RESTRICTED  
  
WT/GC/M/203  
 
25 May 2023 
(23-3580) Page: 1/131 
General Council  
6-7 March 2023    
 
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
HELD IN THE CENTRE WILLIAM RAPPARD AND IN VIRTUAL FORMAT  
ON 6 AND 7 MARCH 2023  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr. Didier Chambovey (Switzerland)  
The Chair and the Director -General bade farewell to Amb. Cheryl Spencer , Permanent 
Representative of Jamaica, and Amb. Radovan Urban Kocák, Permanent Representative of the 
Slovak Republic , and thanked  them for their active contributions and dedication to the Organization, 
including as representatives of groups and Chairs of WT O bodies.  
 
Subjects discussed1: 
 
1   REPORT BY THE CHAIR OF THE TRADE NEGOTIATIONS COMMITTEE AND  
REPORT BY THE DIRECTOR -GENERAL  ................................ ................................ ..............  2 
2   FOLLOW -UP TO OUTCOMES OF MINISTERIAL CONFERENCES  ................................ ...... 8 
A. MC12  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................  8 
(i) WTO Reform  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  8 
(ii) Work Prog ramme On Electronic Commerce  – Report by the Facilitator  ................................ .44 
(iii) Paragraph 8 of the Ministerial Decision on the TRIPS Agreement – Duration of extended 
deadline  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................ 59 
B. Buenos Aires (MC11), Nairobi (MC10), and Bali (MC9)  ................................ ........................ 65 
3   WORK PROGRAMME ON SMALL ECONOMIES – REPORT BY THE CHAIR OF THE 
DEDICATED SESSION OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT  ....................  70 
4   WTO ACCESSIONS: 2022 ANNUAL REPORT BY THE DIRECTOR -GENERAL –  
STATEMENT BY THE DIRECTOR -GENERAL  ................................ ................................ ...... 76 
5   TRADE RELATED CHALLENG ES OF THE LEAST -DEVELOPED COUNTRIES AND WAY 
FORWARD: PROPOSAL FOR WTO SMOOTH TRANSITION MEASURES IN FAVOUR OF 
COUNTRIES GRADUATED FROM THE LDC CATEGORY – COMMUNICATION FROM  
DJIBOUTI ON BEHALF OF THE LDC GROUP  ................................ ................................ ..... 87 
6   UNILATERAL TRADE -RESTRICTIVE MEASURES OF CERTAIN WTO MEMBERS – 
STATEMENT BY THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION  ................................ ................................ ... 99 
7   REINVIGORATION OF THE WORK PROGRAMME ON ELECTRONIC COMMERCE  
AND MORATORIUM ON IMPOSING CUSTOMS DUTIES ON ELECTRONIC  
TRANSMISSIONS – REQUEST FROM INDIA AND SOUTH AFRICA  ................................ .. 103  
A. Role of Digital Public Infrastructure in Promoting E -Commerce –  
Communication from India  ................................ ................................ ................................  103 
8   MC12 DECISION IMPLEMENTATION - RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC –  
REQUEST FROM INDIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 103  
 
1 The proposed agenda was circulated in document WT/GC/W/ 869. WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  A. Role of Telemedicine Services in Response to the Pandemic – Communication from India  ..... 103 
B. Building a Pool of Health Professionals to Respond Effectively to Pandemics/Natural  
Disasters – Communication from India  ................................ ................................ ...............  103 
9   POLICY SPACE FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT - A CASE FOR REBALANCING  
TRADE RULES TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIALIZATION AND TO ADDRESS EMERGING 
CHALLENGES SUCH AS CLIMATE CHANGE, CONCENTRATION OF PRODUCTION  
AND DIGITAL INDUSTRIALIZAT ION – REQUEST FROM SOUTH AFRICA  ........................  108  
10   REVIEW OF THE EXEMPTION PROVIDED UNDER PARAGRAPH 3 OF  
THE GATT 1994  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  119  
11   APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS TO WTO BODIES  ................................ ......................  122  
12   OTHER BUSINESS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 128  
12.1   Statement by the Chair in connection with Administrative Measures for  
Members in Arrears  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  128 
13   ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON  ................................ ................................ .................  128  
 
 
1  REPORT BY THE CHAIR OF THE TRADE NEGOTIATIONS COMMITTEE AND REPORT BY 
THE DIRECTOR -GENERAL  
1.1.  The Chair  invite d the Director -General , as Chair of the TNC , to provide her report since the last 
report to the General Council.  
1.2.  The Director -General  delivered the following statement2: 
1.3.  Since the last General Council in December, I convened a formal TNC and informal Heads of 
Delegation meeting last Tuesday – 28 February – for Members to start determining what they can 
realistically deliver by MC13, an d to organize our work accordingly. My report and those of the three 
Chairs that reported – CoA SS, NGR and CTD SS Chairs – were circulated to delegations in document 
JOB/TNC/107. The formal record will be circulated soon.  
1.4.  Chair, we had a robust and const ructive discussion last week with 48 interventions. I heard 
calls for focus in our work to ensure we succeed and, in the words of Ambassador Maria Pagan, to 
"de-dramatize" the Ministerial Conference. Among the points underscored by many Ambassadors 
were th e need to work with a sense of urgency, to be results -oriented and to aim to deliver 
meaningful outcomes without overburdening Ministers' agenda.  
1.5.  During my recent outreach, I have continued to hear the appeal from Leaders, Ministers, and 
other stakeholder s that we should work towards delivering further results for the benefit of people 
around the world – with MC13 being a key opportunity to do so.  
1.6.  Let me thank Ambassador Navnit and the Government and the People of India for inviting the 
WTO to the G20 Fin ance and Foreign Affairs Ministers meetings last week. We were represented at 
the G20 Finance Ministers meeting by DDG Gonzalez, and I attended the Foreign Ministers meeting. 
This invitation is in keeping with the Indonesian and Italian Presidencies. We ar e appreciative of this. 
The WTO was not previously invited to the G20 Finance Ministers meeting. But given the strong 
linkages between trade and macroeconomic management and macro policy, we successfully argued 
with the then Italian G20 Presidency to allow  the WTO to be part of the Finance Ministers meeting – 
and with the help of former Prime Minister Mario Draghi, we were able to do it. It has been a very 
useful connection for all to see.  
1.7.  I was encouraged by India's and other G20 Members' support for our work. My participation at 
the meeting was very helpful in terms of trying to talk to Foreign Ministers, especially with some of 
them who have trade as part of their portfolio, to try and build up the political will and support for 
the work that we are doin g here. It worked quite well. I saw a great deal of welcoming of the 
statement that I made where I highlighted the work that Members have done as one of the few if 
 
2 The Director -General's statement was subsequently circulated in document JOB/GC/336.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  not the only multilateral organization that has been able to deliver agreements – binding, l egal 
agreements with everyone around the table. In these days of very intense geopolitical tension, that 
is a remarkable achievement. That was well acknowledged by the Foreign Ministers who were around 
the table. I will share a copy of that at some point. We also saw at the G20 Chairman's Statement 
for the Foreign Ministers an unprecedented acknowledgment of the work of the WTO. The statement 
takes what we had in Bali and adds on to it. This is a commendation for all of you and the work you 
are doing here. It also is a signal for us to carry on in the same vein.  
1.8.  As I said at the G20, I am counting on (i) India's leadership of the G20 to make sure that MC13 
is a success – I think that message was well -received; (ii) counting on the G20 members to help us, 
by showing a good example, to deliver for everyone with MC13 particularly for developing countries 
but also even for the developed countries themselves.  Excellencies, one thing was very clear at this 
meeting – expectations are now there that we will get resu lts at MC13. A new results -oriented WTO 
that is producing for people is what is being expected of us. That means that we have a lot of hard 
work ahead of us in Geneva – to build trust, to work hard, to have a results -focus and to deliver. 
The India G20 Pre sidency has promised to provide leadership using its platform to help us get 
credible MC13 results that will benefit all, but especially ordinary people around the world.  
1.9.  Let us manage what is on our MC13 plate, as all of you discussed last week. With the 10 
working months left, we must be targeted. I heard several of you say that we should avoid 
overloading Ministers' plates at the last minute. This means, we must now prioritize a few issues 
and build as much convergence on them as possible. We should also  remember that accessions and 
development issues should not be left unattended.  
1.10.   If we sustain the positive spirit from last week's meeting over the next 10 months, then 
delivering meaningful, quality outcomes is not beyond our reach. So, picking up from Am bassador 
Tan and several of you, I hope that when the WTO Members are compared to pandas and koalas, it 
is not because we spend long hours chomping on endless discussions – but rather because the WTO 
has been able to evolve and adapt to today's challenges and realities. Let's keep the metaphor of 
the pandas and koalas in mind as we make efforts to overcome the seeming differences that we 
have. On my part, my door is always open, and I will work as hard as it takes. I hope to see many 
of you coming forward s o that we can work to succeed together.  
1.11.   Before concluding, as I heard quite some interest on two issues I mentioned last week 
regarding business and CSO advisory groups to the Secretariat as well as the work of the 
Transformation Unit on a Strategic Vision  of the Secretariat, let me say a few words.  
1.12.   Regarding the business and CSO advisory groups, I have started the establishment of two 
advisory boards to the Secretariat to bring in the perspectives of relevant stakeholders. This is very 
important. One advi sory board will be for business and the other for civil society. These boards will 
be composed of prominent business and civil society leaders from different parts of the world. The 
input of these advisory boards will not only inform my work, as WTO Direct or-General, but it can 
also help our collective efforts to better respond to a changing trade and economic environment. I 
will continue to update you as these groups take shape – both on the boards on business and civil 
society.  
1.13.   As regards the workstreams  that were initiated last year, a new Recognition and Rewards 
Policy and a revised internal Procurement Policy entered into force in January. On mobility within 
the Secretariat, we are conducting a pilot project to encourage short -term secondments to diffe rent 
divisions for entry -level staff who have joined the Secretariat in the last seven years. This internal 
temporary mobility exercise will showcase the benefits of mobility for individuals and the Secretariat 
as a whole. We continue to work on improving our internal and external mobility, promotions, and 
recruitment policies. We will soon launch the recruitment process for a new, more senior, risk officer 
position, with increased responsibilities.  
1.14.   The current focus of our digital transformation continues to be on costing and prioritization of 
use cases. This work also requires us to consider how the improvements we want to make fit 
alongside other initiatives already being rolled out and Member expectations and interests. We also 
have to factor in the limi ted budget available for the remainder of our biennial period.   WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  1.15.   As I reported at the TNC meeting last Tuesday, we will soon begin work on developing a vision 
and a strategy for the Secretariat. The Transformation Office will lead this process. But there wi ll 
also be a Director who will be assigned to help us spearhead this important initiative. The views of 
Members will be a key part of this work, and Ambassador Dacio Castillo (Honduras) has kindly agreed 
to help us in gathering your input. We will be organ ising focus groups and consultations so that 
Members can give us their views on what that Secretariat strategy and vision should be.  
1.16.   I believe that, with your help, we should be able to identify a high -level vision and strategy 
relatively quickly. This wi ll not be the end of the story, however. Once we know where we want to 
go, we will need to work through what this means for our Secretariat processes, planning and 
budgeting – the points that Members have repeatedly raised in the CBFA. I look forward to yo ur 
constructive engagement and I would really like to thank you.  
1.17.   The Chair recalled that the f ormal TNC  meeting had taken place on  Tuesday, 28 February,  
and said that he did not  expect a long discussion under this item , as an extensive discussion had 
taken place at the TNC with 48 interventions. He also  recall ed that the TNC was a formal one, and 
there w ould be a record of that meeting .  
1.18.   The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:   
1.19.   Just very briefly , on these last couple of points on the advisory groups and the Transformation,  
we could have a separate meeting so that we can get a little bit more information , and be able to 
have a little bit more engagement on this issue as it  is being  developed. It is  a little hard to do it 
now, since we do not have that much information in  front of us. It is just a suggestion for  a separate 
meeting , or some other form of engagement.  
1.20.   The Director -General  said that a note would soon be sent on the strategy vision.  
1.21.   The representative of Senegal  delivered the following statement:  
1.22.   My delegation aligns itself with the statements made on behalf of the LDC Group, the African 
Group and the ACP Group.  I would like to thank the Chair of the Trade Negotiations Committee for 
her report.  I would like to focus my statement on the crucial issue of food security.  
1.23.   Indeed, as the new Chair of CoASS indicated in his oral report (JOB/AG/239), most of the 
Members consulted highlighted the central role of food security in negotiations o n agriculture.  In 
addition, as the Heads of State and Government present in Dakar on 27 January 2023 for the summit 
on food sovereignty and resilience emphasized in their final statement, the price of foodstuffs and 
disturbances to global food supply owing  to COVID 19, climate change and conflicts such as the war 
between Russia and Ukraine risk aggravating food security, especially in Africa.  Meanwhile, Africa is 
home to around 65% of the world's remaining uncultivated arable land and has the potential to 
produce enough to feed itself and contribute to feeding the rest of the world.  Despite its enormous 
agricultural potential, Africa suffers from clear food insecurity, with a third of the world's 828 million 
people going hungry being found in Africa.  
1.24.   This is  why achieving and maintaining food security requires the large  scale provision of 
agricultural technologies to farmers, the increase of food production and the growth of investments 
in food and agricultural systems, while understanding that United Nations  Sustainable Development 
Goal 2 on zero hunger can only be achieved if it is achieved in Africa.  We believe that this plea from 
African Heads of State deserves to be heard by the WTO, especially when reflecting on an urgent 
response to food insecurity.  
1.25.   In that context, it is essential to ensure that discussions on this issue are not limited to existing 
rules or flexibilities within the WTO rules, but rather that they explore the need for appropriate 
mechanisms to confront urgent situations and address gaps in existing rules. The areas that could 
be explored include topics relating to export restrictions on food products, export competition, public 
stockholding for the purposes of food security, import guarantees/allocations and limitations on 
product specifi c domestic support.  My delegation hopes for concrete results on these issues by MC13.  
1.26.   The delegation of Vanuatu , on behalf of the Pacific Group , delivered the following the 
statement:  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  1.27.   I wish to offer a few remarks on behalf of the Pacific Group. Before I do so, we wish to express 
our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Government and the people of Türkiye, Syria, and New 
Zealand for the loss of lives and widespread destructions ind uced by the devastating natural 
disasters last month. The Pacific asides New Zealand is not immune from such natural extremes. 
Last week, Vanuatu reels from twin cyclones which struck the country within 24 hours together with 
a twin earthquake at the scale  of 6.5 and 5.4, damages on the ground are profound and will take 
time for the country to recover. Fiji at this time is bracing itself for a Category 4 cyclone with heavy 
rain and flooding experienced in most parts of the country forcing schools to close. In saying this, 
we do understand the challenges faced by economies and their people at this time when we speak 
of natural disasters given our regional experiences, we therefore offer our thoughts and prayers to 
those affected during this difficult time.  
1.28.   We thank the Director -General for her report. We align with the statements made (to be 
made) by the ACP and SVEs Groups.  On Fisheries Subsidies, the Pacific Group reiterates its 
commitment to continue negotiations in the second wave as mandated by paragraph  4 of the MC12 
decision. We need to fully deliver on SDG 14.6. As underlined by several Members during the TNC 
Meeting last week, we see MC13 as the deadline for concluding the second wave and we support the 
NGR Chair's call to advance as many issues as po ssible before then. We therefore welcome the NGR 
Chair's proposed work plan until July and to begin discussions on conceptual issues before text -
based negotiations.  The main aim of the discussions on the outstanding issues of overcapacity and 
overfishing i s to have strong disciplines that target the large industrial fishing fleets and their huge 
subsidies to sustain our environment as well as to ensure appropriate and effective special and 
differential treatment. On ratification, we note your call for Membe rs to ratify the Agreement by 
MC13. For the Pacific Group, we are making efforts to ratify the Agreement in line with our respective 
domestic processes. Our Trade Ministers are scheduled to meet in July to reinforce the region's 
commitment to this effort i n line with its previous commitment in Nadi, in its November 2022 
Ministerial outcomes.  
1.29.   On the other important issues of Agriculture and Development, we refer to our statement 
made at the formal TNC meeting last week and underline the importance of delive ring meaningful 
outcomes at MC13. We look forward to engaging constructively with Members in the special sessions 
to be held in good time to find solutions for these long pending issues.  
1.30.   The representative of Indonesia  delivered the following statement:  
1.31.   Indonesia would like to refer to its statement made at the TNC meeting on this matter.  Indeed, 
as we are still facing one crisis to another, ensuring the centrality of development in our work 
becomes more important than ever, so as not to reverse the develop ment gains. The right to 
development, in this regard, is about creating an environment in which people could live with dignity 
and respect, free from poverty, hunger, disease, and oppression. It is not just limited to providing 
special and differential tre atment and technical assistance. Instead, we need to make sure that any 
rule, or new discipline being considered in the WTO should support development objectives.  With 
this understanding, I believe that we should advance our work as mandated by the Doha 
Development Agenda and deliver the outcome on the remaining homework under the TNC, 
especially, on agriculture in the upcoming MC13.  To this end I will provide some highlights on issues 
of Indonesia 's concern, and its development relevance, under the corresponding agenda.  
1.32.   The representative of Brunei Darussalam  delivered the following statement : 
1.33.   Brunei Darussalam appreciates your continuous effort and commitment to follow -up work on 
the key outcomes from MC12 including organising the retreats and works hops on fisheries subsidies 
and agriculture to maintain the good momentum and brainstorm the way forward on these important 
outstanding issues. We are also pleased with the recent appointments of the CoA  SS and NGR Chairs 
that would enable the steering of these work ahead towards reaching meaningful outcomes by the 
next Ministerial Conference. and we can go along with their proposed work plans.  For Brunei 
Darussalam, we attach great importance in implementing the Ministerial mandates and we wish to 
update t hat Brunei Darussalam is still undertaking domestic consultation process for the ratification 
of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement.  
1.34.   As we have less than a year left until the MC13, Brunei Darussalam hopes that we can begin 
our preparations early by identi fying our priorities and come up with a timeline or schedule so WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  members, especially small delegations, can be better prepared. We also agree with the views 
expressed by some members at the last week 's TNC meeting for the intended outcomes of the MC13 
to be cleared or finalised, as much as possible, by us in Geneva, in an effort to dedramatize the MC.  
1.35.   In this regard, allow me to share Brunei Darussalam 's priorities for the MC13 which among 
others include: the conclusion of the second wave of fisheries subsid ies negotiation; the extension 
of moratorium on not imposing custom duties on electronic transmissions; having a fully and well -
functioning dispute settlement system accessible to all; and Effective and meaningful WTO reform 
that is not onerous to small de legation.  
1.36.   The delegation of Viet Nam  delivered the following statement:   
1.37.   Viet Nam thanks the DG  as TNC Chair for her report. We warmly congratulate Ambassador 
Acarsoy as the new CoASS Chair and Ambassador Gunnarsson as the new NGR Chair. We thank 
them, as well as Ambassador Hassan as the CTD SS Chair , for their clear and detailed reports and 
wish to voice our strong support to the workplans that they presented to forward the work towards 
MC13. DG , I was absent  last Tuesday when you mentioned the ratificatio n of the fisheries  subsidy  
agreement, it is true that Viet Nam considers it as a priority. We also support having deeper 
understanding of the challenges for completing negotiations of the remaining parts of th is Agreement 
and call for substantive text -based discussions , so that by MC13 we can present our Ministers a 
significant outcome in this regard.  
1.38.   Agriculture negotiations is another area of focus that Viet Nam will pursue vigorously with 
other l ike-minded Members. We understand tha t different Member s and  Groups may have different 
priorities and approaches in this area . However , certainly food security, supply chains resilience and 
dealing with modern challenges such as SPS -based and environmental -related require immediately 
closer c ooperation among Members. Viet Nam has been working together with the international 
community to tackle l ocal challenges regarding substantiable, resilient, healthy  and inclusive food 
systems. We expect that by MC13 we can report to Ministers what have don e to enhance 
collaboration , in line with the MC12 mandates. On WTO reform, in general, and with regard to the 
restoration of the fully functioning dispute settlement system, as well as development in particular, 
my delegation will speak under  the next agen da item.  
1.39.   The representative of Egypt  delivered the following statement:  
1.40.   We extend our special thanks to Madam Director General for her report.  We congratulate the 
NGR and COA -SS chairs on their new responsibilities. We confirm our readiness to engage activ ely 
and constructively in the negotiations, willing to reach a tangible outcome on several important 
issues by MC13.  Our top -most priorities as we head towards MC13 should be to enhance the role of 
the Multilateral Trading System in promoting Development i n accordance with the para . 2 and 3 and 
5 and 8 of the MC12 Outcome Document, especially in developing and least -developed countries, 
and address global challenges through the necessary tools that would contribute to increasing 
developing countries' econom ic resilience and stimulate sustainable growth.  
1.41.   MC12 has provided us excellent opportunity to address current and future challenges with 
particular attention to food security and preparedness for future pandemics. We have to build on the 
outcomes and use the relevant mandates to develop further actions, as appropriate to address those 
challenges.  The C oA regular session is making progress on the para . 8 of the food insecurity MC12 
declaration. However, more needs to be done. The political will should b e present if we aspire to 
deliver concrete actions and decision in MC13 to accord NFIDCs and LDCs, the proper flexibility to 
face this challenge. We support the statement made by Senegal in that regard.  
1.42.   Another outcome was TRIPS Agreement Decision. The out come was a step forward, yet the 
Decision has to be extended to cover therapeutics and diagnostics.  Reforming the D ispute 
Settlement Mechanism  is another challenge, there is a deadline to respect and the mandate is to 
having a fully and well -functioning DS  system accessible to all Members by 2024, and the current 
process is moving on.  
1.43.   The representative of Djibouti , on behalf of the LDC Group , delivered the following statement:  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  1.44.   We thank the Director -General for her report. We would like our statement at the  TNC meeting 
to be included in the minutes of this agenda item.3 The LDC Group takes this opportunity to reiterate 
its determination to engage constructively before and during MC13. The Group also reiterates its 
commitment to the fundamental principles of  the WTO: transparency, inclusiveness, non -
discrimination, a rules -based and member -driven system, among others. Members should refrain 
from taking unilateral trade measures that are not based on WTO rules and avoid imposing export 
restrictions on goods an d services of which LDCs are net importers.  Finally, Special and Differential 
Treatment must be an integral part of all outcomes before and during MC13.  
1.45.   The representative of Zambia  delivered the following statement4: 
1.46.   This Statement will speak to Agenda item 1 and 2 while the written that we will submit to 
Secretariat for placement on the record of the General Council will include Agenda items 5, 7 and 
12. On agenda item 1, I would like to thank the Director -General and the Chairs of the various 
committees for the reports made to the TNC on the current state of play of negotiations in the WTO. 
Our delegation would like to appreciate your tireless efforts and commitment in trying to unlock the 
deadlocks and find common ground in the negotiations part icularly on longstanding issues were 
consensus has been the most challenging to achieve.  
1.47.   Being still fairly new to this WTO work, I listened attentively to all the submissions made on 
Tuesday on were things stand on the many issues. I also heard the Direct or General make a plea to 
Members to draw lessons from the work undertaken towards delivering the Fisheries Agreement at 
MC12 , and use this as a platform towards identifying critical milestones on the other issues that 
need to be addressed then we can work  towards finding common ground at MC13. For my delegation, 
among these, the priority should be work in Agriculture particularly on domestic support, PSH and 
SSM as these are critical for guaranteeing food security and resilience in our economies. My 
delega tion is happy that a new Chair has been appointed and work has resumed on this file. In the 
same vein, I also hope that we can gain some momentum on work towards finding common ground 
on the LDC Graduation proposal as well as the G90 proposal on Special an d Differential treatment.  
1.48.   Concrete submissions have already been put on the table on all these. Despite not receiving 
favourable consideration at MC12, my delegation still believes a lot has been put into preparing the 
proposals and there is enough for us to work with to identify clear milestones and deliverables for 
MC13. Finding fair, comprehensive and well -balanced outcomes on these should be the drive our 
work in the remaining months before MC13.  
1.49.   With regard to item 2 on the follow -up to outcomes of Ministerial Conferences, it is very 
disappointing that in the past there has been many unfulfilled promises and missed deadlines but 
hopefully this is something that we will change as we look ahead and work towards reforming the 
WTO so that it delivers for all its members. For the credibility of the WTO, it will be a good signal if 
we could deliver meaningful outcomes on all the long -standing unimplemented mandates particularly 
developmental issues linked to the livelihoods and the developmental  prospects of developing and 
least developed countries.  In closing, I wish to associate my delegation with the statements delivered 
by Djibouti on behalf of the LDC Group, Kenya on behalf of the ACP Group and Cameroun on behalf 
of the Africa Group.  
1.50.   The rep resentative of Cameroon , on behalf of the African Group , delivered the following 
statement:  
1.51.   The African Group takes note of the report by the Chairperson of the Trade Negotiations 
Committee. We also thank you, Mr. Chair, for your report, and we take note o f all the important 
points you have raised this morning. We would like to request that our Statement which was 
submitted on Tuesday 28th of February 2023 should be reflected under agenda item 1 of this 
meeting5. We recall the Preamble of the Marrakesh Agr eement establishing the WTO, and the African 
Group has consistently advanced positions at the WTO to promote and accelerate development and 
inclusive growth across the entire membership specifically, LDC 's and developing countries, in -view 
 
3 The statement is contained in TN/C/M/44, para. 4.8 -4.10 and is incorporated by reference in the 
record of this meeting . 
4 The statement covered agenda items 1 and 2.  
5 The statement is contained in TN/C/M/44, para 4.112 -4.114, and is incorporated by reference in the 
record of this meeting.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  of the objective s of the multilateral trading system. We are pleased to note some convergence in 
Members' contributions on the specific issues which were discussed during the informal meeting on 
WTO reform focused on development. However, e note that little progress has b een made in 
addressing the challenges we face as a Group, to realize the full benefits of international trade, such 
as limited access to global markets and supply -side constraints.  
1.52.   As indicated during the engagement, we are of the view that a good starting point is to 
recognise that the WTO consists of countries at different levels of development.  We believe that 
development goes beyond S&D and includes fair trade rules to remove obstacles developing 
countries experience in exporting their products to developed country markets. Second, policy space 
to develop a comparative and competitive advantage to enhance productive and export capabilities 
to level the playing field in the trading system. Third, establishing rules that ensure a fair balance 
throu gh appropriate flexibility and S&D for developing countries. S&D for developing countries is 
therefore a tool to ensure the proportionality of trade agreements is commensurate with the levels 
of development of developing countries and their capacity to man age the adjustment process. 
Fourth, building a transparent and inclusive system that promotes effective participation  in decision -
making in the WTO.  
1.53.   From the early days of the GATT until the establishment of the WTO, the differences in levels 
of economic development were recognized and Members committed to ensure that Special and 
Differential Treatment (S&D) would be one of the cornerstone principles of the WTO. MC12 
reaffirmed that SDT should remain an integral part of the WTO and its Agreements. The Afri can 
Group is of the strong view that SDT should go beyond technical assistance and capacity building 
but extend to providing the necessary flexibilities and policy space that would facilitate economic 
diversification, structural transformation, and industr ialisation, particularly in the African Continent. 
Importantly, the G90 ASPs are long overdue and should be delivered at MC13, especially in view of 
the current global challenges.  We must recognise that, there is still a development gap between 
developed c ountries and developing countries, including LDCs and these include the digital, 
infrastructure and structural divide as articulated in our Reform paper (WT/GC/W/778/Rev.4 ). 
1.54.   In this regard, emphasis should be placed on the need to address dossiers that hav e been on 
the table for a long time, including agricultural subsidies, other files containing mandates from 
previous ministerial conferences, especially those relating to development, notably through the 
effective implementation and strengthening of specia l and differential treatment (SDT) . Let me close 
by reiterating our strong importance to the Development file in the WTO. We would like to stress 
that an outcome in this area will be crucial as we prepare for MC13. We, therefore, call on the DG, 
as Chairpe rson of the Trade Negotiations Committee , to facilitate the constructive engagement of 
all Members to move this file forward, across all WTO bodies.  
1.55.   The General Council took note  of the report of the Director -General and of the statements 
made . 
2  FOLLOW -UP T O OUTCOMES OF MINISTERIAL CONFERENCES  
A. MC12  
(i) WTO Reform  
 - Informal Meeting on Development of 2 and 3 February – Statement by the Chair  
 - Committee on Trade and Development Mandate: Focal Point for Consideration and 
Coordination of Work on Development in the WTO – Communication from India 
(WT/GC/W/865)  
 - Reinforcing the Deliberative Function of the WTO to Respond to Global Trade Policy 
Challenges – Communication from the European Union (WT/GC/W/864)  
2.1.  The Chair  said that t his item "Follow -up to Outcomes of Ministerial Conferences" cover ed 
several matters  - with two sub -items (A). MC12 and (B). Buenos Aires (MC11), Nairobi (MC10), and 
Bali (MC9 ). Item '2.A. - MC12' ha d three sub -items: (i) WTO reform; (ii) the Work Programme on 
Electronic Commerce; and (iii) Paragraph 8 of the Ministerial Decision on the TRIPS Agreement – WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  Duration of Extended Deadline. He proposed that, u nder 'WTO reform', he wo uld start with his 
statement on the Informal meeting on development of 2 and 3 February . Thereafter, he would invite 
India to introduce its communication contained in WT/GC/W/865 on the 'CTD Mandate: Focal Point 
for Consideration and Coordination of Work o n Development in the WTO' , followed by the European 
Union to introduce its communication contained in WT/GC/W/864 on 'Reinforcing the Deliberative 
Function of the WTO to Respond to Global Trade Policy Challenges'. He would then  open the floor 
once on the w hole sub -item (i) on WTO reform. He further proposed to then take up the other two 
sub-items and to open the floor under each sub-item.  
2.2.  The Chair delivered the following statement6: 
2.3.  Since my report last December, our work on WTO reform has continued in t he General Council 
and relevant Subsidiary Bodies.  
2.4.  You may recall that, on 2 -3 February, I convened an informal meeting on WTO reform focused 
on development. During this meeting, Members discussed concrete ways forward in this area. I was 
encouraged by the  support from all Members to progress our development work.  
2.5.  Let me once again recognize the efforts of H.E.  Mr Ahmad Makaila (Chad), H.E. Mr. Petter 
Ølberg (Norway), H.E. Ms. Sofia Boza Martinez (Chile), and H.E. Dr. Muhammad Mujtaba Piracha 
(Pakistan) who  facilitated the breakout sessions. I also thank DDG Zhang who moderated the session 
on the way forward. The reports from the breakout sessions have been circulated in 
JOB/GC/335/Rev.1.  
2.6.  Let me recall the main takeaways from the discussions.  
2.7.  First, is that Members recognize S&DT as a well -established WTO principle. I detected a 
willingness to work on S&DT in a solutions -oriented manner – taking into account everyone's 
sensitivities and building on the conversations and momentum from the inform al meeting.  
2.8.  Second, premium was placed on mainstreaming development in all WTO's work.  
2.9.  Third, assisting developing and LDC Members integrate into the multilateral trading system 
was another broad theme. Emphasis was placed on assisting the most vulnerable among the 
membership.  
2.10.   Fourth, delivering on development in the lead -up to and at MC13 was also emphasized. 
Working towards outcomes in the lead -up to MC13 was mentioned, including (i) LDC graduation, 
(ii) implementation of Ministerial Decisions in favour o f LDCs, and (iii) strengthening the role of the 
CTD as a forum for deliberation of development issues. Reference was also frequently made to 
paragraph  2 of the MC12  Outcome Document and work on S&DT, including in the CTD SS.  
2.11.   Suggestions were made by differ ent delegations to work effectively towards a response to 
food insecurity and to make progress on the MC12 pandemic response declaration, paragraph 8 of 
the MC12 TRIPS Decision and paragraph 8 of the MC12 Food Insecurity Declaration.  
2.12.   Fifth, on the process ahead, Members noted that the informal meeting last month was only a 
restart of discussions on development. In this regard, I heard from many Members the need to 
ensure that the CTD remains the focal point on development and its work be revitalized includi ng 
through thematic discussions and some topics were mentioned. I take note that a specific submission 
on this matter has been made which we will take up shortly. I propose that the reform discussion 
on development takes place under the aegis of the CTD, a nd I would request the CTD Chair to 
structure this work going forward.  
2.13.   Several Members also pointed out the need to reinvigorate work of the WGTTT, WGTDF  and 
the BOP Committee. Others provided concrete suggestions to facilitate these discussions. It was also 
suggested that these discussions would be reported to or taken up at the General Council including 
by having a standing agenda item.  
 
