain open, transparent and predictable. However, our analytical work, 
submitted to C oA SS based on the actual food export restrictive measures introduced during the 
COVID -19 pandemic (JOB/AG/188) shows that many expo rt restrictive measures were made without 
complying with the mandatory notification requirement. The work also sheds light on the ambiguity 
of the disciplines of the Agreement on Agriculture. We look forward to discussing this further in the 
run up to MC12  in order to improve transparency and clarify disciplines on this pillar.  
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  COVID -19 remains the imminent challenge facing us, and it is critical that the WTO responds robustly 
to it. Addressing export and import restrictive measures such as those applied t o medical products 
is particularly important. Relevant WTO bodies should review COVID -19 related measures and 
discuss pertinent issues including the clarification of relevant disciplines. We also welcome ongoing 
discussions among Members including at the O ttawa Group.   
 
We have seen progress on the Joint Statement Initiatives since July. On E -commerce, the stock -
take text was circulated in August. Japan encourages Members to accelerate work to further 
streamline the text through intensive discussions in ord er to develop a consolidated negotiating text 
by the end of the year. As for the JSI on domestic regulation, we should focus on finali sing the draft 
reference paper as soon as possible. It is also important to engage in outreach activities and Japan 
has be en reaching out to Asian Members. On investment facilitation, we welcome the start of official 
negotiations based on the informal consolidated text.  
 
We stress the importance of ensuring a level playing field. Japan will continue to engage with other 
Memb ers, especially on strengthening international rules on industrial subsidies. Further, Japan has 
recently joined the statement on the importance of market -oriented conditions to the world trading 
system with the United States and Brazil. Market -oriented co nditions are fundamental to the WTO 
system. We look forward to discussing this issue at tomorrow 's General Council.  
 
Moderni sing S&DT is an important component of WTO Reform. Japan welcomes some Members ' 
decision to forgo S&DT and we believe this represents a tangible achievement toward the WTO 
Reform reflecting the reality of the twenty -first century. We expect more Members to follow suit.  
 
Last but not least, Japan underscores the importance of activating the discussion to find ways and 
means to restore the proper functioning of the WTO dispute settlement system, and Japan will 
actively participate in the discussion.  
 
9. Angola  
 
My delegation aligns itself with the statement made by Chad, on behalf of the LDCs, by Jamaica, on 
behalf of the ACP, and by Botswana, on behalf of the African Group.  The COVID -19 pandemic has 
been affecting the economies of LDCs more drastically and it will not be easy for them to recover 
alone.  From the ongoing negotiation process, we consider that the sequence of discussions is 
beneficial and especially important but it must also be efficient and progressive. We continue to 
notice a lack of convergence in ideas which benefits some Members  but certainly not the LDCs.  
 
The e xisting provisions of special and differential treatment and future provisions strengthening 
them and making them more precise, effective, and operational, as mandated by Paragraph 44 of 
the Doha Ministerial Declaration partially reduce the imbalance of ex isting Agreements but they are 
still below our aspirations.  Therefore, any reform of the multilateral trading system in this area must 
take into account this reality and respect the mandate for the development of this negotiati ng round. 
We believe that the  G-90 proposals on special and differential treatment should be given priority.  
 
Political space is central to us, developing countries, as recogni zed in Agenda 2030 for Sustainable 
Development and the Addis Ababa Agenda for Action. It allows us to define  our national priorities 
according to our own interests while ensuring the active participation of our countries in the 
multilateral trading system.  We call for an intensification of the negotiating work to achieve the 
expected progress, especially on issu es crucial to development. In this way, we consider it essential 
to fulfil  the mandate of the Ministers to conclude the negotiations on fisheries subsidies which is 
especially important for Angola. The negotiations must preserve the sustainable development  of our 
fishing industry, mainly artisanal and of subsistence, as stated here before. We should be more 
realistic and proactive about banning subsidies on IUU fishing, overfishing and overcapacity.  
 
Regarding the Committee on Agriculture in Special Session , we have faith in  the new leadership at 
the Committee and hope it will continue the principles of consensus, transparency and inclusivity in 
its work. So, we continue to consider the reform of trade -distorting domestic support, including the 
elimination o f the AMS, as extremely important, thus should really move the negotiations. A 
permanent solution to the issue of public stockholding for food security purposes should include new 
elements to cover existing and future programs and not impose demanding requ irements of 
transparency.  
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  10. Afghanistan  
 
With MC12 in the horizon, we hold the view that we must overcome the organizational challenges of 
the WTO and do our homework to deliver substantive work to achieve concrete outcomes for all 
Members in order to reap the benefits of global trade and development based on  a fair, inclusive, 
sustainable and rules -based multilateral trading system. We are happy to note that the two leading 
candidates for the Director -General  position share t his vision including  overcoming these challenges.  
 
My delegation supports the current negotiations and subscribes to the call upon all Members to 
engage constructively to achieve possible convergence on key and important issues such as 
development, agriculture (with emphasi s on fisher ies subsidies and cotton) and others based on 
solution -targeted and result -oriented approaches and efforts.  To this end, Afghanistan is committed 
to engage in these efforts and we are of the view that the current pace of the negotiations needs to 
be accelerat ed by prioriti sing them based on their mandate and urgency to balance and sustain the 
benefit of global trade for all Members especially the most vulnerable economies and LDCs.  
 
Special and differential treatment is an essential part of the WTO Agreements for a fairer, more 
equitable, inclusive and transparent system. All S&DT measures must be made more effectively in 
compliance with Paragraph 44 of the Doha mandate – in line with the founding principles of the 
WTO.  On development, we encourage Members to e ngage in a constructive manner with the G -90 
on the substance of the 10 A greement Specific Proposal s. Acknowledging the fact that there is still 
room for further improvement, we should focus on text -based discussion s of the proposals.  In line 
with the position of the G -90 and the LDC Group, my delegation supports a political declaration of 
the Ministers reaffirming the centrality of development in the WTO as an outcome for S&DT at MC12  
with the hope that the negotiations on the G -90's 10 Agreement Speci fic Proposals  conclude before 
MC13.  
 
Regarding the DSB, Afghanistan is of the view that a well -functioning Dispute Settlement Body is an 
imperative to the multilateral trading system and to the WTO itself in order to ensure a full and fair 
enforcement of r ules and obligations by Members. Afghanistan regrets and expresses its deepest 
disappointment that, despite tireless efforts of Members, we could  not save the system as it was. 
Hence, for my delegation , resuming the two -pillar dispute settlement system is an urgent and 
essential issue. We therefore call upon all Members  to double their engagement to find a pragmatic 
solution to the dispute settlement system  problem and resolve it before or during MC12.  
 
Finally, on the joint initiatives, Afghanistan support s the work o n investment facilitation, MSMEs and 
women 's empowerment through trade. Afghanistan subscribes to the work of the informal groups 
on the build -up of the respective frameworks and their inputs towards a multilateral working program 
under the WTO . We appreciate discussion on these initiatives and commend their proponents, 
coordinators and members for their extensive work and we acknowledge the opportunity through 
open, transparent and inclusive discussions where all Members can participate and eng age. 
Particularly, regarding investment facilitation, we thank Members for their efforts on developing a 
streamline d text. 
 
I would also like to thank the Chair man of the N egotiating Group on Rules  for organi sing and 
conducting the monthly cluster meetings and bilateral consultations with groups and Members and 
for his efforts in managing the text -based negotiation process. I would also like to thank all Members 
and facilitators for their cooperation in continu ing the negotiations based on the draft text and we 
hope the negotiations will be concluded soon.  
 
11. United States  
 
It is encouraging to see a growing international consensus on the need for a reset of the WTO, and 
an acceptance that the organization needs t o undergo fundamental reform after years of limited 
achievements. I would like to focus my remarks today on one aspect of the necessary reform of the 
WTO – confronting the failure of the negotiating function to bring about greater liberalization of trade 
and to promote market practices. We had once believed that successive rounds of negotiations at 
the WTO would preserve the relevance of the organization by addressing the uneven liberalization 
of tariffs and other market access barriers across the Membershi p, and by providing a forum to deal 
with the profound distortions to the world economy from non -market practices and policies. We are 
all well aware that this has not happened. We have to push a bit deeper into why that is the case.  
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  The institutional para lysis of the negotiating function should be at the centre of our reform efforts.  
It is clear to us that piecemeal reforms will not suffice to pull the WTO from its current rut. 
Consequential reform of the negotiating function needs to begin with a shared c ommitment to the 
foundational principles of the WTO, which include a strong commitment to market openness and a 
level playing field.  
 
We believe that all Members – whether founding Members or Article XII Members – have undertaken 
commitments to curb non -market practices that cause significant trade distortions. From this 
foundation, we need to take concrete steps to revitali se how we negotiate. Otherwise, we will once 
again collectively fail to achieve our negotiating objectives. We have asked some simple q uestions 
to begin with – do we all agree to commit to fulfilling basic transparency obligations, and do we 
agree that we should reserve special and differential treatment to the lowest -income countries least 
integrated into the global trading system? If no t, then perhaps our divisions are far deeper than they 
may outwardly appear.   
 
We also need to appreciate the connection between a dysfunctional dispute settlement system and 
the near collapse of the WTO 's negotiating function.  As the Appellate Body assume d more and more 
authority beyond that envisioned in the Dispute Settlement Understanding, many Members 
refocused their efforts, using litigation rather than negotiation as the means of achieving desired 
outcomes.   
 
If we are going to change the unacceptable status quo at the WTO, we need to question our current 
way of doing things. The United States has actively engaged on issues we believe are important, 
and we have been willing to put our name to concrete ideas and proposals.  We have sought to 
reassert our shared vision of a trading system based on market -oriented conditions; reform our 
approach to special and differential treatment; encourage greater compliance with basic 
transparency obligations and reaffirm that it  is up to the Membership its elf – not elements of the 
WTO's dispute settlement system – to issue authoritative interpretations of the WTO Agreements.  
 
These are all necessary building blocks for a multilateral negotiating pillar to function properly. 
Looking ahead, we have difficult y in seeing how we break out of the rut we now find ourselves in 
unless we address some of these fundamental questions that speak to how the negotiation function 
is going to work. As the United States stressed at the recent G20 meeting, if we collaborate t o 
embrace reforms and reinvigorate the WTO, we stand a chance of making it relevant in light of 
today 's challenges. A good first step would be concluding an ambitious fisheries subsidies agreement 
this year. However, time is running short.  
 
12. Costa Rica (Joi nt Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation)  
 
I welcome this opportunity to provide an update on the open -ended negotiations in the context of 
the Joint Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation.  Since my last report in July, the Joint Initiative 
has co ntinued working steadily and has made further progress.  Two additional Members, Nigeria 
and Peru, submitted their indicative draft schedules, which propose to incorporate the Reference 
Paper on Services Domestic Regulation into their respective GATS Schedu les. The Initiative now 
counts 62 participants, and 57 of them have already circulated their indicative draft schedules, 
confirming their commitment to a legally binding outcome on a n MFN basis.  
 
Over the past months, participating Members have advanced wo rk on several fronts: for one, text -
based negotiations have continued on the remaining outstanding issues in the Reference Paper. The 
group is aiming to stabilise the text by the end of this year.  In addition, delegations have intensified 
their outreach ef forts towards all WTO Members, and beyond, to the business community and other 
stakeholders. Participating Members have repeatedly emphasi zed that delivering a concrete outcome 
on services domestic regulation would not only give an important boost to servi ces trade, but also 
contribute to the post -COVID economic recovery.  
 
The Initiative's commitment is to keep the process open, inclusive and transparent, especially under 
the current circumstances. The Initiative's objective is to deliver an outcome consist ent with WTO 
law and procedures, which will contribute to further facilitating services trade and promoting 
economic growth and development. To conclude, I invite all Members not already part of this process 
to engage actively in the discussions and consid er joining the Joint Initiative on Services Domestic 
Regulation.  
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  13. Costa Rica  
 
Costa Rica wishes to take this opportunity to thank the facilitators for the Director -General Selection 
Process and is pleased with the way the process has been led. We are confident that we can 
successfully bring this process to a conclusion within the ag reed deadlines, at a time when the 
organization needs strong leadership. We are delighted to witness a historic moment, when a woman 
will become the next Director -General.  
 
With respect to the negotiations on fisheries subsidies, we believe that the discus sions are on track 
under the leadership of Ambassador Wills, whom we fully support. However, we believe it necessary 
to accelerate the work to meet the time limits set by our Heads of State. We therefore urge 
Ambassador Wills to intensify the work of the N egotiating Group through meetings in a variety of 
configurations, and that, under his responsibility, a revised version of the consolidated text that 
includes the progress on, and possible solutions to, the outstanding issues be circulated as soon as 
possible. 
 
Costa Rica also supports the discussions on the Joint Initiatives and hopes to achieve concrete results 
by the end of the year, which reflect the progress made on the issues of domestic regulation, 
electronic commerce, investment facilitation and mic ro, small and medium -sized enterprises. The 
results of these initiatives, and of the multilateral negotiations under way, will be crucial to our 
economies during a post COVID recovery.  
 
Lastly, on the issue of electronic commerce, we believe it is vital to  continue the Work Programme 
and approve a permanent moratorium on the non -imposition of tariffs on electronic transmissions.  
 
14. Argentina  
 
Things were already difficult for the WTO before the pandemic, and yet, at the same time, the 
pandemic is perhaps an e xcellent opportunity to prove the relevance of this organizatio n – because 
it is clear that we can overcome this crisis if we act quickly and work together, in an enhanced and 
improved spirit of multilateralism.  In this respect, Argentina is very pleased t hat the Committee on 
Agriculture in Special Session has resumed its work, and we thank Ambassador Gloria Abraham for 
the important consultations she has organi zed. It is also gratifying to see that momentum has been 
maintained in the joint initiatives.  
 
My delegation finds it particularly satisfying to see how smoothly the selection process for our next 
Director -General is going. It is very important to note that press reports all over the world are 
highlighting this new phase in which the WTO will be led b y a woman. The time has come for us to 
move on from gender equality rhetoric to reality.  
 
As we have said on other occasions, Argentina cannot dissociate the objective from the means 
required to achieve it. For this reason, a situation that will continue t o be of concern to us until a 
solution can be found is the paralysis of the Appellate Body. Argentina, together with 120 other 
Members, supports a specific initiative to begin the Appellate Body member selection process  which 
we hope will be able to obtain the consensus needed for its approval. The Appellate Body's current 
state of paralysis affects the entire WTO dispute settlement system.  
 
Lastly, I would like to mention the huge effort that is being made by Ambassador Wills to ensure 
progress in th e negotiations on fisheries subsidies. This will be one of the most difficult challenges 
we face in the coming months, as we seek to prove that the WTO negotiating pillar remains relevant.  
We call upon all delegations to move on from the national desires a nd positions stage to the common 
interests stage, so that an agreement that helps to build a fairer and more balanced multilateral 
trading system can soon be reached.  
 
15. Iceland  
 
I would like to use this opportunity to inform the Membership on the ongoing wo rk on Trade and 
Gender. At the last meeting of the International Gender Champions Trade Impact Group in 
September, a decision was made to establish a WTO Informal Working Group on this important 
issue.  It was a result of our consultation with WTO Members w ho expressed support for working or 
for following up on commitments of the Buenos Aires Declaration on Trade and Women's Economic 
Empowerment.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  The Informal Working Group's objectives will be to continue to share best practices among Members 
on increasing w omen's participation in trade, to consider and clarify what that gender lens is in the 
context of international trade and review how gender lens could be applied to the work of the WTO , 
to review and discuss gender -related analytical work produced by the W TO Secretariat and to explore 
how best to support the delivery of  the WTO Aid for Trade Work Programme. The Working Group is 
open for all Members to participate and the aim is to hold the first meeting before the end of this 
year and establish a schedule o f activities and themes to be discussed in the run up to MC12.  
 
Finally, a few words on the negotiations on fisheries subsidies. We would like to thank Ambassador 
Wills for his leadership. Discussions on the draft consolidated document have been constructi ve and 
are making progress. It cannot be said too often that the WTO has a duty to deliver on the mandate, 
which is clear, but the time left is very short. We support the work programme set forward by 
Ambassador  Wills as well as his proposal to update the draft consolidated document for continued 
discussion.  
 
16. Canada (Ottawa Group)  
 
Ottawa Group Vice -Ministers met virtually on 30 September to take stock of efforts by the group in 
each of the action items from the 15 June Ministerial Joint Statement on COVID -19 and to exchange 
views on how to promote progress in other areas of WTO work such as the negotiations on fisheries 
subsidies  and the JSIs on e -commerce, domestic regulation for services, investment facilitation and 
MSMEs.  
 
With respect to specific follow up items on the joint statement, a communication on transparency of 
trade -related COVID -19 measures was issued during the Ju ly TPRB meeting. It welcomed efforts by 
the WTO Secretariat to monitor these measures and encouraged more work to collect and share 
information and best practices on trade -related measures taken in response to COVID -19. Members 
of the group will continue t o discuss next steps on this important work.  
 
