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TN/CTD/M/56  
 
24 November  2021 
(21-8877) Page: 1/9 
Committee on Trade and Development  
Fifty-Sixth Special Session    
 
 
NOTE ON THE MEETING OF 24 SEPTEMBER  2021 
Chairperson : Ambassador Kadra Ahmed Hassan (Djibouti ) 
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  ................................ ................................ ....................  1 
B. WORK UNDERTAKEN IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS – STATEMENT BY THE 
CHAIRPERSON  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  1 
C. G-90 DOCUMENT FOR THE SPECIAL SESSION OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE  
AND DEVELOPMENT (CTD -SS) ON 10 AGREEMENT -SPECIFIC SPECIAL AND  
DIFFERENTIAL TREATMENT PROPOS ALS – SUBMISSION BY SOUTH AFRICA ON BEHALF 
OF THE  ORGANISATION OF AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN AND PACIFIC STATES (OACPS), 
THE AFRICAN  GROUP AND THE LDC GROUP (JOB/DEV/65 - JOB/TNC/97)  ......................  2 
D. OTHER BUSINESS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 9 
 
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA   
1. The draft agenda as contained in Airgram WTO/AIR /TN/CTD/8 of 14 September 2021 was 
adopted .  
B. WORK UNDERTAKEN IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS – STATEMENT BY THE 
CHAIRPE RSON  
2. The Chairperson  said that , in the early part of 2021, she had launched a series of informal, 
open-ended meetings of the Special Session of the Committee on Trade and Development ( CTD SS ). 
The purpose of these meetings, of which there were 5 in total, was to explore how to move forward 
on the 10 Agreement -specific proposals (ASPs) on special and differential treatment (S&D) 
submitted by the G -90, and contained in documents JOB/DEV/60 and J OB/TNC/79. At each meeting, 
delegations were asked to focus on 2 proposals, so that over the course of the 5 meetings, an 
in-depth discussion would have taken place on all 10 proposals.  In order to have a constructive and 
focused series of meetings, she ha d requested delegations to approach the discussion on each 
proposal on the basis of two questions. Delegations were firstly asked for their views on which 
elements of each proposal might convergence be found. They were also asked to consider where the 
difficulties l ay in each proposal and why, and how these could be overcome.  The first in this series 
of meetings was held on 8 February 2021 and focused on the proposal concerning the 
Enabling  Clause and the proposal concerning the accession  of least developed countries (LDCs) . 
The second meeting, held on 12 March  2021, focused on the proposals concerning the Agreement 
on Trade -Related Investment Measures  and Article 66.2 of the Agreement  on Tra de-Related Aspects 
of Intellectual Property Rights . The third meeting was held on 27 April 2021 and focused on the 
proposals relating to  the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade , and the Agreement on 
Implementation of Article VI I of GATT 1994  which con cerned customs valuation . The focus at the 
fourth meeting, held on 17 May  2021, was on the proposals concerning the Agreement on the 
Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and the Agreement on Subsidies and 
Countervailing Measures. Finally, on 18  June 2021, the Committee focused on the proposal 
concerning Sections A and C of GATT Article  XVIII, and the proposal concerning Section B of GATT 
Article XVIII.   TN/CTD/M/56  
 
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  3. She went on to say that t he discussions that had taken  place in these meetings  had 
unfortunately triggered little in terms of substantive exchange. Over the course of the five meetings, 
she had not see n the level of engagement that she had hoped on the substance of the 
G-90 proposals. Members ' perspectives on the proposals also differed. On the one hand, the 
delegations with concerns on these proposals were not willing to engage in discussions on substance, 
as they stated that these proposals had already been considered befor e. On the other hand, and in 
response, the G -90 – with the support of some other Members – said that they had provided 
sufficient rationale for their proposals, both in their written submissions and in their oral 
interventions, and that the proposals now p rovided a good basis for taking the discussion further. 
They also expressed regret that they were not getting proactive engagement from all Members.  She 
recalled that she had shared her assessment at the informal Trade Negotiations Committee – Heads 
of Delegation meeting of 23 July  2021 that, unless there was real engagement on the substance by 
all Members, it would not be possible  to make the progress needed in order to have a concrete 
outcome on the G -90 proposals by the Twelfth Ministerial Conference ( MC12 ). That being said , she 
indicated that she wished to once again stress the fundamental importance of finding a way forward 
in these negotiations. She was of the view that advancing in these negotiations was in the interests 
of the entire Membership, and the Organization as a whole. These negotiations ha d been continuing 
for years without a significant outcome, and this was certainly reason enough for Members to look 
for ways to conclud e the negotiations as soon as possible, and in a satisfactory manner. However, 
she wished to  additionally point out that S&D was a cross -cutting and horizontal issue in the WTO. 
