WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/COMTD/LDC/15 
8 September 2009 
 (09-4222) 
Sub-Committee on Least-Developed Countries  
  
 
 
REPORT OF THE DIALOGUE WITH  
ACCEDING LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES' 
28 MAY 2009 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
I. BACKGROUND 
1. The WTO Secretariat facilitated a "Dialogue  with Acceding Least-Developed Countries" 
(LDCs) and WTO Members on 28 May 2009.  The Progr amme of the Dialogue is at Annex I.   
2. The Dialogue was a follow-up to the Secretariat Note
1 on the "Accession of LDCs to the 
WTO"2 presented at the 52nd Session of the Sub-Committee on Least-Developed Countries on 
25 March 2009, under the agenda item:  "Accession of Least-Developed Countries to the WTO".  In 
the discussions that followed the presentation of  the Secretariat Note, LDCs requested for 
consultations and dialogue.     
3. The Dialogue initiated a process of deeper engagement between Members and acceding 
LDCs to better understand the priorities, concerns  and challenges faced by LDCs in their accession 
process and to explore possible options within the framework of the 2002 Decision on Accession of 
Least-Developed Countries (hereafter:  the Guidelines).3      
II. THE DIALOGUE  
4. High-level representatives from ten of the 12 acc eding LDCs participated at the Dialogue, 
including several non-resident acceding LDCs attending Geneva Week.  Fourteen Members, including capital-based senior officials, attended the Dialogue.  A list of participants at the Dialogue is at 
Annex II.   
5. The Dialogue was facilitated by the WTO S ecretariat and Chaired by the Director, 
Accessions Division.  Introductory remarks were made by WTO Deputy Director-General 
Alejandro Jara.  He encouraged participants to el aborate on the concerns and pre-occupations facing 
LDCs in the process of accession, including any issues arising from the implementation of the 
Guidelines on LDCs' Accession.  Participants were i nvited to use this forum to listen to one another 
and to put forward suggestions to  improve the process.  The Director of the Accessions Division 
                                                     
 
1 The Note was requested by WTO Me mbers in the Sub-Committee at its 51st Session in October 2008.  
2 WT/COMTD/LDC/W/44.   
3 WT/L/508:  Accession of Least-Developed Countries.  Decision of 10 December 2002.   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/COMTD/LDC/15 
Page 2  
 
  added that the Dialogue was initiating a partne rship between Members and acceding LDCs to 
exchange views on concerns, challenges and any recommendations for improvement in a pragmatic 
and result-oriented manner.  It was necessary that any suggestions for improvements were within the 
existing 2002 Guidelines.  The Chairman of th e Sub-Committee on LDCs, H.E. Mr. Jean Feyder 
(Luxembourg), welcomed the Dialogue as a follow- up to the discussions in the Sub-Committee in 
October 2008 and March 2009.  He said that greate r attention would be paid to the accession 
negotiations of LDCs as part of the mandate of the Sub-Committee.   
6. Lead presentations were made by:   
(a) Mr. Nagib Hamim (Yemen) on market access;  
(b) Ms. Nella Tavita (Samoa) on WTO rules;  
(c) H.E. Ms. Khemmani Pholsena (Lao PDR) on accession process and procedures; and 
(d) Mr. Said Abdou Salime (Comoros) on technical assistance.   
7. The Executive Secretariat of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)
4 and the World Bank5 
were invited to make presentations.  Acceding LD Cs and Members participated actively at the 
Dialogue.6   
8. The forum provided an opportunity to exchange views on the accession of LDCs within the 
framework of the 2002 Guidelines.  Members reitera ted their support for LDCs' accessions and their 
commitment to the implementation of the Guidelines.   Some stressed that the Guidelines were clear 
and working and were an important foundation or  "acquis" for work on LDCs' accessions in the 
WTO.  Other Members felt that there was scope to  improve the implementation of the Guidelines as 
there were differences with regard to interpretation.   A summary follows of the issues that emerged in 
the exchange of views on four areas:  market access; WTO rules; process/procedures; and, technical 
assistance.   
A. MARKET ACCESS  
9. Acceding LDC s noted that the Guidelines stated that , "WTO Members shall exercise restraint 
in seeking concessions and commitments" and th at "acceding LDCs shall offer reasonable 
concessions and commitments".  However, they also not ed that there were different interpretations of 
these terms by WTO Members and acceding LDCs dur ing the bilateral market access negotiations.  
There were no standards although there were qualif ications in the Guidelines such as "taking into 
account the levels of concessions and commitments of existing WTO LDCs' Members".  Some called 
for greater predictability in the market access nego tiations with consideration given to the special 
circumstances of individual acceding LDCs.  Th ey suggested that benchmarks or criteria be 
developed to implement the Guidelines.   They recalled, for example, that a proposal for fast-track 
procedures put forward by a Member before the 1999 Seattle Ministerial Conference had suggested 
average bindings of 40 per cent on agriculture and 30 per cent for industrial products.   
10. Members  stressed that flexibility w as the essence of the market access negotiations.  There 
was no "one size fits all".  Each acceding LD C was unique.  For countries dependent on tariff 
revenues and with a higher/differentiated tariff struct ure, ceiling bindings of 30 or 40 per cent did not 
leave policy space while for countries with low a pplied rates the same bindings would provide no 
discipline.  It was noted that the market access negotiations did not focus on tariffs alone but also 
                                                      