6 The Chair's statement was subsequently circulated in document JOB/GC/337.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  2.14.   You may also reca ll that, apart from development, we also have other reform issues in front 
of us which you identified in November as important for you. These include dispute settlement, the 
negotiating function, the deliberative and monitoring functions, institutional iss ues, among others.  
2.15.   In this regard, I recognize that the Council for Trade in Goods and the Council for Trade in 
Services have been holding discussions concerning the deliberative function. In particular, I 
understand that the CTG has considered detailed r eports on the current functioning of its subsidiary 
bodies that were prepared by the 14 respective Chairpersons. I encourage Members to engage in 
this process at the Goods Council, as well as those processes that are being launched by the 
Committees in the  goods area to improve their functioning. Let me also recall that  we will take up 
the specific submission on the deliberative function made to this General Council later under this 
sub-item. 
2.16.   In addition, and with a view to improving the functioning of the General Council, we are 
currently exploring, together with the Secretariat, ways to simplify and strengthen our day -to-day 
working methods – including the possibility of introducing an "e -agenda" for General Council 
meetings, as a number of other WTO bodie s are already doing. Members will be kept informed and 
consulted as these efforts progress. Let me also add that the Secretariat has issued the revised 
'Evolving Tentative Calendar of Formal Meetings of WTO Bodies for 2023' (in WT/INF/231/Rev.1) 
and Secret ariat-wide efforts are underway to improve the scheduling of WTO meetings.  
2.17.   As we all know, the informal discussions on dispute settlement have now entered the next 
stage. I hope all Members will continue to constructively engage in this process so that we could find 
a solution to this matter as instructed by our Ministers at MC12.  
2.18.   Colleagues, these different strands of work show that our reform work is taking shape and is 
happening in parallel as many of you have called for.  
2.19.   As we prepare for MC13, I recal l that Ministers at MC12 instructed the General Council and 
its subsidiary bodies to: "conduct the work, review progress, and consider decisions, as appropriate, 
to be submitted to the next Ministerial Conference." So, I call on all Members to sustain the 
momentum generated and find a way to continue our reform discussions in all areas in the weeks 
and months to follow with this in mind.  
2.20.   In terms of the procedural next steps, I will leave it to my successor - who I will brief - to 
discuss with you how best  to proceed on the overall reform file.  
2.21.   I am heartened that we have continued our WTO reform process on a good footing. It has 
been an honour to have been tasked in leading the membership in putting together the foundations 
of our WTO reform work from MC12 . We have made small, but concrete steps forward in a short 
period of time. I congratulate and thank each one of you for your contribution. Let us build on this 
momentum and deliver meaningful WTO reforms for the benefit of all.  
2.22.   The Chair  then invite d the delegation of India to introduce the item and communication 
'Committee on Trade and Development Mandate: Focal Point for consideration and Coordination of 
Work on Development in the WTO' (WT/GC/W/865).  
2.23.   The representative of India delivered the following s tatement:  
2.24.   I will take this opportunity to thank the Director -General for visiting India in spite of her busy 
schedule and challenging health conditions. On the agenda, we think that development through 
trade is the focal aspiration for developing countries . And that was the aspiration when they joined 
the WTO. However, the developing country Members, which constitute in fact more than two thirds 
of the WTO membership, feel left out at times as deliberations of development dimensions have not 
moved the dista nce. It is in this context, that the Informal meeting on development convened by 
you was a welcome change. It was a good starting point. Members had an open, inclusive and 
transparent discussion on challenges and way forward. These discussions were well re ported by four 
facilitators and DDG Zhang. India suggests that the report of DDG Zhang is also circulated. A 
suggestion that found favour with the Members was the need for operationalizing the mandate of 
the Committee on Trade and Development (CTD) as foca l point on development. Several Members 
made this proposal in the breakout and plenary sessions. It was felt that a focal point approach is WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  necessary for sustaining momentum and to engage in development discussions. This was well 
reflected in the report of  the facilitators. It was also reflected in DDG Zhang's report. This proposal 
was widely supported in the Informal meeting on WTO reform on development and there was no 
opposition to this. This is immediately doable and let us not wait for MC13. I would re quest that the 
General Council should take decision on this issue in this meeting itself.  
2.25.   On the paper, I would like to mention also that we have had informal bilateral discussions on 
this issue over the last few days, as there is keen interest among the WTO membership on this 
proposal. This proposal is simple. It seeks that the CTD should be responsible for the consideration 
and coordination of all work on development in the WTO. The CTD should continuously review 
participation of developing Members in th e multilateral trading system, highlight challenges and 
consider measures and initiatives needed in this regard. In the process, besides deliberation on 
development issues, the CTD would call and consult with other WTO bodies through a regular two -
way exch ange of information, to remain informed of the entire development discussions in the WTO 
and report regularly to the General Council in a structured manner on the development function for 
appropriate action. This would ensure that we do not lose sight of d evelopment issues and that there 
is a proper repository of development discussions in the WTO at a single place and the CTD acts as 
a catalyst for ensuring discussion. Let me clarify here what we have done in paragraphs 5 and 6 of 
WT/GC/W/865. It does not mean that the CTD takes over the work of any other body or exercises 
any oversight on other similarly placed bodies. The CTD would simply consult and coordinate, and 
the discussions on the issues would continue to take place in relevant bodies. For example , the G90 
proposal. It has to be negotiated in the CTD SS being the relevant body for such negotiations. 
Similarly, the LDC graduation proposal would continue to be discussed in the General Council. I 
would conclude by reiterating that the General Council may agree to the proposal in this meeting. 
The modalities for operationalizing the mandate of the CTD as focal point could then be worked out.  
2.26.   The Chair  then invite d the delegation of the European Union to present the item and 
communication entitled 'Reinf orcing the Deliberative Function of the WTO to Respond to Global Trade 
Policy Challenges' (WT/GC/W/864).  
2.27.   The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
2.28.   Let me now introduce the European Union's Communication on 'Reinforcing the  Deliberative 
Function of the WTO to respond to Global Trade Policy Challenges " contained in WT/GC/W/864. The 
document was circulated to Members on 22 February. The paper by the European Union is one 
contribution to feed the ongoing WTO reform efforts. We are happy to see momentum building up 
on the reform process with a number of papers tabled by Members recently including at todays' 
meeting. The background to the paper is the recognition that the WTO's effectiveness has been 
eroded over the past decade ac ross its three pillars, with a paralysed dispute settlement system, 
limited progress in multilateral rule making and a deliberating function that is not being used to its 
full potential to engage each other on the trading system's most pressing challenges.  The WTO, 
however, remains a vital institution to safeguard rules -based trade and counter increasing economic 
fragmentation. As we have said on several occasions, the European Union's first priority is the 
restoring of a fully functioning dispute settlemen t. The EU paper today focuses on the deliberative 
function, as the third essential pillar of WTO  reform. If the organisation is to maintain relevance, it 
needs to re -establish itself as a forum for more meaningful deliberation in areas that impact global 
trade policy making. A deeper level of engagement is required for the Members to better understand 
and develop convergence on key topics and for the WTO to be able to formulate responses to the 
challenges that we all face. The European Union proposes reinfo rced deliberation in the following 
three areas of systemic importance: (i) trade policy and state intervention in support of industrial 
sectors; (ii) global environmental challenges; and (iii) trade and inclusiveness.  
2.29.   State intervention in industrial sect ors, including subsidies, has for several years now been a 
growing concern of Members, as it can generate negative spill -overs that unlevel the global playing 
field and reduce fair conditions of competition. This can over time undermine confidence in the 
balance of benefits of countries participating in the trading system, and even erode the goodwill of 
the Organization itself. At the same time, certain forms of government support are generally 
considered necessary and legitimate policy responses to meet ce rtain objectives, including recently 
the urgent need to drive the climate and environmental transitions. But even these measures should 
be well designed to minimize negative spill -overs, including on other Members. Current rules in the 
WTO, however, are no t sufficiently effective in tackling the negative external spill -overs of state 
interventions in the economy. Through the deliberative function, the WTO can be the place for WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  discussions that could provide the basis for establishing an international consens us on acceptable 
parameters for such interventions. The aim would be to provide more transparency on support 
schemes and other forms of state intervention and consider the design of measures that minimise 
the negative spill -overs paying attention to the po sitive and negative impacts of industrial subsidies 
including the development dimension. In terms of process, we propose to engage without delay on 
these issues, and to also establish at MC13 a Member -driven dedicated space to conduct these talks 
in a form  to be decided by the WTO. A report and recommendations would then be presented to 
MC14 where a decision on the appreciate follow -up would be taken.  
2.30.   On global environmental challenge, as we heard in the retreat on WTO reform, there is an 
increasing intere st of Members for environment and climate to figure more prominently on the 
WTO agenda given the urgency of the climate and environmental challenges. We welcome the 
renewed interest showed by many Members. The European Union proposes to reinforce deliberat ion 
on global environmental challenges in the Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE). The 
objectives would be enhanced transparency, coordination and policy dialogue on trade -related 
environmental measures. We suggest early information exchanges on measu res and discussions on 
the design of measures that maximize climate and environmental benefits while minimizing trade -
restrictive impacts. More thematic deliberations in the CTE could also be considered. The paper 
makes some suggestions, but the list is by  no means exhaustive, and it will be up to Members in the 
CTE to agree on the topics. Given the interlinkage between development and environmental 
challenges, it would also be important to reinforce the capacity of developing countries in terms of 
their pa rticipation, but also identify means to support them in the challenges faced in complying with 
trade -related climate and environmental measures. We also see room for closer Committee 
coordination between the CTE and other relevant bodies (e.g., TBT, SPS, S CM and Agriculture). The 
European Union fully appreciates the complex nature of these debates, but we believe it is a 
discussion that the WTO cannot avoid.  
2.31.   On inclusiveness, this area responds to calls by a number of WTO Members for a more 
inclusive multi lateral trading system. As part of inclusiveness, we see the need to ensure the 
centrality of the development dimension across the three core functions of the WTO. The CTD's role 
should be the forum for reinforced deliberation on the current development ch allenges, while 
preserving also the role and responsibility of other WTO bodies. We see from this perspective a link 
and some common ground to India's recent paper on development and the role of the CTD. But 
inclusiveness also has other dimensions beyond d evelopment. First, we propose to improve the 
understanding of how to achieve inclusive policy outcomes of trade liberalisation to spread the gains 
from trade more widely. To this end, we propose that the WTO undertake joint analysis with the 
World Bank and  the ILO on the distributional impacts of trade. Work should also look at improving 
the integration of developing countries into global and sustainable supply chains as well as 
addressing the gender dimension. In terms of forum, we are open to suggestions from Members. 
The General Council could discuss certain issues of a horizontal nature. The TPRB and specific 
Committees could also play a role. Second, we propose to look at making the policy -making process 
itself more inclusive by addressing the capacity constraints by developing countries in their 
participation in the WTO. We also suggest enhancing engagement with external stakeholders to 
bring in broader perspectives in informal seminars and workshops. This is in any case already 
happening in a number of  areas and bodies in the WTO. A standing WTO consultative committee 
with balanced representation could also be considered. Our suggestions also link up with the 
Director -General's recent idea on broadening stakeholder engagement and proposals by other 
Memb ers on WTO reform.  
2.32.   To conclude, the areas proposed for deliberation in the paper are by no means exhaustive. 
We now look forward to hearing Members' views on the paper and discussing on how to take the 
reform process forward.  
2.33.   The representative of Argenti na delivered the following statement:  
2.34.   We would like to begin by referring to the General Council's Informal meeting on WTO reform 
on development. The link between trade and development is clear, and there is sufficient experience 
in this Organization to me et the needs of developing countries. At this meeting, my country and the 
majority of Members recall that, under the Marrakesh Agreement, commercial activity should be 
intended to raise living standards and achieve full employment, in the context of the Su stainable 
Development Goals, while meeting the need to protect the environment and always bearing in mind 
that trade must be a tool that contributes to development. In that regard, we welcome document WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  WT/GC/W/865 presented by India. We agree that the Commi ttee on Trade and Development, as a 
focal point for the consideration and coordination of our work, plays a fundamental role in these 
discussions and in making progress towards concrete results. In our opinion, the current system 
offers as yet untapped opp ortunities, provided that the existing mandates are complied with and 
that the dispute resolution system regains full functionality for 2024, as agreed at MC12.  
2.35.   All Members, particularly developing ones, are confronting major challenges to achieving the 
Sustainable Development Goals, including those related to the environment. We have analysed 
WT/GC/W/864, presented by the European Union, and express our thanks for this contribution. We 
agree on the importance of the goal to protect the environment and comb at climate change, and 
that there should be further multilateral discussions on the link between trade and the environment 
at the Committee on Trade and Environment. However, we believe that this should be done by 
strengthening the role of that Committee, in accordance with the agreed mandate for its work in the 
1994 Decision on Trade and Environment and the 2001 Doha Declaration; in particular, this should 
involve analysis of the environmental impact of market access, especially in developing countries. 
We understand that the WTO has to focus on the issues relevant to it because they fall within the 
remit of its objectives and mandate, above all in terms of the impact of environmental measures on 
international trade. The exchange of information is also alwa ys valuable, but we primarily value 
compliance with the WTO's Agreements and rules in order to avoid measures that constitute a means 
of arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination or a disguised restriction on digital trade. We cannot fail 
to mention that u nilateral measures that violate WTO rules and principles do not contribute to 
resolving these challenges, but rather aggravate them instead. We must acknowledge that the 
significant criticism the Organization currently receives is related to the absence of  results from the 
conclusion of multilateral agreements that involve progress in trade rules and promote development. 
This deficiency is largely to do with noncompliance with the negotiating mandates agreed by 
Members, some of which date from the creation of the WTO itself. The reform process must 
necessarily include the effective fulfilment of the pending negotiating mandates, which were 
laboriously negotiated over years and mainly include topics of vital importance to developing 
countries.  
2.36.   The case of agriculture is perhaps the most archetypal and is the outstanding debt of the WTO 
and MC12. We must work to achieve a realistic and balanced result at the upcoming MC13 that can 
contribute to achieving agricultural reform in accordance with the  mandate in Article 20 of the 
Agreement on Agriculture, as desired for more than 25 years. Reforming agricultural trade rules 
must be the central part of the WTO's response to the food security problems facing many countries, 
including through the eliminat ion of distorting subsidies and disguised restrictions on trade. We do 
not forget that these excessive agricultural subsidies not only distort trade but are also largely 
harmful to the environment. Following this premise, we will also continue to work hard  to achieve 
agreements in the second wave of negotiations on fisheries subsidies. We are fully aware of the 
adverse effects of certain types of subsidies that contribute to excess capacity and overfishing, and 
that IUU fishing continues to be a threat to s ustainable development, especially for developing 
countries. The pandemic revealed inequalities in access to medical goods for the diagnosis and 
treatment of COVID -19. The production of diagnostic tests, treatments and vaccines continues to be 
concentrated  in a few countries. In that regard, we maintain our position, which was already 
presented at the General Council meeting in October and December 2022. We wish to reiterate how 
important it is for our delegation in particular, and developing countries in g eneral, to extend the 
Decision of the TRIPS Agreement of June this year to diagnostics and therapeutics, in accordance 
with the paragraph 8 mandate. We would also like to convey our satisfaction with the renewal of 
discussions on the Work Programme on Elec tronic Commerce and join in thanking Ambassador 
Dwarka -Canabady for the remarkable work she is doing to coordinate these discussions. The topics 
that we have addressed in recent sessions and those planned for future sessions are key to electronic 
commerce and are thus relevant to all WTO Members. We trust that discussions will continue to have 
the same level of active participation and commitment from the membership to enable us to arrive 
at MC13 with a good foundation of understanding the WTO's role in pro moting and expanding 
electronic commerce and, above all, how to ensure that all Members can enjoy its benefits.  
2.37.   To conclude, I would like to mention the proposal presented by five Latin American countries 
to the Council for Trade in Goods, which includes s uggestions to improve the functioning of the 
Council and its subsidiary bodies. The main aim of this document is to increase the visibility of the 
challenges that we are currently observing and propose both a number of areas for action and 
specific suggest ions that can be considered to address these challenges. We thank the delegations WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  that have expressed their support and we trust that we can continue to work step by step and soon 
implement the reforms necessary for the improved functioning of the Organiza tion. 
2.38.   The representative of Cameroon , on behalf of the African Group , delivered the following 
statement:  
2.39.   The African Group takes note of the report by the Chairperson of the Trade Negotiations 
Committee and commends her relentless efforts. We look forward to more frequent TNC meetings 
to accelerate the implementation of longstanding developmental issues. We a lso thank you, Chair, 
for your report, and we take note of all the important points you have raised this morning. We would 
like to request that our statement, which was submitted to the Secretariat on 28 February 2023, 
should be reflected under agenda item  1. We recall the preamble of the Marrakesh Agreement 
Establishing the WTO, to promote and accelerate development and inclusive growth across the entire 
membership, specifically for developing countries, including LDCs, in view of the objectives of the 
multilateral trading system. The African Group has consistently advanced positions with these core 
objectives. We are pleased to note some convergence in Members' contributions on the specific 
issues, which were discussed during the Informal meeting on WTO re form on development. However, 
we note that little progress has been made in addressing the challenges we face as a group, to 
realize the full benefits of international trade, such as limited access to global markets and supply -
side constraints. As indicate d during the engagement, we are of the view that a good starting point 
is to recognize that the WTO consists of countries at different levels of development. We believe that 
development goes beyond S&DT and includes fair trade rules to remove obstacles dev eloping 
countries experience in exporting their products to developed country markets. Second, policy space 
to develop a comparative and competitive advantage to enhance production and export capabilities 
to level the playing field in the trading system. T hird, establishing equitable rules through 
appropriate flexibility and S&DT for developing countries. S&DT for developing countries is therefore 
a tool to ensure that the proportionality of trade agreements is commensurate with the levels of 
development of  developing countries and their capacity to manage the adjustment process. Fourth, 
building a transparent and inclusive system that promotes effective participation in decision -making 
in the WTO.  
2.40.   From the early days of the GATT until the establishment of the WTO, the differences in levels 
of economic development were recognized and Members committed to ensuring that special and 
differential treatment is one of the cornerstone principles of the WTO. MC12 reaffirmed that S&DT 
should remain an integral part o f the WTO and its Agreements. The African Group is of the strong 
view that S&DT should go beyond technical assistance and capacity building to extend to providing 
the necessary flexibilities and policy space that would facilitate economic diversification, structural 
transformation, and industrialization, particularly on the African continent. Importantly, the 
Agreement -Specific Proposals (ASPs) are long overdue and should be delivered at MC13, especially 
in view of the current global challenges. We must rec ognize that, there is still a development gap 
between developed countries and developing countries, including LDCs and these include the digital, 
infrastructure and structural divide as articulated in our reform paper (WT/GC/W/778/Rev.4). In this 
regard, e mphasis should be placed on the need to address dossiers that have been on the table for 
a long time, including agricultural subsidies, other files containing mandates from previous 
Ministerial Conferences, especially those relating to development, notably  through the effective 
implementation and strengthening of special and differential treatment provisions, cotton subsidies, 
and public stockholding for food security purposes for Africa. Let me close by reiterating two main 
points, (i) the strong interest that forty -four members of the African Group attach to the 
abovementioned development files in the WTO. Second, a fully functional WTO demands that the 
dispute settlement pillar is fully restored and guarantees accessibility by all Members, especially the 
African Group. We would like to stress that outcomes in these areas will be crucial as we prepare for 
MC13. We, therefore, call on the Chairperson of the Trade Negotiations Committee to facilitate the 
constructive engagement of all Members to move these ne gotiations forward, across all WTO bodies.  
2.41.   The representative of Djibouti , on behalf of the LDC Group , delivered the following statement:  
2.42.   The LDC Group congratulates you for your report on the Informal meeting on WTO reform on 
development. The notion of de velopment is anchored in the preamble of the Marrakesh Agreement 
Establishing the WTO. It is recognized in the preamble of the Marrakech Agreement that trade should 
be directed towards raising living standards, the achievement of full employment and a high  and 
ever-increasing level of real income and effective demand, and the increase of production and trade 
in goods and services. It is also recognized that the needs of developing countries and LDCs must WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  be taken into account, so that they secure a share of  the growth in international trade that 
corresponds to the needs of their economic development. Thus, development is the cornerstone of 
our commitments in the WTO as it is underpinned in Part IV of the GATT 1947 and in various 
Agreements of the Organizatio n. The LDC Group is of the view that the negotiations on the various 
subjects at the WTO, such as goods, services, intellectual property and electronic commerce, among 
others, are ultimately intended to ensure the promotion of the development of our respec tive 
countries. We call on Members to engage constructively with a view to strengthening and making 
special and differential treatment provisions more precise, effective and operational in accordance 
with the spirit and the letter of paragraph 44 of the Do ha Declaration. Thus, the LDCs, being part of 
the G90, stand in solidarity with the other groups to advance the ten proposals on S&DT, which were 
submitted at the launch of the Doha Round in 2001. The LDC Group will remain engaged in WTO 
reform work focuse d on development. With regard to the communication from India on the 
"Committee on Trade and Development Mandate: Focal Point for Consideration and Coordination of 
Work on Development in the WTO" (WT/GC/W/865), the LDC Group thanks India for the presentati on 
of its communication relating to the mandate of the CTD, in particular its role as focal point for the 
review and coordination of work on development in the within the WTO. The Group welcomed this 
submission and took note of it. The LDC Group acknowledg es the importance of the CTD in the 
activities of the WTO. We are reviewing the submission internally. With regard to the communication 
from the EU on "Reinforcing the Deliberative Function of the WTO to Respond to Global Trade Policy 
Challenges" (WT/GC/W/ 864), the LDC Group thanks the European Union for presenting its 
communication on strengthening the deliberative function of the WTO to respond to global trade 
policy challenges. The Group takes note of the submission and may comment at the appropriate 
time.  
2.43.   The representative of Samoa , on behalf of the Pacific Group , delivered the following 
statement:  
2.44.   We align ourselves with the ACP statement. On WTO reform, we thank you for your report 
and commend you for the work undertaken in this area, including the i nformal meeting held last 
month dedicated to the development dimension of the WTO reform agenda. We should build on 
these discussions to ensure that the WTO is an organization, which clearly contributes to the 
achievement of Members' development needs and objectives. The Pacific Group continues to stress 
the need to ensure that WTO reform is an open, transparent and inclusive process. The restoration 
of the fully functioning two -tiered dispute settlement system is key. Any reform in this area should 
ensure that the dispute settlement system is accessible and affordable to all including small 
Members.  
2.45.   The representative of Kenya , on behalf of the ACP Group , delivered the following statement:  
2.46.   The ACP Group thanks the Chair for his statement with respect to the  WTO reform. We are 
particularly congratulatory of his efforts in convening the Informal meeting on WTO reform on 
development, which was held on 2 and 3 February. Development is a cross -cutting issue, and one 
that is of keen interest to the ACP Group and, indeed, to all developing country and LDCs Members. 
Given the crisis facing the WTO, and the debilitating consequences of the continued failure over 
several decades to address the development dimension constructively, we sincerely hope that all 
Members wil l now be prepared to accept that, the letter and spirit of the Marrakesh Agreement and 
the Doha Ministerial Declaration provide continuing and agreed basis for addressing the development 
dimension in the WTO. All Members have a right to development. This i s without question. However, 
we must make a distinction between development, and SD&DT for developing countries and LDCs. 
As such, our view of development aligns favourably with the letter of the Marrakesh Agreement, 
which calls for 'positive efforts', wit hin the context of the WTO, to help developing countries achieve 
trade outcomes commensurate with their development needs. This is why, ACP Ministers have 
emphasized that special and differential treatment is an integral part of WTO negotiations and should  
be available to all developing country and LDC Members in existing and future WTO Agreements.  
The ACP Group is of the view that ensuring this outcome requires (i) fair and equitable WTO rules 
that respond to the special needs and particular concerns of de veloping Members and (ii) the full 
and effective implementation of technical assistance and capacity -building measures, which take 
account of and address developing Members' policy space, industrialization and technological 
development needs. OACPS Ministe rs have made the linkage between adherence to fundamental 
institutional and organisational principles and processes in negotiations and attaining development 
friendly outcomes. We reaffirm this and reiterate the importance of (i) development friendly 
outco mes of consensus decision -making, (ii) transparency in negotiating practices and in WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  organisational modalities, (iii)  commitment to an inclusive and coherent WTO system and (iv) the 
abiding relevance and paramountcy of special and differential treatment as a customary and treaty -
embedded right. We also recognize the right of WTO Members to voluntarily opt out of special and 
differential treatment provisions should they choose to. Going forward, we need to identify elements 
of reform that can be harvested by MC13, including and especially on S&DT. MC13 can be used to 
identify how we organize Ministerial Conferences, to make them more open, transparent and 
inclusive. Even from a developmental standpoint, this is key for us, since betraying these principles 
will undermine our capacity to engage across the entirety of the WTO. It is critical to preserve the 
concept of S&DT for developing and LDC Members. In particular, we have to focus on remedying 
imbalances, prioritizing negotiations of issues of relevance to de veloping and LDC Members. We 
have to also promote and insist on a wider view of what constitutes the development dimension. In 
this regard, a priority inventory of mandates and measures needed to promote S&DT should be 
conducted by the Secretariat. There s hould also be a full appreciation of the linkages between trade 
and structural transformation and trade and sustainable development.  
2.47.   With regard to the communication from India (WT/GC/W/865), the ACP Group welcomes the 
communication from India on the manda te of the Committee on Trade and Development as the focal 
point for consideration and coordination of work on development in the WTO. The Group is studying 
the submission and will revert with a substantive response. In the meantime, while we agree with 
India's view that development is a cross -cutting issue and has wide amplitude that necessitates a 
focused consideration and coordination for a sustained effort, it will be important to clarify how the 
proposed mandate of the CTD as the focal point will not be  perceived as giving an oversight role to 
the CTD over other WTO bodies. In addition, developing countries and LDCs should be free to raise 
their issues in the relevant WTO bodies. We look forward to engaging with India and other Members 
to discuss the con tent of this submission. On the communication from the European Union 
(WT/GC/W/864), the ACP Group is still studying its details carefully, and looks forward to an 
opportunity to engage with the EU bilaterally, as well as to make further observations in fu ture 
General Council meetings. In general, we agree with the EU's assessment that the "WTO remains a 
vital institution; the guarantor of rules -based open trade and a guardrail against the risk of an 
increasingly fragmented economic order ". We also agree wi th the general view expressed in the EU's 
proposal that there is scope to enhance the WTO's deliberative function. However, we need to be 
careful about overloading the WTO's agenda with issues for which we have no mandates; for which 
the WTO is not properl y configured; and which are not properly suited for Member -driven responses.  
Nonetheless, there is scope to further mainstream issues of importance to developing countries and 
LDCs in the WTO. We look forward to another opportunity to further engage on th e EU's submission.  
2.48.   The representative of Antigua and Barbuda , on behalf of the OECS , delivered the following 
statement:  
2.49.   We also align with the statements by the CARICOM and the ACP Group. Chair, thank you for 
your report on the Informal meeting on WTO ref orm on development. We are generally pleased with 
your efforts to inject momentum into the work on reform ahead of MC13. There is scope for a more 
clearly defined structure to take this work forward, but we are pleased that conversations have 
started, and that Members are generally engaging constructively. For the OECS, development is a 
cross-cutting issue. We also recognize the right of all countries to pursue development and trade 
has been and can continue to play a meaningful role in this regard. However , we want to make a 
clear distinction between development in its broad interpretation, and special and differential 
treatment, which we see as an embedded and customary right for developing and LDC Members in 
the WTO. In this regard, allow me to make a few  observations for the record. The principle of self -
declaration of developing Member status has been a long -standing practice and should be given 
recognized legitimacy in WTO Agreements. Therefore, S&DT must remain available to all developing 
countries and  LDCs, unless a developing Member explicitly opts out of S&DT. Out of necessity, 
development in the WTO must respond favourably to the needs of developing countries and LDCs 
for social and economic development. S&DT should assist developing countries and L DCs to achieve 
enhanced market access for their exports. Different levels of development require different policy 
prescriptions to achieve economic growth and development. Essentially, the special problems of 
developing countries must be seen as systemic a nd cannot only be addressed through transition 
periods and plugging implementation gaps. Furthermore, the negotiation of criteria for S&DT, such 
as per capita income, will be most unproductive and should not be attempted. As per the Nairobi 
Ministerial Dec ision of 2015, in every area of WTO work, and in a substantive and meaningful 
manner, the needs of SVEs ought to be favourably considered and relevant measures adopted to WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  facilitate their fuller integration into the multilateral trading system, and to take  into account the 
needs of SVEs in all areas of negotiations, without creating a sub -category of WTO Members.  
2.50.   Turning to the issue of focal point as per the communication from India in WT/GC/W/865, we 
certainly appreciate the historical perspective provide d by India, which is important in helping to 
ground our deliberations on this matter. We do believe that the submission usefully restates the 
functions of the Committee on Trade and Development, as per its existing terms of reference. We 
invite India to cl arify in greater and clearer details, its specific ask or request of the General Council. 
Is India suggesting that the CTD operates as a sort of clearing house for all development -related 
issues in the WTO? It is important to note that we see the issue of development as a cross -cutting 
one, which should permeate the entirety of the multilateral trading system. We look forward to 
further exchanges with India on this proposal. We also want to thank the European Union for 
WT/GC/W/864. The EU has made many impo rtant observations which we can support. For example, 
we agree that reinvigorating the WTO's deliberative function would contribute towards 
demonstrating the Organization's relevance and restore the WTO as the key international forum for 
global trade gover nance. This point on global trade governance is essential because what we do not 
want to see, is a situation where the WTO consistently deliberates on issues, which are of marginal 
or no relevance to its core mandate. We recall a time when, in the context of the Committee on 
Trade in Financial Services, there were some of us who wanted to discuss the impact of financial 
blacklisting and de -risking on our financial services sector, and our ability to trade. Some Members 
objected to these discussions. Therefo re, as we seek to improve the Organization's deliberative 
functions, we have to ensure that we also prioritize those issues of particular sensitivity to developing 
countries and LDCs. We look forward to further discussions with the EU on this proposal.  
2.51.   The representative of Barbados , on behalf of CARICOM , delivered the following statement:  
2.52.   WTO Members are embarking on a new and potentially transformative exercise for the WTO, 
an honest dialogue on what the WTO of today must be if it is to be responsive, re flective and reliable. 
CARICOM countries are here to be partners in discussions that can hopefully lead to a better and 
more fit for purpose WTO. It may seem repetitive, but we will repeat it until we believe it is no longer 
warranted, that the principles of consensus, transparency, openness and rules -based approach must 
continue to guide us. This is essential to allow SVEs like those in CARICOM, to have a voice and a 
seat the table. WTO Reform must lift all boats. It cannot lead to developing countries, in  particular, 
SVEs and LDCs, being in a worse position than before. Whilst the General Council has taken steps 
to address the concerns expressed by capacity constrained small delegations on the issue of overlap 
of meetings, the issue has worsened in recent weeks, including on some issues under the rubric of 
WTO reform - do not choose quantity over quality. Having meetings with only a few delegations 
attending risks becoming an echo chamber, or even worse, an exercise in exclusion. With that said, 
the CARICOM  Group thanks you for your report on the recent work under of WTO reform. The 
informal discussions, which focused on development were very instructive. CARICOM members 
participated actively, and we are supportive of the call for additional meetings to be c onvened on 
this topic, and for it to be anchored in some way in the General Council. We can all agree of the 
centrality of development in the Marrakesh Agreement. But we can also agree that development in 
2023 is not just about export growth. It is about s ustainability, effective transfer of technology, 
addressing the debt burden, digital access and a just industrial policy with people and planet at its 
heart. And, of course, confronting the climate crisis and recovery from natural disasters - and here 
what happened just a few days ago in Vanuatu is an example of this. Central to all of this from our 
perspective is equitable development that has special and differential treatment at the centre and 
recognition that development of the 21st century must include  the ability of countries to honour their 
trade obligations, honour their sustainability obligations and honour their domestic growth 
obligations in tandem and in a manner that has minimum global dislocation. Policies taken by small 
states like those in th e Caribbean, to enact a just industrial policy that reflects the circular economy 
will have little impact on global trade. Lack of space to do so will impact violently on growth, poverty 
and job creation in our economies. We urge all Members to contemplate  this as we move forward.  
2.53.   The reform discussions on dispute settlement are a multilateral mandate of the interest to all 
Members. It is a cornerstone of the WTO system, and we would expect that the discussions, which 
are currently taking, place outside of formal WTO bodies will fin d its way into the multilaterally 
mandated bodies, such as the General Council and the Dispute Settlement Body, so that decisions 
can be taken in the appropriate forum and from an early stage. We have taken note of the proposals 
by India in WT/GC/W/865 and  the European Union in WT/GC/W/864, which we are still reviewing in 
our capitals, and we welcome this engagement and some of the interesting ideas put forward. We WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  too view development as a cross -cutting issue that must continue to form a central part of al l 
discussions in this Organization. As we review this document from India, it would be useful to hear 
how the proposal will impact the work of other bodies on the issue of development, specifically the 
CTD. Additionally, we note that a significant element of the proposal is from the Rules of Procedure 
of the CTD. If these elements already exist within the Rules of Procedure and Outcomes of Ministerial 
Conferences, how does this proposal differ and therefore guarantee that the mandate of the CTD is 
operation alized? It would also be useful to hear from the European Union about their process of 
determining the issues to be addressed in their proposed thematic discussions on an inclusiveness 
agenda, without duplicating the work of other international organisatio ns; as well as, how they see 
the pathway, if any, to try to multilateralize some of these discussion streams. For the Director -
General, we take note of the two advisory groups, which are being constituted and we look forward 
to knowing more about the make -up, as well as for Members to have an engagement on their 
operation. The CARICOM Group wishes to reiterate its readiness to engage on WTO reform, and 
confirms its association with the statement delivered by the ACP Group.  
2.54.   In closing, we join you Director -General in wishing farewell to Ambassador Cheryl Spencer. 
The CARICOM group recognizes her compassion; fierce intelligence, fiery personality and dedication 
to delivering the best for the Caribbean and indeed for all member States. She operates from a 
persp ective of authenticity and integrity. She has not just been the Jamaican Ambassador, she has 
been an Ambassador for a fair and just multilateral trading system. Cheryl, you will be missed. In 
the words of your fellow country man Bob Marley "Beginnings are usually scary and endings are 
usually sad, but it's everything in between that makes it all worth living ". Walk good Ambassador 
Spencer.  
2.55.   The representative of Panama  delivered the following statement:  
2.56.   Chair, we  welcome your report and the proposals submit ted by India and the European Union, 
whose suggestions we can for the most part support. On reform in general, we can bear witness and 
testify to ongoing improvements in all the pillars - both in terms of our regular work and in terms of 
multilateral achie vements and unilateral liberali zation. The efforts which have been undertaken in 
the CTG to improve its functioning and that of its subsidiary bodies are a current example of the 
ongoing progress . They are important to strengthen the deliberative function  and regular work. You 
will also recall that within the WTO, and contrary to what many might say, that negotiation and 
multilateral decision -making does happen on a regular basis without the need to open up new fora, 
to establish new processes, using existi ng tools. We can make the most in regular fora in order to 
take decisions prior to Ministerials , so that we do not  overburden Ministers' agendas and also 
avoiding unnecessary duplication of meetings and fora, as has just been by Caricom. We agree with 
the appeal to make use of existing fora in order to advance  our deliberative work and our work on 
reform, as well as strengthen the negotiating pillar and arrive at  negotiating outcomes . We agree 
with the  suggestions made in  the recent TNC  meeting, in particul ar, with regard to drawing  up 
working plans in all the various negotiations with schedules, goals and defined  dates , as well as 
assessments.  
2.57.   The representative of the United Arab Emirates  delivered the following statement:  
2.58.   I have good news and this is al so to encourage others. This is to inform you that the UAE 
Government today and just now has officially adopted the Fisheries Agreement and we will very 
soon submit our instrument of ratification to you.  
2.59.   The Chair  congratulated the UAE for ratifying the Agreement on Fisheries.  
2.60.   The Director -General  delivered the following statement:  
2.61.   This was not what I was going to say but it is absolutely brilliant. Thank you so much for 
doing that. I hope others will come through.  When I was in India, they also told me that they are 
working on it. So, I think so many Members are working on it, and we hope to hear more of these 
announcements. I wanted to just comment on the past session and say that I thought it was a 
constructive d iscussion and the proposal by the EU for deliberative functions is a very interesting 
one. I hope Members will take a good look at it and at the suggestions made by India as well. I note 
what Kenya, as well as Antigua and Barbuda have said. I do agree that  we need to focus on those 
things that really matter for the Organization and for developing country Members in particular. I WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  think it is a good idea. I just want to note that in whatever way it can be helpful to Members, the 
Secretariat is willing to be s upportive in some of the areas of work that will be useful to move things 
forward. I do see some particular areas that could be very useful here. I do agree with the sentiment 
that often positions have been taken for a long time and times have changed. But  I do not really 
see any analysis underpinning the position and I think Members should deliberate and discuss with 
each other more on some of these issues and exchange views, so that you can help them update 
the positions that they take. I do not say this lightly. If we can be helpful in some of those areas, 
we will be willing to do that.  
2.62.   The representative of Brazil  delivered the following statement:  
2.63.   I wish to address both your statement on the Informal meeting on WTO reform on 
development and the document  WT/GC/W/865 provided by India. As Brazil clearly stated in the 
meeting last month, development plays a central role as a horizontal item on the WTO reform 
agenda. Development must remain at the heart of this Organization, as trade and the multilateral 
trading system have a role to play in economic development. As of 2023, developing economies 
represent more than 80 per cent of world population, but their trade participation is below 50 per 
cent. We must therefore further reflect on how our efforts on stren gthening the normative and 
institutional aspects of this Organization can best benefit the overarching goal of economic 
development. It is our view that discussions on development in the context of the WTO reform would 
be enriched by close collaboration wi th agencies like UNCTAD. We also thank the delegation of India 
for sharing perspectives on ways to fully operationalize the mandate of the CTD. Brazil remains 
committed to work on all fronts to institutionalize and reinforce the development agenda on the 
WTO.  
2.64.   Related to WT/GC/W/864, Brazil would like to thank the EU for putting forward a proposal on 
the reinforcement of the deliberative function on industrial policy, environmental challenges and 
trade and inclusiveness, while considering the development di mension. The three issues covered by 
the proposal are undoubtedly global challenges faced by every Member. Although we are still 
analysing the proposal, I would like to share our first impressions. Regarding the topic "Trade policy 
and state intervention i n support of industrial sectors", Brazil welcomes the EU approach of 
understanding the policy rather than identifying specific programmes. Our concern, however, is that 
the proposal appears to focus only on the industrial sector, leaving aside state interv ention in 
agricultural production for example. Agriculture is an area where Members could equally benefit from 
a better understanding of state support. Subsidies should be approached horizontally. The common 
goal of reinforcing the deliberative WTO's capac ity to respond to global trade challenges must 
comprise the full landscape, otherwise the very responses arising from this exercise risk being unfit, 
unbalanced and unfair for addressing those challenges. The same rationale applies for environmental 
challe nges. Brazil agrees with the EU that the CTE must be strengthened as a forum for the 
promotion of transparency, dialogue and cooperation on trade -related environmental measures. 
Capacity -building and sessions on information exchange on Members' environment al measures that 
have an impact on trade are more than welcome. But they must comprise the full trade landscape 
and cannot be confined to an approach that disregards the very fundamental causes at the core of 
the situation we all face nowadays. It is param ount therefore to take into account, in a mutually 
supportive and harmonious manner, all consolidated principles from the multilateral fora where 
environmental issues have been discussed and negotiated for decades. From a purely procedural 
perspective, ses sions must be Member -driven and accessible to all Members. On trade and 
inclusiveness, Brazil also welcomes the suggestion of cooperation of the WTO with the World Bank 
and the ILO on joint analysis of the distributional impacts of trade, as well as on ana lysis on how to 
better integrate developing countries into global and sustainable supply chains. Finally, Brazil 
understands that one of the main goals of the EU proposal is to strengthen the Organization as a 
forum for deliberation on global challenges an d equip its membership to respond to them. In line 
with this objective, Brazil reiterates its proposal to hold yearly Ministerial Conferences. Our goal is 
to better enable the membership to address both current and pressing trade -related issues and long 
term structural challenges.  
2.65.   The representative of South Africa  delivered the following statement:  
2.66.   A special word of appreciation to Ambassador Cheryl Spencer for her contribution to the 
multilateral trading system and her role in safeguarding the interests of developing countries and in 
particular the ACP. South Africa supports the Africa Group stateme nt. We thank you, Chair, for your 
report and for your efforts in convening the Informal meeting on WTO reform focused on WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  development. We also thank India and the EU for their submissions and will make the following 
observations. Our position on WTO reform is broadly articulated in the fourth revision of the Africa 
Group, Cuba, India and Pakistan paper entitled "Strengthening the WTO to Promote Development 
and Inclusivity " (WT/GC/W/778/Rev.4). Any reform agenda that does not address the interest of 
developin g country Members, long -standing mandated issues, preserves the multilateral character 
of the WTO and provide policy space to developing countries to industrialise will be futile. Regarding 
the Informal meeting on WTO reform on development, we welcome the positive spirit with which 
Members engaged and the contribution and reports of the facilitators and DDG Zhang. Importantly, 
we welcome the reaffirmation of the importance of development as part of the reform discussion 
and the reassertion of S&DT and the c entrality of development as a fundamental principle in the 
WTO. The reiteration that S&DT remains an integral part of both current and future WTO agreements 
and negotiations, including by MC12 is also welcomed. Importantly, developing countries have 
emphas ized that S&DT is not only limited to transitional periods and capacity -building but has to 
permeate the rules themselves rather than be an afterthought. As we said on 3 February, we took 
that meeting as the beginning of a conversation that would need to b e taken further whether 
informally, or through formal engagements as we have today. It will be important for the GC to 
monitor progress on the various development issues with a view to report on progress or decisions 
to MC13. Importantly, we must work on t angible outcomes as for MC13 to be successful, 
development has to be at the centre of the outcomes. Delivering on paragraph 44 to make S&DT 
effective, operational and precise is long overdue and must be delivered. The litmus test for MC13 
will be its abili ty to deliver on the G90 Agreement -Specific Proposals (ASPs) and issues of interest 
to developing countries, including LDCs. These will demonstrate the commitment the WTO has to 
development. On the role of the CTD, we support that the CTD takes forward the  discussions on 
cross-cutting issues from the retreat. This should be complemented by safe spaces that can facilitate 
honest and solution -oriented discussions, including in other relevant bodies of the WTO. We also 
thank India for its submission in highlig hting the role of the CTD as a focal point for consideration 
and coordination of work on development. We agree with India that since development is a cross -
cutting issue, the CTD complements the work in other bodies of the WTO on development issues 
and doe s not replace them. It is also vital to develop measures to assist developing countries, 
including LDCs to facilitate meaningful integration into the multilateral trading system. The measures 
should include recalibration of the rules to provide policy spac e for industrial development and 
diversification and to facilitate effective responses to global challenges.  
2.67.   With regard to the EU's paper on the deliberative function (WT/GC/W/864), our capital is still 
studying the proposal, we will offer preliminary co mments. We note that there are elements 
contained in the EU submission that do seem to overlap with the submission by the African Group, 
which this meeting will consider under item 9, albeit the issues are addressed and approached from 
different perspectiv es. Among these are broadly, the interaction between trade policy and industrial 
policy (what the EU terms "state intervention "), the reinvigoration of the role of the CTD as focal 
point on development, and the centrality of development in WTO reform. We w ould also appreciate 
a further discussion with the EU to understand the scope of support measures for industrial sectors 
and state intervention envisaged to be part of the discussion given that state intervention 
encompasses a wide variety of issues that d epend on differences in Members specific circumstances 
and challenges. It is important to also recognize the long -standing asymmetries in relation to 
agriculture subsidies that are urgent in the context of food security and are key to development. A 
multil ateral discussion on environment is welcomed and we agree that the CTE should be the 
platform to have such discussions. However, we also recognize the complexity of the issues and 
some fall outside the scope of the WTO and the necessary caution will need t o be exercised in this 
regard. We would also like to understand what is envisaged in the discussion on technical 
methodologies and the implications for work done by other IOs in this regard. Our interests in the 
discussion on the nexus between trade and en vironment is to ensure that measures implemented 
by Members in the context of climate change are not trade restrictive, arbitrary, are not used as nor 
protectionist measures and also adhere to the CBDR principle. On inclusiveness, our suggestion is 
to cons ider UNCTAD as an institution that can work with the WTO on analysis of the impact of trade 
on development given its development mandate and its analytical capability on such matters 
contained in the paper. We would also appreciate further clarity on the s tanding WTO consultative 
committee in the context of a member -driven nature of the WTO. We also note the Advisory Councils 
proposed by the Director -General and there will be a need to understand the roles of these various 
bodies that are proposed. We look forward to receiving the note from the Director -General. As we 
approach discussions on these complex issues, it would be prudent to remind ourselves that 
Members are not homogenous, and that a one -size fits all approach may not provide the right 
pathway to  take us forward. In conclusion, we will provide more substantive feedback to the proposal WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  by the EU once our capital has fully studied the communication. We do look forward in the interim 
to have further discussions with the EU to further understand their  proposal.  
2.68.   The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:  
2.69.   First, I would like to thank the General Council Chair and the Secretariat for the efforts in 
convening the development retreat. It is refreshing and rewarding to be abl e to have candid 
conversations. We need more of that. We take note of India's communication regarding the CTD. 
We share a desire for the CTD to function effectively as a focal point for consideration and 
coordination of work on development in the WTO and l ook forward to further conversations with 
India and others as to how this can best be accomplished. I would note that in 2013, Ministers 
created the Monitoring Mechanism, with this goal in mind. However, in the nearly 10 years since the 
Mechanism was creat ed, no Member has availed itself of the opportunity to review S&D provisions 
under it. Before we seek to create new mechanisms, we should see if we can improve what we 
already have or figure out why it has not worked. We can start by engaging more construc tively and 
pragmatically in the CTD. In addition, we believe that we should be sticking to mainstream the 
development conversation and not creating further silos. So, as we continue these conversations, 
we would hope to keep that in mind. We do take note o f the comments and questions that were 
raised earlier this morning by Kenya and Antigua and Barbuda with respect to India's communication. 
We also take note of the EU's paper on the deliberative function of the WTO. We are reviewing it 
carefully in capital . We agree that there is a need for more conversations to simply understand how 
we are each tackling new trade policy challenges and for sharing of best practices – safe space 
conversations. In addition, as we have noted before, we are very interested in l ooking at ways for 
improving our engagement with outside stakeholders. We look forward to further conversations on 
the issues raised in the paper.  
2.70.   The representative of Canada  delivered the following statement:  
2.71.   Canada thanks India for its proposal on stren gthening the mandate of the CTD as focal point 
for consideration and coordination of work on development. We also appreciate the effort taken to 
put forward a proposal so quickly after the informal WTO reform retreat focused on development. 
Canada reiterat es its view that the retreat on reform and development was valuable. We also believe 
that, while valuable, it was but one step forward, with various issues still unclear and unresolved. It 
is for these reasons we think it would be too soon to suggest concr ete changes to the CTD, including 
to its terms of reference. In that same vein, Canada fully supports making the CTD better able to 
fulfil its mandate and think it would be useful to have further discussions on the best means to do 
this. It would also be u seful to have some more clearly defined parameters in order to better assess 
whether a formalized reporting structure would assist the CTD to deliver on its mandate as a focal 
point for trade and development.  We think there is value in building on the momentum of the 
development retreat and continuing these types of discussions at the CTD. On the EU proposal , I 
would again thank the EU for what we believe is a thoughtful and  timely paper, and we would be 
interested in exploring these issues further at t he WTO. We would like to hear more from the EU on 
the specific focus in each area, as well as how their proposals will be carried out to ensure meaningful 
discussions. We look forward to engaging further with the EU with a view to understanding how we 
can support their proposals and work together.  
2.72.   The representative of China  delivered the following statement:  
2.73.   On Chair's Statement about the Informal meeting on WTO reform focused on development, 
development is an important objective of WTO, and it is an under lying reason encouraging many 
economies to join this Organization. Last month, Members had a thorough discussion on 
development issues. China believes that more similar events could be convened to deepen mutual 
understanding among members. With less than t welve months left before MC13, Members must 
translate broad ideas into concrete actions. China is supportive of carrying out discussions with a 
result -oriented and progressive approach, in accordance with paragraph 2 of the MC12 outcome 
document. We need t o discuss the issues of improving the application of current S&DT provisions 
and smooth transition of LDC, so that MC13 can make progress in this longstanding matter. Even if 
one or two concrete outcomes on one of these issues is reached, it will help buil d trust among 
Members and confidence from developing Members to the system. After all, trust and confidence 
are what the WTO needs most. On India's proposal on the CTD, I thank India for its introduction of 
the communication. I listened carefully to the co mments in previous interventions, and I sense that 
Members attach great importance to WTO reform and development issue. The CTD was established WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  within the WTO to coordinate trade and development issues, as development covers a wide range 
of areas. In this regard, China supports the strengthening of the CTD work to achieve objectives set 
out in the Marrakesh Agreement. Specifically, China proposes to proceed from two aspects. First, 
from Members' point of view, Members could initiate additional thematic disc ussions to share 
experiences and best practices of their domestic positive measures for development. Members may 
articulate specific concerns and requests through written submissions. Members may combine the 
development dimension with live issues, such as the existing imbalance of agriculture rules, food 
insecurity, climate change, digital divide, emergency response, and so on. Also, China calls on 
developed Members to enhance their participation on development issue and help developing 
Members better integ rate into the multilateral trading system. Second, from the perspective of the 
Secretariat. China supports the Secretariat to conduct more analysis and research and strengthen 
cooperation with other international organizations. Specific elements could incl ude the review of the 
application of S&DT provisions, the analysis of how existing agreements promote development 
through S&DT, the study of the flexibility enjoyed by Members (not necessarily developing 
Members); also, to conduct joint studies with other international organizations on 
development -related issues, and to invite them to hold seminars, thematic discussions, joint 
sessions, etc.  
2.74.   On the EU's proposal on the deliberative function, China is committed to necessary reform. 
We welcome any proposal a iming to improve core functions of this Organization. In this regard, we 
concur with EU on the goal of strengthening WTO's deliberative function. Of course, the discussions 
need to be focused and specific, in order not to overload the WTO reform agenda or duplicate the 
work of other international organizations. China is still studying the document, and for now, we 
would share a few preliminary comments. First, transparency is a fundamental principle of the WTO. 
China is open and ready to discussions on enha ncing transparency of industrial policies. At the same 
time, excessive agricultural subsidies by developed country Members have been seriously distorting 
international trade. When we are going to launch discussions on the transparency of industrial 
policie s, it is necessary to have an in -depth discussion on the transparency of agricultural subsidies 
of relevant members. Second, environmental protection and climate change are increasingly causing 
attention of international community. Trade dimension should b e part of the solution, and trade 
policies are important part of the climate change toolbox, including trade facilitation, investment 
liberalization, improvement of technology ability. China supports strengthening the CTE work by 
sharing experiences and be st practices, so the developing country Members can better participate 
in the discussions. Meanwhile, Members' trade -related green policies should comply with the 
provisions of the UNFCCC and WTO rules. Members should avoid trade restrictions and subsidies  
competition. Third, in the face of growing global development divide, it is necessary to strengthen 
the role of the CTD as WTO's focal point on development issues. China supports the CTD to carry 
out relevant work in accordance with its mandate to enhance  inclusiveness in the WTO.  
2.75.   The representative of Nigeria  delivered the following statement:  
2.76.   Nigeria wishes to thank you for your statement on WTO reform. We also commend you for 
convening the Informal meeting on WTO reform focused on development, which was  held on 2 and 
3 February. At the outset we wish to associate ourselves with the statements by the ACP Group and 
the African Group. Nigeria welcomes the constructive engagements by Members during the Informal 
meeting. There is no gainsaying that the develo pment gap, especially the digital and infrastructural 
divide, continue to undermine the competitiveness and gains of the vast majority of developing 
countries from international trade. It is for this reason that we continue to call on Members to 
prioritize  the delivery of MC13 outcomes that would help developing countries overcome their 
development challenges and better use global trade to drive growth. We have consistently 
maintained that effective S&DT should remain an integral part of any WTO negotiation s and should 
be available to all developing country and LDC Members in existing and future WTO Agreements. 
We will continue to engage constructively towards the delivery of development friendly outcomes 
that would address existing imbalances in the rules a nd foster fair trade as well as provides policy 
space that supports our ongoing reforms towards structural transformation, diversification and 
digitization. Nigeria thanks India for its paper (WT/GC/W/865). Though this document is currently 
being reviewed in our capital, it appears that paragraph 7 of the paper contains some noteworthy 
ideas on how we can effectively coordinate and advance development issues in the WTO. We look 
forward to engaging with India and other Members to discuss the paper and explor e possible way 
forward on the issues contained therein. Nigeria wishes to thank the EU for their submission 
(WT/GC/W/864), which is currently being reviewed in our capital. We also wish to associate 
ourselves with the preliminary views expressed by the ACP  Group on this issue. In spite of the WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  laudable accomplishments of the WTO highlighted in the first sentence of paragraph 1 of the 
EU paper, Nigeria believes the inability of the WTO to adapt to the evolving nature of the global 
economic landscape continue to undermine the economic benefits derivable by Members. It is for 
this reason that we will continue to support WTO reform that would revitalise the organisation and 
enhance its role in global economic policy -making. However, while we agree with the EU tha t there 
is scope to enhance the deliberative function of the WTO, we note that some of the issues adduced 
in the paper falls outside the mandate of the WTO. For example, in our view, issues related to green 
transition should be handled in forum such as UNF CC or other specialized environmental agency. 
The WTO is only competent to deal with trade. As you are aware, the UNFCCC requires developed 
countries to take the lead in addressing climate change and provide climate finance and technology 
which is exemplif ied in the organising principle of CBDR. This notwithstanding, we will continue to 
engage constructively with the EU towards enhancing the deliberative function of the WTO to foster 
greater participation of developing countries and LDCs in the multilateral  trading system.  
2.77.   The representative of Switzerland  delivered the following statement:  
2.78.   We thank you, Chair, and the Secretariat for the organization of the dedicated meeting on 
development issues in the reform process. This allowed for very useful and frank  exchanges, more 
of such discussions are needed. In this context, we thank India for the communication on the CTD 
mandate. The idea behind the paper is familiar to us from earlier discussions. While we agree that 
development should be a central element of our reform efforts, we are not convinced that creating 
new institutional mechanisms will achieve this goal. In our view, the CTD is already the focal point 
of trade and development related issues. Furthermore, we are sceptical that the CTD should be given 
an oversight function over the work of other WTO bodies. We are, however, ready to consider ways 
to strengthen evidence -based discussions on development -related challenges, be it in the CTD 
and/or under the Monitoring Mechanism. We also thank the EU for it s communication on reinforcing 
the deliberative function. Switzerland is convinced that enhancing dialogue between Members is 
necessary to establish a good global governance and a well -functioning multilateral trading system. 
Building common understanding about current challenges is a prerequisite to addressing such 
challenges. This understanding can be achieved only through genuine exchanges. From that 
perspective, Switzerland welcomes the communication from the EU as a contribution that aims at 
improving the deliberative function, rebuilding trust between Members and restoring the credibility 
of the WTO to address modern global trade challenges. Improving deliberations from a horizontal 
perspective requires attention to a number of principles. First, we em phasize that exchanges should 
be evidence -based to the extent possible. Second, we advocate for an increased participation of 
stakeholders (private sector and civil society) in the WTO deliberations. This would revitalize 
discussions in many WTO bodies by information and experience sharing directly from the ground. 
Third, we should seek to maximize spill -overs from the relevant analytical work carried out in other 
international organizations as a way to inform our deliberations. Switzerland stands ready to engage 
constructively in the discussions.  
2.79.   The representative of Colombia  delivered the following statement:  
2.80.   We appreciated the frank dialogue on this matter and the opportunity to consider this matter 
from other angles. This dialogue has also been timely t o revive the discussions in other Committees 
where development is a common denominator. Colombia considers that the development dimension 
is cross -cutting and of paramount importance, including S&DT. But it goes far beyond this, and 
entails new ideas and s ubstantial proposals for the disciplines within the Organization, some of which 
are already on the table. This is why, we welcome the EU paper (WT/GC/W/864). It represents good 
progress in the substantive discussions that should be taking place, in additio n to the approaches 
and initiatives that are being carried out to improve the working procedures of Committees, 
strengthen coordination and communication between the different WTO bodies and facilitate 
dialogue and participation by Members. Specifically, r egarding the initiative on improving the 
functioning of the Committees, a group of Members has presented to the CTG a series of practical 
proposals that are in line with this goal, including ideas to ensure higher and better participation of 
stakeholders i n our discussions. As we have already indicated today and on other occasions, WTO 
reform is much larger than this initiative to improve the functioning; it is also an opportunity to 
review the Organization's agenda and substantive priorities so that they c an respond to new 
challenges, evolving circumstances and the needs of the entire membership. In sum, the reform 
should ensure the WTO and the multilateral rules adapt to the challenges of the 21st century. Some 
proposals that are being presented at this fi rst session of the General Council of the year already 
reflect this new agenda, such as the aforementioned document by the European Union, the document WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  by the African Group and the proposals made by India in various bodies. These initiatives take into 
account the need to go beyond, to rethink certain aspects, for example the global challenges caused 
by the environmental crisis both for trade and industrial development, or the need for a robust 
multilateral agenda on issues such as digitalization and trade i n services. The discussions we have 
had on this occasion also demonstrate that responses must be shared and collective, which requires 
an organization that can deliver on levelling the playing field and avoid market concentrations. We 
welcome the presentat ion of new proposals to foster the debate with a view to MC13. Let me end 
by indicating that we wish to enhance the format of the discussions on reform. We should have an 
outline for holding structured, comprehensive and organized discussions with proposal s and with the 
objective of obtaining tangible deliverables for MC13. This will require us to work intensively in the 
coming months.  
2.81.   The representative of Chile delivered the following statement:  
2.82.   We would like to express our thanks for report on the Inform al meeting on WTO reform 
focused on development. In our view, this was a useful and constructive meeting, as reflected in the 
exchange of ideas. These went far beyond development as a synonym for special and differential 
treatment. We would also like to th ank the European Union for its communication on the deliberative 
function. We are still reviewing it but it seems to contain relevant elements of interest to Members, 
especially in relation to global environmental challenges. We would also like to thank In dia for its 
communication on the CTD mandate, and the African Group for its communication that will be 
considered under another agenda item and will open the discussion to elements other than special 
and differential treatment that must be considered in re lation to the links between trade and 
development. These elements, such as transfer of technology, are of great interest to us. We believe 
that the reform process is an opportunity to address the development dimension. Development must 
be considered from a  cross-cutting perspective with a view to promote a more inclusive and 
sustainable multilateral trading system - with rules that also promote development and innovation; 
encourage the transfer of knowledge and technology; support SMEs, sustainability and w omen's 
economic empowerment, amongst others. We must also keep in mind that there is no single way of 
measuring the development dimension, or of capturing the varied levels of the developing countries 
Members. It is essential to continue to work in the var ious Committees. We therefore welcome the 
return to the negotiations on agriculture, a key sector for most developing countries. We also believe 
that restoring a fully operational dispute settlement system is pressing to bridge and reduce gaps in 
how diffe rent Members interact within the multilateral trading system. We hope to continue to 
deepen these conversations in the various WTO bodies, and we are grateful for the contributions of 
different Members.  
2.83.   The representative of Nepal  delivered the following s tatement:  
2.84.   We associate ourselves with the statement by the LDC Group and would like to add few points. 
Chair, I thank you for your report. My delegation firmly believes that the WTO reform process should 
be inclusive, transparent and participative. Regardi ng the issues of reform focused on development, 
the Informal meeting on WTO reform focused on development on 2 and 3 February has identified 
areas of reform. It is necessary to take steps realizing the different needs of the Members. The 
reports by the fac ilitators and DDG Zhang during the plenary session on 3 February could be a good 
basis to proceed. Nepal has shared its perspectives in detail during the meetings both in the 
discussion and plenary sessions. I wish to emphasize few points again in brief. L DCs account for less 
than 1 per cent of global trade. WTO rules, agreements and programmes should focus to enhance 
the LDCs trade. This is the important part of the reform focused on development. Concerns of 
Members, especially the LDCs, which joined the W TO through the accession process with very high 
levels of commitments and obligations beyond their capacity should be addressed. It is necessary 
to review all the provisions relating to special and differential treatment with a view to strengthening 
them a nd making them more precise, more effective and more operational. WTO, as a rule -based 
Organization, it is necessary to expediate the work mandated by MC12 for the full functionalizing of 
the dispute settlement mechanism. Regarding the overall reform of th e WTO, my delegation wishes 
to refer to the statement delivered by Nepal at the GC meeting in December 2022 and expresses its 
full commitment towards an effective implementation of MC12 outcomes. With regard to India's 
submission, my delegation welcomes In dia's proposal in advancing the development dimension. 
Nepal views that each WTO body should work based on its given mandate and terms of reference. 
On the EU's submission, Nepal would like to thank the EU for this proposal, the proposal is important 
and s eeks a deeper study and discussion in the proposed three areas. Both proposals have been WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  shared with capital for review. My delegation reiterates its readiness to engage in the reform process 
and contribute to conclude it in a timely and inclusive manner.  
2.85.   The representative of Singapore  delivered the following statement:  
2.86.   I wish to register my delegation's appreciation to Ambassador Cheryl Spencer of Jamaica for 
the immense contributions she has made to the WTO. Moving to the agenda item, we thank the GC 
Chair for the update on the Informal meeting on WTO reform focused on development. We also 
thank India and the EU for tabling their communications, which present concrete and interesting 
ideas on how we can reform the WTO. Allow me to share three thoughts. F irst, while the Informal 
meetings on WTO reform and development, in November 2022 and February 2023, were useful first 
steps, we must now focus on three priorities, namely, (i) to restore a fully functioning and effective 
dispute settlement system by 2024 with a systematic road -map; (ii) address emerging issues such 
as food security, trade and environmental sustainability, and E -Commerce, so that the WTO can 
retain its relevance; and (iii) deliver an outcome to support the smooth transition for graduated LD C 
Members at the WTO. Second, we should avoid putting a straight -jacket on how Members consider 
the two papers that are on the table. In this regard, these two proposals, which cover a range of 
cross-cutting issues, should be fully discussed in all the rel evant WTO bodies, including the CTD, 
CTE and Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. We also encourage both the EU and 
India to continue their outreach efforts to garner views and find concrete ways to advance their 
proposals. Third, it is wort h reminding ourselves that WTO reform will necessarily have to be a multi -
year process, with MC13 being just one checkpoint. The Informal meetings represented the 
"discovery " phase, and it is timely for us to move on to the "distillation " phase and identif y issues 
that should be addressed in the short -, medium -, and long -term. This will help us to better prioritize 
what can be "delivered " by MC13. In order to make progress, Members must continue to exercise 
flexibility and engage in good faith.  
2.87.   The represe ntative of Indonesia  delivered the following statement:  
2.88.   On the issue of WTO reform, Indonesia appreciates the Informal meeting on development. 
This becomes an important impetus for shaping the forthcoming reform needed by all Members. In 
this vein, we need to take into consideration the needs of particularly de veloping Members and LDCs, 
which comprise more than three quarters of the WTO membership. With more and more developing 
Members accessing to be part of the WTO, it becomes urgent that the WTO caters for the needs and 
interests of these Members, including t hrough addressing and correcting continuing imbalances and 
asymmetries by putting development at the heart of all WTO works and ensuring that they will 
benefit from the implementation of special and differential treatment provisions that are effective 
and operational. Such a reform should also preserve the foundational principles of the multilateral 
trading system, namely rules -based, non -discriminatory, open, fair, inclusive, equitable, and 
transparent, as well as consensus -based decision -making. Indonesia  appreciates the submission of 
India and the European Union and would like to give preliminary comments. In line with the 
discussion that took place during the previous Informal meeting on WTO reform focused on 
development, we are supportive of the idea to  utilizing, to its fullest extent, the Committee on Trade 
and Development as a focal point to discuss development as a cross -cutting issue across WTO. We 
hope that the this endeavour will also create practical recommendations for appropriate actions that 
are supportive of the needs of developing country Members. In this regard, the General Council will 
remain the body that will oversee the discussion at a policy level. With regard to the EU paper, while 
it is aimed at reinforcing the deliberative function o f the WTO, Indonesia believes that it should be 
read side by side with the submission by the African Group under item 9, with regard to policy space 
for industrial development. Both papers discuss the need to balance open and predictable trade with 
enough policy space for developing and LDC Members to pursue development, while at the same 
time enable them to address and respond to emerging challenges. Indonesia, in this regard, will 
review both documents. Adding the EU suggestion to involve the World Bank a nd ILO, we also view 
that UNCTAD as an institution helps developing countries participate more equitably in the global 
economy and is also relevant to our work in the WTO. Moreover, one of Indonesia's main priorities 
is to resolve the current impasse of th e Appellate Body. We strongly urge that this issue should be 
at the forefront to restore predictability and security to the multilateral trading system and to secure 
positive solution to a dispute in WTO. With regard to the ongoing discussion on dispute se ttlement 
reform, Indonesia strongly encourages that Members should have a forward -looking discussion with 
a view to formalize and accelerate the discussion in the General Council and Dispute Settlement 
Body. This will signify our common commitment to resto ring a fully functional and accessible dispute 
settlement system by 2024. Indonesia stands ready to contribute actively on this matter.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  2.89.   The representative of the Philippines  delivered the following statement:  
2.90.   We thank the GC Chair for steering the reform d iscussions in a positive trajectory through the 
prism of "reform by doing " while addressing strategic issues of concern. We also thank Members 
who have sustained the development discourse following the retreat. While Manila is currently 
undertaking a compr ehensive review of the recent submissions, we would offer some initial 
feedback. The Philippines thank India for its submission on the Committee on Trade and 
Development and the G90's updated communication on Agreement Specific Proposals (ASPs). We 
support  efforts to improve coordination on cross -cutting issues such as development but note that 
this specific discussion has been ongoing for some time within the CTD. While we support continued 
updates of the WTO Secretariat report on S&DT provisions in Agreem ents and Decisions, the 
Philippines believes it may be useful for the CTD Chair to build on this report and organize informal 
thematic sessions, similar to those recently organized by other Committees. We remain agnostic 
about the forum, but perhaps the G9 0 recommendation to focus on SPS and TBT issues could be the 
first areas for discussion. To improve coordination, we would also suggest creating a feedback 
channel where the WTO Secretariat should regularly inform the CTD Chair of relevant development -
related issues discussed in other Committees. The Philippines also welcomes the EU's communication 
on the WTO's monitoring and deliberative functions. We are broadly supportive of the proposed 
approaches set out in the paper, particularly cross -committee coord ination, thematic sessions, non -
binding instruments, and engagement with external stakeholders. The Philippines supports the 
rationalization of the CTE, stresses the need for increased technical assistance and capacity building 
to build inclusiveness, and remains open to creating a space for exchanges on the role of state 
intervention. For developing countries like the Philippines, it is important to have more transparency 
and conversations among WTO Members towards a deeper understanding of how state subsi dies 
can have both positive and negative impacts on trade. We look forward to further exchanges on 
WTO reform that should address some of these aforementioned questions, such as rules -setting, 
stakeholder engagement and the role of the WTO Secretariat.  
2.91.   The representative of Japan  delivered the following statement:  
2.92.   We would like to express our appreciation for the Chair's comprehensive report on the 
Informal meeting on WTO reform focused on development. Through the discussions, we came to 
reaffirm that devel opment issues are truly holistic and should be addressed by the WTO accordingly. 
In order to implement the WTO rules, S&DT is a priority and technical assistance and capacity 
building is important. Since each Member's situation differs, it is not appropria te to address matters 
in a uniform manner. We are ready to constructively discuss Members' specific difficulties and 
concerns on the basis of needs and evidence. The need to revitalize the CTD was pointed out by 
many Members at the development retreat, and  we thank India for presenting paper, which contains 
content that can should be addressed constructively. India's paper raises an important point on the 
need to utilize the monitoring mechanism that was agreed upon at MC9 but has not been effectively 
utilized. It is important to activate the CTD by utilizing it appropriately as a means of understanding 
the individual needs of each Member. On the other hand, we believe that it remains important to 
continue in -depth discussions to cover the individual agendas  in the respective committees. Japan 
also appreciates the EU for making proposal, which is worth discussing among the Members. The 
nexus of trade policy and industrial support is an issue among Members that is becoming increasingly 
more important. We belie ve that it would be beneficial to discuss the topics of Members' interests 
such as improving transparency on industrial support, considering the design of measures in a way 
that minimizes negative spill -overs to other WTO Members and identifying possible g aps in the 
current WTO rulebook. Japan is ready to positively contribute to such discussions. On trade and 
global environmental challenges, we believe that, provided sufficient transparency of information 
shared is secured, timely and voluntary information  exchange on Members' environmental measures 
could lead to prevention of trade frictions. Thematic deliberations in the CTE will stimulate Members' 
discussions and enhance the WTO's contribution to addressing concrete challenges. As the EU points 
out, ther e is an interlinkage between development and environmental challenges, and it is important 
to further promote the participation of developing Members in the CTE discussions and enhance its 
inclusiveness. On trade and inclusiveness, Japan is interested in s trengthening the inclusiveness of 
the trade policy -making process by bringing in broader perspectives through input from relevant 
international organizations, external stakeholders and NGOs. Japan would like to engage in further 
discussions on this themati c area.  
2.93.   The representative of Jamaica  delivered the following statement:  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  2.94.   Jamaica found the meeting on 2 and 3 February to be useful in assisting our work on reform. 
My delegation reiterates that development issues should be at the centre of our work on reform. The 
objective of the development dimension of reform should be centr ed around, inter alia , adequate 
policy space for industrial development, improved international competitiveness, economic 
transformation, food security, successful integration into global trade, job creation and sustainable 
development for developing count ries. We thank you, Chair, for organizing the meeting and convey 
our gratitude to the Permanent Representatives of Chad, Chile, Norway and Pakistan for facilitating 
the discussions. Their reports will be helpful in our work going forward. We can deliver re sults on 
development at MC13. Development issues, including the implementation of internationally agreed 
development goals, such as the SDGs, should be mainstreamed and embedded in all WTO 
negotiations and agreements. The WTO should ensure that the outcome  of reform includes 
mechanisms to periodically evaluate WTO agreements, not only for progress in implementation but, 
also for their development impacts on developing countries and LDCs. Jamaica reaffirms its view 
that technical assistance and capacity buil ding must continue to be a part of the WTO's work. Special 
and differential treatment that includes exemptions and, where appropriate, adequate transition 
periods in respect of certain commitments, must be a core part of outcomes on WTO reform. Jamaica 
believes that the most practical methodology of dealing with S&DT in future agreements is the 
voluntary opt -out principle. It worked for the TFA and can work for other agreements. It is important 
that eligibility for S&DT should be agreed in the WTO, by WTO m embers, and not imposed by external 
stakeholders. Hence, proxies such as per capita income and income classification should not be part 
of the eligibility criteria. The WTO should, within the context of our consensus principle, improve its 
collaboration wi th other international organisations to pursue development issues that impact or are 
impacted by international trade. This, from our perspective, fosters WTO being developed in a 
manner that is coherent with the policy directions of other multilateral orga nisations. We must also 
ensure that the WTO, within its mandate, plays a role in global efforts to address the impacts of 
climate change and natural disasters. Jamaica would welcome and participate WTO activities to this 
end. We should be careful, however,  to ensure that our work does not create barriers to market 
opportunities for developing countries and LDCs.  
2.95.   We thank the delegation of India for their proposal in WT/GC/W/865. Jamaica believes that 
the CTD has a central role to play in the reform process,  as paragraph 3 of the MC12 Outcome 
Document requires work on reform to be done in the General Council and its subsidiary bodies. 
Bearing in mind that the CTD is the key body in the WTO in terms of mandate of on development 
issues, the proposal has merits and should be considered. That said, work on WTO reform will result 
in development issues featuring in the discussions across various WTO bodies. As a result, we would 
have to be flexible in our approach to ensure that the work of the other WTO bodies on r eform is 
not impeded by demands that those discussions be transferred to the CTD. There are formulas that 
the Chair of the CTD and the Chairs of other WTO bodies can use, depending on the nature of the 
issues at hand, to coordinate their work and ensure th at the CTD has an important part to play in 
work related to the development dimension of reform. We should be as pragmatic and as result -
oriented as possible in our approach. Jamaica appreciates the substantive work that has gone into 
the submission. We ar e consulting with capital on the proposal and should revert in the future with 
more substantive views.  
2.96.   We thank the EU for their submission in WT/GC/W/864. We agree with the EU's overall 
conclusion that WTO reform should improve the deliberative functions of the WTO and using MC12 
as an opportunity to deliver key outcomes on reform. Many of the ideas in the submission are already 
being done in the WTO so we welcome the fact that the submission is not seeking to re -invent the 
wheel. We can always find ways t o streamline processes and do things better. On the issue of 
reinvigorating the deliberative function of the WTO, we would urge caution as it relates to the role 
being advocated for the Secretariat. There is a delicate balance that is required to ensure th at the 
Secretariat continues to adhere to Article VI of the Marrakesh Agreement. the Secretariat has been 
faithful to these standards, and we commend the Director -General and her team in this regard. In 
terms of state intervention and trade policy, we beli eve that different countries have different 
experiences, and are at different levels of development. We can agree that state intervention should 
not imperil the multilateral trading system, which Jamaica views as an international public good that 
must be p reserved and strengthened. We agree that deliberations would be based on submissions 
from Members. It is not clear to us the rationale behind the phrase "with inputs from international 
organisations, academics, businesses, NGOs and think -tanks". It is Memb ers who decide how to 
make their submissions and how they are developed. We should not be prescriptive. On the matter 
of an interface between trade and the environment, we stand ready to discuss ideas in the 
submission, which we believe are useful. We are concerned, however, that there seem to be an WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  inherent view that the environment dimension of WTO reform will seek to legitimize environmental 
measures that that are criticized for their trade impacts. While we agree that discussions should be 
had on the im pact that these measures are having, we believe that simply approaching the 
discussions from a technical assistance and capacity building perspective is not adequate. We all 
know that there will never be enough technical assistance and capacity building re sources to assist 
developing countries to cope with the challenges posed by these measures. Some of these measures 
are unnecessary and disguised restrictions on trade and developing countries and LDCs should be 
exempt from their application. We also find t he submission to be silent on the importance of having 
a discussion to identify the measures that are unnecessary or arbitrary in pursuit of the objectives 
sought. Jamaica believes that discussions on trade and the environment should be multilaterally 
pursued, Member -driven and compliant with the principle of decision making by consensus. Hence, 
we agree with the prominence accorded to the CTE in the discussions. There is, however, no mention 
of the role envisioned for the CTE SS or specific reference to th e principle of common but 
differentiated responsibility since reform may involve elements of rule -making. On trade and 
inclusiveness, we see value in the three main issues highlighted, namely, the centralized role of the 
CTD, the importance of spreading th e benefits of trade within societies and ensuring outcomes 
include the perspectives of all members. We believe, however, that developing countries' 
perspectives cannot be adequately incorporated into outcomes unless participation in all processes 
are inclu sive and transparent. Hence, there should be more voices from developing countries and 
LDCs are sub -plenary engagements. There is also the need to narrow the trade capacity divide and, 
hence, the imbalances in benefits to be derived therefrom, among countr ies. The submission is under 
consideration in capital and we will follow -up with more comments in the future.  
2.97.   The representative of Bangladesh  delivered the following statement:  
2.98.   On WTO reform, Bangladesh aligns with the statement by the LDC Group. Banglad esh thanks 
the GC Chair for his report on the Informal meeting on WTO reform focused on development. 
Development is at the heart of WTO and will continue to be the central focus of the multilateral 
trading system. S&DTs are also the treaty -embedded rights,  and Ministers reaffirmed their position 
on S&DTs in paragraph 2 of the MC12 Outcome Document. We are happy to note that Members are 
engaging constructively. The informal retreat was meaningful and we need more events like this. 
Bangladesh thanks India for  presenting the document highlighting the central role of the CTD as the 
focal point on development in the WTO (WT/GC/W/865). Development is a cross -cutting issue and 
the CTD has a key role play as per its terms of reference (WT/L/46). My delegation looks forward to 
working with India and other Members on this important issue. Bangladesh also thanks the EU for 
presentation of the communication on reinforcing the deliberative function (WT/GC/W/864). This 
paper contains several elements under three thematic a reas, which are overarching in nature. We 
need more discussions on these important issues. Our capital is currently examining the paper. We 
look forward to engaging with the EU and other delegations on this paper. Bangladesh takes good 
note of the suggesti ons made by the Director -General regarding the proposed advisory groups and 
on the Secretariat transformation. Our delegation looks forward to receiving her full communication.  
2.99.   The representative of the United Kingdom  delivered the following statement:  
2.100.   We look ahead to where we want to be in a year's time, amidst the glories of the UAE, trying 
to have a successful MC13 and in doing so, have a sense of what we want to achieve at MC13 and 
the agenda which we wish to set. We very much support the Director -General in looking to an agenda 
that is green, that is digital, that is services and is inclusive. As our Chinese colleague reminded us 
earlier in doing so, I think we have to be alive to what is happening outside of this Organization as 
well and in that resp ect let me welcome the Global Oceans Treaty agreed yesterday, which of course, 
builds on what we achieved in this Organization just last June in the able hands of Santiago Wills, 
former Chair of the fisheries negotiations, now Director of the WTO's Council  and TNC Division. As 
we look ahead, we obviously have to build on those very successful retreats we have had, including 
the development retreat and as the Ambassador of Australia said just last week, we have done a lot 
of retreating and now the time is fo r a little bit of advancing and to build on those discussions. So, 
let me thank those who have put forward practical proposals, whether they be India or the LDCs or 
the Latin Americans in terms of how we can actually, reform by doing in this Organization, how we 
can improve the quality of our work, right across the piece. Just on the Indian proposals, I think we, 
like others, recognize the importance of them, we need to think about how we use the CTD that 
does not duplicate or undermine other WTO bodies and  how we ensure that the work in all the 
Committees will advance with a view to the development perspectives, which we have in each WTO 
body. Let me also pay tribute to our EU partners and friends for the proposals they have brought WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  forward today with reall y important ideas, there are a lot of really important themes we need to 
consider in this Organization. It is right that we need to think about the diverse and complex forms 
of state intervention that we now experience in the global economy and how we cons ider those 
within this Organization and with others. There is some great work in the Secretariat work with the 
World Bank, the IMF and the OECD in this regard and, having consulted very carefully with the CTE 
Chair, I think it is really noteworthy that we have got some practical ideas here for taking forward 
the work of that Organization and again, going back to where I started with the Global Ocean Treaty, 
there is really important work that is being done outside this Organization; this latest treaty but a lso 
COP15 in Montreal in December, work which identifies things that we need to be taking forward in 
trade policy and trying to bring that back here and work out how we can contribute to sustainable 
development. I think it is a real key task for this Organ ization as we prepare for MC13.  
2.101.   The representative of Australia  delivered the following statement:  
2.102.   As others have said, on WTO reform, we must focus on what matters and will comment on 
three aspects today. First, dispute settlement reform is the top priori ty of most here and we are 
pleased that we are finally working intensively on the next phase of this work to restore the system. 
These discussions must build momentum and become more targeted and purposeful in order to 
meet the 2024 deadline. Australia loo ks forward to continuing to work constructively with all 
Members to find a lasting resolution to the current impasse as soon as possible. Second, is the issue 
Brazil raised earlier – the relationship between these Ministerial Conferences and the membership 's 
ongoing rule -making work. It is important, as a pivotal element of the WTO reform agenda, that we 
continue our efforts to de -dramatize Ministerial Conferences. We must consider how we might 
assume more responsibility here for the negotiating agenda with out the drama – and the risk to this 
organization - of a last -minute throw of the dice. We look forward to further debate on this issue. 
Third, is the critical issue of subsidies. The growing use of agricultural, environmental and industrial 
subsidies in g lobal trade is surpassing the importance of tariffs as the main source of distortions to 
global trade. We need to be clear that we risk sleepwalking into a new subsidies war. The issue was 
prominent in the informal development retreat last month and is pro minent in the paper provided 
today by the European Union. The WTO cannot afford to side -line itself on this critical issue. We 
urgently need transparency, cooperation and action. That is why, we welcome the new proposal 
from the European Union. We strongly  support the proposed discussions on state intervention in the 
industrial sector in all its forms, including subsidies and the activities of state -owned enterprises. 
But we join others in calling for this Organization to do more to also address agricultura l subsidies 
which have a significant development, food security and environmental impact. On the broader 
issues raised by the EU paper, Australia also sees potential for future WTO rulemaking in this area 
to close gaps in the WTO's rulebook. We should be t rying to level the playing field in a comprehensive 
way. This is an urgent challenge, and we must ensure this organization is able to play a central role 
in curbing the subsidies war – if we do not step up soon, others will fill the void.  
2.103.   The representativ e of Ukraine  delivered the following statement:  
2.104.   Ukraine welcomed the Informal meeting on WTO reform focused on development at the 
beginning of February and the statement just delivered by the Chair outlining its results. Our 
delegation also presented its p riorities on the matter at that informal meeting. In this context, 
Ukraine shares the view that we, as WTO Members, need "to reform and perform " as it was 
emphasized by the Director -General at the informal HoDs meeting on 28 February. Taking into 
account that all WTO functions are closely interrelated, a holistic approach needs to be used in WTO 
reform process. In our opinion, small group formats or informal processes led by facilitators could 
steer the discussions towards realistic and meaningful outcomes in view of approaching MC13. 
Despite of the war unleashed by the Russian Federation, that is taking place more than one year, 
we would like to u nderline that Ukraine remains strongly committed to a predictable, rules -based 
multilateral trading system and we do our best for the development of the Organization. Ukraine is 
interested in further work on the WTO reform agenda and highly appreciates the  Members' 
communications recently circulated on these issues and included in the agenda for today's meeting. 
Let me conclude by underlining Ukraine's readiness to constructively participate in the discussions 
and negotiations aimed at strengthening, improv ing and developing the WTO system.  
2.105.   The representative of Namibia  delivered the following statement:  
2.106.   I wish to reaffirm Namibia's commitment to the multilateral trade system and to underscore 
the importance of having in place an open, fair and non -discrimin atory rule -based trading system. WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  We thank the General Council for convening an Informal meeting on WTO reform focused on 
development on 2 -3 February 2023, which afforded Members the opportunity to kickstart discussions 
on, inter alia , cross-cutting aspects  of the development dimension, with a view to finding a mutually 
acceptable way forward as instructed by the Ministers at MC12.  Recalling the preamble of the 
Marrakesh Agreement, Members recognized "that their relations in the field of trade and economic 
endeavour should be conducted with a view to raising standards of living, ensuring full employment 
and a large and steadily growing volume of real income and effective demand, and expanding the 
production of and trade in goods and services, while allowing f or the optimal use of the world's 
resources in accordance with the objective of sustainable development, seeking both to protect and 
preserve the environment and to enhance the means for doing so in a manner consistent with their 
respective needs and conce rns at different levels of economic development". In addition, it states 
that the Parties to the Marrakesh Agreement "Recognizing further that there is need for positive 
efforts designed to ensure that developing countries, and especially the least develop ed among 
them, secure a share in the growth in international trade commensurate with the needs of their 
economic development". In view of the preamble, Namibia attaches great importance and commits 
to accelerate the implementation of any WTO reform that co nsiders development as a core priority 
of any negotiation outcome. While noting with appreciation the progress recorded during MC12, we 
remain mindful of the "unfinished business" of the DDA that could yield specific development 
milestones for the LDC's an d developing countries. It is imperative that we maintain a balance 
between effecting the necessary policy adjustments and paying due attention to formulating and 
implementing strategies and policies that promote economic development and address social 
challenges, which in our view, requires technical, human, and financial resources to meet our 
obligation. To that effect we wish to add our voice to those who called for increased support towards 
technical assistance. At the same time, we wish to express grat itude to those Members that continue 
to provide resources towards such much needed support. In our view, technical assistance should 
not only be limited to capacity building. For our economies to take advantage of market access 
provisions we need to streng then our supply side measure. Thus, additional support towards 
enhancing supply side measure would be critical. To conclude, we commit to constructive 
engagement in the pursuit of a meaningful outcome at MC13. However, it is important to point out 
and to s eek the understanding of our WTO partners to negotiate in good faith and show flexibilities 
when it comes to the difficulties facing LDC's and developing countries, including net food -importing 
economies, such as ours in the implementation of these very im portant agreements.  
2.107.   The representative of Uganda  delivered the following statement:  
2.108.   Our delegation aligns itself with the statements by the African Group, the ACP Group and 
the LDC Group and wishes to thank you, Chair, for your statement and for convening the Informal 
meeting on WTO reform focused on development. We appreciated the opportunity for frank 
discussions on important aspects of the development dimension and hope we can build on this 
momentum to finally address the systemic nature of the issues, m arginalizing LDCs participation in 
global trade, so as to foster better functioning of institutions across all pillars and create a level 
playing field that will unlock development opportunities for all. We reiterate the importance of 
development forming t he axis of the WTO's reform agenda if we are to remedy the problems 
associated with implementation of special and differential treatment and provide for the requisite 
policy space that developing and least developed countries so badly need for the transfor mation of 
their economies and people. In this regard, we welcome the fact that the facilitation process has 
helped the membership to start real conversations around what it would take to effectively tackle 
the institutional challenges that the WTO is facin g, including the imbalances in the rules that have 
impacted Members, particularly developing countries, and least developed countries from effectively 
contributing to the shaping of rules. In the short term, we hope the proposals, put forward by the 
G90 an d the LDC Group, will be given careful consideration. Priority should also be given to the 
improvement in the scheduling of meetings so that overlaps are avoided to enable more equitable 
and inclusive participation by all delegations as we hold these impor tant discussions on 
developments. We also thank India and the EU for their submissions, and we continue to engage 
capital for a detailed response.  
2.109.   With regard to the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce, we wish to thank the facilitator 
for her tremendous  efforts and hope that this process will enable the membership address the reality 
that countries are at different levels of development and readiness to engage in and benefit from 
the data -driven digital economy, with LDCs facing the greatest challenges i n building their capacities 
to digitalize and add value to their data. To truly address this digital divide, honest conversations 
must be had around the necessary flexibilities and policy space for development in the data -driven WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  digital economy, as well as  the requisite capacity building for digitalization that must include 
increased investment in the development of connectivity and data infrastructure and the promotion 
of digital entrepreneurship. As I have mentioned before, one of the reasons developing a nd 
least-developed countries are keenly interested in this matter is that although the Addis Ababa 
Action Agenda on Financing for Development underscored the central role of domestic resource 
mobilization in achieving development, our countries continue to  be disproportionately affected by 
multinational corporate profit shifting, which has greatly undercut our ability to mobilize domestic 
revenues to finance national development.  
2.110.   The representative of Brunei Darussalam  delivered the following statement:   
2.111.   We would like to thank you for your progress report on the reform work , including the recent 
Informal meeting on  WTO reform focused on  development, providing a platform for Members to 
have frank discussions on their priorities for the development reform agen da. We take note of the 
proposed way forward to implement the  MC12  mandate. We still highlight the importance of having 
a practical workplan on achieving a meaningful outcome on WTO reform by MC13. On that note, 
Brunei Darussalam appreciates the proposal b y India, which  we are still reviewing. We look forward 
to hearing the responses to those clarifications that have been raised by Members. We also would 
like to thank the EU for its paper, and we take note of the EU's  intention to make the WTO more 
inclusiv e in its trade policy -making processes, a special consideration for Members with capacity 
constraints, as well as to further progress the trade and environmental agenda in exploring new 
rules on trade policy and state intervention in support of industrial sectors in response to climate 
change challenges, by enhancing the CTD and CTE. We have heard the views of Members on this 
important topic and look forward to how this can be taken up.  
2.112.   The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
2.113.   The European Union thanks India for its recent communication (WT/GC/W/865), which 
provides a useful compilation of existing CTD mandates. The EU "believes that an important objective 
should be to reinforce the role of th e CTD as a forum to deliberate on current development challenges 
as well as to more effectively mainstream development -related issues in the work of different WTO 
committees " (WT/GC/W/864). The European Union welcomes the comment in the Indian submission 
that "the mandate of CTD… is not to replace but to complement the work of other bodies on 
development … through coordination and consultation with these WTO bodies ". This recognition 
tallies with the EU's understanding of the CTD's mandate, but also of our views on the better 
functioning of WTO committees. While the Indian submission suggests the General Council take 
decision on a significant number of institutional mechanisms to strengthen the role of the CTD, the 
EU finds that reinforced deliberation at th e CTD around a number of key topics is already possible. 
What we need is for us all to engage openly and pragmatically - which requires changing our mindset 
- rather than additional institutional discussions.  
2.114.   The representative of Türkiye  delivered the fol lowing statement:  
2.115.   We see that our reform agenda although at slow pace is taking shape and progressing. The 
discussions during the retreat and the dedicated discussions on development showed Members' 
willingness to listen and engage on this important issue on our agenda. We had very fruitful 
discussions and confirmed a common understanding that development is central to the multilateral 
trading system. But we consider that we need to deepen our understanding and look into ways on 
how we could mainstream deve lopment in all of our work. We also welcome the ongoing discussions 
initiated under the CTG focusing on the best practices on the monitoring function. We hope that such 
discussions will lead to streamlining the daily work of the WTO and will render our wor k more 
meaningful and efficient. We need to continue to progress on every front simultaneously to take full 
advantage of this opportunity which will strengthen this organisation's ability to meet the challenges 
our time. On the other hand, we thank the EU and India respectively for their communications on 
reinforcing the deliberative function of the WTO to respond to global trade policy changes, as well 
as on strengthening the role of Committee on Trade and Development. We are still evaluating the 
papers an d willing to engage with them constructively in the coming days.  
2.116.   The representative of the Russian Federation  delivered the following statement:  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  2.117.   I highlighted Russia's general WTO reform priorities during the TNC and HODs meeting last 
week. We also partic ipated actively in the Informal meeting on WTO reform focused on development 
on 2 and 3 February, expressing in detail our views on strengthening the development dimension of 
our work. Now I would like to briefly focus on the particular reform proposals pr esented today. We 
took note of these initiatives and believe that they contain rational ideas that merit further study. 
We welcome the proposals aimed at structuring the reform process. We should first reach a common 
understanding on the global challenges that need to be addressed by the reform. Without a clear 
common approach to the final objectives, the reform process risks being a journey without a 
destination. A good example of how we can proceed with the particular reform elements is India's 
suggestion  to compile the Ministerial decisions on development, update the list of relevant 
agreements and their exemptions for developing countries and LDCs. This exercise could help to 
reveal the real needs of developing countries and LDCs that require further att ention better. We 
need to ensure a comprehensive approach when it comes to the choice of issues to be addressed by 
the deliberative function of the WTO. Take the suggestion we just heard to launch discussions on 
state interventions in the economy as an exa mple. It is not new. It can and should be further 
discussed. However, if we consider it as a first step in renegotiating rules on competition distortions, 
it is important to adopt a balanced approach. We should analyse the situation with state support not 
only in industry, but also in agriculture. We should examine the trade -distorting activities not only 
of state -owned enterprises (SOEs), but also of transnational ones as it was stated by several 
delegations that spoke earlier today. Even speaking of SOEs,  while one SOE might be performing 
business activities, the other could be assigned with social -oriented functions. The one -sided 
overview of their activities would not be relevant. Moreover, many other sophisticated ways to distort 
competition have emerge d recently (such as discriminatory access to technology and equipment), 
and we should not keep a blind eye on them. Such an approach was initially outlined in Russia's 
communication JOB/GC/261 in June 2021. Let me also highlight the need to fully utilize t he potential 
of the WTO's existing mechanisms. This correspondingly relates to the WTO's working bodies. Such 
as the Committee on Trade and Development mentioned in India's paper or the Working Group on 
Trade and Transfer of Technology – it could be useful  to consider how to revitalize this working group 
as the WTO's technology agenda is rapidly evolving. Finally, we support the idea of launching 
deliberations on the ways of achieving inclusive outcomes on trade liberalization to spread the gains 
from trade  more evenly. However, we are mindful that this initiative comes from a delegation that 
vocally called for the exclusion of individual WTO Members from the regular work of this Organization 
and thus, we have certain doubts regarding the sincerity of its in tentions.  
2.118.   The representative of Norway  delivered the following statement:  
2.119.   It has been over a year since we first commented, in shock here in the General Council, on 
Russia's war against Ukraine. Given the importance in the WTO of upholding the rules -based 
international order, we find it necessary to again address the situation. Norway continues to strongly 
condemn Russia's egregious military attack on its neighbour Ukraine. Russia's war of aggression 
against Ukraine constitutes a gross violation of internat ional law, the rules -based system which also 
underpins this organization and the work of the GC. Last month Norway launched a 5 -year support 
program of 75 billion NOK for Ukraine that includes military support, humanitarian aid, funding to 
maintain civilia n infrastructure and critical societal functions, as well as funding to support the 
reconstruction of Ukrainian society. Norway will also provide additional aid to developing countries 
that are particularly affected by the global ramifications of the war. Now turning to the subject of 
WTO reform, thank you, Chair, for your introduction and not least for organizing the reform retreat. 
The discussions there gave much food for thought, and we appreciate that some Members already 
now are coming forth in writing  with ideas that were discussed both there and in the previous retreat 
on reform. Norway welcomes both India's and the EU's communications, as well as the 
communication from South Africa and the African Group under item 9. All three give useful 
suggestions  for our discussions moving forward. I will however refrain from commenting on the 
African Group communication now, as it is in the process of being studied in Oslo. On India's 
suggestion on reinvigorating the CTD, as also came through at the retreat, we a gree wholeheartedly. 
It is the focal point for trade and development. Let us have both formal and informal meetings to 
consider the cross -cutting issues of trade and development and let us start immediately. We do have 
one query. The reason that the CTD ha s not worked as we had hoped, does not have anything to do 
with not having the mandates or mechanisms in place – the monitoring mechanism is a case in 
point. It has not worked because Members have not engaged. So let us be pragmatic, let the General 
Counci l note that Members are now ready to engage actively in the CTD. We thank the EU for their 
communication, and we agree with the points brought forward in their communication, including on 
inclusiveness. Just as for  the CTD, we agree that there are importan t discussions to be had in the WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  CTE. As we said at the TNC last week on environmental challenges, these come into our work on 
subsidies, on market access, on least  trade -restrictive measures, on technology transfer and more. 
The whole membership needs to wo rk on green solutions and find their respective comparative 
advantages, including through WTO negotiations. We agree more generally that subsidies and new 
rules need to be discussed and negotiated in the future. In that respect, would it be useful to start  
deliberations now in the WTO (in the CTE, the CTD and the Subsidies Committee) and not wait a 
year for an MC13 decision on venue.  
2.120.   The representative of Sri Lanka  delivered the following statement:  
2.121.   My delegation would like to thank you, Chair, for your rep ort on the Informal meeting on 
WTO reform focused on development that we held in February. This meeting was an opportunity for 
us to share our experiences and challenges related to development. Our discussions reflected that 
development is a cross -cutting issue, which encompasses social, environmental and economic 
situation and also factors such as global crises. We know that development -related discussions take 
place in several forums in the WTO. In this context, we believe that the CTD has a central role to 
play in terms of coordination of our development related work in the WTO. In this regard, Sri Lanka 
would like to thank India for its submission (WT/GC/W/865). My delegation notes that this 
submission contains constructive proposals relating to reportin g and coordination of 
development -related work in the WTO. We should give positive consideration to these proposals by 
India so that our discussion on development can be carried forward in coordinated manner. Sri Lanka 
would also like to thank the European  Union (WT/GC/W/864). My delegation has taken note of the 
three thematic areas suggested in the proposal, (i) state intervention, (ii) environmental challenges 
and (iii) inclusiveness. We observe that some constructive suggestions have been made in this 
submission relating to deliberative function of the WTO. My delegation is willing to engage further 
on those in consultation with our capital. Having said that, my delegation would like to reiterate 
that, in our reform work, it is important to ensure that un necessary barriers to trade of developing 
countries and LDCs are not created. S&DT should be an integral part in all our reform discussions. 
As provided in the Marrakesh Agreement, WTO rules should help raising living standards, ensuring 
full employment, i ncreasing real income and effective demand and expanding production. Our work 
should also be conducted in a manner, which is open, inclusive, transparent and Member -driven. Sri 
Lanka looks forward to engage constructively in discussions related to WTO refo rms. 
2.122.   The representative of Chinese Taipei  delivered the following statement:  
2.123.   We would like to thank you for your report on the Informal meeting of 2 and 3 February and 
thank India and the European Union for their proposals. On the development dimension, the meeting 
held in February was fruitful in advancing our discussions on this topic. With the collegial spirit 
among Members and the positive atmosphere to be carried forward to the negotiation forums, we 
believe Members will find a win -win result before MC13 on development. On the reform of the WTO's 
deliberative function, we recog nize the contribution of EU's proposal. EU identified global trade policy 
challenges, which are good basis for Members to collectively decide. The issues relating to state 
intervention in support of industrial sectors, global environmental challenges and i nclusiveness are 
all critical challenges of our time. Importantly, the EU proposes an approach of identifying best 
practices, sharing experiences and developing non -binding guidelines, which deserves much of our 
attention. The proposal includes many valuab le elements to improve the WTO's deliberative function 
on emerging issues and hopefully can contribute to addressing the long problem of lacking results 
under the multilateral trading system. On dispute settlement reform, we thank the United States 
and Gua temala for leading the information process, which has been constructive and useful. We 
reiterate the importance of having a fully functioning dispute settlement system accessible to all 
Members by 2024, which includes the fully functioning of all existing dispute resolution tools in the 
DSU. We hope to see concrete result arriving from such informal discussion and will continue to 
engage actively in this process.  
2.124.   The representative of Pakistan  delivered the following statement:  
2.125.   Pakistan believes that to ach ieve the objectives of Marrakesh Agreement, to raise standards 
of living, to ensure full employment and to sustainably increase the real incomes of people around 
the globe, our approach towards 'development' requires to undergo a necessary evolution to add ress 
its multidimensional aspects and challenges. This has now become critical for sustainable global 
trade growth to continue. Pakistan would like to thank India for its submission (WT/GC/W/865). 
These issues resonate with us, and we believe that lack of coordination around development in WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  various committees hampers the ability of the developing countries and LDCs to follow the discussion 
of application and use of special provisions. The terms of reference of the CTD were framed, keeping 
in view the cross -cutting nature of development and the capacity of small delegations to follow these 
discussions and participate effectively which requires operationalization of CTD. We thank the EU for 
its submission ( WT/GC/W/864) and  we look forward to discussions on this. I share some initial 
comments on some of the points here. The role and effects of government interventions and 
subsidies has been a topic of discussion here and elsewhere. Many Members owe their industrial and 
agricultural development to these. There is no denying the negative role of subsidies as in the case 
of fisheries that has taken Members two decades of negotiations and still on -going to try to neutralize 
these. We still have to see how this agreement plays out  in the oceans. Many of us have also 
understood now the negative effects of agricultural subsidies on environment after decades of heavy 
subsidization. However, we still find ourselves locked in our positions on these subsidies unable to 
find a solution. I  struggle to understand how advocating more subsidy for domestic producers while 
elsewhere taxing foreign producers, both in the name of environment reconcile. If such a scheme 
were to be rolled out, where would poorer countries stand that have hardly any fiscal depth. We also 
need to see why and if at all markets have failed to respond, that require state interventions. We 
also need to see why and if at all changes in domestic regulations for industrial sector have failed to 
deliver. So, many points that c ould lead to interesting discussions.  
2.126.   The representative of Malawi  delivered the following statement:  
2.127.   Malawi aligns itself with the statements delivered by the LDC Group and by the African 
Group. Malawi takes note of the report by the Chairperson of the Tr ade Negotiations Committee and 
commends her for the tireless effort. We look forward to having frequent meetings to accelerate the 
implementation of the longstanding developmental issues. Development is highlighted in the 
preamble of the Marrakesh Agreemen t Establishing the WTO. It states that trade should be directed 
towards the raising of living standards, the achievement of full employment and a high and ever -
increasing level of real income and effective demand, and the increase of production and trade i n 
goods and services. It is also recognized that the needs of developing countries and LDCs must be 
taken into account, so that they secure a share of the growth in international trade that corresponds 
to the needs of their economic development. The WTO me mbership recognizes the differences in 
levels of economic development, they committed to ensuring that S&DT remains one of the key 
principles of the WTO since the GATT days. The MC12 Outcome Document reaffirms that S&DT 
should remain an integral part of th e WTO and its Agreements. Malawi views the WTO as an 
Organization, which can deliver on its mandate. During the Informal meeting on WTO reform focused 
on development, we were pleased to see the open exchange and some convergence in Members' 
views on develo pment. We call for progress on the G90 proposal on S&DT. Malawi stands ready to 
engage constructively in the WTO reform work focused on development.  
2.128.   The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
2.129.   I will take this opportunity to respond to t he EU paper. Let me take this opportunity to 
introduce my colleague and Head of the Multilateral Trade Negotiation Division in India Shri Piyush 
Kumar, who is joining us here from Delhi and he had an opportunity a couple of days back to have 
a very detaile d almost two -hour discussion with the Director -General. With your permission, I will 
pass the floor to him to respond on the EU paper. We would like to thank the EU for making 
submissions covering a wide ground of focusing on enhancement  of deliberative en gagement in 
WTO, as part of the WTO reform discussions, even though we may have differing views on the issues 
mentioned. This proposal covers very diverse and wide range of issues in one document. We are of 
the view that the proponent may come up with sepa rate submissions on issues contained in 
paragraphs 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 for meaningful discussions. We are faced with serious challenges like 
food insecurity, debt financing, inflation, supply chain disruptions, infrastructure and unemployment. 
These challenge s have been repeatedly highlighted by Members. We would also like to discuss 
issues, which are crucial for resilient, responsible and responsive trade. Developing countries are 
seeking improved understanding in the existing trade policy challenges. This is  a must before we 
move to new policy challenges. Also, WTO should confine its remit to the WTO Agreement rather 
than all existing trade agreements. Challenges in existing WTO Agreements need to be deliberated 
first. There is long list of issues concerning developing countries, which are not addressed yet, e.g., 
the G90 proposal; other S&DT issues; PSH; AMS; the TRIPS waiver; dispute settlement and so on. 
We are of the view that approaching subsidies and state interventions, as "mine are good and yours 
are bad", does not help much. In the proposal, the proponent has highlighted the need for identifying 
gaps in existing rules in respect of trade and state intervention. We would emphasize that a similar WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  need is there in the context of Members' development needs . The proponent should be willing to 
discuss issues for a solution on issues like PSH; SSM; AMS; ERP; SCM flexibilities. In our view, 
discussions in existing forums would be sufficient and there is no need for a new forum as proposed. 
As regards trade an e nvironmental challenge, we would have appreciated if the proponents had 
come up with the proposal before going ahead with unilateral measures. While engaging here on 
these challenges within the remit of WTO is appropriate, proponents may assure that unilat eral 
measures will not be implemented while we engage in open and transparent manner. We should 
also engage on issues, including on the transfer of environmentally sound technologies; financial 
commitments to ensure access to such technology and investment s in environmental projects; 
climate finances; CBDR respective capabilities and S&DT for developing countries. While engaging 
in these discussions, the WTO should engage on trade -related environmental measures and should 
not transgress into areas that are in the remit of other international bodies and the international 
environmental laws/understanding. The WTO compatibility of EU measures also needs a 
comprehensive discussion. As regards trade and inclusiveness, we would like to categorically assert 
that is sues of labour, wages, worker, domestic distributional impacts, etc., do not belong to the WTO 
and do not merit deliberation here. We are conscious that these are not trade -related issue and do 
not merit discussion in the WTO. As such, inclusiveness has di fferent meanings for Members, also 
the Member -driven character of the Organization needs to be respected. It is the Members that 
negotiate in the WTO. Members are supposed to have discussions with their respective stakeholders 
in their constituencies. It i s expected that Members would factor in stakeholders' inputs at their level 
instead of pushing for direct engagement of private sector and civil societies here. The idea of 
constituting such consultative bodies in the WTO lacks authority, appeal and merit.  Suggestions for 
this kind of engagement has been debated in the past too and has not been agreed. Any such effort 
would bring about distortion to the Member -driven character of the WTO and we cannot agree to a 
change of the basic structure of the WTO.  
2.130.   The representative of Paraguay  delivered the following statement:  
2.131.   I would like to thank the Chair for organizing the Informal meeting  on WTO r eform focused 
on development . We believe that it is essential that Members are cognizant  of the needs for S&DT  
for landlocked developing countries . We encourage the inclusion of this dimension in the discussion 
on reform. Paraguay will continue to work towards a fully functioning dispute settlement system  by 
2024, as our multilateral rules would be a dead letter without a dispute settlement system.  With 
regard to India's proposal on development, we express our appreciation, consider it as a first step, 
and we are going to examine it very carefully, and we are convinced that this theme is central to 
WTO reform.  I also welc ome the presentation on the trade -related challenges for least -developed 
countries for a smooth transition by Djibouti , on behalf of the LDC Group . With respect to reform 
issues, I would like to make the following comments. Regarding the deliberative funct ion of the WTO, 
the monitoring work carried out by the regular Committees is a key source of trade intelligence for 
small country Members  with limited resources . We cannot overstate that they work well, although 
further improvements could still be made. These improvements are already being made through  a 
bottom -up approach . In our view, this is the best way forward without losing the specificities of the 
different Councils and Committees in order to further optimize the work and address the challenges 
that delegations face in participating effectively in this Organization.  In this regard, together with 
other South American Members, we submitted a communication on the  functioning of the Council 
for Trade in Goods and its subsidiary bodies, which is currently under discussion in terms of how to 
improve their functioning. The paper makes suggestions in specific areas of action to address some 
of the challenges faced by a ll delegations, but particularly small ones, such as mine, with limited 
human resources.  With respect to the EU proposal, I would like to make the following comments. 
We believe it is important to achieve  a greater understanding among Members to, inter ali a, identify 
good practices, elaborate non -binding instruments and ultimately assess and create convergence 
towards the discussion of topics . In particular, topics that are  not sufficiently discussed, which 
ultimately should lead to a reduction of unilatera l measures imposed by some Members. However, 
we believe that we need to be cautious with the Secretariat's analysis. In a Member -driven 
organization, an excessively active Secretariat, especially in areas that do not yet have consensus, 
can have the opposi te and possibly harmful effect on delivering results.   
2.132.   On the thematic area of trade policy and state intervention to support the industrial sector, 
I would like to recall that the least regulated and most relegated sector in this Organization is the 
agricultural sector, and that the Agreement on Agriculture was not intended to be a final outcome, 
but an incremental step, which is why we would not want to lose sight of it. In the same vein, in 
terms of global environmental challenges and trade, we agree to advance thematic discussions and WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  enhance transparency, for example on the harmful effects of agricultural subsidies and not only 
industrial subsidies  - as is already being done in some joint initiatives  and see how this could be 
done a multilateral format to ensure adequate transparency and inclusiveness.  We are open to a 
discussion on industrial subsidies, provided that it is not disconnected from the broader, holistic 
discussion on agricultural subsidies , which already ha s a mandate contained in  Article 2 0 of the 
Agriculture Agreement. With regard to the exchange of information , we would like to see a more 
fluid process in the Committee having Members ask  questions on  notified  measures with 
environmental objectives , rather than depend  on presentations that  each Member may make.  We 
also note that the digital  tools currently available are not serving Members adequately to perform 
monitoring work, and a number of aspects could be improved to avoid confusing data representation. 
In this regard, we have already been in touch with the Secretariat to make suggestions for concrete 
improvements, which would ensure that the available tools effectively meet the objectives for which 
they were designed and , in doing so, meet the needs of Members.  Regarding the idea of es tablishing 
a standing consultative committee, we stated that any proposal must ensure inclusive participation 
and reflect the diversity of the Organization's membership with an appropriate regional balance , with 
a view to ensuring that all interests are pr operly represented.  
2.133.   The representative of Peru delivered the following statement:  
2.134.   We wish to thank India and the European Union for their contributions, which are being 
reviewed in capital.  At a first glance, we agree on the importance of better addressing the cross -
cutting issue of development, as well as strengthening the deliberative function to meet the 
challenges of the 21st century. We express our delegation's willingness to work with both Members 
in a constructive manner.  Using trade as one  of the main tools to achieve  development is a common 
goal that we all share, and while S&DT  is one of its components, it cannot and should not be the 
only or main one.  Developing Members need to increase participation and gains in international 
trade, and  whatever formula we adopt to achieve this objective, we believe that it should include 
the following three elements : First,  ensure, as already mentioned by other delegations, a 
transparent, fair and inclusive international trading system, with a fully fun ctioning WTO in its three 
pillars. We reiterate the need to redouble our efforts to restore the dispute settlement system  whose 
relevance is even more significant for developing econom y Members  like ours . It allows us  to address 
our differences on an equal  footing with Members with whom we maintain uneven economic and 
trade relations. Without this mechanism, there is a risk that rules become mere guidelines or good 
intentions, which inevitably undermines the system and affects developing Members which are, by 
definition, the most vulnerable. Second, we agree with the views expressed by Argentina and other 
delegations, such as Chile and Paraguay, that the best way forward for real reform is to advance the 
mandate on reform in agriculture, as already agreed in  Article 20, by eliminating inter alia trade -
distorting subsidies, as well as other "disguised restrictions" on agricultural trade. It is crucial to 
promote agricultural trade facilitation , reduce non -tariff barriers and tak e into account the capacities 
of developing and least -developed Members to adapt SPS requirements. We support the need to 
move ahead as much as possible in the three pillars of the agricultural negotiations. We commit to 
finding a multilateral outcome on modalities that will allow us to reduce the level of domestic support 
that has increased significantly, without avoiding relevant discussions such as public stockholding 
for food security purposes, which should be  based on statistics and data. We cannot isolate topics 
such as food securit y from reform, as this  could jeopardize the process. Third, it is necessary to 
enhance the role of trade as a channel for  the transfer of  technology and knowledge to developing 
and least -developed Members, as several Members  had already proposed during the  retreat . We 
have also sought to make progress in this regard, within the Working Group on Trade and Transfer 
of Technology. Concrete steps need to be taken in this regard through trade in services, e -
commerce , discussions on the environment and sustainabl e development, to name a few . In short, 
to us, the development dimension also entails completing agriculture reform, ensuring an effective 
dispute settlement system and promoting the transfer of technology.  
2.135.   The representative of Tunisia  delivered the follo wing statement:  
2.136.   We thank the Director -General for her report under agenda item 1 and we associate 
ourselves with the statement delivered by the African Group. We also thank you for your report, 
Chair, on the recent Informal meeting on WTO reform focused on development. Di scussions focused 
on development, including its cross -cutting aspects and reaffirmed the commitment undertaken at 
MC12 that reform would address the interests of all Members. There was a degree of convergence 
in Members' inputs on many issues. Notably, the  broad support for the mandate of the Committee 
on Trade and Development as the focal point for consideration and coordination of work on WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  development, as well as the relevance of assessing WTO rules incorporating the development 
dimension in different area s, including those related to trade policy and public support for industrial 
sectors, trade and inclusiveness and trade and environmental challenges, in order to better respond 
to current and future challenges and crises. In this regard, we thank India and  the EU for their 
communications. In that connection, it must be said that reform, as perceived by some Members, 
introduces a raft of new rules, even though existing mandates, particularly in the framework of the 
DDA, have yet to be implemented. WTO reform  should not mean accepting inherited inequities and 
adopting new proposals that would exacerbate existing imbalances. Reforms must be premised on 
the principles of inclusiveness and development and must address the underlying causes of the 
current backlash  against trade and the difficulties that developing Members continue to face vis-à-
vis their industrialization challenges. Consensus decision -making must remain one of the pillars of 
inclusiveness. Available data constantly points to the widening gap in th e standards of living between 
developing and developed country Members since the establishment of the WTO. The imbalance in 
the rules resulting from the Uruguay Round and/or in their application, in the areas of agriculture, 
investment measures, TRIPS, the  Agreement on Subsidies, is often called into question. Therefore, 
the multilateral trading system must give developing Members the policy space to attain their 
development goals, including industrialization. These Members continue to face many challenges 
and severe capacity constraints, which explain the continued relevance of S&DT provisions in their 
favour. We would also expect that the discussions on the current impasse in the Appellate Body will 
enable Members to honour the mandate of having a fully fu nctional dispute settlement system 
accessible to all Members by 2024.  
2.137.   The representative of Egypt  delivered the following statement:  
2.138.   Most of this brief intervention will be on the document submitted by the EU. We take note 
of your valuable remarks and obse rvations on the Informal meeting on WTO reform focused on 
development held in February 2023. We support the statement made by the African Group. We do 
not want to repeat what we raised during that meeting, however, there are some principles that we 
need to  reiterate today on this matter. First, development should be an "ongoing process" dealing 
with cross -cutting and agreement -specific issues and should relate and contribute, through tangible 
outcomes, to the SDGs. Those outcomes should be consistent with t he mandate, with particular 
attention to SDG1 to end poverty on all its forms; SDG2 to end hunger, achieve food security and 
improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture; SDG9 to build resilient infrastructure, 
promote inclusive and sustainable i ndustrialization and foster innovation; and SDG12 to ensure 
sustainable consumption and production patterns. Second, the way forward should be based on a 
consensus that, the focus of our discussion on development are the developing countries and the 
LDCs. In this context, priority must be given to specific files, particularly food security and dealing 
with future epidemiological challenges. MC13 must be a tangible addition to these files. By agreeing 
on effective decisions to deal with these crises and redu ce the future consequences on the 
developmental and economic levels. Third, development is broader than S&DT, technical assistance 
and capacity building. Policy space beyond the current S&DT to unlock developing countries' 
productive capacities is essentia l in our discussions on development. The African Group worked 
constructively to present the issue of policy space for industrial development, as contained in 
WT/GC/W/868, which will be presented and discussed under item 9. WTO reform discussions should 
not lead to fragmentation. We should preserve the system's multilateral, impartial and inclusive 
nature. WTO reform should help developing and LDC Members achieve their economic development 
aspirations and enable them to face the frequently occurring challeng es. Reform must lead to more 
interdependency and streamlining among the three functions of our System. The reform of the 
dispute settlement system must proceed in fast track that considers the concerns of developing 
countries, predominantly African develop ing and least -developed countries. We take part in the 
informal process. This informal process will report on its work to the DSB, and in the shortest period, 
we should decide to continue those discussions under the DSB, which in turn should report on 
progress to the General Council.  
2.139.   On WT/GC/W/865, we support the call to fully operationalize the mandate of the CTD as the 
focal point for consideration and coordination of work on development in the WTO, as per its terms 
of reference in WT/L/46. We are willi ng to pursue those discussions and we are ready to engage on 
this with all Members. Meanwhile, we reinstate that the Monitoring Mechanism does not replace the 
mandate to examine the Agreement -Specific Proposals (ASPs) in the G90 submissions in documents 
JOB/TN/CTD/2 and JOB/TNC/106 within the CTD SS, nor should it replace the CTD mandate, as 
contained in its terms of reference (WT/L/46). In addition to the call to operationalize and implement 
the mandate for the CTD to function as a focal point on developme nt matters, we would call on WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  Members to undertake an urgent stocktaking exercise within the relevant bodies to assess and 
review the participation of developing Members in the multilateral trading system. The CTD 
Secretariat may provide this assessment to cover the period between 2000 to date. Assess the 
extent to which aspects of the implementation of S&DT provisions have been or are being considered 
in relevant subsidiary bodies. Those bodies should do this assessment and share their work with the 
CTD (be ing the focal point). On a separate track, initiate a process to evaluate the monitoring 
mechanism and see how to make it better contribute to the development dimension in our current 
and future deliberations. We further support developing an institutional  mechanism for sharing and 
coordinating information relating to development among the CTD and other WTO bodies. The WTO 
bodies' work is critical to implementing and operationalizing the mandate.  
2.140.   On the EU's communication (WT/GC/W/864), let me share some t houghts, given our interest 
in discussing this further with the EU before we reach any conviction on how to reform the 
deliberative function of the Organization. The deliberative function is the lifeblood of the WTO and 
underpins the institution's credibil ity. It is critical to help Members raise and resolve trade issues 
before they escalate to a formal dispute. It is obvious how important this function is to developing 
countries, since using it properly could spare developing countries from following the c omplicated, 
costly, technical, and legal litigation process of the dysfunctional DSB. We agree with the statement 
in the EU's submission reflecting the importance of the multilateral trading system, characterized by 
transparency and neutrality. However, we  disagree with practices that impair international trade, 
especially unilateral, unjustified practices and measures that harm Members' interests in their export 
markets. We agree with the European Union that the WTO's effectiveness has been eroded in recen t 
years, manifested in the delay in reforming the dispute settlement system and in the stalemate of 
the negotiations on many vital issues, "basically agriculture." The erosion of effectiveness in 
achieving its goals could also be attributed to the unfortun ate decline, until before MC12, in the 
Organization's role as a significant contributor to development. The unresolved implementation -
related matters since the Uruguay round, the ineffectiveness of most of the S&DT provisions and 
flexibilities in various a greements, and the existence of imbalances in the rights and obligations in 
current Agreements, are all among the crucial reasons why the WTO witnessed a retreat from playing 
its influential role. This has manifested itself in the small and somewhat declin ing share of most 
African countries in international trade (Africa's share stands at 3 per cent of global merchandise 
trade) with a highly concentrated trade structure. According to UNCTAD, developing countries' share 
in world exports stagnated for about e ight years between 2013 and 2021. LDCs' share in world 
exports of goods and services hovered around 1 per cent since 2011 and stood at 0.93 per cent in 
2021. More specifically, there are issues in the EU submission for which we may seek clarification 
from the EU delegation and maybe from all of us: (i) how can we, in practical terms, reinvigorate 
the role of the deliberative function in facing current challenges? (ii) To what extent could the 
deliberative function produce the needed policy space, especially  for the most vulnerable, in the face 
of those challenges? (iii) How could the deliberative function address the issue of development? (iv) 
Still on development, could we find synergies between the ideas contained in the African Group 
submission on policy space and industrialization and the ideas presented in section 2.1 of the EU 
document on "Trade policy and state interventions in support of industrial sectors". (v) What is the 
EU definition of "non-binding instruments " that need to be developed to facili tate the implementation 
of existing trade agreements? (vi) How and in what form could the reinvigoration of the deliberative 
function act as a bridge towards possible rule -making? And why has the EU limited this to "issues 
not yet sufficiently addressed by  the WTO ", with special reference to climate change and 
environment? It is unclear to us, weather section 2.1 intends to focus reforming of the deliberative 
function only to issues relating to climate transition, environmental goals, enhanced transparency 
and measures to tackle the negative spill -overs of subsidies. If so, how could the EU explain that 
those issues are directly relevant to industrialization in developing countries and LDCs, in a manner 
that could eventually contribute to our short -term deve lopment objectives? Could issues relevant to 
transfer of technology and trade finance be explored under this section and become priority among 
others?  
2.141.   Section 2.2 is dedicated to trade and global environmental challenges, we are advocates of 
just climate mitigation and adaption actions. However, we believe the way this section is drafted 
implies that the deliberative function should be reformed to focus on those issues only, with a 
possibility of "rulemaking " to address them. This overrides the frequent ca lls and proposals from 
developing country Members to address matters of priority to them, including on the implementation 
of the S&DT provisions, and the various development related mandates that came from Ministers 
since the Doha Round. In addition, this section does not make any reference or link to the ongoing 
work related to climate change in other relevant international fora, notably UNFCCC and its Paris WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  Agreement. We believe that any discussion on this matter in the WTO should be strongly linked to 
what is being discussed in the framework of the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement and should build 
on its core principles of equity and CBDR. With regard to section 2.3 on inclusiveness, it is not clear 
to us how the WTO deliberative function could tackle inclu siveness and the social dimension, which 
varies from one Member to another based on its legal, cultural and demographic structures. Having 
said that, we see the need to reinvigorate the deliberative function in matters related to improving 
the current flex ibilities and provide the necessary policy space to promote industrial development in 
a way that serves the desired goal, which is the WTO's effective contribution to achieving 
development for Members.  
2.142.   The representative of Mauritius  delivered the followin g statement:  
2.143.   We associate ourselves with the statements made by the African Group and the ACP Group. 
While the two -day informal meeting gave us an opportunity to identify and to reflect on the 
challenges that the WTO is faced with in ensuring that developm ent remains at the centre of all our 
work, we should now move to substantive work with clear timelines. For instance, the upcoming 
discussions and the second wave of negotiations on fisheries subsidies should clearly formulate the 
development dimension and  should ensure that the social and economic sustainability of developing 
countries, including small island developing states like Mauritius, are clearly taken care of. This 
would help in addressing an important aspect of inclusivity that we always refer to  and have 
identified as a major weakness. Such an approach needs to pervade discussions across the 
organisation and in all negotiations. Furthermore, effective S&DT and policy space should always 
run hand -in-hand with disciplines being negotiated. It shoul d be acknowledged that we are not all 
at the same development level and that some of us need to be supported and provided with 
flexibilities to allow us to smoothly integrate the global value chain. Otherwise, we will remain on 
the side -line of any benefit  of international trade. We also take this opportunity to thank both India 
and the EU for their respective proposals. Our capital is still analysing the proposals and we look 
forward to engaging into substantive discussions at future meetings. At this stag e, we wish to 
express our agreement with India on the fact that development is a cross -cutting issue and should 
be addressed at all levels. We also agree with the EU the that the deliberative function of the WTO 
should be reinvigorated and should become mo re inclusive. In addition, we need to take account of 
the fact that we are yet to have a level -playing field. We should also acknowledge that certain issues 
are already being dealt with by specialized agencies and any duplication should be avoided. 
Further more, it should be kept in mind that small and developing Members have capacity constraints 
and limited means and we should not be further constrained by new measures that are beyond our 
means to be complied with.  
2.144.   The representative of the Republic of Kore a delivered the following statement:  
2.145.    Turning to WTO reform, we are grateful to India for its submission. As mentioned at the 
TNC last week, we support the CTD to serve  as the focal point for promoting development agenda 
and for supplementing the work amon g WTO bodies. As development is a cross -cutting issue, 
progress therein can help resolve stalemate at the various WTO bodies. We look forward to 
constructively engaging with Members on ways to enhance coordination in practical ways. My 
delegation believes that the substance for consideration should be the main focus than the formality 
or venue and be directed in a way to contribute to the multilateral trading system. In this vein, 
working towards a tangible outcome on helping smooth transition of LDC gradua ted countries before 
MC13 would be desirable. My delegation is open to discuss S&DTs that are not blanket exemptions 
or waivers but reflect specific needs of developing Members based on facts and empirical evidence 
of their impact. While we are  ready  to engage in serious discussions, we hope that all Members share 
the common understanding that  the WTO, as a rules based multilateral trading organization , has 
proved its effectiveness in achieving the goal of development, enhancing the livelihood and economic 
prosperity of people , as mentioned in the preamble of the Marrakesh Agreement. With regard to the 
communication from the EU, the deliberative function is the heart of the WTO, pumping blood to all 
corners of the Organization to allow Members to actively interact with one another. In today 's world, 
climate change has become the most challenging agenda , which needs deliberation in all 
governments and international organizations. In the context of the WTO, climate change -related 
policies, such as su bsidies, state intervention and border adjustment regulation also need to be 
thoroughly deliberated not to be in conflict with WTO rules. Therefore, we strongly support the idea 
to revitalize and speed up our deliberations on these issues. In addition, I b elieve there are two 
issues which requires concurrent consideration by Members. One is that a simple violation of WTO 
rules should be the subject of WTO dispute settlement process and the mere fact that there is WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  deliberation at the WTO should not be used a s any justification for disguised unilateral trade 
restrictive measures. The second  is that if there is a need to upgrade or complement the rulebook, 
we urge Members to strongly commit ourselves to the deliberation and negotiation process and, at 
the same time, to show the same strength of commitment to refraining from unilateral actions in 
the meanwhile.  
2.146.   The representative of Malaysia  delivered the following statement:  
2.147.   We are facing a very challenging period, with a lot of uncertainties. Hence, it is 
under standable that in recent years, Members are exploring new measures in safeguarding their 
respective national interest. In ensuring all these new measures are consistent with the WTO 
obligations, it is crucial for us to restore the fully functioning dispute  settlement system, including 
the appointment of Appellate Body members. Malaysia believes this is the most urgent matter and 
requires special attention of the membership, as it reflects the credibility of this house. Malaysia 
would also like to stress its  views on the importance of the development agenda in the WTO system, 
which should remain an integral part of WTO reform. We should recognize that the need of each 
Member is unique, hence, S&DT must be a crucial element and to be embedded in the current an d 
future agreements. Malaysia takes note on the well -thought proposals by India and the EU, which 
deserve further deliberation by Members. In this regard, we believe that Members should prioritize 
our effort to address the mandated issues, while some eleme nts in the communications could be a 
reference to close the existing gaps.    
2.148.   On the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce, Malaysia appreciates the continuous 
engagement and exchange of best practices in this forum. We believe this initiative will be able  to 
bridge the understanding and build convergence. On the moratorium, while acknowledging the 
complexity of this issue, Malaysia views it is important for WTO to give a positive signal to the 
business community and public society at large. Malaysia is loo king forward to engaging 
constructively with other Members between now and MC13, and work closely towards achieving 
meaningful outcomes for MC13.  
2.149.   The representative of Ecuador  delivered the following statement:  
2.150.   My delegation wishes to reiterate its appreciation for the Informal meeting on WTO reform 
focused on development . The effective participation of the Facilitators and the Chair person  of the 
Committee on Trade and Development was key to building a framework o f reforms that takes 
onboard the expectations of all Members.  My delegation thanks  India for its proposal. The role of 
the Committee on Trade and Development is a key matter for all Members, and I would like to 
acknowledge the constructive approach of the proposal. On trade and development, it is appropriate 
to recall the importance of activating the already existing Monitoring Mechanism . This is a valuable 
platform established by the Bali Ministerial Conference to assess existing provisions in this area, 
identifying areas that need to be activated or improved.  My delegation also wishes to thank the 
European Union for its proposal to strengthen the deliberative function. The three areas of work, 
together with the issue of the dispute settlement system, are u ndoubtedly key for addressing  WTO 
reform. We take note of the European Union's paper, which indicates that these areas are open to 
other issues . This  seems appropriate as it is not closed to consideration of topics such as unilateral 
distortions, such as agricultural subsidies, which have special significance for a number of developing 
country Members . The proposals under consideration, including the t opics raised by the African 
Group, are being analysed  in detail.  Several Members are contributing with suggestions for a 
structured, inclusive and transparent dialogue on reform in the various areas.  In closing, and to 
ensure  the participation of all Membe rs, but particularly developing country Members , we would like 
to refer Members to  JOB/CTG/21, which was presented by Ecuador, Paraguay, Argentina, Colombia 
and Uruguay to the  Council for Trade in Goods. The paper identifies specific challenges and areas 
for action and offers practical suggestions for consideration. In the long run, we believe that 
decisions on these points can contribute substantially to the participation of Members, can facilitate 
consensus  building , and in the same vein , the effective wo rk of the Organization.  
2.151.   The representative of Thailand  delivered the following statement:  
2.152.   Chair, I particularly thank you for your report on the General Council's work on WTO reform, 
which we find very useful, and we fully support the tracks of work that y ou have proposed. We also 
thank Ambassador Castillo (Honduras) for agreeing to help in the future. While our priorities in WTO WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  reform issue lie with the dispute settlement and also development issues, I would like to focus on 
one aspect that is arising fro m the EU paper. I thank both India and the EU for their proposals. The 
EU paper was very well presented, but it is so condensed with new ideas and a lot of things that you 
have to read carefully. I would like to touch on comments that I read and have the i mpression are 
from the EU paper as well as from the African paper, which are about subsidies. It seems that many 
Members think about subsidies as the first solution to solve climate issues and other issues, including 
national securities. I would like to hi ghlight that even though Thailand will be inclined to use subsidies 
to address climate change and environmental issues as well. We are fearful that if this issue is left 
unchecked, the use of subsidies as a trade measure to address emerging problems may be come 
another race to the bottom. The richer countries can support more than the poorer countries. 
Therefore, we have to be careful when we think of subsidies as a solution to these problems. This is 
the only matter that I wish to address at this point, but  we will be happy to engage with other 
Members to find a proper way of using subsidies to address these issues. Finally, there are many 
state intervention measures that can help Members eliminate or address climate change. We have 
transfer of technology, c apacity building and providing greater access to environmentally friendly 
products for developing countries in order to help them with the climate issue. So, I would like to 
urge fellow Members to think about this beyond subsidies.  
2.153.   The representative of Viet Nam  delivered the following statement:   
2.154.   The restoration of a fully functioning dispute settlement mechanism, in particular the 
Appellate Body, to provide security and predictability to the multilateral trading system is Viet Nam's 
utmost priority in th e implementation of the MC12 outcome. In this regard we reiterate our support 
for the joint proposal of over 100 Members to launch the Appellate Body appointment process, which 
can be in parallel with the DS reform discussion. Furthermore, given the deadli ne of 2024 for the DS 
reform, we call for speeding up the process of mainstreaming with either the General Council or the 
DSB. Concerning the Informal meeting on WTO reform focused on development, Viet Nam highly 
appreciates the usefulness of the arrangeme nts made to ensure transparency as well as open and 
inclusive discussions. It is well noted in all of the facilitators' summaries, as well as the GC Chair's 
report today, that S&DT is an integral part of the WTO Agreements and outcomes. Developing 
country and LDC Members can avail themselves through the principle of self -determination to ensure 
they can assume and implement Agreements commensurate to their level of development. In the 
context of emerging and urgent new challenges and opportunities for the m ultilateral trading system 
and considering that development is cross -cutting, we support the idea of mainstreaming 
development in the work of all WTO bodies, including the General Council and its subsidiary bodies. 
We see the merit in India's proposal and wish to add support to opening the discussions on how best 
to ensure well informed consideration and coherence of development issues at the WTO. We thank 
the EU for bringing up the topic of reinforcing the deliberative function of the WTO to respond to 
global trade policies. We are of the view that it is timely to start this discussion topic in the framework 
of WTO reform with an aim of optimizing the functioning and usefulness of all WTO bodies, where 
possible, in the context of a changing trade policy lan dscape. However, it necessitates a stocktake 
of resources available in the WTO, channels of cooperation for the three thematic areas and the 
readiness of different groups of Members to meaningfully engage in this new exercise. We remain 
engaged with Member s on this issue.  
2.155.   The representative of Plurinational State of Bolivia  delivered the following statement:   
2.156.   We welcome  the report that was presented. Development for us is the essence of our 
Organization. We thank India for its proposal. We agree on the impo rtance of strengthening the CTD 
and the issue of development in our deliberations, while respecting each WTO body's function. We 
would like to support, as indicated by Paraguay, efforts to address the challenges faced by landlocked 
developing countr y Membe rs. We also wish to thank the European Union for its proposal. It is still 
being considered in capital, but we agree, for example, on the importance of our Organization 
contributing to the fight against climate change, without disregarding the agreements a lready 
adopted in other forums and respecting the principle of CBDR . Likewise, we note the importance for 
us of promoting the transfer of technology and knowledge to advance the efforts of developing 
countries. We believe that the WTO reform process can focus its efforts on the development of our 
Members, a  priority for our people  now more than ever in  times of multiple crises.  We all agree that 
a serious and dedicated discussion should be initiated, reflecting the interests of Members  on an 
equal footing. On this understanding, we believe that for the process to be credible and fruitful, it 
must envisage effecti ve measures to ensure the participation of all Members  based on the principles WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  of inclusiveness and transparency, with sufficient time to consult our capitals, as well as by holding  
regular briefings to provide opportunities for all Members to be part of t his process.  
2.157.   The representative of Kazakhstan  delivered the following statement:   
2.158.   Let me start by bidding  farewell to departing colleagues , particularly to my dear friend 
Ambassador  Cheryl Spencer  (Jamaica) . I would like to thank her for all the contributi ons that she 
has made to the work of the WTO  and, in particular , to the agreements achieved at MC12. I think 
without her Minister's and her own contribution, it would not  be possible to have the provision , which 
we are discussing today on WTO reform in the  MC12 Outcome D ocument , as well as the fishery 
subsidies agreement. I wish her all the best in her future endeavours. With regards to reform, I 
thank India and the European Union for their submissions on how to enhance the role of the 
Committee  on Trade an d Development , as well as on the enhancement of the deliberative function 
of the WTO. Chair, under your leadership, into the implementation of paragraph 3  of the MC12 
Outcome D ocument, we participated in two retreats. We found the discussions , which we had during 
these retreats, open, constructive and useful and there were two key takeaways. First, development 
and how to mainstream development issues as a cross -cutting theme into the multilateral agenda , 
in particular in the multilateral negoti ations. I believe that at this stage we need to focus on the 
architecture or modality of future WTO agreements. In the discussions which we had during the 
retreat , some Members were referring to the examples of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, which 
was also echoed and supported by the Director -General at earlier meetings . We believe that we have 
to continue in this mode  of very focused discussions and not waste time in order to  find solutions by 
MC13. The second point which was the major takeaway  is the restoration of  a fully functional WTO 
dispute settlement system . The first issue, particularly on development, I would like to mention that 
it is important to address development -related issues in order to overcome the deep divide , which 
we face today and w hich we faced very much at the preparations for MC12 between positions of 
Members, with regards to any of the issues. We can see that across all themes. I believe that  the 
way in which we will address these two important key issues  will be instrumental to  the success of 
WTO reform and the future of this Organization.  
2.159.   The representative of Zimbabwe  delivered the following statement:   
2.160.   We align ourselves with the statement made by the African Group, the ACP Group and the 
LDC Group. We thank India for the commu nication, and we fully support the constructive proposals 
contained therein, especially the proposal that the CTD should take up the role of focal point for the 
purposes of coordinating and consolidating development -related deliberations across the WTO 
bodies, as a kind of a clearing house, as we heard from a colleague. There is a clear logic in this 
proposal and as India pointed out, there was no objection at the conclusion of the informal meeting 
held in February. There was consensus that development must  remain at the core of WTO 
negotiations and activities. Our colleague from India spoke for many, the majority in fact, that 
developing countries and LDCs feel that they have been left out, left behind or just simply left. We 
also thank the EU and for the e xpress willingness to engage constructively towards restoring the 
deliberative function of the WTO. We support the call for a deeper level of engagement, in both 
formal and informal formats, we would propose to allow us to better understand each other and to 
continue in the spirit that was so refreshingly evident during the informal meeting. The three areas 
highlighted in the EU paper certainly feature prominently among the priorities of developing 
countries, (i) the need for a fully functioning dispute set tlement mechanism system; (ii) the nexus 
between trade policy and (iii) the various forms of state intervention, including if I understood 
correctly, the issue of subsidies which continue to seriously distort the global trading system. Our 
assumption, inde ed, our expectation, is that the subsidies referred to by the EU do actually include 
agricultural subsidies. We echo Australia and others, when they stressed the urgent need to address 
these ever -growing subsidies and the ever -growing distortion they injec t into global trade. We note 
the EU's emphasis on inclusiveness and, to the extent that this refers to a more effective integration 
of developing and least -developed countries into the global trading system, we can engage. In this 
regard, and to once again  echo India, the summary outcome document from our Informal meeting 
on WTO reform focused on development could be an insightful and instructive reference text.  
2.161.   The representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  delivered the following statement:  
2.162.   The Kingdo m of Saudi Arabia is committed to the reform process. WTO reform is essential 
for this Organization to remain relevant and capable in responding to present and future challenges. 
We believe that having a fully functional dispute settlement system should re main top priority in the WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  reform process by first overcoming the current impasse of Appellate Body appointments and second 
by building on the momentum of MC12 where our Ministers agreed to conduct discussions with a 
view to having a fully and well -functioni ng dispute settlement system accessible to all Members by 
2024. Saudi Arabia believes also that development issues should be at the centre of reform. In 
addition, the recognition of that extensive commitments that Article XII Members have undertaken 
at the  time of their accession should be taken into account as we prepare for MC13. Let me close by 
welcoming the process that has taken place on the joint statement initiatives. We would also like to 
express our commitment to advance work in these areas. The Ki ngdom of Saudi Arabia stands ready 
to engage actively and work constructively with Members for a successful MC13.  
2.163.   The representative of Kyrgyz Republic  delivered the following statement:  
2.164.   Turning to reform, we would like to thank the EU and India for their submissions on the role 
of the CTD. We have sent these documents to our capital, and we will engage constructively in future 
discussions. For the Kyrgyz Republic , as a landlocked country and a small economy, we are 
interested in the discussion of the devel opment aspects of WTO reform with focus on strengthening 
S&DT for developing countries, especially in terms of granting longer time periods for implementing 
agreements and commitments. We wish to increase trading opportunities for small and vulnerable 
economies as well as strengthening provisions requiring all WTO Members to safeguard the trade 
interests of developing countries, especially of those developing countries, which have unfavourable 
geological conditions and face other barriers on the way to inte grating into global supply chains. The 
Kyrgyz Republic  will be also joining the discussions on supportive measures to help developing 
country Members build the infrastructure to undertake WTO work, handle disputes and implement 
technical standards.  
2.165.   The representative of India delivered the following the statement:  
2.166.   I would wish to remove some of the apprehensions. If we go through the submission, we 
were guided by four things. The first one is the terms of reference of the CTD and that is contained 
in document WT/L/46. The second one, again is the decision by General Council on 31 January 1995. 
Again, that is not new, it is the same document. The third one was the MC9 decision, which some of 
our colleagues have referred to, contained in WT /MIN(13)/45. The fourth were the deliberations, 
which you piloted as informal discussions. During those discussions, we got encouraged that 
misgivings or confusion about the implementation of the earlier three are getting clarified, ratified 
and we are on a consensus t o move ahead on this. Therefore, this proposal, in paragraphs 5 and 6, 
has explained and answered the apprehensions raised by Members. It is not taking away the rights 
or obligations of any of the existing WTO bodies, it very clearly reiterates that. In pa ragraph 7, we 
have given the way ahead, so we are willing to engage, and again, I would like at the end, to remove 
any misgivings that this is to usurp upon the powers of any of the WTO bodies, it is only to 
coordinate. As was said by some of our colleague s, the focal point must be the custodian of some of 
the information, which can work as institutional memory.  
2.167.   The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
2.168.   We thank the Members for their comments on the EU communication and hav e listened to 
them carefully and with great interest. We are happy to note that there seems to be an overall 
interest in reinvigorating the deliberative function. In particular, there seems to be considerable 
interest in enhanced deliberation in the Commit tee on Trade and Environment and the Committee 
on Trade and Development. A number of Members have also expressed interest to deepen 
engagement on the issues on state intervention and inclusiveness even if of course we have taken 
due note of the variety of views expressed. As a number of Members are still reviewing the 
submission, we will not comment on the various views expressed today but would like to clarify a 
few points. We are not seeking to negotiate rules; as set out clearly in our paper, we propose to 
deliberate on the three areas identified. The European Union has no intention to put aside discussions 
on agricultural subsidies. the European Union has actually been contributing constructively to the 
latter discussions. There is therefore no need to r ead between the lines - just read the lines. At this 
stage, we would like to share a few thoughts on process and fora for deliberation in the three 
thematic areas. We will continue outreach and discussions with Members. We will discuss with the 
new General  Council Chair how to organize the further process. If considered useful, we would be 
willing to participate in informal consultations on this between now and the next General Council 
meeting. We see the various papers submitted to the General Council have  certain commonalities 
and we will study them in more detail. As for the development and environment tracks, the CTD and WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  the CTE should have a central role in enhanced deliberations. As to the topics for these deliberations, 
the EU has made some suggestion s and we will start contributing at the upcoming committee 
meetings. We also encourage Members to start feeding these Committees with topics for 
deliberation. The incoming CTD and CTE Chairs could also hold consultations. On state intervention 
in industria l policies, the proposed 'dedicated space' does not yet exist, but discussions could 
continue in the next General Council. We are open to engaging on how dedicated discussions on the 
topic could be organi zed. There could also be discussions in the Subsidie s Committee and CTE where 
appropriate. On inclusiveness, we have proposed discussions in the General Council and the CTD. 
The General Council in May could, for example, come back on how to take the work on distributional 
impacts of trade forward. We have t aken due note that a number of Members are still considering 
our communication. We look forward to engaging with them and all other Members. But we thought 
it would be useful to already share where our thinking is in terms of possible way forward, which we  
are also ready to further discuss.  
2.169.   The Chair noted that  with MC13 in sight, WTO reform remain ed a high priority for the 
Organization and for its future. He encourage d all delegations to continue to engage constructively , 
noting that the discussion clearl y demonstrated  that the development dimension was of importan ce 
to Members , that there appeared to be unanimous readiness to continue the discussion on this 
matter , and that  the CTD was going to play an important role in this regard. He further noted the 
preliminary q uestions and comments to the  communications from India and the EU  and encouraged 
the proponents to continue their engagement  with Members , with a view to  devise a way to bring 
this discussion forward.  
2.170.   The General Council took note  of the report by the Chair and of all the statements made 
under this sub -item. 
2.171.   The Director -General  I just have another nice announcement. Whilst we were sitting here, I 
got a co mmunication from the Seychelles. The first African country to ratify the Fisheries Subsidies 
Agreement. I just thought I would share that so the ball is rolling.  
(ii) Work Programme on Electronic Commerce  – Report by the Facilitator  
2.172.   The Chair  invite d Ambassador Usha Dwarka -Canabady (Mauritius) , as Facilitator,  to provide 
an update on th e process concerning the E-Commerce Work Programme and Moratorium.  
2.173.   Ambassador Usha Dwarka -Canabady (Mauritius), Facilitator for the E-Commerce Work 
Programme and Morator ium, delivered the following statement7: 
2.174.   I welcome this opportunity to provide an update of activities under the Work Programme 
since my last report to the General Council in December 2022 (JOB/GC/330). As announced on that 
occasion, in January, I circulated a thematic calendar of meetings for th e first part of 2023. Since 
then, we have held two Dedicated Discussions: one on 26 January on consumer protection, and the 
second on 21 February on the digital divide. For both of these sessions, I encouraged Members to 
share their experiences and indicat e their views on the role that the WTO can play, either alone or 
in collaboration with other intergovernmental organizations on this issue. Let me note that, 
generally, Members welcomed the exchange of experience as a positive contribution to the broader 
discussion on e -commerce and specifically to the reinvigoration of the Work Programme as per the 
MC12 Decision. I am pleased to report that the level of attendance and participation in both sessions 
was positively high, and I hope this will be the same in t he upcoming sessions. Indeed, both meetings 
went beyond the originally scheduled timeframe, so we are considering allocating more time for the 
next Dedicated Discussions, if necessary.  
2.175.   At each meeting, many delegations intervened, with some speaking on be half of groups of 
Members, thus covering a significant share of the Membership and yielding perspectives from across 
the geographical and developmental spectrum. I think this is important because it speaks to 
Members' commitment to these discussions and al lows us to see more clearly what Members' 
collective priorities are. In preparations for the meetings, some delegations presented written 
submissions on the respective topics. I wish to emphasise that Members' contributions, in any form, 
are extremely valu able to focus our discussions. So, let me take this opportunity to thank those 
 
