RESTRICTED  
  
WT/COMTD/AFT/M/57  
 
3 March  2023 
(23-1493) Page: 1/7 
Committee on Trade and Development  
Fifty-Seventh Session on Aid for Trade    
 
  
NOTE ON THE MEETING OF  10 FEBRUARY  2023 
Chairperson:  Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady (Mauritius)  
Contents  
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  ................................ ................................ ....................  1 
B. AID-FOR-TRADE WORK PROGRAMME 2023 -2024 – STATEMENT BY THE CHAIR  ...... 1 
C. IMPLEMENTATION OF AID -FOR-TRADE WORK ACTIVITIES  ................................ ..... 2 
I. Resource Mobilization and Implementation Activities  ................................ .....................  2 
II. Mainstreaming  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  4 
III. Regional Dimension  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 5 
IV. Private Sector  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  5 
V. Monitoring and Evaluation of Implementation and Development Effectiveness  ...................  6 
D. OTHER BUSINESS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 7 
 
A. ADOPT ION OF THE AGENDA  
1. On 10 February 2023, the Committee on Trade and Development  (CTD)  Aid for Trade held its 
57th session . The meeting was chaired by  H.E. Ms Usha Chandnee Dwarka -Canabady, of Mauritius.  
The Agenda, as circulated  on 16 January  2023 in WTO/AIR/COMTD/AFT/2 5, was adopted  without 
amendments.  
B. AID-FOR-TRADE WORK PROGRAMME 2023 -2024 – STATEMENT BY THE CHAIR  
2. The Chair opened the meeting by rec alling the intensive process followed to develop the new 
Aid-for-Trade Work Programme for 2023 -2024. Three  informal sessions and several small group 
meetings had been  held since the 56th CTD A id-for-Trade session last October. She indicated that 
Members had reached a workable  compromise in which  all views were properly reflected .  
3. The representative of the United States  (US) expressed gratitude for  the constructive 
discussion among Members and  offered  to share its expertise in a reas such as  food security, digital 
trade, financial inclusion, climate and smart agriculture , culture and capacity building . She also 
highlighted the US's experience with digital trade and technical assistance through the "eTrade 
Alliance" . In reference t o technology transfer, she suggested the addition of the words  "on voluntary 
and mutually agreed terms," to the references  in paragraphs 6 and 23 of the draft Work Programme. 
She recalled that these  comments had been submitted in writing to the Secretariat  ahead of the 
circulation of the latest revision to the Work Programme ahead of the Committee meeting . 
4. The representative of India stated that  the Work Prorgamme ha d come to some common 
ground and he would not make a ny additional changes to what has been agreed, but pointed out  
something that  had been agreed in the small group  discussion  but omitted  in the current  draft. The 
amendments , including  modifying the fourth line of paragraph 8 with regards to a symposium, th e 
third line of paragraph 14 regarding developed countries and LDCs, paragraph 23 regarding the WT/COMTD/AFT/M/57  
 
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  integration of trade and sustainable objectives, and the fourth line of paragraph 16 to include women 
and micro, small, and medium -sized enterprises (MSMEs).  
5. The representative of the LDC Group emphasized the need for targeted efforts to ensure a 
smooth and sustainable transition for LDCs as they graduate. The LDC Group stated that it believes 
that better integration into the multilateral trading system, along with continued support for building  
supply -side capacity and trade -related infrastructure, is essential. The representative  appreciate d 
current aid and support provided through Aid -for-Trade initiatives,  but stresse d the importance of 
these efforts being needs -based and demand -driven, follo wing priorities identified by the developing 
countries themselves, including the LDCs.  
6. The representative of the European Union (EU ) expressed gratitude to the Members, the Chair, 
and the WTO Secretariat for their efforts in producing the Aid-for-Trade Work Programme. Although 
the EU recognize d that the result fell short of their expectations, they were willing to accept it and 
actively contribute to the Initiative.  The EU highlighted the importance of active engagement and 
inputs from WTO Members, A id-for-Trade donors and recipients to advance the effectiveness of the 
Aid-for-Trade Initiative. The EU indicated that it will contribute based on its Aid-for-Trade Strategy 
of 2017 and EU's 2022 Annual Progress Report, which focuses on greening the Aid for Trade and on 
sustainable and safe food systems.  