4 Mrs. Dorothy Tembo, Executive Director of the E nhanced Integrated Framewor k (EIF) Secretariat.   
5 Mr. Richard Newfarmer, Special Representative of the World Bank to the United Nations and the 
WTO.   
6 Bhutan, China, Comoros, European Communities, In dia, Lao PDR, Nepal, Tanzania (Co-ordinator, 
WTO LDCs' Consultative Group), Ukraine, United Stat es, Samoa, and Yemen spoke at the Dialogue.    WT/COMTD/LDC/15 
 Page 3 
 
 
  covered non-tariff barriers and services.  There was diversity in the services commitments of existing 
WTO LDC Members.  Market opening could attract investment.  Noting the wide variation in the 
commitments undertaken by LDCs, one Member sugg ested that the "average" level of commitments 
undertaken by existing LDC Members could be cons idered in examining the application of the 
Guidelines.  Some Members highlighted the progress made in the bilaterals with individual acceding 
LDCs and stated that the Guidelines ha d and would be taken into account.   
B. WTO  RULES   
11. Acceding LDCs  noted that in relation to WTO rules,  the Guidelines provided for special and 
differential treatment; transition periods and trans itional arrangements, based on action plans; and, 
optional participation in sectoral market access initiati ves and plurilateral trade agreements.  Acceding 
LDCs suggested that a reference to the special a nd differential treatment pr ovisions applicable to 
LDCs should be reflected in the Protocol of Accession.  Longer transitional periods would be 
preferred.  It was suggested that requests for tr ansition periods should be based on action plans setting 
out timeframes for implementation and the technical  assistance needed fo r legislative changes, 
training, etc.   They stated that acceding LDCs had been  requested to join plurilateral trade 
agreements/optional sectoral market access initiatives but had expressed th eir inability to participate.   
12. Members  stressed that the benefits from membership  accrued to those who participated fully 
in the rights and obligations of the multilateral trad ing system.  Time was required to coordinate with 
the relevant domestic stakeholders and enact legisl ative reforms.  Flexibility was important.  Some 
indicated that they would devote more staff resources and explore scope to accelerate progress in the multilateral negotiations with acceding LDCs.  Noti ng the difficulties in implementing plurilateral 
trade agreements/optional sectoral market access initiatives, a Member suggested that it would not be 
practical to expect acceding LDCs to join these initiatives or plurilateral trade agreements.   
C. P
ROCESS /PROCEDURES   
13. Acceding LDCs  stressed that WTO accession was important for economic and trade 
integration.  They highlighted the length and co mplexity of the accession process and the challenges 
faced by acceding LDCs.  The challenges incl uded the political will needed to accelerate the 
negotiations and pursue domestic reforms; the inte rnal coordination required to negotiate accession 
terms; human and institutional capac ity constraints; and, the challenges posed by non-residency.  The 
2002 Guidelines on "process" provided for the availab ility of the good offices of the Director-General 
to assist acceding LDCs and the chairpersons of Work ing Parties.  They also provided for general and 
specific measures to streamline the accession process/ procedures for acceding LDCs.  Steps taken to 
implement the Guidelines were noted, among wh ich were the establishm ent of WTO Reference 
Centres; the continued availability of the good o ffices of the Director-General to assist acceding 
LDCs; and, several high-level visits by Chairs of Working Parties and the Secretariat.   
14. Acceding LDCs offered several suggestions namely  to:  i) continue the process of developing 
and applying simplified and streamlined accession procedures for LDCs; ii) reducing the time 
between the establishment and the scheduling of the first meeting of the Work ing Party; iii) according 
greater attention and support to non-resident de legations; iv) providing opportunities for Recently 
Acceded Members (RAMs) and LDC Members to share best practices and experience with acceding LDCs; v) holding more bilateral negotiations in acceding LDCs and increasing the use of electronic 
means in communication; vi) simplifying or upda ting accession documents/checklists (examples:  
structures of the Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime (hereafter:  MFTR), Factual Summary, 
and WT/ACC/5); vii) enhancing the role of the Ch airs of Working Parties and the good offices of the 
Director-General in facilitating LDCs' accession negotiations; viii) presentation of annual progress 
reports on accessions to Members by the Director-Gen eral; and, ix) periodically holding an informal 
dedicated session of the General Council on accessions.   WT/COMTD/LDC/15 
Page 4  
 