Provisions relating to S&D were not only spread across the existing WTO Agreem ents and Decisions, 
but also form ed part of the negotiations in the context of future possible agreements. Any progress 
made in the negotiations in the CTD SS would  not only unblock the work in th e Committee, but could 
additionally have a positive impact on other discussions taking place in the WTO which were also 
concerned with issues relating to S&D.   
4. She added that she was encouraged by the frank and open discussion on S&D that had taken  
place at  the General Council meeting of 27 and 28 July  2021, on the basis of the G -90 Declaration 
on S&D circulated in document WT/GC/234. In her view, this was the kind of dialogue that would  be 
needed if Members were to ultimately resolve the difficulties surrou nding S&D, including in the 
context of the negotiations in the CTD SS.  There was not much time remaining until MC12, and 
Members therefore  needed to  pick up from here with a sense of urgency. She indicated  that she was  
committed to continue working with Members  to see whether it might  be possible to arrive at a 
concrete outcome on the G -90 proposals by the time of the Ministerial Conference. With this 
objective in mind, she would  be continuing to reach out to Members for informal discussions in the 
coming w eeks.  She also said that she wished to  reiterate that it was in Members' hands to find a 
way forward in these negotiations. As Chair person , she would  certainly convene as many meetings, 
and facilitate as many discussions, as were needed. However, it was ultimately for Members to show 
the necessary flexibility and political will to collaborate,  so as to collectively determine how the work 
in the CTD SS could  advance. Finally, she said that it was worth making the observation  that the 
difficulties surrounding S&D would  not simply go away. This was why she strongly believe d that it 
was only by tackling these issues and working together that Members would  be able to find the 
much -needed solutions.  Political will, engagement and creativity would be required. She called on 
Members to participate actively and constructively in the coming informal discussions that she would 
be organizing to try to advance in the work of the CTD SS.  
5. The Special Session took note  of the statement by th e Chairperson . 
C. G-90 DOCUMENT FOR THE SPECIAL SESSION OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND 
DEVELOPMENT ( CTD-SS) ON 10 AGREEMENT -SPECIFIC S PECIAL AND DIFFERENTIAL 
TREATMENT PROPOSALS  – SUBMISSION BY SOUTH AFRICA ON BEHALF OF THE 
ORGANISATION OF AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN AND PACIFIC STATES (OACPS), THE AFRICAN 
GROUP AND THE LDC GROUP  (JOB/DEV/65 - JOB/TNC/97)  
6. The Chairperson  invited the G -90 to introduce the submission contained in document s 
JOB/DEV/65 and JOB/TNC/97.  
7. The representative of South Africa , on behalf of the G -90, expressed appreciation to the 
Chairperson for having convened informal meetings between February and June 2021 to facilitate 
targeted discussions on the 10 ASPs on S&D. He commend ed the Chair person  for this well -calibrated 
and focused approach that aimed to move the process forward through constructive discussions 
among all Members. The G-90 ha d sought to participate constructively and in good faith with a view TN/CTD/M/56  
 
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  to ha ve meaningful outcomes on the ASPs at MC12. The proponents had undert aken this process 
with the understanding and belief that the Chairperson 's genuine attempt would provide an 
opportunity for Members to engage in a solution -oriented process , with a view t o deliver ing on the 
long-outstanding mandate to operationali ze and strengthen a limited number of the existing 
S&D provisions. The G -90 had  also used this platform to respond to queries raised , especially by 
developed countries , on the ASPs presented. The G-90 reiterate d its commitment to support and 
participate actively and constructively in the upcoming discussions in formal mode leading to  MC12, 
where Ministers would expect cogent feedback on the mandate they had given . He said that, b efore 
presenting th e G-90 submission  on the 10 ASPs contained in documents JOB/DEV/65 and 
JOB/TNC/97, he wished to once more emphasi ze a number of fundamental points . First, S&D 
remain ed an integral part of the multilateral trading system  (MTS) , and the G -90 consider ed it a 
matter of right for developing  countries  and LDCs, owing to their relatively lower levels of 
development and resource constraints. Second, t he present process , and the G -90 proposals , aimed 
to facilitate the implementation of paragraph 44 of the Doha  Ministerial Declaration , which mandate d 
the review of S&D provisions with a view to strengthening them and making them more precise, 
effective and operational.  Third, t he G -90 reiterate d that the 10 ASPs did not seek blanket 
exemptions from commitments, b ut rather aim ed to operationali ze the collective commitments of 
the Membership in several WTO Agreements that w ould facilitate the integration of developing 
countries and LDCs into the MTS. Fourth, he said that S&D should not be confined only to transition al 
periods, capacity building and technical assistance, but needed to  be embedded in the trade rules 
to allow policy flexibility to developing countries and LDCs to achieve their development objectives.  