7 The Facilitator's statement was subsequently circulate d in document JOB/GC/338.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  delegations that have provided such inputs, as well as those who have indicated that they are 
working to provide further, more detailed contributions.  Given the wealth of inform ation shared, and 
the importance of keeping a record of our discussion, at the first Dedicated Discussion, delegations 
requested the Secretariat to prepare minutes of these meetings. I am pleased to report that these 
have been circulated in WT/GC/WPEC/M/1.  The second set of minutes should be available by the 
end of this week. Chair, allow me to now highlight some of the main points raised at each of the two 
Dedicated Discussions held thus far.  
2.176.   In January, Members discussed consumer protection and considered  a submission by India, 
which was first introduced at the December General Council meeting (WT/GC/W/857). Several 
delegations shared the challenges they faced as well as their respective national and regional 
approaches to addressing online consumer protec tion. Overall, delegations noted the importance of 
online consumer protection in building trust in e -commerce. They saw merit in deepening multilateral 
engagement on this issue and noted the importance of cooperation, both amongst Members and 
with other st akeholders. Many delegations noted that the WTO was well placed to bring together 
relevant actors, including intergovernmental organizations, to share experiences and broaden the 
discussion.  
2.177.   In February, discussions focused on the digital divide. Given it s broad nature, I encouraged 
delegations to be specific about the issues to be addressed by the WTO.  Two written submissions 
were received as inputs to the discussion: one by India on the Role of Digital Public Infrastructure 
in Promoting E -Commerce (WT/GC /W/863) and another by the OECS  on Experience Sharing from 
the OECS on E -Commerce Development Challenges (RD/GC/19). Members shared their experiences 
and identified the challenges they faced in developing their digital capacity. It was particularly 
encoura ging to hear from regional groupings, including the Pacific Group, the African Group, the 
LDCs, the ACP and CARICOM.  Some of the issues mentioned included: poor connectivity, outdated 
or low -level physical and digital infrastructure, affordability issues, inadequate digital financial 
services, deficiencies in digital literacy and skills, issues related to access and use of technology, and 
the lack of a legal and regulatory framework, including for consumer and data protection. 
Delegations noted the need to promote digital inclusion for the benefit of all, including MSMEs, 
indigenous peoples, women, the elderly, and rural communities. It was also acknowledged that the 
COVID -19 pandemic had amplified some of these challenges and addressing them had now become 
urgent.  Delegations generally agreed that the WTO had an important role to play in addressing the 
digital divide. There was emphasis on the role that Aid for Trade and the WTO's Institute for Training 
and Technical Cooperation (ITTC) can play in supporting  Members' efforts. In addition, as was 
mentioned at the previous meeting, suggestions were made to use WTO's convening power to invite 
relevant international organizations, private sector, and/or other stakeholders to discuss this topic 
and to explore the availability of technical assistance and training opportunities.  
2.178.   In my concluding remarks and based on what I had heard at both sessions, I explored 
Members' interest in organizing workshops with international agencies on specific issues raised in 
these D edicated Discussions, starting with consumer protection. As I did not hear any objections to 
this suggestion, we will plan accordingly, and will inform delegations in due course. I also intend to 
meet with the incoming Chairs of the CTS, CTG, TRIPS Council , and CTD to better coordinate our 
work under the Work Programme.  The next Dedicated Discussions are scheduled as follows: 
Wednesday, 22 March, on legal and regulatory framework, and Thursday, 20 April, on the 
moratorium.  Looking further ahead, I would lik e to urge delegations to start thinking about where 
these conversations should take us; in particular, what kind of message we want to send to Ministers 
at MC13, on both the moratorium and the Work Programme. This kind of reflection would contribute 
to foc using our engagement in the latter part of the year as we move closer to MC13. I believe that 
I should be in a position at the next General Council meeting to report on our post -April work plan.  
As facilitator, I remain ready to consult further with any d elegation or groups of Members.  
2.179.   The Chairman  then offered the floor to South Africa and India to introduce item 7 on 
'Rejuvenation of Work Programme on Electronic Commerce and Moratorium on Imposing Customs 
Duties on Electronic Transmissions'. He also invi ted India to present its communication contained in 
WT/GC/W/863 titled 'Role of Digital Public Infrastructure in Promoting E -Commerce'.  
2.180.   The representative of South Africa  delivered the following statement:  
2.181.   The e -commerce landscape has become increasingly dynamic and complex as digital 
transformation has accelerated . New players have emerged at the same time that established actors WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  have taken on new roles and new business models have transformed buyer -seller relationships and 
pushed out the fro ntier of what is possible to buy and sell online. Above all, new opportunities have 
arisen to unlock the potential of e -commerce to boost growth and well -being. However, what is clear 
is that the gains from the growing global e -commerce will not be automat ic for developing countries. 
This will require strategic interventions at all levels, including at the national and international levels. 
In the context of the polycrisis, policy and fiscal space will be required by the developing world to 
rebuild their ec onomies and revive their declining trade competitiveness and falling exports, 
including in relation to e -commerce.  
2.182.   We recognize the importance of e -commerce in an increasingly digitalizing world . However , 
we also recognize the importance of broadening its  benefits, especially for developing countries, 
hence the importance of the Work Programme. E -commerce has implications for developing 
countries including in relation to the use of tariffs to protect domestic industries and promote digital 
industrializatio n. Revenue implications continues to be a concern of developing countries as Members 
are at different levels of dependence on tariff revenues to finance their budgets and provide public 
goods and services. The asymmetries associated with digital divide bec ame starkly apparent during 
the COVID -19 pandemic when the differences in capacities of Members were demonstrated. The lack 
of common understanding on the scope and definition of electronic transmissions  is also an issue of 
concern as it can result in lega l and regulatory uncertainties for firms participating in cross -border 
e-commerce.  
2.183.   We welcome the thematic sessions Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady  has organi zed and the 
contribution of Members in these discussions.  The Work Programme on E lectronic C ommerce sta tes 
that the General Council shall play a central role in the whole process and keep the work programme 
under continuous review through a standing item on its agenda. In view of the need to deepen the 
discussion on all the trade -related aspects of e -commer ce in accordance with the mandate and in 
view of the work of the Facilitator which will continue through these thematic sessions, it is 
recommended that the Work Programme be a standing item under the G eneral Council  and the 
Facilitator reports through thi s item on her activities and any progress made.  Importantly, the 
discussion must explore ways of enhancing the participation of developing countries, including LDCs , 
in electronic commerce not only as consumers but also meaningful participants as producers  so as 
to broaden the benefits and promote a development and inclusive approach to e -commerce. 
Similarly, the E -commerce Work Programme should be a standing item in the relevant WTO bodies 
given the mandate as set out in WT/L/274. We also recommend that th e General Council in its July 
2023 meeting which would be just over a year after MC12,  undertake a review of the discussions in 
the mandated bodies to examine progress made.  
2.184.   Let me now take the opportunity to thank India for its communication on digital pu blic 
infrastructure. It contributed to a rich discussion at the dedicated discussion on the digital divide 
held on 21 February. As noted by the Africa Group, C ARICOM  and OECS, the digital divide is a 
fundamental issue. Further sessions are required to enab le full ventilation of salient issues.  The 
challenges raised by India on issues limiting adoption of e -commerce are worth considering. To us , 
these highlight the importance of government regulations to address winner takes most market 
dynamics and the use of algorithms by digital platforms in ways that disadvantage small entities  – 
as well as the importance of infrastructure and policy space to promote digital industriali zation so 
that developing countries participate in a meaningful way.  Importantly, natio nal data laws must 
ensure that data is a tool for development through data sovereignty. This does not preclude the 
sharing of data but it must be in ways that allow those that generate it to benefit since digital data 
has become a new economic resource for  creating and capturing value for digital transformation.  
2.185.   The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
2.186.   We have already spoken about the work being done in the Dedicated Session of the General 
Council . In the most recent Dedicated Session on the digital divide, we presented our paper in 
WT/GC/W/ 863 on digital infrastructure on promoting e -commerce. India is a vast country with 1.4 
billion people . We faced issues with the digital divide as well and therefo re we decided , maybe seven  
or eight years back , to have a different approach which is not completely dependent on the market 
forces but provides for the basic infrastructure for that sector to grow. In this approach, there was 
true democratization of techn ology and its use that we are seeing now. Digital Public Infrastructure 
refers to specific kinds of digital systems which have society -wide use and are interoperable. That is 
the ability to combine with others and additional systems allowing them to be bui lt upon to create 
new application use cases. The aspect of "public " in Digital Infrastructure means that it has the WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  classic characteristics of "non-excludability " and "non-rivalrousness ". "Non-excludability " means that 
it is not possible to exclude any ind ividual from using the infrastructure and "non-rivalrous " means 
that one's use of the infrastructure does not affect its availability for others. Finally , as per the 1998 
mandate contained in document WT/L/ 274, we call upon other mandated bodies including CTG, CTS, 
Council for TRIP S and CTD to also include this matter  as a standing item on their agenda.  
2.187.   The representative of New Zealand  delivered the following statement:  
2.188.   New Zealand continue s to be very appreciative for the significant wor k on this matter b y the 
Facilitator and also all of those Members engaging in the work. We just want to very briefly reiterate 
the importance that New Zealand places on the e -commerce moratorium. We also reiterate our 
desire to work with other Members to address any outstan ding concerns they may have in relation 
to the moratorium and we hope to do that well in advance of the next Ministerial meeting.  
2.189.   The representative of the United States , speaking under Agenda Items 2 .A.(II)  and 7 , 
delivered the following statement:  
2.190.   The United States appreciate s the work done by Ambassador Usha Dwarka -Canabady in 
facilitating important work on e -commerce , and the efforts of India and the OECS their written 
submissions that helped inform the recent d iscussions on online consumer protection and the digital 
divide.  We will continue to collaborate with developing country Members to help identify areas of 
broad interest to the Membership to include in this reinvigorated work program me, and look forward 
to future discussions, including on the importance of the moratorium.  In our view, the moratorium 
on customs duties on electronic transmissions has helped enable the rapid growth of the digital 
economy over the past two decades. Its continuation is critical to support developing countries as 
they expand their presence in the digital economy.  With respect to India 's Digital Public 
Infrastructure paper, the United States joined other Members in discussing this paper during the 
dedicated sessions of the Work Pro gramme. We are unclear as to why the paper is in the General 
Council agenda.  We do not want to give short shrift in the General Council to proposals from other 
Members, and we want to ensure that the dedicated sessions of the Work Program me remain the 
primary forum for our discussions on these topics . 
2.191.   The representative of Cameroon , on behalf of the African Group , delivered the following 
statement:   
2.192.   The African Group appreciate s the work of Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady, one of our own 
for her sterling leadership of the dedicated discussions under the Work Programme on Electronic 
Commerce.  At MC12, Ministers reiterated the call for reinvigoration of the WPEC. For the first time 
in many years, these instructions are being fulfilled under the facilitation of Ambassador Dwarka -
Canabady. The calendar setting out the thematic areas well in advance has assisted Members to 
engage fully, in the dedicated discussions as indicated by many delegations that took the floor during 
the two sessions that have taken place  to date.  We salute this transparent and inclusive process and 
we recommend that WPEC be placed as a standing item on the agenda of the General Council and 
all subsidiary bodies.  We would also like to thank India for its paper on digital public infrastruct ure. 
At the dedicated discussion of 21 February, Members engaged substantively on this issue, including 
other aspects relating to the digital divide. In the interest of time, I refer Members to the extensive 
statement8 delivered by South Africa , on behalf  of the Africa n Group, which will be reflected in the 
minutes of the meeting of the 21 February dedicated discussion . 
2.193.   In closing, allow me to recall our group's observation that to date THAT no comprehensive 
assessment of the developmental impacts of global e -commerce focusing on exports of developing 
countries has been conducted. Such an assessment should outline the exp ort profile of African 
countries and the impact of e -commerce. There is a need to initiate such reports on the impacts of 
global e -commerce on African countries, including country -case studies.  Furthermore, there is a 
need to focus on how to deliver gains from growing global e -commerce to Africa and how to bridge 
the fast -growing digital divide including by building digital capacities in Africa to increase its 
manufacture of digital products. Africa 's ambition is to ensure that the multilateral trading syst em 
supports Africa 's objectives of participating not only as consumers but as producers in the digital 
 