  15. Members
 recognized that the accession process wa s lengthy and complex for all acceding 
governments.  Exercise of the balance of right s and obligations by a Member required detailed 
knowledge of WTO rules and capacity to implement them.  It was noted that if being an acceding 
country was difficult, membership was difficult too.   Thorough knowledge of the rules-based system 
was necessary in order to enjoy the benefits of membership.  Some stressed the importance and the 
value of the accession process itself.  Pursuing re forms and putting in place an economic and trade 
regime in conformity with WTO rules and requirements were beneficial for the acceding government and required time and the involvement of several stakeholders.  It was observed that the accession 
process better prepared a country to use membership to its advantage.  Others, however, felt that the 
process was not streamlined enough and called fo r the speedy conclusion of LDCs' accessions.  
Members needed to work together to expedite the accession process and give adequate political and 
technical attention to accessions.   
D. T
ECHNICAL ASSISTANCE   
16. Acceding LDCs  said that a flexible approach was need ed to provide technical assistance to 
acceding LDCs.  The pace of the accession process and the technical assistance required, varied with 
the capacity and specificity of each individual acceding country.  Acceding LDCs at the initial stages  
of the process expressed a need for assistance in  the preparation of the MFTR and for increasing 
awareness and understanding of the WTO and its Ag reements.  Those at more advanced stages 
requested more focussed support, including assistan ce targeted at line ministries.  Acceding LDCs 
suggested that national coordination teams or ta sk forces required support; additional WTO Reference 
Centres within LDCs should be established; and assist ance was urgently required to support the action 
plans for implementation of the WTO Agreements. 
17. The Executive Director of the EIF Secretariat  signalled that an Action Plan to support the 
accession process would be developed with accedi ng LDCs.  The EIF Trust Fund was operational and 
there was approximately US$64 million to support Tier I and II projects.  The EIF was "demand-driven" and could support the 12 acceding LDCs, at various stages, of the accession process.  The 
Executive Director elaborated on the assistance av ailable to support the accession process under Tier I 
of the EIF Trust Fund.  DTIS implementation could be fast-tracked and projects could be developed 
from the accession chapters (action matrices) of these studies.  There would be an effort to further 
develop Action Plans on the margins of the meeting of EIF Focal Points.   
18. The World Bank
 said that the WTO accession process was lengthy and costly, but provided 
an opportunity for governments to introduce comp etitiveness factors into their overall development 
strategies.  Technical assistance for the accession process was available and "tailor-made" to the 
individual needs and requests of the acceding gove rnments.  Support was provided in coordination 
with other agencies and bilateral donors.  The Wo rld Bank signalled that resources and support would 
be available to acceding LDCs that presented thei r priorities and requested assistance for accession at 
the country-level.   
19. Members  emphasized the need for t echnical assistance to suppor t the accession processes of 
LDCs.  Some noted that in light of the human a nd institutional capacity constraints faced by LDCs, 
technical assistance was the most important aspect of  the Guidelines.  The Gu idelines had encouraged 
the provision of technical assistance to acceding LDCs .  Several Members elaborated on their bilateral 
assistance programmes to acceding LDCs.  Donor c oordination existed to ensure assistance was 
provided.  Some Members underlined the importan ce of supply-side measures to complement the 
accession process.  The importance of Aid for Trade, EIF and other programmes was also highlighted.  
Acceding LDCs were strongly encouraged to elabor ate their specific needs in order to obtain donor 
assistance.    WT/COMTD/LDC/15 
 Page 5 
 
