WT/GC/182  
 
21 December 2016 
(16-7002) Page: 1/16 
   
 
GENERAL COUNCIL  
ANNUAL REPORT (2016)  
The present report has been prepared in pursuance of the Procedures for an Annual Overview of 
WTO Activities and for Reporting under the WTO (WT/L/105).  
 
Since its previous annual report1, the General Council ha s held five meetings, on 24  February, 
12 May, 27  July, 3 October , and 7 December  2016. The minutes of these meetings, which remain 
in the record of the General Council's work, are co ntained in documents WT/GC/M/161 , 
WT/GC/M/162, WT/GC/M/163, WT/GC/M/ 164 and WT/GC /M/1652. 
 
The following subjects are included in the report:  
 
1   TRADE NEGOTIATIONS C OMMITTEE – REPORTS  ................................ .........................  2 
2   IMPLEMENTATION OF TH E BALI AND NAIROBI OUTC OMES – STATEMENTS BY 
THE CHAIRMAN  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  4 
3   WORK PROGRAMME ON EL ECTRONIC COMMERCE – REVIEW OF PROGRESS  ................  4 
4   WOR K PROGRAMME ON SMALL  ECONOMIES – REPORTS  ................................ .............  5 
5   AID FOR TRADE – REPORT  ................................ ................................ ..........................  5 
6   THE DEVELOPMENT ASSI STANCE ASPECTS OF CO TTON – STATE MENT BY THE 
DIRECTOR -GENERAL  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  6 
7   REVIEW UNDER PARAGRA PH 8 OF THE DECISION  ON THE IMPLEMENTATIO N 
OF PARAGRAPH 6 OF TH E DOHA DECLARATION O N THE TRIPS AGREEMEN T AND 
PUBLIC HEALTH – REPORT OF TH E COUNCIL FOR TRIPS  ................................ ..................  6 
8   ACCESSION MATTERS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 6 
8.1   WTO Accessions – Statement by Morocco on behalf of the African Group  ............................  6 
8.2   Algeria  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  7 
8.3   Working Party on the Accession of the Islamic Republic of Iran – Statement by 
Oman  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................  7 
8.4   Somalia and Timor -Leste  ................................ ................................ ..............................  7 
8.5   Belarus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  7 
8.6   2016 Annual Report by the Director -General  ................................ ................................ ... 7 
9   PROCEDURE FOR THE IN TRODUCTION OF HS 201 7 CHANGES TO SCHEDUL ES 
OF CONCESSIONS USING  THE TARIFF SCHEDULES  (CTS) DATABASE  ...............................  7 
10   WAIVERS ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  8 
10.1   United States – Former Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands – Statement by the 
Chairman of the Council for Trade in Goods  ................................ ................................ ............  8 
                                                
1 The annual report  of the General Council for 2015 was circulated in WT/GC/178 and 
WT/GC/178/Corr.1 . 
2 WT/GC/M/165 is to be issued.  WT/GC/182  
 
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  10.2   Introduction of Harmonized System 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2017 Changes into 
WTO Schedules of Tariff Concessions – Draft Decision  ................................ .............................  8 
10.3   United States – Former Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands – Extension of Waiver 
– Draft Decision  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  8 
10.4   United States – Trade Preferences granted to Nepal – Draft Decision  ...............................  8 
10.5   European Union – Application of Autonomous Preferential Treatment to the 
Western Balkans – Extension of Waiver – Draft Decision  ................................ ..........................  8 
10.6   Cuba – Article XV:6  of GATT 1994 – Extension of Waiver  ................................ ................  8 
10.7   Review of Waivers Pursuant to Article IX:4 of the WTO Agreement  ................................ .. 8 
11   ELEVENTH SES SION OF THE MINISTER IAL CONFERENCE – DATE AND VENUE  ...........  9 
12   ENHANCING THE PARTIC IPATION OF MICRO, SM ALL AND MEDIUM 
ENTERPRISES (MSMES) IN REGIONAL AND GLOB AL MARKETS — STATEMENTS 
BY THE PHILIPP INES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 10 
13   TRADE RESTRICTIONS B Y THE RUSSIAN FEDERA TION AND THE RUSSIAN  
FEDERATION'S TRADE M EASURES AFFECTING UK RAINIAN TRANSIT OF 
PRODUCTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  10 
13.1   Communication from Ukraine  ................................ ................................ ..................... 10 
13.2   Statement by Ukraine  ................................ ................................ ............................... 10 
14   PROHIBITION OF TRANS PORTATION OF TRANS IT GOODS ON RUSSIAN 
ROAD TRANSPORT BY UK RAINE – STATEMENT BY THE RUS SIAN FEDERATION  .............  10 
15   COMMITTEE ON BUDGET,  FINANCE AND ADMINIST RATION  ................................ .... 11 
15.1   Reports and Recommendations ................................ ................................ ................... 11 
16   WTO PENSION PLAN  ................................ ................................ ...............................  11 
16.1   Reports and Amendments  ................................ ................................ .......................... 11 
16.2   Election of Chairperson, Members, and Alternates to the Management Board  ................... 11 
17   ADMINISTRATIVE MEASU RES FOR MEMBERS IN A RREARS  ................................ ..... 12 
18   WTO YOUNG PROFESSION ALS PROGRAMME – STATEMENT BY THE 
DIRECTOR -GENERAL  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 12 
19   WORKSHOP ON E -COMMERCE – STATEMENT BY KOREA  ................................ ..........  12 
20   WORKSHOP ON THE WTO AND AGENDA 2030 – STATEMENT BY AUSTRAL IA ...........  12 
21   AFRICAN UNION LEVY – STATEMENT BY THE UNI TED STATES  ................................  12 
22   INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE UNCTAD/WTO – REPORT OF THE JOINT 
ADVISORY GROUP ON IT S 50TH SESSION  ................................ ................................ ....... 13 
23   REVIEW OF WTO ACTIVI TIES  ................................ ................................ ..................  13 
24   APPOINTMENT OF DIREC TOR-GENERAL  ................................ ................................ .. 13 
25   APPOINTMENT OF OFFIC ERS TO WTO BODIES  ................................ ........................  13 
25.1   Consultations on the Guidelines for the Appointment of Officers – Report by the 
Chairman  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 16 
26   ELECTION OF CHAIRPER SON ................................ ................................ ...................  16 
 
1  TRADE NEGOTIATIONS COM MITTEE – REPORTS  (WT/GC/M/161 ; WT/GC/M/162; 
WT/GC/M/163; WT/GC/M/ 164 AND WT/GC/M/165 ) 
1.1.  Ministers at Doha established a Trade Negotiations Committee under the authority of the 
General Council to supervise the overall conduct of the negoti ations (WT/MIN(01)/DEC/1). In 
accordance with the Principles and Practices endorsed by the Trade Negotiations Committee at its 
first meeting in 2002 (TN/C/M/1), the TNC reports to each regular meeting of the General Council.  WT/GC/182  
 
