WT/ACC/44  
WT/GC/258  
6 March  2023 
(23-1618) Page: 1/13 
 Original:  English  
 
  
ELEVENTH  CHINA ROUND TABLE ON WTO ACCESSIONS  
VIENTIANE, LAO PDR, 1 -3 FEBRUARY 2023  
WTO ACCESSIONS AND TRADE INTEGRATION: STORIES FROM THE ASIA -PACIFIC  
Report on the Outcome of the 11th China Round Table1 
The following submission, dated 6 March 2023, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of Lao PDR.  
_______________  
 
 
  
 
1 This Report has been prepared under the responsibility of the host Government.  All statements and 
presentations, as well as the list of participants, are available at: WTO | 11th China Round Table . WT/ACC/44 • WT/GC/258  
- 2 - 
  
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW  
1. The Eleventh China Round Table on WTO Accessions took place in Vientiane, Lao PDR, from 
1 to 3 February 2023. The Round Table was organized by the WTO Secretariat in partnership with 
the Government of Lao PDR, as host, and the Government of China under the framework of the 
China's LDCs and Accessions Programme (hereinafter: the China Programme).2 
2. Discussions at this Round Table, entitled "WTO Accessions and Trade Integration: Stories from 
the Asia -Pacific", focused on: (i) the role and contributions of the Asia -Pacific economies to the rules -
based multilateral trading system; (ii) the latest develop ments in the WTO and the preparation for 
the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13); (iii) a retrospective on Lao PDR's WTO accession and 
10 years of WTO membership, and the way forward; and (iv) the latest best practices in the 
accessions and post -accessi on of least -developed countries (LDCs). The programme of the Round 
Table is annexed to this Report.  
3. Participants of the Round Table included representatives of three LDC acceding governments3 
and six Article XII Members.4 Several of these governments were represented at the level of Minister, 
Deputy Minister, Ambassador and/or Chief Negotiator.5 Other participants included former and 
current Working Party Chairpersons,6 original WTO Members7 and representatives of inter national 
organisations and partners.8 In addition, the host country was represented by a variety of 
stakeholders, including government officials and representatives of the private sector.  
OPENING SESSION  
4. The Round Table was jointly opened by  Mr Bountheung  Douangsavanh, Vice Minister of 
Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR;  Ambassador Li Chenggang, Permanent Representative of China 
to the WTO; and Ms Maika Oshikawa, Director of the Accessions Division of the WTO.  The session 
explored the role of WTO accessions in addressing some of the global challenges of the day.  
5. In his opening remarks, Mr Bountheung Douangsavanh  highlighted the need for Members to 
work closely together to support the credibility of the WTO and to demonstrate that the multilateral 
trading syst em could come to consensus decisions on pressing issues. He stated  that Lao PDR was 
a strong supporter of the rules -based multilateral trading system. Its accession to the WTO in 2013 
had marked a major step towards liberalizing trade, integrating Lao PDR into the global economy, 
and facilitating access to global markets. In his assessment, Lao PDR's laws and regulations were in 
line with its WTO commitments. As an LDC, his country continued to face financial and expertise 
constraints. He therefore called f or further technical assistance from the WTO Secretariat and 
development partners, noting the crucial importance of post -accession support for LDCs.  
6. Ambassador Li Chenggang  observed that a collective response and multilateral cooperation 
were needed to add ress the multiple global crises, noting that the multilateral trading system needed 
to be more open and inclusive to better address these challenges.  WTO reform would need to adhere 
to the core principles of openness, inclusiveness, and transparency. He re called the successful 
outcomes of the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) and encouraged Asia -Pacific countries to 
continue playing a constructive role and work together in preparation for MC13. He also stressed 
 