 
  III. CONCLUDING REMARKS 
20. In concluding remarks, the Secretariat  noted that the objective was to initiate a process of 
dialogue between Members and acceding LDCs.  The dialogue had been constructive with pragmatic 
engagement by all participants.  In their presen tations, acceding LDCs had drawn attention to their 
concerns and challenges with suggestions for the improvement of the implementation of the existing 
2002 Guidelines.  The opportunities for assistance from the World Bank and the Secretariat of the EIF 
were welcomed.  WTO Members engaged on the issues, stated their positions and exchanged views on the way forward.   
21. All participants had expressed the wish to wo rk within the existing Guidelines; and no 
participant had suggested the need for any new Gu idelines.  LDCs had made suggestions on areas 
where they would like further engagement w ith Members with a view to improving the 
implementation of the existing Guidelines.  It w as noted that LDCs had indicated that issues 
pertaining to their accessions could be raised with Members at the 7
th WTO Ministerial Conference, to 
be held from 30 November to 2 December 2009.   
22. On next steps, the WTO Secretariat informed pa rticipants that a report of the Dialogue would 
be sent to the Director-General; and, the Secret ariat would report to the Sub-Committee on LDCs 
through its Chairman.  Members and acceding LDCs w ould continue with the process of engagement.   
 
 
_______________ 
  WT/COMTD/LDC/15 
Page 6  
 
  ANNEX I 
 
 
 
 
PROGRAMME 
 
Dialogue with Acceding LDCs1 
 
28 May 2009 – Room E 
  
Purpose :  The Secretariat, at the request of Members, presented Note WT/COMTD/LDC/W/44 to the 
Sub-Committee on LDCs on 25 March 2009.  Participan ts welcomed the Note, expressed a range of 
views and requested the Secretariat to further bui ld on the Note.  LDCs requested consultations on 
their accessions.  The purpose of this dialogue is to initiate a sustained process of engagement 
between Members and Acceding LDCs to better unde rstand real difficulties and concerns and explore 
possible solutions within the framework of the Guidelines on LDCs' Accession.  This dialogue is 
being organized during Ge neva Week to benefit from the presence of Non-Resident LDCs.   
  
9:00 – 9:05  Introductory Remarks by the WTO Secretariat 
 9:05 – 9:55  Perspectives and views of Acceding LDCs:    
• Market Access 
o Mr. Nagib Hamim, Yemen (Co-Focal Point) 
• WTO Rules 
o Ms. Nella Tavita, Samoa  
• Process/Procedures 
o H.E. Mrs. Khemmani Pholsena, Vice-Minister, Lao PDR 
• Technical Assistance 
o Mr. Said Abdou Salime, Comoros (Co-Focal Point) 
o Mrs. Dorothy Tembo, ED, EIF Secretariat  
    9:55 – 10:25  Members' Dialogue and Discussion with Acceding LDCs  
 
• Floor to be opened to Members/Acceding LDCs  
  10:25 – 10:30  Wrap-up and concluding remarks 
                                                     
 
1  Afghanistan, Bhutan, Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Lao PDR, Liberia, Sao Tomé and 
Principe, Samoa, Sudan, Vanuatu and Yemen. 
 WT/COMTD/LDC/15 
 Page 7 
 
 
  ANNEX II 
DIALOGUE WITH ACCEDING LDCs 
 
Geneva, 28 May 2009  
List of Participants  
 
 ACCEDING LDCs  
AFGHANISTAN Mr. Mostainbillah BALAGH                                                                        
Third Secretary                                                                                             
Permanent Mission of Afghanistan                                                               Rue de Lausanne 63, 1202 Geneva 
Tel.:+4122  731 1616 Fax.:+4122  731 4510
e-mail: mission.afghanistan@bluewin.ch
                            
BHUTAN H.E. Mr. Yeshey DORJI                                                                               
Ambassador/Permanent Representative                                                 
Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Bhutan                                              Ch. du Champ-d'Anier 17-19                                                                        
1209 Geneva 
Tel.:+4122  799 08 90 Fax.: +4122  799 08 99
e-mail: ye.dor@ties.itu.int
             
 Mr. Tenzin CHODA                                                                                      
Minister Counsellor (Trade)                                                                        
Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Bhutan                                              Ch. du Champ-d'Anier 17-19                                                                        
1209 Geneva 
Tel.:+4122  799 08 90 Fax.: +4122  799 08 99
e-mail: tenzinchoda@ties.itu.int
             
COMOROS Mr. Said Abdou SALIME                                                                             
Co-Focal Point                                                                                              
Geneva 
Tel.:+4122  739 6397 Fax.:
e-mail: milzat2000@yahoo.fr 
 
