WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/ACC/13 
22 January 2010 
 
 (10-0338) 
  
 
 
WTO ACCESSIONS:  2009 ANNUAL REPORT  BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL  
 
 
 
 
   
I. INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW  
1. Throughout the course of 2009, Members and acceding governments underlined the priority 
they attach to WTO accessions.  In statements at  the Seventh WTO Ministerial Conference, preceded 
by the General Council, the Sub-Committee on L east-Developed Countries, the Phnom Penh Round 
Table on LDCs' Accessions and, in many consulta tive formats, Members and acceding governments 
have conveyed a range of messages.  One message that stood out was the need to strengthen and 
further improve transparency on WTO accessions.  This Report aims at contributing to improving 
transparency on accessions.   
2. The objectives in this report are to:   
(a) provide information on accession-related developments in 2009;   
(b) describe the factual state-of-play in  the individual accessions;  and,  
(c) provide information to acceding government s on relevant WTO Secretariat services.   
3. The legal and policy framework of WTO accessions is set out in Article XII of the Marrakesh 
Agreement establishing the WTO.  Member s and acceding governments acknowledge the 
fundamental value of WTO accession as:  (i) an instrument for achieving growth and development 
through domestic institutional, ec onomic and policy reforms; and (ii) a vehicle for strengthening the 
rules-based multilateral trading system through re inforced rules and improvements in market access 
opportunities, which apply MFN.   
4. The accession process is the central instrument for achieving "universality" of the Multilateral 
Trading System.  A successful accession process can enable countries to undertake far-reaching 
domestic reform to achieve trade and economic integration with considerable benefits.   
5. The recent global economic and financial crisis , from which the world is emerging, makes 
evident the benefits of the safety and insuran ce policy provided by WTO Membership.  In this 
context, a number of previously dormant accessions  have been re-activated, due in part to an 
awareness of the rising risk of remaining outside th e rules-based system.  Currently, the 153 Members 
of the WTO account for more than 95% of world trad e.  The WTO coverage of global trade will rise This document has been prepa red under the Secretariat's own 
responsibility and without prejudice to the positions of Members and to 
their rights and obligations under the WTO WT/ACC/13 
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  to 99.9%, as the 29 acceding governments, at the different stages of the process, conclude their 
accession negotiations.   
6. In 2009, there was a significant step-up in in terventions and engagement on accessions.  As 
Director-General, I fully share th e priority by all Members for WTO accessions and shall support the 
efforts by Members.  The Organization must continue  to accord priority and special attention to the 
accession of Least-Developed Countries.  In 2009 , the Secretariat facilitated a "Dialogue with 
Acceding LDCs" and WTO Members.  Members and LDCs have now agreed to mainstream this 
Dialogue into, and sustain it within, the Sub-Committee on Least-Developed Countries in 2010. This is a contribution to implementing the goal set by WTO Ministers at Doha in 2001 to "... facilitate and 
accelerate the negotiations with acceding LDCs".   
7. This first Annual Report builds on the technical  notes on accession that the Secretariat has 
periodically prepared as follow-up to the initial ex change of views on the subject in the General 
Council in 1998
1.     
II. DEVELOPMENTS IN 2009 
(i) Accession Working Parties: an overview of activities    
8. Currently, 29 applicants are in the process of WTO accession.  In 2009, seven held formal 
Working Party meetings.  These were:  Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lao PDR, the Lebanese 
Republic (two meetings), Serbia , Tajikistan and Yemen.  In four Working Parties, the accession 
process was conducted through informal consultations (Belarus, Russian Federa tion, Montenegro and 
Samoa).   In the period under review, progress was made in several respects2:   
(a) three applicants submitted their "Memo randa on the Foreign Trade Regime" 
(Afghanistan, the Bahamas, and the Islami c Republic of Iran).  The Working Party 
process of the Seychelles was resumed with the submission of an updated Memorandum; 
(b) a revised "Factual Summary of Points Ra ised" (hereafter "Factual Summary") was 
prepared for two applicants (Azerbaijan and Lao PDR); 
(c) an "Elements of a draft Report" was prepared for Tajikistan.  A revised "Elements of 
a draft Report" was circulated for Yemen;    
                                                     
 
1 WT/ACC/10: a technical reference note on th e factual results of completed accessions; and  
WT/ACC/11: a technical reference note on chronological developments in ongoing accession Working Parties.  
For the General Council discussions on accessi ons in 1998, see docu ment WT/GC/M/32.   
2 Accession negotiations evolve through the sequenced stages of:  (i) the Memorandum of the Foreign 
Trade Regime (MFTR); (ii) the Factual Summary of Points  Raised; (iii) the draft Repo rt of the Working Party; 
and (iv) the draft accession package.  The "Memorandum on the Foreign Tr ade Regime" is prepared by the 
acceding government and contains the factual information on the trade regime needed for activating the 
Working Party process.  It is the basis for the examinati on of the applicant's foreign trade regime by Members.  
The next step in the multilateral process in terms of doc umentation is the preparation by the Secretariat of the 
"Factual Summary of Points Raised".  This informal document summarizes the discussions that have taken place in the Working Party.  The Factual Summary evolves into the draft "Report of the Working Party", which 
incorporates the specific terms of accession negotiate d by Members and the acceding government.  In some 
cases, an "Elements of a draft Report" is prepared as an  intermediate step between the Factual Summary and the 
draft Report.  Bilateral market access negotiations evolve on a different track.  In practice, these negotiations 
typically begin after the first meeting of the Working Pa rty and are based on initial market access offers by the 
acceding government.  Bilateral negotiatio ns lead to the preparation of C onsolidated draft Schedules on goods 
and services by the Secretariat.  The accession package (d raft Report, with annexed draft Schedules on goods 
and services, and a draft Protocol) is adopted by the Working Party and forwarded to the General Council.  WT/ACC/13 
 Page 3 
 