2 Since May 2012, the China Round Table has provided a platform for stakeholder dialogue on WTO 
accessions. The successive Round Tables – held in Beijing, China in May 2012; Luang Prabang, Lao PDR in 
October 2013; Dushanbe, Tajikistan in May 2015; Nairobi, Kenya in December 2015; Siem Reap, Camb odia in 
March 2017; Buenos Aires, Argentina in December 2017;  Astana, Kazakhstan in September 2018; Moscow, 
Russia in December 2019; Geneva, Switzerland in December 2020; virtually in January 2022; and in Vientiane, 
Lao PDR in February 2023 – have contrib uted to enhancing the understanding of the accession process and have 
injected positive impetus in specific accessions.  
3 Bhutan, Sudan, and Timor -Leste.  
4 Cambodia, China, Mongolia, Nepal, Vanuatu, and Viet Nam. Former officials and accession chief 
negot iators of Afghanistan, Liberia and Yemen attended the Round Table as experts.  
5 China, Lao PDR, Sudan, Timor -Leste, Vanuatu.  
6 Chairpersons of the Working Parties on the Accessions of Lao PDR and Timor -Leste addressed the Round 
Table by video -message.  
7 Australia, Djibouti, European Union, Japan, Singapore, Thailand.  
8 Secretariat of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Asian Development Bank (ADB), 
Executive Secretariat for the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), International Trade Center  (ITC), UN 
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), World Bank Group (WBG).  WT/ACC/44 • WT/GC/258  
- 3 - 
  that WTO accessions provided a pathway to  improving the external environment and an impetus to 
promote domestic reform.  
7. Speaking on behalf of Deputy Director -General  Ambassador  Zhang Xiangchen, Ms Maika 
Oshikawa  underscored the strategic priority of accessions for the WTO. Accessions had extended the 
reach of the WTO rules and had systemically contributed to strengthening the multilateral trading 
system. They had also helped governments adopt necessary regulatory  reforms and achieve higher 
rates of growth and improved economic resilience. Interest in pursuing WTO membership remained 
high. While no new Members had joined the WTO since 2016, five new accession applications had 
been put forward and relevant Working P arties had been established.9 The accession process had 
become more elaborate and demanding, while many acceding governments, especially LDCs, faced 
challenges caused by limited resources, lack of technical capacity, economic fragility, domestic 
instabili ty or/and conflict situations.  
WTO ACCESSIONS AND TRADE INTEGRATION: STORIES FROM THE ASIA -PACIFIC - 
EXPERIENCES, LESSONS LEARNED AND WAY FORWARD (SESSION 1)  
8. Session 1 focused on the Asia -Pacific region and its contributions to the rules -based 
multilatera l trading system. This vast region has played an important role in expanding the 
WTO coverage. Ten Members from the region have acceded to the WTO since 1995.10 The region 
has contributed a quarter of all completed accessions and the largest number of Arti cle XII LDCs. 
Many of the region's economies are known for their impressive economic growth and represent a 
unique source of strength and dynamism for the global economy. This session: (i) reviewed the 
evolution of the Asia -Pacific in the global economy; ( ii) provided an overview of regional integration 
efforts; (iii) explored WTO accession and membership experiences; and (iv) discussed the way 
forward.  
9. In this session, participants representing Article XII Members  from the region shared their 
specific acce ssion and membership experiences, recognizing the role of accession and participation 
in the WTO in fostering domestic reforms, enhancing transparency of domestic legal systems, and 
promoting further economic development. For LDCs, however, the lack of hum an and capital 
resources remained an impediment to advancing WTO accession and implementing WTO obligations. 
In this regard, participants emphasized the strong need for technical assistance and capacity building 
for acceding LDCs, to help achieve results i n negotiations with Members and consultations with 
domestic stakeholders.  
10. Participants raised concerns that current global challenges linked to the COVID -19 pandemic, 
climate change and heightened geopolitical tension had created obstacles to internationa l trade and 
resulted in a global economic slowdown. The negative impact on LDC development had been 
particularly pronounced. In this respect, the participants emphasized the importance of WTO reform 
to address these challenges, while adapting to ongoing sc ientific and technological developments. 
Participants also encouraged Members and acceding governments to reform their domestic policies 
and introduce predictable rules and regulations, which would encourage foreign direct investment 
(FDI) and accelerate e conomic growth.  
11. The session also noted that regional arrangements such as the Regional Comprehensive 
Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for 
Trans -Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) could be a factor contributing  to the dynamic development and 
integration in the Asia -Pacific region. In this context, the  ASEAN Secretariat  referred to ASEAN's role 
in regional economic integration, while emphasizing that ASEAN supports and adheres to the 
principles of the WTO. UN ESC AP stressed the importance of the CPTPP and other economic 
partnerships, as well as that of WTO membership for all countries seeking better integration into the 
global economy. The complementarity of regional trade agreements with the rules -based multilate ral 
trading system was also discussed by original Members11 who encouraged countries from the region 
to jointly tackle economic challenges.  
 
9 Somalia (2016), Timor -Leste (2016), South Sudan (2017), Curacao (2020) and Turkmenistan (2022). 
In brackets are years of establishment of the respective  Working Parties on these accessions.  
10 Mongolia (1997); China (2001); Chinese Taipei (2002); Nepal (2004); Cambodia (2004); Viet Nam 
(2007); Tonga (2007); Samoa (2012); Vanuatu (2012); and Lao PDR (2013). In brackets are years of accession.  
11 Thailand, Singapore.  WT/ACC/44 • WT/GC/258  
- 4 - 
  
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE WTO AND PREPARATION FOR MC13 (SESSION 2)  
12. Session 2 discussed the role of the WTO in addr essing the world’s most pressing issues. 
The 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) in 2022 had secured multilaterally agreed outcomes on 
issues such as fisheries subsidies, WTO response to emergencies (inter alia waving certain 
compulsory licensing requir ements for COVID -19 vaccines), food security, and WTO reform. 
The WTO is also moving forward in other areas where groups of like -minded Members are working 
together on a range of joint initiatives launched at the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC11) in 
Buenos Aires in 2017. The adoption of a Declaration on Services Domestic Regulation in December 
2021 is a case in point. This session reviewed the state of play in the multilateral and plurilateral 
discussions and the latest developments in preparation for MC13, focusing on LDC perspectives and 
priorities, set to take place in Abu Dhabi in February 2024.  
13. In this session, the WTO Secretariat delivered presentations on the outcomes of MC12, the 
state of play in the Joint Initiatives (JIs) on E -Commerce, Invest ment Facilitation for Development 
(IFD) and Services Domestic Regulation (SDR), and the dialogues on the trade and environment 
nexus. Ambassador Kadra Ahmed Hassan  (Djibouti), coordinator of the LDC Group, intervened on 
the LDCs perspectives on WTO reform.  
14. Reviewing the outcomes of MC12,12 the session focused on several specific issues contained 
in the MC12 Outcome Document, including WTO reform, the need to restore the dispute settlement 
system by 2024, the LDC graduation proposal, and the accessions of new Members.13 It was noted 
that MC12 took place against a backdrop of unprecedented global crises, providing the forum for 
Ministers to "galvanise action" on  tackling the most pressing challenges, demonstrating that the 
WTO as an institution remained relevant and striking a balance between old and new issues.  
15. The session noted that e -commerce had played a key role in mitigating the impact of the 
COVID -19 pande mic, allowing businesses to continue operating online. Facilitator -led dedicated 
discussions under the General Council were currently underway regarding the importance of the 
development dimension, consumer protection online, the digital divide, the legal and regulatory 
framework, and the scope of the Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions. The JI 
on e-commerce launched in 2017 aimed to explore the scope for future WTO negotiations on trade -
related aspects of e -commerce.14 Session particip ants highlighted concerns regarding logistics 
support for e -commerce to render it operational, the scope of S&D provisions, intellectual property 
aspects of e -commerce, and the question of digital divide due to unequal access to digital 
technologies in cer tain areas.  
16. On Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD),15 the session noted that attracting 
sustainable FDI had become a strategic national priority for many countries, explaining an increased 
need for a more transparent and investment -friendly busi ness climate. Participants noted the 
ongoing discussions on a draft IFD Agreement which focuses on: improved transparency and 
predictability of investment measures, streamlining investment authorisation procedures, 
strengthening stakeholder consultation an d cross -border co -operation, ensuring sustainable 
investment and S&D provisions for developing and LDC Members.  
17. The objective of the Services Domestic Regulation (SDR) JI16 was to set disciplines aimed at 
increasing transparency, predictability, and effic iency of authorization procedures for service 
providers . The three pillars of the SDR covered transparency, legal certainty and predictability, and 
regulatory quality and facilitation. Round Table participants discussed the possible overlaps between 
 