7. The representative of Colombia  said she endorsed the  Work Programme, but, regretted  that 
elements related to sustainable trade had been  omitted. Her delegation consider ed sustainable trade 
as high priority an d request ed that they be included in future discussions on Aid for Trade.  
8. The Chair took note of  the M embers'  statement s and the textual amendments proposed by 
both India and the US . She informed the Committee that she would now proceed to issue the final 
Aid-for-Trade Work Programme for 2023 -2024 as an official document under her own responsibility 
as document  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/95. She noted that she would transmit the Work Programme to the 
General Council for it to take note of at its next meeting .  
C. IMPLEMENTATION OF AID -FOR-TRADE WORK ACTIVITIES  
I. Resource Mobilization and Implementation Activities  
9. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)  update the Committee that 
it had delivered EUR 13.1 billion in investments in 2022 in respons e to inflationary pressures 
triggered by the war in Ukraine , with a focus on promoting trade and sustainable growth in 
37 economies in Emerging Europe, Central Asia, and the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean.   
10. Under its Trade Facilitation Programme (TFP), EBRD continued to offer trade financing 
products to strengthen the ability of local banks to provide trade financing and increase access to 
import and export trade, with support for over EUR 3.6 billion of fore ign trade in 2022.  The TFP had 
significantly increased its lending to  Ukrainian banks suppor ting over EUR 459 million in trade 
transactions for crucial goods  for the Ukraine economy . EBRD had agreed to provide EUR 300 million 
in support of EU -backed solida rity lanes and was committed to providing up to EUR 3 billion over 
2022-2023 to support the Ukrainian economy.  
11. EBRD was also support ing food net -importing countries in addressing food security issues , 
and provid ing advisory services to SMEs looking to star t or expand their exports and imports. The 
Supply Chain Solutions Framework was launched in 2022 to support supply chain finance solutions 
for SMEs. In 2023, EBRD remain ed committed to supporting international trade and food security.  
12. The representative fr om the European Union underscored the impacts of the war in Ukraine  
on food security . He stated the crisis was likely to deepen due to high energy and fertilizer prices, 
and the continuation of the conflict. The EU was providing significant financial support to mitigate 
the consequences of the crisis and was at the forefront of global efforts to combat food insecu rity. 
13. The representative from Ukraine  thanked the EU and EBRD for their constructive intervention 
and highlighted the impact of Russia 's invasion  on Ukraine. Ukraine remain ed one of the world's top 
five agricultural exporters despite the ongoing war, expor ting over 40 million tons of food 
commodities. The delegate expressed a willingness to work with other Members of the Committee WT/COMTD/AFT/M/57  
 
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  to implement the adopted Work Program me and underscored  the importance of  receiving technical 
assistance . 
14. The World Bank (WB)  provide d an overview of the WB 's Strategic Framework for Trade and 
highlighted how it align ed to the WTO 's evolving Aid -for-Trade Work Program me. The WB's 
development paradigm prioritize d trade as a central element in promoting long -term sustainable 
growth through the GRID approach (green, resilient, and inclusive development). The WB's 
Aid-for-Trade focus now sought  to address the intertwined social, economic, and environmental 
challenges  of trade by taking a comprehensive and holistic  approach  based on several pillars: 
improving access to markets, boosting firm competitiveness and global value chain integration, and 
facilitating trade and investment in goods and services. The WB contextua lized these pillars at the 
country or regional levels, with a focus on the poorest countries, Fragile and Conflict -affected States, 
Small Island Developing States, and the most vulnerable groups within them, such as small -scale 
cross-border traders, inform al sector workers, MSMEs, women, ethnic minorities, youth, and the 
disabled.  
