WT/MIN(24)/7  
 
15 February 2024  
(24-1371) Page: 1/15 
Ministerial Conference  
Thirteenth Session  
Abu Dhabi, 26 -29 February 2024    
 
 
WTO REFORM  
"REFORM BY DOING"1 
STATE OF PLAY IN WTO COUNCILS, COMMITTEES, AND NEGOTIATING BODIES  
1  BACKGROUND  
1.1.  Following Paragraphs 3 and 4 of the MC12 Outcome Document, the WTO Reform process was 
launched by the then Chairperson of the General Council (GC), H.E. Mr.  Didier Chambovey 
(Switzerland) through a series of consultations – with more than 100 delegations participating in the 
discussions. One of the messages that came out of this was the need to improve the daily functioning 
of WT O Councils, Committees and Negotiating Groups (WTO Bodies). In particular, this work would 
involve looking at how Members did things in the WTO and finding ways to do better.  Several 
Members noted that such  reforms should be organic and undertaken whenever  and wherever 
possible  – "reform by doing".  
1.2.  Given that other WTO  Bodies are also responsible for conducting reform, many Members 
suggested that the General Council should coordinate with them in this regard. The General  Council 
should likewise provide a fo rum for Members to be updated to have an overview of the entire 
process. At the same time, several Members suggested that the role of the General Council should 
not only be limited to keeping an overview of the different reform discussions. It should also engage 
in horizontal/cross -cutting issues – whether in informal or formal mode. In referring to the relevant 
discussions at the General Council, some  Members cautioned that Members should implement 
Paragraph 3 in a n effective manner . 
1.3.  Taking into account Me mbers' perspectives and in parallel with the formal and informal 
conversations on this matter at the General Council, the then GC Chairperson noted that each 
WTO Body should be tasked to see what had been done and explore ways to improve their daily 
functi oning to better deliver on respective mandates. He likewise encouraged WTO Bodies that had 
already started such discussions to continue doing so. To keep all Members abreast of the 
discussions, WTO Bodies were requested to report to the General Council, as  appropriate. To 
facilitate the work, the General Council Chairperson would coordinate with the Director -General and 
the WTO Body Chairpersons. Since then, work continued both in the General Council and its 
Subsidiary Bodies. During this period, Members al so circulated numerous papers and proposals and 
put across ideas on "reform by doing".  
1.4.  In this regard, the current General Council Chairperson, H.E. Dr. Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme 
(Botswana)  convened an Informal Meeting on WTO Reform focused on the delibera tive function and 
institutional matters on 16 June 2023. During these discussions, the General Council Chairperson 
noted that, within the "reform by doing" work, the aim of facilitating the participation of Members in 
WTO Bodies had been raised in a number  of WTO Councils, Committees and Negotiating Groups, 
 
1 Following Members' request, the General Council Chairperson, H.E. Dr. Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme  
(Botswana), noted that the General Council would continue to monitor progress and coordinate with WTO  Bodies 
as "reform by doing" work advanced. In this regard, in addition to the reports by respective Chairpersons of 
WTO Bodies, the Secretariat would continue updating the report in JOB/GC/359  at every regular session of the 
General Council at least until MC13. This update contains inputs from WTO Councils, Committees and Negotiating 
Bodies where updates are available since th e circulation of JOB/GC/345  and JOB/GC/345/Add.1 . This update is 
for information  only and is without prejudice to any Member's position.   This document was previously issued 
as JOB/GC/359/Rev.3 . WT/MIN(24)/7  
 
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  and in reform proposals. Effective participation of all Members in WTO Bodies had been highlighted 
as important to advance work in an inclusive manner and to meet Members' objectives. In this 
regard, a n umber of participatory challenges and concerns had been raised in Members' proposals 
or contributions which included:  
a. scheduling conflicts from overlapping meetings;  
b. insufficient information on agenda items including expected actions; the availability 
sufficiently in advance, of documents and presentations in the three official 
WTO languages; and timely written records. These have been said to have consequential 
challenges in effectively preparing and actively participating in meetings;  
c. inadequate suppor t for follow -up work from meetings;  
d. disparity in the use of digital tools;  
e. dispersed databases;  
f. the need to improve the ability to discuss relevant issues in an orderly and direct manner;  
g. the need to improve efficiency, planning, time management; and,  
h. support to delegates, among many others.  
1.5.  Several ideas to address these challenges and concerns had also been put forward. In this 
regard, Members referred to the ongoing "reform by doing" efforts that were fuelled by Members' 
inputs. Whil e in some WTO Bodies, steps were already taken to make improvements prior to MC12, 
a number of WTO Bodies had since then introduced improvements to their workflows or were in the 
process of considering them.   
1.6.  Building on these efforts and in response to th e request from several delegations for a mapping 
out of "reform by doing" work in WTO Bodies, the General Council Chairperson requested the 
Secretariat to prepare an indicative summary table containing information on practices and 
measures to facilitate th e participation of Members in WTO Councils, Committees and Negotiating 
Groups. The "R eform by Doing" table is in document JOB/GC/345 . 
1.7.  The GC Chairperson noted that the table mapped out how Members' requests or suggestions 
as reflected in proposals and/or duri ng reform discussions were being undertaken in WTO Bodies. It 
classified Members' suggestions into four categories of practices and measures:  
a. those related to planning and organization of meetings;  
b. work procedures including facilitating meeting preparati ons and follow up;  
c. digital tools, and,  
d. support to delegates.  
1.8.  From this table, which was based on Members' requests, the General Council Chairperson 
further noted that some common trends seemed to emerge.  
a. First, Members valued effective time management, av oiding scheduling conflicts and ways 
to efficiently deal with issues through clustering meetings and joint sessions on 
crosscutting topics where appropriate.  
b. Second, sufficient information prior to and after meetings in all three WTO languages, 
efficient a genda setting and effective ways of addressing trade concerns seemed to also 
be of high importance to Members.  WT/MIN(24)/7  
 