 Mr. Maoulida ALI M'LANAOINDROU   
Economiste Chargé des dossiers OMC 
Direction du Commerce Extérieur Ministère des Finance, de l'Economie, du Commerce Extérieur 
Ntsorale-Dimani ,  
Moroni 8022 – Comoros 
Tel.:(+269) 334 37 89 Fax.: (+269) 773 41 55
e-mail: alimlanaoindroumaoulida@yahoo.fr
 WT/COMTD/LDC/15 
Page 8  
 
   
Mr. Moissuli MOHAMED AZIRI   
Chef de Service, Chargé des Investissements 
Direction des Affaires Economiques 
Ministère des Finances, de l'Economie et du Commerce extérieur 
Place de l'Indépendance, Zilimadjou - BP 8411 Moroni – Comoros 
Tel.:(+269) 333 51 98
(+269) 773 85 28Fax.: (+269) 773 41 55
e-mail: moissulisoig@yahoo.fr
 
 Ms Zahara ILIASSA MBECHEZI  
Chef de service  Direction du Commerce Extérieur                                                                
Ministère des Finance, de l'Économie, du Commerce Extérieur Moroni – Comoros 
Tel.:(+269) 775  2064 Fax.: (+269) 773 41 55
    
 
 Mr. Hamidou MHOMA   
Entrepreneur Membre de la Fédération du secteur privé 
Moroni – Comoros 
Tel.:(+269) 775  2064 Fax.: (+269) 773 41 55
    
 
EQUATORIAL 
GUINEA  
[DID NOT ATTEND]
 Mr. Baltasar ESONO EWORO   
Secretario General 
Ministerio Economia, Comercio y Promocion Empresarial 
Calle Abilio Balboa, Sin, Casilla 206,  
Malabo - Guinea Ecuatorial 
Tel.:(+240) 278 288
(+240) 092 902Fax.: (+240) 094 100
(+240) 0 933 13
e-mail: mecp_gob@yahoo.es  
ETHIOPIA Mr. Girma Amare MESAZA                                                                         
Minister Counsellor                                                                                     
Permanent Mission of the FDR of Ethiopía                                                   
Rue de Moillebeau 56, 1209 Geneva        
Tel.:+4122 919 7010 Fax.: +4122  919 7029
e-mail: mission.ethopia@itu.ch                                                 
LAO PDR 
 Mrs. Khemmani PHOLSENA                                                                      
Vice-Minister                                                                                                
Ministry of Industry and Commerce                                                              
P.O. Box 4107                                                                                               
Phonexay Road, Saysettha District                                                              Vientiane – LAO PDR 
Tel.:+856 21  911 344 Fax.: +856 21 415 927
e-mail: khemmani@laopdr.com
  WT/COMTD/LDC/15 
 Page 9 
 
 
   Mrs. Banesaty THEPHAVONG                                                                   
Counsellor                                                                                                  
Permanent Mission of Lao PDR                                                                    
Geneva 
Tel.:+4122 798 2442 Fax.: +4122 798 2440
e-mail: b.thephavong@laopdr.com  
 Mr. Buavanh VILAVONG                                                                             
Director                                                                                                        
Multilateral Trade Policy Division                                                                  
Foreign Trade Policy Department                                                                 
Ministry of Industry and Commerce                                                              P.O. Box 4107                                                                                               
Phonexay Road, Saysettha District                                                              
Vientiane – LAO PDR 
Tel.:+856 21  450 066 Fax.: +856 21 450 066
e-mail: b.vilavong@laopdr.com
 
 Mr. Santisouk PHOUNESAVATH                                                               
Deputy Director                                                                                            Multilateral Trade Policy Division                                                                  
Foreign Trade Policy Department                                                                Ministry of Industry and Commerce                                                              
P.O. Box 4107                                                                                               
Phonexay Road, Saysettha District                                                              Vientiane – LAO PDR 
Tel.:+856 21  450 066 Fax.: +856 21 450 066
e-mail: s.phounesavath@laopdr.com
 
LIBERIA 
 
 Mr. Amin MODAD                                                                                       
Advisor to the Minister & Liberia's Representative to the WTO                    
Ministry of Commerce & Industry                                                                  Ashmun & Gurley Streets                                                                             
Monrovia, Liberia 
Tel.:(+231) 6 418 218 
(+4122) 87694164 (+1 347) 668-3446 (USA) 
e-mail: amodad123@yahoo.com 
SAMOA 
 Ms. Nella Tavita-Levy                                                                                 
Principal Trade Officer                                                                                  Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade                                                               
P.O. Box L1859                                                                                             
Apia - Samoa         
Tel.:+685 21171 / 20471 Fax.: +685 21504
e-mail: nella@mfat.gov.ws
 WT/COMTD/LDC/15 
Page 10  
 
