JOB/GC/108  
 
1 November 2016  
(16-5995) Page: 1/2 
  Original: English  
 
  INFORMAL MINISTERIAL  MEETING ON THE WTO   
OSLO, 21 -22 OCTOBER 2016  
 
CHAIR'S SUMMARY OF D ISCUSSION  
COMMUNICATION FROM NORWAY  
The following communication, dated 31 October 2016, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of Norway.  
 
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1.1.  Ministers and officials from 25 M embers, represent ing a broad spectrum of the 
WTO membership with a common desire to safeguard the multilateral trading system and 
strengtheni ng the WTO, met in Oslo on 21 -22 Oct ober 2016 with the WTO Director -General.  
1.2.  Ministers discussed what outcomes Members want to achieve by the next Ministerial 
Conference in 2017 and beyond, and how to develop convergence on such outcomes.  
1.3.  Ministers reaffirmed the importance of implementing the Nairobi and Bali outcomes and 
exploring ways to advance negotiations to build on those outcomes in the period ahead.  
1.4.  Ministers confirmed that they remained strongly committed to realizing the entry into force of 
the Trade Facilitation Agreement.  
1.5.  Ministers welcomed Argentina as host for the ne xt WTO M inisterial C onference, MC11. 
They recognized the importance of preparing properly for MC11. Argentina indicated its thoughts 
on an inclusive process.  
1.6.  Based on e xperience from MC10 in Nairobi M inisters underlined the need for continued 
political engage ment, while instructing negotiators to do the job needed to secure negotiated 
results. The focus of the discussions in Oslo was on the political guidance the Ministers can provide 
in preparation for the 2017 WTO Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires and b eyond.  
1.7.  Ministers agreed that it is important that the WTO’s negotiating function continue to deliver 
meaningful outcomes.  
1.8.  In the face of the backl ash over trade all are facing, M inisters recognized the importance of 
taking seriously the concerns expressed in the public debate over trade.  
1.9.  Ministers discussed the need to maintain the relevance of the multilateral trading system and 
to find ways to update the system in line with developments in the global economy.  
1.10.   Ministers had a first exchange of views on the  merits of Regional Trading Arrangements as 
inspiration for furthering  the multilateral trade agenda.  The strengthened role of the WTO in 
surveillance and collection of best practices should be further explored.  
1.11.   Ministers expressed the need for confidence building among themselves to ensure a positive 
outcome at Buenos Aires.  JOB/GC/108  
 
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  1.12.   Ministers put development at the cent re of discussions. The debate underscored that 
integration of developing economies , and in particular, the least -developed M embers, in the global 
trading system is an underlying theme of all trade issues.  
1.13.   Ministers highlighted the need to view issues in light of the interests and con cerns of 
small and medium -sized e nterprises.  
1.14.   Ministers agreed that with MC11 just over a year ahead, it was now urgent to move from 
reflection to action. This transition must  take place through a proposal -driven process aimed at 
securing outcomes by MC11 and beyond. The need for proponents to come forward with fresh 
ideas was underlined as well as the importance of constru ctive engagement and open minds.  
1.15.   Ministers noted that some concrete ideas are already on the table and some Ministers 
signalled  their intentions of putting forward other concrete proposals for MC11, which was 
welcomed.  
1.16.   The need for an open, inclusive and t ransparent process leading up to MC11 was recognized 
by all.  
1.17.   Although there were differences in  emphasis and priorities, many M inisters stressed the 
need to be realistic, look for doable and meaningful results and be open to new approaches to get 
there.  
1.18.   In addition, M inisters agreed that outcomes should be achieved through incremental steps 
rather than major leaps, at least in the short term.  
1.19.   The discussions were focused on some potential issues for further work in the lead up to 
MC11 while ministers noted that it is too early to assess what potential results may be achieved in 
Buenos Aires. Other issues need more time and scoping before Members seem able to reach 
consensus on the way forward.  
1.20.   Ministers were in general agreement that issues for further work in the lead up to MC11 
with development at its center would likely include:  
- elements of domestic support in agriculture, based on updated notifications ; 
the mandated permanent solution for public stockhol ding for food security purposes;  
- the other manda ted tasks from Nairobi ; 
- a multilateral process on fishery subsidies to deliver on the Sustainable Development 
Goal 14.6 ; 
- domestic regulations in services including trade facilit ation; and  
- S&D and issues of par ticular relevance for the Least -Developed  Countries . 
1.21.   The list is not exhaustive and issues like cotton, investment facilitation and NTBs should be 
kept in mind.  
1.22.   While noting the agreement at Nairobi that all Do ha–issues remain on the table, M inisters 
pointed to well -known topics that probably nee d more time before  results may be harvested. 
They include : 
- continued reform in agriculture ; 
- market access in  NAMA, agriculture and services; and  
- rules issues beyond fishery subsidies.  
1.23.   Among so -called new issues, many M inisters mentioned e -commerce as  a potential 
candidate for harvesting results in one form or another in Buenos Aires, while others seemed more 
sceptical . Thus further focused, but open-minded , discussions and scoping on e -commerce are 
needed before any conclusions can be drawn.  
 
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