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  c. Third, there was a growing acceptance of digital tools as a means to facilitate Members' 
participation in WTO Bodies and the Secretariat continue d to respond to this need.  
d. Fourth, was the demand from the Membership for Secretariat support to delegates and 
capital -based officials – to better acquaint them about the workings of each WTO Body 
both on substance and the day -to-day work.  
1.9.  The GC Chairpers on detected that, from Members' proposals, the reports that some 
Chairpersons had circulated and the "reform by doing" table, Members were not only raising and 
discussing their participation challenges, but importantly, practical suggestions on measures to  
address these challenges were being made. She was also encouraged that work was not only 
underway in WTO Bodies as instructed by Ministers – but that a number of practical improvements 
had already been implemented or would be implemented in the near futur e. In addition, Members 
agreed to advance and implement the "reform by doing" work as appropriate in WTO Bodies . 
1.10.  Since the 16 June Informal Meeting, WTO Bodies have continued with their "reform by doing" 
work. An u pdate of this work was  subsequently provided in JOB/GC/345/Add.1 . Following a request 
by Members to the General Council Chairperson to distil a list of measures from Members' proposals 
that could apply horizontally in all WTO Bodies , she requested the Secretaries of WT O Bodies to 
identify a few non -controversial crosscutting procedural improvements that all WTO Bodies could 
consider implementing as appropriate or if feasible.  
1.11.  In this regard, at the General Council meeting on 24 -25 July 2023, the General Council 
Chairpe rson put forward ten procedural measures  that she invited all WTO Bodies to consider 
applying as appropriate or as feasible aimed at facilitating the participation of Members in WTO 
Bodies and to enhance better preparation for meetings and follow -up work:  
a. Further enhancing support to delegates, including new ones, by the Secretariat.  
b. Further enhancing support to new Chairpersons by the respective Secretaries of 
WTO Bodies.  
c. Modernizing the appearance and format of airgrams, as appropriate and feasible, 
suppl ementing it with useful information to help with the preparation of 
meetings.  
d. Systematically hyperlinking documents cited in airgrams, reports and any other 
documents circulated to Members.  
e. As applicable or if feasible, using annotated agendas ahead of fo rmal meetings 
describing each agenda item and providing relevant background.  
f. Consideration of introduction of e -agendas, as appropriate.  
g. Circulating oral reports by the Chairpersons or the Secretariat, as appropriate.  
h. Aiming at circulating minutes as qu ickly as possible after the meetings.  
i. Improving e -registration of delegates through e -delegate – including indicating 
the subject areas that a delegate is responsible for. In this regard, the role of 
delegation coordinators will be critical.  
j. Continuing to engage in experience and information sharing sessions, as 
appropriate.  
1.12.  Members took note of these measures and the  work undertaken  at the July General Council 
meeting . "Reform by doing" efforts continues in the respective WTO Bodies.  
1.13.  At the Senior Officials Meeting, on 23 -24 October 2023, Senior Officials took note of th e 
"reform by doing"  work, commend ed the hard-working Ambassadors, Permanent Representatives WT/MIN(24)/7  
 
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  and delegates for their efforts towards this end and encourag ed them to cont inue to "reform by 
doing" together for the benefit of the Membership.  
1.14.  During the General Council meeting on 13 -15 December 2023, the GC Chairperson reported 
to Members that the Reform by Doing work had progressed in 2023. In particular, she recognized 
that the Goods Council had adopted a report in G/L/1523 capturing 127 reforms that had been 
implemented to improve the functioning of the Goods Council and its 14 subsidiary bodies. These 
included significant changes to assist delegates, measures to improve th e planning and organization 
of meetings, the procedures for the conduct of formal and informal meetings and, the introduction 
of digital tools to improve productivity and exchange of information. She also noted that important 
efforts had been undertaken in  other WTO Councils and Committees.  
2  UPDATES ON THE "REFORM BY DOING" TABLE ( JOB/GC/345 ) FROM WTO COUNCILS, 
COMMITTEES AND NEGOTIATING GROUPS2 
2.1  Councils and Committees  
2.1.1   General Council  
2.1.  Since July 2023 , annotated draft agenda are circulated to assist  delegations prepare for 
General  Council meeting s. Additionally, documents  that have been referenced in General  Council 
documents, minutes, and agendas  are now hyperlinked . An internal pilot version for a 
General  Council e -agenda is being tested by the Sec retariat.  The General Council ePortal (GCeP) is 
being updated annually  - WTO | General Council ePortal (GCeP) . With a view to bringing  in 
efficiencies in the conduct of business, the G eneral Council  Chairperson implements  time limits for 
interventions in the General  Council . 
2.1.2   Dispute Settlement Body  
2.2.  The DSB is now hyperlinking documents on the airgrams, proposed agendas and annual 
reports . Any further improvements will be communicated accordingly.  
2.1.3   Trade Policy Review Body  
2.3.  On 26 July 2023, Members successfully concluded the Seventh Appraisal of the Trade Policy 
Review Mechanism (TPRM) ( WT/TPR/500 ). One of the outcomes refers to the improvement and 
uniform adoption by all Members of the IT system "at the earliest possible date"  to facilitate the TPR 
question and answer process.  Significant progress has been made since then in developing the IT 
Q&A platform. The design phase of the pla tform was completed in January 2024 based on 
consultations with WTO Members. The coding work is now being done to make the site operational 
and hence ready for further testing. The outcomes of the 7th Appraisal are included in document 
WT/MIN(24)/5 . Also, the Secretariat started to hyperlink WTO documents referenced in 
TPR Secretariat and Government reports, and will do so in airgrams from February 2024.  
2.1.4   Council for Trade in Goods  
2.4.  Under the umbrella of WTO  reform, discussions at the Council for Trade in Go ods (CTG) have 
largely focused on how to improve the deliberative function of the WTO  regular bodies. This work is 
significant because the CTG oversees the functioning of 14  subsidiary bodies, which collectively 
implement all the agreements for trade in go ods in Annex  1A of the WTO  Agreement,  and represent 
the majority of the WTO's regular bodies . Moreover, the effective functioning of these regular bodies 
is a necessary condition for a successful future implementation of some of the substantive changes 
being considered in the broader WTO  reform discussions.  
2.5.  The CTG began its discussions on WTO  Reform in July  2022 based on the mandate set out in 
the MC12  Outcome Document. At these discussions, the CTG  Chairperson observed that there were 
three  elements that could have an impact on the CTG's work, and held consultations with Members 
to inform the way ahead, including improving the deliberative function of the WTO through improved 
 