On the second action point, Ottawa Group members are engaging in discussions on how to improve 
predictability in agricultural trade in response to COVID -19. Views and positions on agricultural 
issues such as do mestic support vary within the group. However, Ottawa Group members continue 
to deepen discussions on transparency and export restrictions with a view to bringing practical ideas 
forward to the Membership.  As set out in the Joint Statement, Ottawa Group me mbers have 
intensified discussions on trade and health with the goal of bringing ideas to the broader Membership 
on steps we can take.  
 
Regarding trade facilitation, we presented to the recent informal meeting of the Trade Facilitation 
Committee an illustr ative list of measures we have implemented over the past half -year in response 
to the challenges of COVID -19. We share these experiences to support identifying ways to take full 
advantage of the opportunities for trade facilitation. We look forward to hear ing the experiences of 
WTO Members in upcoming committee meetings.   
 
On the e -commerce JSI, Ottawa Group members have reaffirmed their commitment to achieve a 
consolidated text by the end of the year and will continue their active and constructive particip ation 
in these negotiations. We also initiated a discussion on how to enhance transparency of the future 
consolidated text.  
 
The Ottawa Group will continue our WTO Reform efforts, move forward on the various elements of 
the June statement and we intend to reconvene for a Ministerial meeting later this year.  
 
17. Canada  
 
We all face enormous challenges as a result of the COVID -19 pandemic and we should always be 
aware of this difficult situation that Members find themselves in as we continue our work h ere at the 
WTO. Since the last TNC in July, Canada has actively participated in the ongoing WTO work and in 
various negotiations taking place despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic.  
  
Canada continues to place a priority on the agriculture negotiat ions and we welcome the Chair 's 
initiative for a facilitator -led small groups and encourage all Members to engage in technical 
discussions.  
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  For the fisheries subsidies negotiations, Canada supports the steps that are being taken by the Chair, 
including i nvolving Heads of Delegations on discrete issues and using small groups to facilitate 
constructive dialogue. Canada wishes to reiterate the importance of taking all steps possible to 
conclude an agreement.  
 
On e-commerce, we thank the co -conveners for prep aring a stock -take document on progress to 
date. It is important to intensify our work by using all configurations available. We believe that we 
are on track for reaching a meaningful consolidated text by the end of the year. In this respect, we 
would like  to remind JSI participants of the proposal co -sponsored by New Zealand, Ukraine and 
Canada regarding greater transparency to stakeholders in the negotiations.  
 
On services domestic regulation, Canada commends Nigeria for joining the JSI and for submitting  a 
draft indicative schedule. Canada looks forward to work ing with all interested Members to achieve a 
clean and stabili sed text by the end of the year.  
 
On investment facilitation, Canada welcomes Indonesia' s participation. Canada continues to take 
part in the open -ended negotiating meetings and proposed text on anti -corruption during the 
September session.  
 
We continue to be very concerned about the Appellate Body 's inability to hear new appeals and 
about the fact that the United States has taken ad vantage of this situation of its own making to 
stymie the full operations of the Dispute Settlement Understanding by appealing into the void. We 
still remain open to constructive discussions with Members towards resolving the A ppellate Body  
impasse. Howeve r, in the current unfortunate circumstances, Canada considers that the Multi -Party 
Interim Appeal -Arbitration Arrangement is the best means to preserve Members ' rights under the 
Dispute Settlement Understanding. We invite all Members that have not joined t o consider doing so.  
 
Finally, Canada still continues to believe it is essential to carry out the work of the WTO during these 
difficult times and remains flexible about continuing negotiations in virtual or hybrid format. Finally, 
we would like to commend  the Secretariat for its efforts in making these formats possible.  
 
18. Jamaica (ACP)  
 
Our trade capacity and development objectives continue to be eroded by the impact of the pandemic 
across sectors of our economies. As developing countries and LDCs, our abil ity to cushion the trade -
related impact is severely limited and this has compromised our long -term development and growth 
trajectory, including our achievement of the SDGs.  The WTO has an important role to play in 
assisting its Members which are at differe nt levels of development to manage recovery from the 
impact of the pandemic and to successfully adapt to a post -pandemic global trading environment.  
This includes initiatives fostering greater collaboration with international organizations such as the 
WHO and WIPO. The ACP Group is urging the Membership of this organization to accord high priority 
in this regard.  
 
As regards the issues under negotiations, the ACP Group is disappointed with the level of 
engagement in the CTD SS. We support a work programme t o examine the 10 Agreement Specific 
Proposals. The ACP reiterates the importance of effective S&DT as part of any outcome at MC12 and 
maintains that the CTD SS remains the only mandated forum for the discussion of S&DT under the 
Doha mandate . 
 
On Fisheries  Subsidies, we must adhere to the Buenos Aires mandate. Any outcome on this file 
should enjoy the ownership of all Members. Hence the need to improve adherence to established 
principles of consensus, transparency, balance and inclusiveness.  The work of the  Negotiating Group 
on Rules  should bear in mind the COVID -19 - induced challenges affecting capitals’ ability to guide 
delegations in Geneva. We have engaged constructively in the September and October clusters and 
will continue to do so until we arrive at  an outcome. We believe that there is a lot of ground to cover 
to improve the draft consolidated text, including the incorporation of elements that have been long 
advocated for by the ACP Group.  
 
Our key guiding principles remain:  
 
• The agreement should com plement rather than conflict with or duplicate other 
international instruments relating to fisheries.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  • The focus should be on subsidies, especially those provided by large subsidizers . 
• It should not regulate fisheries management.  
• An outcome should provide a ppropriate exemptions for natural disasters and similar 
events.  
• We also need policy space for our small scale and artisanal fisherfolk.  
• An outcome should not be prejudicial to the sovereign rights of Members in their 
maritime space , should not interfere with matters related to territorial disputes and 
should not encroach on national processes related to fisheries management and IUU 
determi nations.  
 
As it relates to Agriculture, we welcome the new Chair, Ambassador Peralta of Costa Rica, and will 
support her efforts to guide us to a successful outcome. In principle, we support the need for 
inclusive small group meetings. We are however conce rned with the proliferation of Facilitator -led 
small group meetings in a number of the negotiations that overstretch the limited capacity of small 
delegations.  
 
We call for all engagements to be inclusive, transparent and consensus -based. The schedule of 
meetings should accommodate the capacity of small delegations and accommodate virtual 
participation. The ACP Group is recommending a follow -up meeting to the CoA  SS of 25 May to 
continue Members ' assessment of the impact of COVID -19 on the work programme. D omestic 
Support, PSH and the SSM are priorities for the ACP Group. So too is the need to arrive at an 
outcome on Export Restrictions that assists the World Food Programme in their operations.  
 
In the context of the COVID -19 pandemic and TRIPS, the ACP Grou p continues to reiterate that the 
WTO should prioriti se improved easier access to medicines, diagnostics, medical equipment and 
other technologies protected by intellectual property rights thereby expanding the capacity to 
distribute them globally with the  necessary quality and quantity. We also wish to commend the 
Secretariat for its important work in facilitating Member 's reporting on the IP Measures that have 
been implemented in the context of COVID -19. The ACP takes note of the joint proposal of India a nd 
South Africa on a waiver from certain provisions of the TRIPS Agreements for the prevention, 
containment and treatment of COVID -19 and look s forward to an initial discussion in the TRIPS 
Council on the issue. Finally, on TRIPS, we also wish to signal th e Group 's support for the extension 
of the LDCs TRIPS flexibilities which are due to expire in July 2021.  
 
Services trade is a priority for many ACP Group members. The impact of COVID -19 continues to 
take its toll in the form of foreign exchange loss, clos ure of key sectors such as tourism and 
significant disruption in economic linkages. We renew our call for the CTS  SS to proceed in a manner 
that is sensitive to the vulnerabilities of developing countries and LDCs. We also continue to urge 
the CTS to delib erate on an appropriate response to the impact of COVID -19. 
 
As it relates to E -commerce, we have always recogni zed the benefits especially given our experience 
during the pandemic. We need to address the digital divide within and among countries which is 
essential for our MSMEs. We see value in continuing the conversation on and beyond the moratorium 
to cover issues such as revenue implications, the impact on our businesses, consumer welfare and 
the extent to which the temporary moratorium has impacted nat ional ICT and industrial policies.  
 
On Reform, the ACP Group reiterates its position that the process and substance should accentuate 
the development dimension of international trade, complement the SDGs, be fair, transparent and 
inclusive.  If we are seeki ng to have an inclusive reform agenda, the package should incorporate 
reforms in critical economic and trade -related sectors, including:  
 
• unfair domestic subsidies,  
• establishing a fair international marketplace for cotton,  
• better synergy between TRIPS and public health that would expand access to critical 
therapeutics and vaccines,  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  • addressing non -tariff measures that frustrate effective access of industrial and 
agricultural products into important external markets, and,  
• activation of work within the WTO tha t is principally focused to pro -poor, pro -
development polices.  
We therefore need to begin with a comprehensive dialogue on the structure, scope and objectives 
of WTO Reform. We must collectively find a resolution to the Appellate Body impasse to ensure tha t 
we have a two -tier, transparent, independent dispute settlement system as envisaged by the DSU.  
In closing, the ACP Group recommits to playing a constructive role as we seek to ensure that the 
WTO responds to the challenges to the multilateral trading sy stem.  
 
19. Singapore  
 
With less than three months to the end of the year, it is timely that we assess what the WTO can 
deliver for 2020 which has been a particularly rough year due to the COVID -19 pandemic. Let me 
suggest three areas that may offer some glimmer of hope amidst the gloom.  
 
First, WTO Members can agree not to impose export restrictions on foodstuffs purchased for non -
commercial humanitarian purposes by the World Food Programme. This will build on what the G20 
Agriculture Ministers agreed to in April this year. We should do so by adopting a simple decision at 
the December General Council meeting which will be both timely and meaningful because COVID -
19 has laid bare the negative impact of export restrictions on the WFP 's life-saving work to fe ed the 
most vulnerable. Such restrictions have caused delays in the WFP 's deliveries and increased costs, 
which means less food for the beneficiaries. In fact, the WFP estimated that the number of people 
likely to suffer food insecurity due to the pandemic  may increase by 270 million.  
 
Such a multilateral agreement will signal three things to the world that: one, the WTO is relevant; 
two, it can deliver concrete actions to address COVID -19-related issues; and three, it can support 
the most vulnerable to ach ieve SDG  2 on zero hunger. This will also bolster Members ' confidence 
that we can find agreement on more issues ahead of MC12 and support the WFP which was just 
awarded the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize.  
 
Second, the pandemic has underscored the urgency for WTO M embers to respond to the challenges 
of the digital transformation. Looking ahead, we can expect E -Commerce to feature more 
prominently in our daily life, and play an increasingly critical role in global economic recovery efforts.  
In this context, the WTO n egotiations on the Joint Statement Initiative on E -Commerce presents an 
excellent opportunity for all Members to participate meaningfully in shaping the future landscape of 
E-Commerce. As one of the co -conveners, Singapore, together with Australia and Japa n, are working 
to achieve a consolidated text at the end of the year which will serve as the basis to advance 
negotiations. We hope that the consolidated text will send an important signal to the business 
community and other stakeholders that the WTO is co mmitted to updating the rulebook in order to 
provide predictability that will spur the expansion of global trade.  
 
Third, while the pandemic has thrown up severe challenges for the WTO, it has also provided the 
opportunity for the WTO to demonstrate that it is up to the task of responding to these challenges. 
One important area where the WTO can demonstrate leadership is in enhancing the resilience of 
supply chains in essential goods, including food and medical supplies, and to ensure their availability 
so that Members can effectively respond to public health emergencies.  On medical supplies, it is 
timely to explore initiatives related to Trade and Health as a concrete way to address the adverse 
impact of the pandemic. For example, making a commitment to re frain from imposing export 
restrictions on essential medical supplies would go a long way to help healthcare authorities cope 
with the pandemic. The Singapore -New Zealand "Declaration on Trade in Essential Goods for 
Combating the COVID -19 Pandemic"  can ser ve as a useful reference point.  
 
The pandemic has shed light on areas where the WTO can play a role in combatting the healthcare 
crises and support post -Covid -19 recovery. We must focus on delivering some concrete deliverables 
by December. At the same time , we must not take our eyes off a couple of pressing issues. The first 
issue is fisheries subsidies negotiations, for which we must identify realistic milestones. Having 
missed the MC11 deadline, it would be remiss if we have nothing to show in 2020, espec ially since 
negotiations have been ongoing for more than a decade.  
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  The second issue that Members must address is the state of the dispute settlement mechanism. 
Singapore is concerned with the recent filing of "appeals into the void", which have left disp utes in 
limbo. While th e Dispute Settlement Understanding provides for each Member 's right to file an 
appeal, Singapore calls on the concerned Members to recogni ze that it is equally the right of every 
Member to have a satisfactory settlement of a dispute in a prompt manner.  
 
20. Australia (Joint Statement Initiative on Electronic Commerce)  
 
I will first provide a report on work under the Joint Statement Initiative on Electronic Commerce on 
behalf of the co -convenors: Australia, Japan and Singapore. Since our l ast report on 20 July, the JSI 
has made good progress.  Most notably, on 20 August, we circulated a 'Stocktake Text ', prepared by 
co-convenors under their own responsibility, and including streamlined text based on all proposals 
submitted by Members to date . This document should provide a useful basis for the consolidated 
negotiating text we have agreed to develop by the end of this year.  
 
The JSI has met twice – on 27 July and 17 September.  At the 27 July meeting, Guatemala announced 
it was joining the init iative, taking the total number of participants to 85. Discussions covered 
potential areas of focus for services market access negotiations, identified by several participants.  
The 17 September meeting covered several topics that had been scheduled for the  postponed March 
and April -May rounds, namely: Open Internet Access; Access to and Use of Interactive Computer 
Services; and Competition.   
 
At both meetings, participants involved in intersessional small group discussions reported progress 
in finding eleme nts of convergence in areas such as consumer protection, spam, electronic 
signatures, electronic authentication, trade facilitation, customs duties on electronic transmissions, 
open government data, and market access. Reports from the small groups to plena ry are an 
important step to ensure transparency.  
 
We also facilitated further webinars with stakeholders in July and September, designed to build 
understanding and promote dialogue in the areas of services market access and digital health and 
medical techn ology.  We will meet again on 23 October to discuss personal data or information 
protection and ICT products that use cryptography, and hear further reports from small groups on 
their work.  
 
The electronic commerce JSI remains transparent and inclusive: meetings are open to all WTO 
Members and papers are available on the WTO portal . The COVID -19 crisis has underscored the 
urgency of developing global rules governing digital trade. We encourage participants in the initiative 
to intensify their w ork, maintain their constructive spirit and demonstrate flexibility where possible 
with a view to achieving as much progress as possible to be captured in the consolidated text at the 
end of the year.  
 
21. Australia  
 
Turning to Australia' s statement, as the he alth and economic effects of COVID -19 continue to impact 
globally, the impact on global trade has been severe, as you noted at the outset. Importantly, the 
impacts on our societies and on global poverty, are also likely to be severe, with the World Bank 
noting that the number of extremely poor will rise by up to 100 million people this year.  We have 
an opportunity – indeed a significant responsibility – to respond through our work here at the WTO.  
The world need a stable, rules -based environment for global trade cooperation more than ever, 
which requires focus, patience and our continued dedication to the task.  
 
We are pleased that our immediate priority, selecting a new Director -General, is progressing well 
and look forward to conclude the process soon afte r 27 October.  We now need to step up our work 
here in three important respects.  First, we must ensure the WTO dispute settlement system 
continues to operate despite the challenge of COVID -19 restrictions . We urge panels and the 
Secretariat to explore flexi ble, alternative ways to progress disputes while we navigate the ongoing 
disruptions. And we will continue to contribute to work to ensure that both tiers of the dispute 
settlement system return to their full functioning as soon as possible.   
 
Second, we n eed to make progress on rule -making to demonstrate that cooperation on trade is alive 
and well.  We are pleased at the sense of building momentum in the fisheries subsidies negotiations 
as described by the Chair. But hard choices are going to need to be mad e in all of our capitals.  If WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  Members continue to approach the negotiations with a view to changing absolutely nothing in their 
own subsidy practice, we will fail.  The outcome must change the status quo in some way. That of 
course does not mean Members will lose the ability to subsidise – but it means Members will need 
to undertake to ensure their subsidies are not harmful.  
 
On agriculture, where food systems have b een disrupted by COVID -19, we estimate that access to 
harmful trade -distorting domestic support will top US D 2 trillion by 2030. That is why Cairns Group 
members have proposed a Framework for Negotiations on Domestic Support, in order to delivering 
a reset  in the agriculture negotiations at MC12, and a halving of support levels by 2030.  And we 
need to keep driving forward on our various Joint Statement Initiatives where progress is promising.  
On e-commerce, now is the time for Members to narrow their differ ences to achieve the best 
consolidated text by December.  On services domestic regulation, we must now move ahead with the 
result that is now in sight given the role that services will play in the global economic recovery.  In 
the same vein, as the accelerat ion towards the digital economy has gathered pace during COVID -
19, extending the e -commerce and TRIPs moratoria has become an even greater priority.  
  