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  1.2.  At the General Council meeting s in February , May, July, October , and December , the 
Director -General reported on each occasion on relevant activities since his previous report to the 
General Council including on Informal Heads of Delegation Meetings he convened on the matter .3  
1.3.  At the February  meeting, the representatives of Peru; Fiji (Pacific Group); Chile;  the Kingdom 
of Saudi Arabia (Arab Group) ; China; Nigeria; Chinese Taipei (Article XII Members); the Bolivarian 
Republic of Venezuela; Lao PDR (ASEAN); Ecuador; Turkey; Nepal; Indone sia (G -33); the Republic 
of Korea; Paraguay; Burkina Faso; Cameroon; Mor occo (African Group); Benin (LDCs ); Zimbabwe; 
Jamaica and Gabon spoke4. The General Council took note of the Director -General's report and of 
the statements.  
1.4.  At the May meeting,  the re presentatives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Arab Group); the 
Plurinational State of Bolivia; Benin (LDCs); Cameroon; Uganda; Nigeria; Rwanda (ACP); the 
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; Ecuador; Kenya; Cuba; Mali (C -4); Qatar; Nepal; Turkey; 
Pakistan; Tu nisia; Chile; Morocco (African Group); Australia (also on behalf of New Zealand) ; 
Sierra Leone; Lesotho and Tanzania spoke5. The General Council took note of the Director -
General's report and of the statements.  
1.5.  At the July meeting,  the representatives of Turkey; Ukraine; Mexico; the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia (Arab Group); Malaysia (ASEAN);  the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; Uganda; Nepal; 
Colombia; Chile; China; Barbados; Liberia and Brazil spoke6. The General Council took note of the 
Director -General's re port and of the statements.  
1.6.  At the October  meeting,  the representatives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Arab Group); 
Benin (LDCs); the Dominican Republic (IGDC) and Nepal spoke7. The General Council took note of 
the Director -General's report and of the sta tements.  
1.7.  At the December  meeting, the representatives of Morocco (African Group); Uganda and Fiji 
(also on behalf of the Pacific Group)  spoke8. The General Council took note of the Director -
General's report and of the statements . 
                                                
3 The Director -General's reports at the General Council meeting and at the relevant Informal Meetings  at 
the level of Heads of Delegation were subsequently circulated as JOB/GC/ 91, JOB/GC/ 92, JOB/GC/ 102, 
JOB/GC/ 105, and JOB/GC/ 111 respectively.  
4 At their request, the statements delivered at the 10 February Informal Meeting at the level of Heads of 
Delega tion by the following delegations were incorporated in the minutes of the February  meeting  in 
WT/GC/M/161: Argentina; Bangladesh (for LDC Group – requested by Benin); Plurinational State of Bolivia; 
Brazil; Cuba; Guatemala (SVEs); India; Indonesia; Japan; Kenya; Mexico; Pakistan; Rwanda; South Africa; 
Uganda; United States  and Uruguay . 
5 At their request, the statements delivered at the 9 May Informal Meeting at the level of Heads of 
Delegatio n by the following delegations we re inc orporated in the minutes o f the May meeting in WT/GC/M/162 : 
Brazil; Canada; China; European Union; India; Indonesia; Japan; Mexico; Paragua y; South Africa; Chinese 
Taipei and  Uruguay.  
6 At their request, the statements delivered at the 25 July Informal Meeting at the level of Heads  of 
Delegatio n by the following delegations we re incorporated in the minutes of the July  meeting in WT/GC/M/163 : 
Argentina; Bangladesh; Benin (LDCs); Plurinational State of Bolivia; Brazil; China; Colombia; Costa Rica; 
Cuba; Ecuador; European Union; Guatem ala (SVEs); Hong Kong, China; India; Indonesia; Japan; Republic of 
Korea; Liberia; Mali (C -4); Montenegro; New Zealand; Norway; Pakistan; Paraguay; Peru; Russian Federation; 
Rwanda (ACP); Singapore; South Africa; Switzerland; Chinese Taipei (Arti cle XII Me mbers); United States  and 
Uruguay.  
7 At their request, the statements delivered at the 30 September Informal Meeting at the level of Heads 
of Delegation by the following delegations were incorporated in the minutes of the October  meeting in 
WT/GC/M/164: Argentina; Plurinational State of Bolivia; Brazil; Chile; Colombia; Costa Rica; Cuba; Dominican 
Republic; Ecuador; European Union; Indonesia (G -33); Japan; Republic of Korea; Lesotho; Mali (C -4); Morocco 
(African Group); New Zealand; Nigeria; Norway; Pakista n; Peru; Russian Federation; Rwanda (ACP); Senegal; 
South Africa; Chinese Taipei  (Article XII Members) ; Tanzania; Tunisia;  Uganda; Ukraine; United States  and 
Uruguay.  
8 The statements delivered at the 1 and 5 December Informal Meeting at the level of Heads  of 
Delegation by the following delegations are to be  incorporated in the minutes of the December meeting in 
WT/GC/M/165: Norway; Chad (LDCs); Lao PDR (ASEAN); Argentina; Egypt; Japan; Ecuador; Chile; New 
Zealand; Rwanda (ACP); India; Republic of Korea; Ur uguay; Australia; European Union; Indonesia (also on 
behalf of the G -33); United States; China; Singapore; Colombia; Pakistan ; South Africa; Dominican Republic; 
Russian Federation;  Costa Rica; Hong Kong, China ; Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Arab Group); Switzer land; WT/GC/182  
 
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  2  IMPLEMENTATION OF TH E BALI  AND NAIROBI OUTCOMES  – STATEMENTS BY THE 
CHAIRMAN  (WT/GC/M/161 ; WT/GC/M/162; WT/GC /M/163; WT/GC/M/ 164 AND 
WT/GC/M/165 ) 
2.1.  Since July 2014 , the item on implementation of the Bali outcomes  has been included on the 
General Council's agenda at the request of the  Chairman , to provide an update on  the work taking 
place in th e regular bodies which were directly working on the various Bali Decisions.  After the 
Tenth Ministerial Conference, reports on the implementation of the Nairobi outcomes were also 
provided  under  this item.  
2.2.  At the General Council meetings in February , May, July, October , and December , the 
Chairman reported on the work taking place in WTO regular bodies to fulfil the Bali  and Nairobi  
Ministerial mandates.9 
2.3.  At the February  meeting, the representativ e of Sierra Leone spoke. The General Council took 
note of the Chairman's report and of the statement.  
2.4.  At the May meeting,  the representatives of the Republic of Moldova; Brazil; Montenegro; 
Paraguay; the United States; Benin (LDCs) ; New Zealand (also on be half of Australia) ; Canada; 
Argentina; Japan and  the European Union spoke. The General Council took note of the Chairman's 
report and of the statements.  
2.5.  At the July meeting,  the representatives of Benin (LDC s), Tan zania, Uganda and  the Russian 
Federation s poke. The General Council took note of the Chairman's report and of the statements.  
2.6.  At the October  meeting,  the Director -General and the representative of Benin (LDCs) spoke. 
The General Council took note of the Chairman's report and of the statements.  
2.7.  At the December  meeting, the representatives of Benin (LDCs) and Uganda  spoke. The 
General Council took note of the Chairman's report and of the statements.  
3  WORK PROGRAMME ON EL ECTRONIC COMMERCE – REVIEW OF PROGRESS  
(WT/GC/M/163  AND WT/GC/M/165)  
3.1.  In line with the Declaration on Global Electronic Commerce adopted by Ministers at the 
second session of the Ministerial Conference (WT/MIN(98)/DEC/2), in September 1998, the 
General Council adopted a Work Programme on Electronic Commerce (WT/L/274). At MC10, 
Ministers  adopted a Decision on the Work Programme on Electron ic Commerce  (WT/MIN(15)/42 – 
WT/L/977)  which  instructed the General Council to hold periodic reviews in its sessions of July and 
December 2016 and July 20 17 based on the reports that could  be submitted b y the WTO bodies 
entrusted with the implementation of the Work Programme.  
3.2.  At the July meeting, Ambassador  Suescum (Panama), as the Friend of the Chair, provided an 
overview of the work taking place i n the work programme on e -commerce.  His report was 
subseq uently circulated in WT/GC/W/721 . The Chairman also drew attention to the reports 
submitted by the Chairs of the CTS (S/C/49) and the  CTG (G/C/57) and welcomed several 
submissions from a number of delegations in this area. The representatives of the United  States; 
Zimbabwe; Chile; Mexico; the European Union; Japan; the Republic of Korea;  the Russian 
Federation; Pakistan; and Brazil spoke10. The General Council took note of the reports by the 
Chairpersons of the Goods Council in G/C/57 and the Services Counci l in S/C/49, of Ambassador 
Suescum's report, and of the statements.  
3.3.  At the December  meeting, the Chairman provided an overview of the work taking place in the 
work programme on e -commerce. His report was subsequently circulated in WT/GC/W/ 728. The 
Chairman  also drew attention to the reports submitted by the Chairs of the CTS (S/C/51) and the 
                                                                                                                                                  