2 This Section only contains inputs from WTO Councils,  Committees and Negotiating Bodies where updates 
are available since the circulation of the table in JOB/GC/345  on 2 June 2023.  WT/MIN(24)/7  
 
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  working procedures in the CTG and its subsidiary bodies. Since then, the CTG has held six  informal 
meetings to consider specific proposals by Members to improve the functioning of this body.3 The 
CTG Chairpersons have consistently ensured transparency in these discussions via reports, which 
have been circulated under their own respons ibility after each of the meetings. At their request, the 
Secretariat has also prepared tables indicating the status of each of the proposals.4 At the four  formal 
meetings held during this period, the current and previous Chairpersons of the CTG reported on the 
work undertaken in this area .5 
2.6.  At its formal meeting of 3 -4 April 2023, the CTG adopted decisions to improve four of its 
working procedures6, and took note of additional changes introduced by the Secretariat after 
receiving feedback from Members. On 2  October  2023, the Council adopted five  additional 
improvements through written procedures.7 At its formal meeting of 30  November  2023,  the CTG 
adopted , on a trial basis , four additional measures to improve its functioning .8 Also at this meeting, 
the Council recalled the importance of complying with paragraphs  4 and 7 of the "Guidelines on the 
Arrangements for Scheduling of Meetings of WTO  Bodies"9 (document  WT/L/106 ) concerning the 
desirability of fixing the dates of formal meetings in advance of the following calendar year, and 
submitting a written notice explaining to delegations the reasons behind cancellations or 
postponements of meetings.  Overall, the CTG agreed  to a total of 27  improvements, including 
13 changes that were agreed through formal decisions, and 14  changes where either the 
Chairperson or the Secretariat had taken action following discussions with Members.  
2.7.  With a view to capturing all of the progress made in the Goods area, at its formal meeting of 
30 November  2023, the CTG adopted a report describing 127  reforms introduced in the functioning 
of the CTG and its 14  subsidiary bodies (document  G/L/1523 ), including 67  changes that had been 
formally adopted by those bodies, and 60  changes where either the Chairperson or the Secretariat 
had taken action following discussions with Members. As agreed by Members, the report was 
submitted to the General Council for its consi deration.  
2.1.4.1   Committee on Anti -dumping Practices  
2.8.  The Committee met informally on 3 May, 20 June, and on 2 October 2023. Members agreed 
via two written processes on four issues  described in document G/ADP/32  and on one additional 
issue described in document G/ADP/33 , respe ctively to improve the functioning of the Committee 
on Anti -Dumping Practices.  
2.1.4.2   Committee  on Agriculture  
2.9.  The Committee on Agriculture at its meeting on 27 -28 June  2023 approved the use of an 
annotated agenda for its meetings along the draft prepared by the Secretariat in document 
RD/AG/112 . 
2.10.  At its meeting on 27 -29 November 2023 approved to advance the timelines for the release of 
the reminder airgram and the closure of agenda respectively to 35 and 15 calendar days prior to the 
 
3 The CTG has held informal meetings on 14  October  2022 ( ICN/CTG/5 , ICN/CTG/5/Add.1 , and 
JOB/CTG/17 ); 31  January  2023 ( ICN/CTG/7 , ICN/CTG/7/Add.1 , and JOB/CTG/20 ); 27  February  2023 
(ICN/CTG/8 , ICN/CTG/8/Suppl.1 , and JOB/CTG/23 ); 31  March  2023 (ICN/CTG/9 , ICN/CTG/9/Add.1 , 
ICN/CTG/9/Suppl.1 , and JOB/CTG/27 ); 31 May 2023 ( ICN/CTG/10 , ICN/CTG/10/Suppl.1  and JOB/CTG/28 ); and 
19 September  2023 ( ICN/CTG/12 , ICN/CTG/12/Suppl.1  and JOB/CTG/37 ). 
4 As contained in JOB/CTG/27 , JOB/CTG/28 , JOB/CTG/32 , JOB/CTG/33  and JOB/CTG/37 . 
5 See CTG  Minutes of meetings as contained in G/C/M/143  subsection  49.2, G/C/M/144  subsection  53.2, 
G/C/M/145  section  7, and G/C/M/146  section  4. 
6 The adopted reforms include: (i)  an extension to 15  calendar days for requesting the inclusion of an 
agenda item ; (ii) separating the trade concerns in the agenda as new and previously ra ised; and (iii) including 
CTG trade concerns in the Trade Concerns Database.  See G/C/M/145  section  7, JOB/CTG/27 , and JOB/CTG/28 . 
7 The adopted reforms include: (i ) the introduction of an annotated agenda on a trial basis; (ii)  changing 
the default options for statements in the eAgenda; (iii)  the online availability of all documents in all 
three  WTO languages for consideration during a meeting; (iv)  the online avail ability of presentations in all 
three  WTO languages for consideration during a meeting; and (v)  an agreement to hold a WTO  Digital Tools 
Session  annually. See G/L/1490 . 
8 The adopted reforms include: (i) the circulation of information regarding informal meetings ; (ii) the 
Chairperson's follow -up note on actions following formal meetings; (iii)  the CTG  information hub; and (iv)  the 
format and content of the convening notice (Airgram) . See G/L/1522 . 
9 WT/L/106 . WT/MIN(24)/7  
 