 
  (d) a draft "Report of the Working Party" (her eafter "draft Report") was prepared for two 
applicants (Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Yemen); 
(e) four applicants advanced their multilatera l negotiations through a revision of their 
draft Reports (the Lebanese Republic , Montenegro, Samoa, and Serbia); 
(f) new Chairpersons were designated in si x Accession Working Parties (Afghanistan, 
the Bahamas, Iraq, Lao PDR, Samoa, and the Seychelles)3; and 
(g) the conclusion of eight bilateral market access agreements was reported to the 
Working Parties.  The applicants concer ned were:  Kazakhsta n, Lao PDR, Samoa 
(two agreements), Serbia (two agre ements) and Yemen (two agreements). 
(ii) Engagement by Members 
9. The year 2009 marked the deepening of engagement by WTO Members on systemic 
accession matters.  Discussions relating to the accession process, and accession of Least-Developed Countries (LDCs) in particular, took place at several fora throughout the year.   
10. The accession of LDCs was on the agenda of the 52
nd Session of the Sub-Committee on 
LDCs  held in March 2009.  Members engaged in an  in-depth exchange of views based on a Note4 
prepared by the Secretariat.  LDCs made a request  for consultations and dialogue.  The Secretariat 
was requested to continue to build on the Note fo r consideration at a future meeting of the Sub-
Committee. 
11. As a follow-up, in May, the Secretariat initiated a Dialogue between acceding LDCs and 
WTO Members5.  This Dialogue was aimed at fostering better understanding of the priorities, 
concerns and challenges faced by acceding LDCs and at exploring possible practical solutions within 
the framework of the 2002 Decision on the Accession of LDCs (2002 LDC Guidelines)6.  Overall, 
Members and acceding LDCs considered the Dialogue  a constructive and pragmatic response to the 
request by the latter for deeper engagement.  At  the Dialogue, acceding LDCs made suggestions on 
how to address the concerns and challenges they f ace, highlighting the areas where they would like 
further engagement with Members.  Members res ponded with ideas on how the issues raised could be 
further addressed within the framework of the LDC Sub-Committee.  LDCs considered the Dialogue a 
"commendable exercise in transparency"7.      
12. In continuation of the Dialogue process, Cambodia organized a Round Table on LDCs' 
Accessions in Phnom Penh (28-30 September 2009).  The objective of the Round Table was for 
recently acceded LDCs (Cambodia, Cape  Verde, Nepal) to share best practices.  This would enable 
acceding LDCs to better address the challenges they confront, including domestically.  The Round 
Table was jointly chaired by Cambodia and Tanzan ia as LDC Coordinator.  The Phnom Penh Round 
Table Statement8 called for inter alia  improved transparency, strict adherence to the 2002 LDC 
Guidelines, an enhanced role for the Director-General (to use his "good offices" and act as a 
"facilitator"), and donor funding  for targeted technical assistance for acceding LDCs.   
                                                      