Third, COVID -19 has impacted heavily on the normal distribution of food and medical products and 
it is v ital that the WTO responds directly with COVID -19 initiatives – to restore confidence in our 
ability to cooperate in these two key sectors of the global economy.  We therefore welcome the 
initiative by Singapore to prevent export restrictions on procurement s made by the World Food 
Programme. This is a core commitment made under the Cairns Group 's June COVID -19 initiative, 
and a commitment which would deliver tangible benefits to the world 's poorest.  
 
Australia has also been pleased to participate actively in  the valuable work initiated in the Ottawa 
Group on a trade and health initiative, and we look forward to engaging with all Members in taking 
it forward.  COVID -19 has dealt a difficult blow to lives and livelihoods across the globe.  Now is the 
time to put aside our differences and unite behind the common purpose of aiding the recovery of 
the global economy and of global trade, by achieving results here at the WTO.  
 
22. Botswana (African Group)  
 
I deliver this statement on behalf of the African Group. We welcome  the convening of this TNC 
amidst the challenges we continue to face owing to the COVID -19 global pandemic and what is now 
seemingly transforming into a second wave – globally. We therefore reiterate the importance of 
enhancing the work of this body so tha t it responds to the existential challenges that we face and 
the disproportionate impact of the COVID -19 crisis on us the smaller and more vulnerable countries 
in Africa and particularly the LDCs.  In this connection, the concerns and challenges the African  Group 
outlined in document WT/GC/219 and TN/C/20 remain valid and emphasise the role that trade policy 
tools can play in responding to pandemic and building capacities to address structural vulnerabilities.  
 
TRIPS and Public Health  
 
We hold the view tha t the WTO has an instrumental role to play in foster multilateral cooperation 
that will promote equitable and affordable access to key products necessary for the prevention, 
containment and treatment of COVID -19. In accordance with the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS 
Agreement and Public Health, solidarity and close cooperation among Members to ensure that 
intellectual property rights do not prevent the protection of public health is very important in this 
critical time.  
 
Aid for Trade  
 
The WTO has another important role to play through the Aid for Trade initiative to support developing 
and least -developed countries recover from COVID -19. Aid for Trade programmes therefore will 
need to be targeted to address the trade -related needs and supply -side constraints identified by 
beneficiary countries to aid them in effectively respond ing to the challenges posed by the COVID -19 
global pandemic.   
 
Fisheries Subsidies  
 
On fisheries subsidies negotiations, we thank the Chair  of the Negotiating Gro up on Rules  for his 
efforts to move the negotiations forward. We would however like to reiterate the importance of WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  transparency and inclusiveness underpinning this process as well as the imperative to keep a 
"bottom -up" approach in these negotiations.  
 
• On substance, the African Group reiterates the need for focussed negotiations that will 
result in simple, implementable and effective disciplines that will contribute to reducing 
the already excessive fishing capacity around the world. To make progress, we mu st 
limit our discussions to the mandate as per SDG 14.6 target – and thus refrain from 
introducing issues that do  not have a direct relation with the subsidies.  
 
• On IUU, proposals are being advanced that will allow subsidi sing Members to continue 
supporti ng vessels that have committed IUU fishing in other Members ' jurisdictions 
under the auspices of the so called "due process ". The African Group reiterates its views 
that IUU vessels should not be subsidi sed whatever the determining entity is.  
 
• On overcapac ity and overfishing, the Chair 's text basically provides that as long as 
Members have management measures and policies in place, they should be able to 
provide capacity and effort enhancing subsidies. Such an approach is tantamount to 
maintaining the statu s quo.  
 
• Effective and appropriate special and differential treatment should be an integral part 
of any outcome on fisheries subsidies. It is also important to preserve policy space to 
support small scale and artisanal fishing.  
 
Agriculture  
 
On Agriculture , the Group appreciates the C oA SS Chair for her consultations and the proposed work 
program (October -December). However, the African Group would like to bring forth several 
concerns . The topic -by-topic facilitator -led process will not favour our small del egations with capacity 
constraints. With the benefit of hindsight, the facilitator -led process by the previous CoA  SS Chair 
posed challenges for our Members to fully participate and follow through with the process resulting 
in the outcomes of the process t o be skewed in favour of the positions of Members with bigger 
delegations and unrepresentative of the views of a significant portion of the Membership.  
 
We are therefore concerned about how the new facilitator -led process would interface with the main 
track of negotiations including its impact on small delegations.  In addition, we hold the view that 
focus should be directed to a limited number of issues and precedence should be given to the issues 
prioriti sed by the vast majority of Members, the ones with clear Ministerial mandates and those with 
direct impact on development and food security.  On that basis, the African Group would like to 
reiterate that any future process be transparent, inclusive and accommodate the limitations of small 
African delegation s in all aspects of the negotiations including the scheduling of meetings.  
 
Now focusing on the substance, we reiterate that the COVID -19 pandemic demonstrates that the 
core objectives of the Agreement on Agriculture reform surpasses trade into non -trade c oncerns – 
top of the list being food security. Therefore, we should prioriti se our focus to the pressing food 
insecurity challenges and ensure that we address priority issues such as trade -distorting domestic 
support, SSM, PSH, among others, as outcomes fo r MC12.  Any outcome should take into 
consideration the peculiar challenges of the LDCs and NFIDCs, and allow the necessary policy space 
to enhance their productivity and build their agricultural production capacities.  
 
Cotton  
 
From 6  to 8 October, the seco nd edition of  the World Cotton Day was celebrated across the world. 
The various activities organi zed on this occasion made it possible to discuss the effects of COVID -
19 on the cotton sector in Africa and the opportunities of the cotton road program for wo men and 
young people. They have also given rise to the exhibition within the WTO of masks and other items 
made in the C -4 countries to help tackle COVID -19. The African Group welcomes the successful 
organization of these commemorative activities and invite s all partners to continue to support the 
efforts of the C -4 which aim to contribute to improving the livelihoods of millions of small cotton 
producers throughout the world.  
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  Development/S &DT 
 
Turning to development, it is instructive to recall that the Marrakesh Agreement recogni zes the 
"need for positive efforts designed to ensure that developing countries, and especially the least -
developed among them, secure a share of growth in international trade commensurate with the 
needs of their economic dev elopment ". To date, there has been no integrated or systematic legal 
framework to accommodate these issues.  
 
The African Group is therefore disappointed that some Members seem reluctant to engage in a 
constructive discussion on S&D T especially in view of the COVID -19 pandemic that has exposed the 
vulnerabilities of developing countries both from a health, economic and social perspective.  The 
African Group remains supportive of a work programme that will review the 10 agreement specific 
proposals as contain ed on the G -90 proposal. Effective S &DT remains a fundamental pillar of any 
outcome that may be achieved at MC12.  
 
Appellate Body paralysis  
 
The African Group is disappointed that up to now the DSB has failed to fill the vacancies in the 
Appellate Body as a result of the impasse despite the proposal to launch the AB selection process 
co-sponsored by over 130 Members. We fear this will have knock -on effects in other areas such as 
the negotiating function of the WTO as we all know rules are only as good as yo u can enforce them.  
 
Conclusion  
 
In conclusion, the African Group looks forward to progressing discussions on all these issues in a 
focused manner subject to the evolution of the COVID -19 pandemic and the ability of our capitals 
to provide technical guidan ce and political oversight on our negotiations. It is instructive to note that 
the realities imposed by COVID -19 have thus far limited our ability to prepare, coordinate and 
engage particularly for the fisheries negotiations.  
 
23. India  
 
State of Play  
 
As you have mentioned, the pandemic has plunged the global economy into recession. Magnitude of 
this may vary across economies but there is unanimity in various forecasts that the global economy 
including global trade will shrink. Economists predict that the worl d will experience a "K-shaped 
recovery " with a "v-shaped recovery for the wealthy and a struggle for everyone else ". The fall -out 
of the crisis will be most severely felt in developing countries including LDCs with widespread 
challenges of food and livelih ood security.  
 
The pandemic has also brought out the inherent weaknesses and inequalities in the global economic 
system. We must treat C OVID -19 not only as a crisis to be managed but an opportunity to identify 
and address the structural barriers in the way  forward for a  more inclusive, equitable and resilient 
future for all. The need of the hour is a short -term package of effective measures to address the 
immediate challenges posed by the pandemic, and a long -term conversation on how to reform an 
ailing and  imbalanced global trading system.  In this backdrop, let me share our views on the role 
that the multilateral trading system can play in combating and responding to the C OVID -19 
pandemic in the short -term and going forward . 
 
TRIPS Waiver  
 
Our first and foremost priority has to be to save lives. In this context, India and South Africa have 
put a proposal for the forthcoming TRIPS Council (in document IP/C/W/669) that seeks to ensure 
timely and equitable availability of new diagnostics, thera peutics and vaccines for COVID -19, in 
sufficient quantities and at affordable prices. We call upon all Members to constructively engage with 
and support our proposal on the TRIPS waiver.  
 
Movement of Healthcare Professionals  
 
The pandemic has highlighted the need for ensuring easier cross -border movement of healthcare 
professionals. Members who could have been able to mobili se more healthcare  professionals, as they WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  were not short of financial resources, were not able to meet increased demand due to restric tive 
trade practices in the service s sector. We must start working on having a multilateral initiative in 
this respect for an outcome at MC12.  
 
Appellate Body  
 
Resolution of the crisis in the Appellate Body must precede other reforms. We must engage to re store 
multilateral, effective and independent two -tier dispute resolution system.  
 
On Special &  Differential Treatment (S&DT)  
 
These provisions continue to be a non -negotiable right of developing countries, for which we have 
already paid for. We strongly s upport the G -90 proposals contained in  document JOB/TNC/79 and 
urge Members to work towards a meaningful outcome in this regard by MC12.  
 
Agriculture  
 
Job losses in the services and manufacturing sectors on account of C OVID -19 will increase the 
pressure on  agriculture as a source of livelihood. Meaningfully addressing the challenge will require 
Members to look beyond the trade prism. We may have to work to combat the challenges to food 
and livelihood security. A first step towards this would be to work towa rds levelling the playing field 
in agriculture by addressing the existing asymmetries in entitlements. An immediate response to 
the food security challenge would to be deliver an effective outcome on the mandated issue of a 
permanent solution for Public St ockholding for food security purposes  at MC12. India associates 
itself with the G -33 statement on the priorities of developing countries in agriculture negotiations.  
 
Fisheries negotiations  
 
There is a lot desired from those who provide large subsidies, b oth in value and on per capita basis. 
There may not be a second thought on S&DT for developing countries who need it and for LDCs as 
agreed to by our Leaders in SDG 14.6. This is a very sensitive issue involving livelihood of millions 
of marginal fishermen . The process leading to conclusion has to be fair, transparent and inclusive.  
 
E-commerce  
 
The pandemic has accelerated the shift to a digital economy and also brought out the digital divide. 
The urgent need therefore is to build the capacity in areas su ch as digital skills and digital 
infrastructure rather than negotiating binding rules on e -commerce in a plurilateral framework. 
Making rules at this stage will only freeze the non -level playing field in support of existing players 
and against the interest s of new players from developing countries. It is all the more important to 
understand the scope of the existing temporary moratorium on custom duty on electronic 
transmission, its potential impact on the sustainability of the domestic industry and negativ e impact 
on job creation and revenue generation. We must move forward by reinvigorating the mandated 
work under the 1998 Work Programme on e -commerce in various Councils.  
 
To conclude, in the run -up to MC12, our priority should be to work cohesively to put  in place an 
outcome that addresses the immediate priorities confronting the world. India stands ready to work 
constructively with other WTO Members to protect human life and work towards restoring inclusive 
and sustainable global economic growth.  
 
24. Montenegro  
 
Montenegro remains strongly committed to the WTO 's rules and principles, and their further 
observance, implementation and promotion.  And our continuous policy of being a staunch supporter 
of an open and predictable rules -based multilateral trading system has clearly shown its relevance, 
particularly in the light of vast, unprecedented economic challenges caused by the evolving COVID -
19 pandemic. The uncertainties surrounding the world today are a reminder of the WTO 's important 
role for the global economy and its growth. These developments have also demonstrated the need 
for a fundamentally reformed, moderni zed and more efficient WTO. Therefore, we support stepping 
up the discussion on this crucial matter.  
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  In this regard, the su ccessful conclusion of the ongoing negotiations on fisheries subsidies, preferably 
by the end of this year, would show the relevance of the WTO and its potential to still deliver new 
multilateral rules. We also welcome the progress that has already been ma de in negotiations on 
Joint Initiatives on e -commerce, investment facilitation, MSMEs and domestic regulation of services. 
We firmly believe that some of the already achieved consolidated texts provide a good basis for 
intensifying the negotiations to conc lude agreements, if possible, before MC12.  
 
Recogni sing the importance of trade for the global economy and human development, Montenegro 
has not introduced any trade restricti ve measure s during the COVID -19 pandemic crisis we are going 
through and has cont inued to keep its borders and ports open for the transit of goods and services.  
Finally, as already stated, while strongly advocating the implementation of existing WTO rules and 
principles, Montenegro supports the reform and modernization of the WTO, ent ailing the effective 
dispute settlement mechanism.  
 
25. Turkey  
 
We are currently going through a  very important process for the WTO. Last week, we have been 
informed on the outcome of the second round of consultations concerning the selection of a new 
Director -General. All the candidates had impressive resum és and outstanding qualifications. We 
would like to express our deep gratitude to them for taking part in the selection process. We are 
confident that this process will further contribute to multilateralism and the rules-based trading 
system.  
 
With the pandemic, we have all reali sed how interdependent we have become, how fragile our supply 
chains could be and how international trade was affecting each and every sphere of our lives.  We 
saw much more clearly th e importance of having resilient supply chains not only in food but also 
pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. We saw the strong interlinkage between trade and human 
life, health and safety. We witnessed the increasing importance of having efficient polic ies for 
ensuring flow of goods and services especially to keep our MSMEs functioning.  All of these have 
brought to the fore the relevance of the WTO rules on trade and underlined the necessity to make 
the WTO more relevant, functional and up to date.  
 
As you well know, COVID -19 came at a time when trade tensions ran high and growth rate forecasts 
had already been downgraded for 2020. That said, we have seen from the recent announcement of 
the WTO that the fall in world merchandise trade is now expected to b e lower than the forecast 
earlier this year. Now, considering all the challenges we face, it is time for the WTO to prove that 
we, as Members, can deliver on every single negotiation and contribute to get through the rough 
times the world is undergoing. I thank the Negotiating Group C hairs for their briefs  and would  like 
to provide our remarks on some of the negotiation areas . 
 
Regarding the fisheries negotiations, we commend the Chair's efforts to keep Members in a 
continuous negotiating mode. Since Septem ber, we have entered a new phase and the text -based 
discussions have increased the momentum and engagement among the Members. We believe that 
the end of year deadline is still achievable  and, in this regard , I highlight three points: First, Turkey 
maintain s the view that the negotiations should focus only on disciplining "specific subsidies " within 
the meaning of the SCM Agreement and non -specific subsidies should be kept out of the scope. In 
this respect, fuel de -taxation schemes should not be addressed wi thin the scope of the new 
agreement. Second, appropriate and effective S&D T should be an integral part of the negotiations 
in accordance with our mandates. Third, the prohibition disciplines should be practical and simple 
considering Members ' different cir cumstances and development levels.  In th is regard, we fully 
support the process led by the Chair and Turkey is ready to do its best in this challenging task.  
 
As for the agriculture negotiations, there is a broad agreement that it should form part of any 
outcome in the next Ministerial  Conference . The COVID -19 pandemic  underlined the critical 
importance of food security for the countries from all levels of development and proved that the 
supply chains in agriculture are  crucial and should remain open t o ensure food security. To ensure 
this, as the CoA SS Chair has already explained today, we see that a new roadmap has been drafted. 
For Turkey, the elimination of the inequality between Members is crucial. For this, domestic support 
is one of the priority  issues in agriculture not only for Turkey but also for an overwhelming majority 
of Members. In determining the new disciplines on domestic support, the position of developing 
countries should be taken into consideration.  
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  On services, we believe that the  most effective way for liberalization is still the multilateral forum 
and we are ready to put more effort to re -energi se the negotiations. It is very clear that efficiency 
in the supply of services is critical for the proper functioning of global value ch ains. In this respect, 
we see the need to solve problems in services trade, especially in the areas of transport, logistics 
and delivery services. Temporary movement of natural persons is also critical for the provision of 
services, and with an open -minded  approach we can improve rules at the multilateral level in this 
area, as in many RTAs.  
 
We are pleased with the good progress in plurilateral initiatives especially Domestic Regulation and 
Joint Statement Initiative on MSMEs, e -commerce and investment fac ilitation. Turkey already 
actively engages in these discussions.  
 
For almost a year, this organization lacks one of its strongest features  – the Appellate Body . This 
has a devastating effect on the rules -based multilateral trading system. We should contin ue our 
efforts to restore the dispute settlement system which is a must for engaging in trade in a predictable 
environment. There is no alternative to this.  
 