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  date of the meeting, allowing addi tional preparatory time for delegations.10 As part of the ongoing 
discussions  in the Committee  to enhance its deliberative functions , the Secretariat  has agreed to 
organize annually an information session targeting new agriculture delegates. The first such 
information session11 on the work and functions of the Committee  was delivered in the margin of 
the November 2023 Committee meeting. The session als o alluded to the distinction and differing 
roles of the regular session of the Committee (CoA) and the Committee on Agriculture in Special 
Session (CoA SS).  
2.1.4.3   Committee on Import Licensing  
2.11.  The Committee met informally on 14 March and on 29 September 2023 an d held informal 
discussions within its formal meeting of 23 May 2023 on its functioning. Views expressed by Members 
are contained in documents ICN/LIC/1/Add.1  and ICN/LIC/2/Add.1 . In addition, Members presented 
written submissions. The a table summarizing  discussions on the improvement of the functioning of 
the Committee is contained in document JOB/LIC/4 . At its meeting on 31 October  2023, the 
Committee adopted  a report  on improvements in the functioning of the Committee  for consideration 
by the CTG, which is contained in document G/L/15 11 of 7 November 2023 . The CTG incorporated 
the report by the Committee in its report on improvements in the functioning of the Council for Trade 
in Goods and its subsidiary bodies, contained in document G/L/1523  of 1 December 2023.  
2.1.4.4   Committee on Information Technology Agreement  
2.12.  In response to a request from the CTG Chairperson to the Chairpersons of the CTG's subsidiary 
bodies concerning their respective Committee's current and future functioning, ITA Participants  held 
dedicated discussions at the ITA Committee's formal meeting held on 29 March. To facilitate further 
discussions on possible follow up, the Secretariat prepared a consolidated table containing a list of 
possible improvements to the Committee's future functioning, contained in document JOB/I T/33, 
which was circulated on 3 July. Based on dedicated discussions at the Committee's informal meeting 
of 14 July, a communication from the Chairperson summarizing the current status of the 
Committee's work in this area  was circulated in document JOB/IT/35 , dated 9 August. In his follow 
up communication, circulated in document JOB/IT/36 , dated 31 August, two measures for action 
were proposed by the Chairperson for the Committee's adoption through written procedures, which 
were a pproved on this basis on 12 September.12 In this connection, the Chairperson circulated a 
report, in document G/IT/W/57 , which was subsequently approved and adopted by the Committee 
as its report to the CTG at the Committee's formal meeting of 19 October.13 
2.1.4.5   Committee on Market Access  
2.13.  The Committee on Market Access (CMA) has been discussing Members' proposals on how to 
improve its functioning at its two formal meetings of 26 -27 April and 16 -17 October 2023 and three 
informal meetings of 21 February, 3 July and 1 8 September 2023. Three main documents were 
prepared under the Chairperson's responsibility to compile Members' submissions and inform the 
Committee's discussions: (i)  the preliminary list of issues for discussions ( JOB/MA/162) ; (ii) the 
table with the cur rent status of work by the Committee after its informal meeting of 3  July 2023 
(JOB/MA/165) ; and (iii) the proposals adopted by the Committee following written procedures 
(JOB/MA/166 , JOB/MA/166/Corr.1 , and G/MA/41 1). The list of issues for discussions by the CMA 
contained around 30 items, based on inputs received by Members. As a result of this consultative 
process, the CMA will implement 12 changes with a view to improving its fu nctioning, including three 
where formal decisions were taken by the Committee and nine where the Secretariat was requested 
to introduce changes to the way in which it supports the work of the Committee and its delegates. 
More details are provided in the CM A report to the CTG circulated in document G/L/1494 . 
 
10 G/AG/1/Add.1 . 
11 RD/AG/125 . 
12 The formal Committee decision was circulated in document  G/IT/34 . 
13 G/L/1498 -G/IT/35 . WT/MIN(24)/7  
 
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  2.1.4.6   Committee on Rules of Origin  
2.14.  The Committee has engaged in a written process to assess a number of possible 
improvements for concerning its functioning. The CRO also met on 6 June 2023 and will continue 
conside ring other areas for improvement in the next few months. The latest report of the CRO to 
the Council for Trade in Goods containing the list of items validated for implementation can be found 
in document G/RO/98  and G/L/1493 . 
2.1.4.7   Committee on Safeguards  
2.15.  The Committee met infor mally on 1 May, 20 June, and on 2 October 2023. Members agreed 
via two written processes on four issues  described in document G/SG/284  and on one additional 
issue described in document G/SG/285 , respectively to improve the functioning of the Committee 
on Safeguards. The Committee could not come to an agreement at its 25 October 2023 meeting on 
the proposal contained in document RD/SG/66/Rev.2 .  
2.1.4.8   Committee on Sanitary  and Phytosanitary Measures  
2.16.  Since June 2022, the SPS Committee has discussed MC12 implementation ma tters at nine 
meetings held in November 2022 (formal and informal, G/SPS/R/108  and its Annex B), March  2023 
(formal, G/SPS/R/109 ), May 2023 (informal, G/SPS/R/110  in its Annex C, and RD/SPS/227 ), July 
2023 (formal and informal, G/SPS/R/110  and its Annex B), Se ptember 2023 ( G/SPS/R/111  in its 
Annex D) and November 2023 (formal and informal, G/SPS/R/111  and its Annex C).  
2.17.  Since March 2023, the ICN document symbol has been used for communications from the 
Chairperson to convene informal meetings. Since the July 2023 Committee meeting, the Chairperson 
has been encouraging  a more effective use of time in specific trade concerns (STCs) in formal 
meetings. As a result, some Members have reduced the length of their oral statements and uploaded 
further details in eAgenda or circulated GEN documents containing the full intervent ions. During the 
November 2023 meeting, several opportunities for informal exchanges were provided to promote 
bilateral discussions between Members. The Committee has also proactively contacted organizations 
with outstanding requests for observer status as  part of the discussions on contributions from 
observer organizations.  
2.18.   As requested by Members, a new practical guide is now available in SPS eAgenda , explaining 
the main functions of the platform. Additionally, further improvements have been made to the 
platform, harmonizing with other Committees while preserving the uniqueness of the functioning of 
each Committee. These include the possibility to cho ose between three options when uploading 
statements, where Members can choose whether and when these will be made available to other 
delegations in addition to the Secretariat and interpreters. A new eAgenda feature allows the 
Secretariat to immediately ad d any decision taken by the Committee under any agenda item, 
facilitating Members' reporting to capital. The linking of related trade concerns across committees 
currently using the Trade Concerns Database (including the SPS Committee) is ongoing. The 
Commi ttee continues to implement and hone several longstanding practices, such as: the 
organization of thematic sessions; the use of thematic/working groups to advance work; the 
preparation of Chair summaries of informal meetings; and the use of eAgenda, ePing and the Trade 
Concerns database, to name a few.  
2.19.  Training sessions for new delegates were held on 13 March (in person) and 18 September 
2023 (in hybrid format); and such sessions will periodically be repeated in the future. The dedicated 
SPS Committee page  has been revamped to ensure uniformity with other bodies. This webpage 
contains an introductory presentation on the SPS Committee  (with audio), a new leaflet containing 
relevant information for new delegates , as well as a FAQ section which provides practical information 
for new SPS delegates. Additionally, building on the successful experience during the MC12 SPS 
Declaration Work Progr amme, a dedicated page was created to facilitate tracking of the documents 
of the Sixth Review of the Operation and Implementation of the SPS Agreement . The Report to the 
CTG by the Chairperson of the SPS Committee on the improvements in the functioning of the SPS 
Committee is contained in document G/L/1508; G/SPS/69 . WT/MIN(24)/7  
 