12 MC12 "Geneva package" - in brief: 
https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/minist_e/mc12_e/geneva_package_e.htm .  
13 WTO document WT/MIN( 22)/24, para. 6: "We underscore the importance of accessions, noting that 
although no new accession has taken place since July 2016, several applicants have made encouraging progress. 
In this regard, we remain committed to facilitate the conclusion of ongo ing accessions, especially for least -
developed countries fully in line with the General Council Guidelines on LDC Accessions, and to provide technical 
assistance, where appropriate, including in the post -accession phase."  
14 The current number of participan ts of the JI on e -commerce is 87.  
15 As of February 2023, there are over 110 participants in the IFD initiative, majority are developing 
countries (77), including 20 LDCs. This number also includes 28 Article XII Members.  
16 Sixty-nine Members and one acceding government (Timor -Leste) partici pate in the Declaration on SDR. 
As of December 2022, 59 participants started certification procedures pursuant to the Procedures for the 
Certification of Rectifications of Improvements to Schedules of Specific Commitments (document S/L/84).  WT/ACC/44 • WT/GC/258  
- 5 - 
  the po tential IFD Agreement and the SDR Declaration, including in the context of capacity building 
efforts and sustainable business conduct, and the respective frameworks set at the ASEAN level.  
18. Concerning the trade and environment nexus, the session discussed three major concerns, 
notably: climate change, biodiversity and resources, as well as ways to manage waste. Participants 
reviewed the state of play in the new environmental initiatives, namely: Trade and Environmental 
Sustainability Structured Discussions (TESSD),17 Dialogue on Plastics Pollution and Environmentally 
Sustainable Plastics Trade (DPP)18 and the Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform (FFSR).19 The discussion 
focused on the concept of circular economy and major environmental challenges such as waste 
managem ent. In this context, trade had become increasingly important as one of the main drivers 
of plastic and fuel consumption. Participants discussed how environmental sustainability could be 
taken into account in trade negotiations and stressed the need to enh ance capacity building efforts 
in this area.  
19.  The discussion on LDC perspectives on WTO reform noted that some of the proposals made 
by the LDC Group had garnered support by non -LDC Members. The Group had made proposals on 
inter alia : consensus -based decis ion-making, inclusiveness, non -discrimination, transparency, 
notification flexibilities, functioning of the WTO bodies, dispute settlement, LDC graduation and WTO 
accessions. The Group had called for greater consideration of LDC capacity constraints in the  context 
of the implementation of their WTO obligations (including on notifications) and for enhanced 
technical assistance and capacity building. It had also stressed the need for a smooth transition of 
LDCs after graduation. In this regard, session partic ipants commented on the need to sustain support 
to the most vulnerable LDCs, including in the post -graduation period, and on the importance of 
applying the LDC Accessions Guidelines with respect to acceding LDCs.  
LAO PDR'S ANNIVERSARY: 10 YEARS OF WTO MEMB ERSHIP (SESSION 3)  
20. 2023 marks 10 years since Lao PDR became the 158th Member of the WTO on 
2 February  2013. Following 15 years of accession negotiations, Lao PDR became the most recent 
addition to the WTO from the Asia -Pacific Region and the 6th LDC accession.20 Held on 
2 February  2023, this high -level session celebrated this anniversary and commended Lao PDR’s 
active participation in the WTO.  
21. Mr Malaithong Kommasith , Minister of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR,  noted that WTO 
accession had bee n instrumental in the socio -economic development of Lao PDR, enabling the 
country to integrate into the multilateral trading system, anchoring domestic legislative reforms, 
and promoting the rule of law and business growth. Lao PDR could now be part of the  regional and 
global supply chains, building trust and attracting more foreign investment.  He thanked all partners 
for their support during the accession process and the 10 years of WTO membership, noting that his 
country stood ready to exchange experience s and lessons learned with acceding governments.  
22. Ambassador  Zhang Xiangchen , Deputy Director -General of the WTO,  commended the 
Government of Lao PDR for its sustained commitment to multilateral trade and active WTO 
membership, noting that Lao PDR's accessi on was a demonstration of a model commitment to 
integration into the multilateral trading system, which had inspired many other LDC accessions. 
He noted that Lao PDR had effectively used the accession process and WTO membership to transform 
and modernize i ts economy and trade regime, setting a high standard for LDC accession and 
participation in the WTO.  
23. In his video message, Mr Li Fei , Assistant Minister of Commerce of China, congratulated 
Lao PDR on its considerable achievements since accession to the WT O. Drawing on China's 
experience, he called on Members to support and expedite the ongoing LDC accessions. Furthermore, 
he reiterated his Government's support for capacity building through the China Programme, to help 
developing countries and LDCs, includi ng Lao PDR, better integrate and enhance their participation 
in the multilateral trading system.  
 