26. Saint Lucia (CARICOM)  
 
This statement is delivered on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Group. At the outset, 
the Group associates itself with the statement delivered by the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group.  
The CARICOM Group further extends thanks for the reports from the Chairs of the various WTO 
bodies.  
 
Fisheries Subsidies Negotiations  
 
CARICOM wishes to reiterate the importance of the Fisheries Subsidies negotiations to the economic, 
social and environmental sustainability of our fisheries sectors and the preservation of rural 
livelihoods. It is important that discussions r emain focused on the problem at hand, that is, 
eliminating harmful subsidies that contribute to the degradation of our fisheries resources and 
preventing subsidies that contribute to IUU fishing.  
 
We further wish to reiterate that as small fishing nations  with under -developed fisheries sectors, our 
footprint is too tiny to have much, if any negative effect on the health of global fish stocks. 
Furthermore, our economies are highly susceptible to exogenous economic and climate -related 
shocks that often impac t on our growth and development prospects. It is in this context that the 
CARICOM Group highlights the importance of including strong provisions on S&DT  that are in keeping 
with, and consonant to, the core principles enunciated in the Marrakesh Agreement.  
 
As these negotiations advance, the CARICOM Group will continue to place emphasis on the 
importance of ensuring that work on the draft consolidated text proceeds in an unambiguously, 
inclusive and transparent manner, especially bearing in mind the small s ize of our delegations. While 
we reiterate our willingness to negotiate the details with Members, including safeguards and other 
assurances, we call on Members to be sensitive to the realities of our economies. The CARICOM 
Group commits to playing an activ e and constructive role in these negotiations.  
 
Agriculture  
 
Historically, agriculture has played a central role in CARICOM economies. While it makes up a smaller 
share of our economies today, the sector is no less important in terms of supporting nationa l income, 
rural livelihoods, food and nutrition security and government accounts. These factors underscore our 
broad interest in achieving a favourable outcome on Agriculture at the WTO.  The CARICOM Group is 
cognizant of the fact that a significant amount of work lies ahead in the agricultural negotiations.  
 
It is in this connection that we remain committed to the reforms envisaged by Article 20 of the 
Agreement on Agriculture. These reforms must better reflect the heterogeneity of the WTO 's 
Membership by addressing the existing imbalances in the Agreement, particularly with respect to 
the domestic support pillar. Most critical for us is an outcome that offers us appropriate and effective 
special and differential treatment. The new rules should therefore se cure the following: (i) afford us 
enhanced flexibilities and adequate policy space to facilitate the development, participation and more 
meaningful integration of our agricultural sector into global trading; and (ii) sufficiently simplify 
transparency and notification requirements insofar as they take into account our technical and WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  financial capacity constraints.  Agriculture remains a key anchor to our development and must not 
be left behind.  
 
Services  
 
The services sector accounts for the bulk of economic  activity in most CARICOM economies – the 
sector accounts for more than 70% of GDP and 75% of total employment in the region. It therefore 
stands to reason that the economic fallout from the COVID -19 pandemic has had a crippling impact 
on the broader servi ces sector particularly with respect to tourism. It is in this context that we 
maintain a systemic interest in the services discussions at the WTO. We take note that work on the 
Joint Statement track with respect to services Domestic Regulation has stabili sed. We are also hoping 
that all Members will approach the work on the multilateral track with the same degree of urgency 
and seriousness.  
 
Investment Facilitation for Development  
 
We note that Members have now entered formal negotiating mode. Four CARICOM Member States 
are part of this process and the wider region has a systemic interest in investment facilitation given 
that we are net capital importing countries. Furthermore, since  our countries have concluded 
bilateral investment treaties and are part of regional and sub -regional economic integration 
initiatives, we maintain an interest in ensuring that the emerging international framework does not 
undermine our existing or future rights and obligations at the bilateral and regional levels, nor should 
it reach into areas such as investor -state dispute settlement. The CARICOM Group endorses any 
efforts that refocus the investment facilitation for development negotiations on the devel opmental 
aspirations and aspects of investment facilitation. We further endorse any attempts to incorporate 
the maintenance of Members ' right to regulate, responsible investment, S&DT , technical assistance 
and capacity building, and sustainable development  into a final agreement.  
 
E-commerce  
 
On the 1998 Work Programme on Electronic Commerce, we are mindful that challenges and 
exigencies relating to the COVID -19 pandemic made it necessary to adjust the plans for structured 
discussions in early 2020 referenced in the December 2019 decision of th e General Council. The July 
2020 webinar and informal open -ended meeting of the General Council constituted two key elements 
of an effort to regroup in this regard as have been the discussions on the Work Programme held in 
the relevant bodies most recently  in the Council for Trade in Services.  
 
In the last quarter of 2020, and as COVID -19 continues to challenge Members in myriad ways, our 
work within the framework of the Work Programme has become even more important. We need to 
clarify the way forward in t his regard. Electronic commerce and digital transformation are no longer 
new and emerging issues. They are present and pressing issues, critical to the very survival and 
future of our economies and our efforts aimed at sustainable development. In the circu mstances, it 
is not enough to continue to focus on the moratorium at the expense of other trade -related topics 
identified by Members such as the digital divide.  
 
WTO Reform  
 
On WTO Reform, the CARICOM Group has long been a proponent of WTO Reform. It is f or this reason 
that CARICOM Member States have both individually and collectively championed the Doha 
Development Round as a means of reducing the inequities in the outcomes of global trade. The 
Group therefore supports reforms that are focused on enhancin g the development credentials of the 
multilateral system and ensuring real and positive impacts on the prospects for the most vulnerable.  
 
The CARICOM Group notes that while some updating may be necessary, the Group calls for the 
restoration of and proper  functioning of the Appellate Body. Such renewal would serve not only to 
restore the full functioning of the DSB but critically serve notice to the world  that the WTO will not 
shirk its responsibility as the focal point for the establishment and enforcemen t of international trade 
rules.  
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  27. Philippines  
 
At the outset, the Philippines expresses its support for the statement to be delivered by Indonesia 
on behalf of the G -33 and its call for delivering on Ministerially -mandated decisions on a permanent 
solution to PSH and a balanced outcome on SSM.  
 
The Philippines thanks the DDG s for continuing the practice of holding the TNC/HODs Meeting during 
this unprecedentedly challenging time for the multilateral trading system. The Chair 's report and 
updates shared by th e Chairs of the Negotiating Groups and updates to be received on the Joint 
Statement Initiatives demonstrate that the WTO can help build a more resilient and responsive 
multilateral trading system by moving forward on mandated negotiating issues of importa nce for 
developing countries and on emerging areas of relevance to the global economy.  
 
Fisheries Subsidies Negotiations  
 
The Philippines thanks Ambassador Wills and the Secretariat for the hard work in advancing the 
substantive discussions in different f ormats in an inclusive and transparent manner. Considering we 
only have two clusters left for this year, we encourage Members to refrain from reinventing 
definitions and disciplines already in international fisheries treaties. We should also start to accep t 
that the delivery of SDG 14.6 is best achieved through effects -based approach . If a subsidy 
contributes to the biological unsustainability of a fish stock then it has to be prohibited. 
Comprehensive and effective disciplines must be likewise finali sed as  they will influence the shape 
and form of many cross -cutting issues. Most importantly, my delegation looks forward to receiving 
the Chair 's revised text at the soonest time possible.  
 
Agriculture Negotiations  
 
The Philippines remains committed to the  reform objective of the Agreement on Agriculture. We 
thank the Chair,  Ambassador Abraham , for her pragmatic approach to adapt the negotiations  toward 
a more interactive, solution searching and problem -solving mode. We  support the envisioned topic -
by-topic facilitators -led technical process and look  forward to a targeted and technical analytical 
work. We acknowledge the broad  support of Members on Domestic Support as the priority for reform. 
The Cairns  Group 's constructive effort to reach out on this topic t hrough document  RD/AG/81/Rev .1 
is a good basis to move forward. On potential low -hanging fruit,  we also believe that the proposal 
to exclude non -commercial procurement of  foodstuffs by the World Food Programme from Export 
Restrictions is mature for  deliver y at MC12.  
 
At this point, I would like to congratulate the World Food Programme for  winning the 2020 Nobel 
Peace Prize. According to its Executive Director David  Beasley, this award emphasi zed that providing 
assistance to increase food  security not only p revents hunger but can also help to "improve prospects 
for stability and peace ". 
 
Joint Statement Initiatives  
 
The Philippines continues to actively participate in the various MC11 Joint  Statement Initiatives, 
specifically on MSMEs, electronic commerce, in vestment  facilitation for development, and the Buenos 
Aires Declaration on Trade and  Women 's Economic Empowerment, to which the Philippines is a 
signatory.  We note the advancement of work on each of these initiatives and we support all  efforts 
to keep the momentum going to reach significant progress by the end of  this year towards achieving 
concrete outcomes at MC12 next year.  
 
28. Thailand  
 
The COVID -19 pandemic is an unprecedented circumstance which is causing significant disruption 
to global econom y and heal th. The prolonged uncertainties require prompt responses from the WTO 
to ensure predictable, transparent, fair trade in the rules -based trading environment in order to 
minimi se impacts and ensure speedy economic recovery from the pandemic.  Looking ahead, t he 
WTO needs to be functioning in the most efficient and effective manner. This requires challenges 
and key tasks at hand, before and after the pandemic crisis, to be addressed expeditiously and 
inclusively. Thailand would like to touch upon some key issue s. 
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  First, the DG selection process has been progressing as scheduled, and we must make every effort 
to come to a consensus on the DG appointment as soon as possible and no later than the agreed 
deadline of 7 November.  Second, we need to find a permanent solution to the Appellate Body 
impasse. The paralysis of the A ppellate Body  has clearly and adversely affected to the rights and 
obligations of Members, prevents the full functioning of the dispute settlement system and 
undermines the overall eff ectiveness of WTO.  Third, we must take this opportunity to foster and 
expedite discussions on WTO Reform, including in the area of enhancing transparency and improving 
the efficiency and effectiveness of the WTO regular bodies.  Fourth, the WTO needs to rev italise its 
negotiating function and deliver outcomes on important negotiations.  
 
In this regard, Thailand remains committed to achieving a meaningful Fisheries Subsidies agreement 
by the end of this year and therefore supports intensified text -based nego tiations. We also support 
the Chair 's efforts in developing a revised text based on the textual suggestions brought forward by 
Members with the view to bringing the Membership closer to a compromised text.  
 
Agriculture remains a crucial negotiating issue for Members. Thailand therefore welcomes the 
process proposed by the C oA SS Chair which aims to convene constructive discussions in various 
configurations including through facilitators -led process. We believe that for an MC12 Agriculture 
package to be cre dible, it must include domestic support. In our view, an agreement on a framework 
for negotiations on domestic support that sets a meaningful target for entitlement reductions at the 
global level, based on fair, proportional, and balanced principle remains  a realistic ambition for MC12.  
 
A significant progress on JSI on e -commerce will further enhance the credibility and relevance of the 
WTO. We therefore welcome the continu ous progress made under the negotiations. It is important 
that the momentum of the negotiations is maintained in the months ahead in order to deliver a 
Consolidated Text by the end of this year before presenting the tangible progress at MC12.  
 
Lastly, Thailand looks forward to the constructive engagement of all Members on the key issues 
mentioned with the view to preserving and further strengthen the WTO and the multilateral trading 
system.  
 
29. New Zealand  
 
New Zealand' s broader interests, including in working towards meaningful and ambitious outcomes 
on agriculture and progressing Joint Sta tement Initiatives, WTO Reform, resolving the Appellate 
Body impasse and supporting the WTO 's contributions to the global COVID -19 response and recovery 
are known to Members. I will not comment on them in detail today.  
 
We often hear that the WTO is at a crossroads and facing an existential crisis. And this is true, 
perhaps now more than ever, in the face of the pandemic. The WTO faces a number of critical 
systemic challenges, and swirling questions about the ability of t he multilateral trading system to 
deliver outcomes. This characterisation has only been bolstered by the fact that the WTO has not 
delivered significant multilateral outcomes in recent years. One is reminded of the phrase "what 
have you done for me lately? " 
 
An outcome on fisheries subsidies offers the opportunity and responsibility to deliver on what we  are 
here for. The deadline our leaders set for the conclusion of negotiations, December this year, is 
quickly advancing and is less than two months away. L et that sink in. The deadline, imposed by our 
leaders in SDG 14.6, and reaffirmed by Ministers at MC11, is not a "soft deadline ". It does  not 
suggest we should finish by December 2020 . It tells us we must. Meeting this deadline is about 
achieving SDG 14.6 but it is also maintaining our credibility as an organi zation to deliver.  
 
Thanks to the stewardship of the Chair, we believe that there is framework containing all of the 
ingredients for a comprehensive outcome. We see no genuine reason why we can not mee t this 
deadline. What we need from Members is earnest engagement on substance, including a willingness 
to engage on text and to provide credible alternatives where absolutely necessary. We see significant 
scope for developing the substantial elements furth er, including in small group settings where that 
helps to move us forward.  
 
We have spen t a disproportionate amount of time discussing process. The truth that we all need to 
accept is that the Chair has a wide prerogative to conduct his process in a way t hat helps us narrow 
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  If it was there, we would  not need to negotiate. Consensus comes at the end after we  have all made 
painful compromises. We remain optimistic and engaged for an outcome. The world is watching, and 
we must deliver  – not only for fish, oceans and sustainability, but for multilateralism.  
 
30. Mexico  
 
Many thanks to DDG Agah and to the Chairs of the Ne gotiating Groups for their respective reports.  
I would also like to thank the Chair of the General Council and the four DDGs for their dedication 
and efforts to ensure smooth sailing during this peculiar transition.  However, the fact that this 
organization  has no Director -General, although there is an interim one, reflects the complex context 
in which we find ourselves and, in particular, highlights the considerable challenge of rebuilding the 
trust that underpins any forum for cooperation. In this indispen sable rebuilding of trust, the level of 
shared responsibility is surely greater for the main participants in international trade.  
 
Fortunately, there has been an ordered and civili sed process by means of which the Membership is 
now on the verge of selectin g, for the first time in its history, its first female Director -General. We 
strongly believe that both candidates have the necessary experience and leadership skills to play a 
part in reaffirming the relevance of this institution.  We are in the throes of a  pandemic that has led 
to an unprecedented economic and trade crisis. Now more than ever, the WTO and its entire 
Membership should respond to and meet the challenge of this new reality.  That is why, in the next 
few months, we should step up our efforts and  focus on the topics which, in the short -term, have a 
greater likelihood of finding consensus.  
 
With regard to fisheries subsidies, given the very limited time we have to honour the commitments 
that all of us have made, we are convinced that this topic sho uld be a priority and we should intensify 
the discussions. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Wills and the rules team 
and recogni ze the work they have carried out. In this regard, we support their work programme and 
agree on the nee d to draft a new text containing the progress made in the latest discussions.  
 
With regard to Joint Initiatives, we welcome the progress made in every one of them. Domestic 
regulation of services is at a very advanced stage. We encourage more Members to su bmit their 
draft schedules of commitments and to join the initiative.  With regard to electronic commerce, the 
level of commitment and the work done in each and every one of the small groups is encouraging, 
and we are convinced that by December we will have  made substantial progress.  With regard to 
investment facilitation, we are satisfied with the work and progress made to date. We hope to show 
significant results in the three initiatives towards the end of the year.  
 
With regard to agriculture, it is encou raging that there is renewed interest in moving forward in the 
negotiations, which is reflected in the ideas that some Members have submitted on domestic 
subsidies and export restrictions. In this regard, we agree with Ambassador Abraham on the need 
to ste p up our work and support the way in which she has suggested continuing the process, that 
is, by means of plenary sessions and with groups that are seeking to facilitate and expand technical 
discussions. Mexico reiterates its commitment and determination t o achieving a result in this area.  
 
Lastly, this December, it will have been a year since the Appellate Body last convened, and 10 
months have passed without a clear signal of when it will be reactivated or at least of when the 
intention to have formal dis cussions on its possible re -establishment will occur. My delegation once 
again calls for this situation not to become "our new reality", on any grounds.  
 
31. Republic of Korea  
 
COVID -19 has revolutioni zed the way we live and how we work to an extent never imag ined before. 
The in -person contact once taken for granted has become restrained. Global trade has been seriously 
disrupted. Though still cautious, we are adapting to this situation and finding ways to best cope with 
it. Thanks to the tremendous efforts of the Secretariat, WTO meetings are almost back to their 
normal pace. Recent figures in merchandise trade also show signs of bouncing back from the deep 
slump and are more optimistic than previously expected.  Now is the time to focus our attention on 
what we  could achieve by the end of the year and set practical roadmaps to work constructively for 
positive progress.  
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  Fisheries Subsidies  
 
Members should make their utmost efforts to conclude negotiations on disciplines by the end of this 
year. Members have actively engaged in discussion on the draft consolidated text and we should 
concentrate our current efforts on the possible deliverables with a result -oriented perspective. To 
accelerate negotiations, Korea is open to allocating more days for open -ended plenary meetings. As 
many Members have reiterated, the negotiations need to be centred on the prohibition of most 
harmful subsidies.  
 
