RESTRICTED  
  
WT/CTE/M/64  
 
17 January  2018 
(18-0466) Page: 1/18 
Committee on Trade and Environment    
 
REPORT OF THE MEETIN G HELD ON 1 NOVEMBER  2017  
NOTE BY THE SECRETAR IAT1  
The Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE Regular) met on  1 November  2017, chaired by the 
Permanent Representative of  Kazakhstan , Ambassador  Mrs. Zhanar Aitzhanova . The Committee  
adopted the Airgram, WTO/AIR/CTE/ 6, issued on 29 September  2017. The latest list of 
documents of the Committee was circulated on 29 February 2016 in document 
WT/CTE/INF/ 5/Rev.12 . The Report of the last CTE  meeting, held on 20 June 2017  is contained 
in WT/CTE/M/63 .   
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Contents  
1   PARAGRAPH 32 OF THE DOHA MINISTERIAL DEC LARATION  ................................ ....... 3 
1.1   Paragraph 32(i)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  3 
1.1.1    Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform (FFSR)  ................................ ................................ ..............  3 
1.1.2    Other topics  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  4 
1.2   Other items of the CTE work programme (Items 1, 2, 3(a), 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10)  ...................  4 
1.2.1    Item 1  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  4 
1.2.1.1    The Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs)Matrix  ................................ ...........  4 
1.2.1.2    MEAs dealing with chemicals and wastes  ................................ ................................ ... 5 
1.2.1.2.1    Presentation by The Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions  ..................  5 
1.2.1.2.2    Presentation by Peru  ................................ ................................ ...........................  7 
1.2.1.3    The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)  .....................  8 
1.2.1.3.1    Presentation on Canada's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)  .........................  8 
1.2.1.3.2    Presentation by New Zealand on the Global Research Alliance on Agricultura l 
Greenhouse Gases  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 10 
1.2.2    Item 4  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 12 
2   OTHER BUSINESS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 13 
2.1   Update on the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA) negotiations  ................................ .13 
2.2   Briefings by observer organizations  ................................ ................................ .............. 14 
3   DATE OF NEXT MEETING ................................ ................................ ............................  16 
ANNEX 1: ITEMS OF TH E CTE WORK PROGRAMME  ................................ ..........................  17 
ANNEX 2: PARTS OF TH E DOHA MINISTERIAL D ECLARATION THAT RELA TE  TO 
THE WORK  OF THE CTE  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 18 
 
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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.  WT/CTE/M/64  
 
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  ACRONYMS  
Basel Convention  Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of 
Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal  
BRS Conventions  Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions  
CoP Conference of the Parties  
CTE Committee on Trade and Environment  
EDB WTO Environmental  Database  
EGA Environmental Goods Agreement  
FFSR Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform  
GDP Gross Domestic Product  
GHG Greenhouse Gas  
GRA Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases  
GVCs  Global Value Chains  
IISD International Institute for Sustainable Development  
IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change  
MC Ministerial Conference  
MEAs  Multilateral Environmental Agreements  
Minamata Convention  Minamata Convention on Mercury  
NDC Nationally Determined Contribution  
OECD  Organi sation for Economic Co-operation and Development  
PAGE  Partnership for Action on Green Economy  
PCBs Polychlorinated biphenyls  
POP Persistent Organic Pollutant  
PSMA  Port State Measures Agreement  
R&D Research and Development  
RTA Regional Trade Agreement  
Rotterdam Convention  Rotterdam Convention  on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for 
Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade  
SDG Sustainable Development Goal  
SMEs  Small and Medium sized E nterprises  
Stockholm Convention  Stockholm Convention  on Persistent Organic Pollutants  
TPR Trade Policy Review  
UN United Nations  
UNCTAD  United Nations Conference on Trade and Development  
UNEP  United Nations Environment Programme  
UNFCCC  United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change  
UNIDO  United Nations Industrial Development Organization  
 
 
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  1  PARAGRAPH 32 OF THE DOHA MINISTERIAL DEC LARATION  
1.1  Paragraph 32(i)  
"The effect of environmental measures on market access, especially in relation to 
developing countries, in particular the least  developed among them, and those 
situations in which the elimination or reduction of trade restrictions and distortions 
would benefit trade, the environment and development."  
1.1.1   Fossil Fuel Subsid y Reform  (FFSR)  
1.1.  The representative of New Zealand  provided an update on Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform 
(FFSR) .2 In June his delegation  had provided a comprehensive overview of the international effort 
to reduce and elim inate fossil fuel subsidies to date. Thi s included  the commitments made by 
several Members in the context of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) , G20, and V20 
statements, the Addis Agenda on Financing for Development, nationally dete rmined contributions  
(NDCs)  under the Paris Agreement and the FFSR Communiqué  launched in 2015 an d which 
continued  to attract new signat ories. Leaders ha d agreed to FFSR as a Sustainable Development 
Goal (SDG 12 target c).  
1.2.  New Zealand had  also reported to the CTE on the role that the WTO could  play in reforming 
fossil fuel subsidies. For example, a workshop on "Reforming Fossil Fuel Subsidies through the 
WTO and International Trade Agreements" had been organized jointly by Climate Strategies,  the 
International Institute for Sustainable Development  (IISD) and the Stockholm Environment 
Institute. Stakeho lders had  remained active with additional  events organized by the International 
Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) , Climate Strategies, and the  
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD ). 
1.3.  New Zealand viewed the WTO as a natural home to consider FFSR. The first line of the 
Marrakesh  Agreement on the Establishment of the WTO pointed to the objective of sustainable 
development. Trade ha d been explicitly identified in the SDGs and Addis Agenda as a powerful 
enabling force that would  be indispensable in progress toward sustainable deve lopment. And  most 
importantly, fossil fuel subsidies c ould distort  international trade and investment flows.  The  
WTO was uniquely placed to consider how to address fossil fuel subsidies. It was the only forum 
which had existing transparency, notification and rules frameworks for subsidies - of which there 
were a number of examples across the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, 
Agreement on Agriculture and fisheries subsidies  negotiations . It also ha d the potential to develop 
new rules and frameworks in this regard, and the breadth of Membership  for effective  impact.  
1.4.  Delegations were invited to a side event co-hosted by  New Zeal and and Finland at the  
WTO Eleventh Ministerial Conf erence (MC11) in Buenos Aires on "Fossil Fuel Subsidies Reform and 
Trade: Understanding the Linkages" . The event would  include a panel discussion with Members 
and relevant international agencies discussing the impact of fossil fuel subsidies on trade , the 
economy, and sustainable energy. The event  would  also provide  an opportunity to exchange 
national experiences in FFSR, and to discuss  options and opportunities for bringing fossil fuel 
subsidies into the  international trading system. It would  include a high level segment with 
statements by Ministers and agency representatives.  The side event was scheduled for 
11 December  2017 as part of a Trade and Development Symposium.  
1.5.  The representative of Norway  expressed her delegation's  support for the FFSR initia tive and 
highlighted th at reform could help release funds for other priorities , for example the shift towards  
green economy.  
1.6.  The representative of Costa Rica  endorsed  New Zealand's  statement. Costa Rica believed  that 
the WTO could play an important role in better understanding the linkages between FFSR and 
trade and saw great value in the side event organized by Finland and New Zealand in  
Buenos  Aires. Trade could  be a powerful enabling force towards sustainable development ; 
                                                