15. The WB  planned to implement country -level integrated trade solutions through its lending 
operations and by leveraging private investment whenever feasible. To optimize its Strateg ic 
Framework, the WB was seeking to strengthen partnerships with key trade -related organizations, 
donors, and other providers of Aid for Trade. The WB acknowledge d that aid budgets are under 
stress globally, and working in partnership with other providers of Aid for Trade is important to avoid 
duplication of effort, ensure appropriate support and effectiveness .  
16. The Asian Development Bank (ADB)  representative provided an update on Asia's economic 
outlook and recent Aid -for-Trade initiatives. Trade performances in Asia have been severely affected 
by decreasing demand for manufactured goods, resulting in lowered growth forecasts and rising  
inflation . ADB stressed the need for vigilance and deeper cooperation from policymakers.  
Governments need to refrain from imposing trade restrictions while improving access to trade 
finance, trade facilitation, and transportation logistics through regional co-operation.  Regional trade 
agreements and mega -regional trade deals are expected to h elp promote export diversification and 
deepen regional value chains.   
17. ADB is conducting research on Digital Economy Agreements to help raise the capacity of 
developing Member countries to develop, negotiate and implement digital policies and regulations.  
ADB was also  supporting the recently established Trade and Investment Task Force of the Greater 
Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation Program in promoting digital supply chains in the 
subregion.  ADB has been supporting countries in implementing specific pr ovisions of the WTO Trade 
Facilitation Agreement. ADB also provide d assistance in RTA implementation and utilization, aiding 
countries in shaping their trade policy and Aid-for-Trade assistance after LDC graduation.   
18. The ADB's flagship Asian Economic Integ ration Report 2023 also feature d a theme chapter on 
Trade, Investment, and Climate Change, discussing policy options and priorities for expanding 
cleaner production capacity and intensifying greener trade and investment . 
19. The representative of Russian Feder ation informed the Committee that the Ukrainian conflict 
was outside the Committee  and should be discussed elsewhere . The speaker also expresse d 
condolences to Türkiye in connection with the earthquake and highlighted  Russia 's support to those 
affected, in cluding the dispatch of rescue personnel . 
20. The representative of China  highlighted the need for cooperation among international 
organizations, as many developing countries lack ed digital infrastructure.  While some Members 
responded that the WTO was not the right organization to address this issue, the importance of 
cooperation was emphasized.  She added i nformation sharing in A id-for-Trade meetings on reports 
from international financial institutions was critical and sharing statements in advance could lead to 
more comprehensive discussions and better reflection of Members' needs. The platform can be used 
effectively to deliver positive outcomes.  
21. The representative of the United Kingdom  commented on the Russian Federat ion's statement 
and highlighted that a global food crisis ha d been exacerbated by its actions, and as such discussion 
was relevant to the A id-for-Trade Work Programme and Committee.  WT/COMTD/AFT/M/57  
 
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  22. The representative of Moldova  further commented that  the ongoing war in Ukraine was 
creating short-term and long -term risks for Moldova's economic prospects.  Moldova faced  multiple 
shocks  including the COVID pandemic, a severe drought, and now a gas crisis, which had had 
significant impacts on the country's e conomy and social well -being.  She also  expresse d gratitude 
towards donor s for their support in helping Moldova cope with these crises.  
23. The representative of  the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)  
provided an update on its e -commerc e capacity -building activities in developing countries. In 2022, 
four new eTrade Readiness Assessments were completed in Jordan, Kenya, Tunisia, and the 
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and action plans were developed to 
prioritize polic y implementation.  
24. UNCTAD's efforts had triggered increased interest and cooperation among development 
partners to support priority actions in the countries concerned. Solomon Islands developed its first 
national e -commerce strategy in 2022, and several ca pacity -building activities were conducted in 
the Pacific region. UNCTAD has completed eTrade Readiness assessments for 32 countries, with a 
surge in demand for participation in regional Masterclasses of eTrade for Women. The UNCTAD 
e-week will take place on 4 -8 December 2023 in Geneva.  