8 The statement delivered by South Africa on behalf of the African Group at the 21 February 2023 
Dedicated Discussion on Electronic Commerce can be found in Paragraphs 1.20 to 1.30 of the minutes of that 
meeting in document WT/GC/ WPEC/M/2 . WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  economy. The clarity on the scope and definition of the e -commerce moratorium remains an issue 
of interest to the Group.   
2.194.   The representative of Trinidad and Tobago , on behalf of the CARICOM Group , speaking under 
Agenda Items 2 .A.(II)  and 7 , delivered the following statement:  
2.195.   The CARICOM Group commends  Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady, for her stewardship of our 
work under the Work Programme. We welcome the new m omentum that has been injected into our 
work and, in this regard, we also thank Members for their interest and engagement during the two 
dedicated discussions we have had to date. From our observations, Members have made full use of 
the time allocated for each of our discussions  on consumer protection and the digital divide, 
respectively, and even so, there is the sense that we are far from exhausting our exploration of 
these topics. As such, we welcome perspectives on how we could better position ourselves  to 
optimi ze our engagement under the Work Programme in the months ahead. We note favourably that 
consideration is being given to allocating more time for each of the upcoming dedicated discussions.  
Our Group has been among those calling for the leveraging of the convening power of the WTO to 
facilitate discussions in this house with relevant stakeholders on electronic commerce. As such, we 
welcome the comments of the Facilitator on this particular fa cet of our work in the period ahead. On 
the digital divide, our discussion on 21 February 2023 was useful, insofar as it provided an 
opportunity to identify our challenges relating to digital infrastructure, digital skills and, broadly 
speaking, various el ements of e -trade readiness. We also took the opportunity to highlight ways in 
which, both at the national and regional levels, efforts are underway to secure progress in bridging 
the digital divide, so that we could better position ourselves to leverage e lectronic commerce for 
sustainable development. In addition, we underscored the importance of international cooperation, 
which also emerged as a key element in the submission from India on digital public infrastructure 
and the experience -sharing submission  from the OECS.  
2.196.   On item 7 of our agenda today, which addresses the submission from India on digital public 
infrastructure, we welcome India 's effort to continue the examination of this subject that we first 
took up in the 21 February dedicated discussion.  It would be recalled that WT/L/274 speaks to our 
consideration of elements relating to the development of infrastructure for e -commerce. Our 
delegations continue to study the submission, but we take this opportunity to acknowledge, once 
again, the evident  scope to deepen our dialogue on this topic.  We note the possibilities highlighted 
in the submission relating to open -source tools, knowledge sharing, interoperability and replication 
with tailoring. For developing countries seeking to build out effective e-commerce ecosystems while 
contending with limited fiscal space and resources, the potential to economi ze on time, cost and 
effort would necessarily be of interest.    
2.197.   In the discussion last month on the digital divide, we also took the opportunity to high light 
ways in which the WTO could strengthen its support on electronic commerce. We called for Aid for 
Trade work to continue to place a spotlight on efforts in respect of trade -related technical assistance 
and capacity -building aimed at bridging the digit al divide. We also sought clarification from the ITTC 
on available support and on possible expansion of this support. In addition, we advised of interest 
within our Group in possible engagement between the WTO and our regional configuration on 
electronic c ommerce, as well as support for the participation of capital -based technical experts in 
our work under the Work Programme. It would be important for our discussions to lead to clarification 
in this regard, and ultimately to enhanced support from the WTO on  e-commerce.  We also wish to 
acknowledge the recently -circulated compilation put together by the Secretariat at the request of 
the CTS. The document collates the experiences shared by Members under the Work Programme in 
that body from February 2021 to date . This is a useful resource which we continue to review.  Finally, 
we reiterate our commitment to this process and welcome the focus on the development dimension 
of our work. We will continue to engage robustly in work under the Work Programme and look 
forward to our upcoming dedicated discussions on legal and regulatory frameworks and on the 
moratorium.  
2.198.   The representative of Canada  delivered the following statement:  
2.199.   We are pleased with the reinvigoration of the Work Programme and by the level of 
participati on by Members. The dedicated session offers an opportunity to deep dive topics of interests 
to Members and increase our overall understanding of the development dimension of e -commerce.  
We agree with the OECS Members that participation from international o rganizations and private 
sector would be valuable. Building on the first semester of our dedicated sessions, we could use the WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  subsequent semester to engage these stakeholders on the same four topics that had been identified. 
This will help to deepen our di scussions.  In support of your leadership, Madam F acilitator, we believe 
we should concentrate our efforts under the dedicated sessions to avoid potential duplication.   
2.200.   The representative of Sri Lanka  delivered the following statement:  
2.201.   Sri Lanka appreciate s all the efforts  of Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady, as Facilitator,  in 
advancing the discussion on e -commerce as mandated by our Ministers at MC12.  We had two 
successful dedicated meetings on consumer protection and digital divide. These dedicated 
discussions were very important for Members to share their experience and challenges relating to 
e-commerce. In this regard, we would like to thank India for its two communications  in 
WT/GC/W/857 on consumer protection and in WT/GC/W/863 on digital public infrastructu re and also 
to the OECS  for their proposal on e -commerce development challenges in RD/GC/19. These 
communications provided Members a good basis to engage in a rich discussion.  Submission by India 
on digital public infrastructure has identified many challen ges and issues limiting the adoption and 
use of e -commerce. Many developing countr y Members  and LDCs elaborated on these challenges 
and issues during our dedicated discussion on digital divide held on 21 February. We should continue 
our discussion on these  challenges and issues in the e -commerce work programme in order to find 
solutions.  We need to have similar dedicated discussions on other important areas also related to e -
commerce in our efforts to reinvigorate the work programme.  Sri Lanka reaffirms its commitment 
to take the E -Commerce Work Programme forward and stand ready to constructiv ely engage.  
2.202.   The representative of Jamaica , speaking under Agenda Items 2 .A.(II)  and 7 , delivered the 
following statement:  
2.203.   We can all agree that t he impact of COVID -19 did not only exacerbate the challenges 
developing countries face in the area of electronic commerce, but also highlighted pre -existing digital 
divides, bottlenecks and deficiencies.  In Jamaica , some of our major challenges include con nectivity, 
limited digital literacy skills and the need for a stronger digital infrastructure. Having gone through 
the COVID -19 experience, Jamaica has been assisting MSMEs, with solutions aimed at increasing e -
commerce. These include the installation of o nline payment systems and other e -commerce facilities . 
We actively participated in the two dedicated discussions held thus far on online consumer protection 
and the digital divide. Both dedicated discussions not only provided a forum for sharing national 
experiences, but we also heard some useful ideas regarding the role of the WTO. We welcome the 
high level of engagement from Members including the submissions from delegations such as India 
and OECS.  
2.204.   One of the main ideas which emerged from our discussion i s the convening role of the WTO 
and the need to pull together relevant stakeholders given the cross -cutting nature of e -commerce.  
As we would have previously stated, we are looking forward to the session to be organized by the 
Facilitator that will includ e various stakeholders. Additionally, Jamaica is of the view that there are 
some tangible steps that can be taken by the WTO to support Members where e -commerce is 
concerned . These include: training of our trade officials and building their capacity to eng age in e -
commerce negotiations in bilateral, regional and multilateral trade negotiations through the ITTC, 
assisting in assessing e -commerce readiness at the domestic  level to effectively engage in 
international trade with the support of Organizations suc h as UNCTAD, ITC and Commonwealth 
Secretariat and support capital -based officials ' travel to Geneva to engage in E -commerce 
negotiations and discussions. On an administrative point, it is important that this issue of the Work 
Programme remains a standing i tem on the agenda of the General Council. In addition to the General 
Council, it is important that there is a structure d workstream of the issue across the four main WTO 
Councils and C ommittee s outlined in the Work Programme: Council for Trade in Services,  Council 
for Trade in Goods, TRIPS Council and the Council for Trade and Development.  
2.205.   On Agenda Item 7, we thank India for its submission on Digital Public Infrastructures (DPI), 
which is a very comprehensive document and provides useful ideas and example s from both 
developed and developing Members . This submission will continue to be studied by our capital, but 
it does have elements which are pertinent to our discussions.  In closing, we look forward to the two 
upcoming sessions that will focus on the lega l issues and the moratorium, and you can be assured 
of Jamaica’s participation and contribution. Jamaica aligns itself with the statement s by CARICOM 
and the ACP Group.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  2.206.   The representative of the United Kingdom  delivered the following statement:  
2.207.   I would like to thank the facilitator for her work and the update just now. We welcome very 
much discussions under the Work Programme so far which are delivering on the mandate from 
MC12. We are pleased to see a high lev el of engagement from all Members, especially developing 
countries and LDCs. The UK has been pleased to share its experience on consumer protection and 
telecommunication policy issues in recent meetings. We think that the Work Programme is a valuable 
Forum  for exchanging information, experience and best practice on key e-commerce policy issues. 
We should explore ways in which we could deepen discussions moving forward, and we very much 
support the facilitator in involving, as has been suggested, other inter national organi zations and 
businesses into Work Programme discussions. We look forward, also, to discussions on the customs 
duty moratorium in April at the meeting of the Work Programme and its well -known, the discussion 
must be focused on the need to move  forward and not backward at MC13.  
2.208.   The representative of Djibouti , on behalf of the LDC Group , speaking under Agenda Items 
2.A.(II)  and 7 , delivered the following statement:  
2.209.   LDCs face serious difficulties in participating properly in e -commerce despite the  progress 
made in this area by very few of them. The fracture is still very important. It is with this in mind 
that the LDCs submitted the communication WT/GC/W/787 in which we refer to some of the 
challenges we face. These are still relevant despite the g rowing participation of LDCs in e -commerce.  
The LDC Group is of the view that Internet access remains a critical hurdle for a successful increase 
in electronic commerce for LDCs.  The coverage varies by LDC.  This is a challenge that cannot be 
addressed in t he two decades of the E -commerce Work Programme. LDCs require assistance in 
building the necessary infrastructure for the Internet and support to improve usage.  The LDC Group 
believes that the WTO has a role to play to collaborate with the relevant institu tions on the divide 
and assist in the necessary awareness of the relationship with building trade capacity on the platform 
and better integrating LDCs into the e -commerce ecosystem.  The LDC Group is working on another 
submission based on its current submis sion in the General Council . The LDC Group also thanks India 
for presenting its submission WT/GC/W/863 on the role of digital public infrastructure programme 
in promoting e -commerce. The Group notes that the submission mentions some of the constraints 
LDCs face in participating in e -commerce.  In the context of our 2019 submission, the LDG Group 
would like to explore further this submission with India.  
2.210.   The representative of Antigua and Barbuda , on behalf of the OECS , delivered the following 
statement:  
2.211.   Regarding the E -Commerce Work Programme, we are very pleased with the work being done 
by Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady. We will remain engaged, including through the submission of 
proposals. At the end of these discussions,  we hope that we can better identify a clearer role for the 
WTO on this topic.  We wish to make particular reference to our room document in RD/GC/19 which 
was circulated to Members ahead of the last dedicated session on the digital divide. Notwithstanding 
the progress made in the OECS in recent years to create a more robust e -commerce and digital 
trade ecosystem, gaps do remain. These gaps relate to national information and communication 
technology infrastructure and accessibility, logistics and delivery, c itizens' readiness for e -
commerce, business readiness for e -commerce, financial and banking ecosystem to support e -
commerce, and e -commerce policy and regulation. Based on a gap index, which we developed in 
the OECS, our region has an e -commerce readiness gap of 74%, a demonstration of the significant 
amount of work which remains to leverage the trade and development benefits of e -commerce for 
our Member States. Across the board, we believe that the WTO can play a useful role, not only with 
respect to the d eliberative function as has been the case under the expert guidance of Ambassador 
Canabady, the WTO can help to foster greater international collaboration and in this regard, use its 
convening power to bring together other inter -governmental bodies and ind ustry players to 
determine what support is available to developing and least developed countries. Such support can 
relate to the conduct of e -readiness assessments, developing legal and regulatory frameworks, and 
other areas. We also see more targeted aid for trade to e -commerce in developing countries and 
LDCs as having significant value. Skill development programs for MSMEs and e -governance are also 
other important areas where support can be targeted. We also thank the distinguished Ambassador 
of South Af rica for the presentation as well as India for its communication on digital public 
infrastructure which we had an opportunity to engage in, during the dedicated session on the digital 
divide. We continue to value the contributions of both India and South A frica on these matters. In 
closing, we once again renew our support for the work of Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady, we are WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  also grateful for the support the Secretariat continues to provide to Members and we look forward 
to achieving meaningful progress on the  e-commerce work programme by MC13.  
2.212.   The representative of Norway  delivered the following statement:  
2.213.   Norway appreciates Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady  for facilitating the discussions on the 
carefully selected and highly relevant topics in the dedicated sessions on the work programme on 
electronic commerce.  We are pleased by the participatory engagement.  In our view we are indeed 
on a good path to reinvigorating the development dimension.  We w ould also like to thank India for 
submitting relevant papers that we have discussed and will continue to discuss in the dedicated 
sessions. As we proceed, we do see the need for more in -depth understanding and focus ed 
discussions within the selected topics – including on the moratorium on imposing custom duties on 
electronic transmissions. We look forward to contributing to that end.  
2.214.   The representative of Switzerland  delivered the following statement:  
2.215.   Switzerland wel comes the decision taken at the Twelfth Ministerial Conference on the Work 
Programme on Electronic Commerce and the extension of the moratorium. Members have thus 
ensured that the WTO remains a relevant forum for trade governance in the 21st century. We 
welcome the launch of dedicated sessions and appreciate  Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady 's excellent 
facilitation. The first two thematic sessions were very informative, and Switzerland appreciates the 
quality of the discussions that took place. In t erms of process, we note that discussion of the topics 
could be more in -depth through a direct dialogue with the organizations concerned and the 
representatives of economic actors. We suggest, however, to hold these dialogues in the month of 
May, once the four topics have been addressed.  We welcome the recent paper presented by India, 
on which we were able to comment during the dedicated session held on 21 February.  Switzerland 
also welcomes other substantial contributions made so far. We believe neverthele ss that the 
dedicated sessions are a more appropriate forum for discussing material issues than the General 
Council. This delegation also considers that having a standing point on the agenda is not necessary 
as the Work Programme and the moratorium are add ressed in the dedicated sessions. Furthermore, 
we note that these matters are also addressed in the Report by the Chair of the General Council on 
the implementation of the decisions of the Ministerial Conferences.  
2.216.   The representative of Brazil , speaking un der Agenda Items 2 .A.(II)  and 7 , delivered the 
following statement:  
2.217.   The experience of sharing initiatives under the Work Programme on E -commerce can provide 
useful inputs for Members that are developing or modernizing their legal and regulatory framework 
on E-commerce. We thank India and the OECS for their submissions, which provided a good basis 
for the exchange of experiences in the first two sessions of the dedicated discussions. Ensuring 
consumer protection and bridging the digital divide have been key drivers of e -commerce 
policymaking in Brazil and we share the view that progress in these areas is vital for Members to 
fully benefit from the impressive growth of e -commerce and digital economy worldwide . Finally, 
Brazil reiterates its commitment to the i mplementation of the MC12 mandate to reinvigorate the 
Work Programme on E -Commerce in line with its development dimension and looks forward to 
continuing to contribute with our experience and perspectives in the next meetings of the dedicated 
discussions o n e-commerce.  
2.218.   The representative of Panama  delivered the following statement : 
2.219.   On the work programme on e -commerce, we acknowledge the work made by Ambassador 
Dwarka -Canabady. We hope to achieve major results at a time when the digital economy, 
technology, and electronic commerce play a key role in the way in which Members trade. It also 
plays a key role in their economic growth. Members should be aware of how important it is to set 
goals in this area. We need something specific after twenty  years of reflect ion. We support the efforts 
made by the Facilitator in this regard and all her work. On the moratorium, Panama believes it should 
be adopted on a permanent basis. It promotes the foreseeability of economic activity for supply 
chains and productive networks . It allows for seamless flows of information, digital data and content 
which are critical to security. It also allows for the transfer of critical technologies for development 
and health services and other forms of international cooperation.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  2.220.   The represent ative of Singapore  delivered the following statement:  
2.221.   Singapore supports the excellent efforts undertaken by Ambassador Usha to reinvigorate 
the Work Programme on E -Commerce. The themes are generally well -chosen and enable Members 
to share experiences and learn from each other 's mistakes and successes. One specific suggestion 
for the future is to identify specific topics from the earlier thematic discussions and conduct deep -
dive discussions with other relevant stakeholders, including intern ational organi zations and private 
sector players. Members must also ride on the strong interests in the Dedicated Sessions to deliver 
concrete outcomes on E -Commerce in the WTO, including extension of the moratorium on customs 
duties on electronic transmis sions. As it is important to gain a deeper understanding of the 
Moratorium 's significance for businesses and consumers, Singapore will be submitting a paper to 
explore the key issues, including the broader cost -benefit analysis, which underpin our discussi ons 
on the Moratorium.  Singapore is likewise grateful for the opportunities to share our digital 
transformation experiences at the Dedicated Sessions. At the next session, we will share our 
experiences in digital economy agreements, and how they can serve as useful frameworks to develop 
regulatory capacity from the perspective of a small developing Member.  
2.222.   The representative of Nepal  delivered the following statement:  
2.223.   I associate with the statement by the  LDCs. While e -commerce has proved its growing 
import ance, the LDCs and LLDCs are yet to fully participate in and benefit from it. This is mainly due 
to the huge digital divide, especially in availability, accessibility, affordability and application.  The 
challenges faced by the LDCs have been clearly identi fied during the dedicated discussion on 
consumer protection and digital public infrastructure. The LDC Group has also submitted the proposal 
through the communication WT/GC/W/787 which highlights the challenges we have been facing.  To 
address the digital d ivide and other structural challenges that LDCs and LLDCs are facing, the 
reinvigoration of the e-commerce work programme is urgent. In this regard, I welcome India 's 
important proposal on digital public infrastructure which seems relevant in terms of furt her 
discussion for addressing the digital divide and way forward.  My delegation wishes to engage 
constructively  in this regard . 
2.224.   The representative of Pakistan  delivered the following statement:  
2.225.   We appreciate Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady  for taking the responsibility of and delivering 
effectively on facilitating Member s' discussions on an issue of great importance. The two dedicated 
sessions that have taken place thus far saw good participation and invited ideas, experiences and 
policy sh aring from several Members. The sessions gave an understanding of divergent and 
convergent areas amongst Members and laid foundation for further deliberations as well.  While the 
significance of rejuvenating the work program me cannot be overstated , Pakistan  believes that it is 
equally important that the moratorium and the work program me be accorded equal and independent 
focus by the Membership.  With regard to the moratorium, Pakistan would like to emphasize that 
many social and economic needs of people in de veloping Members go unaddressed due to their 
state's tight fiscal position, as has also been evidenced by studies from several independent 
organizations. Additionally, Pakistan would like to sensitize the Membership that now, the debate 
surrounding the mor atorium needs to expand from it causing just fiscal limitations to also creating 
equal opportunities for "digital industrialization " of the developing and LDC Members. To allow for 
the digital growth in developing countries, Pakistan would like to stress o n the need of a terminal 
decision on the moratorium. The paper identifies several issues of concern to not just developing 
countries but all Members in general and which helped targeted discussions in dedicated session on 
the "digital divide " held on 21 Fe bruary 2023. Deliberations subsequent to this paper will definitely 
complement the efforts under work program me on e-commerce.  Pakistan would like to reiterate 
what we have maintained in the dedicated sessions on work program me – data is the raw material 
for the most important industry and as such the "digital sovereignty " of Members needs to be upheld. 
Members may be allowed to maintain control over their decision -making and implementation of 
services. The technological lock -ins and silos that threaten dig ital sovereignty may be avoided.  
2.226.   The representative of Japan  delivered the following statement:  
2.227.   We appreciate Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady for her thoughtful facilitation of the dedicated 
session 's work on E -Commerce Work Programme  and thank India and the OECS for the respective 
submissions. The two meetings, respectively on consumer protection and digital divide, hosted good WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  discussions for Members to share and better understand their issues and experiences, particularly, 
challenges faced by developing count ry and LDC Members. We expect the work on development 
dimension of the Work Program me will advance.  Discussion on moratorium is also scheduled in April. 
Japan continues its constructive engagement in those future discussions.  Japan values the decision 
at MC12 to extend the moratorium on customs duties, and to reinvigorate  the Work Programme on 
E-Commerce. It strongly believes that we should continue to maintain our current multilateral 
practice of the moratorium and to make it permanent eventua lly. 
2.228.   The representative of Ecuador  delivered the following statement:  
2.229.   For Ecuador , digital trade has become an increasingly important tool for the treatment of 
the sustainable development objective. This is something that all of us here accept as a given. 
However, the fact that the digital divide is also a constant obstacle for millions of people around the 
world preventing them from accessing the opportunities that e -commerce  provides. We believe that 
electronic training, connectivity, and financial suppor t to MSMEs  are essential components for 
guaranteeing the sustainable development of trade. Not only is this something that is the 
government's responsibility but also the responsibility of society's economic groups and something 
that affects the different genders. The digital society is not just a trade and technological issue . It is 
something that affects rights including right to  privacy as well as many other economic issues. We 
do support the proposal to have a  specific workshop to address the issue of t he digital divide in 
particular in the area of trade. We would like to suggest that experts from different agencies such 
as ITU, UNCTAD and the World Bank and regional development banks be invited as well. As regards 
the moratorium , I would like to repeat that from Ecuador's perspective this moratorium is something 
that is in developing countries' interest. We have expressed this on several occasions and several 
other delegations have also advanced arguments that I will nevertheless repeat. In the case of t he 
moratorium , we have approved it as a tool that will foster innovation and generali zed digitali zation 
and it will also allow Members  to benefit from e -commerce in particular in developing  and LDC 
Members . 
2.230.   The representative of the European Union , speakin g under Agenda Items 2.A.(II) and 8 , 
delivered the following statement:  
2.231.   The European Union welcomes the interest among Members to implement the MC12 decision 
on e-commerce and in particular intensifying engagement on the development - and digital trade - 
related issues. The meetings so far have been constructive and allowed Members to share their 
valuable views on topics put forward by the Facilitator. We would also wish to thank India for their 
communication (WT/GC/W/863) on the role of digital public infras tructure in promoting electronic 
commerce, and also the Organi zation of Eastern Caribbean States for their input on e -commerce 
development challenges. These documents have facilitated our discussions within the Work 
Programme sessions so far and have there fore served as a valuable input.  In terms of the way 
forward, we would like to support the idea put forward by several Members to bring together relevant 
stakeholders to delve deeper into more specific elements of the topics discussed so far. In practical 
terms, we believe that workshops with the participation of intergovernmental organizations focused 
on specific issues (starting with consumer protection) would prove particularly useful. Let me use 
this opportunity to thank the Ambassador Usha Dwarka -Canab ady from Mauritius for her efforts in 
facilitating our Work Programme discussions. We look forward to further engagement based on facts 
and getting into specific discussions as soon as possible to identify a way forward on both the Work 
Programme and the e xtension of the multilateral e -commerce moratorium well ahead of MC13.   
2.232.   On Agenda Item 8, the European Union would like to thank India for its other two 
communications: Role of Telemedicine Services in Response to the Pandemic and Building a Pool of 
Health Professionals to Respond Effectively to Pandemics/Natural Disasters. We note that the two 
communications propose further work and seminars in the framework of the Council of Trade in 
Services (CTS). The European Union is open to engage on the submis sions by Members that 
contribute to enhancing the deliberative function of the WTO. However, as we discuss WTO Reform 
and how to make the work of the various bodies more efficient, we consider that these 
communications should be discussed at the appropriat e WTO bodies. And we note that the two 
communications are on the agenda of the CTS that takes place later this week. We should avoid 
duplication of discussions.  
2.233.   The representative of Bangladesh , speaking under Agenda Items 2.A.(II) and 7 , delivered 
the fol lowing statement:  WT/GC/M/203  
 