Agriculture   
 
The CoA  SS has recently started consultations based on previous discussions. Korea expects practical 
and balanced approach for future discussions and hopes for continued frank conversation to build 
confidence among Members.   
 
Next, I would like t o briefly touch upon Joint Statement Initiatives where Korea is an active 
participant in each area.  
 
Services Domestic Regulation  
 
Negotiations on services domestic regulations have made significant progress on the reference paper 
thanks to flexibilities shown by many Members. Korea has high hopes of finali sing negotiations on 
the text by the end of this year. Also, thanks to Nigeria' s circulation of its indicative schedules, our 
goal of securing indicative schedules from all participants seems closer than  ever. We will also 
actively reach out to other Members in an effort to create a favo urable environment for services 
trade worldwide.  
 
E-commerce  
 
Despite many challenges brought by COVID -19, it has shed light upon  the growing imperative that 
trade rules on e -commerce require an imminent update to reflect rapid digitalization of the global 
economy. Therefore, it is encouraging to witness continued progress through various configuration 
of meetings. We also welcome incre asing participation of Members, including Guatemala.  We call for 
Members ' continued efforts to agree on a consolidated text by the end of this year to keep the level 
of momentum in high spirits. Korea remains committed to making greater contribution as we move 
forward.  
 
Investment Facilitation for Development  
 
It also bears mentioning that Structured Discussions on Investment Facilitation for Development 
have entered negotiations mode. Slowly but surely, progress is being made as participating Members 
work to achieve a concrete outcome by MC12.  
 
MSMEs  
 
It is vital that Members spur more efforts to better support MSMEs ' participation in global trade as 
COVID -19 has caused a much bigger negative impact on them. So, it is very welcoming to hear that 
a plenary  session would be held to approve seven documents which are the results of  three years  of 
painstaking work.  
 
Trade and Women's Economic Empowerment  
 
Korea also welcomes the start of the Informal Working Group on Trade and Women 's Economic 
Empowerment. It will provide a useful platform that takes a closer look at the works of the WTO 
from a gender perspective.  
 
Ottawa Group  
 
Last, but not least, Korea joins the works of the Ottawa Group in its timely initiatives responsive to 
COVID -19. Korea will continue to support measures to tackle COVID -19 and look forward to further 
concrete and practical discussions.  
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  DG Selection Process  
 
Lately, with the initiation of the DG Selection Process, the WTO has also garnered more attention 
from capitals, an d prospective outcomes of the respective negotiations are being discussed with a 
larger audience. Despite limitations from COVID -19, we should utili se this momentum to a full 
extent, to create more concrete outcome s and rebuild trust and confidence to make  the WTO more 
relevant.  
 
32. Chinese Taipei  
 
Although progres s could  not be dramatic, we are still optimistic on the work and on achieving certain 
goals in some areas.  First, on fisheries subsidies, many delegations expressed the usefulness of the 
current text -based negotiations. We share their view on this.  Unlike other trade agreements which 
ensure freer flow of goods and services and eliminate trade distortions, the new fisheries subsidies 
disciplines involve a high level of public interest. We are of the vi ew that for certain issues where 
delegations hold views of sharp differences, it might be the time for the Chair to provide us with 
compromised text , taking full account of the views expressed , so that at the end of the negotiations, 
everyone can live with  the outcome, if not everyone is happy with that. We thought that the fisheries 
subsidies negotiation is the area that could help the WTO to rebuild its credibility.  
 
Second, we are pleased to see the new type of plurilateral joint statement initiatives in jecting new 
momentum into WTO negotiations.  Among them, the formulation of new global e -commerce 
disciplines is particularly urgent which can help Members adapt to the "new normal" and reali se the 
potential of the digital economy. We believe that relevant discussions can complement the 
multilateral Work Program me on Electronic Commerce. We thank the co -convenors and the 
facilitators for their efforts on the stocktake text and various meetings in order to maintain the 
momentum of the negotiation. We will wor k together to complete a more consolidated streamlined 
text by the end of this year and by MC12.  In addition, the continuous progress on MSMEs, 
investment, environment, gender and other issues are encouraging.  
 
Third, on the selection of the new D irector -General , we are happy with the procedure thus far. We 
are grat eful to the Chair and the two co -facilitators for having conducted very professional work, 
and are pleased that we have two very capable candidates entering into the final stage.  We certainly 
can expect that the new D irector -General  will bring in new ideas into her future job to help our work 
move on.  During the course of the first two rounds of th e selection process, other candidates 
proposed many new ideas, action  plans and initiatives. I am hoping that no matter who will be the 
final one who earns most support from WTO Members as the new D irector -General , she will review 
those that other candidat es have said and proposed, so that good ideas, plans and initiatives will 
not be left behind merely because their proponents were not selected.  
 
Fourth, among the initiatives which are already in the process, we like to note that transparency and 
procedura l guid elines  to help the proper operation of WTO C ouncils and Committees is of high 
importance to the multilateral trading system.  We certainly hope that the proposals on "Procedures 
to Enhance Transparency and Strengthen Notification Requirements under WT O Agreements ", and 
"Procedural Guidelines for WTO Councils and Committees Addressing Trade Concerns " which we co -
sponsored will also have your support, if you have not yet done so.  
 
Fifth, on WTO Reform, we understand that this is not an easy task. However , if we can work together 
to have certain blocks being built piece  by piece, incrementally, we can still have remarkable 
achievements. For instance, Members might want to consider establishing certain detailed rules and 
procedures specifically for good off ices, mediation and conciliation so as to make the alternative 
procedure more user -friendly and to reduce the burden of the dispute settlement panel procedure. 
We will bring up relevant ideas or concrete suggestions in appropriate contexts.  We believe that  at 
the end of DG selection, the WTO will gain new momentum toward a fruitful MC12 and successful 
reform. We reiterate our firm commitment to achieve substantial results at MC12.  We look forward 
to working with all Members and the new D irector -General  to promote a living WTO that can respond 
to challenges and ensure fair competition for all.  
 
33. Chile (Structured Discussions on Investment Facilitation for Development)  
 
I am delivering this statement on behalf of Mr. Mathias Francke, Ambassador -designate of Chile, 
who is coordinating this initiative on Investment Facilitation for Development from Santiago and WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  looking forward to arriving as soon as possible to Geneva.  In keeping with the open, transparent 
and inclusive nature of the Joint Initiative, I am pleased to update Members on the latest 
developments since the last report to the HODs in July.  
 
Even in a challenging context, participants have made substantive progres s over the last months, 
both on substance and participation.  With Indonesia joining the process, there are currently 105 
participants with several more attending the meetings on a fairly regular basis.  Three meetings have 
been held since the last report to  the HODs, on 24 July, on 24 -25 September, and on 8 -9 October.  
 
At the meeting on 24 September, participating Members completed a thematic review initiated in 
June of the informal consolidated text. This allowed for a better understanding of Members' prop osals 
and provided a solid background for our current negotiations. As you are aware, the initiative is now 
in full "negotiating mode".  The negotiations are based on the "Informal Consolidated Text" by the 
coordinator which includes proposals submitted so far by Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa 
Rica, the EU, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Russian Federation and Turkey, as well as the 
drafting suggestions submitted by participating Members during the meetings.  
 
Attendance and participation in th e negotiations have been remarkable so far. In the first three 
negotiation meetings, participating Members made very good progress on two core sections of the 
text – Section II on transparency of investment measures and Section III on streamlining and 
speeding up administrative procedures and requirements.  The short -run objective is to clean up and 
streamline the informal consolidated text and aim for as much convergence as possible by the end 
of 2020. The ultimate goal – as stated in the November 2019 Ministerial Statement – is to achieve 
a concrete outcome  by MC12.  
 
In order to achieve those goals, an intense process has been foreseen until the end of this year. 
Additional negotiation meetings are scheduled for November and December. The working 
methodology endorsed by participating Members in September als o foresees the organization of 
intersessional meetings as well as small -group consultations. The first intersessional meeting will be 
held on 29 October, with the aim of reviewing the drafting suggestions on Sections II and III of the 
informal consolidated  text that the coordinator will put forward in advance of that meeting.  These 
drafting suggestions will be circulated to all WTO Members and , as it has been the case throughout 
this process , they will be invited to all meetings including the informal inter sessional ones.  
 
34. Chile  
 
Chile is taking the floor at this very special time that the WTO is facing in the context where the DG 
Selection Process is in its third and final stage. This process has been led in an impeccable manner 
through the Troika. It has b een an inclusive, secure and transparent process. We thank the eight 
candidates who have put themselves forward for this process. We thank them for their interest in 
working for the WTO and we congratulate Nigeria and Korea for reaching the final stage. It  is a final 
stage which is unprecedented historically as we all know. These are individuals who are extremely 
competent and who are going to be doing some very difficult  tasks. And we are very satisfied to 
note that the candidates who reached the final sta ge are both women.  
 
Concerning fisheries subsidies, we would like to once again thank Ambassador Wills for the work 
undertaken during the series of discussions last week. We have made significant progress in the 
negotiations and we think that it is very po sitive that the Membership has worked constructively – 
that is the best way to perceive it. Without prejudice to the foregoing, much work remains to be 
done as has been noted by a number of delegations. Chile would like to reiterate to these 
negotiations e specially in terms of achieving an ambitious outcome relating to the Buenos Aires 
Ministerial Decision.   
 
We are concerned by the stagnation of negotiations in agriculture given that a lack of concrete 
outcomes for MC12 especially in terms of domestic supp ort would be disadvantageous for this house. 
We would like to thank Ambassador Abraham for all the work in the CoA SS.  
 
Chile is strongly committed to the discussions under the various Joint Statement Initiatives. We are 
very pleased that these initiatives  have continued their work and that progress has been made in 
each one of them. The road towards MC12 continues and we should like to call on all participants of 
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  on achieving a concrete outcome in investment facilitation where we are making significant efforts. 
The same goes for electronic commerce and MSMEs.  
 
35. Switzerland  
 
No one needs reminding of the severe impact that the COVID -19 crisis is having on pub lic health, 
trade and employment.  At this critical juncture, trade and investment must continue to stimulate 
innovation and sustainable development, not only to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, but also 
to foster global economic recovery.  The WTO has an important role to play. Its acquis, by ensuring 
market openness, favour the rational allocation of resources and allow for more effective action to 
prevent shortages. It falls to us to preserve these acquis and to re -establish a fully functional dispute  
settlement system.  
 
However, the status quo is not enough when it comes to addressing present -day challenges. Decisive 
action must be taken to strengthen and reform the WTO. And this begins by restoring the confidence 
needed to ensure the success of this ambitious project and by appointing a new Director -General as 
soon as possible.  The first priority is to conclude the negotiations on fisheries subsidies. We welcome 
the progress made recently in this area. However, it is not enough to enable us to co nclude the 
negotiations by the end of the year. It is, of course, with pleasure and conviction that I intend to 
contribute to the success of this work as a "friend of the Chair". Dear Santiago, thank you for 
entrusting me with this role.  
 
This is not the o nly area in which we can, and must, demonstrate the WTO's ability to respond to 
significant global challenges. In order to help improve access to medical goods to address the current 
health crisis and ensure that the system is better equipped in the event of any future pandemics, 
Switzerland, together with other Members, undertakes to move discussions forward in the area of 
"trade and health".  "Trade and environmental sustainability" is another issue close to our hearts. It 
is time to "build back better" an d to ensure that the multilateral trading system is able to respond 
to the challenge of climate change.  
 
The COVID -19 crisis has taught us the importance of open and predictable markets. In the area of 
agricultural trade, this relates to food security. Rec ently, we have been pleased to note Members' 
growing interest in the subject of export restrictions. Let  us make the most of this positive dynamic 
to achieve concrete results.  Switzerland is happy to see that activities have resumed at a steady 
pace as reg ards the joint initiatives. This means it should soon be possible to conclude our work on 
domestic regulation in services and MSMEs.  
 
We are also hoping to see concrete progress between now and the end of the year in the joint 
initiatives on investment fac ilitation and e -commerce. Digital technologies harbour considerable 
potential, as shown by the COVID -19 crisis. The introduction of a basic international framework will 
help businesses of all shapes and sizes take better advantage of the opportunities prov ided by 
e-commerce. We also hope that the customs moratorium on e -commerce will be made permanent 
at the next Ministerial Conference.   
 
Lastly, we believe that certain WTO rules should be adjusted to take account of present -day 
economic realities.  While th e challenges are numerous, they also provide opportunities to reaffirm 
the relevance and centrality of the WTO. Switzerland is delighted to participate actively in these 
efforts.  
 
36. South Africa  
 
We align ourselves with the Statement by the ACP and the A frican Group . The WTO forecasts a 9.2% 
decline in the volume of world merchandise trade in 2020. Global GDP is expected to decline to -
4.8% . Downside risks still predominate particularly if there is resurgence of COVID -19. Lockdowns 
imposed significant supply -side constraints on national economies, drastically reducing output and 
employment and resulting in ballooning public debt especially in poorer countries. There is a need 
to collectively reflect how the WTO can facilitate economic recovery and resilience.  
 
The WTO has a unique opportunity to be part of a global solution on COVID -19 and to deal with the 
health crisis and restore its credibility. It is important more than ever for the Membership to work 
together to define a balanced and effective response to ensure equitable and affordable access to 
the vaccine, technologies and treatments for the pandemic through the TRIPS waiver.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  Agriculture  
 
Substantial  reform  of trade -distorting  domestic  support  that addresses historical imbalances,  
concentration, preserve s the architecture in Article 6 and deliver s on the spirit of Article 20  of the 
AoA is more urgent given the effects of COVID -19. A meaningful outcome at MC12 should address 
this including cotton, SSM and a  permanent  solution  on Public Stockholding for food security 
purposes. We welcome the Chair 's report and her efforts to continue engagements on the seven 
pillars . We however remain concerned whether facilitator -led small groups will enable an inclusive 
and transparent process that a llows participation of all on issues of interest. Transparency while 
important cannot be the only outcome.  
  
Fisheries Negotiations  
 
We thank the Chair for his efforts. We re -iterate the need for a systematic approach to the 
negotiations with focus on the core disciplines – the sequence of issues is therefore important.  The 
aim of the negotiations is not market access but sustainability . Therefore the concept of common 
but differentiated responsibility is key. In order to make progress, we must focus on del ivering on 
the mandate as entailed in SDG 14.6 and not bring management aspects into the WTO.  A simple 
and implementable list -based approach is the most pragmatic to make progress. Disciplines must 
therefore target large scale industrial fishing and safegu ard food security and livelihoods and allow 
policy space to develop our marine resources. The outcome must deliver on all the pillars of the 
mandate including S&D T. Text -based negotiations must be inclusive and Member -driven.  
 
Special and differential trea tment  
 
The G -90 tabled  a new proposal in recognition of the growing COVID -19 crisis that threatens to 
disproportionately affect developing countries, not only as a health crisis but a devastating socio -
economic crisis with  much wider effects. This therefore calls for the WTO to reinvigorate substantive 
discussions in the CTD  SS and deliver on the mandate in Paragraph 44 of the Doha Ministerial 
Declaration.  The revised S&D T proposals tabled by the G -90 are critical to increasing trade 
opportunities o f developing countries and LDCs, promoting economic recovery, provide an effective 
response to the current crises, and put developing countries on a sustainable development path and 
achieve the SDGs Agenda 2030. We are disappointed by the lack of substanti ve engagement on our 
well-motivated and clear proposals. We will table a proposal for a Work  Plan to facilitate text -based 
discussions on S&D T in the CTD  SS. We look forward to engage constructively with Members with a 
view to have an outcome at MC12 on th is important issue.  
 
WTO Reform  
 
We must reaffirm our collective commitment to the objectives and principles enshrined in the 
Marrakesh Agreement. Importantly, it must result in trade rules that are balanced, promote 
inclusivity, deliver on the development  mandate and put our economies on a sustainable 
development path and promote resilience to deal with current and future crises.  The lack of a 
structured discussion on reform results in cherry picking of certain issues, while mandated issues 
are ignored. Re form must preserve the multilateral character of the WTO and the WTO should be 
judged on the basis of its ability to deliver on multilateral outcomes.  
 
E-commerce  
 
A decision at MC12 on the e -commerce moratorium will depend on our ability to provide clari ty, 
including on the scope and reinvigorate the Work Programme  as well as our ability to address the 
developmental aspects of e -commerce, including the digital divide.  We stress that the e -
commerce  and TRIPS moratoria  must be considered on their merit as t heir mandates and contexts 
are different.  
  
Appointment of A ppellate Body  members  
 
The appointment of A ppellate Body  members has significant implications for the preservation of 
rights and obligations of Members. We need a solution -oriented multilateral p rocess to restore a 
two-stage dispute settlement system  and unlock the impasse in the selection process of A ppellate 
Body members.  
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  In conclusion, the WTO processes must allow for all voices to be heard, especially the most 
vulnerable to ensure that the ou tcomes are balanced and in the interest of all.  
 