17 The TESSD has  gathered 74 co -sponsors representing around 85% of global trade.  
18 The DPP initiative has gathered 75 co -sponsors.  
19 The FFSR initiative has gathered 47 co -sponsors.  
20 Following the accessions of Cambodia and Nepal in 2004; Cabo Verde in 2008; and Samo a and Vanuatu 
in 2012.  WT/ACC/44 • WT/GC/258  
- 6 - 
  
A RETROSPECTIVE ON LAO PDR'S WTO ACCESSION AND MEMBERSHIP AND NEXT STEPS 
(SESSION 4)  
24. Lao PDR has demonstrated exemplary commitment to integration into the multilateral trading 
system by using the accession process and WTO membership to transform and modernize its 
economy and trade regime. This session reflected on the results of Lao PDR's WTO accession process 
and the first 10 years of WTO membership, based on the study "Lao PDR: a Retrospective on 10 
Years of WTO Membership" which assessed the trade and economic impact and results of Lao PDR's 
integration into the multilateral trading syst em. It further provided an occasion to exchange views 
with the private sector and development partners on the remaining challenges and the way forward, 
with the objective to reap full benefits from Lao PDR's participation in the WTO.  
25. Presenting the study, Mr Patrick Low , former WTO Chief Economist, noted the far -reaching 
adjustments in regulatory norms and market access that were implemented in Lao PDR as part of 
the accession -related domestic reform. He noted Lao PDR's constructive and active engagement in  
the WTO in the last 10 years, including the post -accession implementation of its commitments, 
notifications, Trade Policy Review in 2019, participation in plurilateral agreements such as joining 
the ITA/ITA -II in 2021, taking part in joint initiatives (In vestment Facilitation, MSMEs, E -Commerce), 
contributions in the LDC Sub -Committee and the LDC Group, and the participation in WTO accession 
Working Parties. He underlined that Lao PDR had benefited from its integration into the multilateral 
trading system where it played a role in international policymaking and where its trading partners 
were accountable for their actions.  Preferential trade agreements had been a crucial part of Lao 
PDR's trade policy, complementary to the WTO. Apart from recent challenges related to COVID -19 
and the macroeconomic downturn, the country’s economy had been on an overall upward trajectory 
of dynamic growth. Development challenges which were yet to be addressed included nurturing 
value -added activities, preparation for LDC gradu ation, and increasing resilience through greater 
export diversification. Additional focus could be placed on development of the services economy and 
addressing environmental sustainability.  
26. Participants praised Lao PDR for prioritising its accession to th e WTO, undertaking far -reaching 
and balanced WTO -accession commitments as an LDC, and deepening its domestic reform in the 
post-accession period by bringing its laws and regulations in line with the WTO Agreements. 
Recommendations from the 2019 Trade Polic y Review could be used for defining further courses of 
policy action. They also appreciated Lao PDR's effective engagement in WTO work, which could serve 
as a benchmark for other LDCs. Ambassador  Yi Xiaozhun , former WTO Deputy Director -General and 
Chairper son of the Working Party on the Accession of Lao PDR encouraged Lao PDR to share its 
accession and post -accession experience with other LDC acceding governments and Members, to 
help accelerate their integration in the multilateral trading system.  
27. Sharing the perspective of the Lao Government, Mr Buavanh Vilavong , Acting Permanent 
Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR,  indicated that Lao PDR would 
continue implementing WTO -consistent regulatory reforms, notably in the areas of intell ectual 
property, SPS and TBT. Ms Vilayphone Xindavong , Deputy Director for Foreign Trade Policy of the 
Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR, acknowledged the need to improve Lao PDR's 
infrastructure and services. Recalling Lao PDR's accession to th e ITA/ITA -II, she emphasized 
Lao PDR's objective to attract new investments and improve productivity in the ICT sector, given its 
low domestic production costs. Lao PDR used the five-year transition period to raise awareness 
among the private sector and en sure the effective implementation of the Agreement.  
28. Deliberating o n the role of Lao PDR in the WTO, Ambassador Zhang Xiangchen , Deputy 
Director -General of the WTO,  noted the positive effects of Lao PDR's participation in the global 
economy, including greater FDI inflows and growing exports. He appreciated Lao PDR's dynamic 
participation in the WTO where, by most accounts, it has set a high standard for LDC participation. 
Going forward,  increasing and diversifying exports will be a major objec tive. He urged Lao PDR to 
continue investing in acquiring the necessary WTO expertise. Lao PDR could consider seeking more 
targeted technical assistance from the WTO Secretariat, while development partners could also offer 
relevant specialized support. To take full advantage of its WTO membership and increase profile, 
Lao PDR could consider pursuing a more active role in the work of the various WTO committees and 
bodies, continue using the WTO as a platform for negotiations, and consider participation in 
discussions on new issues relevant to its development (such as Services Domestic Regulation or 
trade and environment).  WT/ACC/44 • WT/GC/258  
- 7 - 
  29. Mr Saysana Sayakone , Director General for Foreign Trade Policy of the Ministry of Industry 
and Commerce of Lao PDR, stated  that Lao PDR would continue to support work on WTO reform, in 
particular the ongoing efforts to restore the dispute settlement mechanism. Preparing for graduation 
from the LDC status in 2026, in collaboration with other LDC countries, it would also develop a 
proposal to extend certain flexibilities for the benefit of LDCs' MSMEs. He also indicated that Lao PDR 
would assume the chairmanship of ASEAN in 202 4, which would give it an opportunity to deepen 
partnerships with ASEAN representatives in Geneva on WTO -related issues.  
30. In the discussions that followed, further observations were made on the need to improve the 
business environment in Lao PDR to facilita te business operations, given the difficulties faced by 
local MSMEs. Concerns were also raised about the loss of LDC preferences in 2026. In this regard, 
it was suggested that regional integration and trade diversification, both in terms of products and 
destinations, be further pursued. Technical assistance offered by development partners such as the 
World Bank Group (WBG)  or the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)  could be used to develop 
expertise in the area of e -commerce and investment facilitation, to help achieve smooth graduation.  
LDC ACCESSIONS AND POST -ACCESSION – LATEST EXPERIENCES AND BEST PRACTICES 
(SESSION 5)  
31. Eight LDCs remain in the process of WTO accession.21 For these LDCs, WTO accession presents 
a unique opportunity to institute domestic r eforms and to foster much needed modernization and 
development of their economies. The session reviewed the state of play in the ongoing LDC 
accessions and shared experiences. The discussion focused inter alia on identifying successful 
strategies for harne ssing technical assistance / capacity building and outreach efforts, including in 
the context of parallel regional integration processes. It also reviewed the latest best practices on 
WTO post -accession, based on the experiences of LDC Article XII Members,  with a view to identifying 
specific recommendations.   
32. The WTO Secretariat provided an overview of the state of play in LDC accessions, the LDC 
graduation status of acceding LDCs and Article XII Members, as well as post -accession best practices. 
Nine new Members have acceded to the WTO as LDCs.22 Of these, several governments graduated 
or were scheduled for graduation from LDC status, while others were being considered for 
graduation.23 Out of the eight acceding LDCs, two – Comoros and Timor -Leste – target ed MC13 for 
completion of their accessions. When competed, these accessions will contribute to the growing body 
of LDC accession acquis  and provide valuable new insights about LDC accession and post -accession 
best practices.  
33. Acceding governments provided updates on their accession processes:  
a. Timor -Leste  emphasized its "twin" priority for global and regional economic integration. 
It could be achieved by its parallel WTO and ASEAN accessions which it hoped to 
complete this year. In November 2022, ASEAN memb ers agreed, in principle, to admit 
Timor -Leste as the 11th ASEAN member and to grant it an observer status.  On the WTO 
accession front, Timor -Leste was advancing on the alignment of its legislation with WTO 
rules and was negotiating terms of market access with six Members. Four bilateral 
market access agreements  had been concluded. In parallel, the Government was 
working on the establishment of its post -accession strategy, aligned with the ASEAN 
action plan. Timor -Leste hoped to have the next meeting of the accession Working Party 
before the next General Election , scheduled for May 2023, aiming to resolve the 
remaining questions with Members as early as possible;  
b. Sudan  underscored the importance of its WTO accession. Bilateral market access 
negotiations were underway with three Members. Two factors had impact on t he pace 
of the accession: (i) the extent of the domestic reform that Sudan had to implement to 
 