- 54 - 
 
  2.234.   Bangladesh aligns with the statement by the LDC Group. Under agenda  item 2 .A.(II), we 
welcome the thematic sessions focusing on Consumer Protection and Digital Divide and the relevant 
aspects on the development dimension in e -Commerce wor k programme. Our delegation also 
supported the idea that the Secretariat could prepare an information note on the development 
dimension through regular bodies since the establishment of the E-Commerce Work Programme in 
1998.  Bangladesh supports the Facilit ator's plan for the next two sessions: on the regulatory 
framework and the moratorium on electronic transmissions.  On E-Commerce Work Programme, for 
better coordination, we support her plan to work with other WTO Bodies. My delegation welcomes 
the idea tha t the WTO can coordinate with relevant intergovernmental organizations to better 
integrate the developing countries and the LDCs in the e -commerce ecosystem. On agenda item 7, 
we thank South Africa for presentation of the item on the reinvigoration of E-Commerce Work 
Programme.  Bangladesh thanks India for introducing the paper on the role of public infrastructure 
in promoting e-commerce (WT/GC/W/863). In this context my delegation also appreciates India 's 
previous submission on Consumer Protection in e -Comm erce (WT/GC/W/857) and the OECS 
submission on e -commerce development challenges (RD/GC/19). Bangladesh welcomes the present 
communication by India which has elaborated the challenges of developing and LDC  Member s related 
to digital infrastructure and e -commerce service delivery. This communication also contains five 
guiding questions that Members must explore further.  Bangladesh supports India 's approach for 
exploratory discussions and looks forward to working with India and other Members.  
2.235.   The representative of Tunisia  delivered the following statement:  
2.236.   We commend  the Facilitator, Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady, for the way in which she is 
leading the consultations, which has encouraged Members to hold constructive discussions during 
the two thematic meetings, to share their national experiences and to express their views on which 
pathways to follow to reinvigorate the Work Programme and their interest in doing so.  During these 
meetings, the development dimension has proven to be a cornerstone  for various groups including 
the African Group, the ACP Group and the LDC Group. The members of these groups have come to 
a broad consensus that these discussions should lead to a shared commitment to the inclusive 
development of electronic commerce so th at developing countries can obtain the resources needed 
to acquire the infrastructure that is vital for their economic fabric in this sector, as called for by 
Ministers at MC12. Accordingly, developing countries and LDCs should be the main architects of th e 
development pillars in the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce in order to ensure that it 
includes the challenges faced and that we are all able to better grasp the associated issues, including 
consumer protection issues, data protection, payment syste ms, the role of internal digital taxes and 
issues relating to the digital divide.  In this connection, we thank South Africa for its presentation 
and India for communication WT/GC/W/863 on the role of digital public infrastructure.  
2.237.   The wide range of issues and factors detailed in the communication are consistent with the 
studies and statistics from specialized institutions such as the ITU and UNCTAD, which have 
addressed the limits on access for developing  and LDC  Member s to the opportunities being made 
available by the electronic commerce revolution and the full adoption of digital technologies.  In this 
context, the exercises looking at Members ' readiness and participation in electronic commerce, as 
part of which a number of African countries were assessed, highlighted the existence of several 
obstacles but also under -exploited opportunities in key areas of the digital ecosystem relating to ICT 
infrastructure, trade logistics, payment solutions, the legal and regulatory framework, skills 
development and acces s to finance.  With regard to the role of the WTO, Members should work to 
identify the means through which the WTO can facilitate digital technology transfer, improve access 
to it and build digitalization capacities and skills in order to bridge the growing  digital divide.  At the 
same time, if we are to better address the current disparities and identify the areas to be developed, 
it is essential to explore the existing flexibilities in certain WTO agreements, including the TRIPS and 
SCM Agreements, and to a ssess the effectiveness of their contribution to the development of digital 
sectors in developing and LDC  Member s and to the capacity -building of their SMEs and their inclusion 
in global electronic commerce.   
2.238.   The representative of Samoa , on behalf of the P acific Group , delivered the following 
statement:  
2.239.   On the Work Program me on E-commerce, we thank the Facilitator, Ambassador Dwarka -
Canabady, for her report on the dedicated discussions held so far on consumer protection and the 
digital divide faced by devel oping and LDC  Member s and acknowledge and thank Members who 
submitted papers on the issue.  The Pacific Group recogni zes the important avenue that e-commerce WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  provides for Pacific businesses to participate in regional and international trade. At the same tim e, 
as highlighted in the recent UNCTAD Report on the Pacific Digital Economy, launched just last month, 
the Pacific region faces particular challenges in terms of harnessing digital opportunities for trade 
and development. On average, Pacific SIDS lag behi nd developing economies and SIDS on most 
indicators of ICT connectivity – significant gaps remain in terms of access to reliable, affordable, 
high-speed and high -capacity broadband internet. The average for Pacific SIDS is generally similar 
to the average for LDCs. The discussion to date on digital divide is therefore particularly useful and 
the Pacific Group envisages further exchange on this issue . On the moratorium of customs duties on 
e-transmissions, a better understanding of the costs and benefits of the moratorium for developing 
countries is still needed and should cover both the impact of the moratorium on revenue and the 
development of digital industries. As the Pacific Digital Economy Report recommends, there is a need 
to document the benefits and costs accruing to Pacific SIDS from digitalization , and access to reliable 
research and statistics to support evidence -based and results -oriented policymaking.   
2.240.   The representative of Chinese Taipei , speaking under Agenda Items 2.A.(II) and 7 , delivered 
the following statement:  
2.241.   We would like to thank Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady for her facilitation of two informative 
and productive sessions under the Work Programme on E -commerce, covering issues of consumer 
protection and digital divide. We commend the contributions made by Members in these sessions, 
which have led to robust discussions on the development dimension of e -commerce.  We continue to 
support the initiative to reinvigorate the Work Programme with a focus on the development needs 
of developing M embers and LDCs, and we encourage ongoing exploration of the integral role that 
the WTO can play in addressing these needs.  For the Moratorium, we strongly believe that extending 
the Moratorium would provide a stable and predictable trading environment for  businesses and 
consumers, thereby boosting inclusive growth of all Members in the global digital economy. We hope 
that Members will consider a pragmatic approach to progress and achieve a permanent solution on 
this issue at MC13.  
2.242.   The representative of the  Republic of Korea  delivered the following statement:  
2.243.   My delegation appreciates Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady for presenting a comprehensive 
report on the progress of the E -commerce Work Programme following up on our MC -12 mandate, 
and Korea welcomes the work  programme getting reinvigorated with regard to the role of digital 
public infrastructure on e-commerce as well as consumer protection.  As a country with the highest 
proportion of expenditure in digital ODA among OECD members, my delegation has shared our 
experiences of the digital infrastructure initiative that aims to promote the digital transition of our 
economy and to narrow the digital gap that still exists for various reasons within our country.  The 
role of the WTO is to set robust rules that would co ntribute to the proliferation of the digital 
infrastructure. One would be through the E -commerce JSI negotiations, which is well advancing, and 
the other on the moratorium for electronic transmissions. A permanent moratorium is essential for 
the digital ec onomy and to ensure the stability and predictability of the digital trade environment 
which would in turn incentivize global digital players to contribute to a better digital infrastructure. 
Also, as dedicated discussion, especially on the moratorium, is s cheduled for April, we should look 
into the technical feasibility or difficulty of imposing tariffs on electronic transmissions, the rules of 
origin for digital data and measurements of the specific transaction value.  
2.244.   The representative of Türkiye  delivere d the following statement:  
2.245.   Regarding the moratorium, for Türkiye, the most important aspects of the discussions are 
definitions and the scope. We can frankly agree on the fact that the moratorium is rather written in 
an ambiguous way which does not reflect  what is expected of this provision. Given its temporary 
and specific legal nature, Türkiye has been rather silent about the continuation of the moratorium 
up until now. However, we would welcome if this provision can be developed further and a clearer 
view of what it means can be provided through the discussions. We are looking forward to  the 
dedicated session on moratorium which will be convened in April.  
2.246.   The representative of Indonesia  delivered the following statement:  
2.247.   We believe that the topics  and dis cussions  have been  relevant to the problems we face 
today. On this note, we need to ensure that the work programme remains relevant and responsive WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  to the changing technological and trade development. As such , involvement of external parties will 
enable us to reflect better on current technological and trade practices. As we all know, despite the 
growing and complex challenges, e -commerce remains important, especially as a means to increase 
inclusiveness and ec onomic growth in developing and LDC  Member s. In this connection, Indonesia 
would like to comment on India's paper that has addressed challenges and issues limiting the 
adoption and use of e -commerce. We also agree that the fairest approach is needed in add ressing 
the problems, one of which is by using Digital Public Infrastructure. Regarding the moratorium, 
Indonesia remains of the view that we cannot rush into a decision. Prior d iscussion s on the definition, 
scope and impact of the moratorium are still nee ded. It is still important to further deliberate on the 
impact of a permanent moratorium on developing and LDC Members . Reinvigorating the work 
programme on e -commerce is no easy task. Reaching an agreement with all WTO Members to find 
solutions on how to advance digital trade on an equal footing is as hard as trying to find a needle in 
a haystack. At the same time, we also acknowledge that there is no one -size fits all approach. All 
Members have different levels of difficulties and approaches in trying to address the problems they 
face. It is our hope that future discussions on the work programme will further strengthen global 
rules and help us find common ground in promoting healthy and fair growth of digital trade for all 
parties. We should continue to st rive together for a concrete outcome which we can present at MC13 . 
2.248.   The representative of Peru delivered the following statement:  
2.249.   Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady 's facilitation has  allowed Members  so far to have useful 
exchanges on subjects such as consumer prot ection and the digital divide. This has made it possible 
for many Members to show their growing interest in many of these matters . We would like to thank 
India and the OECS  for their contributions because this has given great dynamism to our discussion 
and has also put on the table a series of innovative ideas in order to strengthen our dialogue. This 
has also allowed for the presentation of initiatives which we should continue developing in the future. 
Along those lines, we would like to support the propos al made by the Facilitator for a workshop on 
consumer protection and possibly another relevant subject for developing and LDC Members  such 
as the digital divide. In these workshops, we should have the participation of other organi zations 
and if possible, engagement of all stakeholders in these subjects . It is necessary to make the best 
use of the work that has been conducted in other international organizations as was mentioned 
Ecuador  such as  the ITU and UNCTAD, among others.  Consumer protection is also on e of the subjects 
that is being addressed within the overall assessment of electronic commerce in UNCTAD and we 
believe that such perspectives could enrich our discussion here in the WTO. I would like to repeat 
our commitment to participate constructively in upcoming meetings such as the one to be held on 
22 March  that will be the one on the administrative and legal framework and also the meeting in 
April addressing the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions . We also reiterate 
our support for the extension of the moratorium , if possible , on a permanent basis because it has 
benefited many developing and LDC Members  and has also helped our MSME s.  
2.250.   The representative of Chile delivered the following statement:  
2.251.   Chile is satisfied with the level of discussions that have taken place  under the Work 
Programme on Electronic Commerce . My delegation has shared its experience on consumer 
protection and how to reduce the digital divide in special sessions on those topics on 26 January and 
21 February, and we have also benefited from the experiences of the other Members that 
participated in those sessions.  We eagerly await the upcoming sessions on the legal and regulatory 
framework for el ectronic commerce, and the discussion on the moratorium on tariffs on electronic 
transmissions.  
2.252.   The representative of Myanmar  delivered the following statement:  
2.253.   During the pandemic, the e -commerce sector was booming and digital trade has a vital role 
in the multilateral trading system . However, the LDCs continue to face challenges in this regard – 
which we must address in the negotiations . As such, the LDCs have put forward  document 
WT/GC/W/787 outlining such  challenges. This shows the  LDCs' active engage ment in our  e-
commerce  work.  We note the  importan ce of facilitat ing the development of infrastructure with the 
aim of having a  more inclusive digital trade. As we move forward, it will also be important to focus 
our negotiations on specific recommendations  including concrete outcomes  ahead of MC13.  
2.254.   The representative of Cambodia  delivered the following statement:  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  2.255.   We associate with the statement  by the LDC Group.  Cambodia attaches great importance to 
e-commerce as we see e -commerce as another important tool to  promote inclusive economic and 
gender development, especially for small and medium enterprises and for women -owned and 
women -led enterprises. We appreciate the discussion on the development dimension of e -commerce 
and we understand that the role and the c onvening power of the WTO is crucial on this issue to bring 
all the stakeholders together . In order to ensure that the LDCs can benefit from e -commerce, we 
need to collectively address hard and soft challenges face d by the LDCs and to speed up the LDCs ' 
readiness to engage in and benefit from e -commerce such as in the areas of ICT infrastructure and 
services , trade logistics and trade facilitation , payment solutions , legal and regulatory frameworks , 
e-commerce skills development and access to financing.  We look forward to the next two sessions 
and will contribute constructively to th ese discussion s. 
2.256.   The representative of Australia  delivered the following statement:  
2.257.   We wish to thank Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady for having chaired ably the e -commerce 
dedicated sessions, which have already led to a rich discussion on important issues including 
consumer protection and the digital divide. In this context , we were pleased to discuss India 's 
communication in WT/GC/W/8 63 in the February dedicated  discussion and would welcome similar 
submissions in future work program me dedicated sessions, which help prompt discussion and focus 
our agenda.  We also wish to commend the recent repor t by UNCTAD on the Pacific Digital Economy, 
which Australia was pleased to support. My friend Ambassador Tavita -Levy has already highlighted 
this report on behalf of the Pacific Group and I want to thank Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady for 
being there at the la unch at UNCTAD a couple of weeks ago. It does an excellent job of highlighting 
some of the basic challenges – such as internet and smartphone affordability, and the huge 
opportunities that e -commerce provides for a geographically dispersed region and its o ften small 
enterprises. We should bring that analytical work here to our discussions at the WTO.  We join others 
to support the engagement of other international organi zations and private sector representatives 
with the issues discussed in the work programm e. For example, on the important topic of the digital 
divide, we know the International Trade Centre, the World Bank, UNCTAD and others have a 
significant role to play in these issues globally.  
2.258.   The representative of Egypt , speaking under Agenda Items 2.A.( II) and 7 , delivered the 
following statement:  
2.259.   We support the statement by the African Group.  The reinvigorated Work Programme on E -
Commerce should be thought of as a means through which developing and LDC  Member s would 
become better enabled to reap the economic and development benefits of e-commerce.  Accordingly, 
as previously highlighted in the dedicated discussions on e -commerce, we believe that the work 
program me should follow a methodological approach that could be based on proper e -readiness 
assessment in individual countries. We can benefit from the expertise of relevant international 
organizations.  The assessment should address m atters relevant to legislative, technical, and 
managerial expertise in various countries, including at the level of government authorities as well 
as at the level of non -state actors. MSMEs and consumers should be enabled to reap the benefits of 
e-commerce  through targeted  capacity -building building program mes from the developed partners 
and relevant international organizations.  The e -readiness assessment should address, among other 
things, the level of digitalization in each country, the role of IT public and legal infrastructures, and 
the role of technology transfer, in its miscellaneous forms, in bridging the digital divide.  We will 
remain supportive of the efforts undertaken by our facilitator. We welcome experience and 
information sharing by Members and  encourage more Members to share their best practices. We 
support convening workshops and thematic sessions here in Geneva and at the regional level, with 
participation of capital officials and other stakeholders. We see that it is necessary that developin g 
and LDC Members  be allowed the proper policy space and develo p dedicated national strategies and 
policies for e -commerce development, customized to their resources and situation. This should be 
supported by investments in telecommunications infrastructur e, and enabling legal and regulatory 
climate, sound institutional reforms, technology transfer, training and education of human resources.  
Finally, on the moratorium, we support the suggestion to conduct a benefit to cost ratio analysis 
under different scenarios to see the possible implications on developing and  LDC Members  in cases 
of terminating  or sustaining the moratorium.  
2.260.   The representative of China  delivered the following statement:  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  2.261.   China firmly supports the implementation of the MC12 Decision on E -commerce Work 
Programme, including maintaining the current practice of not imposing customs duties on electronic 
transmissions until MC13. China hopes our discussion could make positive progress to fully 
demonstrate development dimension and achieve inclusiv e trade development enabled by e -
commerce.  China has actively engaged in the previous two dedicated discussions. On consumer 
protection in e -commerce, China shared experience on legislation, law enforcement and consumer 
protection remedies, as well as inte rnational cooperation on enforcement agencies. China welcomes 
various dialogues and agendas on consumer protection under the WTO framework and hopes the 
discussions will focus on the principles of online consumer protection, international cooperation 
promo tion, etc. On digital divide, China shared experiences on domestic initiatives of "digital poverty 
alleviation " and "digital inclusion for the benefits of the people ", as well as some international 
cooperative activities with the aim of assisting developin g Members to bridge the digital divide. China 
supports to continue the discussion on digital divide issue under the WTO framework, advance 
international digital cooperation and rulemaking on digital economy. All of these will address 
developing Members ' concerns and promote the inclusive development of trade.  As the follow -up of 
discussions, we hope an information session will be hosted at an early stage, with experts and 
stakeholders involved, to deepen Members ' understanding on specific issues.   
2.262.   China thanks India for the submission of the proposal on digital public infrastructure. It shed 
light on the challenges and experiences of developing Members in tackling the problem of digital 
divide, and is helpful to s timulate discussions on e -commerce in the WTO.  Recently, the Chinese 
Government issued the "Plan for the Overall Layout of Building a Digital China ". The document points 
out the direction for promoting China's digital development in the future.  China welco mes the WTO 
to play a greater role in international digital cooperation and bridging the digital divide. China looks 
forward to working together with all Members to actively engage in the discussions to promote the 
digital economy 's sound development.  
2.263.   The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
2.264.   First of all, let me begin by commenting on the report of the Facilitator on the work 
programme on electronic commerce. India has been effectively using the digital revolution to provide 
digital se rvices as a public good to our almost 1.4 billion population. We have been working on digital 
identity system Aadhar and the universal payment system UPI interface as the developments on the 
digital public infrastructure side. The digital platform has been  very handy for handling the pandemic 
issues, which last week's submission has also brought out, specifically on how effectively we have 
been able to use this. We welcome the reinvigoration of the Work Programme on E -Commerce in 
the General Council after s everal years. We thank Ambassador Usha Dwarka -Canabady for her 
efforts on organizing the dedicated sessions on E -Commerce in the General Council. These sessions 
have been well attended, constructive and a source of several real -world concerns that Members 
face in digital trade. Just two months in the reinvigorated Work Programme, we can already see that 
hard rulemaking may not be the best way to enable all Members to derive economic benefits from 
digital industrialization and e -commerce. We have participate d constructively in the General Council 
deliberations putting forth our positions in form of working papers. We may also submit a paper in 
the March session on the regulatory issues. Likewise, we urge the proponents of the moratorium on 
customs dut ies on electronic data transmission to also do the same in the April session, especially 
with respect to the scope and definition of the moratorium. Based on the discussion today , we 
request that the minutes9 of the dedicated session may be taken on record for th e GC discussions.  
2.265.   The Director -General  thank ed Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady for having stimulated 
important discussions in a key area. In noting that t rade was growing and in referring to the 14% a 
year growth in digitally delivered services , it was evident that e -commerce  remained  a crucial area 
that this organi zation needed  to come to grips with. She had  found the paper submitted by India on 
the role of Digital Public Infrastructure useful. It serve d an example that other developing and LDC 
Members  who want ed to develop this kind of approach c ould also look at , among  others . She had  
found the discussion constructive  and hoped, as one of the Members had said, that it w ould lead 
them in a positive direction so that they could come to grips with the iss ue of the e -commerce 
moratorium. She also took note of the African Group's request  for case studies . A revolution in digital 
payments was going on in Africa with billions of payments in East Afric a as well as in West Africa . A 
case study that capture d some  of this and look ed at how it  could  also borrow from the Indian digital 
 
9 The minutes of the 26 January and 21 February Dedicated Discussions on Electronic Commerce were 
circulated in documents WT/GC/WPEC/M/1 and WT/GC/WPEC/M/2, respectively.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  infrastructure and combine what was happening would be a good thing. There were things happening 
there that were interesting, but they were not well captured and not well discussed. So , all in all, 
the discussion was constructive. There were good ideas, and she was  encouraged that this would 
and should lead Members  into some positive direction on decision -making  in this area . 
2.266.   The representative of Zambi a provided the following statement10: 
2.267.   My delegation aligns itself with the Statement of the Africa n Group on this Agenda Item.  It 
is a well -known fact that during Covid -19 pandemic, technology played a very important role for 
many of our economies. With the pandemic restrictions i n place, much of the world went online to 
stay in touch with families and to work, to study and to shop from home. Many of these habits have 
remained and, in some cases, have even become the norm. However, not all countries and 
economies are equally prepar ed to go digital. As the online economy grows, the technology gap is 
also growing for least developed countries. Our expectation therefore for the coming months is that 
collectively, we can work towards finding concrete solutions that will address the digi tal divide so 
that LDCs can also meaningfully benefit from the multilateral trading system.  
2.268.   The General Council took note  of the report of the Facilitator and of the statements.  
(iii) Paragraph 8 of the Ministerial Decision on the TRIPS Agreement – Duratio n of 
extended deadline  
2.269.   The Chair  delivered the following statement11:  
2.270.   As you will recall, at MC12, Ministers decided that "No later than six months from the date 
of this Decision, Members will decide on its extension to cover the production and supply of COVID -
19 diagnostics and therapeutics."  In December, the General Council agreed to the recommendation 
as put forward by the TRIPS Council to extend the deadline, and the General Council agreed to revert 
to the matter of the duration of such deadline at its next meeting.  
2.271.   In preparation for today 's meeting, I have reached out to delegations to discuss where we 
stand on this issue and how Members wished to handle this matter at today's meeting.  In light of 
current processes underway in some Members and of what I heard, it became clear that more tim e 
is needed to decide on the duration of the deadline and that we are not in a position to take this 
decision today.  In the constructive and frank discussions that I have held, a common understanding 
for a possible way forward seems to have emerged that (i ) this issue - of the duration of the deadline 
- will remain on the General Council agenda; (ii) that Members will provide an update on where they 
stand on their internal processes; and (iii) that substantive discussions will continue in the TRIPS 
Council.  Taking this into account, the General Council will revert to the duration of the deadline at a 
later juncture. I trust that this is acceptable to everyone.  
2.272.   The representative of South Africa  delivered the following statement:  
2.273.   On behalf of the 65 cosponsors, the extension of the MC12 TRIPS decision to therapeutics 
and diagnostics is a development issue and is unfinished business which was put on a fast track for 
post-MC12 deliverables and rema ins urgent. Addressing inequitable access to health products 
remains a critical issue in the context of the current pandemic and to help us build resilience for 
future pandemics. The only sustainable means of achieving this objective and bolstering health 
security is to increase production and diversify the geographical scope of countries that can produce 
the needed products. The cosponsors have spent over two years demonstrating how intellectual 
property barriers have hampered these efforts through extensi ve written and oral submissions.  
2.274.   Our submissions have been supported by peer reviewed academic research, civil society and 
Nobel laureates alike. The only contrary data has been provided by the pharmaceutical industry 
which with an interest in the retenti on of IP barriers.  We are therefore disappointed by the lack of 
progress and failure to deliver on this issue. The outcome reached at MC12 was a significant 
compromise by the co -sponsors and was reached on the understanding that a few Members needed 
 
10 The statement was not delivered in the meeting but subsequently sent to the Secretar iat for inclusion 
in the record.  
11 The Chair's statement was subsequently circulated in JOB/GC/337.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  time t o consult with a view to decide on the extension of the MC12 decision to therapeutics and 
diagnostics within six months. Co -sponsors have further compromised in December 2022 by 
agreeing to a further extension with a view to conclude on the duration of suc h an extension in this 
March 2023 General Council meeting.  
2.275.   The outcome on vaccines while a positive step forward delivered too little too late, we are 
unfortunately repeating the same on therapeutics and diagnostics. Agreeing to the approach you 
have outl ined Chair was not an easy decision for the co -sponsors. We urge all Members to 
expeditiously conclude their domestic processes to allow the long overdue Decision on extension of 
Ministerial Decision on TRIPS to cover therapeutics and diagnostics. In the i nterim, the item should 
remain on the agenda of the GC and Members that are conducting domestic consultations must 
update the Membership on a regular basis.  
2.276.   Importantly, substantive discussions on the extension of the MC12 Decision to therapeutics 
and diag nostics must continue in the TRIPS Council and we expect the new Chair to convene 
meetings to this effect to enable the membership to identify areas of convergence with a view to 
build consensus. The WHO as the leading inter -governmental organization on pu blic health and the 
global COVID -19 response should be invited to make a contribution in all the meetings (whether 
formal or informal). We want to emphasise that this issue should not be traded off for anything and 
is a matter of a global good that must be  concluded way before MC13. Importantly, the pace of 
discussions have outlined the importance of a trigger ready mechanism to deal with future 
pandemics and the TRIPS Council will need to urgently engage on this issue on the basis of 
submissions by Members . 
2.277.   The representative of Djibouti , on behalf of the LDC Group , delivered the following 
statement:  
2.278.   The LDC Group regrets that Members could not find consensus to extend the Ministerial 
Decision on the TRIPS Agreement to diagnostics and therapeutics. As co -sponsor of the initiative 
that led to this decision, we urge Members to engage constructively to find consensus as soon as 
possible.   
2.279.   The representative of Switzerland  delivered the following statement:  
2.280.   We thank you for your consultations on this matter. Lik e South Africa, also just for the 
record, a short statement from our side.  Switzerland showed flexibility in December and joined the 
consensus extending the deadline.  Notwithstanding this, and in the light of discussions held so far, 
Switzerland remains convinced that the extension of the MC12 TRIPS Decision to COVID -19 
therapeutics and diagnostics is unnecessary and would be counterproductive. This delegation 
remains convinced of the positive role of IP in developing and ramping up the production  of COVID -
19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.  This being said, we can go along with your suggested 
way forward.  
2.281.   The representative of Cameroon , on behalf of the African Group , delivered the following 
statement:  
2.282.   Let me begin by expressing our Group's  disappointment with the missed deadline of 
17 December 2022 which was set by Ministers during MC12. This clearly indicates the absence of 
political will to duly implement consensual decisions taken by our Ministers The failure to timely 
address a critical ly important issue such as this does not instil optimism needed to address 
contemporary challenges that the WTO faces. The longer it takes to deliberate on the extension of 
the MC12 TRIPS decision to cover the production and supply of diagnostics and thera peutics, the 
less credible contribution WTO will make to the lifesaving efforts for Covid -19 patients. The African 
Group has shown maximum flexibility in agreeing to the extension of six months continuation. This 
was done in good faith to accommodate the a ppeal from some members who asked for domestic 
consultations. We expected that they would have finalized their domestic processes to allow the 
extension of MC12 TRIPS decision to cover therapeutics and diagnostics.  
2.283.   It is in our view that the decision shou ld be reached well before MC13 and be considered on 
its merits. This is a development issue to ensure equitable and affordable access through 
diversification of production. Importantly, TRIPS Council discussions on the substantive issues on WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  this matter sho uld commence as soon as possible. The African Group continues to emphasise the 
importance of ensuring equitable access to COVID -19 therapeutics and diagnostics, for which the 
imminent decision is meant to address. Therefore, we urge Members to exercise fle xibility in their 
approach to this matter.   
2.284.   The representative of Indonesia  delivered the following statement:  
2.285.   At the outset, Indonesia would like to associate itself with the statement made by the 
Ambassador of South Africa, on behalf of the 65 WTO member s co-sponsoring the 669 proposal.  
With continued COVID -19 deaths occurring every day around the world and COVID -19 surges in 
many countries, having accessible, affordable and equitable holistic countermeasures, that includes 
therapeutics and diagnostics is  even more urgent. As such, Indonesia would like to reiterate our 
deepest disappointment that we have failed to deliver on the deadline of 17 December 2022 set by 
Ministers at MC12. While we applaud our back for coming with a Ministerial Decision, it has b een 
criticized as coming too little and too late.  
2.286.   Now, when Members spoke about sustainable development, they should not forget that 
health is central to the three dimensions of sustainable development. Health is a beneficiary of and 
a contributor to devel opment. It is also a key indicator of what people -centred, rights -based, 
inclusive, and equitable development seeks to achieve. Indeed, health is an inherent right for all. 
Yet, according to a report by Oxfam, the COVID -19 death toll has been four times hi gher in lower -
income countries than in higher income ones.  If such situation continues, I have no doubt that 
history will repeat itself and as such, the world will not be ready when new diseases emerge. The 
question now, is the WTO going to repeat the same  mistake and stand idle when many people dying, 
mostly from developing countries and LDC?  
2.287.   Moving forward, Indonesia would like to suggest three key actions:  One, TRIPS Council shall 
continue to conduct substantive discussion on extension to cover therapeut ics and diagnostics. These 
discussions, whether in formal or informal settings, should be guided by WHO as the leading actor 
in the fight against COVID -19 pandemic.  Two, in the interim, Members that are conducting domestic 
consultations must update the membership on a regular basis.  Three, to avoid a prolong ed 
negotiation, it is necessary to be equipped with a trigger ready mechanism to deal with future 
pandemics. The TRIPS Council, in this regard, will need to urgently engage on this issue on the basis 
of submissions by Members.  
2.288.   The representative of Maldives  delivered the following statement:  
2.289.   The Maldives aligns with the statement delivered by South Africa on behalf of the co -
sponsors for a waiver from certain provisions of the TRIPS agreement for the prevention, 
containment and treatment of COVID -19. Since th is is the first time we are taking the floor, let me 
begin by welcoming the new Ambassadors who were recently accredited to WTO and bid farewell to 
all the Ambassadors who are leaving us and wish them all the best and success in their future 
endeavours.  
2.290.   The Maldives would like to thank the Chair of the TRIPS Council for the update provided 
today and for his continuous engagement with members of the WTO to find a way forward for the 
MC12 Ministerial Decision on TRIPS Agreement. We are deeply concerned that the deadline of 17 
December 2022 set by the Ministers at MC12 to decide on the extension of the Ministerial Decision 
on the TRIPS Agreement to cover therapeutics and diagnostics, has passed.  
2.291.   The WHO COVID -19 epidemiological updates show that nearly 5.3 mi llion new cases and 
over 48,000 deaths were reported in the last month. It also states that these numbers may 
underestimate the true number of global infections due to reduction in testing and delays in reporting 
from many countries. We must be vigilant as  variants of the virus that can evade existing COVID -
19 countermeasures remains a threat. This clearly shows that we must redouble our efforts and 
continue with greater urgency, to achieve a results -oriented outcome with regard to the extension 
of the waiv er to cover therapeutics and diagnostics in the TRIPS Council and the General Council.  
2.292.   The extension of the MC12 TRIPS decision to therapeutics and diagnostics should be 
considered a development issue. We urge all countries to show solidarity and to engag e in good faith 
with all stakeholders in order for WTO to significantly contribute to the global efforts to contain the WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  spread of COVID -19 and prevent future pandemics.  Finally, on the TRIPS matter, we are 
disappointed at the slow pace of progress regardin g therapeutics and diagnostics. Given the length 
of time that some Members require to conclude their domestic processes on this, we are afraid that 
even if we were to agree to a waiver, it might be rhetorical at that point. We call for constructive 
engagem ent towards a positive outcome.  
2.293.   The representative of Antigua and Barbuda  delivered the following statement:  
2.294.   We would be less than honest if we did not express our disappointment at the slow progress 
regarding therapeutics and diagnostics. Given the lengt h of time that some Members require to 
conclude their domestic processes on this, we are afraid that even if we were to agree to a waiver 
it might mainly be rhetorical at that point. We call for constructive and more vigorous engagement 
towards a positive outcome.  
2.295.   The representative of Tunisia  delivered the following statement:   
2.296.   We associate ourselves with the statement of South Africa on behalf of the 65 co -sponsors. 
It is regrettable to see that we are going back to  the situation  of before MC12 and that w e have not 
drawn the necessary lessons from the deplorable situation in which we have been complacent for 
more than 18 months, even in the presence of loss of lives. COVID may not be on the headlines like 
before, but it is still among us. The Director -General of WHO continues to indicate that serious global 
inequalities persist and to indicate the importance of developing the local capacity to produce 
vaccines, but also therapeutics and diagnostics to end the pandemic, and strengthen preparations 
for future  emergencies. An effective and rapid solution, according to the experts, can only be a global 
one, to hope to be able to save lives in the future.  Vaccines alone reduces mortality risks, but do 
not impede transmission or infections. We support the positio n expressed by the African Group and 
believe that diversification of production will ensure equitable access to therapeutics and diagnostics 
and a rapid decision in this respect should be the priority, and would show that the WTO can keep 
its promises.  I will end by the words of the WIPO Director -General that there is no certainty as to 
when the next pandemic will hit us, but there is absolute certainty that this will happen and we must 
redouble our efforts to do better next time.  
2.297.   The representative of Samoa , on behalf of the Pacific Group , delivered the following 
statement:  
2.298.   We are also disappointed that this work has not been concluded by the mandated deadline. 
We take note of your 3 recommendations.  The WTO failed to address this issue satisfactorily during 
the peak of COVID -19 pandemic, and even today as the pandemic continue s to slowly and quietly 
infect our families and communities. Scientists have consistently cautioned that a future pandemic 
will appear – its only a question of where and when. The TRIPS waiver was not agreed in the past 
due to the lack of consensus [today and this unfortunate inherent perception of vested interest as] 
against the good of public health – going beyond the past and current pandemic. The good of public 
health is already placed on our shoulders and so we must deliver. The WTO and the entire glob e 
must not and cannot find itself on the back foot again.  The Pacific Group urges Members to work 
together earnestly to reach a decision, hopefully as soon as possible, on the extension of the waiver 
to therapeutics and diagnostics – we must genuinely talk  to each other, and not at one another.  
2.299.   The representative of Japan  delivered the following statement:  
2.300.   First, we support your guidance on the handling of the duration issue. We think, in deciding 
upon whether or not to extend the Ministerial Decision to co ver diagnostics and therapeutics, facts 
and evidence discussion is valued. Japan will continue to be constructively engaged in substantive 
discussions on this agenda at the TRIPS Council along with your guidance.  
2.301.   The representative of Mozambique  delivered the following statement:  
2.302.   For the first time, taking the floor in this session, my delegation presents condolences to the 
government and people of the countries suffering recently natural disasters.  We wish a bid farewell 
to the Ambassadors leaving us, espe cially Ambassador Spencer our deep gratitude for your active 
role in the WTO and ACP Group. Warm welcome to the new permanent representatives.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  2.303.   Turning to the agenda, my delegation takes the floor to reinforce our support to the African 
Group and LDC Group as we are part of the co -sponsors. We urge Members to accept the duration 
proposed by the co -sponsors. In addition, discussions must advance this year to allow us to take a 
decision to include diagnostics and therapeutics in the MC12 TRIPS Waiver, which on ly covers 
vaccines at this time.  Many countries are still experiencing casualties from Covid. Diagnostics and 
therapeutics are critical to the needed treatments.  Not vaccines alone.   
2.304.   The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:   
2.305.   The United States supports extending the deadline for making a decision on whether or not 
to extend the Ministerial Decision to cover COVID -19 diagnostics and therapeutics.  On 16 December 
2022, we asked the U.S. Interna tional Trade Commission to launch an investigation into COVID -19 
diagnostics and therapeutics and to provide information on market dynamics to help inform the 
discussion around supply and demand, price points, and the relationship between testing and 
treating, and production and access.  The International Trade Commission issued a notice in our 
Federal Register on February 6, which contains all of the relevant dates and deadlines for hearings 
and submissions.  
2.306.   For your information, key deadlines are as follow s: 15 March, 2023: Deadline for filing 
requests to appear at the public hearing ; 17 March, 2023: Deadline for filing prehearing briefs and 
statements ; 22 March 2023: Deadline for filing electronic copies of oral hearing statements ; 29-30 
March 2023: Public  hearing ; 12 April  2023: Deadline for filing any post -hearing briefs and 
statements ; 5 May 2023: Deadline for filing all other written submissions.  The ITC 's report is due to 
USTR on 17 October 2023.  The report will be public.  We encourage all interested parties to 
participate in this process.  Foreign governments are also welcome to submit their views.  As we 
continue this process, we look forward to continuing to engage with WTO Members.  
2.307.   The representative of Nepal  delivered the following statement:  
2.308.   I asso ciate with the statement by Djibouti on behalf of LDCs. We regret that the discussion 
was inconclusive in the given time by the MC12. The decision of the MC12 on TRIPS waiver would 
contribute to saving the lives around the world but this decision by itself  is not sufficient to address 
the global public health problem. We further need to take a decision on its extension to cover 
production and supply of COVID -19 diagnostics and therapeutics as soon as possible and we call 
upon members for engaging constructi vely and demonstrating flexibility at the maximum possible 
level.   
2.309.   The representative of Egypt  delivered the following statement:  
2.310.   We regret that we did not reach a decision on the extension of the TRIPS waiver to cover 
therapeutics and diagnostics by the deadline of 17 Dec 2022, as per the mandate in para.8 of the 
MC12 Decision.  In this regard, I would like to refer to the submission of a proposal by the co -
sponsors at the General Council WT/GC/W/860 that calls on the membership to agree  on the 
extension of the Ministerial Decision to cover COVID -19 therapeutics and diagnostics. Co -sponsors 
showed maximum flexibility in agreeing to continue the discussions for 6 months. We did this in 
good faith to accommodate the Members that expressed t heir desire to conduct domestic 
consultations. We urge those Members to expedite their internal processes and give consideration 
to the technical input of the WHO, WIPIO and other relevant International Organizations, which have 
presented enormous evidence  to support our cause.  We underscore the relevance and extreme 
importance of a trigger ready mechanism to deal with future pandemics. The TRIPS Council shall 
expeditiously engage on this issue on the basis of submissions by Members.  As mentioned by South 
Africa and Cameroon, the extension of the MC12 TRIPS decision to therapeutics and diagnostics is 
"unfinished business " which has its development dimension. It was put on a fast track as a post -
MC12 deliverable. We joined consensus to extend the deadline to reach a decision, now we believe 
that we should reach a decision to extend the decision to therapeutics and diagnostics before the 
MC13.  
2.311.   The representative of Brazil  delivered the following statement:  
2.312.   Brazil remains fully engaged in the debate on paragraph  8 of the Ministerial Decision on the 
TRIPS Agreement. Since our last meeting on December, the TRIPS Council has not had the WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  opportunity to discuss a possible extension of the Decision to COVID -19 therapeutics and 
diagnostics. In light of that, we support a deferment of the negotiating deadline in order to give 
Members more time to reach consensus and to achieve a sounding result that reinforces WTO 's 
contribution to the capacity of Member states in fighting COVID -19, particularly in the developing 
world. We must however work with a sense of urgency. COVID -19 continues to inflict a deadly and 
disproportionate toll on developing and least -developed countries. We urge Members to work 
constructively on a positive and balanced outcome that provides for enhanced and timely access to 
COVID -19 essential medical goods at affordable prices.  
2.313.   The representative of Pakistan  delivered the following statement:  
2.314.   Since MC12, the demandeurs  for this waiver have engaged in consultation with the 
membership in the true spirit of para 8 of the Ministerial decision. Several questions raised during 
consultations were well taken and duly responded in various documents, but the entire process 
ended in a disappointment when the six month 's deadline was arrived in December of 2022.  When 
we claim we need to stay relevant, we must also realize that timeliness is integral to being relevant. 
Now that the pandemic stands at low morbidity, let us not forget that the issue in poorer countries 
was not simply of supply but that of access and affordability of vaccines, therapeutics and 
diagnostics… and we must not idly wait for the situation to become as grave again. The extension 
of the MC12 TRIPS decision to th erapeutics and diagnostics needs to be understood as a 
development issue and as an unfinished business which our Ministers meant to put on a fast track 
expecting resolution within six months of MC12. We understand that some members are conducting 
domestic consultations, they may be encouraged to update this Membership on a regular basis.  
2.315.   In this connection, I would want to endorse two suggestions: Discussions on extension of 
the waiver to therapeutics and diagnostics must continue in the TRIPS Council so t hat all the work 
that has gone into this waiver is not lost.  The World Health Organization must be made part of all 
meetings held in this regard, formally or informally, so to provide authentic and evidence based 
information for the membership to consider .  
2.316.   The representative of Bangladesh  delivered the following statement:  
2.317.   Regarding paragraph 8 of the Ministerial decision on TRIPS Waiver, Bangladesh aligns with 
the statement delivered by the distinguished Ambassador of South Africa on behalf of the Cospons ors 
of 669/Rev.1 and the statement delivered by Djibouti on behalf of the LDC Group. We are 
disappointed that Members could not agree within the deadline to follow the good gesture of the 
Ministers on extending the TRIPS Waiver decision to cover the COVID -19 diagnostics and 
therapeutics.  
2.318.   In the General Council in December 2022, the TRIPS Council recommended that the GC 
would extend the deadline that ended on 17 December 2022. My delegation earlier pointed out that 
the extended deadline must not change the MC12 decision and its scope. We cannot ignore the 
threat of the future pandemics and the necessity of affordable and timely access to diagnostics and 
therapeutics.  Therefore, the MC12 decision on TRIPS Waiver should be extended to cover COVID -
19 therapeuti cs and diagnostic, as soon as possible.  The delegation of Bangladesh supports the way 
forward suggested by the GC chair to continue the discussion on this important file.  
2.319.   The representative of the United Kingdom  delivered the following statement:  
2.320.   The UK ha s indicated flexibility on the deadline for concluding negotiations on Paragraph 8 
of the MC12 TRIPS Decision and places high importance on the inclusive processes to resolve 
procedural ambiguity in therapeutics and diagnostics discussions. The UK supports  robust, evidence -
based policy -making in TRIPS Council , and encourages Members to remain cogni zant of the 
precedent which actions set now, and for future negotiations and the bearing outcomes they will 
have on business confidence in the international system to innovate, invest and collaborate . 
2.321.   The representative of China  delivered the following stat ement:  
2.322.   China has always been actively participating in the discussions on the TRIPS waiver and 
made its contribution to the successful conclusion of the Ministerial Decision at MC12. Currently, 
COVID -19 is still identified by WHO as public health emergenc y of international concern, and as we WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  see there are still significant gaps in terms of accessibility to therapeutic products for developing 
Members. For the next step, China calls upon Members to further strengthen solidarity through 
collective efforts so as to bridge the gap as early as possible, and address the legitimate concerns 
of developing Members on COVID -19 diagnostics and therapeutics.  As always, China will continue 
to actively engage in further consultations and make our due contribution at a la ter stage.  
2.323.   The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
2.324.   We would like to thank all the participants in this discussion on behalf of co -sponsors of 669 
Rev. 1, we also take this opportunity to take note of your report which has three concrete actionable 
points. India would also associate with the statement of South Africa on behalf of 65 co -sponsors. 
And at the end, I only hope that TRIPS Council should continue deliberating on the substantive 
aspects as we seek the participation and g uidance from the World Health Organization's and we 
hope to see substantive discussions and good faith engagement in this regard in the TRIPS Council 
while we await the US ITC process, that was elaborated upon by our colleague from the United 
States, which  gets completed on 17 October . 
2.325.   The General Council took note of my statement and of the statements made.  
2.326.   The Chair delivered the following statement:  
2.327.   Before we move to the next sub -item, let me just recall that Ministers at MC12 provided 
guidance or instructions in a number of other specific areas – and work in these areas is ongoing.  
In particular, with respect to the Declaration on the WTO Response to the Pandemic, I am aware 
that discussions and consultations have taken place in a number of bodies including the Services 
Council, the Goods Council, and the CTD, amongst others. In this respect, and in line with para. 24 
of the Declaration, I note that a stocktaking exercise is due to take place yearly in the General 
Council until the end of 2024 – in other words, by the summer break this year.  
2.328.   In addition, concerning food security, the Committee on Agriculture established a work 
programme in November 2022 to consider food security concerns of least -developed and net food -
importing developing countries (LDCs and NFIDCs) pursuant to paragraph 8 of the MC12 Declaration 
on the Emergency Response to Food Insecurity. The Committee on Agriculture also established a 
working group to this end. The first two meetings of the Working Group focused on the needs and 
challenges of LDCs and NFIDCs and their utilization of WTO flexibilities to feed into the deliberations 
of the work programme. In addition, I understand that a Workshop on Financing took place last 
month - involving Members, international organizations and  agencies, as well as regional and 
corporate financial institutions.   
B. Buenos Aires (MC11), Nairobi  (MC10), and Bali (MC9 ) 
2.329.   The Chair  delivered the following statement12:  
2.330.   Let us now move to sub -item B. follow -up to outcomes of Ministerial Conferences - "Buenos 
Aires (MC11), Nairobi (MC10) and Bali (MC9)". A number of WTO bodies have not yet met this year, 
and I will only focus on areas where there are new developments to report. I would also refer you 
to my earlier statements under this item at previous m eetings of the General Council.  
2.331.   The first triennial review of the operation of the Bali TRQ Decision is underway, and Members 
are focusing on enhancing transparency in the (i) reporting of imports in respect of country -specific 
TRQs in Members' schedule; and (ii) the implementation of paragraphs 2 to 5 of the Decision dealing 
with tariff quota administration and licensing procedures. Members are working to conclude the 
review in March.  
2.332.   Regarding the LDCs Services Waiver, I understand that the LDC Group is preparing a 
submission outlining its suggestions to implement the MC12 mandate relating to the Waiver.  At its 
upcoming meeting, the Services Council will also consider a Secretariat Note on how LDC services 
trade statistics could be improved.  
 
12 The Chair's statement was subsequently circulated in JOB/GC/337.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  2.333.   Regarding the  Bali Decision on Duty -Free Quota -Free Market Access for LDCs, I understand 
that the CTD Chair's informal consultations had unfortunately not found a way forward that would 
allow the Secretariat to update its report on Members' DFQF market access for LDCs,  as instructed 
by the Decision. The Chair invited Members to consider the matter and provide guidance. In the 
meantime, the Chair has stressed the importance for the CTD to continue with its annual DFQF 
reviews.  
2.334.   On Aid for Trade , I understand that a new wo rk programme for the Aid for Trade Initiative 
was agreed by the CTD Session on Aid for Trade at its formal meeting on 10 February, covering the 
period 2023 -24. I understand that the CTD Chair wishes to take the floor to report on this 
development.  
2.335.   Ambassad or Usha Dwarka -Canabady (Mauritius), Chair of the C ommittee on Trade and 
Development , delivered the following statement13: 
2.336.   I am pleased to inform the General Council that Members have worked intensively and 
constructively to arrive at agreement on a new biennial work programme for the Aid for Trade 
Initiative.  The theme of the 2023 -24 plan is "Partnerships for food security, digital connectivity and 
mainstreaming trade". As per past practice, the draft has been prepared under my own responsibility 
as CTD Chair.  
2.337.   The highlight of the work programme will be a Global Review. In mid -2024. This will be the 
ninth such review conducted since the start of the initiative in 2006. It will be underpinned by a 
monitoring and evaluation exercise and associated knowledge  products. I am pleased to report that 
Members are looking at how to ensure that this monitoring  process remains relevant to the trade 
and development challenges of developing countries, and in particular LDCs.  
2.338.   Work in the CTD Aid for Trade will continue t o provide the opportunity to Members to review 
the Aid -for-Trade activities that are underway.  I am keen to see how we can try to increase the 
utility of this information by making it available to Members in advance of regular meetings.  Another 
innovation is the addition of a standing item on the CTD Aid for Trade Committee under which 
developing countries, and in particular LDCs, will have the opportunity to showcase new trade and 
development policy strategies. I encourage Members to make use of this oppor tunity. Lastly,  
dedicated workshops on the themes of food security, digital connectivity and mainstreaming trade, 
including sustainability objectives, will also be held.  
2.339.   These themes address a mix of pressing short term concerns and more fundamental 
struct ural issues with which Members, notably developing and least developed countries, are well -
acquainted.  In conclusion, let me commend Members for agreeing a work programme that is both 
topical and substantive.  
2.340.   The representative of Cambodia  delivered the fo llowing statement:  
2.341.   My delegation align s itself with the statement made by Djibouti on behalf of the LDC Group . 
This week in Doha, the LDC5 conference is being held under the theme of "from Potential to 
Prosperity. " It is billed as "a once -in-a-decade oppor tunity to accelerate sustainable development in 
the places where international assistance is needed the most - and to tap the full potential of the 
Least Developed Countries helping them make progress on the road to prosperity. " 
2.342.   After the l ast decade, betw een 2011 to 2020, in which the objectives of the Istanbul 
Programme of Action failed to materialize, we have to, once again, take up the objectives of the 
previous decade of actions instead of building on the achievements of that decade. Most concerning 
of all, especially for this organization, is the failure to support the LDCs in achieving SDG target 17.1 
to double, by 2020, the least developed countries ' share of global exports and the trepidation in 
which members have shown in their consideration to ful ly implement the Ministerial decisions in 
favour of the LDCs.  
2.343.   There have been considerable discussion in this house regarding the need to reinforce the 
relevance of the WTO for the 21st century. We are now in the 3rd decade of this century and LDCs ' 
 