37. Indonesia (G -33)2 
 
The COVID –19 pandemic has severely impacted every aspect of livelihood and the agricultural 
sector, particularly in developing countries. Reduced consumer demand and disruption of agri -supply 
chains are posing considerable challenges to food and livelihood  security. Levelling the playing field 
in agriculture, ensuring the undisrupted trade flow of food products, enhancement of food 
production, and efforts to ensure the availability of food reserves are essential to address the food 
security issue, price vol atility, and needs for emergency food distribution during the crisis.  
In this context, WTO Members should ensure the ability of Members to address the food security 
issue and uninterrupted flows of agricultural goods to promote food security as well as to provide to 
our producers fair trade without distortions. For that purpose, we believe that the agriculture 
negotiations in WTO should move forward. Efforts need to be redoubled, confidence needs to be 
rebuilt, and cooperation between Members should be enha nced in order to deliver meaningful 
outcome for this important sector since collective actions are imperative during this challenging 
environment.  
We, the G –33 Members, are open to dialogue and discussion with the aim to enhance cooperation 
among Members, in particular to advance the agricultural negotiations taking into account the newly 
revealed challenges as a result of the COVID –19 pandemic. Lack of motivation for further negotiation 
is a fact which Members should be more focused on, with mutual underst anding of the conditions 
for each other. We believe that this pandemic has clearly indicated the pressing needs for Members 
to move forward in the reform of agriculture. It includes commitments in domestic support in 
particular on trade -distorting domestic  support programs, and to work towards delivering the 
Ministerially -mandated Permanent Solution for Public Stockholding for Food Security purposes, 
effective and operational Special Safeguard Measures and Special Products as well as the other 
pillars of ag riculture. It is important to have meaningful outcomes that are acceptable and effective 
to all in the long run.  
In domestic support, the G –33 provides its attention towards the effort in advancing the negotiation 
of this topic, by way of providing more m ethods to express the needs of G -33 Members which may 
help to create a common base.  
On this occasion, we would also appreciate the initiative to establish facilitator –led negotiations and 
to convene small group meetings put forward by the CoA –SS Chair. We would underline the 
importance of ensuring that the facilitator -led meetings are efficient, inclusive, transparent and 
provide full opportunity for meaningful participation by smaller delegations. We look forward to 
engaging actively on the way forward of this initiative, taking into account the views expressed by 
all Members, and its contribution to the effort in advancing the agriculture negotiation.  
To conclude, we would take this opportunity to call for commitment, flexibility, and commitment by 
Members to advance and deliver a meaningful outcome in agriculture negotiations.  
 
38. Indonesia  
 
My delegation appreciates the effort and hard work of the Chairpersons of the TNC bodies in 
furthering the negotiation process, as we see after the summer break. W hile we see some progress 
in the negotiations under our mandates, some technical challenges are still faced by many 
delegation s because of the global pandemic situation.  
 
On Fisheries Subsidies, the lack of support from experts in capitals due to the conti nued lockdown 
creates technical barriers for Geneva -based mission. The fisheries subsidies negotiation is like no 
other previous agreements in WTO. Multi -discipline experts and their analyses are needed to ensure 
that this discipline is effective in achiev ing SDG  14.6 and, at the same time, in line with our rights 
and obligations under other international treaties.  
 
 
2 Also circulated in JOB/TNC/88.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  Given the progress and technical difficulties, we believe it is wise to consider the timeline in order 
not to give undue burden which would cre ate undesirable outcome. Indonesia, that has the second 
longest coastline in the world with millions of small -scale and artisanal fisherman, has a lot of stake 
in this negotiation. We will not hastily agree to any discipline that could undermine their inte rest. In 
addition, we also underline that an effective special and differential treatment shall remain as an 
indispensable part of the negotiation.  
 
Indonesia also take s interest in the development of the Work Programme on Electronic  Commerce. 
My delegatio n underline s the importance of electronic commerce which  serve s as a tool to support 
economic and social development of WTO Members. We share the view on the need to update the 
Work Programme and clarify the scope of "electronic transmission s" which in our  view shall not apply 
to electronically transmitted goods and services.    
 
The settlement of the two -tier dispute settlement is also of paramount importance for my delegation. 
The deteriorating situation on the Appellate Body issue clearly shows the lack o f credibility in the 
WTO at the moment. While we understand all the work to resolve the issue is stopping and even 
diverting, we should not lose hope. My delegation once again urges Member s to renew their political 
will to resolve this issue in order to en sure the effectiveness of the dispute settlement mechanism 
of the WTO.  
  
Lastly, my delegation would also like to thank the delegation s of India and South Africa for their 
proposal in the TRIPS Council to address the challenges in the prevention and contai nment of C OVID -
19. This proposal is timely for us to open the discussion on our role in ensuring equal, affordable, 
and timely access to PPE s, medical equipment, diagnostic test, drugs and vaccines for the prevention 
and containment of C OVID -19. My delegat ion look s forward to contributing in the discussion.  
 
39. Norway  
 
My comments this afternoon will be focused on the negotiations on fisheries subsidies.  First of all, 
we welcome the clear and strong statement of support from G20 trade ministers to achieve an 
agreement by 2020 on comprehensive and effective disciplines on fisheries subsidies. This gives us 
renewed confidence that our objective is realistic and attainable, and it should inspire us all to 
redouble our efforts.   
 
We are engaged in a con tinuous negotiation process, but concluding our negotiations by the end of 
the year will not come easy. We would like to thank Ambassador Wills for his perseverance and how 
he is trying to build consensus around text, step by step. Progress remains slow, b ut it is not 
insignificant. What is important is that we manage to capture whatever progress is being made. For 
this reason, we believe it would be a good idea to issue a revised text soon. A revised text would be 
a visible manifestation of the progress ma de and provide us with an updated platform for making 
further progress – progress which must be achieved if we are to reach our objective within the next 
couple of months.  
 
The urgency which we are under should also be reflected in the way we organi ze ours elves and how 
we prioriti se our resources. This includes making sure that appropriate facilities, such as meeting 
rooms and access to the Interprefy platform, are made available for the fisheries subsidies 
negotiations. If this means that other activities or meetings will have to give way or be postponed, 
so be it. We will all have to show the required flexibility, as there is no other ongoing multilateral 
negotiation as important and urgent as the fisheries subsidies negotiations.  
 
40. Hong Kong, China  
 
As th e pandemic situations remain serious in many parts of the world and as trade officials in the 
capitals of many Members are working hard to respond to the pandemic and its economic impacts, 
here in Geneva we should also do our best to prepare for and contri bute to the long and challenging 
road to global economic recovery after the pandemic. Despite the uncertainties, we cannot afford to 
stand still.  The very first thing we should do is perhaps to adjust to the new normal and ensure that 
the WTO continues to carry out its functions fully in spite of the various pandemic -related limitations. 
We need to find ways to organi ze effective meetings and to facilitate the operation of the rules -
based multilateral trading system. We need to find ways not only to recover  but also to explore and 
harness new opportunities arising from the new normal.  
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  WTO bodies have an important role to play in enhancing the transparency of C OVID -19 trade -related 
measures and in ensuring that the implementation of these measures is consistent with WTO rules.  
The effective monitoring of restrictive measures and promotion of facilitative measures are equally 
crucial to the smooth flow of international trade.  Both can make a big difference and push us forward 
on the road to economic rec overy.  
 
At the same time, we will need to redouble our efforts to deliver in the area of negotiations which 
brings me to the subject of fisheries subsidies. I would like to thank in particular the Chair of the 
Negotiating Group on Rules, Ambassador Wills, for his tremendous efforts in keeping the momentum 
of the negotiations. As we now enter text -based negotiations, Members should focus on finding 
landing zones and bridging gaps.  
 
More intensive discussions on the core disciplines of overcapacity and overfi shing as well as 
overfished stocks will be most welcome, especially regarding the controversial issues such as stock 
assessment and non -harmful subsidies. The more thorough our discussions are, the more likely we 
will be able to come up with a clearer draf t text.  
 
Much of the year 2020 has unfortunately been characteri zed by different sorts of delays and 
cancellations and it would be easy for people to lose heart. But, let us not forget that there is still 
some way to go before the year draws to a close. Le t us keep our eyes on the goal while learning to 
cope with the new normal and work together to make the best of 2020.  
 
41. Uruguay (Informal Working Group on MSMEs)  
 
I make this statement as Coordinator of the Informal Working Group on MSMEs.  I am delighted to  
announce that on 20 October the members of the Informal Working Group aim to endorse a package 
of six recommendations  and declarations  to help MSMEs' participate in international trade.  The 
issues covered include  the promotion of transparency through the WTO TPR process and access to 
trade -related information through the ITC -UNCTAD -WTO Global Trade Helpdesk; MSME -inclusion in 
the development of trade regulations; support for WTO work with particular relevance to MSMEs 
such as trade facilitation; support fo r MSMEs'  access to finance and cross -border payments; and 
implementation of the recently adopted decision on the Integrated Database.  
 
The hard work of members of the Group over the last few months to finali se this package is proof of 
the importance they attach to their MSMEs.  We intend to use the coming two months, between now 
and December before we formally present our package, to build support for this package beyond 
the current membership of the Group. I  invite  all Members of the WTO to  support our pac kage to 
help shape a better future for our small businesses.  The more we are the stronger the political signal 
will be. I hope we can count on your support and cooperation.  By working together we  will make our 
MSMEs stronger.  
 
42. Uruguay  
 
Uruguay would like t o thank Ambassador Abraham for her report on the status of the negotiations 
on agriculture and for her proposal for the procedures for the coming months. I would also like to 
thank her for the consultations and for organising the previous informal meeting of the Committee 
on Agriculture in Special Session. My delegation is fully committed to these negotiations with a view 
to achieving positive and significant results at MC12 and beyond. These in turn could contribute to 
the progress towards  fulfilling the m andate d objective on agriculture to achieve an agricultural 
system which is fair and market -oriented through substantive and gradual reductions of the levels 
of support and protection.  
 
After the failure of the previous Ministerial Conference, this only st resses the urgency there is in 
achieving concrete results in agriculture at the next Ministerial Conference which will be in line with 
our mandate. This will show the capacity of the organization to respond to the needs of its Members 
and generate consensu s-based agreements which genuinely contribute to food security and to the 
well-being of our populations at a global level. To this end, Uruguay fully and firmly supports the 
process described by the CoA SS Chair for the coming months on the understanding t hat this process 
will help strike the appropriate balance between, on one hand, the respect for the principles of 
transparency and inclusiveness and, on the other, the urgent need to maintain frank and open 
discussions among Members so that we can ensure t hat we can achieve something at MC12.  
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  On fisheries subsidies negotiations, we would like to thank Ambassador Wills for his report and for 
the work he has been doing since the Formal TNC meeting in July up until the cluster held last week 
on the basis of t he consolidated text which was presented to us in July. The objective s of sustainable 
development and SDG 14.6 not only give us a mandate to achieve an agreement "to prohibit certain 
forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfis hing, eliminate subsidies 
that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such 
subsidies […]". Our mandate also demands that we do this by the end of 2020. This deadline is not 
whimsical.  
 
The 2020 deadline is a response to the call of the international community as the situation of 
overfishing and exploitation of species in our oceans and seas is extremely serious and must be 
dealt with as fast as possible if we really do not want to reach a point of no retu rn. To achieve this 
objective requires a total and collective commitment by all Members to work with the sense of 
urgency. We must work intensively and with flexibility to achieve a consensus result which will 
contribute in an effective  and genuine manner to the sustainability of our common resources. 
Therefore, Uruguay firmly supports the process outlined by the Chair and invites all delegations to 
do likewise and at the same time to commit themselves to work in a constructive manner within this 
framework and to do their part so that this organization can comply with the important task which 
was given to it.  
 
43. Nigeria  
 
At the outset, we wish to associate ourselves with the statements delivered on behalf of the African 
Group and the ACP.  Though the disproportionate negative impact of COVID -19 on fragile African 
economies is alarming, we believe by working collectively , the WTO can and should deliver outcomes 
that will speed up post COVID -19 economic recovery for all. It is therefore of critical importance that 
we work assiduously in this body to achieve outcomes in the ongoing negotiations that are fair, 
balanced and equitable as well as ensure that MC12 does not deliver Zero -Sum outcomes.   
 
Agriculture  
 
The evolving COVID -19 situation in Africa has further shed light on food security difficulties as well 
as related livelihood and extreme poverty issues in the region. We believe no one is in doubt that 
whereas attaining SDG 1 on poverty and S DG 2 on food security is no more an issue for some 
Members, it still remains an uphill task for Africa given the incidence of poverty and hunger in the 
region. In our view, all it takes to foster inclusive growth and development of Agriculture globally is 
a multilateral arrangement that enables all parties to compete fairly. Such arrangement should 
address the inequities and imbalances of the current rule. We have concerns regarding the call for 
discussions on all seven areas of agriculture negotiations to proceed concurrently as envisaged under 
the CoA-SS Chair 's proposed work program me (October -December) given our capacity and resource 
constraint s earlier highlighted by the African Group. We therefore wish to further reiterate the point 
made by the African  Group that the future proces s should be Member -driven, transparent and 
inclusive. It is also critical that we do not lose sight of the urgency of resolving specifically mandated 
issues such as PSH , SSM and Domestic Suppor t. In our view, the future process  should prioriti se 
these specifically mandated issues.  
 
TRIPS and Public Health 
 
We believe given the threat to humanity posed by COVID -19, the WTO should and can play a role 
in ensuring that patents and other intellectual property rights do not unfairly s tand in the way of 
achieving critical public health objectives. Such role include unlocking TRIPS flexibilities to allow 
access to essential medicines, vaccines and other resources needed for treatment and prevention of 
COVID -19. 
 
Fisheries Subsidies Negot iations  
 
We thank the  Chair of the Negotiating Group on Rules  for his effort to advance the process. From 
the discussions at this cluster , we welcome the draft negotiating text as a basis for the fisheries 
subsidies negotiations. However , we urge that amen dments to the said text should be done in 
accordance with approved processes. We note the divergence of opinions regarding the draft 
consolidated text as many Members still maintain their previous positions. We all need to change 
strategy if we are willing  to achieve a compromise text before MC12. We therefore call on Members WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  to take on a spirit of compromise and adopt a more pragmatic approach  to achieve a consensus 
text. Regarding some substantive issues discussed at the just concluded NGR cluster, we are  not 
convinced that an effects -based approach is the solution to global fish problems.  
 
On IUU, we note and identify some areas of convergences and we believe that no Member will 
knowingly subsidi se IUU fishing. We reiterate that a flag State should not be allowed to make an 
IUU determination except where it is clearly indicated in the text that a coastal State shall have 
primacy in jurisdiction in making an IUU determination.  
 
For us, the overfishing and overcapacity  pillar, is of critical importance. Ou r mandate is to negotiate 
disciplines that prohibit subsidies that contribute to overfishing and overcapacity.  It is our duty to 
deliver on this mandate and we reiterate that a simple prohibition is our preferred approach as 
opposed to the management based  approach as this will be burdensome to developing countries. 
Also, we are opposed to the management -based approach which permits the continuance of issuing 
capacity and effort enhancing subsidies as long as management measures are in place. This in our 
view will not solve the overfishing and overcapacity  global fish problems.   
 
Special and differential treatment  
 
In conclusion, we want to reaffirm our well -known position that S&D T is crucial to achieving an 
acceptable balance of rights and obligations amon g Members. The mandate of the fisheries subsidies 
negotiations requires that the final outcome must include an appropriate and effective special and 
differential treatment for developing countries including LDCs. In our view, S&D T must be an integral 
part of all current and fu ture negotiations. We look forward to constructive engagement on these 
and other issues with a view to achieving win -win outcomes in MC12 . 
 
44. Malaysia  
 
Malaysia takes cogni sance of the challenges facing the multilateral trading system . We acknowledge 
Members ' continued efforts to preserve the system in ensuring that this house continues to stand. 
We believe that the WTO has been effective in ensuring that global trade governance remains open, 
predictable and transparent, benefitting all M embers.  
 
DG Selection  Process  
 
Let me on behalf of my delegation express our sincere appreciation to the General Council Chair man, 
Ambassador Walker, alongside co -facilitators, Ambassador Castillo and Ambassador Aspelund for 
their hard work in ensuring that the first and second rounds were conducted in an efficient manner.  
It is our hope that the whole process can be completed in a smooth and timely manner while 
preserving the confidentiality as agreed by us all.  
 
Fisheries Subsidies  
 
We welcome the progress made thus far although much work remains to be done towards MC12. 
Malaysia believes that if we were to deliver an outcome in the fisheries subsidies negotiations in 
Nur-Sultan, we need to have a real engagement, beyond mere repeatin g the well -known positions 
and statements.  
 
Dispute Settlement Mechanism  
 
It is a very unfortunate event that one of the critical pillars of this institution has collapsed. We 
welcome the new D irector -General's  work on this matter in November to unlock the  impasse.  
 