Senegal; Mexico; Chinese Taipei (Article XII Members); Plurinational State of Bolivia; Tunisia; Brazil; 
Zimbabwe; Nepal; Paraguay; B angladesh; Montenegro; Tanzania  and Nigeria.  
9 The Chairman's statements were subsequently circulated as J OB/GC/90, JO B/GC/93, JOB/GC/103, 
JOB/GC/ 106 and JOB/GC/ 112 respectively.  
10 At Ukraine's request made to the Chairman at the meeting, its statement under this item was 
incorporated in the minutes of the July meeting and can be found in Annex 3 of  WT/GC/M/163.  WT/GC/182  
 
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  CTG (G/C/58 ). The representatives of  Costa Rica; China;  the European Union;  the United States; 
Benin (LDCs); Japan; Pakistan; Paraguay; Lao PDR (ASEAN); Peru;  the Repub lic of Korea; 
Uganda; Norway; Canada; Nigeria; Chile; Hong Kong, China; Switzerland; India; Australia; Brazil; 
Mexico; Ecuador; Singapore; El Salvador; Colombia; Uruguay and the Plurinational State of Bolivia  
spoke. The General Council took note of the rep orts by the Chairperson s of the Goods Council in 
G/C/58  and the Services Council in S/C/51 , of the Chairman 's report, and of the statements.  
4  WORK PROGRAMME ON SM ALL ECONOMIES – REPORTS  (WT/GC/M/161 ; 
WT/GC/M/162; WT/GC/M /163; WT/GC/M/ 164 AND WT/GC/M/165 ) 
4.1.  In 2002, the General Council took note of a framework and procedures for the conduct of the 
Work Programme on Small Economies, which had been agreed by Ministers at Doha 
(WT/MIN(01)/DEC/1, paragraph 35), under which this Work Programme would be a standing it em 
on the General Council's agenda and which also provided that the Committee on Trade and 
Development (CTD) would report regularly to the General Council on the progress of work in its 
Dedicated Sessions on this subject.  In December 2015, Ministers at MC1 0 adopted the Decision on 
the Work Progra mme on Small Economies (WT/MIN(15)/40 – WT/L/975)  which reaffirmed  their 
commitment to the Work Programme and instructed the CTD to continue its work in Dedicated 
Sessions under the overall responsibility of the Gen eral Council.  
4.2.  At the February  meeting, t he CTD Chair man referred to the Nairobi Decision on the Work 
Programme on Small Economies and said that the CTD -DS would focus on the challenges small 
economies faced in the textiles and apparel sector, and in reduci ng trade costs, particularly in the 
area of trade facilitation, and on small economies' participation in services value chains. The 
representatives of Guatemala (SVEs) and the United States spoke . The General Council took note 
of the report and of the stat ements.  
4.3.  At the May meeting, t he CTD Chair man reported that discussion s in the CTD -DS focused on 
accessing global value chains in the textiles and clothing sector. In fulfilling its Nairobi mandate, 
work on global value chains continued , and work on reducin g trade costs would begin at its next 
meeting in July. The representatives of Guatemala (SVEs) and the United States spoke . The 
General Council took note of the report and of the statements.  
4.4.  At the July meeting, t he CTD Chair man reported that  discussion s in the CTD -DS focused on 
accessing global value chains in the tourism sector. In fulfilling its Nairobi mandate, prel iminary 
work bega n with the Dedicated Session set to further advance its work at its next meeting in 
November. The representative of Hondura s (SVEs) spoke . The General Council took note of the 
report and of the statement . 
4.5.  At the October  meeting , the CTD Chair man reported that the CTD -DS was preparing for its 
next Dedicated Session which  would  focus on "Information Technology" and "Business Pro cess 
Outsourcing". In fulfilling its Nairobi mandate, he reiterated that preliminary work began with the 
CTD-DS set to further advance its work in November. The representative of Guatemala (SVEs) 
spoke. The General Council took note of the report and of th e statement.  
4.6.  At the December  meeting,  the CTD Chairman  reported on the Dedicated Session held on 4 
November, where discussions had focused on IT and BPO services and logistics and maritime 
transport services. In relation to the Nairobi mandate, Members  had agreed to a revised proposal 
introduced by Guatemala ( SVEs) in WT/COMTD/SE/W/33/Rev.1 . The representative of Honduras 
(SVEs)  spoke. The General Council took note of the report and of the statement.  
5  AID FOR TRADE – REPORT  (WT/GC/M/161)  
5.1.  At the February  meeting, t he CTD Chairperson introduced the Aid -for-Trade Work Programme 
for 2016 -2017 in document WT/COMTD/AFT/W/60 with the organizing theme of "Promoting 
Connectivity". The work programme would further deepen analysis of the supply -side capacity and 
trade -related infrastructure constraints faced by developing countries. The  representative of the  
United States spoke.  The General Council took note of the new Aid for Trade Work Programme, of 
the statement of the Chairperson of the CTD and of the other statement . WT/GC/182  
 