13 The Chair's statement was subsequently circulated in JOB/GC/337.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  share in global export is still 0.93%. The next 10 years will be crucial, and my delegation would like 
to remind all Members that there is much works to be done in this house if we are to make the WTO 
relevant for the 21st century for the LDCs.  This leads to the crux of the matter that I want to outline 
in response to the a genda Items under consideration.  
2.344.   The DPOA reinforces the importance of the WTO in enhancing international trade of the LDCs 
by indicating what the WTO members need to do in assisting the LDCs to achieve their development 
objectives. We have, on so many occ asions, discussed the credibility of the WTO should it fails to 
address global challenges. The LDC issue is one of those global challenges and the credibility of the 
WTO is at stake if we fail to deliver on this issue in the next 10 years.  
2.345.   We need to full y implement the Ministerial Decision on DFQF for LDCs as it is an important 
tool to integrate the LDCs into the multilateral trading system and to promote economic growth and 
sustainable development of the LDCs. On this particular topic, while we appreciat e those Members, 
both developed and developing countries, that have notified their DFQF market access for the LDCs 
in compliance with the Ministerial Decision, we also recognize that some Members have yet to do so 
in fully implementing this mandate.  
2.346.   We ne ed to make preferential rules of origin simpler, more transparent and more accessible. 
On this issue, we note that the decision reached at the Committee on Rules of Origin on 14 April 
2022 (G/RO/95) on Preferential Rules of Origin is a step in the right di rection and we need to follow 
up closely on this decision to facilitate more export from the LDCs and improve the utilization rate 
of the DFQF markets accorded to the LDCs.  We need to ensure that the LDC services waiver is fully 
operationalized and effecti vely contributed to increasing LDC participation in services trade. We need 
to respond constructively to the evolving needs of the LDCs in the trade in services space since the 
adoption of the decision on the LDC services waiver.  
2.347.   We need to ascertain that the LDCs can benefit from e -commerce by collectively address 
hard and soft challenges face by the LDCs and to speed up the LDCs ' readiness to engage in and 
benefit from e -commerce such as in the areas of: ICT infrastructure and services; Trade logistics 
and trade facilitation; Payment solutions; Legal and regulatory frameworks; E -commerce skills 
development; and Access to financing.  On the Ministerial Decision on TRIPS Agreement, we need to 
reach a decision to extend the coverage of the Decision on TRIPS Agreement to include therapeutics 
and diagnostics as soon as possible to provide the LDCs better access to all essential medical 
products in the fight against the current pandemic and improve readiness for the next pandemics. 
On this topic, we note with great value the WHO, WIPO, WTO Joint Technical Symposium on the 
COVID -19 Pandemic that took place in December 2022 which greatly emphasized the critical need 
for the extension of the scope of the Decision.  
2.348.   In conclusion, much works remains to be done here in this house to effectively address the 
LDC issue and to support the LDCs achieving their development objectives. We have seen before at 
the WTO how the Members use the multilateral trading system to address global challenges. The 
fisheries subsidies agreement reached at MC12 is an example to this willingness by the Members to 
fulfil the global mandate given to this organization. My delegati on encourages all Members to be 
flexible and engage constructively and in good faith to work together to support the LDCs to 
overcome their challenges and to turn potential into prosperity.  
2.349.   The representative of Djibouti , on behalf of the LDC Group , delive red the following 
statement:  
2.350.   The LDC Group calls on Members to operationalize the decisions adopted at previous sessions 
of the Ministerial Conference, in line with paragraph 8 of the MC12 outcome document. These 
decisions relate to waivers on services and  preferential rules of origin as well as duty -free quota -
free (DFQF) market access.  At MC12, Ministers instructed the General Council to assess progress in 
implementing decisions relating to the services waiver and market access in DFQF and report back 
to MC13. They also instructed the Committee on Rules of Origin to report on its work to the General 
Council prior to MC13.  LDCs urge Members to operationalize these decisions. The LDC Group remains 
committed to the effective implementation of these decisions in favour of its members, in order to 
improve the living conditions of millions of women and men in our respective countries.  
2.351.   The representative of South Africa  delivered the following statement:  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  2.352.   The rising food insecurity emphasizes the need deliver on fo od security and livelihoods 
aspects of the outstanding Ministerial mandates including PSH, SSM, cotton and disciplines on 
agriculture subsidies. The outstanding DDA issues remains critical if the WTO is to deliver on the 
development mandate. We therefore u rge the Members to prioritize the fulfilment of outstanding 
Ministerial mandates, including the G90 ASPs.  We welcome the work programme on NFIDCs and we 
hope we will deliver tangible outcomes for NFIDCs.  
2.353.   The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
2.354.   The credibility of the WTO as an organization is judged on the basis of delivering on past 
decisions. So therefore, we had requested earlier, and we request again that the compilation of all 
outstanding decisions of our Ministers should be broug ht before General Council by the Secretariat. 
And as we know, Ministers represent billions of people back home. We believe ignoring their decisions 
certainly does not add to the credibility of the WTO, and here, I am referring to the decision on 
permanent solutions to Public Stockholding. It is said in the WTO that the gestation period for any 
decision is pretty long, but ten years even by WTO standards, is way too long.  
2.355.   It has been ten years since the Ministers provided the Bali decision on the Permanent 
Solution to PSH.  And it  is also ironic that in times such as now, where every meeting room in the 
WTO and the other international organizations  are beaming with the discussion on food security, 
how to achieve it, and the issues involved in it, when we reall y need to deliver, we are falling short 
in achieving the permanent solution to the PSH that includes new programs and new products.  The 
food security of communities, societies and nations was never more critical than now, mainly due to 
recent developments.  In such a situation, any new approach that does not consider the centrality of 
a Permanent Solution to PSH  in the agriculture negotiations may not go far.  
2.356.   Some Members have said that PSH is one of the solutions to ensure food security and is not 
the only  solution. We agree. We never said it was the only solution. In the same breath, we are 
saying free trade is not the only solution for food security; free trade is one of the solutions, along 
with domestic production.  However, if one were to push this argu ment further, we would like to say 
there is enough evidence of how PSH programmes have avoided starvation and provided food 
security to the needy and the vulnerable during crises. In fact, during the past two year's crisis, PSH 
had successfully provided fo od to the entire Indian population. The major agriculture exporters had 
a huge task to rise to the occasion and meet food security challenges in the current crisis, their 
performance was certainly not perfect, even with their best endeavours.   
2.357.   The design a nd implementation of PSH in India has helped India maintain food security for 
1.4 bn Indian people during a crisis period of the last two years, particularly, India has also helped 
countries in need who have approached India for bilateral support for food security in their country.  
Therefore, rather than indulging in a theoretical debate, we may acknowledge a successful model 
and help countries implement their respective successful models without creating unnecessary 
barriers and pushing them into lengthy d ebates for  years.  
2.358.   Finally, from now on, we should first address the mandated issues on priority before the 
other elements of Agriculture are taken up. In fact, we should find the solution to the Ministerial 
mandated issues of PSH and SSM and adopt them at the GC level, as we did in 2014, instead of 
waiting for the next Ministerial Conference.  We have stated this in the consultations with the new 
CoA SS Chair , Ambassador  Alparslan Acarsoy, and also in the first C oA SS meeting of 27 Feb 2023, 
that negotiations in C oA SS should start with text -based negotiations based on available 
submissions. And for the PSH we already have a submission in the document JOB/AG/229 with the 
support of more than 80 countries.  
2.359.   The representative of Indonesia  delivered t he following report:  
2.360.   Indonesia is of the view that we should not be complacent with the outcomes of any 
Ministerial Conferences. It is important that we are not neglectful of our existing homework in 
implementing the outcomes from Bali and Nairobi. We must  adhere to mandates that we have agreed 
on by consensus. We also have to work towards achieving outcomes and solution, where agriculture 
continue to remain Indonesia 's priority agenda. In this regard, resolving our homework on achieving 
a permanent solutio n on PSH and SSM should continue to be in our agenda for the next Ministerial WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  Conference. Therefore, we would like to reiterate our commitment to work on the joint proposal on 
PSH JOB/AG/229 to be the basis of our negotiation on PSH.  
2.361.   Indonesia is cognizan t of new challenges and is open to new ideas, but we should not start 
from scratch and ignore existing mandates and proposal. On the issues of fisheries subsidies, we 
welcome the appointment of the new chair, H.E. Ambassador Einar Gunnarsson of Iceland, an d his 
swift action to conduct consultation with the members. In this regard, we further believe that it is 
important to start the phase two of the negotiation.  Having said that, the conclusion of a  
comprehensive agreement, particularly on the issue of over fishing and overcapacity with special and 
differential treatment as an integral part of the negotiations should be the utmost priority. It is also 
crucial to discipline distant water fishing that hugely contribute to the global depletion of fish stocks, 
instead of punishing developing countries and LDCs that provide small subsidies to support their 
small, artisanal fisher, fishing along the national territory.  Indonesia looks forward to the upcoming 
fish week and will actively participate along with the del egations from our capital.  
2.362.   The representative of Pakistan  delivered the following report:  
2.363.   Pakistan would like to express disappointment as implementation of mandates from these 
Ministerials is still lacking , as we have raised several times in our previous statements under this 
agenda item; developmental issues can no longer be ignored as the modern post pandemic and 
conflict -ridden world is pushing several developing member countries and LDCs to a brink where the 
goals of Marrakesh Agreement i.e., livelihoo ds, standard of living and developmental prospects of 
people in developing countries are not just left unaddressed but are diminishing.  
2.364.   Such mandates, if left unaddressed further, will catalyse apprehensions of the poorer 
members with the multilateral syst em and breed mistrust. Pakistan pointed out in the informal 
meeting on development last month, and will reiterate today that unfulfilled mandates and 
unimplemented decisions of all Ministerial Conferences may be compiled and it be highlighted as to 
what ex tent have those mandates been addressed or remain unaddressed to date. This is important 
to be done for development mandates, transfer of technology mandates etcetera. These mandates 
must be reflected in the agendas of respective committees and work in thi s direction may commence 
on priority.  Furthermore, we have been constantly raising our concerns to address the imbalances 
in Agriculture and to deliver on the G -90 proposals on SDT. Pakistan strongly believes that to ensure 
that the world sees the WTO as a n organization that delivers on the mandated outcomes, we must 
find means to take stock of such mandates and decisions.  
2.365.   The Director -General  delivered the following statement:   
2.366.   I would like to thank Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady for the hard work that led us to a new 
work programme for Aid for Trade.  I know that the process has been an intensive one.  But also a 
worthwhile one.  The work programme that she is circulating to us under her own responsibility has 
a good balance and depth to it.  I shall be bringing t he new work programme to the attention of 
partner organizations and encouraging them to engage with us to take it forward.  This includes the 
OECD, with whom we partner to monitor financing flows, the IMF, World Bank Group and other 
international financial institutions with which we work closely on this agenda.  As well as donors of 
course.  And south -south partners too.  
2.367.   One dimension to the work programme that I would like to quickly highlight is that of south -
south and triangular cooperation.  I am happy to see this topic among the themes to be explored in 
the new work programme, together with those of food security, digital connectivity and 
mainstreaming trade, including sustainability objectives.  I look forward to interacting with Members 
on implementation of the work programme. And also updating the Initiative to ensure that it 
responds to the trade and development needs of developing countries and in particular LDCs.  For 
now, let me draw these brief remarks to a close by thanking again Ambassador Dwarka -Canabady 
for her efforts and the work programme she has circulated under her responsibility as CTD Chair.  
2.368.   The General Council took note  of my report, of the statement of the CTD Chair, and of all 
the statements made.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  3  WORK PROGRAMME ON SMALL ECONOMIE S – REPORT BY THE CHAIR OF THE 
DEDICATED SESSION OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT  
3.1.  The Chair  recalled that, i n accordance with the agreement in the General Council in 2002, the 
Work Programme on Small Economies was a standing item on the agenda and  the Committee on 
Trade and Development reports regularly on the progress of work in its Dedicated Sessions. At MC12, 
Ministers  had reaffirmed their commitment to the Work Programme and instructed the CTD to 
continue its work in Dedicated Sessions under th e overall responsibility of the General Council.  
3.2.  Ambassador  Usha Dwarka -Canabady (Mauritius), Chair of the C ommittee on Trade and 
Development , delivered the following statement with regard to the ongoing work in the Committee:  
3.3.  I would like to start by rec alling that, following the 1998 Geneva Ministerial Declaration, 
Ministers agree d in paragraph 35 of the 2001 Doha Ministerial Declaration, to a work programme, 
under the auspices of the General Council.  In the Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration in 2005,  
Ministers reaffirm ed their commitment to the Work Programme on Small Economies .  
3.4.  The most recent Ministerial Decision on the Work Programme on Small Economies, taken at 
MC12, is contained in documents WT/MIN(22)/25 and WT/L/1136  – and once again reaffirms  
Members' commitment at Ministerial level to the Work Programme on Small Economies.  Note is 
taken of all the work conducted to date , and the CTD is instructed to continue its work in the 
Dedicated Session on Small Economies under the overall responsibility o f the General Council.  The 
Dedicated Session is to continue monitoring the progress of the small economy proposals in WTO 
bodies and in negotiating groups with the aim of providing responses, as soon as possible, to the 
trade -related issues identified for the fuller integration of SVEs in to the multilateral trading system.  
3.5.  In terms of future work in the Dedicated Session, the Decision instruct s the WTO Secretariat 
to provide relevant information and factual analysis for discussion among Members  on the topic  of 
"integrating small economies into the post COVID -19 economy: effects of the pandemic, challenges 
and opportunities. " 
3.6.  I am pleased to report that a Secretariat background document on this topic was circulated on 
14 February. The background document – which is based on an outline that was proposed last year 
by the SVE Group and agreed in the Dedicated Session – is substantive and statistical in nature. 
Using the members of the SVE Group as the basis for the statistical analysis, the paper looks at 
small e conomies' trends in merchandise and services trade, the effects of the COVID -19 pandemic 
on small economies' trade, and the challenges and opportunities in the post COVID -19 recovery 
phase. An annex contains data on small economies' economic and trade prof iles. 
3.7.  A meeting of the Dedicated Session has been convened on 30 March to allow  Members to begin 
a substantive  discussion on the basis of the background document by the Secretariat.   
3.8.  I see the meeting on 30 March as a first opportunity to delve in  the impo rtant topic of 
integrating small economies into the post COVID -19 economy . I believe there will be scope to 
continue and deepen the discussion in future meetings, perhaps by having members of the SVE 
Group make presentations on their experiences in particu lar areas, or by eventually hearing from 
other international organizations that have undertaken relevant work. The way forward would of 
course need to be determined by Members in the Dedicated Session.  
3.9.  I take this opportunity to encourage all Members to p articipate actively in the discussions that 
will take place in the Dedicated Session. I also call on all Members to continue to engage in order  to 
frame responses to the trade -related issues identified for the fuller integration of SVEs into the 
multilater al trading system.   
3.10.   The representative of Guatemala , on behalf of the SVEs , delivered the following statement:  
3.11.   The SVE's Group would like to thank the Chair of the CTD for her report on the progress of 
the Secretariat´s background note that will serve as t he basis for the discussions, and the group 
looks forward to discussing it soon. The study has been prepared in accordance with the Ministerial 
Decision on the Work Programme on Small Economies, which was adopted at the Twelfth WTO 
Ministerial Conference o n the topic of the challenges and opportunities in post -COVID -19. The WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  document recognizes that small and vulnerable economies are countries which are in different 
regions of the world and with different resources. Some have abundant natural resources, whil e 
others rely on international tourism as their main source of income.  
3.12.   Some SVE 's produce agricultural products, fuels, and minerals, while others export 
manufactures, particularly clothing and textiles.  But, despite this, this diversity, the SVE 's share 
many common elements. Most of them have small domestic markets and scarce resource  bases, are 
highly dependent on trade and vulnerable to natural disasters. They have high transport and 
communication costs due to their distance from international markets.  The pandemic and the current 
geopolitical context have highlighted the fragility o f the global food system, which has been 
particularly felt in the SVE 's countries, given their dependence on food imports. This document has 
been circulated under the reference WT/COMTD/SE/W/45.  
3.13.   The representative of Cameroon , on behalf of the African Grou p, delivered the following 
statement:  
3.14.   The African Group takes note of the report, and we commend the Chair for the tireless efforts 
which led to an outcome in this area at MC12. We are on the view that the multilateral trading 
system and the rule -making fu nction of the WTO should continue to take account of the special 
needs and realities of all Members.  We welcome the Work Programme on Small Economies, and we 
remain committed to engage positively and constructively in the CTD to advance discussions on this  
very important topic.  
3.15.   The representative of Jamaica  delivered the following statement:  
3.16.   Jamaica thanks the Chair of the Committee on Trade and Development for her report. At the 
outset, we align ourselves with the statements delivered by the ACP, CARICOM a nd SVEs Groups.  
The MC12 Ministerial Decision on the Work Programme on Small Economies continues to be one of 
Jamaica’s priority areas for work in the WTO.  We thank the Secretariat for the background note 
circulated under WT/COMTD/SE/W/45. It provides a fa ctual representation of the issues facing SVEs. 
It shows, inter alia , the weak export performance, usual debilitating impact of exogenous shocks, 
the major challenge of climate change and natural disasters, limited capacity to take advantage of 
digital tra de, the concentration of our exports in a narrow range of sector, and the undiversified 
export markets of SVEs.  
3.17.   As an SVE, these issues are real. We face them every  day. The WTO can play a major role in 
assisting SVEs to deal with these challenges, fast -track recovery from the effects of the pandemic 
and size opportunities available in the multilateral trading system. Jamaica calls on WTO members 
to engage on these issues in the dedicated session of the CTD and other WTO bodies with flexibility, 
foresight and with a constructive spirit.  
3.18.   For the current Work Programme, Jamaica’s interests, which we hope to be included in the 
work to be done, include: understanding the extent of the impact of the pandemic on the trade 
performance of small economies, which we  all know were disproportionately affected by the 
pandemic, good practices for building resilient systems and trade policies to respond to impacts such 
as those emanating from the pandemic, as well as shocks from natural disasters and the impact of 
climate  change, access to finance, including climate finance, to improve the trade performance of 
small economies, exchange of ideas on good practices on improving value chain development, and 
improving digital readiness of small economies to successfully compete  in global trade.  
3.19.   We see the MC12 Work Programme as an opportunity to advance the views of small 
economies and to galvanize support for addressing the challenges they face in attempts to 
successfully integrate into global trade. Jamaica, therefore, reaffir ms its commitment to the 
implementation of the Work Programme and stands ready to engage actively in this regard.  
3.20.   The representative of Trinidad and Tobago  delivered the following statement:  
3.21.   We thank the Chair of the CTD for her report. We also take this opportunity to recognise and 
express appreciation for the work of the Secretariat in producing the background note contained in 
WT/COMTD/SE/W/45 entitled Integrating Small Economies into the Post Covid -19 Economy: Effects 
of the Pandemic, Challenges a nd Opportunities. We acknowledge the constraints surrounding the WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  preparation and finalisation of the report and it is in this context that we pause to express our 
gratitude for the efforts expended in this regard.  
3.22.   As the extensive background note was made  available to the Membership quite recently, we 
have not yet been able to review it thoroughly. Our preliminary observation, however, is that it is a 
useful resource that concretises with statistical details the challenges of our small economies in the 
post-pandemic context of intersecting, multi -dimensional crises. It puts the spotlight on those 
challenges we share with other developing countries, as well as those that emanate from our 
particular distinguishing characteristics as SVEs, including small size , remoteness and susceptibility 
to the negative impacts of climate change and natural disasters.  
3.23.   We take this opportunity to spotlight in this context some of the elements highlighted in the 
background note. These include minimal participation of SVEs in global merchandise trade, very 
limited contribution to global services exports, heavy reliance on primary commodities for 
merchandise exports, small number of trading partners, limited integration into global and regional 
value chains, minimal contribution  to global exports of digitally -delivered services, challenges 
relating to attraction of FDI and food insecurity in SVEs, several of which are NFIDCs. We look 
forward to a fulsome engagement of the Membership on this background note in the designated 
forum  in the period ahead. Finally, we align with the CARICOM and SVE Group Statements on this 
subject.  
3.24.   The representative of Ecuador  delivered the following statement:  
3.25.   I would like to take this opportunity to express my thank s to the Chairperson and the 
Secret ariat for preparing the background note which contains substantive information that the 
participation in trade of these small and medium enterprises, both in goods and services. Although 
Ecuador is not categorized as an SVE in services, we do recognise the  importance of the information 
the background note and we fully support the development of a comprehensive agenda of the WTO 
that specifically notes the needs of the SVEs. We echo the statement made by Guatemala ago on 
behalf of the Group. We believe that the topic of trade and development are of an upmost importance 
to the Members of this Organization, and we need to ensure that within this framework, the concerns 
of the SVEs are properly and comprehensibly addressed. To face these si tuations of crises, these 
economies are vulnerable in multiple ways. The dependence o n few products , logistic costs and the 
impact of climate change all are particularly significant, and natural disasters as well as  COVID -19 
have further impacted  these eco nomies we still feel  the impact . Thus, we agree that we must 
consider all these factors in the work of the Organization. We believe that this is essential to have a 
holistic approach to development and trade and an approach that includes the needs and conc erns 
of SVEs. Thus, we are committed to work with other Members towards this objective.  
3.26.   The representative of Sri Lanka  delivered the following statement:  
3.27.   Sri Lanka would like to align itself with the statement made by Guatemala on behalf of SVE 
group.  Sri Lanka would like to thank Ambassador Canabady, Chair of the CTD for her detailed report 
on the work relating to SVEs. Sri Lanka would also like to thank the Secretariat for the background 
note which was circulated under document No. WT/COMTD/SE/W/45.  Issues relating to the trade of 
Small Economies are well elaborated in the document No. WT/COMTD/SE/W/1 dated 18th April 2002 
submitted by small economies. The Secretariat background note well reflects that all the issues 
highlighted in this document are stil l prevalent in the small economies.  
3.28.   According to the background note, participation of SVEs in global merchandise trade remains 
below 1%. The share of SVEs in global merchandise exports has increased only from 0.7% to 0.72% 
in nine years. This shows that a  lot of work need to be done to integrate SVEs into the multilateral 
trading system.  
3.29.   As mandated through the Paragraph 35 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration 
(WT/MIN(01)/DEC/l), the main objective of the work programme on SVEs is to frame responses to 
the trade-related issues identified for the fuller integration of small and vulnerable economies into 
the multilateral trading system. My delegation believes that the Secretariat report would provide a 
good basis for us to continue our discussion on SVEs at th e COMTD in order to achieve this objective.  
Sri Lanka reaffirms its commitment to the work of the CTD in its Dedicated Session on Small 
Economies.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  3.30.   The representative of Antigua and Barbuda , on behalf of the OECS , delivered the following 
statement:  
3.31.   We align  with the statements by Guatemala on behalf of the Small Vulnerable Economies 
(SVEs) Group; by Kenya on behalf of the ACP and by CARICOM. Many thanks to the Chair of the 
CTD for her report on the progress of the Secretariat´s Background Note contained in D ocument 
WT/COMTD/SE/W/45. We were demandeurs of such a document and thank the Secretariat for its 
expert work on this. We are still studying the contents of the Note. However, we have some 
preliminary reflections. The results presented in the Background No te make for sobering reading 
and confirm much of what we have been saying over the years. On a positive note, we now have an 
additional factual basis on which to engage on many of the challenges confronting SVEs.  
3.32.   Some of our observations from the Backgrou nd Note include the following: since its peak in 
2011, SVE merchandise exports have slowed. Trade tensions, especially those between and amongst 
some of the world 's largest trading nations, have dampened volume export growth in SVEs. SVEs 
participation in global merchandise trade remains below 1%. SVEs merchandise trade is dominated 
by a few players, with trade highly concentrated among 10 SVEs, which accounted for over 80% of 
total exports in 2019. The trade of SVEs is also concentrated between a few count ries, with the bulk 
of trade taking place with the US, EU and China.  
3.33.   Now, if I may make some of our own observations outside of the Background Note: While 
there has been some rapid services growth, and SVEs are generally net services exporters, it is 
important to note that in the OECS, our services surplus is typically not sufficient to compensate for 
our deficit in merchandise trade. In 2020, every OECS WTO Member experienced a drastic decline 
in their services exports. For the bloc as a whole, services e xports in 2020 declined by 51%, an 
illustration of how acutely vulnerable we are to exogenous shocks. It is also important to note that 
in 2021, Travel and Transport Services, primarily linked to the Tourism Sector, accounted for nearly 
75% of OECS service s exports. This mirrors the same sectoral concentration of economic activity 
which is prevalent in our goods trade.  
3.34.   I can make many other observations, but our main takeaway is that much more remains to 
be done to further integrate SVEs into the global tr ading system. It is for this reason that we continue 
to emphasize the letter of the Nairobi Ministerial Decision of 2015, which states that "in every area 
of WTO work, and in a substantive and meaningful manner, the needs of small, vulnerable economies 
(SVEs) ought to be favourably considered and relevant measures adopted to facilitate their fuller 
integration into the multilateral trading system, and to take into account the needs of SVEs in all 
areas of negotiations, without creating a sub -category of WTO  Members. " We invite the membership 
to reflect further, especially given the additional empirical evidence before us, on how we can give 
fuller effect to the Nairobi Decision on SVEs.  
3.35.   The representative of Mauritius  delivered the following statement:  
3.36.   Mauri tius supports the statement made by El Salvador on behalf of SVEs and the statement 
of the African Group.  The Ministerial Decision  on the Work Programme on Small Economies at the 
MC12 is a testimony that the concerns of the Small Economies to integrate the  world economy 
through trade and development remains an unfinished business.  The Secretariat background 
document is very clear about the challenges the SVEs are facing and that the COVID 19 and its 
disastrous consequences have further downgraded and challe nged their ability and their attempts 
to integrate the multilateral trading system.  
3.37.   In addition to their inherent difficulties like small domestic market, high dependency on trade, 
vulnerability to natural disasters and the costs associated with remoteness , the Pandemic and the 
geopolitical instability have compounded and further exposed their weaknesses. It is also to be 
highlighted that many SVEs are also NFIDCs and their food security situation has been challenges 
and the soaring energy costs together wi th imported inflation have compromised their debt 
sustainability.  Mauritius supports new initiatives and further work devoted to improving the situation 
of SVEs. In this regard, we welcome the Dedicated Session of 30 March and call on members to 
contribute  to the discussions.  
3.38.   The representative of the United Kingdom  delivered the following statement:  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  3.39.   Just to briefly say we really welcome Mauritius and Guatemala bringing this issue to our 
attention. We are very keen on engaging on this issue and we recognise the particular trade 
challenges that SVEs, including SID S face and we need to take forward that work in the dedicated 
session later this month. I would just say, for those of you that have not spotted already that our 
own International Development Strategy we have set out an ambition, an ambition that by 2030 
those Small Island Developing States, the  SIDS, would have the economic and climate resilience not 
only to graduate from ODA  with sustainable economies but also to withstand economic and climate 
shocks . I think  that trade policy, including the work we do in this organi zation, has a crucial role t o 
play in this respect . 
3.40.   The representative of the Russian Federation  delivered the following statement:  
3.41.   We thank the Chair of the CTD Dedicated Session for the report and would like to reiterate 
our support to the Work Programme on Small Economies. At the MC12 our Ministers reaffirmed the 
Members' commitment to the Work Programme. The Russian delegation expresses its dedication to 
further promote engagement of the Small and Vulnerable Economies in the multilateral trading 
system.  I would like to draw your attention to the Secretariat 's Background Note "Integrating small 
economies into the post COVID -19 economy" WT/COMTD/SE/W/45 issued on the 14th of February 
within the CTD. The authors of this report strongly promote the idea that the conflict in Ukraine is  a 
major negative factor, affecting global food security, stability of supply chains, and global commodity 
markets.  
3.42.   The Secretariat stated that, quote: «The COVID -19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have 
disrupted the decade -long steady decline in inflatio n globally», end of quote (paragraphs 1.19 and 
4.31). From our point of view, the surge in global inflation is primarily the consequence of the short -
sighted monetary policy continuously pursued by major Western states, which severely affected 
developing c ountries, especially LDCs and smaller economies. Therefore, we call upon the Secretariat 
to conduct a more comprehensive analysis and make the appropriate adjustments to the document. 
We would like to remind you that the most devastating consequences for t he world trade related to 
the conflict in Ukraine come not from the conflict itself but precisely from the unlawful unilateral 
restrictions against my country. To remind the Members about that we introduced a separate item 
on the agenda of this meeting.  
3.43.   The representative of Panama  delivered the following statement:   
3.44.   First and foremost I would like to say that we echo the statement already made by Guatemala 
on behalf of the SVE Group. Panama would  like to thank you for the report and all the tremendous 
efforts Chair and the CTD, the work of the Secretariat and the Work Programme  on Small Economies. 
For example, with regard to developing this new background note on integrating the small economies 
into the post COVID -19 network , as has been expressed by some p revious speakers, we understand 
that this is a factual analysis of this discussion that will take place on the topic on 30  March. This 
will be an important contribution to properly understand the challenges that these small and 
vulnerable economies face. A nd will contribute to a good assessment of the lessons that can be 
learned from the experience and could even be relevant for other Members. We trust that this work 
will lead to a more effective and sustainable integration of the SVEs into the multilateral  trading 
system.  
3.45.   The representative of Brazil  delivered the following statement:  
3.46.   Brazil thanks the chair of the CTD for the report. We continue to support the work of the CTD 
in a dedicated session on Small Economies, as well as the Work Programme on Small  Economies. In 
our view, those are useful exercises that contribute to a better understanding of how small 
economies can face specific challenges and further benefit from the multilateral trading system.  
3.47.   The representative of Samoa , on behalf of the Pacific Group , delivered the following 
statement:  
3.48.   The Pacific Group thanks the Chair of the CTD for her report and we align with the ACP and 
SVE statements.  The Pacific Group continues to highlight the importance of this work in framing 
responses to the fu ller integration of SVEs into the multilateral trading system. We welcome the 
recently published Background Note by the Secretariat on the topic of: "Integrating small economies WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  into the post COVID -19 economy: effects of the pandemic, challenges and opport unities." We look 
forward to engaging on this document at the Forty -third dedicated session on small economies to 
be held at the end of the month.  
3.49.   The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
3.50.   We welcome the work of the WTO Se cretariat in providing a very substantive background 
note on "Integrating Small Economies into the Post COVID -19 Economy. " We also thank the Chair 
of the Committee on Trade and Development 's Dedicated Session on Small Economies for guidance 
provided to the  process.  We are still examining the analysis and findings with a view of substantive 
engagement at the next meeting of the Dedicated Session on Small Economies.  
3.51.   The representative of China  delivered the following statement:  
3.52.   China has noticed the impact of  the pandemic and natural disasters on small economies, and 
numerous challenges and difficulties that small economies have to face in integrating into the 
multilateral trading system. To achieve the objectives set out in the WTO Agreements, no one should 
be left behind. China welcomes the Work Programme on Small Economies and the latest background 
note published by the Secretariat this February. China will continue to actively and constructively 
participate in discussions in the General Council and the Dedi cated Session of the CTD, and 
implement the MC12 mandate to produce tangible results.  
3.53.   The representative of the Bahamas , speaking as an observer , on behalf of CARICOM , delivered 
the following statement:  
3.54.   We thank Guatemala for its statement on behalf of the  SVEs Group, with which we are aligned. 
We also thank the Chair of the CTD for her report. The Secretariat must also be commended for its 
excellent work in producing the background note contained in Document WT/COMTD/SE/W/45.  The 
background note prepared b y the Secretariat is a very early harvest from among the MC12 
mandates. We believe that it will go a long way in guiding Members ' engagement on issues of 
relevance to SVEs, particularly as we pursue fuller integration into the post COVID -19 economy. For 
many years, SVEs have been faced with several structural constraints, such as narrow production 
structures, reliance on one or two sectors for the bulk of their economic growth, few exports and a 
small number of trading partners. Our lack of integration into  global supply chains and vulnerability 
to exogenous shocks have also been commented on at length over the years.  
3.55.   We now have the benefit of empirical data which confirm our unique circumstances. The 
outcome of this work should naturally lead to the full implementation of the Nairobi Ministerial 
Decision, which among other things, says that "the needs of small, vulnerable economies (SVEs) 
ought to be favourably considered and relevant measures adopted to facilitate their fuller integration 
into the multila teral trading system… " 
3.56.   Some of the challenges faced by SVEs, as highlighted in the Secretariat 's background note, 
include:  Domination of SVEs trade by a few players; Very low rate of participation in global 
merchandise trade, at a rate below 1%; Reliance o n a few countries to trade; and Notwithstanding 
being net services exporters, the participation of SVEs in global services exports has remained 
modest. According to the International Trade Centre 's Trade Map database, in 2021, CARICOM 's 
share of world merc handise trade stood at 0.08%, in line with the picture painted in the Secretariat 's 
background note for SVEs in general. Among CARICOM 's top exports are mineral fuels; organic 
chemicals; inorganic chemicals; and natural and cultured pearls. These 4 product  categories account 
for nearly 60% of the region 's total exports. Mineral fuels alone account for over 30% of the region 's 
exports, bearing in mind that only two of the region 's economies are producers and exporters of 
mineral fuels. This data point to the  narrowness of our production and trade structures, as well as 
the concentration of merchandise exports among our Members which are endowed with deposits of 
minerals. The United States alone accounts for 40% of CARICOM 's exports. Overall, the majority of 
the region 's exports go to the US, European Union, China, United Kingdom and intra -regionally. In 
terms of services, in 2021, CARICOM exported US$10.6 billion worth of services. Meanwhile, our 
imports stood at US$9.5 billion.  
3.57.   While the majority of our econ omies are services based, it is important to note that the top 3 
services exporters accounted for over 65% of our total services exports in 2021. Furthermore, based WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  on data going back to 2002, 2020 represented the first and only year that our region experi enced a 
deficit in its services balance of trade. Compared to 2019, the services trade balance in 2020 fell by 
more than 140%, demonstrating the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on the region 's trade. 
Essentially, the Secretariat background note has confirm ed, in an impartial manner, what has 
typically been our lived reality. We therefore invite Members to engage constructively on the 
contents of the background note, and in further discussions at the level of all WTO Bodies and 
negotiations, on how to better  take into account, the circumstances and needs of SVEs.  
3.58.   Ambassador Usha Dwarka -Canabady (Mauritius), Chair of the Committee on Trade and 
Development , delivered the following statement:  
3.59.   I apologize for asking for the floor but, a decision on small economies was taken in 1998, and 
it is only in 2023, 25 years late r, that finally a discussion based on a document is taking place. We 
can only hope that the way forward will take less longer than that. But I want to especially take the 
floor to thank the Secretariat, and it was amiss of me to not recognize Ambassador Sperisen -Yurt 
and his team, because without them we would not have the necessary consensus to move ahead 
with this document.  
3.60.   The General Council took note  of the report of the Chairperson of the CTD and of the 
statements made . 
4  WTO ACCESSIONS: 2022 ANNUAL REPORT BY THE DIRECTOR -GENERAL (WT/ACC/43 – 
WT/GC/257) – STATEMENT BY THE DIRECTOR -GENERAL  
4.1.  The Chair invite d the Director -General to present her annual report on WTO  accessions 
circulated in W T/ACC/43 – WT/GC/257.  
4.2.  The Director -General  delivered the following statement:  
4.3.  It is my pleasure to present my second Annual Report on WTO Accessions. Throughout last 
year, I closely followed accessions and interacted with a number of acceding governments.  I was 
impressed by the sustained level of their engagement, despite different yet multiple challenges they 
faced at home. Let me walk you through the main developments in 2022.  
4.4.  We started the year with the establishment of a new Working Party on Turkmeni stan, bringing 
the total number of accessions to 24. Despite Members' busy schedule with MC12, three Working 
Parties met and held five meetings. I am delighted to report on the progress made in two LDC 
accessions – Comoros and Timor -Leste, which accounted for 80% of all formal meetings held in 
2022. Thanks to their hard work, supported by Members and partners, substantial progress was 
registered, on all pillars of negotiations, bringing these two accessions near the finish line:  
4.5.  Comoros held two meetings an d concluded bilateral market access negotiations with seven  
Members. The Secretariat is in the process of consolidating  the concluded bilateral agreements into 
draft goods and services schedules for technical verification. This signals important progress, as two 
of the three elements that constitute a draft Accession Package, are being finali zed.  
4.6.  Timor -Leste also held two meetings. It signed bilateral market access agreements with four 
Members, while it is advancing negotiations with other six Members, wit h some nearing finali zation. 
Let me take this opportunity to call on these Members to expedite the finalization of bilateral 
negotiations with Timor -Leste before the next meeting of the Working Party currently scheduled for 
mid-April. Dili  has also registe red progress in their legislative work, although there is still some more 
to do in the coming months.  
4.7.  2022 also witnessed fruitful developments in non -LDC accessions.  
4.8.  Uzbekistan held its 5th Working Party Meeting in June and since then has been ramping up its 
engagement, especially on the market access front.  
4.9.  Iraq submitted an updated set of documents in effort to formally resume the Working Party 
process after 15 years of dormancy.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  4.10.   In December, I met with the Trade Minister of Equatorial Guinea  who handed over a 
Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime (MFTR) aimed at starting the accession process, nearly 
15 years after the establishment of its Working Party.  
4.11.   Azerbaijan sent its techn ical team to Geneva a few times, in preparation for the resumption 
of its Working Party which has not met since 2017.  I forgot to mention that on the least developed 
countries Bhutan recently also indicated its interest to re -engage.  
4.12.   In these accessions, a s well as others, technical assistance has played a critical role in 
advancing, launching or re -launching the process. Let me thank all partners – Members, regional 
and international partners, including those on the ground - for their generous and active s upport, as 
well as their coordination efforts with the Secretariat. To maximise the effectiveness and efficiency 
of TA provided to acceding governments, the Secretariat launched a new Coordination Group on 
Accessions -related TA in July to institutionalise the already good working relationships with our 
partners. I expect that this Group will also play an important role in ensuring post -accession support 
to realise membership benefits, especially for LDCs.  
4.13.   In the era of increased global tensions, we have to  make the multilateral trading system work 
for all people, including those who live in fragile and conflict affected countries, many of which are 
in the process of accession. 2022 marked the 5 -year anniversary of the Trade for Peace initiative, 
first launc hed by the g7+ WTO Accessions Group, a group of fragile and conflict -affected states 
(FCS) associated with accession. We have organi zed various activities partnering with the peace 
community under the Trade for Peace Programme, which have highlighted the i mportance of trade 
and peace linkages in our conversations in this building. I took part in some activities, including the 
launch of the Trade for Peace Future Leaders Platform during the Public Forum, to bring the youth's 
voice into this important convers ation as they will define the future of multilateral cooperation to 
tackle complex global challenges.  
4.14.   Let me now focus on 2023. I trust that MC12 has provided useful guidance for our accession 
work. In paragraph 6 of the Outcome Document, Ministers expres sed their commitment "to facilitate 
the conclusion of ongoing accessions, especially for LDCs", noting that no accession has been 
concluded since July 2016 when Afghanistan and Liberia last joined the Organization.  
4.15.   I believe that the work on Comoros and T imor-Leste can be finali zed this year, in time for the 
adoption of their Accessions Package by MC13 in Abu Dhabi. In my meetings with Comorian President 
Azali Assoumani and Timorese President José Ramos -Horta, they assured me of their personal 
involvement in finalizing domestic work in the coming months. Working together with the Chairs of 
the respective Working Parties, Ambassador Omar Zniber of Morocco, and Ambassador Rui Macieira 
of Portugal, I will ensure that Secretariat resources are fully mobilized t o achieve this goal, which I 
hope all Members would share.  
4.16.   Regarding other files, I am optimistic that Uzbekistan will accelerate the pace of negotiations, 
following the recent announcement by President Mirziyoyev to conclude major parts of the accession 
process this year, which is an integral part of Tashkent's ambitious economic reform agenda. To 
implement this goal, I understand that the Chief Negotiator and his team are in town from today to 
engage with Members ahead of the 6th Working Party meeting ne xt week  in the presence of the 
Deputy Prime Minister.  
4.17.   I also expect that Azerbaijan, Ethiopia, Iraq and Sudan will advance their accessions in 2023, 
building on renewed political impetus and technical work done so far. Curaçao, Equatorial Guinea 
and Somali a are also expected to start their Working Party processes, based on their MFTRs and 
questions received from Members. Some other accessions could also resume their work, following 
the appointment of new Chairpersons, which is also on the agenda of this Gen eral Council.  
4.18.   Let me express my sincere gratitude to the Working Party chairpersons – the incumbents and 
the new ones – up to nine of them - to be appointed. Without their leadership, a great share of 
progress cannot be achieved in many accessions. Their p ersonal commitment and dedication, 
including their constant availability to the acceding governments, Members and the Secretariat, is 
an enormous contribution to the multilateral trading system, in realising its goal of membership 
universality.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  4.19.   In conclusi on, I would like to end on a note of appreciation to all Members for their 
engagement and support in accession work and in Trade for Peace. I hope that as we move along 
we can also find ways of means to make the accession process a little less onerous part icularly for 
smaller countries. Accessions shall remind us of the reasons why the multilateral trading system 
exists and of its importance – something we tend to take for granted.  I look forward to the deliverable  
of Timor -Leste and Comoros for MC13.  
4.20.   The representative of Sierra Leone  delivered the following statement:  
4.21.   I am delivering this statement as Chair of the bigger g7+ association of twenty  fragile and 
conflict -affected states, on behalf of the g7+WTO Accessions group co -coordinators – Liberia and 
Timor-Leste – and upon the request of our sister Republic of Liberia. I would like to join Members 
and group coordinators in thanking our truly esteemed and ever resourceful Director -General for 
presenting the 2022 Annual Report on WTO Accessions, and for sp ecifically for highlighting the work 
of the g7+ WTO Accessions Group.  
4.22.   At present, countries in conflict -affected situations constitute almost half of all governments 
which are in process of WTO accession. We were pleased to learn the significant progress made by 
Comoros and Timor -Leste in 2022 and hope that their accessions will be expedited and concluded 
by the next Ministerial Conference. We congratulate them on their continued and accelerated 
technical engagement towards concluding their respective acce ssion negotiations despite the recent 
global crisis. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Chairpersons of the Working 
Parties of Comoros and Timor -Leste – Amb. Omar Zniber of Morocco and Amb. Rui Macieira of 
Portugal, for the remarkable  work in facilitating the accession processes and for the progress update. 
We also note the hard work undertaken by the Accession Division of the WTO Secretariat in providing 
guidance and technical assistance to acceding Members. This is highly important, not only from the 
Secretariat but also from negotiating partners. We urge all Members to continue extending their 
support to these accessions to help them cross the finish line and integrate in the multilateral trading 
system.  
4.23.   The g7+ WTO Accessions Group  is, however, concerned about the lack of progress on many 
of the FCS files. We recognize the challenges that these governments are facing as they are 
disproportionately affected by the recent global crisis. We urge Members to take into consideration 
the c apabilities of these acceding countries and to prioritize and support their accessions as 
expeditiously as possible. Let me name them: Ethiopia, Iraq, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Lebanon, 
Libya and Sudan.  
4.24.   We have noted from the DG's Report that some of t hese files are "work in progress", while 
others are in the process of reactivating their work, and the rest are currently in dormancy. In WTO, 
we are famous for our linguistic felicities, and so we hope that we do not mean work without 
progress. The Group hopes that work will intensify on these accessions so they could register 
concrete progress in 2023.  
4.25.   In this context, let me re -iterate the Group's call for establishment of a dedicated WTO Work 
Programme of Trade for Peace for conflict -affected states. A s the Group stressed in its MC12 
Declaration, we believe that such a programme is necessary to enhance the understanding on the 
trade -peace nexus, in particular how trade could promote and support peace in FCS by helping them 
integrate and effectively part icipate in the multilateral trading system. Our Group was glad to 
observe that this initiative was supported by the broader membership, including the bigger g7+ 
association of 20 conflict -affected states chaired by my country, Sierra Leone. The Group looks  
forward to engaging with Members on this initiative, including at the next meeting of the Committee 
on Trade and Development where we intend to present the proposal with the background paper on 
conflict -affected states. We hope that this discussion could advance towards decision -making on the 
proposed programme at the next Ministerial.  
4.26.   We look forward to welcoming more FCS, particularly Comoros and Timor -Leste, in the near 
future as a full -fledged Member of the WTO. This is the moment for us to welcome ne w members 
and expand the WTO family. Let me conclude by welcoming our new colleagues – and especially 
single out Sierra Leone 's very intimate neighbour, the Republic of Guinea 's Ambassador Diallo. Let 
me also thank our colleagues who are leaving us for oth er exciting opportunities, in particular the 
charismatic and superbly dynamic Ambassador Spencer of Jamaica.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  4.27.   The representative of Kazakhstan  delivered the following statement:  
4.28.   I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Director -General for her pr esentation of 
the 2022 Annual Report on Accessions and the hard work undertaken by the Secretariat and 
Members with the objective to facilitate the conclusion of ongoing negotiations. As a recently acceded 
Member , Kazakhstan fully supports the paragraph in  the MC12 Outcome Document that emphasises 
the importance of providing technical assistance to acceding countries including the post accession 
stage. Currently , four countries from the region, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Belarus , 
are in the pr ocess of accession. As a recently acceded  Member with almost 20 years of accession 
experience , Kazakhstan understands the challenges faced by acceding countries.   
4.29.   Acceding governments have to implement comprehensive domestic reforms in its trade and  
econo mic policies in order to bring its laws and applied practices into compliance with the WTO 
agreements. In Kazakhstan's case , we developed new and introduced amendments into more than 
500 legislative acts. Based on our own and as our Article XII Members accession experiences, we 
would like to propose the reform process of the WTO accessions.  We believe that the current process 
places undue and heavy burden on acceding countries who are required to make more  extensive 
commitments even on issues that go beyond the scope of existing WTO agreements, the so -called 
WTO plus commitments. As an example, it should be mentioned that my co untry has made 
commitments binding the levels of duties applied on exports of primary commodities. I wonder how 
many original Members of the WTO have done so  - to restrict export subsidies for agricultural 
products even before the relevant Ministerial Decision was made in the Nairobi Conference.  
4.30.   The same is true for Services Domestic Regulation. It is paradoxical that now , in my capacity 
as Services Special Session Chair, I have to convene those very Members who were requesting from 
us extensive commitments  in services market access to take lead or be more actively engaged in 
the work of the Special Session.  It requires a lot of technical expertise, hard work and political will 
- this is most important on the part of Acceding Governments to maintain momentu m for the 
accession process taking into account the depth, length and complexity of the accession 
negotiations. As I used to say, being a Chief Negotiator for my country in the accession process , 
pains are today and real while gains are tomorrow and potent ial. In conclusion , we would like to call 
on the membership for a more balanced and equitable approach to the accession process and for 
greater recognition of the unique circumstances of acceding developing countries , especially LDC's. 
And I also would lik e to add f or the membership not to request from acceding  governments more 
commitments than you have undertaken yourself while founding the WTO.  
4.31.   The representative of Portugal , speaking as Chair of the Working Party on the Accession of 
Timor -Leste  delivered  the following statement:  
4.32.   As Chair of the working party on Timor -Leste accession to the WTO it is a pleasure to 
participate in this meeting of the  General  Council and to hear you support the accession of Timor -
Leste. Despite challenges faced due to the pan demic and technical and capacity constraints as an 
LDC, Timor -Leste has made remarkable progress since the Working Party was established in 2016.  
I can attest to the high  level of commitment to the accession process , both at the political and 
technical levels. Let me highlight that I could not agree more with the assessment of the Director -
General. Indeed the conclusion of Timor -Leste accession is within reach provided that all remaining 
elements are negotiated and ag reed upon with Members bilateral and multilaterally and all necessary 
legislation is adopted on a priority basis.  We will soon have the 5th working party meeting , where 
we will review the state of play on all fronts and assess Timor -Leste progress since o ur last meeting 
in September 2022. As Chair I remain committed to facilitate the achievement of Timor -Leste 
accession to the WTO as soon as possible  in line with Timor -Leste vision and I hope we can count 
on the support of the other Members of the WTO. As  the Director -General mentioned , it is key that 
we keep in mind and act upon the decision taken by our Ministers at MC12 in June 2022. It is 
essential to facilitate the accession of LDC to the WTO such as Comoros and Timor -Leste , fully in 
line with the Gen eral Council Guidelines on LDC Accessions and to provide technical assistance , 
including in the post accession phase.  I am convinced that the accession of Timor -Leste to the WTO 
would benefit the organisation and as the report of the Director -General poin ts out (quote) 
"Reconfirm the relevance of the multilateral trading system including its ability to take account of 
the needs of the most vulnerable members of the international community" . I hope to see you at 
our next Working Party meeting.  
4.33.   The represen tative of the United States  delivered the following statement:  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  4.34.   During 2022, we say a positive engagement from both Comoros and Timor -Leste in their WTO 
accession processes, they are making progress and we commend their constructive approach. In 
both access ions, substance will drive the process and we recognize that more work remains as the 
applicants align their trade regimes with WTO rules and principles. We strongly support their 
accessions and will continue to collaborate with Timor -Leste and Comoros as they undertake to 
advance and complete their accessions. The United States is a strong advocate of the WTO accession 
process, which facilitates domestic reforms and help acceding countries become more resilient 
through predicable and stable legal framework s. We are confident that the process makes important 
and long -term contributions to sustainable development for Members at every stage of development, 
including LDCs.  
4.35.   The representative of Lao PDR  delivered the following statement:  
4.36.   Thank you , Director -General, for the report, and my delegation agreed  with all the points 
presented. Let me add  some  salient points, as follows . On behalf of the Government of Lao PDR, I 
would like to express my sincere appreciation once again to the Article XII Members and acced ing 
governments, including Least Developed Countries, who took part in the 11th China Round Table on 
the WTO Accessions on 01 - 03 February 2023 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Taking this opportunity, I 
would also like to extend our gratitude to the Government of China as well as the WTO for this 
meaningful initiative. As a pillar of this programme, the annual Accession Round Table has made 
important contributions to the accessions of LDCs. The Lao Government believes that it is an 
important programme, not only for  the acceding LDCs but also for the WTO as the Organization as 
a whole.  
4.37.   The 11th China round table meeting acknowledged and commended the best practices and 
lessons learnt on WTO 's accessions and post -accession shared by 9 WTO 's member countries and 
by 8 countries who are in the process of joining WTO. In addition, the meeting noted t hat WTO 's 
accession served as a stepping -stone to deeper reform and further economic integration regionally 
and internationally. For the countries who are already WTO Members, Trade Policy Review process 
and its recommendations served as the important mile stone to evaluate, adjust and fine -tuning the 
courses of trade policy action. Furthermore, the meeting stressed the critical role played by technical 
assistance and capacity building during accession and post -accession process, including in SPS, TBT, 
safety and sustainability export products, productive capacity, e -commerce, among others.  
4.38.   Experiences and best practices of Laos ' 10 years joining WTO were also shared in the meeting 
namely its legislative and administrative reforms carried out to accommodate W TO's rules and 
regulations and to enable environment conductive for business and FDI operations and attraction, 
its remarkable achievements in economic performance since it joined WTO in 2013, and Laos ' 
proactive role played in the WTO process and mechanis ms, as and LDC member country.  
4.39.   The Lao Government is proud of being part of the WTO family and of the contribution we have 
made in the accession process as well as our post -accession. However, we also realized the 
constraints, especially for LDCs that are still facing limited expertise and financial constraints to 
effectively fulfil their commitment as a Membership in the post -accession period. For such reasons, 
further assistance from the WTO and its Members to build a supportive mechanism for providing 
regular support on post -accession issues to newly acceding members and LDCs is h ighly crucial.  
4.40.   The representative of Panama , on behalf of Article XII Members , delivered the following 
statement:  
4.41.   At the outset, I would like to thank the DG for her Annual Report on accessions activities in 
2022 and her outlook on what we can expect this year. We would also like to thank the Accessions 
Division for their hard work and for meeting with our Group last week to present us with a state of 
play on WTO accessions. Let me also express appreciation for the intense work of the Working Group 
Chairs, the delegates from Members and also the accession candidates. Chair, accessions are very 
important for the Members of my Group, we were once acceding candidates and know first-hand the 
challenges that can arise. We recall Paragraph 6 of the MC12 Outcome Do cument in which our 
Ministers underscore the importance of accessions and emphasize their commitment to facilitating 
the conclusion of ongoing accessions. We welcome the technical progress made , as well as the 
activation of several other candidates, access ions. We hope to confirm the appointment of several 
Working Party Chairs at a later stage, hopefully during this meeting, and will provide momentum on WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  those accessions. Accessions, as several have already said including the DG, strengthen the 
multilateral trading system. Sadly, we have had no new accessions since 2016, which is the longest 
such period since the creation of the WTO and a fact which by itself should lead us to consider 
whether in the context of our reform discussion we can improve the process . We should, among 
other things, reflect on how we can conduct accessions with a view that they maximise the ability 
of a new to integrate into trade. To conclude, we are pleased to learn that we can expect the 
finalization of accessions of Comoros and Tim or-Leste by MC13, including the development of a post -
accessions strategy and our Group stands ready to support and work constructively with Members 
and acceding candidates to facilitate their accession and integration in the WTO.  
4.42.   The representative of Indonesia  delivered the following statement:  
4.43.   Indonesia welcomes the on -going accessions of new Members in the WTO based on the rule 
and procedures in the WTO. We also welcome the progress made by Comoros and Timor -Leste in 
the negotiation and accession proces s. In line with this, we are supportive to the accession of Timor -
Leste and Uzbekistan where we are currently engaging and progressing on our bilateral market 
access negotiations. Our continued support to Timor -Leste is also in line with ASEAN Leaders ' 
Statement on the application of Timor -Leste for ASEAN Membership where ASEAN in -principle to 
admit Timor -Leste to be the 11th Member of ASEAN. It will be important to enhance the presence of 
Members from Southeast Asia in the WTO and further integrate it in t he multilateral trading system.  
4.44.   In this regard,  I share the same view as mentioned in the report that we need "to facilitate 
the conclusion of ongoing accessions, especially for LDCs". The integration of more developing 
Members and LDCs in the multilateral  trading system in the WTO, would allow a more enhanced 
economic development.  Therefore, we hope that new Member could  accede to the WTO in 2023 
before MC13 or at MC13.  
4.45.   The representative of Cambodia  delivered the following statement:  
4.46.   We thank the Director  General Dr. Ngozi for the 2022 Annual Report on WTO Accessions. We 
associate ourselves with the statement made by Djibouti on behalf of the LDC Group.  Accession to 
the WTO allows an LDC to integrate into the rule -based multilateral trading system and to u se trade 
as the main vehicle for economic development. For Cambodia, since joining the WTO in 2004, and 
we have achieved significant growth in terms of the economic -socio development, increase in human 
capacity and per capita earning and have become a lowe r middle -income country in 2015.  
4.47.   We welcome all the progress made by all acceding countries. We are pleased to see that 2 
LDCs, Comoros and Timor -Leste have advanced their accession process into the final phases. For 
more than 6 months, our Delegation has  been working closely with the Delegation of Timor -Leste 
on different tracks to speed up their accession process. In the ASEAN summit held in Cambodia in 
November 2022, we are pleased to announce the agreement in principle to approve Timor -Leste's 
applicat ion for ASEAN membership. So, in 2023, we hope to have a double reason to celebrate with 
our Timor -Leste colleagues at both ASEAN and the WTO. We also note that LDC  accession process 
took an average of more than 12 years to complete which is too long. Moreover, we also note that 
there has not been an accession since 2016. Therefore, I sincerely hope that LDC accessions could 
be carried out more expeditiously and I jo in Djibouti, the LDC Coordinator, to call for more technical 
assistance and capacity -building support to acceding LDCs to better prepare for the accession 
process.  
4.48.   The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
4.49.   The European Uni on congratulates the advancement of the work on accessions for several 
countries during 2022 and welcomes the statement by the Director General.  In 2023, we hope for 
further progress. We hope to see advanced progress this year in particular on the accessio ns on 
Comoros and Timor -Leste with a view of completing them. I would like to announce that the bilateral 
market access negotiations with Timor -Leste will be signed later this month.  
4.50.   The representative of Djibouti , on behalf of the LDC Group , delivered the  following statement:  
4.51.   The LDC Group thanks the Director -General for her report and statement on WTO accessions. 
The report allows the group to get a clearer idea of WTO accessions and in particular those of LDCs. WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  Accession processes are very long and compl ex. There have been no accessions since 2016, when 
Afghanistan and Liberia became Members of the WTO. Currently, there are 24 acceding governments 
to the WTO, of which 7 are LDCs. Among the 7 acceding LDCs, Comoros and Timor -Leste are the 
two that could co nclude their accession processes this year. The group congratulates Comoros and 
Timor -Leste for the progress they have made in their accession processes. We hope that Members 
will show flexibility to conclude these negotiations as soon as possible.   
4.52.   Based on the accessions already concluded, we have noted that it takes an average of 12.5 
years for an LDC to complete its process. Thus, members can note what that represents for an LDC, 
which often has to devote a certain percentage of its budget to maintainin g a negotiating team and 
at the same time paying annual dues to the WTO in order to participate in the activities of the 
Organization.  The LDC Group urges Members to take into account the capacity constraints of LDCs 
in accession by fully implementing the instructions given by Ministers at MC12 in paragraph 6 of the 
Outcome Document. Thus, the Group calls on Members to refrain from seeking concessions and 
commitments beyond the criteria set for a binding average tariff on goods and open market access 
for se rvices stipulated in Addendum I of the General Council guidelines.  
4.53.   The LDC Group is aware that each accession process is unique and sometimes depends on 
the internal realities of each country. However, generally given the length and complexity of the 
WTO a ccession process, the Group is of the view that accession reform should be considered as part 
of WTO reform. For example, the Comoros had to wait almost 10 years after the establishment of 
the working group on their accession to have the first meeting. The re are other cases where acceding 
governments had to wait longer before having their first working meeting.  In addition, WTO Members 
lose their access to technical assistance activities if they are subject to category 3 administrative 
measures. While acced ing governments, including acceding LDCs, lose their access to technical 
assistance activities as soon as they are subject to category 2.   
4.54.   The representative of the Russian Federation  delivered the following statement:  
4.55.   We thank the DG for her report on acc essions and appreciate the Secretariat 's work on 
supporting this process. The Russian delegation continuously stands for the expansion of the WTO 
membership. We remain committed to the facilitation of LDC accessions, providing them with 
technical assistanc e both in accession and post -accession phases, including through sharing our own 
experience. We urge the Secretariat and the Members to treat all acceding states on an equal basis 
and provide them with equal chances and rights to become a WTO Member. No on e should be left 
behind in the process of accession.  
4.56.   It was stated in the report that "no progress has been registered since 2022 " with respect to 
the accession of Belarus. Let me remind you of the reason for the lack of such progress. I refer to 
the comm unication made by Albania and some other WTO Members (WT/GC/246 of 24 March 2022) 
according to which they "will no longer consider the application of Belarus for the accession".  I would 
like to recall that pursuant to Article XII of the Marrakesh Agreement , any State possessing full 
autonomy in the conduct of its external commercial relations may accede to the WTO. Nothing in 
the WTO Agreement stipulates that individual Members or a group of Members can unilaterally decide 
that a legitimately acceding State  could be "unfit for the WTO membership" with the goal of imposing 
suspension or total dismantling of the accession process.  
4.57.   This is further evidence of how certain Members allow themselves to violate their obligations 
and the WTO rules. Once again, we dr aw your attention to the fact that such actions of certain 
Members lead to the collapse of the entire WTO system, based on rules.  
4.58.   The representative of Samoa  delivered the following statement:  
4.59.   On accession, recalling the accession of Samoa to become a Memb er of the WTO and reflecting 
on that today, we concur with the sentiment you expressed Madame DG, that accessions remind us 
of the importance of the multilateral trading system. We encourage Members to facilitate and 
accelerate the conclusion of accession negotiations , to ensure the early membership of acceding 
developing and least -developed countries , by seeking commitments and concessions in line with 
their abilities to implement. We call upon the Secretariat, WTO Members and development partners 
to offer  support to acceding countries to build capacity in the accession process, to strengthen their 
respective trade frameworks and already consider post accession and implementation. Chair, let us WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  harvest the already low hanging fruits and welcome Timor -Leste and Comoros as WTO Members at 
MC13 and add to our harvest basket for Abu Dhabi, which already is slowly but surely filling up with 
ratifications of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement.  
4.60.   The representative of Cameroon , on behalf of the African Group , delivered  the following 
statement:  
4.61.   We would like to thank the DG for the report and express our solidarity to the Members who 
are acceding, particularly African countries. We share the conclusions of the DG and what has been 
said by other delegations which call on making this process less burdensome and respecting the 
needs of developing countries. It seems important to us, as pointed out by several other delegations, 
to strike a balance between the requirements of liberalization, fair market access and the needs  of 
developing countries so that we do not break the cycle of development for these developing 
countries. We recall once again that trade needs to be understood as a tool for development, to not 
be contrary we hope that these various considerations have be en heard by the public and that in 
the future, measures will be taken as appropriate.  
4.62.   The representative of the United Kingdom  delivered the following statement:  
4.63.   Thank you very much for the report and for all the work that lies behind the efforts to bring 
Comoros and Timor -Leste to accession. I think we should take some pride in the fact that quite so 
many countries wish to join this organi zation. I think  and hope that it reflects that fact that, by 
joining this organi zation, their trade will increase, and their prosperity will increase. That is a good 
thing, and we occasionally tie ourselves up in knots about it - but it  is a positive thing . Let me just 
say that we are trying to help this process. We are providing technical assistance targeted at 
Uzbekistan ' accessions process and we are actively engaged with Tashkent on that , and we also held 
a really positive joint round table in Addis Ababa with the Economic Commission for Africa on 
Ethiopia 's accession . I think  that out of that came a strong commitment f rom everybody to restart 
that accession process and work to support Ethiopia 's accession . That is very positive, not only in of 
itself, but also as part of the broader peace effort in Ethiopia .  
4.64.   The representative of the Philippines  delivered the following statement:  
4.65.   The Philippines thanks the DG for her report on accessions. We note the advances that have 
been made in negotiations with Comoros and Timor -Leste, in particular the Philippines would 
highlight that we have recently concl uded with Timor -Leste our bilateral market access protocol. We 
look forward to continued progress across all working parties and remain strongly optimistic that 
Timor -Leste and Comoros will be able to join as new Members by MC13. The Philippines also 
welco mes the establishments of a coordination group on accessions related technical assistance, 
noting the importance of technical assistance both during the accession and post -accession phases. 
We would remain open to contributing to triangular, cooperation ar rangements, particularly in the 
case of Timor -Leste.  
4.66.   The representative of China  delivered the following statement:  
4.67.   China thanks the DG for the comprehensive and informative report. We congratulate 
encouraging progress made on the accessions in 2022, in pa rticular on Comoros and Timor -Leste, 
and highly commend the excellent work done by the WTO secretariat for providing high -quality 
technical assistance related to accessions. We look forward to new members joining the WTO in 
2023, which will break the recor d of no accessions to the WTO for seven consecutive years. China 
always supports developing countries, especially LDCs, to join the WTO. China firmly believes that 
new accessions will not only invigorate, and strengthen the inclusiveness and representative ness of 
the WTO, but also increase the confidence of public and international community in the WTO. In 
addition, the rule -based multilateral trading system provides a non -discriminatory, transparent, 
stable and predictable trading environment, which will c ontribute to the acceding government ' effort 
of integration itself into the global economy and developing its domestic economy.  
4.68.   To this end, we should follow the instructions given by our Ministers at the MC12, and make 
every effort to facilitate the concl usion of ongoing accessions, especially for the LDCs. China calls 
for Members to exercise restraint in seeking concessions and commitment on market access from 
acceding LDCs so as to accelerate their accession process. China has continuously funded the Chi na's WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  LDC and Accessions Programme ("China programme") since 2011, which provides a platform for 
policy dialogue and experience sharing for the acceding government including LDCs. In this regard, 
we congratulate Laos for successfully hosting the 11th LDC Ro undtable. China remains committed to 
continue to provide assistance with its own capacity for acceding governments in speeding up their 
accession process.  
4.69.   The representative of Morocco  delivered the following statement:  
4.70.   As it is the first time we take the floor, we express our sincere condolences and support for 
all countries affected by natural disasters, particularly Türkiye and Syria. Turning to the subject at 
hand, we thank Madam DG for her insightful report on Assess ions and we commend her important 
role in the accessions process.  As Chairperson of the Working Party on Comoros accession , I believe 
that Comoros accession goal is truly within reach. After the last Working Party meeting , it is now 
clear to all that  the final heavy  lifting needs to be done where  important legislative and technical 
work will need to be pushed through in the coming months, especially in the areas of internal taxation 
and customs valuation. I am hopeful that Comoros will soon adopt the necess ary laws and reach an 
understanding with Members on the necessary transition periods to bring its trade regime in full 
compliance with the WTO Agreements. The Secretariat, WTO Members and the broad international 
community of bilateral and multilateral deve lopment partners also need to step up in support of 
acceding countries' efforts. This includes the need to prepare acceding countries for effective WTO 
membership and the challenges linked to the immediate post -accession period. For my part , as 
Chairperson  of the Working Party on Comoros accession, I remain committed to taking all the 
required steps to facilitate the work of the working party and to steer the process to the finish line. 
I strongly believe that this is within reach if Members and Comoros con tinue their intensive 
engagements in the coming weeks and months to clarify the handful of outstanding issues. Finally, 
I exhort all Members of the Working Party to show more flexibility and to afford the needed 
assistance to support and speed up Comoros a nd other acceding LDCs' accession journeys, in order 
to clear the final hurdles on the Comoros path to WTO Accession by MC13.  
4.71.   The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
4.72.   Thank you, Director -General,  for your report. It is encouraging tha t several accessions 
processes have made good progress in the last year, despite no new accession having taken place 
since 2016. India is a strong votary of the rules based multi -lateral trading system and the 
integration of developing countries including Least developed countries into the multilateral trading 
system. In line with the guidance provided by our Ministers in the paragraph 6 of the MC 12 Outcome 
Document , India remains steadfast in our commitment in facilitating the accession process of 
develop ing countries including the LDCs. We will be completing the process on Comoros very shortly.  
4.73.   The representative of Singapore  delivered the following statement:  
4.74.   First, we wish to thank Director -General Ngozi for her comprehensive and useful report and 
we want to commend the Secretariat for their outstanding efforts in facilitating the Accession 
processes and delivering the required technical assistance and outreach. Singapore also appreciates 
the contributions that the chairs of the various working Parties  have made to advance accession 
negotiations. Second, Singapore recalls our Minister's reaffirmation of the importance of WTO 
Accessions at MC12. Every Accession is a vote of confidence in the WTO and the rules based 
Multilateral Trading system. Acceding g overnments are galvanised to implement domestic reforms 
that can help to modernise their economies and align their economic and trade policies with 
international norms. Third, we welcome the reactivation and resumption of activities in several 
accession wo rking parties. We look forward to the expansion of the Membership and to the 
meaningful contributions from acceding Members in according the rules -based Multilateral Trading 
System. Like what one famous credit card advertisement says, 'membership has its p rivileges but it 
also comes with responsibilities'.  
4.75.   The representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  delivered the following statement:  
4.76.   We would like to thank the Director -General for her insightful report on Accessions. Accession 
to the WTO can present a  window of opportunity to the acceding countries to integrate beneficially 
into the global economy. The Arab region is one of the areas of the world with the largest number 
of countries outside the Multilateral Trading system. Of the 22 members of the Arab  League, only WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  13 countries are WTO members while 8 countries are in the process of Accession in addition to the 
state of Palestine. We commend the commitment by our Ministers at MC12 to facilitate the conclusion 
of ongoing accessions especially for Least D eveloped 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. We hope that MC13 in Abu Dhabi will be an opportunity to celebrate the 
succe ssful end of the Accession of Comoros and to reinvigorate and deliver in this area to ensure 
more universality of the organi zation.  
4.77.   The representative of  the Republic of  Moldova  delivered the following statement:  
4.78.   First, we want to thank the DG for the rep ort on Accessions and we appreciate the work of 
the Secretariat in assisting Acceding Members to advance the ongoing processes. Moldova is a strong 
supporter of accessions , and we welcome the ongoing work of the working group and hopefully we 
will have on board soon new Members including Uzbekistan.  
4.79.   The representative of Uzbekistan , speaking as an Observer , delivered the following 
statement:  
4.80.   The delegation of Uzbekistan welcomes 2022 Annual Report by the Director -General on WTO 
Accessions, which is present ed by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala. In this regard, we would like to thank 
H.E. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala, DDG Zhang, Ms. Oshikawa and her team in the Accessions Division 
for their comprehensive and constant assistance provided to Uzbekistan during my country 's 
accession process.  Despite the fact that 2020 -2022 became an unprecedented period due to COVID -
19 pandemic outbreak and its post -pandemic consequences, we have been able to organize two 
Working Party meetings on Uzbekistan 's accession to the WTO. We are ver y grateful to Members of 
the WTO for the support in convening and active participation in these meetings, plurilateral and 
bilateral negotiations. The Working Party meetings signalled our strong desire to use the WTO 
accession negotiations to drive domesti c economic reforms, which will have broader positive 
implications in the foreign trade regime of the country and in the region as a whole.  
4.81.   Since 2017, under the leadership of the President of Uzbekistan His Excellency Mr. Shavkat 
Mirziyoyev, large -scale st ructural transformations have been carried out aimed at building an open 
State with a market economy. The Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022 -2026 foresees 
the implementation of the targeted measures to liberalize the foreign trade regime, curr ency 
regulation, customs and tax legislation, which create the most favourable conditions for the 
accession of Uzbekistan to the WTO. For us, the accession to the World Trade Organisation is an 
absolute priority. We view this process as an integral part of  ongoing large -scale reforms aimed at 
further integration of Uzbekistan into the world economic community and the multilateral trading 
system. The President of Uzbekistan H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev in his Annual Address to the 
Parliament and the People of  our country on 20 December 2022 emphasized that "in 2023 after the 
conclusion of the main negotiations for membership in the World Trade Organization, we will 
accelerate the work on the harmonization of domestic legislation and the introduction of new 
standards ". 
4.82.   In 2023, as the Annual Report rightly indicates, we are determined to "change gear and 
accelerate the pace of negotiations " to make all possible efforts to conclude major negotiations 
before the end of this year in order to ensure the accession of Uzbekistan to WTO as soon as possible. 
After the 5th meeting of the Working Party on the accession of Uzbekistan in June last year,  we have 
submitted to WTO Secretariat more than 10 documents, including a revised Legislative Action Plan, 
questionnaire on State -trading enterprises, customs valuation checklist, TBT, SPS checklists. The 
WTO Secretariat has prepared and circulated a revis ed Factual Summary of Points Raised.  
4.83.   Based on our country 's strong political will to integrate the economy of Uzbekistan into the 
global markets of goods and services, we have launched the extensive work to bring the national 
legislation in line with the n orms and requirements of the WTO and involved in this process all 
stakeholders. Moreover, we have also significantly intensified our bilateral negotiations with WTO 
Members. Over the last months, Uzbekistan held meetings with all Members of the Working Par ty 
and more than 20 new rounds of bilateral negotiations on market access of goods and services.  
4.84.   I would like to reiterate that we have also submitted our replies to the questions of some 
interested Members and offers on goods and services on the requests  received from WTO Member WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  States. In accordance with the communication from the WTO Secretariat on holding 6th Working 
Party meeting on Uzbekistan, we are planning to have it next week, namely on 14 -15 of March. In 
this regard, we hope that during the cour se of this meeting of the General Council, WTO Members 
will appoint Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea H.E. Mr. Seong Deok 
Yun as a new Chairperson of the Working Party on Uzbekistan. Moreover, our delegation will stay in 
Geneva until 16 of March and we stand ready to continue bilateral market access negotiations with 
interested Members of the Working Party.  
4.85.   The representative of Serbia , speaking as an Observer , delivered the following statement:  
4.86.   The Republic of Serbia would like to thank the Director -General and her team f or preparing 
the 2022 Annual Report on World Trade Organization Accessions, which gives a comprehensive 
overview on the current accession processes. We use this opportunity to thank the DG for her 
dedicated work at the WTO and the support she is giving to the accession Governments.  The 
Republic of Serbia welcomes the engagement of Deputy DG Mr. Zhang in the process of electing 
new chairmen of the accession working groups. In this regard, we are looking forward to  cooperation 
with the new Chair of the accession working group for Serbia  
4.87.   We would also like to express our appreciation to the Accession Division and particularly 
Director Ms. Oshikawa for all the work and support they are continuously providing to all ac cession 
Governments. Serbia highly appreciates the technical assistance provided by the WTO that enables 
our experts to learn and upgrade their knowledge, and which eventually will help in our accession 
process. We look forward to participating in the futu re technical assistance programmes.  
4.88.   The representative of Belarus , speaking as an Observer , delivered the following statement:  
4.89.   The Belarusian Delegation would like to thank the Director -General for the presentation of the 
Annual Report on accessions. The 1 2th Ministerial Conference underscored the importance of 
accessions, and Belarus shares that understanding. We welcome the significant progress, achieved 
by Uzbekistan, as well as the activation of the accession process of Turkmenistan and the efforts of 
Azerbaijan. Our delegation also supports the WTO efforts on facilitation of the LDCs ' accession.  
4.90.   Unfortunately, we are unable to describe positively the current situation with our own 
accession to the WTO. Belarus has been the acceding government since 1993 , that is for 30 years. 
The Belarusian negotiating team made considerable efforts and achieved tangible results in 
advancing our aspirations to the WTO full -fledged membership. From the end of 2017 the Working 
Party on the Accession of Belarus conducted th ree meetings, our country completed bilateral 
negotiations with seven more WTO Members. Four revisions of the Draft Working Party Report were 
published. Regrettably, from 2020 until recently Belarus ' accession process has been significantly 
slowed down by politically motivated efforts promoted by a certain group of countries.  
4.91.   Never before a candidate country was arbitrarily declared "unfit for membership" by some 
Members. We are concerned, that this politicization of the WTO by the "collective West" togethe r 
with their barrage of unilateral restrictive measures mark further escalation of a crisis in the 
multilateral trade system. Various accession processes were put on hold in the past, yet the 
reasoning was always substance -related to the accession itself ( commitments formulation, 
legislation reform, etc). Such an obvious politicization of the WTO accessions for Belarus is 
incompatible with the principles of transparency in the multilateral trading system, which is called 
upon by the decisions of the WTO its elf to become one of the drivers of global development. 
Nonetheless, the accession to the WTO remains the focus for Belarus. The Republic of Belarus 
continues its efforts to bring its legislation in conformity with the WTO rules and regulations. We do 
believe these efforts will be reclaimed in the future and allow the accession process to be completed. 
The Belarusian negotiating team remains open for dialogue with any interested WTO Members.  
4.92.   The representative of Ethiopia , speaking as an Observer , delivered the following statement:  
4.93.   Ethiopia appreciates and would like to thank the Director -General for the 2022 Annual Report 
on WTO Accessions. We are very much encouraged by the Director - General involvement, close 
follow - up and support to push the accession agenda forward. The government of Ethiopia has 
unwavering commitment to be part of the WTO family and relentlessly work towards that. However, 
due to the complex nature of the accession process, capacity constraints, high demand , and other WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  internal  problems we are not able to move as expected. But now, as we are preparing for the 5th 
round of our working party meeting we thank Members for the support provided so far and request 
to fully honour the LDC Accession Guideline s, the spirt of the outcome d ocument and work on 
additional instruments to facilitate the accession process. On our part, the undergoing reforms in 
Ethiopia to tackle development challenges, we hope would address the request of Members, narrow 
the gap and facilitate the process. Final ly, we thank all Members and groups for the positive 
statements made and the UK for the support.  
4.94.   The representative of Sudan , speaking as an Observer , delivered the following statement:  
4.95.   Sudan highly appreciates the efforts exerted by the WTO towards developing countries and 
LDCs and we in Sudan confirm our willingness and keenness to accede to the WTO. It is to be recalled 
that since October 1994, we have held five Working Party meetings and now we are looking for the 
sixth one, while we are under the process of completing the requirements of accession. Technical 
procedures  are moving smoothly , such as initiating a governmental body , that  is a Secretary -General 
and national negotiator , concerned  with the affairs of accession to the WTO. We expect that the 
events of the MC13 to include facilitating and accelerating the process of Sudan's accession. We 
recall that Sudan is now forming civil government followed by free and open  elections.  
4.96.   The representative of Iran, speaking as an Observer , delivered the following statement:  
4.97.   First, allow me to appreciate your excellent chairing of the meeting. I would like to appreciate 
the Director -General for presenting the 2022 Accession Annual report.  To be brief, since 2005 , our 
Accession process has been halted due to some non -technical views. Though we endeavoured  to 
revitalize the process in 2016 during the General Council meeting , but again the same non -technical 
views from Member s prevailed. We hope that , based on the fundamental principle s of the WTO, the 
accession process is to be facilitated under the technical -based umbrella, and looking at the 
accession issues through technic al and developmental lens.  It is crystal clear that blocking the 
accession process of any acceding country is against the universal, rules -based, open, non -
discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system under the WTO. Last but not least, we 
believe that WTO reform should also be applied to the Accession process, and the process should be 
formed in a way to facilitate and benefit the acceding government. I would like to seize the 
opportunity to express my sincere appreciation towards the Accession Division for providing high -
quality technical assistance and capacity building as well as valuable support, especially in setting 
up the Informal Group of acceding governments. This is a suitable and fruitful platform for acceding 
governments. I thank its current coordinator , Uzbekistan , for the work done in favour of the group 
so far. While in strong support of the Accession Division activities, we hope  that the activities would 
continue more in 2023 in line with the facilitation of the accession process a nd request the Director -
General to support more the Division in fulfilling its high -level tasks.  
4.98.   The General Council took note  of the Director General's report and of the statements made.  
5  TRADE RELATED CHALLENGES OF THE LEAST -DEVELOPED COUNTRIES AND WAY 
FORWARD: PROPOSAL FOR WTO SMOOTH TRANSITION MEASURES IN FAVOUR OF 
COUNTRIES GRADUATED FROM THE LDC CATEGORY – COMMUNICATION FROM DJIBOUTI 
ON BEHALF OF THE LDC GROUP (WT/GC/W/807/REV.2)  
5.1.  The Chair  recalled that the item on 'Trade related challenges of the leas t-developed countries 
and way forward: Proposal for WTO smooth transition measures in favor of countries graduated from 
the LDC category' ha d been put on the agenda at the request of the delegation of Djibouti, on behalf 
of the LDC  Group – together with the communication in WT/GC/W/807/Rev.2. He also recall ed that 
discussions on this issue ha d been taking place in the General Council since 2021 – including in the 
lead-up of MC12.  
5.2.  The representative of Togo, on behalf of the LDC Grou p, delivered the following statement:  
5.3.  Our proposal on LDC Graduation is not new. We have been discussing this proposal since 2020 
and by this time it has received broad support from a wide range of Members. We are truly grateful 
to those Members. The submi ssion in WT/GC/W/807/Rev.2, contains two main aspects: In Annex 1, 
the draft General Council Decision simply encourages Members to have procedures in place to extend 
or gradually phase out unilateral trade preferences for LDCs, over a period of six years, or a period WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  determined by the preferences providing Member, to those having graduated from the LDC category.  
The text of the draft decision in Annex 1 is just an encouragement and not legally binding. It largely 
reflects the language discussed informally d uring MC12, but which was not taken up for decision. 
We have reported earlier that the LDC Group has made particular efforts here to integrate concerns 
by other Members. The Annex 2 contains a draft decision proposing to assign the work to  the LDC 
Sub-Committee to develop recommendations on extending LDC -specific special treatments including 
technical assistance and other flexibilities to Members for a limited period of time after graduation 
from the LDC category and to report to the General Council no late r than 30 June 2023. This is an 
indicative deadline which can be adjusted with the progres s our proposed work in the sub -
committee.  
5.4.  We have also provided a list of LDC -specific special flexibilities in Appendix 1 of Annex 2 for 
kind consideration by the M embers.  The idea is not to create new flexibilities. These are already 
existing provisions. And our proposal is to allow continuation of these existing flexibilities for a limited 
period of time after graduation from the LDC category. Today we expect two a ctions from the General 
Council: the General Council approves the Draft Decision in Annex 1, which is not legally binding, 
and which has accommodated the concerns of all Members. The General Council assigns the LDC 
Sub-Committee to examine Annex 2 of this submission and develop recommendations for support 
measures to facilitate smooth transition after graduation from the LDC category, and report to the 
General Council no later than 30 June 2023.  The General Council, upon receipt of the report from 
the Sub -Committee, may decide the next steps on this issue. We submit this appeal for consideration 
by the Members.  
5.5.  The representative of Bangladesh  delivered the following statement:  
5.6.  Bangladesh aligns with the statement delivered by the distinguished Ambassador of Togo on 
behalf of the LDC Group.  Members have been discussing this proposal since 2020 and it has received 
broad support. We are grateful to Members who supported this. We ar e also grateful for those 
Members who raised questions and engaged constructively. The LDC Group worked tirelessly and 
expected a favourable decision at MC12 but could not get that. However, in MC12 outcome document 
paragraph 5, Ministers clearly acknowled ge the challenges including the loss of trade -related 
international support measures after graduation and recognize the importance of WTO measures to 
address those challenges.  
5.7.  The current proposal the LDC Group has made all out efforts to integrate concer ns by other 
Members. Our proposal in Annex 1 on extending LDCs unilateral trade preferences for some 
additional period after graduation from the LDC category is an encouragement only. We believe that 
the General Council can approve the Annex 1 at the soone st possible time. In Annex 2 we request 
discussion at the LDC sub -committee on extending LDC -specific special treatments for a limited 
period of time after graduation. The LDC Sub-Committee is a WTO body fully dedicated for the LDCs. 
As a point of referenc e, in 2011, the Sub -Committee was assigned (WT/L/846) to develop 
recommendations to strengthen, streamline and operationalize the LDCs Accession guidelines. As 
mandated, the Sub-Committee directly reported to the GC after completing that work within six 
months (WT/L/508/Add.1).  
5.8.  We request the General Council to assign the Sub -Committee, in the same way, with a clear 
mandate to examine the Annex 2 of the LDC proposal and develop recommendations and report to 
the GC by 30 June 2023.  The LDC Group coordinator  has pointed out that this is an indicative date, 
and we should begin work with a target. If necessary, we can extend the time in future. In 
conclusion, my delegation requests the GC to approve both Annex 1 and Annex 2 of the submission.  
We urge all Member s to positively consider the request of the LDC Group.  
5.9.  The representative of Cameroon, on behalf of the African Group , delivered the following 
statement:  
5.10.   The African Group thanks the LDC Group for the revised proposal. As mentioned during the 
last GC, we a re of the view that it is time to deliver on this longstanding request. We have repeatedly 
stressed that we find it difficult to understand the strong resistance by some Members of this 
proposal by the LDC Group which will neither affect the economic compe titiveness of those Members 
who continue to oppose it nor grant undue rights to this subset of Members, the majority of whom 
belong to the African Group. The revised proposal now gives Members the option to voluntarily WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  determine which flexibility they are ready to grant to LDCs. Therefore , this approach is clearly 
offering a way forward for Members to arrive at a consensus. In conclusion, we urge Members to 
positively consider and agree to an outcome now.  
5.11.   The representative of Kenya , on behalf of the ACP Gr oup, delivered the following statement:  
5.12.   As with our previous interventions in the General Council on this agenda item, the ACP Group 
strongly supports the proposals of the LDC Group on smooth transition measures in favour of 
countries that have graduated f rom the LDC category, including the revisions presented today in 
document WT/GC/W/807/Rev.2. We commend the LDC Group for the outcome of their intensive 
consultations, since the last General Council meeting and the progress made to shape the proposal 
further. The ACP Group, therefore, urges the General Council to adopt the Decision at the earliest.  
5.13.   The representative of Angola  delivered the following statement:  
5.14.   Angola fully subscribes to and supports the revised document WT/GC/W/807/Rev.2 proposed 
by the LD C Group urging WTO Members  to enable future graduated countries to continue to benefit 
from the flexibilities offered to LDCs for a smooth transition and a sustainable exit from this category. 
It is very sad that after countless discussions, criticism, and  plenty of neglect, the LDC Group can 
only arrive at the lowest common denominator, by proposing a recommendation of a period of six 
years or reasonable period of time for a transitional preferential market access scheme for graduated 
countries, and conven ed on a voluntary basis, without any strict obligations for preference -granting 
members. We sincerely stress that this proposal is insufficient compensation for the unfortunate 
situation in which countries like Angola were suddenly confronted with, since b eing in the pipeline 
of the graduation process for so long, due to many factors, including the COVID -19 pandemic crisis. 
Angola 's consecutive postponement has serious consequences, extending across all economic and 
social sectors, reducing the confidence i n improving access to capital, investment, and trade 
markets.  
5.15.   Furthermore, strong support for the development of LDCs should also include special 
assistance to their graduation and smooth transition. Removing the LDCs from economic 
backwardness, social di fficulties and ending the poverty of a significant part of its populations is not 
a national imperative, but indeed a global one, and should be a substantial and permanent concern 
of the WTO. When the difficulties of development are systematically ignored,  the world will continue 
confronting every day, intolerable images of desperate and poor migrants who die by the thousands 
trying to cross the Mediterranean or knocking on the doors of rich countries. It is more than tragic, 
it is morally insufferable.  Other than supporting the document presented by Djibouti, on behalf of 
the LDCs, Angola would like to request the General Council to mandate the Sub -Committee on Least 
Developed Countries to develop clear guidelines for LDC graduation, similar to the process pursued 
for the LDC accession guidelines discussions in 2012, which we consider extremely helpful.  
5.16.   The representative of Niger  delivered the following statement:  
5.17.   My delegation would like to associate with the statement made by Togo on behalf of the LDC 
Group. We are discussing this item as the second part of the Fifth United Nations Conference on the 
Least Developed Countries (LDC5) is taking place in Doha, Qatar. This is a very significant event 
that brings together world leaders to promote new ideas, encourage new promises of support and 
foster the honouring of commitments made in favour of just causes through the new programme 
known as the Doha Programme of Actio n. 
5.18.   Since the 11th Ministerial Conference in 2017, the LDC Ministers have been urging the WTO 
to set up a smooth transition mechanism to support LDCs after they graduate. The United Nations 
has also made the same call to the WTO Members to extend the specif ic flexibilities to LDCs for some 
years after they graduate. This proposal has been discussed since 2020 and we welcome Members' 
broad support for it in general. Our Group has been working hard and was expecting a favourable 
decision at MC12, which regrett ably did not happen.  
5.19.   Nevertheless, in paragraph 5 of the Outcome Document of MC12, the Ministers clearly 
acknowledge the challenges, including the loss of trade -related ISM after graduation, and recognize 
the role that certain measures in the WTO can play in addressing these c hallenges. The current 
proposal on the graduation of LDCs is along these lines. The LDC Group has striven to include in a WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  pragmatic way in the current proposal the concerns of other Members and this was presented in 
detail in the Statement by the LDC Group . 
5.20.   LDCs comprise around 14% of the world population but account for around only 2% of global 
GDP and less than 1% of world trade. Overnight graduation will not resolve the challenges inherited 
by LDCs that may be worsened by internal and external causes. Al l LDCs will graduate sooner or 
later. The main purpose of the communication is to establish at the WTO a smooth transition 
mechanism that would give assurances of predictability and certainty and avoid Members who have 
graduated from falling back into the former category. Having such a mechanism would send a strong 
positive signal to the LDCs from the multilateral trading system. In conclusion, my delegation 
requests that the General Council approve today Annexes 1 and 2 of the communication. We urge 
all Me mbers to support this call.  
5.21.   The representative of Tanzania  delivered the following statement:  
5.22.   My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the delegation of Togo on behalf 
of the LDC Group. On the substantive agenda I would like to reiterat e my delegation's longstanding 
position on the matter under discussion o n this agenda item. As we have numerous lists underscored 
in the previous Council meetings, th e sustained role of WTO in supporting LDCs in their endeavour 
towards graduation is invalu able which include among others the implementation , enforcement of 
favourable  and special and differential treatment s. Graduating LDCs will lose immediately the 
favourable treatments enjoyed upon their develop ment progression and th is risks to disrupt thei r 
achieved economic  milestones.  In order to avoid such disruptions, smooth transition arrangement 
will guarantee graduating LDCs to progressively phase out favourable measures after graduation. 
Therefore, I would like to urge Members to positively consider  the long overdue LDCs proposal under 
discussion in this agenda item.  
5.23.   The representative of Mozambique  delivered the following statement:  
5.24.   My delegation aligns with the statement delivered by T ogo on behalf the LDC  group, as well 
African Group and ACP.  Since MC11 in 2017, the LDC Ministers strongly urge decision in the WTO 
on smooth transition mechanisms to support LDCs after graduation.  The UN called for WTO Members 
to extend LDC -specific flexibilities for some add itional years after graduation. The LDC Group has 
been discussing this proposal since 2020. We have received wide support from Members.  We join 
the appeal made by LDC group and request the General Council to approve the Annex  1 at the 
soonest possible time , and that it is agreed today to move Annex  2 for discussion and technical work 
at the LDC sub -committee regarding transition needed concerning already existing provisions for 
the LDCs.  
5.25.   The representative of Nepal  delivered the following statement:  
5.26.   I associate with the statement delivered by Togo on behalf of the LDC Group and wish to add 
some points. This is an agenda item that remained inconclusive despite having received 
overwhelming support from large scale of membership. While we sit both in the form al or informal 
session of the WTO, I feel most of the Members are positive in this proposal, this had been 
manifested during the Informal Meeting held on 2  and 3  February 2023, too.  The contents included 
in the revised proposal are clear and are not associ ated with other issues.  
5.27.   We do not have the luxury of the time hence we have less than a year for MC13, we can start 
another item if we conclude the already known and matured proposal. As all of you know the proposal 
has two parts: Annex 1 and Annex 2. Thi s time, we expect that General Council approves the Annex  1 
as soon as possible and it assigns the LDC Sub -Committee to hold the technical discussion on 
Annex  2 and the Sub -Commit tee submits its recommendation to the General Council no later than 
30 June 2 023. This agenda item needs to be concluded if we really intend to ensure inclusive 
multilateral trading system and this is the right time too hence the high -level representatives of the 
LDCs are discussing in the several issues of the LDCs in the LDC5 in Doha. I thank WTO Members 
that have supported this agenda item and urges all for their constructive supports. My delegation 
expresses its readiness to constructively engage with Members for an early conclusion of this agenda 
item.  
5.28.   The representative of Indonesia  delivered the following statement:  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  5.29.   Indonesia would like to thank Djibouti  and the LDC Group for their revised submission. The 
LDC Group has been continuously working on their submission, while the real situation on the ground 
given the current continued crisis has been further exacerbated their challenges to tackle their 
economic impact.  As Member of WTO, our work should be guided b y the vision as enshrined in the 
Marrakesh Agreement, where this organization is established with a view to raise the standard of 
living, ensuring employment, and growing of income.  In this spirit, we must recognize the different 
levels of economic develop ment, in particular the difficult challenges faced by the LDCs. The WTO 
should take its role in creating rules that could allow members to integrate fairly in the global trade 
and benefit from multilateral trading system.  
5.30.   In this regard, Indonesia shares t he view that S &DT and flexibilities in trade rules is one of 
the key tools to address trade -related challenges, particularly to allow smooth transition for LDC 
Members. We need to provide a favourable condition for a graduating LDC to ensure full integrati on 
into the global trading system.   Therefore, we need to positively consider the proposal by the LDCs 
Group in document WT/GC/W/807/Rev.2 and calls all Members to work collectively in order to 
achieve acceptable outcomes.  
5.31.   The representative of Cambodia  delivered the following statement:  
5.32.   My delegation fully supports and align s with the statement of the LDC Group. Cambodia 
attaches great importance to the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. We appreciate 
the flexibilities and special and di fferential treatments accorded to the LDCs which allow Cambodia 
to use trade as tool for economic development. While we strive to better ourselves and prepare as 
best as possible to graduate from the LDC status, we are also conscious of different sets of c hallenges 
that we will face upon our graduation.  
5.33.   We are fully cognizant that trade will remain the foremost economic development tool after 
graduation. We also recognize that after graduation, we are no longer able to access the LDC -specific 
flexibilities  and special and different treatments which have been very crucial for us so far to 
integrate ourselves into global trade. Therefore, the LDCs ' proposal for a smooth transition is built 
upon the needs of the LDCs for a limited transitional period, on volun tary basis, in order for 
graduated LDCs to solidify its trade and development agenda to avoid potential negative impacts 
caused by the abrupt removal of all support measures and flexibilities, and to ensure that the LDCs 
can graduate with momentum. I urge once again for Members to consider the proposal in the most 
positive of spirit.  
5.34.   The representative of Botswana  delivered the following statement:  
5.35.   As I take the floor for the first time, I join colleagues in extending my warmest welcome to 
the new Ambassado rs who have recently joined us. It is a pleasure to have you all and I look forward 
to working with each and every one of you to advance the WTO agenda.  I would also like to take a 
moment to bid farewell to Ambassadors who have completed their tour of duty  in Geneva. I wish to 
acknowledge the exceptional contributions of Ambassador Spencer to the ACP Group and the WTO 
at large. Her unwavering commitment to advancing the interests of the ACP Group and the 
multilateral trade agenda is truly admirable. As some one who has had the privilege of working closely 
with her, I can attest to her dedication, expertise, and leadership. Ambassador Spencer's legacy will 
undoubtedly continue to inspire and inform our work going forward, and I wish her all the best in 
her fut ure endeavours . 
5.36.   My delegation strongly supports the proposal of the LDC Group on smooth transition measures 
in favour of countries that have graduated from the LDC category, including the revisions presented 
today in WT/GC/W/807/REV.2.  Despite graduating f rom LDC status in 1994, Botswana's experience 
can still provide insight into the challenges faced by many other LDCs today. These challenges are 
multifaceted and include a loss of preferential treatment, economic dependence on a limited range 
of industries  such as mining, high levels of income inequality, and limited economic diversification. 
The loss of preferential treatment can result in a reduction of aid and preferential trade agreements, 
which can negatively affect the economy and limit the government 's ability to provide social 
programs and services. The dependence on a single industry such as mining can make the economy 
vulnerable to external shocks, and limit opportunities for economic growth and job creation in other 
sectors. Furthermore, high leve ls of income inequality can impede the overall development of the WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  country, as it limits access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for marginalized 
populations, especially women and girls.  
5.37.   Limited economic diversification is also a signifi cant challenge, as it limits the ability to develop 
new industries and create jobs, which can increase the country's overall resilience to economic and 
environmental shocks. All of these challenges can have a significant impact on the development 
trajector y of LDCs and require targeted interventions to address.  On the eve of the commemoration 
of International Women 's Day tomorrow on 8 March, I cannot resist reminding us all that we can be 
much more inclusive.  LDC graduation is a significant milestone for an y country, but it also presents 
challenges, particularly for women and girls. Gender inequality is a persistent problem in many LDCs, 
with women and girls facing barriers to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. When a 
country graduates from L DC status, it may lose access to certain types of aid and preferential 
treatment, which can impact the provision of gender -responsive services and programs.  
5.38.   Additionally, the transition may lead to reduced government spending on social programs, 
which can  disproportionately affect women and girls. Therefore, it is important that gender issues 
are taken into account when planning for LDC graduation, and that efforts are made to promote 
gender equality and women's empowerment as part of the transition proces s. We call on Members 
to reach consensus on this important matter.  
5.39.   The representative of South Africa  delivered the following statement:  
5.40.   South Africa reiterates its support for the communication and proposal by the LDC Group 
contained in document WT/GC/W/807/Rev 2. LDC Graduation is overall a development issue and 
needs to be prioritized. There is therefore a need for the WTO to develop a m echanism that will 
support the smooth transition of graduating LDCs. We see this as one of the critical aspects of the 
development mandate and is critical to deliver on the UN General Assembly Resolution 59/209 of 
2004. This should not be limited to techni cal assistance and capacity building but also flexibilities in 
rules both in current and future agreements for a period to be agreed which should be sufficiently 
long enough to enable LDCs to adjust.  
5.41.   The LDC Group worked tirelessly in the build -up to MC12,  taking into account concerns that 
some delegations had raised. It is regrettable that the WTO membership could not agree on a 
favourable outcome. Having said this, through paragraph 5 of the MC12 Outcome Document, 
Ministers clearly acknowledge the challen ges faced by LDCs including the loss of trade -related 
international support measures after graduation and recognize the importance of WTO measures to 
address those challenges. The current proposal on LDC graduation is a tangible effort in that direction 
that should enjoy the support of all Members and we believe the GC is well placed to conclude on 
this matter well before MC13.  
5.42.   The representative of Switzerland  delivered the following statement:  
5.43.   We thank the LDC Group for their proposal. As we signalled at  earlier meetings, Switzerland 
is ready to discuss ways and means to support LDCs that face a changing environment due to 
graduation. We take note that the LDC Group has introduced its proposal from December again, 
without making substantive changes. Switz erland stands ready to engage in a substantive discussion 
on this proposal. We would welcome a robust, transparent and inclusive process to work through 
the remaining issues. This technical exchange could be held in the Sub -Committee for LDCs.  
5.44.   The represen tative of Jamaica  delivered the following statement:  
5.45.   Jamaica thanks the LDCs Group for their proposal in WT/GC/W/807/Rev.2.  Jamaica fully 
supports the proposal.  This issue has been on the agenda of the WTO for some time now. From as 
far back as 2017, LDCs Ministers have been making a genuine call for the WTO to make special 
arrangements for graduating LDCs members to facilitate their transition to developing country 
status. We all know the special challenges faced by LDCs in the global trading system, which  have 
resulted in their contribution to global trade being just 1%, even though these countries have 14% 
of the global population. We agree with the LDCs Group that the challenges are further exacerbated 
by the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic and the curre nt geopolitical situation.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  5.46.   Since 2020, the LDCs Group has tabled the original proposal in the General Council seeking a 
transition period for graduating LDCs members. Jamaica commends the LDCs Group on their 
constructive and active engagement and for havi ng made significant concessions during the process.  
It is inconceivable that the proposal put forward would jeopardize the multilateral trading system. 
The proposal is not seeking new flexibilities for graduating LDCs nor is it requesting perpetual LDCs 
benefits for graduating LDCs members. With LDCs accounting for about 1% of global trade, there is 
no graduating LDCs whose size, influence and reach of global trade can put the global trading system 
at risk to justify rejection of the transition period sugge sted by the proposal. Quite the contrary. The 
proposal will help the multilateral trading system by, inter alia, sustaining the livelihood, stabilising 
the economies and providing social protection for people whose lives are dependent on trade in 
graduatin g LDCs. The transition period proposed would also assist in bringing predictability and 
certainty to the global trading system. It also engenders the principle of inclusivity in the global 
trading regime, a concept so eloquently elaborated in the EU's subm ission on WTO reform which we 
discussed earlier today.  
5.47.   In fact, no best practice in public policy would be sympathetic with the sudden implementation 
of a policy change that affects the lives and livelihood of millions of people and can jeopardize the 
public order and development trajectory of an entire nation. The voice of reason dictates that an 
adequate transition period is of absolute necessity. As a small developing economy whose economic 
development process is being assisted by trad e preferences, Jamaica fully understands the 
substantial dislocation of economic and social development goals that can happen in the absence of 
a mechanism to facilitate a smooth economic landing into a more competitive field of global trade.  
Against this background, Jamaica calls on WTO members to approve the proposal of the LDCs Group. 
Let us assist graduating LDCs in their efforts to bring the value and benefits of the WTO, as well as 
to enhance the perception thereof, to the people and stakeholders in t heir societies.  
5.48.   The representative of Malawi  delivered the following statement:  
5.49.   Malawi aligns with the statement delivered by Togo on behalf the LDC group and Cameroon 
on behalf of the African Group. At the outset let me reiterate the call made by the LDC  Ministers who 
strongly urged for a WTO smooth transition mechanism to support LDCs after graduation since MC11 
in 2017. LDCs face numerous challenges which have been aggravated by the ongoing multiple global 
crisis. Graduation will not resolve all these c hallenges at a go as such, a smooth transition 
mechanism within the WTO will ensure a sustainable and predictable transition.  We would like to 
request for the approval of Annex 1 by the General Council immediately and to assign the LDC Sub -
Committee to dev elop recommendations on Annex 2 and report to the General Council by 30 June 
2023. We call for Members' positive consideration to this appeal.  
5.50.   The representative of Norway  delivered the following statement:  
5.51.   We are glad. Why? First: On the development retre at, Members ' voices were aligned: WTO 
must deliver for LDCs. Second: LDCs have provided us with a good basis for discussions on how to 
deliver for LDCs; the revised LDC proposal and a suggestion on where to conduct such discussions; 
the dedicated sub -commi ttee for LDCs under the Committee for Trade and Development.  
5.52.   On Annex 1: Norway already fulfils  it by far. Our GSP -programmes include favourable 
treatment for a wide range of countries with higher incomes than the LDC category. The beauty of 
it (Annex 1) is that it is up to each member to design their GSP programmes unilaterally. In our 
view, Annex 1 should be a low h anging fruit to be harvested within MC13. On Annex 2: We commend 
the proponents for presenting the special and differential treatment they wish to include in a 
transition package. This package needs substantial discussion. It is time to start. We need a ve nue. 
To conclude: We support LDCs suggestion that discussions take place in the LDC Sub-Committee. 
We encourage the GC Chair to conclude on the venue  
5.53.   The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
5.54.   India would like to thank Togo, which has presented this agenda on behalf of the LDC Group. 
India once again reiterates its support for the LDC proposal, and we hope that Members can build a 
consensus for an expeditious outcome on this important file, including a reasonable period for 
graduating m embers. Currently when we all are facing COVID relative shocks, and global economic 
slowdown with several developing, including least developed countries facing a balance of payment WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  crisis, it would be more prudent to take expeditious action on this propos al to avoid aggravating the 
economic hardships of these countries.  
5.55.   The representative of the Russian Federation  delivered the following statement:   
5.56.   We would like to once again thank Djibouti and the LDC Group for the communication provided 
and reiterate o ur dedication to work on a common solution that would benefit LDCs. We believe that 
this proposal will make a significant contribution to the preparation to the MC13. Russia trusts that 
discussions of this proposal would generate valuable insights. We are ready to engage constructively 
with all interested parties on this topic and are eager to work with all interested countries.  
5.57.   The representative of Myanmar  delivered the following statement:   
5.58.   I would like to thank Togo who represented  the LDCs. LDC graduation  process have a critical 
role and we would like to extend the transition period , it is very important economic sustainability. 
Therefore , we support  the proposal for the small transition measure in favour of the country 
graduated in WT/GC/W/807/R ev.2 – this is very important for us. We would like to take this 
opportunity , and request to the Member s to also support  the issue of LDCs, particular ly as reflected 
in paragraph 8 in the LDC graduation  proposal  and in the paragraph 5 of the MC12 outcome 
document. As we continue to work actively , I hope positive results should be submitted to MC13.  
5.59.   The representative of Australia  delivered the following statement:  
5.60.   Graduation from the LDC category represents a major achievement, and I would like to 
reiterat e Australia 's support for the creation of appropriate transition arrangements in the WTO 
context. To be most effective, measures ought to be tailored to the diverse economic circumstances 
and development needs of each graduation country. Australia looks fo rward to engaging on the 
detail of the proposal, to complement the support Australia provides countries graduating from the 
LDC category through our bilateral and regional engagement.  
5.61.   We welcome the LDC Group 's efforts to progress discussions on an appropr iate set of 
measures through a separate subsidiary body. To facilitate the best outcome, we support calls for 
this work to be directed to the Sub -Committee on Least -Developed Countries to enable technical 
discussions on the proposal. Now – a year out from MC13 – is the time to begin those detailed 
discussions if we are to conclude this initiative at or before the Conference.  
5.62.   The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:  
5.63.   If I understand correctly, the immediate question before us is where the conversation on the 
paper from the LDC Group should occur in order to try to find a consensus on an outcome on the 
paper. That is my understanding of what we are , and this is what I a m going to be speaking about. 
Let me put it that way because I understood that was the question.  
5.64.   We note that the proposed list of LDC specific provisions in Appendix 1 of this proposal, 
roughly overlaps  with the G90 specific proposals that are already bei ng discussed in the CTD SS  - 
although we remain unclear as to why these two conversations need to occur in different venues.  
We are ready to start the discussions on this paper in the LDC Sub -Committee which seems to be 
where consensus is leading. We do th ink it will be extremely helpful in those conversations for the 
LDC Group to make presentations on how they proposed to use the flexibilities to support the 
economic development. So again to be clear, if the question is where should the conversation be 
had, we are fine with moving the conversation to the LDC Sub -Committee. We do understand that 
the paper would need to be presented there. Again for clarity of what we are saying here , we move 
the conversation , but we do not agree that the paper as it stands i s a paper that would have our 
support as an outcome. There is a lot more technical work that needs to be done and once that is 
done then whatever the outcome is, it can be brought back to the General Council  - but there is a 
lot of work and we are committe d, as we have been for years , in continuing to work on this proposal.  
5.65.   The representative of Nigeria  delivered the following statement:   
5.66.   Nigeria wishes to thank the LDC Group for their revised proposal. At the outset we associate 
ourselves with the statemen t delivered on behalf of the African Group and the ACP Group on this WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  issue. We reaffirm our support for th is proposal because we believe graduated  LDCs require support 
during the transition period to  ensure stability.  We call on Members to work towards achieving 
consensus on this issue in advance of MC13.  
5.67.   The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
5.68.   Graduation is not, and should not be regarded as, punishment, but a step to be celebrated . 
The European Union is engaging with LDCs on the particular challenges that LDC graduation 
presents. We are ready to continue to engage, both on "preferences " in Annex 1 and on "specific 
measures " in Annex 2 of the proposal under consideration.  
5.69.   The Europe an Union recognises the challenges of LDC graduation and the need for a specific 
response from the Membership, which we would be ready to work on with a view to outcomes by 
MC13. The European Union considers that analytical work on Annex 2 of the proposal could 
preferably start as soon as possible in the LDC Subcommittee as requested by the LDC Group. The 
Subcommittee should analyse the measures, and coordinate with other relevant WTO bodies and 
stakeholders. Each of the "specific measures " in Annex 2 of th e LDC proposal will require a separate 
discussion in more detail. The aim of the European Union is to focus on how to facilitate and enhance 
the capacity of countries to assume commitments that foster integration in the global economy. In 
our view that is the best way that the WTO can effectively contribute to sustainable development.  
5.70.   The representative of China  delivered the following statement:  
5.71.   China always attaches great importance to the development difficulties encountered by LDCs, 
and actively provide s support and assistance under the framework of South -South cooperation. 
China is one of the first developing countries to grant zero -tariff treatment to LDCs. In December 
2021, China announced that zero -tariff treatment will be further extended to 98% tar iff lines to LDCs 
that establish diplomatic relations with China.  
5.72.   China understands the LDCs ' concern about the transition period of graduation and so it has 
granted LDCs a three -year tariff -free transition period since 2013. Also, China calls upon other W TO 
Members to support LDCs achieve smooth transition after graduation. China has taken note of LDCs ' 
latest communication. We are ready to work with other parties to reach consensus on this issue at 
an early date. In this way, we can help relevant countrie s better integrate into the multilateral 
trading system and achieve their own economic and trade development.  
5.73.   The representative of the United Kingdom  delivered the following statement:  
5.74.   I would like to start by thanking the Ambassador of Djibouti for the proposal and the 
Ambassador of Togo for presenting  it, and thank Bangladesh for their tireless work and flexibility to 
try and achieve an outcome on this proposal. Graduating out of LDC status is a success, it shows 
that your participation in this orga nisation is working and helping you develop as a country . But it is 
right, as we have been trying to work out how to do, that we ensure that that graduation process 
works properly for the countries concerned. I hesitate to use the words "quick -wins" in thi s 
organi zation, but this does appear to be one of those things which should be a "quick -win'" - we just 
have not won it quickly enough. But it is certainly something that we should be trying to deliver 
before or at MC13, a low -hanging fruit which should be  part of that harvest that we hope to reap in 
Abu Dhabi. Obviously, as others have said, the primary issue here is where we discuss this. To be 
honest , for us, we do  not really mind, but we are very happy to support the LDC s' request to move 
this proposal to the LDC Sub-Committee and we very much hope that by doing so we will be able to 
come to a swift conclusion on this important issue . 
5.75.   The representative of New Zealand  delivered the following statement:   
5.76.   We appreciate the efforts that have been undertaken to revise and update the proposals under 
this item. We stand ready to engage in discussions on these proposals, noting that each of the 
specific proposals under Annex 2  of the draft will require more individual examination. We can join 
others in supporting the suggestion that the LDC Sub -Committee be tasked with taking forward 
these discussions.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  5.77.   The representative of Samoa , on behalf of the Pacific Group , delivered the f ollowing 
statement:  
5.78.   The Pacific Group thanks Togo for presenting the revised LDC Group proposal for a WTO 
smooth transition package for graduated LDCs. We continue to commend the Group and encourage 
their continuous efforts to gain further support and cons ensus among the membership. This is one 
outcome which we believe the General Council can deliver, before MC13.  For the Pacific region, there 
are three LDCs, notably Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Kiribati, re -assessing their respective 
graduation preparations  and have concluded that they would require more time; and are therefore 
seeking to delay their graduation from LDC status proposed for 2024 to 2027. This has been noted 
and supported by Pacific Islands Forum Leaders during their Special Retreat held in Fi ji two weeks 
ago.  
5.79.   Samoa and Vanuatu graduated from LDC status in 2014 and 2020, respectively. Our inherent 
vulnerabilities do not graduate, they remain, as we have seen with the twin cyclones and 
earthquakes in Vanuatu last week. A state of emergency has now been declared for Vanuatu for the 
next 6 months as they assess the impacts. A smooth transition is necessary including ample time 
and appropriate space to phase out support measures and take account of vulnerabilities to natural 
disasters and the impac ts of climate change.  
5.80.   The representative of  the Kingdom  of Saudi Arabia  delivered the following statement:   
5.81.   We thank the LDC  Group for their new submission. We have supported this request since long 
and we are happy to continue our support.  
5.82.   The representative of Canada  delivered the following statement:  
5.83.   We thank the LDC Group for its revised proposal on a smooth transition to graduation.  Canada 
recently held public consultations on the renewal of its unilateral preferential tariff programs. We 
appreciate the change in revision 2 that provides an option between extending or gradually phasing 
out since it is complicated for Canad a to consider gradual options.  More broadly, though, we continue 
to want to better understand the rationale behind this proposal, including how support measures, if 
not extended, will harm graduated LDCs. This understanding would have to include the fact t hat 
extensions of LDC -specific special and differential treatment should be based on clearly -identified 
needs of the Member. As concerns Annex 2, Canada would be comfortable to have negotiations in 
the LDC Sub-Committee of the CTD.  Finally, while we would have other questions regarding Annex 
2. We did want to ask one pointed question on the inclusion of the agreement on fish subsidies. We 
ask that a clear rationale be provided that demonstrates why additional flexibility is needed in this 
area, given the ag reement only recently concluded.  
5.84.   The representative of Brazil  delivered the following statement:  
5.85.   Brazil has consistently engaged in discussions aiming at strengthening the multilateral trading 
system and ensuring that it remains beneficial to all its Membe rs. We believe that Special and 
Differential Treatment to LDCs members plays an important role in achieving this goal. Therefore, 
we welcome discussions on the issue of graduation, which is a milestone in LDCs ' path to 
development. In this regard, we reite rate our willingness to work together with the LDC Group to 
advance on this issue, on the basis of the presented document.  
5.86.   The representative of Singapore  delivered the following statement:  
5.87.   We thank Togo and the LDC Group for their revised proposal.  First, Singapore continues to 
strongly support efforts to ensure a smooth transition for graduated LDCs through technical 
assistance and capacity building. For example, Singapore has a long -standing partnership with the 
WTO to conduct biannual Third Country Trai ning Programmes for developing and LDC Members.  
Second, Singapore believes that with constructive engagement, it is entirely possible for Members 
to reach agreement, so that we can collectively achieve our common objective of facilitating LDC 
Members ' integration into the multilateral trading system. We hope that all sides will continue to 
exercise flexibility in order to find common ground. Third, given the diverse needs of LDC Members, 
measures will best serve their purpose if they are tailored to the ne eds of each Member, rather than 
taking a one -size-fits-all approach. Hence, we urge all sides to continue discussing how measures WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  can be best be applied for optimal benefits for LDCs and identify an appropriate time -frame for their 
implementation.  
5.88.   The rep resentative of Egypt  delivered the following statement:   
5.89.   Egypt aligns with the statement made by Cameroon on behalf of the African  Group and we 
also thank Togo for the presentation made on behalf of the LDC Group.  Regarding the  trade impact s 
of LDC Graduation , insights from countr y-specific market access analys es report in 2022 states that 
"the impact of graduation  was very among ind ividual  LDCs depending on factors such as export 
structure, use of preferential treatment and their terms of entry into the WTO". It further states that 
"although quarter of the LDCs were on track to graduate from LDCs status prior to the outbreak of 
the C OVID -19 pandemic, the economic dislocation resulting from the pandemic threatens to delay  
graduation for some countries ". Those countries also face aggravated food insecurity situations. It 
is our view that given those challenges  and their long -term implic ations that graduation of LDCs 
should be dealt with in accordance with the proposals submitted by the LDC Group.  
5.90.   The Director -General  delivered the following statement:  
5.91.   Graduation is a good thing as many have said , and I am happy to see LDCs embracing  the 
possibilities of what this means. I would like to thank the Group and the Coordinator Ambassador 
Kadra Hassan and Ambassador Johnson for sustaining the momentum on this issue and for 
submitting this revised proposal which tries to respond to concerns that  have been expressed. It is 
also encouraging from what I just heard that there seems to be increase engagement between 
interested Members on this issue and genuine good faith efforts to make progress on the basis of 
the revised proposal. I hope the work in  the Committee or wherever it takes place will move this 
forward. It has been incredible the number of interventions this afternoon. I was frankly surprised 
but it is also a good sign that Members see this as an important topic and want to deliver on it.  LDC 
graduation is a topmost priority issue at the LDC5 which is currently taking place in Doha, Qatar. I 
thought we would have been able to deliver some good news by this week but it has not happened. 
As the Ambassador from the UK said , I strongly believe t hat if we put more political will to this and 
work harder an outcome can be reached. I would therefore like to strongly encourage everyone. 
This is something we can do in this Organization and we should try to do it.  
5.92.   The representative of Bangladesh  delivered the following statement:  
5.93.   My delegation thanks all Members who supported this LDC submission. It 's a fact that for the 
last three years we are waiting for a favourable decision on this item in the GC. The LDC Group has 
been working closely with Me mbers to find convergence. We understand that Members may need 
little more time to finalize the Annex 1 issue and we hope to come back to GC soon. However, Chair, 
may we request the General Council to make a decision today, at least, to begin our collectiv e work 
on the Annex  2 of this LDC proposal.  
5.94.   We propose the General Council to instruct the Sub -Committee on LDCs to examine the Annex 
2 of the LDC proposal and develop recommendations and report to the General Council by 30  June 
2023. The sub -committee ma y be asked to inform the GC in May 2023 with a progress report, and 
seek further extension of this date, if required. May we agree on this?   
5.95.   The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement : 
5.96.   I just want to make sure that I understa nd what we are agreeing to here. Again what my 
understanding was the immediate question is where do we have these conversations on the whole 
paper. And we are fine moving those conversations to the LDC Sub -Committee and they can present 
their paper there a nd then we can continue the conversation. Some of th ese conversation s have 
been happening just informally but we need a specific place. Again to us made sense it would be in 
the CTD SS because that is a negotiating body after all and we are negotiating som ething here but 
we are fine with moving it to the LDC Sub -Committee but it should be the whole package and then 
the Committee  then from that conversation we can decide how we move it forward. I just want to 
be clear. Also understand that I have to say that  this should be part of reform when we have some 
of these proposals being put it on the agenda and it is completely unclear what is being asked of the 
General Council to decide.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  5.97.   The Chair  thanked the United States for those clarifications. He said that i t was right that the 
Sub-Committee on LDCs certainly may play a role , but he thought  that one needed to be a bit more 
specific in any decision that might be made  today , after having listen very carefully to the last 
statement of the United States.  He underst ood that what was being suggested was that  the whole 
package and also the G90 proposals be dealt with in the LDC Sub -Committee. He asked if this was 
the right underst anding or if he was  mistaken?  
5.98.   The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:  
5.99.   I am not talking about G90 proposal. I was just talking about the LDC paper that we are 
looking at here today.  
5.100.   The Chair said that he  underst ood that there was at least an agreement among Members, 
that the Sub -Committee on LDC s start discussions on the proposal set out in Annex 2 of the 
document put forward by the LDCs. This was document WT/GC/W/807/Rev.2. He asked if this was  
it the right understa nding?  
5.101.   The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:  
5.102.   My understanding is that the way the process should work is that the paper is presented to 
the LDC Sub -Committee – just give it a number and then the discussion is taken up there.  
5.103.   The Chair  asked if the United States meant the entire paper with the 2 annexes?  
5.104.   The representative of the United States  confirmed.  
5.105.   The Chair  asked if  this was a course of action  that was agreeable to Members?  
5.106.   The representative of Bangladesh  delivered the following statement:  
5.107.   What we have heard Members say today  is that we need the technical discussion on that 
part that contains the Annex 2 or Appendix 1 of the Annex 2 that contains the list of technical issues . 
But the first part , that is Annex 1 , is subject to the GC. We have presented the whole paper to the 
GC. Now our understanding , as we have heard and consulted with many Members , is that only for 
the technical discussion , to move the second part to the LDC  Sub-Committee  - which was a demand 
by the distinguished colleague from US  earlier,  that we need more technical discussion. If you kindly 
allow me for 30 seconds to clarify that this is not a G90 proposal. G90 proposal is something that is 
dealing with the  Doha and its aftermath. Our proposal is not from Doha it is only for LDCs and we 
are not asking to change any modality of those elements, just a continuation for some more time. I 
hope this is helpful.  
5.108.   The Chair expressed his thanks for the clarification  and said it  was his misunderstanding. 
After having listen carefully , he believe d that  further consultations on this issue were still needed 
with a view to reach a consensus . This being said, in closing this item, he invite all delegations to 
make their best efforts to find a mutually acceptable solutions.  
5.109.   The representative of Zambia  provided the following statement14: 
5.110.   My delegation associates itself with the statements delivered by Djibouti on behalf of the 
LDC Grou p on this agenda item. Despite Zambia being among the countries that met the first 
graduation metric in 2021, our economy is still experiencing many challenges that are making it 
difficult to sustain the momentum towards graduation. This situation is made worse by the effects 
of the COVID -19 pandemic as well as the huge debt distress that the country is facing. These 
challenges will not automatically disappear immediately upon graduation and in fact, are likely to 
get worse once the favourable treatment we enjoy in the WTO is taken away.  The current 
Government is however not sitting back, it is working tirelessly to re -orient the economy towards a 
more sustainable development pathway through its new economic transformation agenda but it 
cannot do this on its  own without the support of development partners such as the WTO and others. 
 