3 See General Council Annual Report 2009 (docum ent WT/GC/121).  The practice has emerged to 
appoint a Working Party Chairperson following the submission of the Memorandum on the Foreign Trade 
Regime.   
4 WT/COMTD/LDC/W/44. 
5 WT/COMTD/LDC/15. 
6 WT/L/508. 
7 WT/COMTD/LDC/16/Add.1. 
8 WT/COMTD/LDC/16. WT/ACC/13 
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  13. At the October 2009 meeting of the General Council (item 5) , Gabon, on behalf of the 
Informal Group of Developing Countries, submitted a proposal
9. This proposal called for:  
(i) enhanced institutional mechanisms to provid e acceding governments with the opportunity to 
express their views on the process; and (ii) pe riodic progress reports on accession to the General 
Council.  Delegations underlined the value of th e accession process.  There was caution against 
politicization.  Under " Other Business ", Cambodia requested that a process be established for action 
on the Phnom Penh Round Table Statement.  Members' interventions under these agenda items also addressed the need for enhancing the efficiency  and transparency of the accession process, the 
importance of commitment to the existing WTO legal framework, and technical assistance.  The position of Members was unanimous that the integrity of WTO rules and acquis  must be strengthened. 
14. At the 54
th Session of the Sub-Committee on LDCs , held in November 2009, Members 
expressed support for Tanzania's proposal to c ontinue the Dialogue between acceding LDCs and 
WTO Members in early 2010 within the framewo rk of the LDC Sub-Committee.  The 2002 LDC 
Guidelines would continue to provide the framewo rk for future discussions.  Several delegations 
called for the increased use of existing mechanis ms, such as the Director-General's good offices, 
regular reviews in the LDC Sub-Committee, a nd reports by Working Party Chairpersons. 
15. At the December 2009 meeting of the General Council (item 8) , Members reaffirmed the 
value of accessions for the Organization in streng thening the rules and approaching the goal of 
universality of coverage.  Member s reiterated the priority they a ttached to LDCs' accessions in 
accordance with the 2002 LDC Guid elines, the need to scale-up technical assistance, and the 
importance to further strengthen transparency.  To  this end, the Director-General noted, at the 
conclusion of the discussions, that he would explore ways to enhance transparency, including through 
reporting.   
(iii) Transparency of the accession process 
16. The Informal Group on Accessions10 is a consultative mechanism for information exchange 
with Members on developments in accession Working Parties and on the calendar of meetings.  To 
respond to issues raised by Members, in par ticular with regard to  representativeness and 
inclusiveness, the list of participants at the In formal Group was expanded in 2009.  This expansion 
encompasses all regional coordinators and involves ov er 40 Members.  The frequency of meetings has 
been increased with monthly periodicity.  There were seven meetings of the Group in 2009.  
17. In October 2009, the Secretariat undertook outreach with the Informal Group of Developing 
Countries  in response to the Group's invitation.  At the meeting, the Secretariat briefed developing 
countries on the state-of-play in individual accessions  and on specific issues relevant to the process 
per se .  Delegations exchanged views on the accession process and articulated ideas on possible 
improvements.  The Secretariat agreed to provide briefings to the Group on accession-related 
developments, as frequently as requested. 
(iv) Working Party Chairpersons 
18. Six new Geneva-based representatives were a ppointed Chairpersons of Accession Working 
Parties in 200911.     
19. The Secretariat organized briefings for ne w Chairpersons on two occasions in 2009.  
                                                      
9 WT/GC/W/611. 
10 Chaired by the Secretariat. 
11 See paragraph 8(f) of this report.  WT/ACC/13 
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  (v) Technical assistance and outreach 
20. WTO Members have been unanimous that technical assistance and capacity building are of 
critical importance for acceding governments at all stages of the accession process, including the post-
accession phase.  In accordance with the Doha Mini sterial Declaration, Members confirmed that 
"technical cooperation and capacity building are core elements of the development dimension of the 
multilateral trading system."12 Technical assistance required by acceding governments includes 
awareness-generation, preparation of documenta tion, support for building and sustaining domestic 
trade coalitions, and private sector support.  It  also includes longer term support required for 
legislative infrastructure and enforcement mechanisms.   
21. Priority attention has been given to acceding governments, in particular LDCs, in the WTO 
Technical Assistance Plans.  On the basis of this  priority, Members and agencies have continued to 
provide technical assistance to acceding governments.  In 2009, acceding countries benefited from 164 WTO technical assistance activities, including na tional, regional, Geneva-based and e-training 
courses.  National seminars, workshops and t echnical missions were organized in 16 acceding 
countries.  Engagement and outreach on accessions  have continued through "Geneva Weeks" 
(targeting non-resident delegati ons), briefings, e-communication, contacts with business sector 
groups, and the university programme.  In additio n, a dedicated e-training module on WTO accession 
was introduced at the start of the year.  Looking  further ahead, the 2010-2011 biennial Technical 
Assistance Plan provides for one global and th ree regional seminars on Accessions.  This Plan 
combines technical assistance per se  with outreach. 
22. The Secretariat has continued to promote pa rtnerships with other organizations and 
specialized agencies providing support to acceding gove rnments.  In cooperation with the African 
Development Bank (AfDB) and the Joint Africa Ins titute, a regional seminar on WTO Accessions for 
African Countries was organized in December 2009.  The workshop provided a platform for the nine 
acceding governments from the region to share accessi on experiences, identify challenges, and engage 
with AfDB country economists and WTO Secretaria t specialists to provide them with support on 
accession as part of their overall policy priorities.  The understanding was reached to work intensively 
with the nine acceding governments in a structur ed, staged workshop process over the next 36 month 
period to support their accession processes, with minimu m delay.  Outreach by the Secretariat has also 
included participation in events organized by  other organizations, including the Agency for 
International Trade Information and Cooperation (AITIC), the Food and Agriculture Organization 
(FAO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations 
Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Swedish International Development Agency 
(SIDA), the World Bank, and the World Trade Institute (WTI).   
23. A major challenge for acceding governments is building and sustaining stable coalitions for 
trade opening.  Interventions by multilateral institu tions, in partnership with WTO Members, provide 
support to acceding governments to address this cha llenge.  As part of technical assistance/outreach, 
the Secretariat undertook a mission to Syria in May 2009.  This visit focused on promoting WTO 
awareness within the governme nt and assessing technical a ssistance needs.   Technical 
assistance/outreach missions were also undertaken in  the Islamic Republic of Iran and Liberia.  
24. On 1 December 2009, the WTO, the Internati onal Trade Centre (ITC), and the Executive 
Secretariat of the Enhanced Integrated Framework established a framework for technical assistance and capacity support of relevance to the private sector of acceding LDCs.   This new programme 
responds to the increasing number of requests from acceding LDCs to support their accession process 
and the implementation of immediate post-accession commitments.  It would also contribute to 
ensuring greater coherence in inte r-agency delivery of technical assi stance and capacity building.  
                                                     