   
Mr. Donald KERSLAKE   
Legal Consultant 
Civil Division 
Office of the Attorney General 
P.O. Box 27, FMFM II Government Building Apia – Samoa 
Tel.:(+685) 20 295
(+685) 20 296Fax.: (+685) 22 118
e-mail: donald.k@ag.gov.ws
 
 
 Mr. Ioane Moreli Simi ALAMA   
Assistant Chief Executive Assistant Chief Executive O fficer, Customs Department 
Ministry for Revenue P.O. Box 44,  
Apia – Samoa 
Tel.:(+685) 21 561 Fax.: (+685) 21 563
e-mail: ialama@revenue.gov.ws
 
 Mr. Auelua Samuelu ENARI  
Assistant Chief Execut ive Officer, Trade 
Ministry for Foreign Affairs & Trade 
P.O. Box L1859,  
Apia – Samoa 
Tel.:(+685) 21 171 Fax.: (+685) 21 504
e-mail: ayelua@mfat,gov.ws  
 Ms. Fiona LENE   
Trade Officer Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade 
P.O. Box L1859,  Apia – Samoa 
Tel.:(+685) 21 171 Fax.: (+685) 21 504
e-mail: fiona.lene@mfat.gov.us
 
SAO TOMÉ-ET-
PRINCIPE 
  H.E Mr. Carlos GUSTAVO DOS ANJOS   
Ambassadeur Ambassade de Sao Tomé et Principe 
Avenue de Tervuren, 175,  Bruxelles 1150 - Belgique - Sao Tomé-et-Principe 
Tel.:(+32 2) 734 89 66 Fax.: (+32 2) 734 88 15
e-mail: ambassade@saotomeeprincipe.be
 
 Mr. Fernando Amadeu DOS SANTOS PEREIRA   
Coordinateur du Department Technique de Negociation 
Ministière Du Commerce                                                                              Avenue de Tervuren, 175,  
Bruxelles 1150 - Belgique - Sao Tomé-et-Principe 
Tel.:(+32 2) 734 89 66 Fax.: (+32 2) 734 88 15
e-mail: fernando@yahoo.com.br
  WT/COMTD/LDC/15 
 Page 11 
 
 
  SUDAN Mr. Osama A. A. ABDULFARRAGE                                                          
Minister Plenipotentiary                                                                                 
Permanent Mission of  the Republic of Sudan                                              
Avenue Blanc 47                                                                                           
1209 Geneva 
e-mail: osamar33@yahoo.com  
VANUATU 
 
[DID NOT ATTEND]  Hon. James BULE   
Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism 
Port Vila – Vanuatu  
 Mr. Clifford BICE   
First Political Secretary 
Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism Port Vila – Vanuatu  
 Mr. Jimmy Bamgarae RANTES   
Acting Principal Industry Officer 
Department of Trade and Industry 
Ministry of Trade and Commerce 
PO Box 9030,  Port Vila – Vanuatu 
Tel.:(+678) 22 770 
(+678) 77 58 299Fax.: (+678) 25 640
e-mail: jrantes@vanuatu.gov.vu
, 22rantesjimmy@gmail.com  
 Mr. Timothy Williams SISI   
Principal Trade Officer 
Department of External Trade and Industries 
Ministry of Trade, Commerce & Tourism 
PMB 9030,  
Port Vila – Vanuatu 
Tel.:(+678) 22 770 Fax.: (+678) 25 640
e-mail: sisi.timw@gmail.com , twilliams@vanuatu.gov.vu  
YEMEN Mr. Nagib HAMIM                                                                                        
Economic Attaché (WTO Affairs)                                                                  
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Yemen                                              Chemin du Jonc 19                                                                                       
1216 Cointrin 
Tel.:+4122 799 0510 Fax.: +4122 798 0465
e-mail: mission.yemen@ties.itu.int
 
 WT/COMTD/LDC/15 
Page 12  
 
   WTO MEMBERS
 
AUSTRALIA Mr. Ken GORDON                                                                                       
First Secretary                                                                                               Permanent Mission of Australia to the WTO                                                 
Geneva  
Tel.:+4122  799 9123 Fax.:+4122 799 9189
e-mail: ken.gordon@dfat.gov.au
      