Joint Statement Initiatives  
 
We welcome various ongoing discussions on the Joint Statement Initiatives on MSMEs, Investment 
Facilitation, and Electronic C ommerce. We see these initiatives as potential deliverables at some 
stages for MC12 and the ir deliberations should continue.  
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  Development  
 
WTO Members should assume a more constructive role in narrowing  the gaps in key areas of 
negotiations. Greater political will and flexibility are crucial  if we want to see this through, bearing 
in mind the u nprecedented challenges that we are all facing now.  We acknowledged that 
international trade has been an important enabler for Members ' economic growth, and therefore, we 
must recogni ze the development component in the negotiations, in which, becomes the f oundation 
of this multilateral institution.  
 
Lastly, COVID -19 has brought us with challenges that we have never faced before. As the battle 
with COVID -19 is far from over, it is critical that Members cooperate and exercise flexibilities to 
resolve the bigg er issues. We need to join hands to ensure that the credibility of the multilateral 
trading system is not undermined . 
 
45. Qatar  
 
On behalf of the State of Qatar, I would like to touch briefly upon three core issues: (i) the reform 
of the WTO; (ii) the Appellate Body crisis and the (iii) Joint Statement Initiative on Investment 
Facilitation.  These three issues, while very different in substance, are central to the role of the 
organization in restoring faith in the world trading system and ensuring that i t can support us all in 
overcoming the global crisis that is a consequence of the COVID -19 pandemic.  
 
First, with respect to the reform of the WTO, we all agree that reform is required to adapt to the 
changes in the international economic landscape that ha ve taken place since the conclusion of the 
Uruguay Round and based on the experience we have developed over the last 25 years. Despite this 
common agreement, we have been unable to make substantive progress on this issue of WTO 
Reform. Qatar supports an op en, inclusive, predictable and transparent system that takes into 
account development objectives and allows for an effective administration of trade relations. Qatar 
will engage actively and constructively with all Members on the question of WTO Reform as it is a 
priority to ensure that the organization retains a central role in governing world trade and in 
accompanying the further development of trade.     
 
Second, with respect to the crisis of the dispute settlement system in general and the Appellate Body  
in particular, Qatar considers that it is clear that the WTO cannot afford continuing to have an 
Appellate Body that is not functioning. Because the Appellate Body is currently unavailable to resolve 
appeals, trade disputes cannot be settled. This affects  the interests of particular Members concerned 
by appeals that cannot be addressed. But it also affects the world trading system a s a whole as a 
properly functioning dispute settlement system of the WTO is a central element in providing security 
and predic tability to the multilateral trading system. Qatar recogni zes the importance of seeking to 
improve dispute settlement procedures in order to ensure the prompt and efficient settlement of 
disputes. Qatar calls on all Members to renew efforts to rapidly rest ore a functional Appellate Body.  
 
Third, on investment facilitation, Qatar fully supports the ongoing negotiations for a multilateral 
framework of disciplines on investment facilitation for development. In the preparatory discussions 
and in the recent nego tiations, active Members have highlighted the strong nexus between 
investment, trade and development. Foreign investment is an essential tool to promote sustainable 
development and economic growth, particularly in developing and least -developed countries. The 
uncertainty resulting from the COVID -19 pandemic has confirmed this. On this issue, Qatar again 
calls on interested Members to maintain their ambitions to rapidly achieve a concrete outcome to 
facilitate foreign investment.  
 
In conclusion, Qatar consid ers that active engagement of all Members is essential in order to address 
a number of issues that are essential for the future of the organization and that are key to restoring 
confidence in the world trading order. We must all strive to reach a consensus  on these issues 
without delay. Qatar is committed to that.  
 
46. Ecuador  
 
Ecuador thanks DDG Agah and the Chairs of the Negotiating Groups for the reports they provided 
during this meeting. We also extend our thanks to the DDGs who have, during this transition  period, 
been allowing us to continue the work of our organization especially given the current circumstances. 
We all know in this organization that we are developing programmes as described by the Chairs of WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  the Negotiating Groups and we thank them for the ir efforts. And we look forward to the election of 
the new female Director -General.  
 
There are two priorities which, for Ecuador, should be taken as general guidelines that we should 
not lose sight of. The first is immediate in nature. We need to look at how we can allow international 
trade to recover post pandemic bearing in mind the differentiated impact that this has on the 
different regions and countries of the world. The second, in the medium and long term, goes hand 
in hand with what is happening int ernally. We need to be working on strengthening the multilateral 
trading system in the different areas of negotiation, in promoting transparency and in dispute 
settlement.  
 
With regard to socio -economic recovery and the impact of COVID -19 on international trade, we are 
seeking to ensure that the WTO through its institutional work and programmes can support the 
efforts made by all Members especially in terms of development in order to move forward in the 
months and years to come. For countries such as Ecuado r, we have an economy which is still 
developing. It depends on the size of the economy but for us, a large part of it comes from trade 
and which requires the preservation of exchange in trade in goods and services moving forward. The 
WTO can serve as a cat alyst for this in the medium and long term which would lead to the increase 
in exchange in trade and take into account the differentiated impact that the COVID -19 pandemic 
has on developing countries.  
 
With regard to the negotiating pillar, Ecuador will b e working together with other Members in order 
to keep the active dynamic in terms of the WTO negotiations. It is essential that we achieve concrete 
outcomes for the Ministerial Conference and these outcomes should look at the progress that we 
have made fo r example in agriculture and in cementing progress on fisheries subsidies. We welcome 
the reports by Ambassador Wills and Ambassador Abraham and we share the objective of achieving 
the goals regarding the December deadline and of ensuring that we are ready  for the Ministerial 
Conference. Members and the Chairs can count on Ecuador's support to facilitate the progress in our 
work including for the initiatives that have been proposed in these areas.  
 
With regard to the dispute settlement pillar, Ecuador would  like to reiterate our aspiration for there 
to be a way forward to facilitate the appointment of the members of the Appellate Body and to 
reactivate it. Ecuador believes that the Appellate Body should be reactivated through consensus and 
through the implem entation of the relevant rules for a pillar that is fundamental within the 
multilateral trading system.  
 
Ecuador looks forward to a successful culmination of the DG Selection Process. The new female 
Director -General will have the task of building bridges b etween Members as well as allowing the 
WTO to reach out to the stakeholders in order to ensure its international relevancy and to ensure 
that it can continue its work. DDG Agah has referred in his statement the substantive decrease in 
global trade this yea r and I think that is a demonstration of the serious challenge that the WTO faces 
and that the new Director -General would have to address together with the Membership. The 
recovery of trade in goods and services is key for the years to come and the leaders hip role of the 
new Director -General will be crucial in defining the WTO's support in the endeavour.  
 
47. Colombia  
 
In this statement, I would like to discuss four specific issues  which are fundamental to Colombia, 
concerning the ongoing negotiations which we hope will deliver positive results in the coming 
months.  
 
Firstly, with respect to agriculture, we wish to highlight the renewed push that Ambassador Abraham 
of Costa Rica has provided to the technical work undertaken by her predecess or, Ambassador Ford 
of Guyana. She can count on our full support and our dedication to the proposed work of facilitators. 
As everyone knows, Colombia's priority is the domestic support pillar. Domestic agricultural subsidies 
adversely affect a level playin g field and reduce healthy competition between companies and 
producers to a size of wallet issue, always to the disadvantage of medium and small countries. As 
Members, we should make ambitious contributions that are proportional to the distorting effect th at 
existing subsidies have on world markets, while constantly seeking to implement the phase in 
commitments signed by all of us in Article 20 of the Agreement on Agriculture and thus move towards 
improved market conditions in the agricultural sector.  
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  Secondly, in the negotiations on fisheries subsidies, we welcome the boost that the G20 Ministers' 
Statement has given to these negotiations. Colombia, as a member of the 6L AT group, is among 
those countries interested in achieving a high ambition outcome. The exceptions and flexibilities 
contained in the consolidated text should not have the individual or cumulative effect of undermining 
disciplines or legali sing the status qu o. We encourage the Chair of the negotiations, in light of the 
outcomes of the intense discussions of recent weeks, to produce a revised text as soon as possible.  
 
Thirdly, as regards the Joint Initiatives, we wish to express our support for the progress m ade 
following the discussions that took place this year. We are encouraged by the increase in 
participation and the support of Members in the discussions on electronic commerce, investment 
facilitation for development, and domestic regulation in services. We reiterate our interest in 
achieving a future multilateral implementation and adoption of the three initiatives which will help 
strengthen this organization.  
 
Fourthly and lastly, we note with interest the impetus that the G20 Ministers' Statement has gi ven 
to the issues surrounding the reform of the organization. This confluence of interests, along with the 
opportunities provided by a new WTO Director -General, suggest there will be intense crosscutting 
negotiations in which Colombia wishes, of course, to  participate on an active and permanent basis.  
 
48. Namibia  
 
Let me begin by reaffirming the rightful and important role of the WTO in ensuring that trade flows 
as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible. At the outset, Namibia aligns itself with the 
statement delivered by Botswana on behalf of the African Group and that delivered by Jamaica on 
behalf of the ACP Group. We recogni ze that there are existing and emerging threats and challenges 
that continue to frustrate the collective efforts to attain greate r economic development through the 
multilateral trading system.  Many promises were made in the past through decisions during the 
Ministerial Conferences since the establishment of the WTO. However, to date, only few of those 
decisions were implemented, and  the majority are still being negotiated. Looking ahead towards 
MC12 and in the challenging times of COVID -19, it  is pivotal that we effect those decisions in order 
to build confidence among the Members that the WTO can still deliver on its mandate.  
 
TRIPS and Public Health  
 
In view of the current situation of the COVID -19 pandemic, my delegation appeals to Members to 
be more pragmatic and flexible in order to achieve SDG 3 by providing universal health coverage, 
including financial risk protection, access  to quality essential healthcare services and access to safe, 
effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all , among others. In addition, 
the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health affirms the right of developi ng 
countries to use to the full the provisions in the TRIPS Agreement regarding flexibilities to protect 
public health and in particular provide access to medicines for all.  
 
Agriculture  
 
Agriculture remains an important topic for negotiations with a view to addressing trade distortive 
effects and to further provide African Countries with the opportunity for policy space to address food 
security concerns through concerted efforts to ensure that public stockholding is considered for food 
security purposes.  
 
Fisheries Negotiations  
 
My delegation takes note and appreciates efforts and progress made during the clusters of meetings. 
However, consideration should made in line with mandate with the view of achieving a positive 
outcome in meeting SDG target 14.6 with a 2020 deadline. In addition, my delegation reiterates 
Namibia's position that the WTO is not a fisheries management organization and that the rights and 
obligations under international law must be respected to give prerogative to national authorities of  
the Coastal States to determine the IUU and the situation of overfished stock under their 
jurisdictions. Furthermore, Members should address capacity constraints and the need for policy 
space to build and develop domestic fishing industries.  My delegation  wishes to reiterate that there 
is a need for transparency and inclusivity to allow the participation of capital -based experts to attend 
meetings via virtual platform.  
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  Development  
 
Special and differential treatment provisions are an integral part of the WTO Agreements. Hence , 
Members need to ensure that LD Cs and developing countries are provided such privilege in order to 
achieve the objectives of the WTO , among others, to help developing countries benefit fully from 
the global trading system.  
 
49. Pakist an 
 
The effects of the C OVID -19 pandemic on our everyday lives and on international trade are now 
beginning to get entrenched. New realities have brought new challenges for all countries, particularly 
those with weaker capacities, infrastructure, and resou rces to address their needs.  This includes 
production capacities for essential medicines and other medical equipment to fight this public health 
emergency. We must accept and be ready to deal with trade negotiations based on new domestic 
realities and the new global challenges. We cannot continue to ignore the demands for sustainable 
development and improved standards of living for a very large segment of the world 's population.  
 
Pakistan has always supported efforts to keep multilateralism alive and has st rived for outcomes 
that deliver shared prosperity especially for developing Members. We remain hopeful that the two -
tiered dispute settlement mechanism will be restored to its proper functioning state soon.  
 
Agriculture  
 
Agriculture negotiations remain one  of the foremost areas needing attention. Livelihood and food 
security concerns in developing countries continue to mount in  the wake of the COVID -19 pandemic 
and therefore levelling the playing field in agriculture trade has become paramount. The existing  
anomalies in the Agreement related to domestic support must be corrected first and specific 
entitlements for developing countries and the interests of NFIDCs must be safeguarded. A solution 
to the issues of developing countries pointed out by Indonesia on  behalf of the G -33 is also crucial 
to these negotiations. As always, we continue to support an ambitious outcome on cotton. We believe 
that the C -4 have put forth a meaningful and useful proposal which can contribute in a big way to 
the well -being of our cotton farmers.  
 
Fisheries Subsidies  
 
Similarly, we recogni ze the efforts being made in fisheries subsidies to achieve meaningful progress. 
In our view, proper sequencing of issues could be a good way to move forward where more important 
and pressing eleme nts are given due attention first. The urgency to conclude must not brush aside 
fundamental concerns regarding development and the sustainability of small -scale and artisanal 
fishermen. Special and differential treatment for all developing countries is a fundamental, treaty -
embedded right in all negotiations. Effective use of this pillar will ensure a balanced outcome in the 
talks on fisheries subsidies.  
 
WTO Reform  
 
Discussions on WTO Reform will gain more importance as we approach MC12. We  hope that the 
organi zation will also see a good start under a new D irector -General  very soon. It is imperative that 
any reforms reflect our  learning from past mistakes. They must keep poorer countries at the centre 
and should be geared towards addressing their needs  particularly with lessons from the global 
pandemic fresh on our minds. As we undertake newer initiatives in an attempt to move with the 
world, we should be careful not to leave anyone behind and conclude all unfinished business. 
Pakistan remain s confident that together we can find our direction once again and we are willing to 
work with the Membership to achieve this objective.  
 
50. Burkina Faso (C -4) 
 
I am making the statement on behalf of the C -4 and of the 36 African Country Cotton and Cotton 
Product Producers and/or Exporters. The C -4 would like to thank DDG Agah for his report and the 
Chairs of Negotiating Groups for the efforts they have made in le ading the respective groups as well 
as for their reports. We would also like to thank everyone involved in the organization of the Second 
World Cotton Day as well as our development partners and the members of the Quad+ for their 
effective support despite this difficult context.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  The C -4 commends the CoA SS Chair for the series of consultations which she has held in order to 
drive forward the negotiations on agriculture and more specifically on cotton. The C -4 would like to 
express it s desire to achieve an a cceptable outcome for the different Members on agriculture and 
more specifically on cotton by the next Ministerial Conference. In this connection, we support the 
proposal of the CoA SS Chair to proceed the series of focused discussions on the various area s under 
the agriculture portfolio with facilitators to make progress on each issue – one of which is cotton.  
 
The C -4 underscores the importance of the Hong Kong Ministerial Decision of 2005 which calls on 
Members "to address cotton ambitiously, expeditious ly and specifically". The COVID -19 crisis has 
highlighted the urgency of cementing this decision in order to send a strong, clear signal of an 
organization which is working to respond to the developmental challenges of its Members especially 
the LDCs and t he most vulnerable ones who are faced with difficulties in the global cotton market 
which have been caused by high levels of domestic support implemented by some Members.  
 
The C -4 would like to reiterate our priorities with regard to the negotiations on a griculture and 
particularly on cotton. The reduction and elimination in progressive terms of domestic support 
remains a priority for the C -4. This will allow millions of individuals who depend on cotton for their 
livelihood within LDCs and who have been st rongly affected by the COVID -19 pandemic to live in a 
dignified way from what they produce – in order to provide a concrete response to poverty in line 
with the SDGs. We therefore call on all Members to demonstrate greater flexibility and for more 
transpar ency in terms of arriving at a measurable and concrete outcome for MC12.  
 
The C -4 is also attached to  the issue of transparency in terms of the measures implemented by 
Members in the cotton sector following the commitments taken on market access, the elim ination of 
export subsidies as well as the effects on trade in cotton in terms of the measures taken as a result 
of COVID -19. The C -4 would like to reiterate that we remain committed to the negotiations on cotton 
and we will welcome any proposal which woul d look to facilitate finding consensus based results and 
one which is advantageous to all stakeholders.  
 
51. United Kingdom  
 
In the face of continuing uncertainty with regard to COVID -19, the United Kingdom commends the 
Secretariat for the steps they have take n to enable work to continue while keeping staff and 
delegates safe. This has enabled our work to progress in an inclusive manner despite an evolving 
situation in Geneva and across capitals.  The United Kingdom would once again like to reiterate the 
importa nce of forging ahead with ongoing work at the WTO, including efforts to reinstate a fully 
functioning dispute settlement system as soon as possible.  The United Kingdom welcomes Members ' 
engagement on the draft consolidated text on fisheries subsidies, circ ulated by Ambassador Wills, 
as a basis for developing effective disciplines.  
 
We have been strong supporters of the Joint Initiative on E -commerce since its inception. We 
welcome the resumption of monthly negotiating sessions in small groups and in plenary , and we 
stand ready to intensify our efforts towards achieving a consolidated negotiating text by the end of 
the year. The pandemic has shown us that digital trade lies right at the heart of the global economy 
– and will continue to be of fundamental impo rtance as we look to build back better from this crisis. 
We need to ensure that this initiative delivers an outcome that benefits developed, developing and 
least-developed Members.  
 