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  6  THE DEVELOPMENT ASSI STANCE ASPECTS OF CO TTON – STATEMENT BY THE 
DIRECTOR -GENERAL (WT/GC/M/165 ) 
6.1.  In Paragraph 1.b of the 1 August 2004 Decision on the Doha Work Programme (WT/L/579), 
the General Council, inter alia, took note of the bilateral, multilateral , and regional efforts to make 
progress on the development assistance aspects of the Cotton Initiative, and instructed the 
Secretariat to continue to work with the development community and to provide the Council with 
periodic reports on relevant developme nts. The Council also instructed the Director -General to 
consult with relevant international organizations, including the Bretton Woods Institutions, the 
Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Trade Centre, to direct effectively existing 
programmes and any additional resources towards development of the economies where cotton 
had vital importance. The Bali and Nairobi Decisions reaffirmed this mandate, and invited the 
Director -General to continue to provide periodic reports.  
6.2.  At the December  meeting, Deputy Director -General Shark, on behalf of the Director -General, 
report ed on the development assistance aspects of cotton and noted the acceleration in the 
implementation of proje cts and programmes in the area. He commended delegations for their  
constructive engagement i n the Consultative Framework, highlighted contributions on the Sout h-
South Cooperation platform and  urged Members to continue to strengthen its development 
assistance for the LDCs' cotton sector. The representative  of Benin (LDCs)  spoke. The General 
Council took note of the Deputy Director -General's statement, on behalf of the Director -General,  
and of the statement . 
7  REVIEW UNDER PARAGRA PH 8 OF THE DECISION  ON THE IMPLEMENTATIO N OF 
PARAGRAPH 6 OF THE D OHA DECLARATION ON T HE TRIPS AG REEMENT AND PUBLIC 
HEALTH – REPORT OF THE COUNCI L FOR TRIPS  (WT/GC/M/165)  
7.1.  In August 2003, the General Council adopted a Decision on the Implementation of Paragraph 
6 of the Doha Declaration on the TRIP S Agreement and Public Health. Parag raph 8 of that Deci sion 
provided  that the TRIPS Coun cil should  review annually the functioning of the system set out in 
the Decision with a view to ensuring it s effective operation, and should  annually report on its 
operation to the General Council.  
7.2.  At the December  meeting, the Chairman of the TRIPS Council introduced the  report of that 
Council (IP/C/76 ) on its annual review of the Decision on the Implementation of Paragraph 6 of the 
Doha Declaration on the TRIP S Agreement and Public Health. The report also provided an update  
on the status of acceptances of the Protocol Amending t he TRIPS Agreement. The Director -General  
and the representatives of Canada and Morocco (African Group)  spoke. The General Council took 
note of the report of the TRIPS Council and of the statements.  
8  ACCESSION MATTERS  
8.1  WTO Accessions  – Statement by Morocco on behalf of the African Group  
(WT/GC/M/163)  
8.1.  At the July meeting, the representative of Morocco, on behalf of the African Group,  made a 
statement on WTO accession issues calling upon Members to help exp edite the accession process 
and underlining the necessity of intensifying the pro vision of technical assistance. The 
representatives of Oman (also on behalf of the ACP Group, Brazil, Cuba, the C -4, Japan, Oman, 
the Russian Federation, Turkey and Viet Nam) ; Benin (LDC s); Chinese Taipei; India; the Kingdom 
of Saudi Arabia (Arab Group); Chad; Qatar; the Republic of Korea; Yemen; China;  the Dominican 
Republic (IGDC) ; Bangladesh; Indonesia;  the Russia n Federation and  the European Union, and 
H.E. Dr Kamal Hassan Ali, Minister of International Cooperation of  the Republic of Sudan (as an 
Observer ) spoke11. The Chairman informed Members that following consultations, there was a 
broad consensus on Mr Ryosuke Kuwawa (DPR of Japan) to serve as Chair person  of the Working 
Party on the Accession of Sudan.  The General Council took note of the statements.  
 
                                                
11 At Japa n's request made to the Chairman at the meeting, its statement under this item was 
incorporated in th e minutes of the July meeting and can be found in  Annex 4 of  WT/GC/M/163.  WT/GC/182  
 
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  8.2  Algeria  (WT/GC/M/164)  
8.2.  At the October  meeting, the Chair man announced cons ensus on the appointment of 
Ambassador Gustavo  Vanerio (Uruguay) as Chair person  of the Working Party  on the Accession of 
Algeria.  The representatives of Uruguay and Algeria (Observer) spoke. The General Council took 
note of the statements.  
8.3  Working Party on the Accession of the Islamic Republic of Iran – Statement by 
Oman  (WT/GC/M/162)  
8.3.  At the May meeting,  the representative of Oman, on behalf of Armenia, the Plurinational 
State of Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, China, Cuba, India, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Mozambique, Nicaragua, 
Oman, the Russian Federation, South Africa, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uruguay, the Bolivarian Repu blic 
of Venezuela and Zimbabwe, made a statement on the working party process on the Accession of 
the Islamic Republic of Iran.  The representatives of Japan;  the European Union; the Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia; Switzerland; Mexico; Qatar; Nigeria; China; Bahra in; Yemen; Sri Lanka; 
Montenegro; New Zealand; Norway;  the Republic of Korea; the United Arab Emirates; Colombia; 
the State of Kuwait; Lesotho; Jordan; Benin and Uganda spoke. The General Council took note of 
the statements.  
8.4  Somalia  and Timor -Leste  (WT/GC/ M/165)  
8.4.  At the December  meeting, the Chairman drew the Council's attention to the communications 
from the Federal Republic of Somalia (WT/ACC/SOM/1) and from the Democratic Republic of 
Timor -Leste (WT/ACC/TLS/1) requesting accession to the WTO Agreement pur suant to Article XII. 
He proposed that the  General Council agree  to establish the respective Working Parties with 
standard terms of reference and membership, which he read out . The General Council so agreed.  
8.5.   The Director -General, H.E. Faduma Abdullahi Moh amud , Permanent Representative of 
Somalia (as an Observer) , H.E. Estanisla u Aleixo da Silva, Minister of Economic Affairs and of 
Agriculture and Fisheries of Timor -Leste (as an  Observer)  and the representatives of Morocco 
(African Group); the Kingdom of Sa udi Arabia (Arab Group); Lao PDR (ASEAN); Benin (LDCs); 
Kenya; Chinese Taipei (Article XII Members); Turkey; China;  the United States; Japan; Yemen; 
Brazil; Tanzania;  the Republic of Korea; Norway; Cambodia; Australia; New Zealand; India; the 
European Unio n; Canada; Fiji (Pacific Group); Cape Verde; the Russian Federation; Uganda and 
Sudan ( as an Observer)  spoke. The General Council took note of the statements.  
8.5  Belarus  (WT/GC/M/165)  
8.6.  At the December  meeting, the Chairman informed Members that, following cons ultations and 
in keeping with usual WTO practice, it had been agreed that Ambassador Kemal Madenoğlu 
(Turkey)  would be Chairman of the  Working Party on the Accession of Belarus.  The representatives 
of Turkey and Belarus ( as an Observer) spoke.  The General Council took note of the statement s. 
8.6  2016 Annual Report by the Director -General (WT/G C/M/165)  
8.7.  At the December  meeting, Deputy Director -General Shark, on behalf of the Direc tor-General, 
introduced the 2016  Annual Report on WTO Accessions  (WT/ACC/28). The representatives of the 
European Union; Yemen; Oman; Belarus ( as an Observer) and Iran ( as an Observer)  spoke. The 
General Council took note of the Director -General's report and of the statements.  
9  PROCEDURE FOR THE IN TRODUCTION OF HS 201 7 CHANGES TO SCHEDUL ES OF 
CONCESSIONS USING TH E TARIFF SCHEDULES ( CTS) DATABASE  
9.1.  At the December  meeting, th e General Council adopted the draft d ecision contained in 
G/C/W/732. The decision was subsequently circulated in WT/L/995.  
 WT/GC/182  
 