8. He went on to say that  the G-90 Declaration on S&D, presented to the General Council at its 
meeting of 27 and 28 July 2021 and contained in document WT/GC/234 , comprehensively capture d 
the aspirations and demands of the majority of developing countries and LDCs in the WTO, and their 
expectation s for th e upcoming Ministerial Conference.  He observed that Members were  having a 
discussion on S&D at a critical time , when the C OVID -19 pandemic ha d devastating public health 
implications, and where the economic impact would be felt  for years to come. The health  crisis ha d 
become an economic crisis , a food crisis , a housing crisis, and in some countries a political crisis . It 
was reversing the gains made in the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ) and had derailed 
progress in fighting poverty, inequality and dise ase around the world.  The MTS ha d a role to play to 
ensure equitable development and to ensure that trade could  be a tool for development. Members 
were not building back better together , in terms of economic recovery and in terms of production , 
access, and rollout of vaccines . The costs were being borne disproportionately by developing 
countries, particularly in Africa. Therefore, if there was a time for effective delivery of the mandate 
in paragraph 44  of the Doha Ministerial Declaration , it was now.  The G -90 believe d that this 
unprecedented health and economic crisis should spur Members  to double their efforts and sharpen 
their focus towards the operationali zation of the 10 ASPs. This was the most practical way in which 
the WTO could  make a mea ningful contribution towards improving the trade prospects and economic 
performance of developing countries and LDCs whilst addressing the negative impact of COVID -19 
on poverty. The persistence of the enormous development divide between developing and dev eloped 
Members was reflected in a wide range of indicators. This was clearly demonstrated in the June 2019 
report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development  titled "From Development to 
Differentiation: Just how much has the world changed? ". The report highlight ed the development 
divide between developed and developing countries, including the structural and infrastructure 
divide. Despite significant progress achieved by developing Members since the creation of the WTO, 
old divides ha d not been bridged and, in some  areas, they ha d even widened. This was  evident in 
levels of economic development, industrial structures and competitiveness . It was demonstrated in 
terms of gross domestic product  per capita ; poverty levels ; levels of undernourishment ; production 
and empl oyment in the agricultural sector ; trade in services ; receipts from intellectual property 
rights; share of trade in value -added under global value chains , energy use per capita ; financial 
infrastructure ; research  and development capacity ; company profits ; and a range of institutional 
and capacity constraints, among other things.  
9. He noted that developing countries were also grappling with new divides, such as those in the 
digital and technological spheres, which were becoming more pronounced, especially in the context 
of the pandemic. In addition, despite the progress achieved, developing countries ha d not come 
anywhere near to catching up with developed Members. From the early days of the GATT until the 
establishment of the WTO, the MTS had recognized the d ifferences in levels of economic 
development and had wisely ensured that S&D would be one of its cornerstone principles. The S&D 
principle ha d always been understood as a way to  ensure that negotiated outcomes would 
accommodate differences in levels of economic development , as well as the capacity constraints of TN/CTD/M/56  
 
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  developing Members. It would allow developing Members the space to calibrate trade integration in 
ways that help ed them support sustainable growth, employment expansion and poverty reduction. 
The Enabling Claus e, adopted in 1979 , provided a permanent legal basis for S&D. Paragraph 44 of 
the Doha Ministerial Declaration was also a response to the implementation issues raise d by 
developing countries. This was a long -outstanding issue that was critical to a development -oriented, 
inclusive and equitable MTS.  It was a WTO objective to ensure that developing Members, and 
especially LDCs , share d in the growth of international trad e in a manner that wa s commensurate 
with their economic development needs. The Marrakesh Agreement  explicitly recognize d that 
positive efforts by all Members were necessary in order  to encourage and cement the integration of 
developing country economies in to the global trading system. Paragraph 44 of the Doha Ministerial 
Declaration mandate d the strengthening of S&D provisions, and making them more precise, effective 
and operational.  The MTS recognize d that international trade was not an end in itself. He noted that 
S&D for developing countries and LDCs needed to  be viewed as a means to achieving the goals of 
raising standards of living  and ensuring full employment , and for doing so in a manner consistent 
with respective needs and concerns at different level s of economic development. The system was 
also conscious of the role trade could  play to allow countries with lower development levels to catch  
up, and incorporate d S&D as a means to achieve these  objective s. Deliberate measures that provide d 
policy space were required to maximize economic gains from trade , so as to enable developing 
countries to move  up the manufacturing value chains, diversify and industriali ze their economies, 
accelerate their recovery and promote their resilience to future  shocks like COVID -19. 
