RESTRICTED  
  
S/CSC/M/90  
 
30 January 2023 
(23-0680) Page: 1/5 
Committee on Specific Commitments    
 
 
REPORT OF THE MEETING HELD ON 5 DECEMBER 2022 
NOTE BY THE SECRETARIAT1 
The Committee on Specific Commitments (CSC) held a meeting on 5 December 2022 chaired by  
Mr. Danang Prasta from Indonesia . The Chair person  thanked all delegations for their trust and 
support . He indicated that he was looking forward to working with all delegations , and added that 
under the item other business  of the agenda , he would say a few words on his intention to hold 
consultations on the Committee's future work.  
 
The agenda for the meeting, contained in document WTO/AIR/CSC/1 9, was adopted  as modified .  
 
Before moving on to the substance of the meeting, the Chairperson drew Delegations' attention to 
the hybrid mode  meeting format . He thank ed all for their patience and efforts in following the 
arrangements and for their understanding on the requirements and limitations imposed by the 
situation.  
 
1  ITEM A – ADOPTION OF THE ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COUNCIL FOR TRADE IN 
SERVICES  
1.1.  The Chairperson  mentioned that the draft report contained in document S/CSC/W/74 had been 
circulated to Members. He indicated that there was a typo in the 3rd line of paragraph 2:  "three 
further revisions of the Compilation were circulated" should be "four" further revisions.  
1.2.  He suggested that the Committee adopt the report with the typo corrected . 
1.3.  It was so agreed.  
2  ITEM B - CLASSIFICATION ISSUES  
2.1.  The Chairperson  recall ed that at the previous  meeting  of the CSC , the Secretariat had provided 
updates on the ongoing work by the UN Statistics Division  (UNSD)  and the WTO Secretariat to add 
the Services Sectoral Classification List (MTN.GNS/W/120) to the digital tool for the vis ualization of 
the correspondence between the C entral Product Classification (CP C) Provisional Version and CPC 
Version 2.1. The two agencies would therefore present a new functionality that enable d the 
navigation between the W/120 and the different CPC versions, and from recent versions of the CPC 
to W/120.   
2.2.  A representative of the UNSD  presented the result of  the joint work between UNSD and the 
Secretariat on the feasibility of implementing a new f eature that links the Services Sectoral 
Classification List (MTN.GNS/W/120) to the CPC. The result was a proto type o f a new UNSD -WTO 
Visualization tool for W/120 and CPC  (available at  
https://unstats.un.org/unsd/classifications/Econ/w120 ). The representative started the 
presentation by providing some background to the work. She recalled that the codes in W/120 were 
based on the CPC Provisional  Version.  But since the adoption of the CPC Provisional in 1991 there 
had been several  updates of th e CPC , the latest  being CPC version 2.1 . She added that the UNSD 
was working on a new revision  of the classification.  Correspondences were generally done between 
contiguous  versions of classifications  (e.g. correspondence between CPC Version 1 .0 and CPC 
 
1 This document has been prepared under the Secretariat's own responsibility and is without prejudice 
to the positions of Members or to their rights and obligations under the WTO.  S/CSC/M/90  
 