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  10  WAIVERS12 
10.1  United States – Former Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands – Statement by the 
Chairman of the Council for Trade in Goods  (WT/GC/M/163)  
10.1.   At the July meeting, t he Chairman, on behalf of the Goods Council Chair, in accordance with 
Article IX:3 of the WTO Agreement, reported that the Council for Trade in Goods had not 
completed the consideration of the United States' request on the extension of the waiver on the 
Former Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (G/C/W/721). The General Council agreed to allow the 
Goods Council to continue to consider this request.  
10.2  Introduction of H armonized System 2002, 2007 , 2012  and 2017  Changes in to WTO 
Schedules of Tariff Concessio ns – Draft Decision (WT/GC/M/165 ) 
10.2.   At the December  meeting, the General Council conside red four draft waiver decisions 
contained in G/C/W/728, G/C/W/729, G/C/W/730/Rev.1 and G/C/W/733/Rev.1 which concerned 
the Introductio n of Harmonized System 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2017 changes into WTO Schedules 
of Tariff Concessions, respectively. The Chairman of the Council for Trade in Goods reported on  the 
consideration of this matter by that Council. The General Council took note of t he report and, in 
accordance with the Decision -Making Procedures under Articles IX and XII of the WTO Agreement 
agreed in November 1995 (WT/L/93), adopted the four draft decisions (WT/L/ 996, WT/L/ 997, 
WT/L/ 998 and WT/L/ 999). 
10.3  United States – Former Trust Te rritory of the Pacific Islands – Extension of Waiver 
– Draft D ecision  (WT/GC/M/165)  
10.4  United States – Trade Preferences granted to Nepal – Draft D ecision  
(WT/GC/M/165)  
10.5  European Union – Application of Autonomous Preferential Treatment to the 
Western Balkans – Extension of Waiver – Draft D ecision  (WT/GC/M/165)  
10.6  Cuba – Article XV:6 of GATT 1994 – Extension of Waiver (WT/GC/M/165)  
10.3.   At the December  meeting, the General Counc il considered the  four draft wavier decision s 
conta ined in document s G/C/W/721 , G/C/W/724, G/C/W/731  and G/C/W/734 . The Chairman of 
the Council for Trade in Goods reported on consideration of this matter by that Council. The 
representatives of Montenegro; Nepal and Fiji (Pacific Group)  spoke. The General Council took note 
of the report  and of the statements, and  in accordance with the Decision -Making Procedures under 
Articles IX and XII of the WTO Agreement agreed in November 199 5 (WT/L/93), adopted the four 
draft d ecision s (WT/L/ 1000, WT/L/1001, WT/L/1002 and WT/L/1003 ). 
10.7  Review of Waivers Pursuant  to Article IX:4 of the WTO Agreement  (WT/GC/M/163  
and WT/GC/M/165 ) 
10.4.   Under Article IX:4 of the WTO Agreement, "[a]ny waiver granted for a period of more than 
one year shall be reviewed by the Ministerial Conference not later than one year after it is grante d, 
and thereafter annually until the waiver terminates ." 
10.5.   At the July meeting, the General Council considered the following waivers for review under 
Article IX:4:  
i. Canada – CARIBCAN , granted on 28 July 2015 until 31 December 2023 (WT/L/958, 
WT/L/987)  
ii. Prefere ntial Treatment for Least -Developed Countries, granted on 27 May 2009 until 
30 June 2019 (WT/L/759)  
                                                
12 A list of waivers granted in 2016 as well as those  previously granted and still  in force in 2016  is 
contained in WT/GC/W/729. Additionally, a  list of waivers granted by  the General Council and by the Ministerial 
Conference between 1995 and 2 015 can be found in WT/GC/W/718.  WT/GC/182  
 
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  iii. United States – Former Territory of the Pacific Islands , granted on 27  July 2007 until 
31 December  2016 ( WT/L/694, WT/L/990 and WT/L/990/Corr.1)  
iv. United Stat es – Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery  Act, granted on 5 May 2015 
until 31 December 2019 (WT/L/950, WT/L/988)  
v. Philippines – Special Treatment for Rice, granted on 24 July 2014 until 30  June 2017 
(WT/L/932)  
10.6.   In doing so, the General Council considered report s on implementation of the respective 
waivers in documents WT/L/987, WT/L/988, WT/L/990  and WT/L/990/Corr.1 . The representatives 
of Jamaica, Benin (LDCs) and Senegal spoke. The General Council took note of the reports , and of 
the statements , and reverted t o the review of multi -year waivers under Article IX.4 of the WTO 
Agreement at it s last regular meeting in 2016.  
10.7.   At the December  meeting, the General Council considered the following waivers for review 
under Article IX:4:  
i. Preferential treatment to services and service suppliers of least -developed countries, 
granted on 17 December 2011 until 31 December 2030 (WT/L/847,WT/L/982)  
ii. Kimberley process certification scheme for rough d iamonds, granted on 
12 December  2012 u ntil 31 December 2018 (WT/L/876)  
iii. European Uni on – Application of autonomous preferential treatment to the West 
Balkans, granted on 30 November 2011 until 31 December 2016 (WT/L/836, 
WT/L/993)  
iv. Cuba – Article XV:6 of GATT 1994, extension of waiver, granted on 14 February 2012 
until 31 December 2016 (WT /L/850, WT/L/994)  
10.8.   In doing so, the General Council considered reports on implementation of the respective 
waivers in documents WT/L/993 and WT/L/994 . The General Council took note of the reports . 
11  ELEVENTH  SESSION OF THE  MINISTERIAL CONFEREN CE – DATE AND VE NUE 
(WT/GC/M/162; WT/GC/ M/163; WT/GC/M/164  AND WT/GC/M/165 ) 
11.1.   Article IV of the Marrakesh Agreement provided that " There shall be a Ministerial Conference 
of representatives of all Members, which shall meet at least once every two years ." In Nairobi , 
under i tem 3 of the Agenda, Ministers instructed the General Council to hold consultations 
regarding  the date and venue of the Eleventh  Session of t he Ministerial Conference – MC11 . 
11.2.   At the May meeting, the Chairman announced that consultations would start shortly , with a 
view to Members taking a decision collectively on the date and venue of the next Ministerial 
Conference at the July General Council meeting.  The General Coun cil took note of the statement.  
11.3.   At the July meeting,  the Chairman drew Members' attention to Argentina's offer to host 
MC11 circulated in document WT/GC/180. Argentina introduced its communication in this regard. 
The Chairman and the Director -General thanked Argentina for its offer. The Chairman said he 
would  continue his consultations on this matter immediately after the summer break.  The General 
Council took note of the statements.  
11.4.   The Chairman  then drew Members' attention to Uruguay 's offer to host MC11 circul ated in 
document WT/GC/181. Uruguay  introduced its communication in this regard.  Th e Chairman and 
the Director -General thanked Uruguay for its offer.  The Chairman reiterated that he would 
continue his consultations after the summer break. The General Council took note of the 
statements.  
11.5.   At the October  meeting,  the Chairman reported that during the  consultations  the 
representatives of the two Members offering to host the Conference – Argentina and Uruguay – 
had been working in close contact. As a result of their excellent cooperation, Uruguay had WT/GC/182  
 