14 The statement was no t delivered at the meeting but subsequently provided to the Secretariat for 
inclusion in the record.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  It is for this reason that Zambia is calling on the membership to support the LDC graduation proposal 
for a smooth transition and sustainable exit from the LDC category.  
5.111.   The Gener al Council took note  of the statements.  
6  UNILATERAL TRADE -RESTRICTIVE MEASURES OF CERTAIN WTO MEMBERS – 
STATEMENT BY THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION  
6.1.  The Chair noted that t he item 'Unilateral Trade -Restrictive Measures of Certain WTO Members' 
was included in the agen da at the request of the delegation of the Russian Federation  and invite d 
the delegation of the Russian Federation to introduce it. 
6.2.  The representative of the Russian Federation  delivered the following statement:  
6.3.  The number of anti -Russian measures imposed by Australia, Canada, the European Union, 
Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States and some other WTO 
Members is approaching 3,000 and continues to grow rapidly. Only in the past cou ple of weeks, this 
long list of measures has been supplemented by new export bans on certain industrial and medical 
goods, additional import bans on mineral products from Russia, a number of new restrictive 
measures targeting major Russian banks, research institutes and commercial companies. The WTO -
consistency of these measures is out of question, which is the reason for trade concerns 
systematically raised by Russia at the relevant WTO Councils and Committees. By applying various 
bans and restrictions, in cluding in the spheres of energy, agriculture and healthcare, the authors of 
the sanctions affect not only Russia. They have adversely affected those who want to continue 
trading with Russia under rules. They have added problems to many other economies aro und the 
world due to the spillover effect. As a result, these innocent "others " now have to pay much higher 
price for the required energy and other products.  
6.4.  These measures are not only illegal and unjustified, but also cause enormous and irreparable 
dama ge to the global economy by provoking and aggravating global economic, energy and food 
crises. In that regard, we took note that the recent report by the WTO Secretariat, issued on the 23 
of February, fails to highlight any collateral damage to the MTS and  world trade today attributed to 
the unilateral sanctions by several Members that defy WTO rules. There is a glaring inconsistency in 
the WTO analytical work, since previously, the trade monitoring and G20 reports by the Secretariat 
indicated that sanction s had a significant negative impact on global trade and especially food 
security. Take current price hikes as an example. Russia is both a major producer and exporter of 
wheat and fertilizers. For instance, Russian fertilizers ensure the production of 117 million tons of 
wheat, or 440 million tons of corn, which is enough to feed about 500 million people. The measures 
against Russia lead to increase in costs of logistics and food prices, decreasing the availability of 
such goods for those in need (namely em erging market economies, developing and least developed 
countries who are net importers of such goods from our country). Although, we have heard and seen 
numerous statements that there are no restrictions on supplies of Russian grain, fertilizers and other  
agricultural products, in fact, Russian exporters are facing: increased import tariffs; blocking of the 
payments; bans of the use of foreign seaports; restrictions for freight and road transport as well as 
insurance and legal services; inability to purcha se and deliver spare parts for necessary agricultural 
equipment; restrictive measures against related companies and individuals that include assets freeze 
and prohibition to deal with such persons.  
6.5.  All of these result in increased transaction costs and de facto quantitative restrictions on 
Russian supplies of food and fertilizers leading to global food shortages and price hikes. The anti -
Russian measures continue to undermine the multilateral trading system (MTS). The blatant 
disregard of the basic princip les and rules of the WTO diminishes its role as a cornerstone of the 
MTS. Unilateral imposition of politically biased trading measures clearly states the new norm that no 
Member is safe from same unlawful treatment. Moreover, the scope of most targeted sec tors by the 
authors of sanctions is suspiciously identical with the major targets of protectionist policies against 
Russia applied by them for decades. Typical market interests are hidden behind such measures. It 
also severely changes terms of global compe tition. If someone is restricted from conducting normal 
trade relations, this allows others to pursue their economic interests instead. Finally, the approaches 
applied by certain Members aggravate fragmentation of the multilateral trading system into rival  
blocks, thus destroying the WTO's foundations. As stated by para 2 of the Marrakesh Declaration of 
1994, the WTO was established to help Members "operate in a fairer and more open multilateral WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  trading system for the benefit and welfare of their peoples", while "resisting protectionist pressures 
of all kinds". The essence of the WTO is opening of trade.  
6.6.  However, the emerging trend we are witnessing today is moving in the opposite direction – 
which is closing the trade. Trade remains "open" only for Members  of specific "like-minded clubs ". 
Those who do not qualify for these clubs are subject to sanctions, discrimination and sophisticated 
methods of distorting competition. Amidst the highly networked economic life, the aftermath of such 
approach affects all p articipants in international trade, increases the turbulence in global and regional 
markets. The value of the WTO is being a forum for governments to negotiate trade agreements, to 
settle trade disputes, to sort out the trade problems they face. My stateme nt aims to remind on the 
need to use efficiently the WTO's potential for these intended purposes. This would inevitably require 
both the membership and the Secretariat to be more objective in assessing the true causes and 
harmful consequences of the proble ms facing the world economy and the overall multilateral trading 
system.  
6.7.  The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement :  
6.8.  I deliver this statement on behalf of Australia, Canada, the European Union, Iceland, Japan, 
Republic of K orea, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.  
6.9.  Russia's intervention does not warrant a response, except to remind Members of the gravity of 
Russia's depredations against its neighbor Ukraine, a fellow Member of this Organization. Just over 
a year ago, Putin began his brutal and unprovoked full -scale invasion of Ukraine.  Russia continues 
to inflict death and destruction on Ukraine and on the Ukrainian people. We condemn Russia's illegal, 
unjustifiable, and unprovoked war, disregard for the Charter of the United Nations and indifference 
to the impacts that its war is having on people worldwide.  Russia's actions also contravene the 
principles and values that are the foundation of the WTO, including other Membe rs' shared notions 
of fairness and openness. We call upon all Members of this Organization to condemn unequivocally 
Putin's war of aggression, his reliance on force and indiscriminate violence to illegally seize the 
territory of another Member of this Organization, and his contempt for the rule of law and 
humanitarian norms.   
6.10.   The representative of Ukraine  delivered the following statement:  
6.11.   Ukraine would like to emphasize once again that the illegal, unprovoked and unjustifiable 
aggression against Ukraine by  Russia is a blatant violation of international law and the rules -based 
international order.  Sanctions applied by Ukraine 's partners are a direct response to Russia 's brutal 
war of aggression against Ukraine.  No manipulation or attempt of Russians can subs titute of the 
legal concepts of the Article XXI of the GATT. No one and nothing can prevent any contracting party 
from taking any action in pursuance of its obligations under the United Nations Charter for the 
maintenance of international peace and securit y. Russia is solely responsible for this crisis. Russia 
continues to demonstrate a flagrant disregard for international law and rules -based multilateral 
trading system and does not stop in its acts of military aggression against Ukraine and Ukrainians.  
6.12.   In this regard we reiterate our deep gratitude to our partners for their unwavering support, 
in particular overwhelming support of the UN GA Resolution "UN Charter principles underlying a 
comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine " adopted on 23 Febr uary 2023 and its contribution 
to the joint efforts on bringing the war to the just end.  We call on other WTO Members to put more 
pressure on Russia to end its ability to wage war and to undermine the rules -based multilateral 
trading system.  
6.13.   I would like t o use this opportunity to thank the Secretariat for the report following one year 
war in Ukraine. This report reflects impact of Russian 's war on the international trade. We encourage 
Secretariat to further monitor impact of the Russian 's military aggressi on on international trade and 
food security. I would also like to draw Members ' attention to the attempt of Russian to call their 
full-scale military invasion of Ukraine a "Conflict in Ukraine ". We call upon all Members and the 
Secretariat to use truthful and internationally recognized terminology.   
6.14.   The representative of Nicaragua  delivered the following statement:   WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  6.15.   We regret the words that have been used by the delegations that have spoken after Russia's 
statement. It is not the first time that th e Russian delegation 's concerns are ignored by those who 
implement coercive  measures, which restrict trade. Nicaragua thanks  the Russian Federation  for 
bringing  this matter to the attention of the General Council . Since its inception, this Organization  
has been oriented to promote the development of its Members , and to respond  to the special needs 
of its Members in the area of development with whatever technical  and financial limitations would 
apply in the field of international trade. Nevertheless, the uni lateral measures that restrict  trade that 
have been introduced by some Members of this Organization are totally  contrary  with these 
objectives and they affect in particular small countries  and vulnerable economies , such as is the case 
of Nicaragua. They even have greater incidence on the most underprivileged  population that lack 
the necessary resources to face the rise in prices of food and energy and factors of  production.  
6.16.   The present food  security  crisis has been aggravated  by the growing number of  measures 
that prohibit or restrict the export of basic products and raw materials , considered by many 
economists as counterproductive, as they reduce the supply throughout the world of these materials , 
and cause many ot her countries to implement  similar measures, bringing about a multiplier  effect. 
It is imperative that such unilateral measures be ended  in order to alleviate  this situation. The  
international community has to cooperate to increase food supply in the world  and the administration 
of prices. Nicaragua calls upon the Members to respect and promote the multilateral trading  system 
based on open foreseeable and respectful rules. For this reason, we would like to call upon Members 
to avoid unilateral measures that  restrict trade and in particular  of course, measures that are 
contrary to WTO's rules. These measures are furthermore based on understandings which are 
contrary to commercial objectives and that are totally outside of the remit of this house.  
6.17.   The represen tative of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela  delivered the following statement:  
6.18.   As this is the first time that we have taken the floor at this General Council session, we would 
like to express our condolences to the delegations of all countries that have been affected by natural 
tragedies. We would also like to add our voice to say farewell to those who are leaving us and to 
welcome those who are joining us in our work. We associate ourselves with the expressions of 
recognition for Ambassador Cheryl Spence r. Blessings and respect to you, dear Ambassador.  
6.19.   We would like to thank the Russian Federation for having raised at this meeting an issue that, 
for my delegation, is highly sensitive. As we have pointed out on previous occasions, Venezuela has 
been warnin g for years against the proliferation of unilateral trade restrictive measures that run 
contrary to agreed rules. To date, my country has been the target of 927 unilateral coercive 
measures, as well as other direct and indirect criminal and illegal imposit ions, used as deliberate 
tools to destroy our economy, resulting in the loss of more than USD 232 billion over the last nine 
years. The negative impact has spread to all areas, notably the food, health, transport, 
communications and technology sectors.  The restrictions imposed on Venezuela are inconsistent 
with the following Articles of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994: Article I:1 on general 
most favoured nation treatment; Article II:1(a) and (b) on Schedules of concessions; Article III:4 
on national treatment on internal taxation and regulation; Article V:2 on freedom of transit; Article 
X:3(a); and Article XI:1. In regard to services, we believe that the discriminatory coercive measures 
imposed on Venezuela violate the commitments undertake n by Members applying them under 
Articles II:1, XVI:2 and XVII:1 of the General Agreement on Trade in Services.  
6.20.   Compounding this lengthy list is the proliferation of secondary coercive measures —which 
States impose on third parties to enforce their unilater al measures —and over compliance by various 
stakeholders, such as States, companies, financial institutions, civil society organizations and 
humanitarian actors, which choose to sever ties with targeted countries for fear of repercussions, 
even for authoriz ed activities. By way of an example, during the COVID -19 pandemic, there was 
unequal access to vaccines, which undermined the right of Venezuelans to health. Not only does this 
have collateral criminal consequences for the population of the affected countr y, but it also harms 
the trade interests of other economies, causing all types of disruption, including trade distortions.  
We wish to reiterate that the WTO has proved to be an organization that is primarily guided by 
economic considerations and sound lega l rules. The very definition of unilateralism implies conduct 
that violates principles and rules. In this regard, we call for a return to multilateralism as the best 
way to resolve our differences and we express our support for a forward looking, transpare nt and 
inclusive multilateral trading system.  
6.21.   The representative of Belarus , speaking as an Observer , delivered the following statement:  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  6.22.   We believe that the initiative of the delegation of the Russian Federation to discuss this item 
in the General Council is timely and of great relevance and importance.  Belarus has first -hand 
experience of being under unlawful unilateral restrictive measures or sanctions. We share the view 
of their detrimental effect on the multilateral trade system and, particularly, on fo od security. The 
problem of global hunger persists, while Belarus has been restrained by sanctions in its ability to 
export food and fertilizers. In that context we would like to note the UN Secretary -General 's remarks 
expressed in May 2022 in the UN Secur ity Council about the need to reintegrate food and fertilizers 
from Belarus into global markets in an effort to alleviate hunger everywhere in the world. 
Regrettably, the states, imposing the sanctions, do not seem to care about the adverse 
consequences no t only for the Belarusian people, but also for the population of other countries, 
including developing and least -developed ones.  
6.23.   We believe that sanctions not only harm targeted countries, but also undermine and discredit 
the role of the WTO as the guaran tor of the rules of international trade. The WTO should keep this 
important issue on its agenda. Furthermore, Belarus sees the need to make a comprehensive study 
on an impact of unilateral sanctions on global trade and food prices. The era of small -scale s anctions 
is over. Unilateral restrictive measures have become one of the key policy instruments of Western 
countries. Any country, including those playing a significant role in the global economy, may be 
subject to Western sectoral sanctions. Therefore, th e impact of sanctions is being felt globally, 
manifesting itself in rising prices for food, energy and the cost of living. There is currently much 
discussion about the impact of unilateral restrictive measures on trade and economy. Yet, all in all, 
we stil l lack a comprehensive picture, with various breakdowns by such factors as regions, countries, 
sectors, industries, etc. Comprehensive studies would be useful if done by international organizations 
that possess necessary knowledge and expertise. We believe  that the WTO is well placed to carry 
out such a task.  
6.24.   The representative of the Russian Federation  delivered the following statement:   
6.25.   I would like to thank all Members who provided comments on our statement. I just have three 
brief remarks , based on what I have just heard.  First, regarding the assumption that Russia bears 
full responsibility for the measures we are discussing , I would li ke to remind that all this is  about 
sovereign measures  taken by sovereign governments . Each Member has a choice which measures 
regarding trade policy to adopt or not to adopt , and then should be ar a full responsibility for those 
measures. Th us, any attempt s to put this responsibility , including with regard to the spillover effect 
on third countries , on another Member - those attempts just do not look very serious.  
6.26.    Second, it seems, and I have such impression from the for mat of a  sort of collective response 
to our statement, that their genuine consideration for adoption of the measures we are  criticizing , 
for several Members is a sort  of collective solidarity rather than genuine national security 
considerations. This concept does not exist  here in the WTO. Since recently we have enough national 
security -based measures under discussion in this house and if we add collective solidarity on top of 
that, we risk overloading  the WTO boat. And third, finally their attempt to present Russia's case as 
an exceptional one  - this is not true. The use of trade sanctions as a political tool started long ago , 
and unfortunately this practice will not end with a cease of the conflict  in Ukraine which  I sincerely 
hope will sooner or later happen. Thus , the qu estion "who is next " seems to be relevant , 
unfortunately.  
6.27.   The representative of Iran, speaking as an Observer , provided the following statement15: 
6.28.   My apology for being late due to some administrative task, I would like to reflect our views 
on the agenda item 6 . Seconding our colleague from Venezuela, we are of the belief that trade 
challenges to the multilateralism need to be addressed through enhanced international cooperation 
underpinned in the principles of the multilateral trading system. While  condemning weaponizing 
trade as pressing unilateral tool for political purposes, States are strongly urged to refrain from 
promulgating and applying any unilateral economic, financial or trade measures not in accordance 
with WTO rules and regulations, in light of concerns over the constraining nature and developmental 
implications of such measures that negatively impact the well -being of the populations and impede 
 