10. He added that S&D was at the core of efforts to level the playing field for developing countries 
and LDCs , and it wa s intended to bridge the gaps separating them from their developed 
counterparts. This was what the promise to develop ing countries contained in the 
Marrakesh  Agreement enunciate d as the principle that should guide and inform trade and economic 
relations under the umbrella of the WTO . He said that i t was worth highlighting that the 10 ASPs 
presented in the G-90 document h ad been reduced from an initial number of 155. These ha d been 
meticulously rationali zed and advanced precisely because they were necessary  and key policy tools 
within the WTO Agreements . They could be harnessed to advance the development aspirations of 
developing countries, in a time -bound fashion, to promote the industrialization and structural 
transformation of developing countries and LDCs. Of the 155 S&D provisions contained in the 
16 WTO Agreements, 105 provisions were too general to operate. Only 25 S &D provisions in existing 
WTO Agreements were directly linked to individual Members ' rights and obligations, and the 
remainder were related to transitional period s or technical assistance. It was of paramount 
importance to strengthen these existing S&D provisions.  The G-90 proposals were not just a wish 
list, but were an embodiment of the fundamental and legitimate needs of developing countries and 
LDCs. He indicated that S&D should not be s een as a compromise , but as a necessity to address the 
challenges faced by developing countries  – more so within the context of COVID -19, where inequality 
gaps were not only exposed, but were also widening. Focused and constructive discussions among 
Member s in fulfilment of the mandate under paragraph 44 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration were 
now more urgent. Delivering on mandated issues, and especially issues important  to development , 
were critical to restor ing confidence and trust in the MTS. The G-90 document highlight ed the linkage 
of the ASPs to the achievement of the SDGs, and the challenges experienced by developing 
countries, especially LDCs , in the context of the COVID -19 crisis. It provide d a clear rationale for the 
continued relevance of the 10 ASPs to the development efforts and aspirations of the G -90, and the 
need for constructive engagement by Members towards achievement of the mandate arising from 
paragraph 44 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration.  
11. The G -90 believe d that the 10 ASPs would  effectively contribute to ensuring that the barriers 
to exports faced by developing countries and LDCs we re addressed . In addition, t he proposals  would 
support the economic diversification efforts of developing countries and LDCs,  while contribut ing to 
their fast recovery and the building of resilience , so as  to better withstand future shocks and remain 
on track to sustainable development.  As Members  cast their gaze towards MC12, they needed to 
ensure that the WTO made  meaningful progress towards the  achievement of the development 
mandate. The WTO could not ignore the reality that the MTS still fell short on the promises it ha d 
made to the global majority of populations, particularly in developing countries and LDCs. MC12 
needed to be a moment for the  WTO to reassert its relevance and role in ensuring the sustainable 
and equitable distribution of the benefits of international trade.  Members needed to also effectively 
convey  to Ministers at MC12 what ha d been done since the last Ministerial C onference towards 
realizing the mandate of reviewing S&D provisions under the covered Agreements with a view to 
strengthening them and making them more precise, effective, and operational. An MC12 outcome 
that ignore d the legitimacy and rightful space for S&D as a fundamental principle of the MTS TN/CTD/M/56  
 
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  architecture would  be hollow, yet so loud in the message that it sen t to the majority of Members , 
that mandates were just empty promises and contracts. The G -90 would therefore be looking at an 
MC12 outcome that re cogni zed and reassert ed the relevance and rightful place of S&D within the 
MTS and the continued role of the CTD  SS in delivering on its mandate.  He said that the Chairperson 
could count on the continued support of the G -90 in her efforts to steer Members  towards an MC12 
outcome on issues pertaining to S&D , and one that was faithful to the mandate granted to the 
CTD SS – to deliver a message to the world of a WTO that was sensitive and responsive to the 
developmental needs of developing countries and LDCs. The G -90 would  remain available to engage 
constructively with all Members towards this end.  
12. The representative of Sri Lanka  expressed appreciation to the G -90 for the new submission. 
She indicated that her delegation endorsed the G-90 proposals  and the new submission . Like the 
G-90, her delegation believe d that the  present  discussions were taking place at a critical time, when 
the international community was going throu gh the challenges of the COVID -19 pandemic . She 
recalled that Members had discussed the  proposals before the pandemic, and some delegation s had 
expressed concerns with the m, even though the proponents had provided explanations as to why 
the provisions in questions needed to be made more meaningful. The international community ha d 
the responsibility to look at these proposals again, and make genuine efforts to see whether the 
proposals could be translated into meaningful outcomes. The effective operationali zation of the 10 
proposals would  not only improve the trade prospects and performance of developing countries and 
LDCs, but would  also contribute to addressing the negative impact of the COVID -19 pandemic  on 
poverty. She noted that several countries had resorted to export restrictions and other measures 
which affect ed the  supply of raw materials and other intermediate goods. In such instances, 
generating domestic producti ve capacity was very important  to deal with the current crisis  as well 
as future challenges. She said that she wished  to emphasize that strengthening and operationali zing 
S&D provisions in line with the mandate in paragraph  44 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration was 
now a matter of urgency. This would be one of the ways to demonstrate that the WTO was 
responding to the concerns of developing countries durin g the pandemic. She looked forward to the 
constructive engagement of all Members , bearing in mind that it was necessary to look at the  G-90 
proposals from a new point of view , as countries were now dealing with  the challenges arising from 
the COVID -19 pandemic. 