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  announced at the 30  September Informal HODs  meeting that its Government had decided to 
withdraw the offer to host MC11 in favour of Argentina . Given those developments, and in light of 
the high level of support for Argentina's candidature that the Chairman  had been detecting during 
his consultation s, the General Council agreed that the Eleventh Session of  the Ministerial 
Conference would  be hosted by Argentina, in Buenos Aires. The Director -General and the 
representative of Argentina spoke.  The General Council took note of the statements.  
11.6.   At the December  meeting, the General Council agreed that the Eleventh Session of the 
Ministerial Conference would take place  on 11 -14 December 2017 . 
12  ENHANCING THE  PARTICIPATION OF MIC RO, SMALL AND MEDIUM  ENTERPRISES 
(MSMES) IN REGIONAL  AND GLOBAL MARKETS — STATEMENT S BY THE PHILIPPINES 
(WT/GC/M/161; WT/GC/M /163  AND WT/GC/M/ 164)  
12.1.   At the February  meeting, t he representative of the Philippines, on behalf of the Philippines, 
Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR, Malaysia and Singapore, presented a  road map for 2016 to  address 
the m atter of Fostering the Participation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in 
Regional and Global Markets . The representatives of Turkey; the Russian Federation; New 
Zealand; the United States; Japan; India; the Republic of Korea; Switzerland; Pak istan; Benin 
(LDCs); Mexico; the European Union; Nigeria; Canada; Paraguay; Brazil; Colombia; Tanzania and 
the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela spoke. The General Council took note of the statements.  
12.2.   At the July meeting,  the representative of the Philippin es, also on behalf  of Brunei 
Darussalam, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand,  made a statement on the MSME s eminar, 
the summary of which could  be found in JOB/GC/95. The Director -General and the representative 
of Chinese Taipei  spoke . The General Cou ncil took note of the statements.  
12.3.   At the October  meeting, the representative of the Philippines made a statement on the 
MSMEs session at the 15th WTO Public Forum . The Philippines would come out with a summary of 
the Public Forum session and together with the co -sponsors, Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR, 
Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, they would engage Members on how to pursue the initiative 
further. The General Coun cil took note of the statement.  
13  TRADE RESTRICTIONS B Y THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION A ND THE RUSSIAN 
FEDERATION'S TRADE ME ASURES AFFECTING UKR AINIAN TRANSIT OF PR ODUCTS  
13.1  Communication from Ukraine (WT/GC/M/161)  
13.1.   At the February  meeting, the representative of Ukraine made a statement on the Trade 
Restrictions by the Russian Federation following its communicat ion to the Goods Council in 
document G/C/W/720. The  representatives of the  Russian Federation; Turkey; the European 
Union;  the United States  and Canada spoke . The General Council took note of the statements.  
13.2  Statement by  Ukraine (WT/GC/M/163)  
13.2.   At the July meeting, the representative of Ukraine made a statement on the Russian 
Federation's trade measures affecting Ukrainian transit of products. The representatives of the 
United States;  the European Union; Japan; Canada; Georgia; Australia;  the Republic of Kore a; 
Norway and the Russian Federation spoke. The General Council took note of the statements.  
14  PROHIBITION OF TRANS PORTATION OF TRANSIT  GOODS ON RUSSIAN ROA D 
TRANSPORT BY UKRAINE  – STATEMENT BY THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION ( WT/GC/M/161)  
14.1.   At the February  meeting, the representative of the Russian Federation made a statement on 
Ukraine's prohibition of transportation of transit goods by Russian road transport. The 
representatives of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova spoke . The General Council took note of 
the state ments.  WT/GC/182  
 
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  15  COMMITTEE ON BUDGET,  FINANCE AND ADMINIST RATION  
15.1  Reports and Recommendations ( WT/GC/M/162; WT/GC/M/163; WT/GC/M/ 164; 
and WT/GC/M/165 ) 
15.1.   At the May meeting, t he General Council considered reports by the Committee on Budget, 
Finance and Administration on  its meetings in March (WT/BFA/153)  and April (WT/BFA/154) . The 
General Council took note of the statement of the Chairperson of the Committee on Budget, 
Finance and Administration, approved the Budget Committee's specific recommendation in 
paragraph 1.6 o f the report in WT/BFA/153 and adopted both reports in WT/BFA/153 and 
WT/BFA/154.  
15.2.   At the July meeting, the General Council considered the report by the Committee on 
Budget, Finance and Administration on its meeting in June (WT/BFA/155). The General Council  
took note of the statement, approved the Budget Committee's specific recommendations in 
paragraph 2.13 of the report in WT/BFA/ 155 and adopted the report in WT/BFA/155.  
15.3.   At the October  meeting,  the General Council considered the report by the Committee on 
Budget, Finance and Administration on its meeting in September (WT/BFA/156). The General 
Council took note of the statement, adopted the r eport of the Budget Committee in WT/BFA/156 
and approved the specific recommendations in paragraphs 4.2, 5.2 and 8.2 o f the report.  
15.4.   At the December  meeting, the General Council considered the report by the Committee on 
Budget, Finance and Administration on its two meeting s in November (WT/BFA/158 and 
WT/BFA/160 ). The General Council took note  of the statement, adopted the  report s of the Budget 
Committee in WT/BFA/158 and WT/BFA/160  and approved the specific recommendation s in 
paragraphs 2.5 and 3.15  of the report  in WT/BFA/158 . 
16  WTO PENSION PLAN  
16.1  Reports  and Amendments  (WT/GC/M/163  and WT/GC/M/165 ) 
16.1.   At the July meeting, the C hairperson  of the Management Board of the WTO Pension Plan 
introduced the Annual Report of the Management Board for 2015 contained in document 
WT/L/985 , and the Report of the Independent External Auditor on the Audit of the Fina ncial 
Statements of the WTOP P in document WT/L/984. The General Council took note of the Annual 
Report of the Management Board for 2015 , the Report of the Independent External Auditor on the 
Audit of the Financial Statements of the WTOPP , and the WTOPP Chairperson's statement.  
16.2.   At the  December  meeting, the Chairman introduced the Amendments to the Administrative 
Rules of the WTO Pension Plan and of Rules of Procedure of the Management Board contained in 
WT/GC/W/725. The General Council approved the amendments.  
16.2  Election of Chairperson, Members, and Alternates to the Management Board  
(WT/GC/M/162; WT/GC/M/163; WT/GC/M/ 164 and WT/GC/M/165 ) 
16.3.   Article 4(a) of the Regulations of the WTO Pension Plan provides, inter alia, for the election 
by the General Council of a Chairperson, four members and  four alternates to the Management 
Board of the Pension Plan, each for a three -year term.  
16.4.   At the May meeting, the General Council agreed to revert to the item on the election of a 
member and of an alternate  at its July meeting.  
16.5.   At the July meeting, the Chairman proposed that the General Council elect  Mrs Alicia Goujon 
(Mexico), Mrs Eleni Patibouli (Greece), Mr Ian Medcalf (Canada) and Mr Rodolfo Rivas (Israel) to 
serve as members and alternates, respectively, until the remainder of the terms of their respec tive 
predecessors . The General Council so agreed.13 
                                                