- 2 - 
 
  Version 1.1 , or between 1.1 and 2.0, or 2.0 and 2.1). S he outlined the difficulty to develop 
correspondences  and a navigation tool  across non -contiguous versions of classifications . The 
navigation across different versions of CPC usually involved clicking across several webpages . The 
UNSD therefore developed in 2021 a prototype to easily navigate between CPC Provisional and the 
subsequent versions of the classification. This visualization tool was presented in the meeting of the 
Committee o f 18 Oct ober 2021.  In that meeting, there was a proposal that the W/120 be added to 
the visualization tool in order to allow an easier navigation between the individual items in the 
Sectoral Classification List and the items in the different versions of the CPC. The UNSD and the 
Secretariat developed a new tool, using as a starting point the correspondence between W/120 and 
CPC Provisional Version  on the one hand, and the correspondences between contiguous versions of 
the CPC on the other  which were already availab le on the website of the UNSD . 
2.3.  The representative of UNSD described the website developed to host the new visualization tool.  
Once the classification used as a starting point of the search was selected , and the code of the item 
for which the links to other  classifications  was inputted in the tool, and after clicking on "Visualize", 
the result showed in one page the various correspondences . In the development of the protype , the 
codes of the W/120 had to be inputted into the existing tool to structure t he visualization functionality  
in a meaningful way.  This was achieved  by merging the W/120 codes for the sector, subsector and 
the specific services item code (e.g. the code  medical and dental services being  "1.A.h"). She 
indicated  that there were some spe cial cases that had to be taken into consideration .  
2.4.  First, some W/120 codes could not be displayed in the tool because they comprised a large 
number of  categories in the various CPC versions, which were too many to display in the 
visualization , namely:  1.F.i – Services incidental to manufacturing, 4.A – Commission agents' 
services, 4.B – Wholesal e trade services, and  4.C – Retailing services . When select ing one of these 
items, it was decided that a text would indicate that the result could not be displayed but that a 
reference to the  CPC groups that would be relevant  would be provided .  
2.5.  Second, some W/120 codes c ould not be displayed in the visualization because there was no 
corresponden ce to CPC Prov isional Version , such as for  some  residual categories in the W/120 
classification ( i.e. so called "other" W/120 items).  In such a case the results page would indicate " No 
correspondence for CPC Prov. is availa ble for this code."  Finally , when looking at the backward 
linkage s between classifications, for example from CPC Version 2.1 back to W/120,  there were items 
with no link to a W/120 category . This was seen as an outcome of the forward linking between 
contiguous  versions , where there was not necessarily a one -to-one correspondence, and where  there 
might have been a merg e with another service at a certain point in the correspondence when moving  
from one version to the following one . 
2.6.  The UNSD representative re emphasized that the visualization was built on the correspondences 
between contiguous versions of CPC  and that it could only be read from left to right , whether looking 
at forward or backward linkages . The correspondence was done at the most detailed level of the 
classification, including for the W/120 which was linked at the most detailed level of the CPC 
Provisional Version . As already mentioned in the previous presentation, the visu alization show ed 
links between codes , but the actual correspondence had to be looked at based on  the description of 
the items, to eliminate links that were just the result of putting side by side correspondences.  She 
recalled  that it was useful to look at the actual files with correspondences, as they  could help identify 
whether links were clear correspondences or not.  Some accompanying information was available on 
the UNSD website on the type of correspondence , whether full or partial.   
2.7.  The Chairperson  thanked the UNSD representative for the informative  and useful  presentation , 
introducing  a better understanding on how to navigate across the different versions of the CPC and 
the W/120.  
2.8.  A representative of the Secretariat  informed the Committee tha t a link to the new visualization 
tool had been included on WTO's services webpage (available at 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/serv_e/serv_e.htm , under "Services topics" ). He rem inded 
the Committee that the tool was still a prototype  and invited users  to provide feedback or comments . 
He highlighted the usefulness of the tool , which was a major improvement to better understand  the 
linkages between the W/120 and the different versio ns of the CPC. The Secretariat remained 
available to answer any question may have on the tool.   S/CSC/M/90  
 