 
12 WT/MIN(01)/DEC/1. WT/ACC/13 
Page 6  
 
  Programme start-up is being funded from within exis ting resources of the three agencies.  Donors, for 
their part, are already forthcoming in extending support to this new programme.  Spain has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the ITC to exte nd financial support to this Programme.     
III. STATE OF PLAY IN INDIVIDUAL ACCESSION WORKING PARTIES
13 
25. Progress in individual accessions revolves around th e dynamics of the Working Party process 
and the separate bilateral market access negotiations .  In the period under review, there has been 
progress in several Working Parties.  Some ha ve begun the substantive part of their accession 
processes by submitting their "Memoranda on the Forei gn Trade Regime".  The activation of these 
Working Parties has given impetus to the priority accorded by WTO Members on accession.  Others have advanced considerably, appr oaching an advanced state of ma turity.  However, some accessions 
have not progressed as expected due to various factors, including domestic challenges, political 
choices, immediate post-conflict situations and natural disasters, amongst others.   
26. Afghanistan
's "Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Re gime" was submitted in March 2009.  
The first Working Party meeting will be organized when Afghanistan provides replies to Members' 
questions on its Memorandum.  Bilateral market access negotiations have not begun.  This accession 
is at an initial stage.  Chairperson :  H.E. Ambassador Boudewijn J. Van Eenennaam, Permanent 
Representative of the Netherlands.   
27. Algeria 's Working Party has held ten meetings.  The last meeting was in January 2008.  
Multilateral work is proceeding on the basis of a 2006 draft Report.  Bilateral agreements have been 
concluded with five Members (Brazil, Cuba, Ur uguay, Switzerland and the Bolivarian Republic of 
Venezuela) and other bilateral negotiations are ong oing.  The next Working Party meeting will be 
convened when Algeria responds to questi ons raised by Memb ers.  Chairperson :  H.E. Mr. Guillermo 
Valles Galmés, Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Uruguay.   
28. Andorra 's Working Party held its first meeting in October 1999.  This accession process is 
dormant.  Chairperson :  H.E. Mr. Benedikt Jonsson, Ambassador, Iceland.   
29. Azerbaijan 's Seventh Working Party meeting was held  in July 2009.  Multilateral work has 
proceeded on the basis of a Factual Summary since D ecember 2008.  The latest revision of the Factual 
Summary was circulated in July 2009.  Bilateral agreements have been c oncluded with six Members 
(Georgia, the Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova, Oman, th e United Arab Emirates and Turkey).  Other 
bilateral negotiations are ongoing.  Inputs are awaite d from Azerbaijan before the next Working Party 
meeting will be convened (replies to  questions, revised legislative action plan, legislation, revised 
goods and services offers).  Chairperson :  H.E. Mr. Walter Lewalter, Ambassador (Germany).  
30. The Bahamas ' Working Party was established in 2001.   In April 2009, the Bahamas submitted 
its Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime.  Th e First Working Party meeting will be organized 
when the Bahamas provides replies to Members'  questions on its Memorandum.  Chairperson :  
H.E. Mr. Peter Black, Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Jamaica.   
31. Belarus ' Working Party has held seven meetings.  The last formal Working Party meeting was 
in May 2005.  An informal consultation took place in June 2009.  Multilateral work has proceeded on 
the basis of a 2007 Factual Summary.  Bilateral ag reements have been conc luded with ten Members 
(Armenia, Bulgaria, China, Cuba, the Dominican  Republic, India, the Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova, 
Panama and Turkey).  Bilateral market access negotiations are ongoi ng with 12 Members (Australia, 
Brazil, Canada, the EU, Ecuador, Japan, the Repub lic of Korea, Malaysia, Norway, Switzerland, 
Chinese Taipei, and the US).  The Working Party pr ocess, however, was "suspended" in light of the 
                                                      