13 The decision can be found in document WT/L/991.  WT/GC/182  
 
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  16.6.   At the October  meeting, the Chairman reported on the ongoing consultations on the election 
of the Chairperson of the WTOPP Management Board.  He also recalled that the Management Board  
originated in Regulat ion 8.1 of the Staff Regulations and was responsible for the management and 
administration of the retirement, death, disability and related benefits for the WTO staff and 
retirees. The General Council took note of the Chairman's statement.  
16.7.   At the December  meeting, the Chairman reported that, despite consultations by the 
outgoing WTOPP Chair and the CBFA Chair with the regional group coordinators and interested 
delegations, consensus on the matter had yet to emerge. The outgoing WTOPP Chair had agreed 
to con tinue to chair the Management Board until Member s would agree on his successor. He noted  
that the Management Board  was not a regular WTO body and  was therefore not referred to in the 
Guidelines for the Ap pointment of Officers  to WTO bodies . He urged Member s to adopt a pragmatic 
approach . The General Council took note of the statement.  
17  ADMINISTRATIVE MEASU RES FOR MEMBERS IN A RREARS ( WT/GC/M/161 ; 
WT/GC/M/162; WT/GC/M /163; WT/GC/M/ 164 AND WT/GC/M/165 ) 
17.1.   In October 2012, the General Council approved a recommendat ion from the Committee on 
Budget, Finance and Administration regarding revised Administrative Measures for Members in 
arrears, as contained in WT/BFA/132, Annex I. These new revised Measures entered into force on 
1 January 2013. These Measures required tha t at the end of each meeting of the General Council, 
the Chairman of the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration should provide information 
with regard to which Members and Observers were under Administrative Measures; and, the 
General Council Chai rperson would request Members and Observers in Categories II and III to 
inform the Secretariat as to w hen the payment of arrears could  be expected.  
17.2.   At the General Council meetings in February , May, July, October , and December , the 
Chairperson of the Commit tee on Budget, Finance and Administration provided information with 
regard to which Members were under Administrative Measures and the Chairman made the said 
request to Members and Observers in Categories II and III. The General Council took note of the 
statements.  
18  WTO YOUNG PROFESSION ALS PROGRAMME – STATEMENT BY THE DIR ECTOR -
GENERAL (WT/GC/M/165 ) 
18.1.   At the December  meeting, the Director -General provided an update on the WTO Young 
Professionals Programme . The General Council took note of the Director -General's  statement . 
19  WORKSHOP ON E -COMMERCE – STATEMENT BY KOREA ( WT/GC/M/162)  
19.1.   At the May meeting, the representative of the Republic of Korea, on behalf of Mexico, 
Indonesia, Korea, Turkey and Australia (MIKTA), announced that MIKTA would host a one -day 
workshop o n electronic commerce in the first week of July and invited Members to this event. The 
General Council took note of the statement.  
20  WORKSHOP ON THE WTO AND AGENDA 2030 – STATEMENT BY AUSTRAL IA 
(WT/GC/M/164)  
20.1.   At the October  meeting, the representative of Aust ralia invited Members to a workshop on 
the WTO and Agenda 2030 hosted by Mexico, Indonesia, Korea, Turkey and Australia (MIKTA) to 
be held at the WTO on 12 October. The General Coun cil took note of the statement.  
21  AFRICAN UNION LEVY – STATEMENT BY THE UNI TED STATES (WT/GC/M/16 5) 
21.1.   At the December  meeting, the representative of the United States made a statement on the 
African Union's levy  on selected imports into Africa, which would fund peace support operati ons 
and other programs of the African Union , and cal led for m ore transparency on the matter. The 
representatives of the European Union, Japan and China spoke. The General Council took note of 
the statements.  WT/GC/182  
 
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  22  INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE UNCTAD/WTO – REPORT OF THE JOINT ADVISORY 
GROUP ON ITS 50TH SESSION (WT/G C/M/165)  
22.1.   At the December  meeting, the General Council considered a report of the Joint Advisory 
Group on the International Trade Cent re UNCTAD/WTO on its Fiftieth Session (ITC/AG(L)/264 ), 
which had been considered initially by the Committee on Trade and De velopment at its meeting on 
24 November  where it had been presented by the Chairperson of the Joint Advisory Group, 
Ambassador Negesh Kebret Botora  (Ethiopia ). The CTD Chair man made a statement on the 
Committee's consideration of the report. The representa tive of Benin (LDCs) spoke. The General 
Council took note of the statement s and adopted the rep ort of the Joint Advisory Group.  
23  REVIEW OF WTO ACTIVI TIES (WT/GC/M/165)  
23.1.   At the December  meeting, the General Council considered annual reports for 2016 from 
WTO bodies that had been drawn up in pursuance of the Decision concerning procedures for an 
annual overview of WTO activities and for reporting under the WTO in document WT/L/105.  The 
Chairman also made a statement on behalf of the WTGDF Chairperson concerning  the discussions 
in the WGTDF in 2017. The representative of New Zealand spoke.  
23.2.   The General Council took note of the statement s, adopted the report of the Committee on 
Trade and Dev elopment in document WT/COMTD/ 91, took note of the reports of other WTO 
bodies, including the reports of the bodies under the Plurilateral Trade Ag reements, in documents 
WT/DSB/ 71, WT/TPR/ 387, G/L/ 1168, S/C/ 50, IP/C/ 75, WT/CTE/ 23, WT/BOP/R/ 112, WT/BFA/ 159, 
WT/REG/ 26, WT/WGTDF/ 15, WT/WGTTT/ 18, GPA/ 141 and WT/L/ 992. 
23.3.   The General Cou ncil then adopted the draft Annual Report for 2016  of the General Council 
(WT/GC/W/726 ), on the understanding that the Secretariat would make the necessary 
adjustments to it as to include matters considered at that meeting . 
24  APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR -GENERAL  (WT/GC/M/164)  
24.1.   At the October  meeting, the Chairman  outlined14 the process for the  appoint ment of the  
Director -General.  In particular, he noted that, in line with the agreed procedures (WT/L/509 ), the 
appointment process would  begin on 1 December this year and that he would  formally notify the 
opening of the process in a communication to all Members prior to that date .  He recalled the 
announcement made by the Director -General at the July meeting that he would be available for a 
second term if Members found it useful, and noted that the D irector -General  would submit a letter 
to him along these lines, in accordance with the procedures.15 He also  highlighted some of the 
time-lines for the process, which would be  conclude d by 31 May  2017 at the latest.  The Genera l 
Council took note of the Chairman's statement.  
25  APPOINTMENT OF OFFIC ERS TO WTO BODIES  (WT/GC/M/161 ; WT/GC/M/162; 
WT/GC/M/163; WT/GC/M/ 164; AND WT/GC/M/165 ) 
25.1.   At the February  meeting, the Chairman  recalled that i n accordance with the Guidelines for 
Appointme nt of Officers to WTO Bodies adopted  by the Gen eral Council in 2002 (WT/L/510)  and 
the related practical steps to improve their implementati on agreed  in 2012 (JOB/GC/22), he , 
together with the serving Chairperson of the Dispute Settleme nt Body, Ambassador Harald Neple  
(Norway ), and Ambassador Jonathan Fried  (Canada), former Chair man of the General Council, had  
conducted consultations on a slate of names for the appointment of Chai rpersons to WTO regular 
bodies listed in Groups 1, 2, 4 and 5 in the Annex to the Guidelines. In addition, they had  also 
consulted on the appointment of a new Chairperson for the Dispute Settlement Body in Special 
Session  following the end of term of its Chair.  
25.2.   In line with the practical steps, they had met first with the coordinato rs of the four broad 
regional groupings (developed countries, Africa, Asia and the Pacific and Latin America and the 
Caribbean ). A time -period had also been provided in which they would be available to meet with 
                                                
14 The Chair man's statement on this matter can be found in JOB/GC/107.  
15 On 3 November 2016, the Chairman circulated a communication to WTO Members on the process of 
Appointment of the next Director -General, containing a letter from the Director -General notifying the Chairman 
of his intention to seek re -appointment for a further term. This was circulated in JOB/GC/109.  WT/GC/182  
 
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  all interested delegations. Consultations ha d taken place over some five weeks to provide a 
greater opportunity for all interested delegations to meet with them. They had consulted all 
delegations that had come forward and had requested a meeting and had regularly met with the 
four Group coordinator s and had informed them of developments. The process had included an 
informal open -ended Heads -of-Delegation meeting which had been held on 23 February and in 
which he had given a detailed overview of the process and made a statement in this respect16. 
25.3.   On the basis  of our consultations, it was their  understanding that the following slate of 
names could be acceptable to the M embership:  
General Council  
 H.E. Mr . Harald Neple (Norway)  
Dispute Settlement Body  
 H.E. Mr . Xavier Carim (South Africa)  
Trade Policy Review Body  
 Ms Irene B.K. Young (Hong Kong, China)  
Council for Trade in Goods  
 H.E. Mr . Hamish McCormick (Australia)  
Council for Trade in Services  
 H.E. Mr. Gustavo Miguel Vanerio Balbela (Uruguay)  
 