2 The statement  is available in document JOB/TE/46 . WT/CTE/M/64  
 
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  addressing FFSR could be a wa y for WTO Members to achieve their climate mitigation goals and 
better implement the Paris Agreement.   
1.7.  The representative of  the Kingdom of S audi Arabia  noted that the issue of phasing out 
inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that encourage d wasteful consumption  was dealt with under the 
G20 forum, with two qualifiers: it was voluntary and in accordance with countries ' national 
circumstances, priorities and needs. Her delegation  did not support  linking this issue to the WTO . 
Concerning the next step s suggested by New Zealand , Saudi  Arabia  believe d that this issue should 
not be discussed  in the  WTO and needed to  stay under the G20 process . Her delegation  did not 
support any reference to this issue in MC11.  
1.8.  The representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela  expressed her delegation's 
concern  that the issue of FFSR continued to be raised in the WTO  and noted that d elegations 
should focus instead on the subsidies that were under the responsibility of the WTO.  
1.9.  The representative of Switzerland  expressed his delegation's support for the statements by 
New Zealand, Norway and Costa Rica . Trade was an important element in FFSR and the WTO had 
an important role to play. Switzerland urged other Members to be part of the initiative for M C11. 
1.10.   The representative of Pakistan  reiterated Pakistan's commitment to FFSR and reminded 
Members of Pakistan's rising rate of economic growth and  energy needs.  Pakistan relied 
predominantly on hydrocarbon -based fuels  with more than 85% of the energy comin g from fossil 
fuels. Pakistan was conscious of the need for alternative, sustainable and renewable energy 
sources. Therefore , Pakistan had taken a series of initiatives to reduce inefficient subsidies in the 
electricity sector while also focusing on altern ative energy sources. By the end of 2017 , energy 
subsidies would be brought down from over 2.3% of Gross Domestic Product ( GDP) to 0.6% in 
three years. This would be accompanied by measures to increase energy supply to address 
electricity outages and impro ve the efficiency of generation and distribution companies.  The Prime 
Minister had constituted an Alternative Energy Development Board under which several projects 
had been launched to generate electricity though hydro, wind, solar and biomass. Even within  
hydrocarbon -based fuels, the direction was towards the use of gas over oil and coal.  
1.1.2   Other topics  
1.11.   The representative of Ecuador  informed the CTE that its trade and environmental policy was 
framed within the environmental principles enshrined in its Const itution, which in Article 395 
guaranteed a model of sustainable development in addition to granting rights to nature. To 
achieve this objective, Ecuador had established incentives for environmental, social and trade 
responsibility. Ecuador supported increa sed market access for biological products  and goods from 
sustainable forest management , especially for small and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs) and 
indigenous communities.  Ecuador also proposed to strengthen  cooperation within trade 
agreements to promote biotrade , and to provide  technical assistance and capacity building in this 
area. In addition, Ecuador was in favour of regulating and controlling trade relating to resources of 
biological origin.  
1.2  Other items of the CTE work programme (Items 1, 2, 3(a), 4 , 5, 7, 9, and 10)  
1.2.1   Item 1  
"The relationship between the provisions of the multilateral trading system and trade 
measures for environmental purposes, including those pursuant to multilateral 
environmental agreements (MEAs)."  
1.2.1.1   The Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) Matrix  
1.12.   The representative of the WTO Secretariat  introduced the biennial update of the Matrix on 
Trade -related Measures Pursuant to Selected Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA Matrix), 
circulated on 9 October 2017 in document WT/CTE/W/160/Rev.8 and TN/TE/S/5/Rev.6.3 This 
                                                
3 Available on the WTO website: https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/envir_e/envir_matrix_e.htm . WT/CTE/M/64  
 
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  document had been updated with inputs received from the MEAs. Nearly 20 MEAs, includi ng 
Conventions and Protocols, were covered by the MEA Matrix.  The Port State Measures Agreement 
to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (PSMA)  had been 
included in the Matrix after its entry into force on 5 June 2016. The coverage of the Matrix would  
continue to be streamlined and improved  to cover multilateral agree ments, while some 
agreements or arrangements with a regional focus could be dropped in future revisions. 
Information on the Paris Agreement, which entered into force on 4  November 2016 , had been 
added and, together with the Kyoto Protocol, merged into  the section on the UN Framework 
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).  The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol ha d also 
been included in this update of the Matrix.  On the structure of the document, the MEAs were 
grouped together in clusters (e.g. Ch emical c onventions were kept together as were protocols with 
their parent conventions) . Information for each MEA was detailed in six sub-sections: (i) a brief 
description of the MEA; (ii) trade -related measures; (iii) supportive measures; (iv)  non-complian ce 
mechanism s; (v) dispute settlement mechanism; and (vi) provisions relating to non -parties to the 
MEA. Finally, there was a comparative table of WTO and MEA mem bership in the Annex to the 
MEA Matrix.  
1.13.   The representative of Switzerland  said that the MEA M atrix was a useful tool and welcomed 
the additional agreements covered in the update. With the implementation of the Paris Agreement, 
the Matrix could contribute to discussions on the links between MEAs and the multilateral trading 
system. Switzerland supp orted the continuation of this work at the WTO.   
1.14.   The representative of the European Union  said that the MEA Matrix was an important policy 
tool and welcomed the addition of the PSMA, Paris Agreement, and the Kigali  Amendment to the 
Montreal Protocol  to the Matrix .  
1.2.1.2   MEAs dealing with chemicals and wastes  
1.2.1.2.1   Presentation by The Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions  
1.15.   The representative of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions  briefed 
delegations on the main outcomes of the meetings of t he conferences of the parties (CoPs) to the 
BRS Conventions held from 24 April to 5 May 2017 under the theme "A Future Detoxified: the 
Sound Man agement of Chemicals and Wastes ".4 The BRS Conventions recalled the mutual 
supportiveness between the trade regi me and the regime for the sound management of hazardous 
chemicals and wastes. They contained trade -related measures that aimed to protect human health 
and the environment and provided a life -cycle approach to the management of hazardous 
chemicals and waste s. The latest CoPs meetings had b rought together more than 
1,400  participants from 160 parties to the Conventions. They had featured a two -day high -level 
segment, which delivered messages on: linking the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for 
Sustainable De velopment and the BRS Conventions; strengthening partnerships to implement the 
BRS Conventions; and reducing waste and pollution while enabling economic and social prosperity. 
A technology fair had taken place in parallel to the meetings. During the meetin gs, the secretariats 
of the WTO and the BRS Conventions had jointly held a side event to discuss how their respective 
regimes interacted and supported each other.  
1.16.   A total of 68 decisions had been adopted by the CoPs. Regarding issues that were common 
to the three Conventions, the main outcomes pertained to: technical assistance, including the 
technical assistance plan for 2018 -2021 and the role of regional centres; interaction between 
scientists, policymakers and other actors; synergies in combatting illega l traffic and trade in 
hazardous chemicals and wastes; cooperation between the BRS Conventions secretariat and, on 
the other hand, the interim secretariat of the Minamata Convention  on Mercury  (Minamata 
Convention) , the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management secretariat, and 
other international organizations; programmes of work and budget, including the budgets of the 
Conventions for 2018 -19; enhanced cooperation among the BRS Conventions; implemen tation of 
the strategy and work plan for the "clearinghouse mechanism"; and the BRS Conventions 
secretariat's gender action plan. No outcome had been reached on the compliance mechanisms 
and procedures for the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Con sent Procedure for Certain 
                                                
