WT/L/1062  
 
27 May 2019  
(19-3673) Page: 1/2 
  Original: English  
 
OUTCOME OF THE WTO M INISTERIAL MEETING O F DEVELOPING COUNTRI ES 
NEW DELHI, 14  MAY 2019  
WORKING COLLECTIVELY  TO STRENGTHEN ING THE WTO  TO PROMOTE DEVELOPM ENT  
AND INCLUSIVITY  
The following communication, dated 27 May  2019, is being circulated at the request of the delegation 
of India.  
 
_______________  
 
 
1. We, the Ministers and high -level officials from Arab Republic of Egypt, Barbados, Central 
African Republic, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Jamaica, Kingdom of Saudi Arab ia, Malaysia, People's 
Republic of Bangladesh, People's Republic of China, Republic of Benin, Republic of Chad, Republic of 
India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Malawi, Republic of South Africa, Republic of Uganda and 
Sultanate of Oman met in New Delh i on 13 and 14 May 2019, to discuss recent developments at the 
WTO and explore ways for working with all Members to strengthen the multilateral trading system.   
2. We reaffirm the pre -eminence of the WTO as the global forum for trade rules setting and 
governa nce. We note with concern the multiple challenges confronting the rules -based  multilateral  
trading system and agree to work together with all WTO Members to strengthen the WTO, make it 
more effective and continue to remain relevant to the diverse needs of its Members, in line with 
objectives of the WTO.  
3. We re -affirm that the dispute settlement system of the WTO is a central element in providing 
security and predictability to  the multilateral trading system. This has proved to be more effective 
and reliable as compared to its predecessor, GATT. We note with concern that Members  have failed 
to arrive at a consensus in the selection process to fill vacancies in the Appellate Body. T his ongoing 
impasse has weakened the dispute settlement system and threatens to completely paralyze it by 
December 2019. We, therefore, urge all WTO Members to engage constructively to address this 
challenge  without any delay  in filling the vacancies in th e Appellate Body, while continuing 
discussions on other issues relating to the functioning of the dispute settlement mechanism.  
4. An inclusive multilateral trading system based on equality and mutual respect should ensure 
that all WTO Members abide by WTO r ules and abjure any form of protectionism. The core value and 
basic principles of the multilateral trading system must be preserved and strengthened, particularly 
with a view to building trust among Members. To this end, we urge WTO Members to adopt measur es 
that are compatible with WTO rules to avoid putting the multilateral trading system at risk.  
5. Multilateral avenues, based on consensus, remain the most effective means to achieve 
inclusive development -oriented outcomes. Members may need to explore diffe rent options to 
address the challenges of contemporary trade realities in a balanced manner. We note that in the 
post-MC 11 phase, many Members have evinced interest in pursuing outcomes in some areas 
through joint initiatives approach. The outcomes of the se initiatives should be conducive to 
strengthening the multilateral trading system and be consistent with WTO rules.  
6. We recall that international trade is not an end in itself but a means of contributing to certain 
objectives, including raising standards of living. Special and Differential Treatment is one of the main 
defining features of the multilateral trading system and is essential to integrating developing 
Members into global trade. Special and Differential Treatment provisions are rights of developi ng WT/L/1062  
 
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  Members that must be preserved and strengthened in both current and future WTO agreements, 
with priority attention to outstanding LDC issues.  
7. We stress the importance of technical assistance and capacity building provided to developing 
Members, in parti cular LDCs, including through the Enhanced Integrated Framework, Aid for Trade 
and other tools. We urge Members to continue doing so.  
8. The process of WTO reform must keep development at its core, promote inclusive growth, and 
fully take into account the interests and concerns of developing M embers , including the specific 
challenges of graduating LDCs.  The way forward must be decided through a process that is open, 
transparent and inclusive. We agree to work collectively with the aim to develop proposals to e nsure 
that our common interests are reflected in the WTO reform process.  
9. WTO rules seek to foster an open and non -discriminatory trade regime. In order to instill 
confidence among the Members, it is imperative that the Ministerial Conferences of the WTO a re 
organized in a more open, transparent and inclusive manner. WTO notification obligations must 
consider the capacity constraints and implementation related challenges faced by many developing 
Members, particularly LDCs. In the WTO, a more cooperative and  gradual approach is the best way 
in dealing with the issue of transparency, where many developing Members struggle to comply with 
their notification obligations.  
10. Some WTO agreements, for example the Agreement on Agriculture, contain imbalances and 
inequit ies that prejudice the trade and development interests of developing Members . There is a 
need to provide adequate policy space to the developing M embers to support their farmers through 
correcting the asymmetries and imbalances in this Agreement on priorit y. This should be undertaken 
on the basis of work done and progress already made in the past, and provide further flexibilities to 
the LDCs and Net Food Importing Developing Countries. It is really time that cotton receives concrete 
and appropriate respons es it deserves.  
11. We agree to consult on various issues of common interest to developing Members, including 
comprehensive and effective disciplines on fisheries subsidies with appropriate and effective Special 
and Differential Treatment provisions for developing M embers .  
12. We urge WTO Members to expedite the process of accession of new Members.  
13. We reiterate our commitment to work towards strengthening the WTO by promoting 
development and inclusivity for the benefit of all Members.  
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