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  2.1.4.9   Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  
2.20.  The Committee met informally on 2 May, 20 June, and on 2 October 2023. Members agreed 
via two written process on four issues described in document G/SCM/165  and on one additional issue 
described in document G/SCM/166 , respectively to improve the functioning of the Committee on 
Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. The Committee could not come to an agreement at its 2 7 
October 2023 meeting on the proposal contained in document RD/SCM/63/Rev.2 .  
2.1.4.10   Committee on  Technical Barriers to Trade  
2.21.  During its regular meeting held on 21 -23 June 2023, the TBT Committee agreed on three 
specific actions to improve its functioning, based on a background note prepared by the Secretariat 
to facilitate discussions on this topic ( JOB/TBT/510 ). Implementation of these actions is underway 
and includes (i) the organization of regular briefings for delegates; (ii) the use of eAgenda for all 
agenda items (not only STCs); and (iii) the use of annotated agendas for informal meetings. The 
TBT Committee will continue its consideration of possible improvements in the context of the 
upcoming 10th Triennial Review, to be completed in 2024.  
2.1.4.11   Committee on Trade Facilitation  
2.22.  The Committee met formally on 15 -16 June 2023 and had an exchange of views . The 
Committee met informally on 26 July to advance the discussion and as a result of these discussions, 
the Committee  agreed to implement eight changes with a view to improving its functioning. The 
discussions are reflected in the Chair person 's Summary R eport of the meeting in document 
JOB/T F/235 . Two of the changes 1) circulation of an annotated agenda ahead of formal meetings of 
the Committee, ten days in advance of the meeting and 2) implementation of an eAgenda on a trial 
basis, subject to budgetary and  resource considerations were adopted through formal written 
procedures in documents JOB/TF/237  and G/TFA/7 . The remaining six changes would be introduced 
by the Secretariat to the way in which it supports the work of the Committee. Following the process 
outlined, the Chair person  circulated a draft report in JOB/TF/239/Rev.1  for the Committee' s 
consideration . The report was adopted at the Committee's formal meeting of 3 -5 October 2023 
(G/L/1515  and G/TFA/8 ). 
2.1.4.12   Committee on Trade -Related Investment Measure s 
2.23.  The Committee met formally on 23 February 2023. Views expressed by Members are 
contained in document G/TRIMS/M/53 . Members met informally on 19 July and agreed via a written 
process on three steps described in document G/TRIMS/15  to improve the functioning of the 
TRIMs  Committee.  
2.1.4.13   Committee on Customs Valuation  
2.24.  The Committee on Customs Valuation (CCV) has held discussions on the functioning of the 
Committee following a request from the Chairperson of the CTG.   Following this request, the former 
Chairperson of the CCV circulated a communication containing an indicative list of issues to guide 
Members' discu ssions on the improvements they would like to see in the functioning of the CCV. The 
CCV has subsequently held an exchange with Members at its formal meeting on 24  May 2023, and 
at informal meetings held on 30 January and 20 September 2023. In addition, th e former CCV 
Chairperson prepared a report on the functioning of the Committee prior to these discussions 
(G/L/1472  - G/VAL/ W/385 ). The current Chairperson prepared a table to list possible improvements 
(JOB/VAL/1 )  and then an updated table reflecting the state of discussions ( ICN/VAL/2/Suppl.1 ). 
2.25.  As a result of these discussions, the Committee agreed at its meeting of 15 November to 
adopt its Report on Improvements in the Functioning of the Committee on Customs Valuation 
(G/L/1513  - G/VAL/ 80) implementing six changes with a view to improving its functio ning: regular 
introductory sessions for delegates; information on the website describing the main aspects of the 
Committee's work; the circulation of a draft agenda one month before formal Committee meetings; 
the closing of the final agenda 15 days before such meetings; the circulation of an annotated agenda 
ahead of formal Committee meetings; the adoption of the eAgenda platform on a permanent basis; 
and, in principle, and subject to the wishes of Members, thematic sessions in an informal setting to 
share experiences.  WT/MIN(24)/7  
 