13. The representative of Cameroon , on behalf of the African Group , supported the intervention 
by South Africa . He commend ed the Chairperson for her efforts to facilitate discussions among 
Members, and  expressed hope that these discussions would lead to a meaningful outcome at MC12. 
He believed that it was time for Members to show their goodwill, and indica ted that a Ministerial 
Declaration at MC12 reaffir ming the importance of S&D would be appropriate. He also observed that , 
among the many difficulties  relating to S&D  that needed to be addressed,  the G -90 was only seeking 
consensus on 10 proposals . This was not much, but it would certainly make a difference, and would 
reflect the c entral role of the WTO in trade and development. He stressed that t rade was not an end 
in itself , but was a tool to help in the development process . He also noted that development would 
remain as a topic to be addressed in  the WTO . Negotiations could only be constructive and fruitful 
when all Members took the negotiating text seriously. In this light, he called on delegations  to make 
counterproposals , if they believed that further work needed to be done  on the G -90 proposals . The 
proponents looked forward to  review ing these counterproposals  and making progress in the 
discussions  with Members,  so as to arrive  at a consensual text at MC12.  
14. The representative of China expressed appreciation for the Chairperson 's leadership and the 
continued efforts to move the discussions forward.  She said that S&D was an institutional right for 
developing Members. While recognizing the role of S&D provisions, she noted that the vagueness 
and non -binding nature of some  of these provisions in  the WTO impede d developing Members from 
reaping the real benefits of the multilateral system. She thanked the G-90 for the renewed proposal s, 
and commended the proponents for their continuous efforts to explor e a way forward to 
operationalize S&D provisions. Her delegation  recognize d the importance, the necessity and the 
urgency of having a substantial discussion on the  G-90 proposal s, particularly during the 
unprecedented pandemic period. China therefore call ed again for collective and constructi ve 
engagement fro m all Members. The flexibilities shown would not only facilitate developing 
Members ' and LDCs' integration into the multilateral system, but would also contribute to their fast 
economic recovery in the post -pandemic period. As the largest developing Member, China would  
shoulder the responsibilities commensurate with its development level and capacity. China had  
engaged constructively in previous discussions , and would  continue its efforts in the futu re.  TN/CTD/M/56  
 
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  15. The representative of India thanked the G -90 for the new submission. She said that  
S&D provisions were an integral part of the MTS. They continue d to be a critical aspect of the 
WTO's framework and a non -negotiable right of all developing countries, for which they ha d already 
paid. They were not exceptions to the general rules , but form ed part of  the objective s of the MTS.  
Given the concerns expressed by Members regarding the effectiveness of S&D provisions in the 
WTO Agreements, Ministers had given a mandate in paragraph 44 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration 
to review all S&D provisions with a view to strengthening them and making them more precise, 
effective and operational. Although t hese issues had been discussed since 2002, it had unfortunately  
not been possible to secure tangible progress on this Ministerial mandate.  The G-90 submission 
clearly demonstrate d the pressing need to agree to the 10 ASPs so as  to enable the social and 
economic transformation required by developing countries and LDCs  to achieve the SDGs , and to 
ensure that no one was left behind. The current pandemic ha d had devastating effects on economies , 
and developing countries and LDCs ha d been the worst hit. Many countries face d these problems, 
especially with respect t o the balance of payments , as was outlined in proposal 3  by the G -90. It 
was therefore  even more relevant now to finalize th e proposal s. India believe d that the 
G-90 proposal s provide d a useful basis to advance work in this important area, and it was 
disheartening to note that the naysayers ha d stonewalled the informal discussions that had been 
organized to advance the process . In closing, she expressed hope for a meaningful outcome , and 
urged all Members to collectively work towards finalizing this by MC12.  
16. The representative of Pakistan  thank ed the Chairperson  for convening th e present meeting 
and giving  Members  the opportunity to speak on a crucially important matter. He said that S&D was  
an established and recogni zed pillar of the rules -based MTS , which had so far kept the system 
running. It recogni zed the principle of differentiated obligations for Members with different 
capabilities. The G -90 ha d put forward the renewed proposals which sought  to make S&D provisions 
more precise, effective and useful for developing countries , so as to  allow them  to utilize these 
provisions  to the best extent. This would not only further strengthen the system , but would  also 
resolve a longstanding issue at a time when the pandemic ha d put developing Members and LDCs 
under the most pressure to bounce back and feed their people. His delegation therefore fully 
endorse d the proposals. He hoped that Members would be able to agree to these proposals sooner 
rather than later  – and thereby serve , and save , the MTS.  Pakistan stood ready to work with 
Members , under the Chairperson's guidance,  in order to find a meaningful solution.  