II. Mainstreaming  
25. The representative of Barbados  talked about the challenges faced by small developing 
economies and recognized trade as a driving force behind economic development. Barbados has 
invested in initiatives to support SMEs, stimulate entrepreneurship, increase export potential, and 
modernize customs procedures.  
26. Barbados has also developed a plan to address its high public debt and has improved its credit 
rating, allowing for improved access to fi nancing to support economic activity and trade. Barbados 
is committed to a green transition and seeks Aid-for-Trade development funds to climate -proof its 
production and supply chains.  Barbados i s committed to work on  fulfilling its WTO notification 
requir ements, maintain relationships with organizations and like -minded countries, and identify 
WTO-compatible incentives to support economic sustainability.  
27. The representative of Djibouti  offered condolences to Türkiye and Syria for the recent 
earthquake. He spoke about the third review of Djibouti's trade policies and its adherence  to its WTO 
commitments. Djibouti's strong macroeconomic performance, efforts to modernize transport 
infrastructure, and diversify the economy through high -potential sectors such as telecommunications 
and tourism were emphasized.  
28. The representative of  the Seychelle s offered condolences to Türkiye and Syria for the recent 
earthquake. She then discussed the Seychelles' efforts to promote and support trade, with a focus 
on building a diversified, resilient, and open economy that is fully integrated into global markets. 
Trade facilitation and modernization of laws and regulations are being  prioritized, with ongoing work 
to develop a review mechanism for older regulations and to update I P legislation. The Seychelles' 
fisheries sector is also being developed sustainably, and the Government is focused on moving 
towards a digital economy, improving transport infrastructure, and promoting industrial 
competitiveness. The Government plans to in crease energy efficiency and promote renewable 
energy. The Seychelles has made considerable progress towards sustainable development, and 
credits the WTO and its partners for capacity building and technical assistance in achieving its goals.  
29. The represent ative of the United States (US)  announced that the US will provide 
USD 85 million in urgently needed  aid to Türkiye and Syria. Recalling the US's recent TPR, she  
emphasized the importance of transparency and good governance in the TPR process and noted tha t 
the US ha d prioritized technical assistance to increase Members' capacity to establish transparent 
and predictable feedback mechanisms. The US was also willing to share the lessons it ha d learned 
from its frequent TPR reviews and is actively  engaged in efforts to reform the TPR process to increase 
inclusivity, transparency, and sustainability.  
30. Concluding this agenda item , the Chair proposed adding an agenda item titled "Update on 
Members ' Trade and Development Strategies" for the next CTD meet ing. WT/COMTD/AFT/M/57  
 
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  31. The representative of the Enhanced Integrated Framework  (EIF),  provided an update on its 
latest Aid -for-Trade activities. Key themes for the EIF's work include d food security, digital 
connectivity, and sustainability. The EIF ha d observed increased ca pacity in LDCs towards identifying 
priorities and optimal project implementation. The representative  provided examples of successful 
projects in sectors such as rice, maize, soybean, and horticulture, as well as support for digital skills 
and infrastructur e.  
32. The EIF was engaged in a LDC consultation process in collaboration with partners and would  
continue to focus on key action areas in the Doha Programme of Action and the upcoming 
Aid-for-Trade Work Programme.  The EIF noted that it would release its 2022  Annual Report, 
highlighting results in key areas linked to the Work Programme and the broader efforts by the LDCs 
and partners in mainstreaming trade for sustainable development.  
33. The representative of Vanuatu  acknowledged the benefit it derived from  the EIF program. 
Vanuatu affirmed its commitment to being a reliable partner and being accountable for the funds 
given to them under the program . Vanuatu  also called on donors to continue supporting the program 
and requested consideration for an extension  of the EIF  beyond its current phase . 
34. The Djibouti  representative emphasized the usefulness of its engagement with the EIF in 
aligning support with national priorities and strengthening national entities. They also support the 
call made by Vanuatu to ensur e that the next phase of the EIF program was robust and support ed 
the gains achieved  during phases one and two. The representative expressed gratitude to all partners 
and donors who had supported Djibouti  through EIF funding.  