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  2.1.4.14   Working Party on State Trading Enterprises  
2.26.  The Working Party met twice informally, on 28 April and on 9 June 2023, to discuss 
improvements to its functioning. Members agreed via a written process on five steps described in 
document G/STR/33  to impro ve the functioning of the Working Party. Three more steps  remain 
under consideration as reflected in document RD/STR/52 . 
2.1.5   Council for Trade in Services  
2.27.  WTO reform was discussed at every regular meeting the CTS has held since MC12. At the 
December 2022 meeting, the Council addressed the ideas Members had put forward on this issue.14 
Moreover, in response to specific appea ls put forward by some delegations, the Chairperson said 
that the Secretariat would do its outmost to schedule the meetings of the CTS and its subsidiary 
bodies back -to-back, in order to facilitate capital -based participation, and that, starting from 2023 
the Chairperson would be issuing annotated agendas in advance of the meetings of the CTS.  
2.28.  Following consultations organised by the Chairperson in February15, in March 2023, the 
Council agreed to task the Secretariat with mapping the practices of the CTS a nd its most active 
subsidiary body (i.e. the Committee on Specific Commitments). The mapping in S/C/W/433  was 
considered at the June meeting, when delegations also put forward a number of suggestions to 
improve the functioning of the Council. It was agreed tha t the Secretariat would compile and circulate 
a list of these suggestions and outline implementation options, for Members' further consideration. 
Delegations also appreciated the announcement that the Secretariat would resume its practice of 
organising tra ining sessions for new delegates.  
2.29.  At the October meeting, Members addressed the Secretariat compilation16 and considered a 
communication from the United Kingdom17 outlining proposals to improve the functioning of the CTS 
and its subsidiary bodies. Delegations also shared additional suggestions for possible improvements. 
It was agreed that the Chairperson would prepare, under her own responsibility, a report 
summari sing the reactions to the various proposals Members had put forward.  
2.30.  The Chairperson's report18 was considered at an informal CTS meeting on 17 November, when 
the Secretariat also delivered a presentation on the use of eAgenda in the TBT Committee. While a 
handful of reform elements saw general convergence among delegations, there was 
acknowledgement that further discussion was needed concerning other reform proposals. Members 
supported the proposal that the CTS produce a report to the General Council on i ts reform efforts.  
2.31.  Accordingly, the draft CTS report to the General Council19 was considered at the formal CTS 
meeting on 7 December. The final report adopted by the Council for Trade in Services is contained 
in document S/C/65 . The report provides information on th e ongoing efforts to improve the 
functioning of the CTS by highlighting the improvements realised since the conclusion of MC12.  
2.1.6   Council for Trade -related Intellectual Property Rights  
2.32.  There have been no formal requests by Members to discuss "Reform by Doin g" in the Council 
for TRIPS. At an informal meeting of the Council in October 2023, the Chair highlighted that many 
of the items considered in this context were already part of standard operating practise of the 
Council. For instance, the Council Secretari at regularly organizes TRIPS Council Briefings 
(since  2019) for new delegates and issues annotated agendas ahead of formal Council meetings20 
(since  February 2020), routinely hyperlinking document references. Workshops, such as the annual 
Workshop on the i mplementation of Article 66.2 and the 2023 Article 67 Workshop, are routinely 
organized back -to-back with formal Council meetings to reduce scheduling conflicts. In an effort to 
 
14 As reflected in JOB/SERV/CTS/6  and Addendum 1 . These documents provide  an account of Members' 
views on all MC12 mandates of relevance to the CTS.  
15 An account of the consultations is reflected in JOB/SERV/CTS/9 . 
16 JOB/SERV/CTS/14/R ev.1. 
17 S/C/W/452 . 
18 JOB/SERV/CTS/19 . 
19 JOB/SERV/CTS/22 . 
20 See document JOB/IP/71  for the most recent annotated agenda for the formal Council meeting on 
30-31 October 2023.  WT/MIN(24)/7  
 
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  avoid scheduling conflicts, the annual calendar of formal meetings of the Coun cil for TRIPS is 
regularly communicated to WIPO before its adoption at the end of each year.  
2.33.  Already since 2019, Members can submit all notifications and reports required under the 
TRIPS Agreement electronically through the e -TRIPS Submission System21, an easy-to-use online 
platform that allows Members to draft and submit documents online, both in capital and in Geneva.  
2.34.  Against that background, at the informal meeting in October, Members agreed that there was 
no need to add "reform by doing" as an agenda it em to the formal meeting of the Council. The Chair 
emphasized that Members should nevertheless feel free to raise any requests or issues in this context 
at their convenience.  
2.35.  At the formal Council meeting on 30 -31 October 2023, the TRIPS Council Secretaria t 
encouraged delegates to use the new e -delegate system to indicate their communication 
preferences, since the Council's informal communication through email will soon rely entirely on the 
preferences indicated through that new platform.  
2.1.7   Committee on Trade  and Development  
2.36.  At the formal CTD meeting on 11 July 2023, the Chair person  made a statement on the 
informal discussions held on the developmental aspects of WTO reform. As part of these discussions, 
Members addressed the question of what measures could be taken to improve the functioning of the 
CTD. The Chair person 's statement w as circulated in document JOB/COMTD/ 2. The Committee also 
considered a submission by the United Kingdom on improving the functioning of the CTD 
(WT/COMTD/W/276 ).  
2.37.  At the formal CTD meeting on 17 November 2023, the Committee took note of a number of 
measures that have been put in place to improve the functioning of the CTD. These measures were 
described by the CTD Chairman in the statement he delivered on the developmental aspects of 
WTO reform ( JOB/COMTD/7 ). They include, inter alia, the use of annotat ed draft agendas, 
hyperlinking to the WTO's Documents Online, and the preparation of a calendar of CTD meetings for 
2024. An e -agenda will be introduced on a trial basis for the CTD's Regular Session, starting from 
the first meeting of the Regular Session in 2024. In addition, the CTD webpage on the WTO website 
has been updated and now contains more information on the work of the Committee, as well as 
training material . 
2.1.8   Committee on Regional Trade Agreements  
2.38.  Following a communication by the United States ra ising questions about the functioning of 
the Committee ( WT/REG/W/174 ) and responses from some members ( JOB/REG/6/Rev.1 ), the 
Chairperson  held informal one -to-one consultations on 2 and 4 June 2023, followed by an informal 
meeting of the Committee on 22 June 2023. Her report on the informal consultations is in document 
JOB/REG/7 . China also circulated a communication on the subject ( WT/REG/W/180 ). Further 
discussions were held in the formal meeting of the CRTA on 5 July . A summary of the discussions is 
in JOB/REG/8 . Discussions continued at the last meeting of the year  on 20 and 2 1 November 2023 . 
The Chair's summary  of these discussions is in JOB/REG/9 .  
2.39.  The Secretariat has also made a number of procedural changes including hyperlinking all 
documentation in the airgram , and making a calendar as well as an interactive work programme of 
the CRTA available online to Members  through the RTA Webpage. A survey on the RTA Database to 
help to improve it has also been conducted.  A draft summary of a factual presentation, requested 
by Members, was also circulated for comment; artificial intelligence tools were used to prepare a 
first draft, which was then checked and amended by the Secretariat. The Secretariat also made 
presentations on 20 and 21 September to Members introducing them to the transparency process 
under the Transparency Mechanism for RTAs, with the intention of provid ing such briefings on a 
regular basis.  The presentation is also available for consultation on the RTA Webpage.  
 