21 Bhutan, Comoros, Ethiopia, Sao Tomé et Principe, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Timor -Leste. Some 
of these LDCs have been in this process for over 15 years, while others started more recently, in 2016 -2017.  
22 Nepal (2004), Cambodi a (2004), Cabo Verde (2008), Samoa (2012), Vanuatu (2012), Lao PDR (2013), 
Yemen (2014), Liberia (2016) and Afghanistan (2016).  
23 Cabo Verde, Samoa and Vanuatu graduated from LDC status in 2007, 2014 and 2020, respectively. 
Bhutan is scheduled for graduat ion in end -2023, Sao Tomé et Principe – in 2024, Lao PDR and Nepal - in 2026. 
Cambodia, Comoros and Timor -Leste are considered for graduation as they have met the graduation criteria.  WT/ACC/44 • WT/GC/258  
- 8 - 
  achieve WTO compliance; and (ii) the fact that domestic policies had not been sustained 
over time. Sudan required the support of Members in moving forward;  
c. Bhuta n pointed out some factors that kept its accession process on hold, specifically: 
the need to re -start the process after years of dormancy and the limited technical 
expertise on the WTO. As an LDC, Bhutan would need further trade -related technical 
assistan ce and capacity building to move its accession forward.  
34. These interventions were supplemented by a video address by the Chairperson of the Working 
Party on the Accession of Timor -Leste, Ambassador Rui Macieira  (Portugal) , who noted Timor -Leste 
sustained hi gh-level commitment to the WTO accession, both at the political and technical levels . 
In his assessment, Timor -Leste's accession was at a critical stage. The advancement and conclusion 
of the process was within reach, provided that all remaining elements w ere agreed upon with 
Members, bilaterally and multilaterally, and all necessary legislation was adopted by Timor -Leste on 
a priority basis.  
35. Participants further discussed the critical importance of post -accession implementation for 
LDCs. Having reviewed th e experiences of Afghanistan, Cambodia, Nepal, Liberia, Vanuatu and 
Yemen, they identified several key elements of effective implementation, including: (i) development 
of a detailed post -accession strategy/roadmap; (ii) ensuring continuity in the post -accession period; 
(iii) establishment of an inter -ministerial coordination mechanism for the implementation of the 
accession commitments; (iv) maintaining dialogue with the private sector; and (v) effective 
participation in the WTO. Participants also agreed on  the crucial role of continued technical assistance 
and capacity building support, which should be targeted and coordinated in line with the post -
accession roadmap, and the importance of partnerships with the private sector, civil society and 
development p artners.  
36. In this context, comments were also made on the types of available assistance from various 
partners, as well as the need for synergy and coordination between regional and global integration 
efforts which should be maintained in the accession and post-accession period. Further collaboration 
between the WTO and regional organizations could be explored, e.g., between the WTO and ASEAN.  
CLOSING REMARKS  
37. The 11th China Round Table ended with concluding remarks by  Mr Malaithong Kommasith , 
Minister of In dustry and Commerce of Lao PDR. Taking note of the discussions during the Round 
Table,  Minister Kommasith made the following summary observations:  
• The Round Table drew attention to the contribution of the Asia -Pacific region to the 
multilateral trading sys tem. It was recognized that both WTO accession and regional 
integration play an important role in promoting trade diversification and economic 
growth. In this regard, the Round Table also noted that WTO accession should be seen 
as a stepping stone to deepe r reform and economic integration. To maintain 
momentum, Article XII Members could use the recommendations resulting from the 
WTO trade policy review process to evaluate possible courses of policy action;  
• The Round Table welcomed the outcome of MC12, which  produced multilaterally agreed 
results on issues such as fisheries subsidies, WTO response to emergencies, food 
security and WTO reform. Attention was also given to the state of play in the Joint 
Initiatives and dialogues on e -commerce, investment facilit ation, domestic regulation in 
services, and the trade and environment nexus;   
• The Round Table participants noted the importance of strengthening synergies between 
the WTO and regional initiatives. A suggestion was made to promote collaboration and 
knowledge partnership between the ASEAN and WTO Secretariats;  
• Round Table participants  expressed appreciation for Lao PDR's significant contributions 
to the WTO on the occasion of the country's 10th anniversary of WTO accession. They 
noted that its accession experience and excellent membership record could serve as a 
benchmark for other acc eding governments and LDC Members;  WT/ACC/44 • WT/GC/258  
- 9 - 
  • The Round Table further explored LDC perspectives on WTO accession and membership. 
Regional integration and trade diversification were identified as pathways to achieving 
resilience. This could be particularly relevant in preparation for LDC graduation whe n 
certain flexibilities would be lost. In addition, the effective leveraging of capacity 
building programs would maximize the benefits of trade integration, in particular in 
technical areas such as compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary standards and 
technical barriers to trade. Technical assistance could also be used to develop 
specialized knowledge in areas which go beyond the traditional WTO framework, such 
as e-commerce and investment facilitation;  
• The Round Table also discussed best practices durin g the accession process and in the 
post-accession phase. In this regard, participants stressed the critical role played by 
technical assistance and the design of comprehensive technical assistance strategies, 
which were to be owned by the governments seeki ng assistance. Effective technical 
assistance delivery depends on the establishment of relevant domestic institutions to 
oversee implementation. Special attention should be paid to building capacity for 
effective participation in the work of the WTO after accession. It was noted that Timor -
Leste and Comoros were at the final stages of accession negotiations.  
38. The Round Table participants expressed appreciation to the Government of Lao PDR for 
hosting the Round Table, and for the excellent arrangements and g enerous hospitality in Vientiane.   
39. They also expressed appreciation to the Government of China for the support provided through 
the China Programme, which assisted acceding governments in joining the Organization. It was 
noted that the annual China Round Table provided a valuable platform for acceding governments, 
especially LDCs, to exchange accession experience and advance the accession negotiations.  
_______________  
 