13 Additional details on ongoing accessions ar e available in document WT/ACC/11/Rev.8.  WT/ACC/13 
 Page 7 
 
 
  9 June 2009 announcement on the formation of a Cu stoms Union with Kazakhstan and the Russian 
Federation.  The three delegations  have confirmed to Members and the Secretariat that they will 
submit a note describing the Customs Union, its sc ope and coverage, tariff schedules, legislation, 
enforcement structures and all other re levant information.  Chairperson :  Vacant.   
32. Bhutan 's Working Party has held four Working Party meetings.  The last Working Party 
meeting was in January 2008.  Multilateral work ha s proceeded on the basis of a draft Report since 
December 2007.  Bhutan is engaged in bilatera l market access negotiations with five Members 
(Canada, China, the EU, Japan and the US).  No  bilateral agreement has been signed so far.  
Following elections and constitutiona l reform, Bhutan is yet to submit comments on the draft Report 
prepared by the Secretariat.  The next Working Party meeting will be conve ned when these comments 
are received.  Chairperson :  H.E. Mr. Wolfgang Petritsch, Ambassador, Austria.   
33. Bosnia and Herzegovina 's Sixth Working Party meeting was held in March 2009.  
Multilateral discussions are proceeding on the basis of  a draft Report.  Bosnia and Herzegovina is 
engaged in bilateral market access negotiations wi th nine Members (Braz il, Canada, Ecuador, El 
Salvador, the EU, Japan, the Republic of Korea, No rway, and the US).  No bilateral agreement has 
been concluded yet.  Bosnia and Herzegovina has submitted inputs for the next Working Party 
meeting, which should be convened in February 2010.  Chairperson :  H.E. Mr. Istvan Major, 
Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Hungary.   
34. Ethiopia 's Working Party held its First meeting in May 2008.  Inputs for holding the Second 
Working Party meeting have been received.  Th e next Working Party meeting, however, will be 
convened as soon as the General Council concludes consultations on the appointment of a new 
Working Party Chairperson.  Bilateral market access negotiations on goods and services will begin 
once Ethiopia submits its initial market access offers.    Chairperson :  Vacant.   
35. The Islamic Republic of Iran  submitted its Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime in 
November 2009, after the establishment of its Workin g Party in 2005.  Members have been invited to 
submit their questions to the Memorandum by 18  January 2010.  The Chairman of the General 
Council is consulting on the appointment of a Worki ng Party Chairperson.  The first meeting of the 
Working Party should be convened after the Chairp erson is appointed and I.R. Iran responds to 
Members' questions.  Chairperson :  Vacant.   
36. Iraq's Working Party has held two meetings, af ter the circulation of its Memorandum on the 
Foreign Trade Regime in September 2005.  The last  meeting was in April 2008.  Bilateral market 
access negotiations will begin after the submission of  initial goods and services offers.  Several inputs 
have been received for the next Working Party me eting.  This meeting w ill be convened when Iraq 
submits the outstanding inputs (legislation, legisl ative action plan, initial ma rket access offers).  
Chairperson :  H.E. Mr. Omar Hilale, Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Morocco.   
37. Kazakhstan 's Working Party has held ten meetings.  The last meeting was in July 2008.  
Multilateral work has proceeded on the basis of a draf t Report since 2005.  The latest revision of this 
draft Report was circulated in June 2008.  Bila teral agreements with 22 Members have been 
concluded.14  The Working Party process, however, was "suspended" in light of the 9 June 2009 
announcement on the formation of a Customs Union w ith Belarus and the Russian Federation.  The 
three delegations have confirmed to Members a nd the Secretariat that they will submit a note 
describing the Customs Union, its scope and cove rage, tariff schedules, legislation, enforcement 
                                                      
14 The Kyrgyz Republic, Georgia, Japan, China, Turkey, the Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Oman, Cuba, 
Mexico, Norway, Bulgaria, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Brazil, Israel, Switzerland, Malaysia, 
Canada, Australia and India. WT/ACC/13 
Page 8  
 
  structures and all other relevant information.  Chairperson
:  H.E. Mr. Hannu Himanen, 
Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Finland.   
38. Lao PDR 's Fifth Working Party meeting was held  in July 2009.  Multilateral work has 
proceeded on the basis of a Factua l Summary since 2007.  The latest revision of the Factual Summary 
was circulated in June 2009.  Lao PDR is engage d in bilateral market access negotiations with eight 
Members (Australia, Canada, the EU, India, Japan , the Republic of Korea, Chinese Taipei and the 
US).  A bilateral agreement has been concluded wi th one Member (China).  The next Working Party 
meeting will be convened when Lao PDR submits inputs (replies to Members' questions, revised 
legislative action plans, enacted legislation) for th e preparation of the "Elements of a draft Report".  
Chairperson :  Mr. Zhang Xianchen, Minister/Deputy Permanent Representative of China.   
39. The Lebanese Republic 's Seventh Working Party meeti ng was held in October 2009.  
Multilateral work has proceeded on the basis of a draf t Report since October 2008.  The latest revision 
of the draft Report was circulated in October 200 9.  Bilateral negotiations are ongoing with nine 
Members (Australia, Canada, Cuba, El Salvador, the EU, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Ukraine, and the 
US).  No bilateral agreement has been concluded so far.  The next Working Party meeting will be 
convened after the Lebanese Republic adopts outst anding WTO-related legislation, submits the 
necessary inputs (replies to questions, revised legisl ative action plan), and the Secretariat revises the 
draft Report.  Chairperson :  Mme. Laurence Dubois-Destrizais, France.   
40. Montenegro 's Working Party has held seven meetings. The last meeting was in November 
2008.  The latest revision of Montenegro's draft Report was circulated in January 2009.  The draft Goods and Services Schedules were circulated in December 2008.  Montenegro has signed eight 
bilateral agreements (Brazil, Canada, China, the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Japan and the US).  The 
final Working Party meeting will be convened to adopt Montenegro's draft accession package when 
the outstanding bilateral market access negotiation with Ukraine is concluded.  Chairperson
:  
H.E. Mr. Andrej Logar, Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Slovenia.   
41. The Russian Federation 's Working Party has held 30 formal Working Party meetings.  The 
last meeting was in March 2006.  Since then, work  has advanced through informal consultations by 
the Chairperson.  Multilateral discussions have pr oceeded on the basis of a 2006 draft Report (also 
referred to as a "Consolidation").  Bilateral ma rket access agreements have been concluded with 
56 Members15.  Other bilateral negotiations are outsta nding.  The Working Party process, however, 
was "suspended" in light of the 9 June 2009 ann ouncement on the formation of a Customs Union with 
Belarus and Kazakhstan.  The thr ee delegations have confirmed to Members and the Secretariat that 
they will submit a note describing the Customs Un ion, its scope and coverage, tariff schedules, 
legislation, enforcement structures and all other relevant information.  Chairperson :  H.E. Mr. Stéfan 
Johannesson, Ambassador, Iceland.   
42. Samoa 's Working Party held its first meeting in March 2002.  Since then, work has proceeded 
on the basis of informal consultations.  The latest  informal consultation to ok place in October 2009.  
Multilateral work is proceeding on the basis of a draf t Report since 2003.  The latest revision of this 
document was discussed in October 2009.  Bilatera l agreements have been  concluded with five 
Members (Australia, China, Honduras, New Zealand and Japan).  Samoa is engaged in bilateral 
market access negotiations with three Members (the  EU, Ukraine and the US).  The next informal 
                                                      