35. The representative of the Standards and Trade Development Facility ( STDF ) announced the 
completion of a gender assessment across all workstreams, with the release of a gender action plan , 
with practical guidelines to follow. STDF will adopt a new work plan and budget for 2023, which 
focuses on sharing knowledge and learning innovative and digital approaches to improve SPS 
capacity, good regulatory practices, and environmental protection. STDF will also organize a hybrid 
workshop with practical examples of projects focusing on Uganda, In dia, and Latin America, among 
others, and will link these examples to public -private partnerships, reducing trade costs, and good 
regulatory practices. Developing sanitary and phytosanitary capacity is critical for the agriculture 
sector in developing coun tries.  
36. The EU thanked the representatives of EIF and STDF for their contributions on  mainstreaming 
trade. It emphasized the importance of including sustainability objectives in national and regional 
development plans . The  EU commende d the STDF for highlighting key aspects of the Work 
Program me including environment, gender, and monitoring and evaluation.  
37. The US delegate highlighted  US initiatives promoting economic integration through trade, 
including a memorandum of understanding with the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat 
and a USD 50 million pledge for a public -private partnership initiative . 
III. Regional Dimension    
38. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization ( UNIDO ) provided  an update on its 
recent activities related to sustainable industrialization, climate change, and food security, with a 
specific focus on Africa. UNIDO participated in COP27 and advocated for the transformation of 
industry to become a leading provider of innovative climate  solutions.  UNIDO had co-organized the 
African Union's Extraordinary Summit on industrialization and convened events on various topics, 
including agriculture, green industry development, and digitalization for sustainable industrialization. 
UNIDO released a publication on the planning and management of integrated agro -food parks and 
announced the launch of the Agrifood Systems Transformation Accelerator program to facilitate 
innovative partnerships and SDG -compliant investments. UNIDO present ed itself as a platform for 
mobilizing investment and technolog y transfer  and expressed interest in participating in 
Aid-for-Trade activities.  
IV. Private Sector  
39. The International Trade Centre (ITC)  highlighted that in 2022 it has  facilitated over 
USD 194 million in trad e transactions for  its 1.4 million registered users and provided support to WT/COMTD/AFT/M/57  
 
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  over 30,000 MSMEs, of which 13,000 are women -led. ITC also assisted policymakers to integrate 
business sector input into over 70 new or improved trade -related policies, strategies,  rules, and 
regulations.  
40. ITC played a significant role in enhancing the national ecosystems that support MSMEs and 
facilitate trade, and its work ha d focused on digitalization. Furthermore, ITC plans to prioritize at 
least 80% of its country -level assista nce in its priority countries, primarily LDCs, and build strong 
partnerships with its Geneva partners at the WTO and UNCTAD, within the UN family, and with 
private sector and non -profit organizations.  
41. The representative of Ukraine  expressed gratitude for I TC's support of Ukrainian exporters 
and conflict -affected Ukrainians. She highlighted the importance of ITC's work in agriculture and 
MSME capacity building  and emphasized the need to support Ukraine's recovery.  
42. The representative of Thailand  noted  the importance of Aid for Trade and highlight ed the many 
projects and initiatives aimed at supporting developing countries, especially LDCs. The delegate 
hoped that this information would  be considered during discussion s on WTO reform and e -commerce 
and emphasize d the vital role of Aid for Trade in future development undertakings . 
43. The representative of the US expressed appreciation for the work of the International Trade 
Center. She acknowledged policies and tools like t he Climate Start network can support small 
businesses in developing countries to transition to low -carbon operations. She indicated  partnerships 
as a way for the WTO and its Members to promote public -private sector collaborations to support 
climate -smart e ntrepreneurs and businesses in developing countries.  
44. The EU expressed sympathy for the people of Türkiye and Syria and mentioned that the 
European Union is providing additional emergency support to both countries through the EU Civil 
Protection Mechanism and emergency humanitarian assistance. He also mentioned that the World 
Food Program requested assistance from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to support the affected 
people in Syria and that the EU aid will be channeled accordingly.  