21 WTO | Intellectual property (TRIPS) - e-Trips.  WT/MIN(24)/7  
 
- 11 - 
 
  2.1.9   Working Group on Trade and Transfer of Technology  
2.40.  The Secretariat has made procedural changes including circulating draft agenda two weeks 
prior to issuing airgrams, hyperlinking all documentation in the airgrams, proposed agendas and 
annual reports.  
2.2  Trade Negotiations Committee and Negotiating Groups  
2.2.1   Trade Negotiations Committee  
2.41.  Following Members' submissions, the convening notice for the Formal T NC and Informal HODs 
on 20 July 2023 provides more details on each of the matters to be taken up as well as guide 
questions to facilitate meaningful engagement during the meeting. To address Members' suggestion 
of having specific and separate agenda items to help facilitate more direct engagement among 
Members, and between Members and the Director -General  on Secretariat and institutional matters, 
the Informal HoDs on 20 July 2023 will be extended to have more detailed exchanges on the 
WTO Budget, the Secret ariat Transformation process and Strategic Vision and Focus Pillars 
exercises , and the Business and Civil Society Advisory Groups to the Secretariat.  
2.2.1.1   Committee on Agriculture in Special Session  
2.42.  The Committee on Agriculture in Special Session has since been ensuring that all references 
to documents – document symbols – include a hyperlink to docs online and that the Secretariat 
would continue to provide introductory sessions for new delegates, upon request.  
2.3  Plurilateral Committees  
2.3.1   Committee on Government  Procurement  
2.43.  In October 2023, the Secretariat organized a virtual briefing for Geneva - and capital -based 
delegates concentrating mainly on the work of the CGP, recently developed e -tools, types of 
documents, current agenda items, etc. At the Committee's me etings held on 7 June 2023, the 
Committee agreed to test the e -Agenda at its November 2023 meetings on a non -committal trial 
basis.  The Secretariat organized a dedicated training to support the delegates. In November  2023, 
the Committee decided to continue  using the e -Agenda for its March 2024 meetings on a non -
committal trial basis.  
2.44.   The Chair , under his own responsibility , held bilateral consultations in July and informal 
open-ended consultations in October and November 2023 on "reforming by doing". In N ovember 
2023, the Chair reported back to the Committee about his consultations. One of the main take -aways 
of the consultations was that delegations consider the Committee to be a well -functioning WTO body 
that has already optimized its functioning across a wide spectrum of aspects. Related actual or 
pending achievements by the Committee in the area of reforming by doing are summarized in the 
Appendix to the recently adopted Annual Report ( GPA/AR/6 ). 
2.3.2   Committee on Trade in Civil Aircraft  
2.45.  The Committee took up the i ssue of the functioning of the Committee at its regular meeting 
held on 17 November 2023. No Member had any proposals or comments on this issue.  WT/MIN(24)/7  
 
- 12 - 
 
  3  "REFORM BY DOING" PAPERS FROM MEMBERS22 
3.1  Post-MC11 and Pre -MC12 Papers  
Co-Sponsors  Title Document Symbols  Date  
Canada  Strengthening  the Deliberative  
Function  of the WTO JOB/GC/211  14.12.2018  
Hong Kong,  China  Better  Functioning  of CTG and 
Subsidiary  Committees  RD/CTG/9  27.06.2019  
Hong Kong,  China  Better  Functioning  of CTG and 
Subsidiary  Committees  RD/CTG/10  11.11.2019  
 
Albania;  Australia;  
Canada;  China;  
European  Union; Hong 
Kong, China; Iceland; 
Republic of Korea; 
Republic of Moldova; 
New Zealand; North 
Macedonia; Norway; 
Panama; Qatar; 
Singapore; 
Switzerland; Separate 
Customs Territory of 
Taiwan, Penghu, 
Kinmen and Matsu; 
Thailand; Türkiye and 
Ukraine  
 Procedural  Guidelines  for WTO 
Councils  and Committees 
addressing Trade Concerns  WT/GC/W/777  and Rev.1 , 
Rev.2 , Rev.3 , Rev.4 , Rev.5  
and Rev.6  05.07.2019  
for the first 
communication  
 
African  Group;  
Plurinational  State  of 
Bolivia;  Cuba; 
Ecuador; India and 
Oman  
 Strengthening  the WTO to 
Promote  Development  and 
Inclusivity  WT/GC/W/778  and Rev.1 , 
Rev.2 , Rev.3  and  Rev.4  11.07.2019  
for the first 
communication  
LDC Group  LDC Views  on WTO Reform  
Discussions  and Proposals  JOB/GC/223 , Corr.1  and 
Rev.1  06.12.2019   
for the first 
communication  
 
22 This is a non -exhaustive list of Members' "reform by doing" papers – and does not include Members' 
inputs provided during reform discussions in the respective WTO Bodies. This is for illustrative purposes only. It 
does not intend to make any characterizat ion, nor have any bearing on the debate among Members on 
WTO Reform  in WTO Bodies and other fora . WT/MIN(24)/7  
 
- 13 - 
 
  Co-Sponsors  Title Document Symbols  Date  
 
Australia; Brazil; 
Canada; China; Israel; 
Japan; Mexico;  
Republic of Moldova;  
New Zealand;  Norway;  
Singapore; 
Switzerland; United 
Kingdom; United 
States;  Austria; 
Belgium;  Bulgaria;  
Croatia;  Cyprus; 
Czechia; Denmark; 
Estonia; Finland; 
France; Germany; 
Greece; Hungary; 
Ireland; Italy; Latvia; 
Lithuania; 
Luxembourg; Malta; 
The Netherlands; 
Poland; Portugal; 
Romania; Slovakia; 
Slovenia; Spain; 
Sweden; European  
Union  
 Procedural  Improvements  for 
the Committee  on Budget,  
Finance and Administration  WT/BFA/W/538 , Rev.1  
and Rev.2  15.02.2021   
for the first 
communication  
Brazil  Twelfth WTO Ministerial 
Conference  JOB/GC/310  25.05.2022  
 