4 The presentation is available in document RD/CTE/127.  WT/CTE/M/64  
 
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  Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade  (Rotterdam Convention)  and Stockholm 
Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants  (Stockholm Convention) . 
1.17.   Regarding issues specific to each of the Conventions, 24 decisions  had been adopted under 
the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their 
Disposal (Basel Convention ), including six technical guidelines on persistent organic pollutant 
(POP) wastes, the terms of reference of a n ew partnership on household wastes, practical manuals 
for the promotion of environmentally sound management of wastes, a glossary of terms on the 
distinction between wastes and non -wastes, and several other guidance materials. In addition, 
new work on mari ne plastic litter and microplastics and waste containing nanomaterials had been 
included in the programme of work of the Convention's Open -Ended Working Group and a process 
for the review of several Convention Annexes had been launched. Regarding electroni c waste, the 
Partnership for Action on Computing Equipment had successfully completed its work.  
1.18.   Seventeen decisions had been adopted under the Rotterdam Convention. Three new 
chemicals had been listed in Annex III, along with an additional chemical under t he industrial 
chemicals category. A working group had been established on enhancing the effectiveness of the 
Convention. Regarding the Stockholm Convention, 27 decisions had been adopted. Two new 
chemicals had been listed in Annex A, and an additional chem ical in Annex C. An effectiveness 
evaluation of the Convention had been undertaken. Additional guidance on the financial 
mechanism had been agreed.  
1.19.   Among the challenges facing the Conventions were: (i) reconciling different local, national 
and regional rea lities; (ii) improving the knowledge and expertise of all stakeholders through 
partnerships; (iii) strengthening the effective national implementation of the BRS Conventions and 
the enforcement of national implementing legal and policy frameworks through c apacity building 
and technical assistance; and (iv) enhancing the financial, legal, and technical means to implement 
the Conventions.  
1.20.   The representative of the BRS Conventions also briefed delegations on the first CoP of the 
Minamata Convention, which had been held in September 2017. The CoP had decided that a single 
Convention secretariat would be located in Geneva; this arrangement would be reviewed at the 
second conference of the parties in 2018. The BRS Conventions secretariat would cooperate on 
program matic issues with this newly created secretariat.  
1.21.   The representative of Canada  noted that the BRS and Minamata Conventions were 
important tools to help achieve the global goal of managing chemicals and wastes soundly. The 
discussions that had taken place a t the recent CoPs meetings showed that the issues before the 
CoPs were increasingly complex, as parties and others tackled matters related to harmful 
chemicals in trade, transparency in the supply chain, availability of safer alternatives, and 
challenges s urrounding recycling and environmentally sound disposal. His delegation strongly 
supported the Conventions' continued work in enabling action to protect the environment and 
human health from pollutants across international boundaries via environmentally so und transport 
and trade.  
1.22.   The representative of Switzerland  stated that the BRS and Minamata Conventions were 
important from the perspectives of both trade and the environment. The Conventions, which 
formed the international legally binding foundation for t he sound management of chemicals and 
wastes, enabled the international community to tackle issues of a global nature. The Minamata 
Convention was a new type of convention as it covered one substance over its entire life cycle and 
required all parties to co ntribute within their capacities. The chemicals and wastes Conventions 
also played an important role for a well -functioning international trade system. Their legally 
binding obligations contributed to international harmonized standard s and practices. By ba nning 
certain substances and asking for information and consent for others, they provided clarity, 
transparency, and planning security, while facilitating trade relations. His delegation welcomed 
updates and further consideration of these Conventions in th e CTE.  
1.23.   The representative of the European Union  said that  his delegation welcomed the 
68 decisions adopted during the CoPs of the BRS Conventions, including the glossary of terms and 
the decision on marine litter. A decision on compliance mechanisms for th e Rotterdam and 
Stockholm Conventions, which had been deferred by the CoPs, was urgently needed. On 18 May WT/CTE/M/64  
 
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  2017, the  European Union and its member S tates had ratified the Minamata Convention. To 
enhance the implementation of this MEA, the European Union st ood ready to work with its partners 
through multilateral and bilateral channels, including free trade agreements . 
1.2.1.2.2   Presentation by Peru  
1.24.   The representative of Peru presented Peru's experience with the environmentally sound 
management of polychlorinated biphe nyls (PCBs) in the mining sector, based on the lessons 
learned from a project financed by the Global Environment Facility.5 PCBs, which had harmful 
effects on the environment and human health, were a type of POP  regulated under the 
Stockholm  Convention. Th ey had been widely used between the 1930s and the 1980s, particularly 
in the mining sector. They could be found in open applications such as paint, buildings and 
machinery, as well as in transformers, capacitors and other closed applications. The parties t o the 
Stockholm Convention had committed to phase out the use of PCBs in equipment by 2025, and to 
ensure their elimi nation by 2028. So far, only 17%  of the total amount of PCBs had been 
eliminated. Countries had focused their efforts on the elimination of  PCBs in closed applications, 
and no concrete deadlines had been set regarding PCBs in open applications.  
1.25.   The project " Best Practices for PCB Management in the  Mining Sector of South America"  had 
taken place in the context of Peru's National Plan for the I mplementation of the Stockholm 
Convention, and had been carried out by the Ministry of the Environment in collaboration with the 
Basel Convention Regional Centre for the South Amer ican Region in Argentina and 
UN Environment. Its aim had been to contribute to the environmentally sound management of 
PCBs and PCB waste, and to reduce pollution from PCBs to protect human health and the 
environment. One of  the challenges had been the geographical remoteness of the targeted mines, 
some of which were situated at a ltitudes of more than 4,000 metres above sea level.  
1.26.   The project had comprised four components: (i) strategic alliances with the mining industry; 
(ii) procedures for technical and regulatory standardisation; (iii) physical inventory of PCB s; and 
(iv) a pilo t plan for the decontamination of transformers containing PCBs. Regarding the first 
component, strategic alliances had been a key instrument to promote broad acceptance of best 
environmental practices. They had made it possible to identify current PCB mana gement practices 
and to develop robust management plans. The work between the public and private sectors, albeit 
complex, had led to robust links that had fostered voluntary contributions and participation. Under 
the second component, guidelines had been d eveloped for the management of PCBs during 
equipment maintenance, along with guidelines for the purchase of PCB -free equipment and inputs. 
In addition, a diagnostic tool had been developed for the management of PCBs in the mining 
sector and for service pro viders for transformers. In a collaborative effort with the United Nations 
Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO ) and the Directorate -General for Environmental 
Health known as DIGESA, a proposed regulation for the management of PCBs had been developed . 
1.27.   Regarding the third component, a physical inventory of mining company equipment 
containing PCBs had been carried out. A PCB detection kit using colorimetric determination had 
been used for this purpose, along with gas chromatography analysis as a way to confirm the 
results. Of a total of 674 samples of dielectric oil that were analysed, it had been found that 14 (or 
around 2% ) contained PCBs at a concentration exceeding 50 pa rts per million. A total of 
166 mining company staff had been trained to carry ou t inventories of mining company equipment 
containing PCBs using these techniques. The project's fourth component had involved a pilot plan 
for the decontamination of transformers containing PCBs. An operations centre had been provided 
by one of the mining companies participating in the project, while another company – Kioshi Peru 
– had handled the decontamination process. The cost of the pilot had t otalled US$269, 000, of 
which 36%  had been borne by the project, 45%  by the mining companies, and the rest by K ioshi 
Peru. The pilot had resulted in the decontamination of 50 tonnes of PCB stock. This had 
contributed to the implementation of the Stockholm Convention.  
1.28.   The project had shown the importance of: building partnerships between different 
government agencie s, the project implementing agency, private companies, experts, national 
laboratories and other key stakeholders; providing technical assistance and capacity building; 
encouraging the transfer of technology for the local development of capacity to dispose of PCBs; 
                                                