45. The representative of Djibouti suggest ed to have advance d notice of statements to facilitate 
more interactive and in -depth discussions on ongoing activities. She also propose d to reflect  on how 
activities can be further enhanced and improved through an interactive reaction within the 
Membership, not just within the CTD.  
46. The representative of Fiji expressed sympathy for those suffered in the earthquake in Syria 
and Türkiye. He expressed hope t o initiate cooperation between the WTO and other international 
organizations  to discuss a model that can support MSMEs and developing countries to access  trade 
finance. He emphasize d the WTO has an important role to play  in enhanc ing trade and build capaci ty 
in the Global South.  
47. The representative of China  highlighted the importance of synergy among international 
organizations. She mentioned that developing countries are facing a lack of digital infrastructure and 
emphasized the need for cooperation to address this issue. She also suggested sharing statement s 
in advance to enable Members to reflect their views more comprehensively and voice their needs.  
V. Monitoring and Evaluation of Implementation and Development  Effectiveness  
48. A representative of the WTO Secretariat  provided Members with a presentation on the concept 
note for the symposium on monitoring and evaluation . The presenter outlined the Background Note  
(WT/COMTD/AFT/W/94 ) that was circulated by the Secretariat to present the exercise in detail. The 
rationale  for the exercise was discussed, which is to build confidence that Aid for Trade will be 
delivered and effectively used and to provide incentives to both donors and recipients to advance 
the Aid -for-Trade agenda. The aim of the exercise is to track Aid -for-Trade financing and whether it 
is achieving its intended results.  
49. The monitoring and evaluation  exercise is conducted at three levels: assessment of flows, 
questionnaires developed by Members, and case stories. The process is divided into four stages: 
self-assessment, surveying, analysis of Aid -for-Trade financing flows, and dissemination of results. 
The monitoring and evaluation  exercise in 2022 received 96 responses from various regions, WT/COMTD/AFT/M/57  
 
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  showcasing a diverse participation . Finally, the theme for the next  two years following the 2022 
exercise was announced as "Empowering Connected Sustainable Trade ". 
50. The representative  of the US expressed interest in engaging with the Secretariat to discuss 
next steps, but clarified that they needed more time to review the background document  in detail.  
51. The representative of Türkiye requested that the document issued refer to Turkey  as 
"Türki ye". The representative appreciated the support and solidarity of the WTO community . 
52. The representative of the EU thanked the WTO Secretariat for producing a background note 
on Aid-for-Trade monitoring and evaluation, which provides a useful summary of the Aid -for-Trade 
Initiative process. The EU note d the addition of a section on south -south cooperation and comments 
from two Members. The EU also anticipate d providing comments after consulting with its member 
States. Additionally, the EU welcome d the suggestion  of a proposed symposium in early April that 
would coincide with the regular session of the CTD.  
53. The representative of the United Kingdom  thank ed the Secretariat for explaining the 
importance of the monitoring and evaluation exercise . He also expresse d condolences to Türkiye 
and Syria and note d that the U nited Kingdom  has provided support and is ready to offer more aid.  
54. The representative of India expresse d condolences to Türkiye and Syria. He appreciate d the 
WTO Secretariat's effort s in prepar ing a concept note on monitoring and evaluation, and plan s to 
contribute to the analysis and dissemination of South -South cooperation. He hoped that the 
monitoring and evaluation exercise needed to  address  certain concerns  about  the Aid -for-Trade  
Initiativ e effectively.  
55. The Chair acknowledged that some Members needed more time to digest the paper and 
suggested Members send comments to the Secretariat shortly . She noted that the purpose of the 
symposium  was to gain insights  on how Aid-for-Trade monitoring and evaluation work ed and how 
to improve it.  She requested that Members share their comments on the background paper and 
proposed Symposium before 3 March  2023. 
D. OTHER BUSINESS  
56. No comments were provided under this agenda item.  
57. The meeting was adjourned . 
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