- 3 - 
 
  2.9.  The representative of Hong Kong, China thanked UNSD and the Secretariat for their work. He 
asked for a clarification regarding the fact that the classification had to be read from left to right  
which seemed to be contradicting the possibility to select the direction of the visualization , which 
offered the option to view the linkages backward or forward.  Was there anything to bear in mind 
when  viewing them  backward?  
2.10.  The representative of the UNSD  indicated that when contemplating backward links  (from an 
older classification to a more recent one) , then the visualization  would still show the codes  of the 
most recent version  selected on the left hand -side, and the links to all subsequent versions on the 
right.  She repeated that the results of the visualization tool should always be read from left to right.  
2.11.  The representative of the Russian Federation  requested whether the direct correspondence 
between  CPC Version 2.1 and W/120  was available , which could be more suitable than the 
visualization tool.  
2.12.  The representative of the UNSD  stated that the correspondence between the codes in W/120 
and in CPC Version 2.1 was not available in a  single document . The visualization tool  was built to 
facilitate the navigation between W/120 and CPC Version 2.1 . Developing a direct correspondence 
table would require substantial  effort s and resources.  She recalled that the links shown in the tool 
shoul d not be viewed  as full correspondences, but rather as an illustration of  the relevant linked 
codes . 
2.13.  The Chairperson  thank ed the UNSD. He hoped delegations could take advantage of the 
fantastic visualization tool in services trade negotiations and the development of statistics. He 
reminded that the Committee provide d a good forum to catch up with the evolution in services 
classification s and impr ove collective  understanding. He encourage d delegations to continue the 
useful discussion.  
2.14.  The Chairperson  suggested that the Committee take note of the statements made and revert 
to this agenda item at its next meeting.  
2.15.  It was so agreed .  
3  ITEM C - IMPLE MENTATION OF SPECIFIC COMMITMENTS  
3.1.  The Chairperson  recalled that at the last two meeting s, the Committee had considered a 
proposal (S/CSC/W/73) from the delegation of Türkiye  on implementation issues related to specific 
commitments and Article II (MFN) on cross -border supply of road transport services under the GATS. 
The proposal mainly raised three questions for discussion: 1) the compatibility of imposing truck 
quotas with f ull market access commitments in Mode 1 on road transport services; 2) the 
understanding of "Unbound " in market access and "None" in national treatment with respect to cross 
border supply of road transport; and 3) the MFN obligation with respect to all mea sures affecting 
international road transport including truck quotas, passage fees  and customs measures . In 
particular, at the previous  meeting, the Turkish delegation made a detailed presentation to help 
Members better understand these issues.  Nevertheless , the discussions remained  preliminary and 
did not  address the substance of the issues raised. Some delegations indicated that they were still 
considering the proposal and would revert to it with more detailed comments. He encouraged 
Members to engage on the substance with a view to a meaningful exchange of information and 
mutual understanding.  
3.2.  The representative of  Türkiye  recalled that , as previously mentioned  and indicated in the  annual 
report of the Committee,  it had made a detailed presentation in July 2022 of the rationale behind its 
proposal. Türkiy e had in particular expressed its confusion in understanding the commitments of 
some Members  regarding cross -border road freight transport  services . Türkiye  believed that the 
mandate of the Committee was appropriate to discuss this type of issue  and Members ' views and 
understand ing of related commitments . Türkiye wanted Members to share and exchange 
information . During its July 2022 presentation, Türkiye  also raised the idea that other international 
organisations be invited  to share their work on this topic, and their  views on  how the current applied 
system might affect trade.  S/CSC/M/90  
 