 Ms. Katherine WILLCOX                                                                             
Third Secretary                                                                                             Permanent Mission of Australia to the WTO                                                 
Geneva  
Tel.:+4122  799 9119 Fax.:+4122 799 9189
e-mail: Katherine.willcox@dfat.gov.au
      
CANADA Mr. Jean-Paul LEMIEUX                                                                              
Second Secretary                                                                                   
Permanent Mission of Canada                                                                      
Avenue de l'Ariana 5                                                                                    
1202 Geneva  
Tel.:+4122  919 9207 Fax.:+4122 919 9290
e-mail: jean-paul.lemieux@international.gc.ca  
CHINA (P.R.)  Ms Liping ZHANG  
Counsellor                                                                                                    Permanent Mission of China to the WTO 
228, route de Lausanne CH-1292 Chambesy 
 
Tel.:+4122  909 7655 Fax.:+4122 909 7699
e-mail: zlp96@hotmail.com
 
 Mr. Tianyu MAO  
First Secretary                                                                                              
Permanent Mission of China to the WTO 
228, route de Lausanne 
CH-1292 Chambesy  
Tel.:+4122  909 7678 Fax.:+4122 909 7699
e-mail: maotianyu@mofcom.gov.cn
 
 Mr. Cheng XIE  
Third Secretary                                                                                             
Permanent Mission of China to the WTO 228, route de Lausanne 
CH-1292 Chambesy 
 
Tel.:+4122  909 7683 Fax.:+4122 909 7699
e-mail: xiecheng@mofcom.gov.cn
  WT/COMTD/LDC/15 
 Page 13 
 
 
  EC Mr. Denis Redonnet                                                                                   
Head of Unit, Trade Department                                                                  
Bruxelles 
 Mrs. Marie-Pierre NICORA                                                                          
Trade Officer                                                                                                 
Permanent Delegation of the EC                                                                 
Rue du Grand Pré 66, 1202 Geneva                                                            
Tel.:+4122  918 2243 Fax.:+4122 732 2236
e-mail: marie-pierre.nicora@ec.europa.eu  
 Mrs. Milena JENIKOVA                                                                               
First Secretary                                                                                               
Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic                                                   
Ch. Louis Dunant 17, 1202 Geneva 
Tel.:+4122  910 3783 Fax.:+4122 910 3788
e-mail: milena_jenikova@mzv.cz  
INDIA Mr. Ravi BANGAR                                                                                       
Deputy Permanent Repres entative to the WTO                                           
Permanent Mission of India to the WTO                                                      
Rue du Valais 9                                                                                             
1202 Geneva  
Tel.:+4122  738 01 26 Fax.: +4122 738 45 48
e-mail: dpr-indiawto@nic.in  
JAPAN Mr. Shiro KONUMA                                                                                    
First Secretary                                                                                               Permanent Mission of Japan                                                                         
Chemin des Fins 3                                                                                        1209 Geneva    
Tel.:+4122  717 32 51 Fax.: +4122 788 33 68
e-mail: shiro.konuma@ge-japan.ch
 
 Mr. Riva TAKEUCHI                                                                                    
Advisor                                                                                                   
Permanent Mission of Japan                                                                        Chemin des Fins 3                                                                                        
1209 Geneva    
Tel.:+4122  717 32 51 Fax.: +4122 788 33 68
e-mail: riva.takeuchi@ge-japan.ch
 
LUXEMBOURG Ms. Christiane DALEIDEN DI STEFANO                                                    
Ministre Conseiller                                                                             
Représentant permanent adjoint auprès de l'OMC                                       
Permanent Mission of Luxembourg                                                              
Ch. de la Rochette 13                                                                                  1202 Geneva  
Tel.:+4122  919 19 29 Fax.: +4122 919 19 20
e-mail: geneve.rp@mae.etat.lu  WT/COMTD/LDC/15 
Page 14  
 