The United Kingdom has been a ready participant in the reinvigorated effor ts on the Joint Initiatives 
on Services Domestic Regulation and Investment Facilitation for Development. On domestic 
regulation, we urge Members to reinvigorate their efforts to resolve the small number of issues that 
remain. We look forward to working wit h Members to finalise the draft Reference Paper by the end 
of the year and encourage others to join this important initiative. We also welcome the shift to 
negotiating mode in investment facilitation for development which is testament to Members ' 
commitmen t to progressing this initiative.   
 
Finally, on MSMEs, the United Kingdom thanks the Facilitator and the Secretariat for the further 
progress on texts made since the beginning of summer. With MSMEs accounting for 99.9% of British 
businesses, we strongly su pport this initiative and we hope for an ambitious outcome in December.  
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  52. Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela  
 
We wish to extend our thanks to the Chairman of the General Council, Ambassador Walker, and to 
the ambassadors who support him, for having ensured th e smooth conduct of the selection process 
for the next WTO Director -General. All the candidates who have participated in this contest should 
be applauded. As of now, we celebrate the fact that, regardless of the final outcome, the organization 
will soon be  headed by a woman. This is most certainly an excellent message of renewal.  
 
With regard to  the reports submitted by the Negotiating Group Chairs, we endorse the statement 
made by Indonesia on behalf of the G -33 which clearly sets out our country's vision in terms of 
priorities for the agriculture negotiations. We also reiterate the importance o f addressing, in a 
crosscutting manner, the particular issues faced by net food -importing countries through specific 
flexibilities that enable us to effectively meet our objectives with regard to food security, security of 
the means of subsistence and rura l development. In our particular case, we also face complex 
challenges in ensuring food security for our people as a result of being a country subject to unilateral 
coercive measures.  
 
It is important to remember that the agriculture negotiations also have  a mandate linked to the 
Sustainable Development Goals. SDG  2 seeks to end hunger, ensure food security, improve nutrition 
and promote sustainable agriculture. To this end, it defines as specific targets the commitment to 
correct and prevent trade restrict ions and distortions in world agricultural markets and the 
commitment to ensure the proper functioning of food commodity markets in order to help limit 
extreme food price volatility.  
 
Regarding the negotiations on fisheries subsidies, our delegation reiter ates its commitment to 
participate actively and constructively in the process led by the Chair of the Negotiating Group on 
Rules, focusing on the elements established in the negotiating mandate reflected in target 14.6 of 
SDG 14, especially the inclusion o f appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for 
developing and least -developed countries. In this connection, we hope to establish more flexible 
rules relating to artisanal and small -scale fishing.  We welcome the Ambassador of Switzerland as 
facilitator for special and differential treatment in the fisheries negotiations and are sure that he will 
take into consideration our realities and priorities regarding this important element of negotiation.  
 
With regard to the negotiations  on special and differential treatment in general, Venezuela believes 
this principle should be reflected in a crosscutting manner in each of this organization's issues and 
activities. We therefore call upon all Members to show the necessary political will to understand the 
arguments on which the G -90's proposals are based. The proposals have a logic for those who submit 
them and Members who do not understand them must make the necessary effort to do so and, on 
this basis, move forward towards common ground.  
 
In the time we have left between now and December, my delegation believes that priority should be 
given to the following four areas:  
 
• Complete the selection process for the new WTO Director -General and ensure that she 
has the flexibility needed to organi ze her work.  
 
• Continue to look for a permanent solution regarding the functioning of the Appellate 
Body.  
 
• Maintain the pace of the negotiations on fisheries subsidies, agriculture and special and 
differential treatment while taking care to ensure that the procedures followed are 
transparent, inclusive and mindful of the realities of the current pandemic and that 
agendas do not overlap in such a way as to make it impossible for delegations with few 
officials to engage in various processes simultaneously.  
 
• Continue making progress in initiatives that enable the WTO to address challenges 
stemming from the COVID -19 pandemic. In this regard, we welcome the initiative that 
will be presented by South Africa and India in the TRIPS meeting this week. Please be 
assure d of my delegation's full support.  
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  53. Sri Lanka  
 
For Sri Lanka, the COVID -19 pandemic remains an unprecedented crisis of the time and had exposed 
many vulnerabilities especially for developing countries and small economies such as mine. Sri Lanka 
continues to bear an enormous socio -economic fallout from the pandemic. As reported by the Worl d 
Bank, Sri Lanka' s economy (real GDP growth) is set to contract by 6.7 per cent ( -6.7 per cent) in 
2020 owing to the overall impact caused by the COVID -19 pandemic. While the primary focus of our 
government remains the health and safety of its citizens , the revival of the economy  and ensuring 
stable markets, supply chains and job creation are therefore some of the other bigger challenges 
that demand its immediate attention.  
 
Turning to some of the issues of concern and priority, agriculture remains a core priority for MC12. 
COVID -19 would without a doubt affect the agriculture negotiations and the WTO is required to 
deliver on mandated issues such as SSM, PSH as well as trade -distorting domestic support. A 
balanced outcome that is reflective of priorities i n agriculture effectively responded to the effects of 
COVID -19 and preserved the policy space available to developing countries to promote food security 
and support vulnerable farmers are therefore needed. Sri Lanka wishes to align itself with the 
statemen t of the G -33 delivered by Indonesia today.  Sri Lanka intends to engage constructively in 
the negotiations towards successful outcomes in MC12 and looks forward to working with the new 
CoA SS Chair and her new friends.  
 
On the fisheries subsidies negotiati ons, Sri Lanka is committed to approaching these negotiations in 
line with SDG 14.6. Sri Lanka appreciates the efforts of the Chair  of the Negotiating Group on Rules  
for the draft consolidated text for a balanced outcome.  While Sri Lanka recogni zes the imp ortance 
of these negotiations and the need for conclusion, the process should not be blind to the 
unprecedented challenge presented by COVID -19 and the need to ensure that the process is 
transparent, inclusive and allows for Members to get mandates from ca pitals and to have capital -
based fisheries officials involved.  
 
Disciplines are required to deliver on all pillars of the mandate, target large scale industrial fishing 
and not constrain the use of beneficial subsidies that contribute to the sustainabilit y of fish stocks, 
safeguard food security and livelihoods of coastal communities, including policy space to develop 
their marine resources. S&DT had to be an integral part of the outcome. Sri Lanka would work 
constructively with the Chair towards a balance d outcome that delivers on the mandate.  Disciplines 
are required to focus on distant water and large -scale industrial fishing, provide exemption and carve 
outs for the needs of small and subsistence fishermen who operate in the territorial seas and 
exclusi ve economic zones and seek greater contribution from those who provide large subsidies . In 
order to advance the work in a transparent and inclusive manner, Sri Lanka requests that any 
process, whether it be consultations, plenary sessions or small group pr oceedings, should be 
conducted in a transparent, inclusive and consensus -based manner.  
 
Sri Lanka is deeply disappointed to note that despite the requests made by many heads of 
delegations at the meeting held last Friday to reconsider in scheduling of mee tings of the Negotiating 
Group on Rules  not to be in  conflict with other important meetings due to numerous difficulties being 
faced by small delegations such as mine, the Chair has proceeded with his plan in scheduling the 
meetings which are now in confli ct with WTO TRIPS Council meeting and UNCTAD e -Commerce 
Expert Group Meeting. This situation is very unsatisfactory and seen as an attempt to exclude small 
delegations out of the Negotiating Group on Rules  negotiating process.  Sri Lanka suggests that the 
Chair may consider clear guidance on the work schedule, the sequencing of the content, and also 
on the precise role of the friends of the Chair.  
 
In relation to S&DT, the G -90 had tabled its revised proposals. S&DT is one of the key principles of 
the WTO pr ovide d to developing countries to adjust to trade rules at their pace and in accordance 
with their level of development. This principle and right should be preserved and is central to the 
integration of developing countries in global trade. The proposals a re a genuine attempt to address 
real and specific challenges facing developing countries in their quest to participate in global trade 
and industriali se. Sri Lanka wishes to continue to engage constructively with a view to having a 
meaningful outcome on this important issue at MC12.  
 
On the impasse on the appointment of A ppellate Body  members which has significant implications 
for the preservation of rights and obligations of Members , a solution -oriented multilateral process to 
restore the two -stage dispute settlement system and unlock the impasse is urgently needed.  WT/GC/M/187  
 
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  54. Peru  
 
I would like to begin by emphasi sing the importance that my country attaches to the selection 
process for the next WTO Director -General. The Director -General's role is key to the proper 
functioning of this organization, and the D irector -General  will play a crucial part in ensuring that the 
WTO overcomes its current crisis. In this regard, I would like to thank the Chairs of the General 
Council, the Dispute Settlement Body and the Trade Policy Review Body for the work they have 
carried out as well as all the Members that have put forward candidates for this important position. 
My country hopes that this process will be concluded within the designated timeframe.  
 
I acknowledge the  important work carried out by the Secretariat to monitor the impact of the 
COVID -19 pandemic on international trade. The analysis conducted is in -depth and timely and helps 
us to understand and address recent changes in trade policy and trade flows. The W TO's most recent 
press release on its trade forecast for 2020 and 2021 deserves a special mention. We are heartened 
to learn that the projected decline in trade in goods for 2020 is less severe than previously estimated, 
and that considerable trade growth is forecast for 2021. Peru will continue to make every effort to 
ensure that international trade returns to a path of growth for the sake of the global economy.  
 
Turning to the negotiations, we would first like to mention the fisheries subsidies process le d by 
Ambassador Wills. We thank Ambassador Wills for his efforts and wish to assure him of our renewed 
support.  Peru welcomes the fact that, over the last few weeks, we have addressed the main 
disciplines, some institutional matters, and elements that for the moment are still placeholders, since 
paths have been traced that could lead us towards better scenarios.  Peru, both alone and together 
with the group of six Latin American countries (6LAT), will continue to contribute to the negotiations 
and promote th e conclusion of the agreement we are seeking by the end of the year. We also hope 
that we will soon be able to develop the placeholder on notifications and transparency, on the basis 
of the proposal co -sponsored by Peru and other Members.  
 
My delegation wi shes to reiterate its support for Ambassador Gloria Abraham, Chair of the 
Committee on Agriculture in Special Session. We welcome her efforts to revive the agriculture 
negotiations and endorse the pragmatic nature of her work proposal. We recall our commit ment to 
the mandate set out in Article 20 of the Agreement on Agriculture and will continue working to 
achieve a concrete outcome in this area of negotiation at the next Ministerial Conference.  
 
As regards the joint initiatives, we see signs of progress th at should not be overlooked. In the joint 
initiative on services domestic regulation, for instance, we recogni ze that there is a good chance of 
achieving an outcome in the near future. In this connection, Peru has recently shared, for WTO 
Members' consider ation, a draft addendum to its schedule of specific commitments under the 
General Agreement on Trade in Services and will continue to participate actively so that the initiative 
moves forward as intended.  Peru also welcomes the progress made in the negotia tions on 
e-commerce and reiterates its interest in participating actively in the various working groups.  
 
Furthermore, we hope that the initiatives being put forward by the Informal Group on Micro, Small 
and Medium -Sized Enterprises will take practical shape in specific statements and in a work plan 
that facilitates more extensive and dynamic involvement for these enterprises in international trade.  
Lastly, with regard to trade and women's economic empowerment, Peru welcomes the recent 
creation  of an informal working group to continue implementing the Joint Ministerial Declaration on 
this subject and will continue to collaborate with this initiative so as to foster the increased 
participation of women in international trade.  
 
55. Barbados  
 
While the re is movement in some areas, there is scope for progress in other areas particularly those 
of interest to developing countries, and more specifically to small vulnerable economies and least 
developed countries among them.  As a small island developing State, multilateralism and by 
extension the multilateral trading system as embodied by the World Trade Organi zation is critically 
important. For us, it allows us to have an equal voice on trade and trade -related issues within the 
context of a rules -based syste m that is multilateral in nature. It also allows us as a Member of the 
organi zation, no matter how small, to participate on an equal footing in all WTO bodies and in so 
doing, ensure with other Members, that the principles of transparency and inclusivity which underpin 
the WTO and its work, are not mere concepts, but are seen to be upheld.  
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  Barbados takes note of the progress made in the fisheries subsidi es negotiations, and would wish to 
reiterate the importance of this issue to us. We are guided by our national positions and interest in 
those discussions.  We are therefore pleased to hear the level of progress that has been made thus 
far and the plans for  future work.  The engagement of the Chair at the Heads of Delegation level has 
been welcomed.  We would however wish to remind that for small delegations, like ours, that also 
cover all other international organi zations in Geneva, it is difficult to partici pate in meetings of 
interest to us if the agenda is packed with any one area. Like others may profess, our scarce 
resources allow for the allocation of only one delegate to cover the fisheries subsidies negotiations, 
and that one delegate also covers a num ber of other areas in the WTO and wider international 
Geneva.  We would therefore appeal to the Chair of the TNC and other negotiating bodies to be 
mindful of the scheduling of other major meetings, particularly those in the WTO, when scheduling 
meetings.  
 
Additionally, while we do recogni ze the need for intersessional meetings, including in the informal 
small group format, such discussions must be inclusive and participatory of those delegations that 
have an interest in the issues being discussed. Consensus  on these issues at the plenary level is 
contingent of all delegations being able to carefully reflect on these issues in Geneva and in capitals 
and on being a part of the discussions and issues surrounding them.  
 
Barbados recogni zes that even in the pre -COVID -19 phase, there was a global increase in e -
commerce trade, and that in the post -COVID phase, these figures have increased exponentially as 
teleworking, online shopping and other similar services became the means by which we worked, 
shopped and sociali sed. We note that while there has been an increase in e -commerce and ITC 
services, one of the most glaring reali zations in the post -COVID phase is the gap in the digital divide, 
prohibiting all countries from reaping the benefits from the increase in trade  and new growth 
prospects in these areas.  While this has spurred encouragement by some to expedite the 
negotiations on a plurilateral initiative to develop trade rules in electronic commerce, it has also 
revealed the stark reality that not all Members are at the same level of development in this area. It 
has therefore enhanced the need for the interests of small developing countries to be taken well into 
account in those discussions and aggravated the urgency of intensifying discussions on the 
development d imension in the exploratory discussions of the 1998 Work Programme  on Electronic 
Commerce . 
 
In services, we are pleased to see a reinvigoration of the GATS mandated multilateral discussions 
on market access in the CTS SS. We recall that discussions on mark et access were deemed to be 
more advanced than other areas when negotiations stalled in 2011 and the suspension of 
negotiations in these discussions were due primarily to a lack of progress in other areas in the WTO. 
We continue to believe that the existin g structures allow for serious engagement in this area and 
look forward to engaging in these discussions in the CTS SS in a few days.  
 
Barbados'  economy, like that of many other WTO Members, continues to be significantly impacted 
by the COVID -19 health and  economic crisis. This translates to a significant decrease in foreign 
exchange earnings, an increase in unemployment as our main trading sectors experience declines.  
This has demanded that we become innovative in the short -run if we are to continue to tra de 
particularly in tourism and financial services. Over the longer term, Barbados has ensured that it is 
compliant with its commitments at the international level. It is therefore not helpful, but rather 
detrimental to our economies if other WTO Members im pose unilateral, coercive and harmful 
measures that impact on our reputation, ability to trade and our economic development.    
 
In closing, Barbados remains engaged in the work of the WTO, particularly in those areas under its 
negotiating pillar. We remain  ready and willing to do our part while ensuring that the discussions 
are reflective of our interests.  Barbados associates with the statements delivered by S aint Lucia and 
Jamaica on behalf of the CARICOM and ACP Groups , respectively.  
 
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  ANNEX 3 
STATEMENT BY NIGER ON THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET, FINANCE AND 
ADMINISTRATION – REPORTS ON MEETINGS OF JUNE, JULY AND SEPTEMBER 2020  
(AGENDA ITEM 11)  
At its request, the statement of Niger is included below as part of the Minutes of the General Council 
meeting.  
 
_______________  
 
 
Allow me first of all to congratulate Ambassador Walker  on his considerate chairmanship of the 
General Council in a particularly difficult work context.  
 
I would also like to thank the Members of the WTO on the adoption by the General Council of the 
recommendation made by the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administ ration at its meeting of 
17 September  2020, with respect to a payment schedule for contributions in arrears for my country.  
 
As you can see, the new arrears settlement plan will last seven years. Its aim is to accompany the 
efforts made by my country at th e start of this yea r to reduce its arrears burden towards the 
organization.  
 
We are therefore pleased that WTO Members fully supported this plan at the meeting of the 
Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration on 17  September, and that they have deeme d it 
in line with the external auditors' recommendations.  
 
I can assure you of our full commitment to abide by the plan, and reiterate our continued attachment 
to a multilateral trading system which is inclusive and favourable to accelerating the developme nt 
of countries still in difficulty such as ours.  
 
Lastly, I would like to thank the Secretariat for its excellent work throughout the process which has 
led to this result.  
 
__________