5 The presentation is available in document RD/CTE/129.  WT/CTE/M/64  
 
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  and developing detailed guidance materials and actions plans. The project had shown that, albeit 
complex, public -private partnerships were possible. It was very important to undertake national 
capacity building as a way to enhance compliance with the Stockholm Convention. Finally, the 
careful identification of key actors had been an essential step to achieve the project's goals.  
1.29.   The representative of Norway  stated that her delegation wished to receive updates on the 
BRS and Minamata Conventions in future CTE meetings and encouraged other delegations to follow 
Peru's exa mple and share their experience . 
1.30.   The representative of Canada  noted the progress made by Peru in implementing the 
Stockholm Convention, in particular its efforts on PCBs. Peru's actio ns aligned well with the 
recommendations of the first effectiveness evaluation of the Stockholm Convention, which was 
adopted at the Convention's 8th CoP. 
1.31.   The representative of Ecuador  said that a product's quality and environmental attributes 
should be considered in the context of trade. Product sustainability criteria should be based on the 
product's life cycle, with a view to reducing negative environmental impacts at each stage, 
including production, storage, transport, use and disposal. Stockholm Convention guidelines 
played an important role, particularly when one party had an exemption that allowed it to export 
to non -parties under certain conditions. It would be important to cons ider joint work on measures 
to fight illegal trade in hazardous waste, and on the need for guidelines on the contents of 
hazardous substances in traded goods. Ecuador had developed a certification scheme known as 
"Green Point", which could be accessed by n atural and legal persons from the public and private 
sectors. Its goal was to promote and strengthen initiatives to reduce, eliminate or optimize the use 
of non -renewable and other resources, and to prevent pollution. It was important to foster 
producer re sponsibility with respect to products that contained hazardous substances and were 
sold around the world. It was also important  to maintain a globally harmonized labelling system for 
hazardous materials traded in world markets.  
1.32.   The representative of the European Union  said that Peru's experience illustrated how it was 
possible to overcome the practical difficulties associated with the implementation of the 
Stockholm  Convention. His delegation considered that such presentations were both important and 
releva nt parts of the CTE's work.  
1.33.   The representative of New Zealand  noted that her delegation considered that national 
experience sharing at the interface of trade and the environment was a very valuable and useful 
function of the CTE.  
1.34.   The representative of the UNIDO  noted that UNIDO had recently concluded a seven -year 
project in Peru on the environmental sound disposal of PCBs. The project, which had cooperated 
closely with the project presented by Peru, had focused on electricity utility companies and the 
main users of electricity in Peru. The project had led the National Fund for State Enterprise Finance 
to adopt and i mplement PCB  management plans in all public utilities held by it. PCB -free electricity 
distribution was the largest POPs programme at UNIDO, and successful PCB projects were being or 
had been implemented in about 20 developing and least developed countries. UNIDO had also 
actively participated in the preparatory meetings leading to the adoption of the  Minamata 
Convention . In addition, UNIDO had pro vided support for the introduction of clean technologies 
and policy reform to minimize the use and discharge of mercury. Artisanal and small scale gold 
mining was among the focus areas of this work, along with other mercury industrial sectors, 
including me rcury waste management, zinc smelting and chlor -alkali production.  
1.2.1.3   The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change ( UNFCCC ) 
1.2.1.3.1   Presentation on Canada 's Nationally Determined Contribution ( NDC) 
1.35.   The representative of Canada  presented Canada's NDC and its domestic plan to fight climate 
change .6 Canada had made an ambitious commitment to a 30% absolute, whole economy 
reduction of emissions from 2005 levels by 2030. Additionally, Canada had been taking 
                                                
6 The presentation is available in document RD/CTE/128 . WT/CTE/M/64  
 
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  collaborative action internationally by working with other countries to define  the remaining details 
of the Paris Agreement, and domestically, in partnership with subnational provinces and territories 
and in close consultation with domestic industry, civil society and indigenous peoples.  
1.36.   Canada's government had committed at Paris to gather all Canadian federal, provincial and 
territorial leaders within 90 days to develop a climate change plan. In a m eeting in Vancouver i n 
March 2016, Canada's First Ministers (i.e. , its Prime Minister and the ministers of all Canadian 
provinces ) had released the Vancouver Declaration and had initiated a process to develop a 
concrete domestic plan to meet their international commitments. Four working groups of federal , 
provincial and territorial officials had been  created to dev elop policy options and report back to 
First Ministers. Canada had formally ratified the Paris Agreement and, in December 2016, First 
Ministers had released the Pan -Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, 
Canada's first ever pan -Canadian pla n to fight climate change.  
1.37.   Canada was already experiencing the effects of climate change. Canada needed  substantive 
amounts of energy to meet  its heating and transportation needs , and for its large extractive 
industries.  Canada' s greenhouse gas ( GHG) emiss ions came mostly  from the production and 
consumption of energy , with little more than a third from industrial sectors, in particular from 
manufacturing and resource extraction sectors ( mining, oil and gas ). Transportation was also a 
significant source of e missions. On the other hand , one of Canada's big advantages was an 
abundance of hydroelectric power , meaning its  electricity system was already relatively clean , 
accounting for about 11% of emissions. There were significant  regional variation s in emission 
sources .  
1.38.   Canada's historical emissions had been rising since 1990 . Under a "business as usual " 
scenario (i.e., with no new policies put in place ) they were projected to rise slightly from current 
levels to 742 Megatonnes of carbon dioxide  equivalent by 20 30. Under a  projected trajectory with 
most of the Pan -Canadian Framework measures  being adopted , including carbon pricing and 
complementary actions , emissions would reach 567 Megatonnes.  With the adoption of additional 
measures, such  as significant investments in research and development  (R&D)  and green 
infrastructure , Canada would reach, and possibly exceed,  its target under the Paris Agreement of 
523 Megatonnes by 2030.  
1.39.   The jurisdiction on environment in Canada was shared between federal and provin cial 
governments, with a broad range of different approaches being adopted as a result of strong 
leadership on climate change from subnational governments. The federal goal was to work close ly 
with provincial and territorial  governments to harmonize across  subnational jurisdictions, and to 
ensure national consistency and complementarity of new measures. While  some provinces had 
already established a price on carbon, under Canada's domestic plan the federal government 
would require all provinces and territor ies to put a pricing system in place in 2018. Provinces were 
free to choose between a tax, cap -and-trade , or a hybrid system . The federal government would 
work with subnational systems to ensure that they reach ed a national benchmark of 
CAN$10/tonne in 201 8, rising by $10 every year to reach $50/tonne in 2022.  
1.40.   Complementing c arbon pricing were more than 50 policy measures such as regulations, 
investments, and other policies across all sectors of Canada's economy. Policies focused on further 
cleaning the el ectricity grid (including by phasing  out coal), making better use of energy, further 
developing building codes and standards for appliances and vehicles , and helping the switch to 
cleaner fuels. Canada was also taking action in the forestry and agricultura l sectors by working on 
increasing carbon  storage . Climate action was an opportunity to invest in new technologies, drive 
economic growth in new and traditional sectors, and create jobs. A CAN$  2 billion Low Carbon 
Economy Fund had been established for building, industry and forestry projects that reduce d 
emissions. Additionally, over CAN$20 billion had been announced for green infrastructure projects, 
mostly for electricity systems.  
1.41.   Significant investments in infrastr ucture, health, and science were als o foreseen to help 
communities across Canada adapt and build resilience. A Canadian Centre for Climate Services had 
been created to improve access to relevant climate science and information specifically aimed at 
enabling municipalities and communities to take action. Measures focused on protecting health 
from the impacts of climate change, including  the increase in vector -borne diseases , would be 
adopted . The plan also included measures to support vul nerable regions and populations .  WT/CTE/M/64  
 