  WT/ACC/44 • WT/GC/258  
- 10 - 
  ANNEX - PROGRAMME OF THE ROUND TABLE  
Day 1 – Wednesday, 1 February 2023  
Opening Sessi on 
9h00 – 10h00  
 Opening remarks:  
• Ms Maika Oshikawa, Director, Accessions Division, WTO;  
• H.E. Mr Bountheung Douangsavanh, Vice Minister of Industry and 
Commerce, Lao PDR;  
• H.E. Ambassador Li Chenggang, Permanent Representative of China to 
the WTO  
Session 1: WTO Accessions and Trade Integration: Stories from the Asia -Pacific – 
Experiences, Lessons Learned and Way Forward  
The vast Asia -Pacific region spans the western Pacific Ocean and brings together countries in East Asia, 
Southeast Asia and Oceania. It has played an important role in expanding the WTO coverage since 
1995: in total, 10 Members from the region have acceded  to the WTO pursuant to Article XII of the 
Marrakesh Agreement: Mongolia in 1997; China in 2001; Chinese Taipei in 2002; Nepal and Cambodia 
in 2004; Viet Nam and Tonga in 2007; Samoa and Vanuatu in 2012; and Lao PDR in 2013. The region 
has contributed a qu arter of all completed accessions to date and the largest number of Article XII 
LDCs. Many of the region's economies are known for their impressive economic growth and are actively 
pursuing global and regional integration. They represent a unique source of  strength and dynamism for 
the global economy and the rules -based multilateral trading system.  
With participation of WTO Members and Observers from the region, as well as representatives of 
international organizations and regional trading blocs, this sessi on will: (i) discuss the evolution of the 
Asia-Pacific in the global economy; (ii) provide an overview of regional integration efforts; (iii) explore 
WTO accession and membership experiences, including their impact and specific results; and (iv) 
provide an  opportunity to exchange views on the way forward.  
10h30 – 12h30  
 Moderator:  Ms Maika Oshikawa, Director, Accessions Division, WTO   
Speakers:  
• H.E. Mr Bountheung Douangsavanh , Vice Minister of Industry and 
Commerce, Lao PDR;  
• Mr Yu Yongbing, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of China to the WTO;  
• H.E. Mr Seremaia Matai Nawaku, State Minister of Trade and 
Commerce, Vanuatu;  
• Mr Kong Sotheara , Deputy Director, Department of Notification and 
Legal Compliance, Ministry of Commerce, Cambodia;  
• Ms Zolzaya Dorjtsoo, First secretary, Department of Foreign Trade and 
Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mongolia;  
• Mr Madhu Kumar Marasini,  Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce 
and Supplies, Nepal;  
• Ms Phuong Linh Vu, Official, Inter -Agency Steering Committee on 
International Economic Integration, Viet Nam;  
Commentators:  
• H.E. Ambassador Pimchanok Pitfield, Permanent Representative of 
Thailand to the WTO (by video message) ; 
• Ms Mary Elizabeth Chelliah, Principal Trade Specialist, Ministry of Trade, 
Singapore (virtually) ; 
• Dr Le Quang Lan, Director, Market Integration Directorate, ASEAN 
Secretariat;  
• Mr Yann Duval, Chief, Trade Policy and Facilitation Trade, Investment 
and Innovation Division, UNESCAP (virtually).  
Followed by open discussion  
Session 2: Latest Developments in the WTO and Preparation for MC13  
The WTO has an important role to play in addressing the world’s most pressing issues, especially at a 
time when global solutions are critical. The 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) in 2022 secured 
multilaterally agreed outcomes on issues such as fisheries subsidies, WTO response to emergenci es 
(inter alia  waving certain compulsory licensing requirements for COVID -19 vaccines), food security, 
and WTO reform. The WTO is also moving forward in other areas where groups of like -minded Members 
are working together on a range of joint initiatives, i nitially launched at the 11th WTO Ministerial 
Conference (MC11) in Buenos Aires in 2017. The adoption of a Declaration on Services Domestic 
Regulation in December 2021 in which 67 WTO Members agreed on a set of disciplines aimed at 
increasing transparency,  predictability and efficiency of authorization procedures for service providers 
is a case in point. The 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13) is set to take place in Abu Dhabi in WT/ACC/44 • WT/GC/258  
- 11 - 
  February 2024. With just 12 months to go, WTO Director -General Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala has appealed 
to WTO Members to work towards convergence on a set of meaningful outcomes for this Conference.  
Led by the WTO Secretariat, this session will review the state of play in the multilateral and plurilateral 
discussions and the latest dev elopments in preparation for MC13, focusing on LDC perspectives and 
priorities.  
14h00 – 15h30  Moderator:  Mr Usman Ali Khilji, Head of Desk, Institute for Training and 
Technical Cooperation, WTO  
Speakers:  
• Multilateral Outcomes - MC12 results – Mr Santiago Wills, Director, 
Council and TNC Division, WTO (virtually) ; 
• LDCs perspectives on WTO reform – H.E. Ambassador Kadra  Ahmed 
Hassan, Permanent Representative of Djibouti to the UNOG, Coordinator 
of the LDC Group (virtually)   
Followed by open discussion  
16h00 – 17h30  Speakers:  
• State of Play on Joint Initiatives – E-Commerce – Ms Stefania Gallo, Trade 
Policy Analyst, Council and TNC Division, WTO (virtually) ; 
• Investment Facilitation, Domestic Regulation in Services – Mr Markus 
Jelitto, Counsellor, Trade in Services and Investment  Division, WTO 
(virtually) ; 
• Trade and Environment – Mr Aik Hoe Lim, Director, Trade and 
Environment Division, WTO (virtually)  
Followed by open discussion  
 