  NEPAL Mr. Ravi BHATTARAI                                                                                  
Deputy Permanent Representative (Commerce)                                  
Permanent Mission of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal               
Rue de la Servette 81                                                                                   
1202 Geneva  
Tel.:+4122  733 26 00 Fax.: +4122 733 27 22
e-mail: mission.nepal@bluewin.ch  
 Mr. Bishnu Pravsad PANDEY                                                                  
Permanent Mission of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal               Rue de la Servette 81                                                                                  
1202 Geneva  
Tel.:+4122  733 26 00 Fax.: +4122 733 27 22
e-mail: mission.nepal@bluewin.ch  
NEW ZEALAND Ms. Jan BAILEY                                                                                           
Permanent Mission of New Zealand to the WTO                                          Ch. des Fins 2                                                                                               
1209 Geneva  
Tel.:+4122  929 03 50 Fax.: +4122 929 03 74
e-mail: mission.nz@bluewin.ch 
 
NORWAY Mr. Linn EDVARTSEN  
Second Secretary                                                                                         
Permanent Mission of Norway 35bis, avenue de Budé 
CH-1202 Geneva 
 
Tel.:+4122  918 04 44 Fax.: +4122 918 04 10
e-mail: linn.edvartsen@mfa.no
 
SWITZERLAND Mr. Nicholas C. NIGGLI                                                                              
Counsellor / Deputy Head of WTO Division                                                  
Permanent Mission of Switzerland                                                                
Rue de Varembé 9-11                                                                                   1202 Geneva  
Tel.:+4122  749 25 10 Fax.: +4122 749 25 55
e-mail: nicholas.niggli@seco.admin.ch  
 Mr. Darius KEUREK                                                                                    
Counsellor of WTO Division                                                                          
Permanent Mission of Switzerland                                                                Rue de Varembé 9-11                                                                                   
1202 Geneva  
Tel.:+4122  749 25 37 Fax.: +4122 749 25 55
e-mail: darius.kurek@seci.admin.ch   WT/COMTD/LDC/15 
 Page 15 
 
 
  TANZANIA Mr Matern LUMBANGA                                                                               
Ambassador                                                                                            
Permanent Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania                               
Avenue Blanc 47                                                                                          
1202 Geneva  
Tel.:+4122  909 1070 Fax.:+4122 732 8255
e-mail: mission.tanzania@ties.itu.int  
 Mr Marco KASSAJA                                                                                    
Minister, Plenipotentiary                                                                                Permanent Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania                               
Avenue Blanc 47                                                                                          1202 Geneva  
Tel.:+4122  909 1070 Fax.:+4122 732 8255
e-mail: mission.tanzania@ties.itu.int  
UKRAINE Mr. Viacheslav TSYMBAL                                                                          
Head                                                                                                      
Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva                                                          
Trade & Economic Mission                                                                           
Rue de l'Orangerie 14                                                                                  1202 Geneva  
Tel.:+4022  919 8727 Fax.:+4122 734 3801
e-mail: tva_wto@rambler.ru  
 Mrs. Nataliya FEDYORA                                                                             
Senior Specialist                                                                                           
Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations Office & other International Organizations in Geneva                                                          
Trade & Economic Mission                                                                           
Rue de l'Orangerie 14                                                                                  1202 Geneva  
Tel.:+4022  919 8729 Fax.:+4122 734 3801
e-mail: nfedyora@gmail.com  
UNITED STATES Ms. Cecilia KLEIN                                                                                        
Senior Director for WTO Accessions & Import Li censing Issues                 
USTR, Washington 
 
 Ms. Rosellen A. ROBERT                                                                           
Attaché                                                                                                         
US Mission to the WTO                                                                                 
Route de Pregny 11                                                                                     
1292 Chambésy  
Tel.:+4122  749 5268 Fax.:+4122 749 5308
e-mail: Rosellen_Robert@ustr.eop.gov  WT/COMTD/LDC/15 
Page 16  
 
   Mr. Robert KASPER                                                                                  
Attaché                                                                                                          
US Mission to the WTO                                                                                 
Route de Pregny 11                                                                                     
1292 Chambésy  
Tel.:+4122  749 5268 Fax.:+4122 749 5308
e-mail: Robers_Kaspert@ustr.eop.gov  
 
 OTHER INVITEES  
WORLD BANK Mr. Richard NEWFARMER                                                                         
World Bank Representative                                                                          
Ch. Louis Dunant 3                                                                                       1211 Geneva   
Tel.:+4122  748 1000 Fax.:+4122 748 1030
e-mail: Rnewfarmer@worldbank.org                                                            
INTEGRATED 
FRAMEWORK 
EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT Ms. Dorothy TEMBO                                                                                   
Executive Director                                                                                         
Integrated Framework Executive Secretariat                                               WTO, Geneva    
Tel.:+4122  739 6064 Fax.:+
e-mail: Dorothy.tembo@wto.org                                                                   
 
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