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  1.42.   New technologies held significant potential to decrease emissions over the longer term. 
Developing and deploying new cleaner technologies was an important part of Canada's plan.  
Significant investments in R&D  across a range of sectors and technologies  were being made  and 
had be en accompanied by  support for companies to commercialize and scale up operations.  
1.43.   Through the Pan -Canadian Framework, Canada had committed to invest CAN$2.65 billion by 
2020 to help developing countries mitigate and adapt to climate change , with more than 
CAN$900  million already announced. Canada also continued to  work with domestic and 
international partners on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement in order to  develop  an international 
credit trading system . Canada had made a broad commitment to continue discuss ing the 
intersection of trade and climate policies  in relevant international forums such as the CTE . As part 
of an annual public reporting cycle, government officials would be reporting back to First Ministers 
on their progress  under the Pan -Canadian Frame work. Canada would soon be announcing further 
international climate finance investments.  
1.44.   The representative of Switzerland  welcomed Canada's presentation  and emphasiz ed that 
Switzerland could learn from international efforts to implement climate commitments. He noted 
that, according to  the MEA Matrix prepared by the Secretariat , the Paris Agreement did not include 
provisions that directly referred to trade . Nonetheless,  some elements of the Paris Agreement 
could have trade impli cations. Canada's presentation had shown some of the  trade implications of 
the Paris Agreement, for example  those related to phasing out coal in the Canadian electricity 
system. Further presentations would be welcome and his delegation would think about wa ys of 
contributing in that regard.  
1.2.1.3.2   Presentation by New Zealand on the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural 
Greenhouse Gases  
1.45.   As a follow -up to its NDC presentation at the June 2017 CTE meeting , the representative of 
New Zealand  provided further informat ion on the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural 
GHG (GRA) .7 The GRA had been established by New Zealand in 2009 to address climate change 
and food security, and had grown to 49 Members, both developed and developing.  The calories 
needed in the next 5 0 years to feed a growing population were more than those produced in the 
last 500 years  combined . It was important to consider  how to realize the dual goals of food 
security and climate change.  
1.46.   Countries could not meet the growing demand for food and address climate change if they 
kept producing at the same levels of GHG efficiency. For each decade, the global GHG efficiency of 
production had improved in various key commodities, such as  cattle bee f, chicken, rice and 
cereals. However , it had not improved fast enough to meet climate and food production 
challenges. Agricultural trading nations face d the question of how to produce more food without 
producing more emissions. A majority of countries had  committed to addressing their agricultural 
emissions as part of their NDCs , either through economy -wide or agriculture specific targets.  
1.47.   According to different mitigation models, the agriculture sector would need to mitigate 
around 1 gigatonne  of emissio ns per year by 2030 to stay within a 2°C target. Even if countries 
implement ed every known mitigation practice, only 21  to 40% of the required mitigation would be 
reached. More research was needed to develop additional options, including both carbon 
seques tration in agricultural systems and emissions reductions. The GRA was designed to promote 
such research and help the dissemination and adoption of its outcomes. Research had shown a 
strong correlation between increasing agricultural productivity and loweri ng emissions intensity. 
The GRA aimed to help countries, in particular  developing ones, to move from low to higher 
productivity. It sought to strengthen cooperation among  countries to produce  more food without 
increasing GHG  emissions, underlining the need for food security  and synergies between 
adaptation and mitigation efforts.  
1.48.   The GRA had 49 developed and developing  country members,  from all regions  of the world.  
Several countries had joined in 2017, including South Africa , Zimbabwe and Senegal. The current 
rotating Chair was Japan, with Germany as vice -Chair. The GRA had a series of partner 
organisations, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), development 
                                                