15 Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa 
Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Ec uador, Egypt, El Salvad or, the EU, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, the 
Dominican Republic, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Kyrgyz Republic, Latvia, 
Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, New Zealand, Norway, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore,  Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, 
Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United St ates, Uruguay, the Bolivarian Republic  of Venezuela and Viet Nam.    WT/ACC/13 
 Page 9 
 
 
  consultation will be convened when Samoa submits re quested inputs (enacted legislation, replies to 
Members' questions and comprehensively revised market access offers).  This accession is in an advanced state of maturity.  Chairperson
:  Ms. Kuni Sato, Minister, Deputy Permanent Representative 
of Japan.   
43. Serbia 's Seventh Working Party meeting was held  in July 2009.  Multilateral work is 
proceeding on the basis of a revised draft Report ci rculated in July 2009.   Bilateral market access 
negotiations are ongoing with 10 Members (Brazil, Ch ina, Ecuador, El Salvador, the EU, the Republic 
of Korea, Norway, Switzerland, Ukraine and the US ).  Bilateral agreements on goods and services 
have been concluded with two Members (Canada an d Japan).  The next Working Party meeting will 
be convened in February 2010.  This accession is in  an advanced state of maturity.  Chairperson :  
H.E. Mrs. Marie-Claire Swärd Capra, Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Sweden.   
44. The Seychelles ' Working Party held its first meeti ng in 1997.  The Seychelles submitted its 
revised "Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime" in May 2009 to reactivate its accession process.  
The next Working Party will be convened when th e Seychelles submits requested inputs (replies to 
Members' questions, revised market access offers).  Chairperson :  Ms. Hilda Ali Al-Hinai, Counsellor, 
Deputy Permanent Representative of Oman.   
45. Sudan 's Working Party has held two meetings.  The last meeting was in March 2004.  
A Factual Summary was circulated informally in September 2004.  Bilateral market access agreements have been concluded with  four Members (Brazil, China, Jo rdan and Turkey).  No date has 
been fixed for the next Working Party meeting.  Chairperson
:  H.E. Mr. Abdulkader Lecheheb, 
Ambassador, Morocco.   
46. Tajikistan 's Fourth Working Party meeting was held in September 2009.  Multilateral work is 
proceeding on the basis of an "Elements of a draft Report", circulated in May 2009.  Tajikistan is 
engaged in market access negotiations with 12 Member s (Australia, Canada, the EU, India, Japan, the 
Republic of Korea, the Kyrgyz Republic, Malaysia, Ukraine, the US, Chinese Taipei, and Sri Lanka).  
One bilateral agreement has been concluded (Chi na).  The next Working Party meeting will be 
convened when Tajikistan submits the outstanding i nputs (replies to questions, legislation, revised 
legislative action plan).  Chairperson :  H.E. Mr. Clyde Kull, Ambassador, Estonia.   
47. Uzbekistan 's Working Party has held three meetings.  The last Working Party meeting was in 
October 2005.  Uzbekistan submitte d initial goods and services offers for the bilateral market access 
negotiations in September 2005.  The Secretariat will prepare a Factual Summary on the basis of inputs from Uzbekistan.  These are pending.  The ne xt Working Party meeting will be convened when 
the outstanding inputs (revised legislative action pl an, revised offers, information on state-trading 
entities, import licensing questionnaire) and the Factual Summary are circulated.  Chairperson
:  
H.E. Mr. Sung-Joo Lee, Ambassador, Republic of Korea.   
48. Vanuatu  concluded its accession negotiations in 20 01 when the Working Party adopted its 
draft accession package.  Subsequently, the Vanuatu  authorities informed the Secretariat that they 
would need more time to consider the accession pack age before it could be forwarded to the General 
Council for adoption.  In 2008, Va nuatu signalled that it was ready to resume its accession process.  In 
2009, the Secretariat, together with Members,  resumed technical work to update the accession 
package agreed in 2001.  Once this technical wo rk is completed, the accession process should be 
resumed in 2010.  The Working Party is required to reconvene to adopt an updated/revised accession 
package for Vanuatu.  Chairperson :  Resigned (when the Working Party concluded its work in 2001).   
49. Yemen 's Sixth Working Party meeting was held in July 2009.  The Secretariat has prepared a 
draft Report which will be examined at the next Work ing Party meeting.  Yemen is engaged in market 
access negotiations with five Members (Canada, El  Salvador, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the WT/ACC/13 
Page 10  
 