Day 2 – Thursday, 2 February 2023  
Session 3: High -Level Session – Lao PDR's Anniversary: 10 Years of WTO Membership  
9h00 – 10h00  Master of Ceremony:  Ms Souvipha  Inthavong, Deputy Director, Multilateral 
Trade Division, Department of Foreign Trade Policy, Ministry of Industry and 
Commerce, Lao PDR  
Introductory remarks:  
• H.E. Mr Malaithong Kommasith, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Lao 
PDR  
Speakers:  
• H.E. Ambassa dor Zhang Xiangchen, Deputy Director -General, WTO (by 
video message)  
• H.E. Mr Li Fei, Assistant Minister of Commerce, China (by video message)  
Video presentation:  "10th Anniversary of the Lao PDR’s WTO Membership"  
Session 4: A Retrospective on Lao PDR's WTO Accession and Membership  
2023 marks 10 years since Lao PDR became the 158th Member of the WTO on 2 February 2013. 
Following 15 years of accession negotiations, Lao PDR became the most recent addition to the WTO 
family from the Asia -Pacific Region and the 6th LDC accession (following the accessions of Cambodia 
and Nepal in 2004; C abo Verde in 2008; and Samoa and Vanuatu in 2012). Lao PDR has demonstrated 
exemplary commitment to integration into the multilateral trading system by using the accession 
process and WTO membership to transform and modernize its economy and trade regime, which has 
set a high standard for LDCs participation in the WTO.  
This anniversary provides a timely opportunity to reflect on the results of Lao PDR's WTO accession 
process and the first 10 years of WTO membership (Part 1 of the Session);  and to exchange views with 
the private sector and development partners on the remaining challenges and the way forward, with 
the objective to reap full benefits from Lao PDR's participation in the WTO (Part 2) . The highlight of the 
Session will be the launch of the study "Lao PDR: a Retrospective on 10 Years of WTO Membership" 
which aims to assess the trade and economic impact and results of Lao PDR's integration into the 
multilateral trading system.  
10h30 – 12h30  
 Moderator:  Ms Anna Varyanik, Legal Affairs Officer, Acces sions Division, WTO  
• Launch of the study : Lao PDR: A retrospective on 10 years of WTO 
Membership – Mr Patrick Low, former Chief Economist, WTO  
Speakers:  
• Lao PDR: WTO Accession Negotiations and 10  Years of WTO Membership 
in Perspective – Mr Buavanh Vilavong , Acting Permanent Secretary, 
Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Lao PDR  WT/ACC/44 • WT/GC/258  
- 12 - 
  • Lao PDR's WTO Accession – H.E. Ambassador  Yi Xiaozhun , former DDG, 
WTO; former Chairperson on the Working Party on the Accession of Lao 
PDR (by video message)  
• WTO and ASEAN: Lao PDR's accession and membership / Lao PDR’s 
Accession to ITA/ITA II  – Ms Vilayphone Xindavong, Deputy Director 
General, Department o f Foreign Trade Policy, Ministry of Industry and 
Commerce, Lao PDR  
Commentator:  
• Lao PDR's Trade Policy Review – Mr Usman Ali Khilji, Head of Desk, 
Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation, WTO  
Followed by open discussion   
Session 4 (cont'd): Lao PDR's WTO Membership – What's Next?  
14h00 – 16h00  
 Moderator:  Mr Vilaxay Boupha, Director, Division of Multilateral Trade, 
Department of Foreign Trade Policy, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Lao PDR.  
Speakers:  
• The Role of Lao PDR in the WTO:  
o H.E. Ambassador Zhang Xiangchen, Deputy Director -General, 
WTO (virtually)  
o Mr Saysana Sayakone, Director General, Department of Foreign 
Trade Policy, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Lao PDR  
• Private Sector – Government -Business Partnership – Mr Phouxay 
Thepphavong, Secretary General, Lao National Chamber of Commerce 
and Industry  
Commentators:  
• Mr Usman Ali Khilji, Head of Desk, Institute for Training and Technical 
Cooperation, WTO  
• Ms Melise Jaud, Senior Economist, Lao PDR Co untry Office, World Bank 
Group  
• Mr Simon Hess, Head Monitoring and Evaluation, Executive Secretariat 
for the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) ( virtually ) 
Followed by open discussion  
 