7 The presentation is available in document RD/CTE/1 30. WT/CTE/M/64  
 
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  banks, farmers groups and international org anizations . There were four research groups  on: rice; 
livestock; cropping; and  cross-cutting issues relating to soil carbon sequestration  and  
GHG inventories in agriculture (i.e. data management).   
1.49.   The GRA was an interface for agricultural climate policy,  development and science, including 
both scientists and policy makers, and was designed to develop concrete, implementable outcomes 
focused on food production. It was the key repository for agricultural GHG inventories and 
research and worked to leverage existing resources by  adding a climate change component to 
ongoing initiatives, such as World Bank projec ts in agricultural development . The GRA had 
launched its four-year strategic plan in 2016 with a focus on: research collaboration; outreach  
(extending the network);  effective partnerships; and leveraging  resources.  All GRA m embers were 
encouraged to contribute resources  to the alliance . The GRA was seeking to align existing funding 
to ongoing efforts to reduce agricultural  GHG emissions . Four flagship pr ojects were under way: 
enteric fermentation (methane from ruminant animals such as shee p, cows, deer and buffalo); 
GHG inventories for agriculture; soil carbon sequestration; and low emissions rice development. 
Additionally, two flagship projects were unde r development on nitrous oxide and circular food 
systems.  
1.50.   The GRA was important for discussions on the interface between trade, climate change and 
food security. With c limate change , shifts in the location of food production and trading patterns  
could  be expected. Mitigation or sequestration means of agricultural emissions had to be found to 
meet climate change goals and keep producing and trading agricultural products in a climate 
constrained world. Trade could also  play an important part in adaptation  efforts to climate change 
and in terms of safeguarding food security. Importantly from a trade perspective, the GRA was 
looking at science -based solutions in order to a void unintended consequences and arbitrary or 
unjustifiable discrimination. The GRA was ope n to any interested member . The results of its 
research were publically available and published following regular scientific practices.  
1.51.   Although an increasing number of countries were including agricultural emissions in their 
NDCs, not all of them had the  tools to implement the ir commitments. A focus of the Alliance' s 
work would be to improve inventories and baseline data to help with the delivery of the  
Paris Agreement. Improving inventories  and expand ing mitigation potential was  also a means of  
unlock ing climate finance , as it allowed countries to better demonstrate  their mitigation outcomes. 
Such data could also be useful from a trad e perspective given that it could be used to respond to  
the increasing  number of  private standard s addressing, for instanc e, the carbon footprinting of 
products. Work was also planned to analy se the mitigation potential of key agricultural 
investments which would not only improve yield and productivity, but also reduce emissions 
intensity. The GRA's approach allowed work to t ake place on a regional basis.  
1.52.   The representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  thanked Canada and New Zealand for 
the information on their experience s on climate change. However, issues under the 
Paris Agreement, in particular the NDCs, involved  a very delicate balanc ing process, with a long 
term negotiating timeframe. Such process was nationally driven and would have no bearing under 
any forum outside of the UNFCCC. Climate change should not be discussed or even opened for 
interpretation under any forum  other than the UNFCCC.  
1.53.   The representative of the European Union  stressed  the importance  to present  to the CTE 
both NDCs and international efforts to implement the Paris Agreement such as the GRA. The 
Alliance , including its science -based approach,  was important for the European Union . It was 
useful to present such topics in the CTE, in particular their trade -related elements. The 
European  Union had adopted an ambitious pledge  in its fight against climate change , with a 
targeted approach and continu ous support to developing countries . It was actively participating in 
negotiations to establish a detailed rule book for the implementation of the Paris Agreement. 
Moreover, t he European Union stood ready to cooperate with others  on climate change issues 
through bilateral channels under its free trade agreements. A facilitative dialogue would take place 
during 2018, which  would be a key political moment for the UNFCCC. T his was t he first opportunity 
since Paris to assess collective efforts to limit global w arming  and to look at what had been done 
concretely in terms of delivering on commitments. The European  Union strongly encouraged all 
parties to the Agreement to work towards establishing the detailed rulebook for implementing the 
Paris Agreement before th e 2018 deadline.  WT/CTE/M/64  
 
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  1.54.   The representative of Norway  noted that  New Zealand's presentation illustrated  the 
challenges in providing food to an increasing population. Her delegation appreciated this 
information sharing in the CTE and the discussi on of  trade -relevan t elements related to  the 
implementation of the Paris Agreement.  
1.2.2   Item 4  
"The provisions of the multilateral trading system with respect to the transparency of trade 
measures used for environmental purposes and environmental measures and requirements 
which  have significant trade effects. " 
1.55.   The representatives of the  WTO Secretariat  presented the  Environmental Database  (EDB)8 
for 201 5 circulated on 12 October  2017 in document WT/CTE/EDB/1 5 (and Add.1).9 Two EDB 
updates (2014 and 2015) had been circulated in the calendar year to catch up on the lag. Nearly 
20 years of data was available covering all WTO notifications and trade policy reviews (TPRs). In 
2015, of the over 3 ,400 notifications submitted by Members - nearly 500 or 14.6% - were 
environment -related. There were also more than 950 environment -related entries from the TPRs.  
The T echnical Barriers to Trade Agreement accounted for the highest number of environment -
related notifications followed by the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures and  the 
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement. There were nearly 1 ,350 environment -related measures in 
the database as several notifications contained more than one measure. The EDB enabled users to 
search information according to specif ic criteria such as by Member, a greement, objective, sector 
or type of measure.  
1.56.   Seventy three Members had submitted environment -related notifications in 2015. The EDB 
used harmonized categories to organize the measures notified. The environment -related objectives 
most referred to in 2015 were: alternative and renewable energy; general environmental 
protection; energy conservation and efficiency; and chemical, toxic and hazardous substances 
management. The sectors included broad categories such as agriculture, manufacturing and 
services as well as specific sectors such as energy and chemicals. The types of measures notified 
included support measures and regulatory measures. The environment -related entries in the TPRs 
also included regulatory measures, quantitative restrictions, an d price or market based tax and 
support measures. The database was presented in excel spreadsheet format.  
1.57.   The representative of New Zealand  found the EDB to be a unique and useful tool and 
commended efforts to update  the EDB. Her delegation would welcome improvements to the EDB 's 
search functions to make the tool more interactive.   
1.58.   The representative of Switzerland  recognized the extensive work done on the database . 
Although the EDB  was difficult to use , it provided useful data. Switzerland supported cont inuing 
work on the EDB.   
1.59.   The representative of Australia  welcomed the updates to the EDB and the MEA Matrix. 
These documents were a valuable repository of information on trade and environmental policies. 
This could support Members' policy deliberations an d public advocacy.   
1.60.   The representative of the European Union  said that the EDB was indeed a unique and useful 
tool with great potential for policy makers and researchers. While the EDB's preparation  was 
resource intensive, he encouraged the Secretariat to  continue this project. The EDB's  importance 
would increase with the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the expected rise in  
notifications related to  climate change. He added that a search tool would improve the utility of the 
database.     
                                                
8 The presentation is available i n document  RD/CTE /125. 
9 The EDB is also available on the WTO website: www.wto.org/edb .  WT/CTE/M/64  
 