  US).  Bilateral agreements have been concluded with three Members (Australia, China and the EU).  
The next Working Party meeting has been convened for January 2010.  Chairperson
:  
H.E. Mr. Hartmut Röben, Ambassador, Germany.   
50. Five applicants (the Union of the Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, the Libyan Arab 
Jamahiriya, and  Sao Tomé and Principe) are in the initial stages of their accession processes.  Their 
respective Working Parties were established by the General Council between July 2004 and 
February 2008.  They have not submitted th eir "Memoranda on the Foreign Trade Regime". 
IV. ACCESSION OF LEAST-DEVELOPED COUNTRIES 
51. Least-Developed Countries (LDCs) account fo r over 40 per cent of all ongoing accessions.  
Of the 49 countries classified by  the United Nations as least-developed, 32 are WTO Members and 12 
are acceding to the WTO.16  In 2009, WTO Members and the Secretariat continued to build on the 
mandate in the Doha Ministerial Declaration in which Ministers attached importance to facilitating 
and accelerating the accession negotiations of LDCs.  Positive steps were taken on LDCs' accessions 
as part of the WTO Work Programme for LDCs.17  An important development was the 2002 General 
Council Decision on the Accession of LDCs (2002 LDC Guidelines).18  The Hong Kong Ministerial 
Declaration also stressed the importance of facilitating and accelerating the accession negotiations of 
LDCs taking due account of the 2002 LDC Guidelines.19  Progress made on LDCs' accessions was 
highlighted in the Status Report to the Cancún Fifth Ministerial Conference20 and in periodic reports 
to the Sub-Committee on LDCs.   
52. In 2009, the Organization improved its play with regard to LDCs' accessions.  Greater priority 
was accorded through outreach, technical assistance, po licy advice and support, particularly for those 
at initial stages of their accession process and tho se in immediate post-conflict situations.  These 
LDCs were Afghanistan, the Union of the Comoros and Liberia.  
53. In March 2009, the Secretariat presented a de tailed Note on Accession of LDCs to the Sub-
Committee on LDCs, as requested by Members.21  As follow-up to the exchange of views in the Sub-
Committee, a Dialogue between acceding LDCs and WTO Members was organized by the Secretariat 
in May 2009.  The objective was to deepen enga gement on LDCs' accessions and build on efforts for 
strengthened transparency.  The Secretariat issued a factual Report of the Dialogue.22  This Report 
highlighted the priorities, challenges and con cerns expressed by acceding LDCs; and the ideas and 
suggestions by Members and acceding LDCs across the areas of market access, WTO rules, accession 
process/procedures, and technical assistance.  Members and acceding LDCs have reaffirmed their commitment to facilitate LDCs' accessions within  the framework of the 2002 LDC Guidelines and 
have agreed to continue the Dialogue in the Sub-Committee on LDCs.  The process of engagement 
between Members and LDCs was reinforced at  the Round Table on LDCs' accessions hosted by 
Cambodia in September 2009.  The Round Table adopted a Statement
23 which was presented to the 
General Council in October, and to the LDC Sub-Committee in November 2009.   
54. Several points emerged in the Dialogue a nd exchange of views between Members and 
acceding LDCs.  The discussions are acquiring form  and revolve around strengthening transparency, 
                                                      
16 Afghanistan, Bhutan, Comoros, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Lao PDR, Liberia, Samoa, Sao Tomé 
and Principe, Sudan, Vanuatu and Yemen. 
17 WT/COMTD/LDC/11. 
18 The Guidelines are contained in document WT/L/508.   
19 WT/MIN(05)/DEC. 
20 WT/MIN(03)/2. 
21 WT/COMTD/LDC/W/44. 
22 WT/COMTD/LDC/15. 
23 Circulated as WT/MIN(09)/1, WT/L/769 and WT/COMTD/LDC/16.  WT/ACC/13 
 Page 11 
 