3.2  Post MC12 Papers  
Co-Sponsors  Title Document Symbols  Date  
African Group; Cuba; 
India and Pakistan   
Strengthening the WTO to 
Promote Development and 
Inclusivity  
 WT/GC/W/778/Rev.5  18.07.2022  
United  States   
Consideration  of 
Improvements  to the 
Functioning  of the CRTA  to 
better serve Members  
 WT/REG/W/174  
JOB/REG/6  and Rev.1  18.01.2023  for the 
first communication  
Argentina;  Brazil;  
Colombia;  Ecuador;  
Paraguay; Peru  and 
Uruguay  Functioning  of the CTG and its 
Subsidiary  Bodies   
JOB/CTG/21 , 
JOB/TBT/498  
JOB/SPS/25 , JOB/MA/158  
JOB/AG/238 , JOB/TF/232  
and 
Rev. 1, Rev.2  and Rev.3  
  
22.02.2023  
for the first 
communication  
United  Kingdom   
Compilation  of Input  on the 
Functioning  of Goods  Bodies  
 JOB/CTG/26  and Rev.1   
30.03.2023  for the 
first communication  
 
 
Argentina   
List of Issues  where  there  
appears  to be a consensus  that 
they should be addressed in all 
CTG Subsidiary Bodies  
 RD/CTG/19  04.04.2023  WT/MIN(24)/7  
 
- 14 - 
 
  Co-Sponsors  Title Document Symbols  Date  
United  Kingdom   
UK Views  on the Functioning  of 
the CMA 
 JOB/MA/163  25.04.2023  
 
Colombia; Guatemala; 
Israel; New Zealand; 
Peru; Philippines; 
Separate Customs 
Territory of Taiwan, 
Penghu, Kinmen and 
Matsu; Thailand and 
United States  
  
Improving Inclusiveness by 
Reviewing and Evaluating 
External Engagement  
 WT/GC/W/871  and Rev.1 , 
Rev.2  and Rev.3  26.04.2023 for the 
first communication  
Thailand and United  
States   
Improving  the Operation  of the 
General  Council  and  
Heads  of Delegation/Trade 
Negotiations Committee  
 WT/GC/W/872  and Rev.1  26.04.2023 for the 
first communication  
 
Australia; Canada; 
China; Hong Kong, 
China; Japan; New 
Zealand; Norway; 
Thailand and Türkiye  
 Maximising  the Value  of WTO 
Ministerial  Conferences  WT/GC/W/873  and Rev.1 , 
Rev.2  and Rev.3  27.04.2023 for the 
first communication  
India  
WTO Reform:  Incremental  
Changes  to Improve  the 
Functioning  of the Various 
WTO Bodies  
  
WT/GC/W/874   
01.05.2023  
 
Australia; Brunei 
Darussalam; Canada; 
Chile; Costa Rica; 
European Union; 
Guatemala; Iceland; 
Israel; Japan; Republic 
of Korea; Republic of 
Moldova; Montenegro; 
New Zealand; North 
Macedonia; Norway; 
Peru; Philippines; 
Singapore; 
Switzerland; Separate 
Customs Territory of 
Taiwan, Penghu, 
Kinmen and Matsu; 
Thailand; Ukraine; and 
United Kingdom  
 Improving  the Operation  of 
WTO Bodies  to Revitalise  the 
WTO's Monitoring and 
Deliberative Function  WT/GC/W/877  and Rev.1  03.05.2023  for the 
first communication  
Australia; China and 
Thailand  Small  Steps  to Make a 
Difference  WT/GC/W/879  and Rev.1  
and Rev.2   
18.05.2023 for the 
first communication  
 
 
Argentina;  Brazil;  
Colombia;  Ecuador;  
Paraguay  and Uruguay  
 Functioning  of the General  
Council  and its Subsidiary  
Bodies  WT/GC/W/881  12.06.2023  
 
Brazil  
 WTO Ministerial Conferences  WT/GC/W/882  14.06.2023  WT/MIN(24)/7  
 
- 15 - 
 
  Co-Sponsors  Title Document Symbols  Date  
China   
Fulfilling the Mandate and 
Strengthening the Function of 
the CRTA  
 WT/REG/W/180  21.06.2023  
 
African Group (Angola; 
Benin; Botswana; 
Burkina Faso; Burundi; 
Cabo Verde; 
Cameroon; Central 
African Republic; 
Chad; Congo; Côte 
D'Ivoire; Democratic 
Republic of Congo; 
Djibouti; Egypt; 
Eswatini; Gabon; The 
Gambia; Ghana; 
Guinea; Guinea -
Bissau; Kenya; 
Lesotho; Liberia; 
Madagascar; Malawi; 
Mali; Mauritania; 
Mauritius; Morocco; 
Mozambique; Namibia; 
Niger; Nigeria; 
Rwanda; Senegal; 
Seychelles; Sierra 
Leone; South Africa; 
Tanzania;  
Togo; Tunisia; 
Uganda; Zambia a nd 
Zimbabwe)  
 A Development Perspective on 
Institutional Reforms of the 
World Trade Organization  WT/GC/W/895  13.07.2023  
 
Australia; Brazil; 
Canada; Colombia; 
Costa Rica; European 
Union; New Zealand; 
Norway; Switzerland; 
Separate Customs 
Territory of Taiwan, 
Penghu, Kinmen and 
Matsu; United 
Kingdom and the 
United States  
 Proposed Revisions to 
WT/L/452  "Procedu res for the 
Circulation and Derestriction of 
WTO Documents"  WT/GC/W/897  and Rev.1  13.07.2023  for the 
first communication  
United Kingdom   
Improving the Functioning of 
the Council for Trade in 
Services and its Subsidiary 
Bodies  
 S/C/W/ 452 21.07.2023  
 
Colombia ; Paraguay ; 
the United Kingdom 
and Uruguay  
 Functioning of the CTG:  
Enhancing Clarity and 
Accessibility of Information  JOB/CTG/43  and Rev.1  16.11.2023 for the 
first communication  
China   
Options to Acknowledge 
Progress and Provide Further 
Instructions for the "Reform by 
Doing" Work at MC13  
 JOB/GC/372  20.11.2023  
 
 
__________