Day 3 – Friday, 3 February 2023  
Session 5: LDC Accessions and Post-accession: Latest Experiences and Best Practices  
Eight least -developed countries (LDCs) remain in the process of WTO accession: Bhutan, Comoros, 
Ethiopia, Sao Tomé et Principe, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Timor -Leste. Some of these LDCs 
have been  in this process for over 15 years, while others started more recently, in 2016 -2017. For all 
of these LDCs, WTO accession presents a unique opportunity to institute domestic reforms and to foster 
much needed modernization and development of their economie s. Of these, two accessions – those of 
Comoros and Timor -Leste – are getting close to crossing the finish line. When competed, these 
accessions will contribute to the growing body of LDC accession  acquis and will provide valuable new 
insights about LDC acc ession and post -accession best practices.  
The session will review the state of play in the ongoing LDC accessions and will provide a forum for 
experience sharing. It will focus inter alia  on identifying successful strategies for harnessing technical 
assistance / capacity building and outreach efforts, including in the context of parallel regional 
integration processes. It will also review the latest best practices on WTO post -accession, based on the 
experiences of LDC Article XII Members, with a view to id entifying specific recommendations.   
8h30 – 10h00  
 Moderator:  Mr Mozammil Shinwari, former Deputy Minister of Industry and 
Commerce, Chief Negotiator on Afghanistan's WTO Accession  
• Presentation  by Mr Dimitar Bratanov, Counsellor, Accessions Division, 
WTO 
Speakers:  
• H.E. Mr Joaquim Amaral, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Chief 
Negotiator for WTO Accession, Timor -Leste  
• H.E. Ms Amal Salid Saad Mohamed, Minister of Trade and Supply, Suda n 
• Ms Binita Lhadon Ghalley, Deputy Chief Trade Officer, Department of 
Trade, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, Bhutan  
Commentators : 
• H.E. Ambassador Rui Macieira (Portugal), Chairperson, Working Party on 
the Accession of Timor -Leste (by video m essage)  
• Ms Hang T.T. Tran, Senior Coordinator, Executive Secretariat for the 
Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) ( virtually ) 
Followed by open discussion  WT/ACC/44 • WT/GC/258  
- 13 - 
  10h15 – 11h45  
 Moderator:  Mr Saadaldeen  Talib, former Minister of Industry and Trade, Chief 
Negotiator on Yemen's WTO Accession  
Round Table discussion Best Practices in LDC post -accession:  
• Hon. Axel M. Addy, former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Chief 
Negotiator on the WTO Accession of Libe ria (virtually)  
• Mr Mozammil Shinwari, former Deputy Minister of Industry and 
Commerce, Chief Negotiator on Afghanistan's WTO Accession  
• H.E. Mr Seremaia Matai Nawalu, State Minister of Trade and Commerce, 
Vanuatu  
• Mr Kong Sotheara, Deputy Director, Departmen t of Notification and 
Legal Compliance, Ministry of Commerce, Cambodia  
• Mr Madhu Kumar Marasini, Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce 
and Supplies, Nepal  
Followed by open discussion  
CLOSING SESSION  
11h45 – 12h00  
 • Report on the Outcome of the 11th China Round Table –  
H.E. Mr Malaithong Kommasith, Minister of Industry and Commerce, 
Lao PDR;  
• Concluding remarks – Ms Maika Oshikawa, Director, Accessions 
Division, WTO  
 
 
__________