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  2  OTHER BUSINESS  
2.1   Update on the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA) negotiations  
2.1.  The representative of Australia  provided an update on the  EGA negotiations.  Since the last 
update  to the CTE in June, EGA parti cipants  had continu ed to reflect on possible future work on the 
EGA negotiations.  A successful conclusion of the EGA would provide significant commercial 
benefits, boost exports and provid e cheaper access to environmentally beneficial technologies. By 
doing so , it would demons trate the positive contribution that trade could  make to overcoming 
serious environmental challenges. For example, cheaper energy efficiency and renewable energy 
products would complement and boost international efforts to address climate change and other 
environmental problems associated with energy production.  
2.2.  The EGA would provide a useful template for the negotiation of future plurilateral agreements 
in the WTO. Parties intend ed for the Agreement to be a living document with a substantial built -in 
agend a, which would allow for new parties, new technologies and new approaches to liberalization. 
The success of the Beijing symposium organised by the government of Japan on trade in 
environmental goods in August 2017 demonstrated the interest in the EGA of industry and 
government from many WTO Member s. EGA membership remained  open to all WTO  Members . 
While EGA members continue d to take stock on the way forward in the negotiations, Australia  
urged other Members  to consider again joining the negotiations.  His de legation was interest ed in 
resuming  negotiations early and urge d all WTO Members interested in opening up international 
trade in environmental goods to support th e successful conclusion of the A greement.  
2.3.  The representative of Japan  provided a report on  the EGA symposium  held in Beijing (China) 
in August 2017 and hosted by  the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Th e 
symposium was intended to provide an opportunity for industry representatives  and other 
stakeholders  to learn how the EGA would ac hieve a win -win relationship between the environment 
and business.  Approximately 150 people from industry, academia and government from China, the 
United States, the European Union,  Japan, and other countries had participated in this symposium.  
The event had received positive feedback from participants , as it had helped to improve their 
understan ding of the role that environmental products and technologies could play in addressing 
environmental problems.  In addition, 97% of symposium participants who took p art in a survey 
wished for an early resumption and conclusion of the EGA negotiations.  Japan remained  strongly 
committed to the EGA negotiations  and would  continue to engage in activities to highlight the 
value of the EGA, i n close cooperation with other Members.  As environmental issues became 
increasingly relevant for the global economy and trade, his delegation hoped  that language  on 
trade and environment would  be inc luded in an outcome document at  MC11.  
2.4.  The representative of Singapore  welcomed the Beijing workshop organized by Japan . The 
EGA was a concrete demonstrat ion of  the positive nexus between trade and environment. 
Singapore looked forward to the resumption and conclusion of the EGA negotiations as soon as 
possible.  
2.5.  The representative of Costa Rica  noted that his delegation  continue d to believe that the 
liberalization of trade in environmental goods was essential to address urgent global challenges 
like climate change . Costa Rica  remain ed committed to these negotiations and look ed forward to 
their resumption and conclusion.  
2.6.  The representative of the Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia  stated that the EGA was outside the scope 
of the CTE and should not be discussed in the committee . 
2.7.  The representative of Canada  noted that his delegation  was committed to concluding an 
ambitious and future -oriented agreement that covered a broad range of goods. Consistent with 
this objective, Canada welcomed EGA participants' efforts to rebuild momentum towards 
reengagement in the negotiations.  Canada cong ratulated Japan on the successful EG A Symposium 
held in Beijing. The event had reinforced the view that a successful EGA would contribute to the 
sustainable development objectives of WTO Members  and create a win -win for trade and 
environment. Canada apprec iated these efforts and encouraged renewed engagement from EGA 
participants in this important initiative.  WT/CTE/M/64  
 
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  2.8.  The representative of China  said that th e EGA initiative was part of an important and sincere 
effort by Members to achieve a triple win for environmen t, trade and development. China stood 
ready to reengage in this initiative and would welcome additional Members join ing it.  
2.9.  The representative of New Zealand  expressed support for Japan's efforts to organize the 
Beijing symposium. She reaffirmed her deleg ation's  commitment to reaching an ambitious and 
timely conclusion of the EGA negotiations and its willingness to explore options for renewed 
engagement.  
2.10.   The representative of Hong Kong, China  supported efforts to liberalize  tariffs on 
environmental goods. The EGA would contribute to the global environmental agenda by lowering 
the cost of environmental goods and enabling their wider use. Hong Kong, China reiterated its 
interest in continuing work in this area at the WTO and looked forward to the early resumption and 
conclusion of the EGA negotiations.  
2.11.   The representative of Switzerland  reaffirmed  his delegation's  support for the EGA initiative 
and the continuation and conclusion of the EGA negotiations.  
2.12.   The representative of the European Union  welcomed i nitiatives by EGA participants , 
including the symposium organized  by Japan in Beijing . His delegations  remained strongly 
committed to concluding an ambitious and forward -looking EGA and believed the EGA could be a 
tangible contribution of trade to combatti ng climate change. The European Union was committed 
to relaunching the negotiations once circumstances and participants were ready to reengage . 
2.13.   The representative of Norway  noted that the symposium in Beijing  had been very useful. 
Norway urged Members to r eengage in the EGA negotiations as soon as possible.  
2.14.   The representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela  supported the statement made 
by Saudi Arabia and opposed  discussing this topic further . 
2.15.   The representative of Turkey  said that the EGA negotiations should continue and deliver a 
credible result not only commercially but also environmentally.  
2.2  Briefings by observer organizations  
2.16.   The representative of  UN Environment  (UNEP)  provided a briefing on the forthcoming 
UN Environment Assembly (UNEA  III) scheduled  from 4  to 6 December 2017 in Nairobi  (Kenya)  
under the overarching theme of "Towards a Pollution -free Planet". This year's Assembly aimed  to 
deliver a number of tangible commitments to end pollution of air, land, waterways  and oceans, 
and t o safely manage chemicals and waste s. These would  include the following:  (i) a political 
declaration on pollution, linked to SDGs,  to signal that humanity could  work together to eliminate 
the threat of pollution ; (ii) resolutions and decisions proposed and  adopted by member States to 
address specific dimensions of pollution ; and (iii) voluntary commitments by governments, private 
sector entities and civil society organ izations to clean up the planet.   
2.17.   Four events were scheduled to  take place ahead of the Assembly:  (i) the Global Majo r 
Groups and Stakeholders Forum  to facilitate  the participation of civil society ; (ii) the Science, 
Policy and Business Forum that would  bring together top scientists, citizen groups, policymakers 
and b usiness leaders to promote and operationalize science -driven policies and innovations ;  
(iii) t he Sustainable Innovation Expo ; and (iv) an event on "Unlocking Trade in Environmentally 
Sound Technologies to Tackle Air Pollution", hosted by  UN Environment's Environment and Trade 
Hub.  
2.18.   UN Environment's  recent activities related to environment and trade  includ ed: (i) a 
workshop in Malaysia on trade in environmentally sound technologies , which gathered  around  
40 participants from government, the private sector and diplomatic missions to discuss trade and 
value chain cooperation in environmentally sound technologies in the Association of Southeast 
Asian Nations (ASEAN)  region and how developing countries could benefit from it; (ii) a two-day 
training in Suzhou (C hina) on sustainable textile trade and global value chains  (GVCs)  in China, as 
part of the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE)  work, with the participation of m ore 
than 40 entrepreneurs and supply chain managers from textile exports hubs in Jiangsu Province ; WT/CTE/M/64  
 