 
  pragmatic responses to the specifi c issues raised on the implementa tion of the 2002 LDC Guidelines, 
technical assistance, and the systemic role of the Director-General.  Both Members and acceding 
LDCs are engaged in identifying specific steps that c ould be taken, including through the role of the 
Working Party Chairpersons, and a periodic repo rting process.  The starting point for these 
discussions will be the LDC Sub-Committee. 
V. CONCLUSION - OUTLOOK  2010 
55. In the past 12 months, accession matters were thoroughly discussed on several occasions.24  In 
these discussions, Members and acceding governments offe red guidance.  In particular, in response to 
a Secretariat request at the Informal Group on Accessions in November 2009, some Members 
indicated priorities they would like to see pursued in 2010.  At Working Sessions 1 and 2 of the 
Seventh WTO Ministerial Conference, delegations  similarly offered guidance.  This included 
according priority to LDCs' accessions, advanci ng and concluding work on individual accessions, 
strengthening transparency, deepening engageme nt, scaling-up technical assistance and outreach, and 
building on progress made in 2009.   
56. Advancing and concluding accessions :  in his 22 July 2009 statement, the Chairman of the 
General Council identified Montenegro, Samoa, and Vanuatu as possible candidates for conclusion at 
the Seventh Ministerial Conference.  This timelin e has slipped.  The conclusion of these accessions 
will now have to be deferred to 2010 along with a number of other accessions that would be reaching 
"maturity" in the near term.  Ultimately, the a doption of draft accession packages, based on actual 
work and results in Woking Parties, shall be a decision for Members.  Finalizing the accession process 
of any country or separate customs territory reflects a complex dynamic of factors, both internal and 
external, and including those beyond the control of the acceding government.  Sustaining stable 
domestic coalitions is a major challenge both for an  acceding government and also for Members.  As 
indicated by several acceding governments, the recent global financial crisis has affected the 
dynamics of accession negotiations, including th rough the effects of some domestic measures 
introduced to contain and mitigate the effects of th e crisis.  Nevertheless, the results of the WTO's 
accession processes must continue to improve mark et access opportunities and growth, as well as 
strengthening the rules-based system. 
57. Accession of LDCs :  the Dialogue between Acceding LDCs and WTO Members will be 
continued this year within the framework of the LDC Sub-Committee.  The 2002 LDC Guidelines 
provide the framework for discussions.  There have also been calls for increased use of existing 
mechanisms such as the Direct or-General's good offices, periodic (annual) reports on LDCs' 
accessions, regular reviews of the implementati on of the 2002 LDC Guidelines in the LDC Sub-
Committee, and reports by Working Party Chairper sons.  As appropriate, and if necessary, other 
forms of engagement could be explored to provide acceding governments with opportunities to 
address issues of critical importance in their accession processes.  The 2009 Phnom Penh Round Table is an example of one such forum.  As Direct or-General, I shall continue to invest energy with 
acceding governments.  Secretariat staff will engage  more intensively with the acceding LDC Co-
Focal Points appointed by the LDCs' Consultative Group. 
58. Transparency of the accession process
:  based on the proposal to the General Council by the 
Informal Group of Developing Countries,25 several Members have request ed increased transparency.  
                                                      
24 See WT/MIN(09)/1, WT/GC/M/120-122, WT/C OMTD/LDC/M/52-54 and WT/COMTD/LDC/15.  
25 See document WT/GC/W/611. Gabon, on behalf of the Informal Group of Developing Countries, 
made a proposal calling for:  (i) enhanced institutional mechanisms to provide acceding countries with the opportunity to express their views on the process; and (ii) periodic pr ogress reports on accessions to the General 
Council.   WT/ACC/13 
Page 12  
 
  Members would need to explore the scope for any specific steps that could be taken in 2010 for 
improved transparency on WTO accessions, building on steps taken in 2009:   
(a) the format and frequency of meetings of the Informal Group on Accessions have been 
reformed.  The meetings will continue to be held on a monthly basis and this cycle 
would be adjusted, as necessary.  The list of  invitees to the Informal Group has been 
expanded to make it more representative;  and 
(b) outreach will be strengthened, intensified and expanded.  
59. Working Party  Chairpersons:
   chairpersons have a systemic role in steering the Working 
Party process, providing  support to acceding  governments in setting their work objectives, and injecting momentum in Working Party negotiations.  It is essential to enhance this role.  The 
Secretariat will continue to provide support to Wo rking Party Chairpersons in a partnership for 
improved coherence in accessions work. 
60. Technical assistance and outreach
:  the importance of coordina ted and targeted technical 
assistance has been underscored by Members and acced ing governments.  The Secretariat has already 
obtained the approval of Members to scale-up its  outreach and support to acceding governments under 
the 2010-2011 biennial WTO Technical Assistance and Training Plan.26  In this Plan, approved 
activities include a Geneva-based seminar for all acc eding countries, regional seminars on accessions 
in Africa, Middle-East and the CEECAC region, e-training on accessions, and tailor-made national activities (technical missions, seminars, work shops) on request from acceding governments.  
Collaboration is being intensified with bilateral, regional and mu ltilateral development partners.  
A notable example is the joint WTO/ITC/EIF Progra mme – Trade Capacity for the private sector in 
Acceding LDCs –launched at the Seventh Minister ial Conference.  Finally, there will be active 
follow-up to the 36-month accession regional works hop process with the African Development Bank 
for the nine acceding African governments.   
 
 
__________ 
 
 
                                                     
 
26 WT/COMTD/W/170/Rev.1.