17. The representative of Bangladesh  expressed appreciation to the Chairperson for the 
continuous efforts to take th e issue forward . His delegation  aligned itself  with the statement 
delivered by South Africa. The communication by the G -90 highlight ed some critical challenges faced  
by developing countries, and particularly LDCs, which had been further aggravated by the ongoing 
pandemic  and would have far-reaching consequences  in almost all sectors . Under these 
circumstances, developing countries  and especially LDCs were in need of all-out support from 
Members. As had been previously emphasi zed by his delegation , S&D was a treaty -embedded right. 
Like other policy space provisions, t he 10 ASPs needed to be optimally implemented. 
Bangladesh  believe d that the G -90 communication merit ed discussion , and therefore encourage d 
Members to engage constructively on the issues included in the communication , and conclude them 
by MC12. His delegation stood  ready to work actively with Members  in this regard .  
18. The representative of the United States  thanked the Chairperson for her efforts in facilitating 
discussions in the CTD  SS. The United States reiterate d its view that it did not see a path forward 
for work in the CTD  SS at t he present  time. Her delegation's position on the 10 ASPs was unchanged. 
As a result,  her delegation did  not support additional work to renegotiate or revise S&D  provisions 
in existing WTO Agreements.  For many years, the U nited States had been calling for Members to 
engage in a broader con versation on trade and development. It was an important conversation that 
needed to happen.  Members would  need to make concrete progress toward resolving these 
fundamental disagreements before her delegation could imagine productive work in the CTD  SS. 
19. The representative of  the European Union  thanked the Chairperson for setting out in some 
detail the recent informal process in the CTD SS . The E uropean Union had clearly, and on numerous 
occasions, underlined its support for the differentiated treatment of some Members , particularly 
LDCs, but also certain  other Members with specific needs. It was a priority for the Euro pean Union 
to ensure effective, precise and o perational S&D in the WTO in order to enable these Members to 
apply and benefit from the Agreements.  However, the 10 proposals submitted in 2017 had been 
thoroughly discussed among Members , with several comments and questions ha ving been 
submitted . These discussions had not led to consensus.  He asked the Chairperson how she intended TN/CTD/M/56  
 
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  to take the process  forward, and in particular how it would be possible to have the broad er discussion 
that the rep resentative of the United States had referred to . 
20. The representative of the United Kingdom  said that  his delegation appreciated the 
Chair person's  efforts to move this issue forward over the past year.  The U nited Kingdom  remain ed 
unable to support these proposals as a package. This debate was longstanding , and there had been 
no substantive amendments to these proposals since they were first introduced.  His delegation had 
carefully listened to the discussions and the positions of b oth developed and developing countries in 
the previous sessions over the past year. It was clear that , despite multiple efforts to find a way 
forward, the divide on these issues remain ed great . The current proposals, in their unchanged form, 
would continue  to pose an overwhelming obstacle to several Members. He also indicated that his 
delegation appreciated the  Director -General 's efforts  to bring greater urgency to finding a solution 
to the S&D impasse , and to start a facilitatory conversation.  He reiterate d the view of his delegation 
that S&D remain ed a fundamental pillar of the WTO , and could  act as an effective way for developing 
countries , and LDCs in particular , to integrate fully into the international rules -based trading system.  
However, for that to b e possible , S&D needed to be targeted to meet the specific needs of countries 
that genuinely required  it in their individual sectors. His delegation agree d with the premise that 
S&D should be specific, effective and implementable , and wished  to see a solution that support ed 
free and fair trade , while helping developing countries feel the benefits of the rules -based 
international trading system.  He als o indicated his interest in hearing from the Chairperson on how 
she intended to take the proc ess forward.  
21. The representative of Australia  said that he wished to  echo the comments of others in noting 
that S&D  was a fundamental tenet and principle of the WTO. He indicated that  Members recognized 
the importance of S&D in other forums in the WTO  as well , including  in the context of the fisheries 
subsidies negotiations . He believed that a genuine willingness from all Members to engage on the 
G-90 proposals was critically important in order to find a way forward . Open trade support ed 
economic devel opment and opportunities countries needed to raise living standards for their people. 
His delegation  support ed the inclusion of needs -based targeted S &D for developing countries , and 
especially for LDCs. This needed to  be accompanied by demand -driven techn ical assistance and 
capacity building that help ed to facilitate full engagement in the global rules -based MTS. 