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  (iii) a stakeholder workshop on organic agriculture in South Africa scheduled to take place at the 
end of  November  to facilitate best practice sharing in organic and  biodiversity -based production; 
(iv) under PAGE  and in cooperation with U NIDO, the development by the Environment and Trade 
Hub of  a toolbox to inform and guide the work of national partners considering the introduction of 
trade -related green industrial policy measur es to advance the green economy; (v) the conclusion 
of a Green  Economy Industry and Trade Analysis of five high -potential sectors for green industrial 
develo pment and trade in South Africa; and (vi) UN Environment 's role in the 2017 WTO Public 
Forum and the Trade for Sustainable Development Forum , including an event co-hosted with the 
International Trade Centre ( ITC) on "Bringing Sustainable Food Sy stems and Consumer 
Information T ogether ".  
2.19.   During the WTO  Public Forum, UN Environment Executive Director, Erik Solheim, met with 
WTO Director -General, Roberto Aze vêdo, mar king their first offici al bilateral meeting since 
Erik Solheim had taken  office. During the meeting, t hey had discussed the need for improved 
coherence between environment and trade policies and practice s and had agreed that, within the 
conte xt of the 2030  Agenda, trade had  a major role to play in promoting prosperity and protecting 
the planet. They had also agreed on the importance of working closely together, of improving 
understanding and of supporting dialogue between trade and environment ministers, bu sinesses 
and the public. The meeting of the two leaders had established a renewed, shared commitment to 
ensure that trade and environment work together for sustainable development.  
2.20.   The representative of the  Organisation for Economic Co -operation and Devel opment ( OECD ) 
presented OECD's work on trade and environment in the 2017 -2018 biennium .10 First, t he Trade  
and Agriculture Directorate had  started work on constructing a set of policy indicators on trade and 
environment. The initial 10 indicators would  focus on : (a) the effects of environmental policies on 
trade pat terns;  (b) the effects of trade policies on the environm ental performance of an economy;  
and (c) the influence of trade patterns on the environmental performance of an economy and vice 
versa.  Second, t he OECD had recently completed a report on "GVCs  for environmental goods and 
services ", which had explored  qualitatively the structural and policy factors that determine d the 
globalisation of value chains for environmental goods and services, and  the forward and backward 
participation of countries in such GVCs.  
2.21.   Third, th e OECD continu ed its work on fossil fuel subsidies,  including: (i) the update of the  
on-line Inventory of Support M easures for Fossil Fuels with data through 2016 and expand ed 
coverage to include Argentina, Colombia, and Latvia; (ii) the preparation of the report  "Towards a 
G7 Target to Phase Out Environmentally Harmful Subsidies ", reports of the G20  voluntary peer 
reviews of Germany's and Mexico' s inefficient fossil fuel subsidies , among other reports ; and  
(iii) the preparation with the Global Subsidies Initiative of an "Options Paper " for UN Environment 
for the development of a SDG indicator for 12.C.1 on the "amount of fossil fuel subsidies per unit 
of GDP (production and consumption) and as a proportion of total national expenditure on fossil 
fuels". The intention of this "Options P aper" was to  provide an overview of the current state of 
work in the quantification of fossil fuel subsidies, and to propose a methodology for the national 
and international monitoring of the SDG indicator.  
2.22.   Fourth , the OECD Environment Directorate had led work on the issue of regional trade 
agreements (RTAs) a nd the environment  and had produced a report on greening RTAs that 
address ed investment . The report investigated  ways in which environmental objectives could be 
incorporated into chapters and articles not specific to the environment but related to investment. A 
stakeholder dialogue would  take place  to discuss these issues in Santiago, Chile i n January  2018. 
The OECD had also produced a report on greening RTA  provisions  on subsidies, which investigated  
ways for environmental objectives to be incorporated into chapters and articles not specific to the 
environment but related to subsidies.   
2.23.   Fifth, a report would be developed to map o ut the potential issues at the interface of 
international trade and the circular economy , and to identify priority areas and knowledge gaps 
that require d further investigation. Finally, a nother potential area of work was on trade and 
climate change, specifically with regard to: i) trade -related implications of NDCs; ii) the 
implementation of climate -related environmental co -operation activities in  RTAs; and iii) climate 
response measures facilitated through non -environm ental trade means.  With respect to work in 
                                                
10 The presentation is available in document RD/CTE/126.  WT/CTE/M/64  
 
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  the 2019 -20 bienni um, the OECD Environment Policy Committee ha d identified the following 
strategic orientations: (i) RTAs and the environment, (ii) trade and circular economy; (iii) trade 
and climate change, and ( iv) sustainable value chains and the nexus with trade.  
3  DATE OF NEXT MEETING  
3.1.  The next meeting of the Committee would take place in the first half of 2018 . The precise 
date would be communicated to Members in due course.  
 
______________  WT/CTE/M/64  
 
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  ANNEX 1: ITEMS OF THE CTE WORK PROGRAM ME 
 
Item 1:  The relationship between the provisions of the multilateral trading system and 
trade measures for environmental purposes, including those pursuant to 
multilateral environmental agreements.  
Item 2:  The relationship between en vironmental policies relevant to trade and 
environmental measures with significant trade effects and the provisions of the 
multilateral trading system.  
Item 3(a):  The relationship between the provisions of the multilateral trading system and 
charges and ta xes for environmental purposes.  
Item 3(b):  The relationship between the provisions of the multilateral trading system and 
requirements for environmental purposes relating to products, including standards 
and technical regulations, packaging, labelling and recycling.  
Item 4:  The provisions of the multilateral trading system with respect to the transparency 
of trade measures used for environmental purposes and environmental measures 
and requirements which have significant trade effects.  
Item 5:  The relationsh ip between the dispute settlement mechanisms in the multilateral 
trading system and those found in multilateral environmental agreements.  
Item 6:  The effect of environmental measures on market access, especially in relation to 
developing countries, in part icular to the least developed among them, and 
environmental benefits of removing trade restrictions and distortions.  
Item 7:  The issue of exports of domestically prohibited goods.  
Item 8:  The relevant provisions of the Agreement on Trade -Related Aspects of  Intellectual 
Property Rights.  
Item 9:  The work programme envisaged in the Decision on Trade in Services and the 
Environment.  
Item 10:  Input to the relevant bodies in respect of appropriate arrangements for relations 
with intergovernmental and non -governme ntal organizations referred to in 
Article  V of the WTO.  
 
 
 WT/CTE/M/64  
 
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  ANNEX 2: PARTS OF TH E DOHA MINISTERIAL D ECLARATION THAT RELA TE  
TO THE WORK  OF THE CTE  
 
32. We instruct the Committee on Trade and Environment, in pursuing work on all items on its 
agenda within i ts current terms of reference, to give particular attention to:  
 
(i) the effect of environmental measures on market access, especially in relation to 
developing countries, in particular the least  developed among them, and those situations 
in which the elim ination or reduction of trade restrictions and distortions would benefit 
trade, the environment and development;  
 
(ii) the relevant provisions of the Agreement on Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual 
Property Rights; and  
 
(iii) labelling requirements for environmental purposes.  
 
Work on these issues should include the identification of any need to clarify relevant WTO rules. 
The Committee shall report to the Fifth Session of the Ministerial Conference, and make 
recommendations, where appropriate, with resp ect to future action, including the desirability of 
negotiations. The outcome of this work as well as the negotiations carried out under 
paragraph  31(i) and  (ii) shall be compatible with the open and non -discriminatory nature of the 
multilateral trading sy stem, shall not add to or diminish the rights and obligations of members 
under existing WTO agreements, in particular the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary Measures, nor alter the balance of these rights and obligations, and will t ake into 
account the needs of developing and least  developed countries.  
 
33. We recognize the importance of technical assistance and capacity building in the field of trade 
and environment to developing countries, in particular the least  developed among th em. We also 
encourage that expertise and experience be shared with members wishing to perform 
environmental reviews at the national level. A report shall be prepared on these activities for the 
Fifth Session.  
 
51. The Committee on Trade and Development and  the Committee on Trade and Environment 
shall, within their respective mandates, each act as a forum to identify and debate developmental 
and environmental aspects of the negotiations, in order to help achieve the objective of having 
sustainable developmen t appropriately reflected.  
 
 
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