Council for TRIPS  
 H.E. Mr . Modest Jonathan Mero (Tan zania)  
Committee on Trade and  
  Development  
 H.E. Mr . Christopher Onyanga Aparr (Uganda)  
Committee on Balance -of- 
  Payments Restrictions  
 H.E. Mr . M. Shameem Ahsan (Bangladesh)  
Committee on Budget, Finance  
  and  Administration  
 H.E. Mrs. Inga Ernstso ne (Latvia)  
Committee on Trade and  
  Environment  
 H.E. Mr . Héctor Casanueva (Chile)  
Committee on Regional Trade  
  Agreements  
 H.E. Mr . Daniel Blockert (Sweden)  
Working Group on Trade, Debt and  
  Finance  
 H.E. Mr. Atanas Atanassov Paparizov (Bulgaria)  
Working Group on Trade and  
  Transfer of Technology  H.E. Mr. Luis Enrique Chávez Basagoitia (Peru)  
Preparatory Committee on  
Trade Facilitation  
 H.E. Mr. Esteban Conejos (Philippines)  
25.4.   Appointments for  those bodies would  be for one year as usual and th ey would  be made 
formally by the WTO bodies concerned at their s ubsequent meetings in 2016. Regard ing the DSB 
in Special Session, following the end of term of its Chairma n, Ambassador Ronald Saborio, 
consultat ions had been conducted on a new Chair. As a re sult of tho se consultations, it was their 
understanding that there was  consensus on H.E. Mr . Mame Baba Cisse  (Senegal) to ch air the DSB 
                                                
16 The Chairman's statement at the HODs meeting on 23 February can be found in Annex 2 of 
WT/GC/M/161 . WT/GC/182  
 
- 15 - 
 
  in Special Session17. He also noted that Ambassador Neple, as the future General Council 
Chairman, had discussed with Amb assador Alfredo Suescum so that he continued as Friend of the 
General Council Chair for the work programme on electronic commerce.  The General Council took 
note of the Chairman's statement and of the consensus on the slate of names for the appointment 
of officers in the WTO bodies that he had mentioned.  
25.5.   The representatives of Chinese Taipei; Costa Rica; Tanzania; Benin (LDCs); Lesotho18 and 
Sri Lanka spoke. The General Council took note of the statements.  
25.6.   In keeping with Paragraph 7.3 of the Guidelines for A ppointment of Officers to WTO Bo dies 
– the outgoing Chairperson  of the Council for Trade in Goods (CTG) and the  Chairman on behalf of 
the outgoing Chairperson of the  Council for Trade in Services (CTS) were to conduct consultations 
to select Chairpersons f or the bodies established under their respective Councils. In relation to 
this, both Chairpersons would be starting consultations for the appointment of Chairpersons of the 
subsidiary bodies of the CTG and the CTS. The General Council took note of the stat ements.  
25.7.   At the May meeting,  the Goods Council Chair made a statement on the appointment of 
officers in the subsidiary bodies of the Goods Council. The Chairman and the representatives of 
Oman19; Chinese Taipei and the Republic of Korea spoke. The General Co uncil took note of the 
statements.  
25.8.   At the July meeting,  the Chairman recalled the fax he sent on 28 June to all delegations 
informing them that he had been consulting on the Chairmanships of the Negotiating Group on 
Market Access, the CTS -SS and the Prepar atory Committee on Trade Facilitation, following the 
departure of their respective Chairs – Ambassador Remigi Winzap (Switzerland), Ambassador 
Gabriel Duque (Colombia), and Ambassador Esteban Conejos (Philippines). He said that the 
process was still ongoin g and consultations would resume after the summer break.  The 
representative of Switzerland spoke.  The General Council took note of the statements.  
25.9.   At the October  meeting , the Chairman announced that there was consensus on the 
appointments of Ambassador Didier Chambovey (Switzerland) as Chairperson of the Negotiating 
Group on Market Access, Ambassador  Hector Marcelo  Cima (Argentina) as Chairperson of the CTS -
SS and Ambassador Mariam MD Salleh (Malaysia) as Chairperson of the Preparatory Committee on 
Trade Fa cilitation.  The representatives of  Barbados (GRULAC ) and Sri Lanka (Asia and the Pacific) 
spoke.  The General Council took note of the statements.   
25.10.   At the December  meeting, the Chairman said that in accordance with the Guidelines for 
the Appointment of Offi cers to WTO bodies in document WT/L/510 and the practical steps to 
improve the implementation of the Guidelines (JOB/GC/22), he would be starting the selection 
process for the appointment of chairpersons to the WTO bodies in Groups 1, 2, 4 and 5 of the 
Annex to the Guidelines. In accordance with paragraph 7.1(b) of the Guidelines, he would be 
assisted in the selection process by the serving Chairman of the Dispute Settlement Body, 
Ambassador Xavier Carim (South Africa) and Ambassador Jonathan Fried (Canada) , former 
General Council Chairman. The General Council took note of the statement, which had been made 
pursuant to the Guidelines for the Appointment of Officers.  
                                                
17 On 15 March, the Chairman sent a fax to all dele gations informing them that Ambassador Mame Ba ba 
Cisse (Senegal) had withdrawn  his nomin ation as Chair of the DSB -SS and that, in  his place the African Group 
had nominated Ambassador Stephen Karau (Kenya) for that position . After consulting with Members, o n 
31 March, he sent a fax to all delegations which stated that since messages of support and no further 
comments had been received within the given period, it was his understanding that there was consensus 
among delegations on the appointment of Ambassador  Stephen Karau (Kenya) as Chairman of the DSB -SS and 
that he would be formally elected at the negotiating group's  next meeting.  
18 At its request, the statement of Lesotho, on behalf of the African Group, at the HODs meeting on 
23 February  was incorporated in the minutes of the February  meeting and can be found in Annex 3  of 
WT/GC/M/161.  
19 At its request, the statement of Oman at the Goods Council meeting on 11 Ma y was incorporated in 
the minutes of the May  meeting and can be found in Annex 2  of WT/GC/M/162.  WT/GC/182  
 
- 16 - 
 
  25.1  Consultations on the Guideline s for the Appointment of Officers – Report by the 
Chairman (WT/ GC/M/165)  
25.11.   At the December  meeting, the Chairman reported that during his consultations he had not 
sensed a strong desire to revise or modify the Guidelines. Some delegations had brought ideas to 
the table but others had however expressed concerns on some o f them. He noted that both group 
coordinators and delegations had stressed the importance of clarity about t he guidelines and the 
process. Therefore, an Open -ended meeting to provide an opportunity to delegations to go 
through the guidelines and the so cal led "practical steps" to improve their implementation was 
scheduled for 15 December. Following the feedback from the consultations, he would start the 
process early to allow sufficient time for group coordinators to consult with their respective 
constituen cies. The representatives of Oman and Morocco (African Group)  spoke. The General 
Council took note of the statements.  
26  ELECTION OF CHAIRPER SON (WT/GC/M/161)  
26.1.   At the February  meeting, the Chairman, as the outgoing presiding officer of the General 
Council, mad e a statement. The General Council then unanimously elected H.E. Mr Harald Neple 
(Norway) to the Chair.  
26.2.   The Director -General, the newly -elected Chairman, and the representatives of Tanzania; 
Lesotho and Kenya spoke. The General Council took note of the st atements.  
 
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