Australia  was committed to finding approaches to S&D that reflect ed the challenges and 
opportunities of the present  economic realit ies. He thank ed the G -90 for their proposals , on which 
Australia ha d previously expressed its views , and on which his delegation would  continue to engage 
constructively , as appropriate. He noted, however , that the latest proposals contain ed no significant 
revisio ns, and ha d already been discussed at length. In the absence of new or substantially revised 
proposals, his delegation  consider ed it difficult at this stage to see any way forward on these 
particular proposals in the CTD SS.  
22. The representative of Mauritius  indicated his delegation's support for the G-90 proposals and 
for the position of the African Group. He hoped that Members would  engage and find a path forward 
in order to ensure that S&D remain ed a central pillar of WTO negotiations and would form part of 
the Ministerial outcome  at MC12 . 
23. The representative of Japan  said he wished to echo the interventions by the U nited States, 
the E uropean Union, the United Kingdom  and Australia.  His delegation had perused the new 
G-90 document for the CTD  SS, which elaborate d on the reasoning behind the 10 ASPs. He noted, 
however, that the document d id not propose any modifications to the current ASP s. His delegation  
reiterat ed that the developing countries, and especially the LDCs, which  deserve d to enjoy the right 
to S&D, should  continue to do so.  In the context of discussion s on how to provide S&D treatment to 
developing Members , he wished to  underline the importance of giving consideration to  the specific 
characteristics of respective  sectors  and items . In order to do so, his delegation wished to see a 
different approach from the current ASPs.  
24. The representative of  the Republic of Korea  expressed appreciation to the Chairperson for her 
leaders hip. His delegation  believe d that S&D wa s an important part of the WTO system as a whole , 
and in particular support ed the need to better integrate LDCs into the MTS. However, Members 
needed to be  mindful of the reality that not all developing countries ha d the same needs , and any 
path forward ha d to take this reality fully into account. This was why Korea had decided to for ego 
S&D several years ago.  He also noted that the Director -General had call ed for some concrete 
solutions , and sought the Chairperson' s guidance on the way forward.  TN/CTD/M/56  
 
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  25. The representative of Cameroon  thanked the delegations that had inter vened. He noted that 
he had not heard any delegation question th e proposition that  S&D needed to be an integral part of 
MC12. Furthermore, n o delegation had questioned the need for Members to think about how to make 
S&D more operational, effective and adequate , in order to allow developing countries to enjoy the 
benefits of these  provisions. That b eing said, he believed that it was up to those Members that had 
raised issues with the G -90 proposals  to come forward with proposals of their own, if they ha d any 
better options on how to make S&D effective . He noted that the WTO was a Member -driven 
organi zation, and Members therefore needed to come forward with constructive engagement and 
counter proposals.  Delegations could not expect the Chairperson to come up with  suggestions at this 
stage, a s there was only one submission  on the table . If other proposal s were also made, the 
Chairperson could then consider putting together a draft, based on the various proposals submitted . 
However,  the rejection of the one  submission  on the table was not a negotiation, but rather a refu sal 
to negotiate. He expressed concern with the obstacles that had been faced for decades to fulfil a 
mandate that would allow developing countries to enjoy the benefits of the S&D to which they were 
entitled. He also indicated that some of the  G-90 proposals – for example,  the ones relating to the 
Generalized System of Preferences a nd to the accession of LDCs – focused on process, and made  
no change s to the underlying text s. In closing, he reiterated the need for the G -90 proposals to be 
properly examined, and for delegatio ns to submit alternative proposals as necessary. This was  the 
only way for Members to have a constructive dialogue.  
26. The representative of the United States  said that her delegation  could not agree to any further  
work on the 10 ASPs. The United States did not support additional work to renegotiate or revise S&D 
provisions in existing WTO Agreements , and did not see a path forward for work in the CTD SS at 
the present  time. Her delegation had been calling for Members to engage in a broa der conversation 
on trade and development  outside of the CTD SS . It was an important conversation that need ed to 
happen.  Members would  need to make concrete progress toward resolving these fundamental 
disagreements before her delegation could imagine productive work in the CTD  SS. 