- 4 - 
 
  3.3.  The representative of Türkiye  took note of the comments and concerns of certain  Members  
raised during the previous meeting , which  were also reflected  in the annual report of the Committee . 
She also noted  a request that Türkiye  prepare a workshop proposal  to invite other international 
organisations to share information on their work. On some Members ' comment s about  mandate , 
referring to the Committee's  past work and proposals , she indicated  that her delegation's proposal  
fitted into the Committee's mandate  to discuss Members' understanding of  specific commitments . It 
would be use ful to invite at least  the observer international organisations  to share the work they 
had undertaken regarding cross -border road transport services . This would be in line with the rules 
and procedures of the WTO Committees.  She further asked whether Members had concluded their 
internal consultations regarding the questions raised in the Turkish presentation and proposal.  
3.4.  The Chairperson  took note of  Türkiye 's request for the Committee to invite international 
organisations to  share their work  on road transport . He recalled the Rules of Procedures for WTO 
bodies (WT/L/161) that observers to the WTO bodies may be invited to attend and speak at the 
meetings of relevant WTO bodies.  He reminded delegations that t he UN, World Bank, IMF and OECD 
were observers to the CSC.   
3.5.  The representative of the United States indicate d that in principle it did not have any objection 
for this type of presentation . He added that prior to such a session it might be useful if Türkiye  or 
the Secretariat provided a list of the publications or studies prepared by these international 
organisations  so that Members be better informed on what ha d been done specifically.  He caution ed 
Members against these organisations interpreting GATS commitments or making judgments on 
those.  
3.6.  The Chairperson  proposed that Türkiye  or the Secretariat  first provide a list of these studies or 
other relevant material s of other international organisations before inviting  them. He also took not e 
of the United States' comments on avoiding international organisations  interpreting or judging 
Members' schedules of commitments . In that regard, he proposed that Members be info rmed of 
those  studies and discuss how to proceed with other international organisations  during the next 
meeting of the Committee .  
3.7.  The representative of the European Union agreed  on the intention and reasoning behind  the 
communication circulated . She outlined that the i nternational regulatory framework governing road 
transport was complex and fragmented. In the past, the Secretariat  had produced useful b ackground 
documents t o support  the understanding  of such service s. The complexity of the sector made it 
difficult to engage in theoretical discussions  on the interpretation of commitments. The delegation 
had doubts as to  whether further work on this  topic could br ing specific results . She agreed that it 
would be useful to obtain further information on the eventual relevant work done by  observer 
organisations to the Committee  and see how it would be useful  information  for delegations . The 
European Union remained committed to supporting the development a nd facilitation of international 
road transport in organisations such as the International Transport Forum and the UN Economic 
Commission for Europe . 
3.8.  The Chairperson  thank ed delegations that made comments and suggest ions on this matter. He 
also thanked Türkiye  for its important contribution to the Committee work  and for the delegations' 
engagement. He encourage d Members to contribute to this substantive discussion at the next 
meeting.  
3.9.  He then move d to the agenda subitem on implementation of conditional commitments.  He 
recall ed that this was a transparency exercise following a proposal from the United States 
(S/CSC/W/69, dated 5  March  2020). The exercise ha d been conducted on a voluntary basis and 
facilitate d by the Compilation of Conditional Commitments in GATS schedules prepared by the 
Secretariat  (S/CSC/W/70 , dated 13 November 2020 and S/CSC/W/70/Rev.1, dated 7 June 2021 ). 
At previous meetings, several delegations had provided updates on the "conditions " included in their 
commitments, which were usually about domestic legislative actions or policy reviews associated 
with the entry into force, implementation or updating of commitments. These updates had been 
incorporated in the revisions of the Compilation. In particular, Thailand's implementation of its 
conditional commitments in telecommunications had been  certified pursuant to document S/L/84.   S/CSC/M/90  
 
- 5 - 
 
  3.10.  The representative  of the United States  thank ed Members that had provided updates and 
welcomed other Members  that would provide updates on a voluntary basis in future meetings.  He 
indicated that the United States was flexible on the proce ss for this agenda item at future meetings .  
3.11.  The Chairperson  thank ed those Members that had provided information on their commitments 
in the spirit of transparency. He encouraged  more Members to continue to do so at future meetings.  
He suggested that the Committee take note of the statement made and revert to th at agenda i tem 
at its next meeting.   
3.12.  It was so  agreed . 
4  ITEM D – SCHEDULING ISSUES  
4.1.  No intervention was made under this item.  
4.2.  The Chairperson  suggested that the Committee revert to th at agenda item at its next meeting.  
4.3.  It was so agreed .  
5  ITEM E – OTHER BUSINESS  
5.1.  As mentioned at the beginning of the meeting, as newly elected Chairperson  of the Committee, 
he intend ed to hold consultations on future work at the beginning of 2023. Despite its importance, 
the Committee ha d been idle for some time. He believe d there were many technical issues worth 
the Committee's attention given that services were fast evolving , such as d igital service s, services 
related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, just to name a few. The question was whether 
and how M embers want ed to make the Committee better function. He therefore w ould make himself 
available to listen to delegations' suggestions with a view to moving forward the Committee work.  
5.2.  In relation to the consultations to be held and the proposed future work  of the Committee  
mentioned by the Chair person , the representative of India recalled that there were ongoing 
plurilateral discussions , to which India was not a party . She outlined the need to discuss these issues 
in a multilateral framework . The delegate requested clarification as to how  and what the Chair  
planned to address on these specific issues , and whether that would be in the spirit of the multilateral 
nature of  the Committee .  
5.3.  The Chairperson  responded that his intention was to hold consultations to seek Members' 
proposals in order to enrich  the work of the Committee. He was open to suggestions from any 
Member to have more discussions in the Committee in the fut ure. 
5.4.  The meeting was adjourned . 
__________