27. The representative of South Africa  thanked the Members that continu ed to support  the 
G-90 proposals , as well  as all Members that had spoken  to share their views. She also expressed 
appreciation to  the Chairperson for facilitating  the process  and attempting to ensure engagement in 
both informal and formal mode . What she was taking away from the discussion at the present 
meeting was that  Members acknowledge d the fundamental importance of S&D as a tenet and core 
principle of the WTO. Furthermore, it appeared that there was recogni tion of  the need to find a 
pathway that would  take Members  forward , as i t was not  helpful for the WTO 's credibility or its 
negotiating function  that the discussions in the CTD SS were stuck . A number of Members  had also 
stated that S&D cut across all WTO negotiations. She believed that it w as important to separate the 
issues if Members were to find a path forward . There was firstly an existing mandate in terms of 
paragraph 44  of the Doha Ministerial Declaration , which cover ed S&D provisions in the existing 
Agreements. Second , along the lines of what the United States had indicated,  a broader discussion 
was called for on how the WTO respond ed to development  needs , and how it  ensure d the effective 
participation of developing cou ntries in global trade. These were two separate issues. The work being 
undertaken in the CTD SS was in the context of the mandate in paragraph 44 of the 
Doha Ministerial  Declaration, and it was on this work that the G -90 wished to see Members commit 
to fin ding a way forward. She noted that some delegations had been saying that the G-90 need ed 
to change its approach. On this  point, she indicated that it would be useful  for the G -90 if more 
clarity could be provided on what was meant by a change of approach . The sharing of views would 
help make progress in  the conversation. She also assured Member s that the G -90 was not looking 
for carveouts, but  rather for a constructive discussion that could  assist Members  deliver on the 
mandate to make S&D effective and operational. The proponents welcome d a conversation  on what  
could be a change of approach in the context of the existing mandate.  
28. She went on to say that the Marrakesh Agreement  called for positive efforts designed to ensure 
that developing countries , and especially LDCs , secured a share in the growth of international trade 
commensurate with the needs of their economic development. There was, therefore, a recognition 
that Members had different capacities , depending on their level of economic development. She noted 
that the intervention by India had referred to the challenges being faced by developing countries in 
the context of the COVID -19 pandemic. These challenges, which had als o been mentioned in the 
G-90 submission, were real. Members need ed to see how the WTO respond ed to these issues in a 
way that would  facilitate the better integration of developing countries and LDCs in international 
trade. She also welcome d the interventio n by China , which she found useful in terms of the support 
expressed and in terms of facilitating further  discussions. The G -90 was ready to work with all TN/CTD/M/56  
 
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  Members towards a successful outcome at MC12. The current context  put certain  expectation s on 
the WTO to respond to the issues of concern to developing countries , and especially LDCs. As 
Members embark ed on the process towards MC12, she hoped that they would work collectively to 
see how to respond to those issue s that were within the mandate. The expectation of the G -90 was 
that the WTO, through the Ministerial outcome document , would  reaffirm the principle of S&D and 
its importance , especially at this critical time . The expectation was  also that, if Members  were unable 
to resolve the issue s by MC12 , the same issues  would at least be kept on the  agenda for Members 
to continue to reflect on , and ultimately deliver on . However, as long as the mandate was not 
concluded, it would be difficult for the G -90 to accept the proposition that there shou ld be no further 
work in the CTD SS . She called on Members to work together in a solution -oriented mode  in order 
to find a path forward.  
29. The Chairperson  thanked the G -90 and other delegations that  had participated in the 
discussion at the present meeting . She noted that some delegations had asked about the way 
forward in the CTD SS. On this matter, her intention was to continue consulting with Members . She 
noted that there was a renewed importance bein g given to development and S&D, particularly in 
light of the COVID -19 pandemic and the challenges being faced by countries across the world. In 
her view, these issues would remain on the table  in coming conversations among Members , and 
they would need to b e addressed. She suggested that this could be the time for the CTD SS to make 
a positive and constructive contribution to the work of the WTO. In terms of new approaches or 
pathways in the CTD SS, she stressed that  it was for Members to determine the way forward. In the 
formal and informal meetings that she had convened since she took over as Chairperson of the 
CTD SS in October 2019, she had not seen any negotiations taking place with regard to  the proposals 
on the  table. However, a s Chairperson, she would need to continue to respond to requests from the 
G-90 to facilitate discussions on these proposals.  There was a need for political will to find a solution, 
and it was incumbent upon Members to share their views regarding the approach to follow  in the 
CTD SS , and any amendments they wish ed to see to the proposals.  She believed that a  conversation 
was possible on the G -90 proposals , but this needed to come from delegation s. So far, she had only 
been reporting on what each side had been saying . However, this had been a debate, and  not a 
negotiation. If delegations could move towards a negotiation , this would give the required  political 
signal , and would also contribute to building the trust that was needed in future negotiations and 
Agreements in the context of  S&D. This could also help her consider whether she might be in a 
position to make a proposal that was balanced and took into account the dif ferent positions of 
Members. As a next step, she planned to meet with Members informally to discuss what could be 
done for MC12 in terms of an outcome on S&D, and what such an  outcome might look li ke. Views 
would be sought from delegations with regard to the proposals currently on the table. She noted in 
closing that the tone and engagement in the CTD SS had become less passionate, which could help 
start a conversation that was constructive and pragmatic. She urged Members t o engage 
constructively in the upcoming discussions.   
30. The Special Session took note  of all interventions.  
D. OTHER BUSINESS  
31. No matter was raised  under "Other Business" . 
32. The meeting was adjourned . 
 
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