15 The statement was not delivered at the meeting but subsequently sent to the Secretariat for inclusion 
in the record.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  the full achievement of economic and social development in the concerned States, as well as i mpair 
their trade relations.  
6.29.   The General Council took note  of the statements.  
7  REINVIGORATION OF THE WORK PROGRAMME ON ELECTRONIC COMMERCE AND 
MORATORIUM ON IMPOSING CUSTOMS DUTIES ON ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSIONS – 
REQUEST FROM INDIA AND SOUTH AFRICA16 
A. Role of Digital Public Infrastructure in Promoting E -Commerce – Communication from 
India (WT/GC/W/863)  
8  MC12 DECISION IMPLEMENTATION - RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC – REQUEST FROM 
INDIA  
A. Role of Telemedicine Services in Response to the Pandemic – Communication from 
India (WT/GC/W/866 – S/C/W/426)  
B. Building a Pool of Health Professionals to Respond Effectively to Pandemics/Natural 
Disasters – Communication from India (WT/GC/W/867 – S/C/W/427)  
8.1.  The Chair noted that the  item on 'MC12 De cision Implementation Response to the Pandemic' 
and the sub -items 'A. Role of Telemedicine Services in Response to the Pandemic' (WT/GC/W/866) 
and 'B. Building a Pool of Health Professionals to Respond Effectively to Pandemics/Natural Disasters' 
(WT/GC/W/8 67), had been  requested by India , and he invited the delegation of India to introduce 
them. 
8.2.  The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
8.3.  The COVID -19 pandemic overwhelmed the capacity of domestic healthcare systems. The 
availability of he alth professionals became challenging. Social distancing measures made in -person 
consultations on medical issues challenging. In pursuance of MC12 guidelines underlining the critical 
role of WTO in ensuring resilience during COVID -19 and future pandemics, India has made two 
submissions, one on building a pool of health professionals to respond effectively to 
pandemics/natural disasters and the other on delving into the role of telemedicine services in 
response to the pandemic crisis.  Among others, we looked  at examples from India, Kenya, South 
Africa, Germany, the United States and Brazil. During the pandemic, several countries took 
measures to facilitate adoption of telemedicine.  The Indian government launched e -Sanjeevani, a 
web-based application that inte grates registration, queue management, generation of e -
prescriptions, short message services and email notifications. So far, e -Sanjeevani has crossed an 
astounding milestone of over 100 million teleconsultations. This platform has facilitated healthcare 
access across country, especially rural and isolated communities. It is designed for a scale, low -cost 
uptake of vital providers and patients.  
8.4.  Further, the government also launched COVID -19 Vaccine Intelligence Network (CoWIN), a 
state-of-the-art digital s olution for one of the world's largest COVID -19 vaccination programme. 
India offered the technological prowess of CoWIN platform as Digital Public Infrastructure freely to 
all countries in the fight against COVID -19. India has so far achieved historical mi lestone of 2.2 
billion doses of vaccinations and has generated appointment schedule and digital certification for 
vaccines through this network. India also launched the Arogya Setu App bridged for healthcare 
aimed at COVID -19 contact tracing, self -assessme nt and informing the citizens about the best 
practices/relevant advisories pertaining to the containment of COVID -19. This open -source app is a 
readily available package for developers. Measures were also taken by members to reduce demand 
on public healthc are system, which we briefly captured in our submissions. As borne out of by WTO 
TISMOS data, cross -border trade in medical services (Mode 1) is most suitable mode in pandemic 
like situations, as this increased by 14 per cent, while Mode 2 and Mode 4 suppl y fell sharply. 
However, cross -border trade in medical services remain much below its potential. There is, therefore, 
an urgent need to address issues like digital capability, regulations and guidelines, provisions relating 
 
16 Item 7 was taken up together with Item 2.A.ii . WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  to reimbursement under health ca re insurance schemes, inter -operability and professional liability, 
quality and continuum of care to facilitate such trade.  
8.5.  The representative of Djibouti, on behalf of the LDC Group,  delivered the following statement:  
8.6.  The LDC  Group congratulates India for the presentation of its communications WT/GC/W/866 
and WT/GC/W/867 on the role of telemedicine services in the response to the pandemic and on 
building a pool of healthcare professionals respectively to respond effectively to  pandemics/natural 
disasters.  The questions are pertinent. Our capitals are reviewing the documents.  
8.7.  The representative of South Africa  delivered the following statement:  
8.8.  COVID -19 has brought into sharp focus the limitations of past efforts and the need f or a more 
ambitious and sustained approach to preparedness. Of concern is that the world tends to move on 
quickly and when a new crises takes centre  stage, it results in the now familiar cycle of "panic and 
neglect", especially of the developing countries and the most vulnerable. The timing and nature of 
the next pandemic is unknown but it is certain to happen. We thank India for its papers on medical 
services. It is a meaningful contribution to the work mandated in paragraph 23 of the Ministerial 
Declarati on on the WTO Response to the pandemic and preparedness for future pandemics. The 
communication from the Africa group WT/GC/W/858 presented at the GC of December 2022 was of 
a similar vein. We have shared the papers with our Capital and are deliberating up on the guiding 
questions in paragraphs 8 and 4 of the papers , respectively. Therefore, sharing of experiences in 
this regard is welcomed. Importantly, the membership needs to urgently develop trigger ready 
mechanisms to ensure that we are better prepared t o deal with future pandemics. We stand ready 
to engage constructively with the delegation of India and the broader Membership with the view to 
fulfilling the Ministerial mandate in para . 23 of the relevant Ministerial Declaration.  
8.9.  The representative of Mauritius delivered the following statement:  
8.10.   We thank India for its proposals relating to telemedicine services and on building of a pool of 
health professionals to respond to pandemics.  The COVID -19 pandemic has taught us a few lessons.  
Unless we act now and  prepare for such situations in future, we would have missed an excellent 
opportunity.  While telemedicine is not a common feature in Mauritius given our size, COVID -19 has 
taught us that we should put all possible means to deal with unprecedented situation s on our side. 
Telemedicine has, in fact, been very helpful to ensure that patients are not deprived of health 
services and advice despite the various sanitary measures that were imposed.  We, therefore, look 
forward to further discussions on the two propos als at our future meetings in the relevant 
Committees.  We also take this opportunity to thank all our partners, including India, for their 
valuable support and assistance in dealing with the COVID -19 pandemic.  
8.11.   The representative of Bangladesh  delivered the  following statement:  
8.12.   The delegation of Bangladesh aligns with the statement delivered by Djibouti on behalf of the 
LDCs.  Bangladesh welcomes both submissions from India and deeply appreciates India's efforts for 
constrictive discussions on the importance of telemedicine services and the necessity of a pool of 
health professionals to address the challenges of future pandemic or natural disaster s. Both papers 
are recently circulated, therefore we need little more time to study the elements in detail. The 
delegation of Bangladesh supports India's efforts for the exploratory discussions through the guiding 
questions listed at the end of both papers. Bangladesh looks forward to working with the delegation 
of India and other Members.  
8.13.   The representative of Sri Lan ka delivered the following statement:  
8.14.   My delegation would like to thank India for its two submissions under this agenda item: "role 
of telemedicine services in response to the pandemic through document WT/GC/W/866" and 
"building a pool of health professionals to respond effectively to pandemic s/natural disasters and 
through document WT/GC/W/867". Services play a vital role during pandemics which has been well 
recognized by our Ministers at MC12 through the Ministerial Declaration on "the WTO Response to 
the COVID -19 Pandemic and Preparedness fo r Future Pandemics". In many countries the health 
systems got overwhelmed due unprecedented rise in COVID -19 cases. On the other hand, physical 
movement was also not possible due to restrictions. Therefore, many people could not obtain proper WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  medical servi ces and advise during the pandemic. Cross -border supply of health services could play 
an important role during pandemics. However, it is important that such services are facilitated by 
removing barriers. These barriers are well reflected in the submission by India. We believe that the 
WTO can play a key role to find ways and means to address such barriers. My delegation has taken 
well note of the proposal by India to formulate a multilateral and coordinated response for building 
a pool of health professiona ls and facilitating recognition to ensure continued supply of critical 
services during pandemics and natural disasters. We will engage constructively on this proposal. Sri 
Lanka looks forward to engage constructively in our discussions on the WTO response to the 
pandemic.  
8.15.   The representative of Cameroon , on behalf of the African Group,  delivered the following 
statement:  
8.16.   The African Group thanks India for its submission and for sharing its experiences related to 
the measures taken to address the COVID -19 pand emic. The contribution of India in facilitating the 
production of vaccines and medical equipment at the height of the pandemic is commendable and 
demonstrates the important role that cooperation should play in addressing common challenges. We 
take note of the two submissions and will give them due consideration.  
8.17.   he representative of Egypt  delivered the following statement:  
8.18.   We thank India for their submissions on the "Role of Telemedicine Services and Building a 
Pool of Health Professionals". Those documents  and the ideas they contain contribute positively to 
the effective response to the pandemic and delivers on the mandate of our Ministers as projected 
within the WTO response to the COVID 19 pandemic and preparedness for future pandemics doc 
(WT/MIN(22)/31) . We welcome sharing of experiences and best practices by members on those 
topics. This could help in building our collective knowledge on how to effectively deal with future 
pandemics. The submissions are being studied back in Cairo our aim is to contribu te to those 
important discussions, not only on this matter but also on other parts and paragraphs of the WTO 
response to the pandemic and preparedness ministerial document.  
8.19.   The representative of Pakistan  delivered the following statement:  
8.20.   Pakistan thanks the Indian Mission for their submissions W/866 and W/867 and looks forward 
to engaging in the debate these submissions will generate in the Council for Trade in Services. While 
it is encouraging to see that the MC12 's Declaration on WTO 's Response to COVID -19 and 
Preparedness for Future Pandemics is enabling the membership to deliberate on novel ideas; we 
must remind ourselves that success in face of any global health challenge in the future will highly 
depend on our mutual cooperation. I would recall what P akistan has maintained in the past and 
reiterate that WTO needs to act with the understanding that emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), 
especially those of zoonotic origins, reach pandemic proportions. the pattern of continuing 
emergence of pandemics over the last one century, endorse that we need to up our efforts 
immediately to be better prepared to prevent or respond to the next outbreak, whatever and 
whenever the aetiology is.  
8.21.   And in this very connection, Pakistan  intends to engage actively in the discu ssions on India 's 
submissions in the Council of Trade in Services and supports the call of African Group 's submission 
W/858 dated 9  December 2022 , and would request the General Council to urge subsidiary bodies to 
identify issues falling within their manda tes and to update their agenda items to reflect those 
mandates and develop work programs to deliver on the agenda items.   
8.22.   The representative of Nepal  delivered the following statement:  
8.23.   I associate with Djibouti on behalf of LDC Group. My delegation thanks India for its submission 
of the two important proposals. A pandemic is  a global challenge , because it may appear anytime 
and may easily radiate throughout the world. Therefore, it is necessary to be prepared for the future 
shocks. Through the proposals, In dia has shared its experience in the areas of telemedicine and pool 
of the health workers. Also, it has put questions for the further discussions. It will be better to discuss 
in detail in the respective bodies of the WTO which may provide Members with an opportunity to 
share the experiences and build up the common views to take necessary action under the WTO 
framework. We will engage constructively with Members as well as with India.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  8.24.   The representative of China  delivered the following statement:  
8.25.   China thanks India for submitting two proposals to implement the Ministerial Declaration on 
COVID -19 Response. China notes that paragraphs 17, 18 and 19 of the Declaration recognize the 
important role that services trade plays in COVID -19 response and econ omic recovery, especially in 
health services, including tele -medicine. India's proposals highlight the implications and challenges 
of tele -medicine and the establishment of a professional talent pool in responding to COVID -19 and 
disasters. The two areas d eserve in -depth discussions. China attaches great importance to the 
development of telemedicine. Compared with developed members, China started relatively late in 
this field. In February, China released the "Plan for the Overall Layout of Building a Digita l China" to 
promote the country 's digital development. It includes the development objectives of building digital 
health and regulating Internet diagnosis and treatment, as well as Internet hospitals in the future. 
In addition, China actively uses digital technology to improve the accessibility, affordability and 
efficiency of health resources. Given the complex and professional nature of the Indian proposals, 
with many areas such as medical and drug regulation, insurance services and mutual recognition of 
qualifications covered, we need more time to assess them in detail and will further comment in the 
follow -up discussions.  
8.26.   The representative of Indonesia  delivered the following statement:  
8.27.   As the Director -General  said in the last TNC meeting, we are, in a collective sense, not yet 
ready to respond to a future pandemic. Therefore, the submission by India will be helpful for us to 
take stock on what works, what did not and what to do better.  Indonesia will take a lo ok at the 
questions posed , and contribute to it.   
8.28.   The representative of Japan  delivered the following statement:  
8.29.   Japan attaches importance to the follow -up on the MC12 declaration on the WTO response to 
the COVID -19 pandemic and preparedness for future pan demics. In this regard, Japan also 
constructively discusses the items submitted by India. We still need to analyse  the content of the 
submissions of India. The items submitted by India are generally related to trade in services. In 
order to deepen the disc ussions, the CTS would be the appropriate forum.  
8.30.   The representative of United States  delivered the following statement:  
8.31.   I will speak on both papers listed under sub -items (a) and (b).  While we do not object to 
Member -to-Member discussions on these issues, we do want to be mindful of your repeated guidance 
to Members to be disciplined in these meetings to make them as productive as possible. To that end, 
I wonder whether it would not be best for us to allow India's papers on the "Role of Telemedicine 
Service s" and "Building a Pool of Health Professionals" to be first addressed at this week's CTS 
meeting where they are on the agenda. Should there be follow -up from that meeting that requires 
Ambassadors' attention, we could then focus on those specific issues a t a potential future General 
Council meeting. It is likely in everyone 's interest if we allow our experts to discuss these papers 
before injecting our political views into them.  
8.32.   The United States recognizes the enormous potential for telehealth to transfor m traditional 
many aspects of health care delivery, and we saw necessity breed a tremendous surge in telehealth 
services in the United States during the pandemic. As the country -specific examples highlighted in 
the paper underscore, as with the U.S. experi ence, these changes occurred domestically. The paper 
appropriately identifies a range of challenges to the growth in trade of telehealth services.  The 
challenges of licensure, health insurance portability, professional liability, and other regulatory 
challenges are not trade restrictions as we consider them in a GATS context. Because they exist 
primarily as health care issues, the United States does not believe that a discussion on telehealth 
will be productive if it is cast as a trade issue.  Members should  work with their health regulators to 
find more appropriate fora for engaging on topics that are fundamentally about improving health 
outcomes, not trade outcomes.  
8.33.   We disagree with the premise that the lack of mutual recognition of foreign health 
professio nals is a "critical barrier" in dealing with pandemics. As Members have made clear, the 
maintenance of licensing requirements for professionals, including health professionals, is not a trade 
barrier subject to GATS disciplines, as deference is given to th e regulatory imperatives of the health WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  and welfare of the population. As the paper mentions, a common response in emergencies is for 
regulators to autonomously waive certain requirements, in coordination with other processes they 
may have for autonomously recognizing foreign qualifications.  This authority is flexible and can be 
implemented quickly, and planned in coordination with other Members. MRAs may facilitate this 
process, but they are not necessary for this process and their absence does not represen t a "critical 
barrier".  
8.34.   The representative of Republic of Korea  delivered the following statement:  
8.35.   We would like to thank India of these proposals which seem interesting. While we are willing 
to engage in discussions on these matters at the CTS, I would li ke to note two important issues 
which I believe have positive relevance with the proposed topic.  First, there have been objections 
raised by a few Members to modified schedules with additional commitments for Services Domestic 
Regulation. These commitments  are on qualification requirements and procedures, technical 
standards and licensing requirements, which are also relevant to this proposal. We believe resolving 
certification of the schedules will bring positive impact to facilitating services trade in th e context of 
pandemic response.  Second, the e-commerce moratorium will bring positive impact, directly or 
indirectly, on providing a more friendly environment for mode 1 telemedicine services.  I would like 
to ask the proponent of these two proposals to give another look at the modified schedules for 
Services Domestic Regulation and the e-commerce moratorium.  
8.36.   The representative of Switzerland  delivered the following statement:  
8.37.   Switzerland thanks India for its communications on the role of telemedicine services in 
response to the pandemic' and on building a pool of health professionals. The first document provides 
a substantive overview of telemedicine trade, reactions during the pandemic, and issu es related to 
the regulation of medical services trade. As a preliminary comment, analyses to date in Switzerland 
relating to the "lessons learned " from the pandemic in medical services focus on the expanded 
digitalization of patient information, its stora ge, its transfer and related ethical issues. As an initial 
reaction regarding pool building, we would like to highlight that the complexity and possible 
uniqueness that each health crisis might imply could pose challenges for foreseeing specific needs. 
It is therefore difficult, in our view, to assess the impact of such a mechanism before a crisis occurs 
and whether this impact would be commensurate with the considerable resources involved. 
Switzerland may revert to both documents later when taken up at the  Council for Trade in Services.  
8.38.   The representative of Singapore  delivered the following statement:  
8.39.   First, let me thank India for tabling two the papers. I will keep my intervention brief, as these 
papers will be discussed at the CTS next week, when Members  will be able to engage in greater 
details . Second, the paper on telemedicine has correctly highlighted how telemedicine has made an 
important contribution during the Covid -19 pandemic. Based on Singapore 's experience, 
telemedicine significantly alleviated  the load on our national healthcare system and mitigated 
transmissions risks during the pandemic. Hence, the adoption of telemedicine in Singapore increased 
from 5% pre - pandemic to 30% during the pandemic, which represented an almost six -fold increase. 
However, cross -border supply of telemedicine must be managed judiciously. For example, while 
regulatory requirements can restrict supply, as the paper has highlighted, such requirements are 
focused on ensuring patient safety. In trying to diversify medical capabilities, we must ensure that 
patients ' well-being remain at the core, by ensuring that they are optimally diagnosed and treated 
by recognised and qualified professionals. Third, it is worth emphasising that the movement of 
healthcare professionals, wh ich is the focus of the second paper, is a highly complex issue. It is more 
than an issue of demand and supply. For example, different countries have different healthcare 
systems, different healthcare practices and even different languages. In many countri es, the 
movement of healthcare professionals can also be a politically sensitive issue.  
8.40.   The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
8.41.   In my opening remarks, I talked about tele -medicines on the pool of professionals, it is 
pertaining to m ention that COVID -19 pandemic presented a unique situation where surpluses and 
shortages of health -related resources existed simultaneously as pandemic came in waves, affecting 
different regions of the world at different times. The same was also witnessed within large countries 
too. While natural disasters may differ from pandemic in terms of say the time period and localized WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  geographical impact, the occurrence of such disasters and the severity are on the rise. Thus, both 
situations necessitated coordinate d action across geographies for the management, mitigation and 
eventual recovery. To the extent that these cases do not affect all geographies at the same time, 
and with same severity, such coordinated action and burden sharing becomes easier. A critical 
element of response to such crisis is the recognition of availability of deployment of health 
professionals. We may, therefore, explore the idea of establishing a globally recognized pool of 
trained health professionals, which could be drawn by a country in  need of these resources during a 
crisis.  This collective burden sharing arrangement would be in the spirit of international solidarity, 
during situations of pandemics and natural disasters. Establishing such a pool of resources would 
inter-alia require sk ill mapping, matchmaking an augmenting supply by temporarily relaxing regimes 
at both regional and global levels.  A critical element to facilitate the deployment of such global pool 
of health resources is development of multilateral framework norms for the  recognition of 
professional qualifications in coordination with relevant international organizations. This would be a 
crucial step in building preparedness for the pandemics and natural disasters.  Such professionals 
may also be granted special mobility ri ghts or exemption from general movement restrictions. Such 
multilateral solidarity, in times of crisis, is essential for an effective response to pandemic and natural 
disasters. It is therefore, both ethically desirable and practically conceivable in this context.   
8.42.   Despite the significant potential which foreign health professionals possess, to respond to 
such as in demand for services in another country, the uptake of the services remain limited owing 
to various regulations attached to it are managed for b etter preparedness to deal with future 
pandemic -like situation, therefore need to strengthen implementation of disciplines and facilitate 
recognition of such professionals so that they are delivered effectively. We have also noted carefully 
suggestions and  remarks made by Members in this regard.  The intent here is to share our experience 
in the fight against pandemic and such global crisis. Because issues are cross -cutting in nature, the 
papers were presented in General Council. We would like to follow it u p by further discussions in 
various Committees. We will be happy to work closely with interested Members in taking this 
collaboration in terms of workshops, seminars or other discussions on this important topic.  
8.43.   The General Council took note  of the stateme nts made.  
9  POLICY SPACE FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT - A CASE FOR REBALANCING TRADE 
RULES TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIALIZATION AND TO ADDRESS EMERGING CHALLENGES 
SUCH AS CLIMATE CHANGE, CONCENTRATION OF PRODUCTION AND DIGITAL 
INDUSTRIALIZATION – REQUEST FROM SOUTH AF RICA  
9.1.  The Chair recalled that t he item entitled 'Policy Space for Industrial Development – A Case for 
Rebalancing Trade Rules to Promote Industrialization and to Address Emerging Challenges such as 
Climate Change, Concentration of Production and Digital Industrialization' had been  included in the 
agenda at the request of South Africa.  
9.2.  The representative of Cameroon , on behalf of the African Group , delivered the following 
statement:  
9.3.  The African Group appreciates this opportunity to present its submission.  As we have previously 
stated on n umerous occasions, including in our communication contained in (WT/MIN(22)/6) as well 
as the African Ministers of Trade Declaration on WTO Issues in (WT/MIN(22)/10) prior to MC12, the 
African Group believes that WTO reform must be development -centric and m ust contribute to the 
industrial development of African economies through the preservation and provision of the necessary 
policy space and tools towards those ends. Our joint communication submission with Cuba, India 
and Pakistan contained in (WT/GC/W/778/ Rev.5) also emphasises this perspective.  
9.4.  The world today faces a number of challenges that we never imagined a decade or two ago 
after the conclusion of the Uruguay Round of WTO Agreements. These challenges include, among 
others: pandemics; supply chain di sruptions; the high and escalating cost of food and energy; 
balance of payments pressures; climate change and increasing regularity and scale of natural 
disasters; and the speed and extent of technological advances and widening technological divide. 
These contemporary challenges have disproportionately impacted developing countries, including 
LDCs, with the prospects of these economies achieving targets set out under the UN SDGs at real 
risk. While trade and innovation have produced positive outcomes, the r eality is that a majority of 
countries are evidently left behind.  The inability of developing countries, in particular African WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  economies, to withstand these challenges and shocks is exacerbated by the fact that they remain 
locked in production patterns dom inated by extractive sectors with their exports concentrated in 
basic unprocessed commodities with minimal value addition. Unless we embrace a more inclusive 
and equitable multilateral trading system and address overconcentration of markets and production,  
the marginalization of developing countries, including LDCs will only be replicated in the digital and 
green economy that aims to address climate change.  
9.5.  Our submission, therefore , calls for a rebalancing of certain WTO rules to ensure that Africa, 
and indeed developing countries in general, "…secure a share in the growth in international trade 
commensurate with the needs of their economic development ". It is the conviction of the African 
Group that universal sustainable development and resilience can onl y be possible through 
multilateral trade rules that provide the necessary policy space and guarantee access to policy tools 
to facilitate industrialisation, structural transformation and diversification of our economies beyond 
current production and export  patterns dominated by raw materials and basic commodities. We also 
need to ensure that developing countries have policy space they need to implement their mitigation 
and adaptation strategies to meet multilaterally agreed targets towards achieving net -zero 
emissions.  
9.6.  Industrialisation and the need for policy space to pursue objectives such as protection of the 
environment, or green industrialisation, or indeed to de -risk supply chain vulnerabilities has 
seemingly become mainstream. Unfortunately, the ability and latitu de to deploy trade or industrial 
policy tools towards that end as we see today remains the domain of the well -resourced and 
powerful, with unilateralism and protectionism the order of the day, whilst the less developed and 
weaker remain spectators, unable to access similar tools for legitimate fear of reprisals that could 
come in many forms. The increasing use of industrial subsidies and trade -related investment 
measures such as local content requirements by Members are cases in point.  In this context of 
rising unilateralism  and consequential trade tensions and litigation that accompany it, the African 
Group believes it opportune that "…a multilateral framework to rebalance trade rules to promote 
domestic and regional production… " be urgently discussed and developed within the WTO. It is 
certainly about time we honestly accept that some WTO rules could well need recalibrating to bring 
them in sync not only with the development demands of developing economies, but also with 
requirements of contemporary challe nges such as digitalisation and climate change.  
9.7.  The African Group seeks to initiate, through this submission, a multilateral discussion on the 
glaringly obvious deficiencies in key instruments or agreements that we consider hold a vast 
potential to unlock  Africa's industrialisation, structural transformation, and economic diversification 
and ultimately propel our meaningful and qualitative integration into global value chains, including 
the green and digital industries. These agreements include, but are no t limited to the TRIMS 
agreement, the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (ASCM), including the TRIPS 
Agreement as a potential key enabler of technology transfer. This submission therefore aims to move 
us a step beyond the general or ideolog ical debate on the concept of policy space, and towards real 
and specific agreements and their provisions that we consider posing major constraints to our 
industrialization objectives. It is the intention of the African Group to continue this discussion wi thin 
the GC, the CTD, and the other appropriate subsidiary bodies listed on our submission, and we call 
upon all WTO Members to constructively engage in this endeavour. In this regard, we shall finalize 
in the next month or two, technical submissions on ea ch of the agreements and areas we have 
identified.  
9.8.  Responding to matters of the global commons and providing Members with the requisite policy 
space and tools is an urgent task. It is therefore critical that we work with speed in the spirit of 
solidarity to deliver on this at MC13. The African Group is certain that the spirit and objectives that 
this paper envisions are ones shared by all members – that is, to ensure that the scope and 
boundaries of the policy space available to us all are multilaterally r edefined and recalibrated for the 
sake of preserving the multilateral rules -based system and ensuring certainty in global trade and 
commerce.  
9.9.  The representative of Brazil  delivered the following statement:  
9.10.   Brazil thanks the African Group for the initiativ e of bringing to the General Council the matter 
of policy space for developing countries.  Having the proper tools for achieving sustainable 
development in its three pillars – economic, social and environmental – is of utmost importance for 
Brazil. Presiden t Lula 's government is profoundly committed to these goals in our country.  Also of WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  paramount relevance is preserving, strengthening, and assuring a fair, predictable and rules -based 
multilateral trading system. The recent increase in unilateral trade distorting measures, often under 
the pretext of environmental preservation or national security, is cause for concern, especially when 
implemented by some of the largest economies in the world.  
9.11.   Brazil wants to discuss development and "policy space " in the context of WTO reform. We 
should not, however, legitimize the logic that led, for instance, to the vast volumes of agricultural 
subsidies we have today. Historically, this has worked to the detriment of agriculture and food 
security in developing countries . Let us always bear in mind that most developing countries do not 
have the fiscal policy space for large subsidies programs.  The multilateral trading system exists to 
limit the trade -distorting capacity of large economies and to provide the conditions for  developing 
countries to prosper under a common framework of rules, so that, albeit imperfectly, we can aspire 
to a level playing field that benefits us all. If rules offer no limits, if all trade -distorting behaviour is 
legitimized, what is the difference  between having and not having a multilateral trading system?  We 
are looking forward to discussing this matter more deeply, and the African Group can count on 
Brazil 's constructive and positive engagement on that. We should have focused discussions within 
specific Committees according to each Agreement in which more policy space should eventually be 
incorporated.  
9.12.   The representative of Antigua and Barbuda , on behalf of the OECS , delivered the following 
statement:  
9.13.   We are aligned with the CARICOM and ACP Group s on this agenda item. We wish to thank the 
presenter for introducing this item on behalf of the African Group. This submission is very timely 
and should make an important contribution to several of the ongoing discussions in the WTO on 
issues such as refo rm, development and climate change. We will not go into much detail, especially 
given the richness of the information presented in this proposal. However, we view the proposal 
positively and we invite Members to engage constructively. In this regard, we ca n support the call 
for focused discussions by Members along the lines proposed. This is also consistent with our 
previous observation under Agenda Item 2 that we need to accord priority to those issues of 
particular sensitivity to developing countries and LDCs.  
9.14.   The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
9.15.   India would like to thank Cameroon for submitting this proposal on behalf of the African Group 
and articulating the issues that are very relevant to the development objectives of the glob al south. 
The poly -crisis and global economic shocks have seriously impacted developing countries. During 
these difficult times, it is imperative for developing countries including LDCs to maintain supply chain 
resilience against external shocks. Amidst en ormous challenges, be it food insecurity, inflation, debt, 
unemployment, or declining economic activities, their survival would depend on economic 
diversification, industrialization and effective value addition.  However, this is a challenging task. 
Histori cally, some Members advanced and industrialized, used industrial measures to gain first 
mover advantage.  In their development phase, these advanced members have used policy options 
like domestic industry protection and state -support incentivization through  subsidy regimes. In the 
first phase of industrialization, no infant industry has grown unless positive support is provided one 
way or the other. Even today, we see the use of these similar policies in developed countries, 
especially in respect of new sect ors and emerging areas such as green economy.  However, as 
pointed out by the African Group, these policy options were not readily available for developing 
countries, including LDCs, as international trade rules unfolded. Adding all this, unilateral 
protect ionist measures, that add to their misery. Consequently, developing countries fall into a debt 
trap. The North -South economic divide widens, unemployment rises and sustainable development 
goals remain one layer talking point. To address these concerns to a  certain extent, flexibilities in 
the form of a special and differential treatment provisions under various agreements are provided 
under the WTO mechanism.  But these provisions should be reviewed to strengthen them and make 
them more effective and operati onal, while simultaneously preserving a maximum degree of freedom 
for each developing countries, including LDCs to pursue legitimate economic objectives like 
diversification, industrialization, etc. The paper presents pertinent points for the retention of policy 
space for industrial development. It is imperative that WTO deliberates, in greater details, the 
challenges faced by developing countries including LDCs in their efforts for economic diversification 
and industrialization. The paper presents certain very pertinent points, be it issue of flexibilities in 
TRIMS, or in subsidy agreement or otherwise, the need for affordable technology transfer. These 
deliberations be widened further to identify other policy gaps in the existing rules, which are WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  hampering  the development perspective of developing countries, including LDCs, and the issues in 
the technology transfer, so that going forward, the existing rules be amended to provide much 
needed policy space and flexibilities to these countries. India would cont ribute keenly and 
constructively to these deliberations.  
9.16.   The representative of Mozambique  delivered the following statement:  
9.17.   Mozambique takes the floor to support the intervention of Cameroon on behalf the African 
Group. The issues raise is crosscutting an d require attention of the WTO, in the context of WTO 
Reform.  The analysis is such that we must think of the future and how the obstacles to structural 
transformation, access to technologies, and our ability to address challenges including climate 
change w ill impact our economies and trade.  
9.18.   The representative of Kenya , on behalf of the ACP Group , delivered the following statement:  
9.19.   The ACP Group commends Cameroon for its submission on behalf of the African Group. We 
look forward to a comprehensive engagement on the contents of this paper. For the ACP Group, 
development is a core focus at the WTO. As such we agree that trade ought to be a catalyst for 
accelerating structural transformation, industrial development and diversification in developing and 
least developed countries, to enable them address inequalities and exclusion. We also support the 
view that trade rules should provide th e necessary policy space for developing countries and LDCs 
to integrate more meaningfully and qualitatively in global value chains, as producers and suppliers 
of intermediate and final goods. We therefore see value in advancing discussions at the WTO on ho w 
to address the legitimate concern of policy space for the promotion of industrialization and 
addressing the emerging challenges, and we look forward to other opportunities to unpack this 
submission.  
9.20.   The representative of China  delivered the following sta tement:  
9.21.   Development is one of the central agendas at WTO. China generally concurs with the main 
ideas of this document. It is necessary to re -balance trade rules to help developing Members to 
achieve industrialization, especially against the backdrop of ri sing unilateralism and protectionism, 
and the sentiment of anti -globalization. WTO needs to play its role in this regard. As the largest 
developing member, China is committed to bridging North -South divide through strengthened 
South -South cooperation. We h ave proposed several meaningful initiatives such as Belt and Road 
Initiative and Global Development Initiative. We have carried our various pragmatic cooperation with 
developing Members especially African countries, helping their products better go to the global 
market. By doing so, African countries' industrialization process has speeded up and people's lives 
has been improved. China tabled our WTO reform paper in May 2019, in which, we stressed our 
support to developing members for better integration in t he multilateral trading system. Hence, 
China supports the work to facilitate developing Members' industrialization and safeguard their policy 
space under the WTO  reform process. For example, as mentioned in the document, latest unilateral 
domestic measures  by some WTO members exacerbate the uncertainties of trading environment. It 
further highlights the need to re -install the toolbox of non -actionable subsidies in ASCM, so 
developing Members would be equipped with that tool to promote industry upgrading and  technology 
innovation. Another example relates to TRIPS Agreement. An important objective of that Agreement 
is to strike the balance between IPR protection and other legitimate social and economic objectives, 
and encourage the technology transfer from dev eloped members to developing ones. However, WTO 
failed to have substantial discussions on that issue. A further desired and reasonable request is to 
restore the work of TRIMS Working Group and make it better play its role. Since we received the 
document la te, China is still studying it carefully. Let me conclude by saying that, China is willing to 
work with other WTO Members to advance the discussion on this proposal in order to reform the 
WTO in the right direction.  
9.22.   The representative of Thailand  delivered  the following statement:  
9.23.   Thailand shares concerns that have been raised in this issue, particularly on the reference to 
policies space, on which we have raised this matter during the meeting of the CTD, and also on e -
commerce. From our perspective, policy  space is still an important concept that should be discussed, 
especially in the digital economy's development as well as the climate change rules that are evolving 
right now. Therefore, we support having a discussion on the issues that have been raised by  the WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  African group. But with my EU colleagues' indulgence, I would like to also draw similarities between 
the concerns or the rationales that have occurred. I observed overlapping interests in the proposals 
from the EU and the African paper, and I think we  need to clarify and raise some matters that are 
necessary for the future discussions of the WTO rules applicable to emerging issues. However, I 
think slightly differently from the African group in that I do not think we should hurry to deepen the 
discussi on to committee or council levels. The issues that have been raised in both the EU paper and 
the African paper are broad in nature; therefore, we should have an opportunity to discuss them at 
a broad level, either at General Council or elsewhere. I think t he EU proposed to do so in the WTO 
reform, while the African group may wish to go to CTD, TRIPS, and SCM, and so on and so forth. I 
think that while we would be delighted and very interested in engaging in the discussion, we would 
like to have it at the Ge neral Council level first. Also, I think this issue is not of interest to only 
developed and developing countries. It has something similar coming from the EU point of view, that 
it is not a North -South issue. It is applicable to all WTO Members. Therefore , I think S&D should not 
be the only solution. We should think more broadly than that. I also have no time to thank you, 
Chairman, but thank you very much for your capable, highly effective chairmanship in the past year 
that has steered us through MC12 and  towards these days. Thailand is very grateful for the work 
that you laid out after the MC12, for which I think you have done a lot in a short period of time 
before you end your chairmanship.  
9.24.   The representative of Namibia  delivered the following statement  
9.25.   We thank our able coordinator, Cameroon, for introducing this African Group paper. The paper 
is introduced at the right time, in which a discussion on WTO reform  is gaining momentum , towards 
the positive outcome at the MC13. And at a time when LDC's and de veloping countr y Members  strive 
towards economic recovery and resilience, post the devastating effect of COVID -19 pandemic. The 
paper also speaks to the concerns and challenges that Namibia, as a developing country, is also 
facing in utili zing appropriate policy space to industrialise, to achieve or implement some of the UN 
goals such as SDG 8, as well as SDG 9. A key part of economic growth for people to have jobs that 
pay enough support as well as support to their family. We agree that rebalancing trade r ules and 
granting access to requisite policy tools will assist developing countries and LDCs in developing 
capacities and capabilities to contain, prevent, respond and recover more effectively from acute 
shocks and more chronic crisis  associated with the c hanging world. As a as commodity dependent 
economy, Namibia's  economy remains relatively narrow, thereby making it vulnerable to external 
shocks. This vulnerable was already demonstrated during the 2008, 2009 global economic crisis that 
led to a sharp cont raction of Namibia's mineral sector  which r esulted in an overall contraction of the 
economy in 2009, further exacerbated by the COVID -19 pandemic. Namibia continues to face some 
daunting challenges, which includes the economy, shallow production and export  structure. As we 
commit towards fostering economic growth and development overcome poverty, unemployment , 
necessary WTO reforms should be complementary to domestic policies to maximise gains in global 
trade . And that a more centred development package  must remain at the core of any negotiating 
outcome, considering the concerns and interests of the African Group members, the work we 
undertake in multilateral trade system must support Africa's continental integration agenda. We call 
upon Members to be constructive  and negotiate in good faith for a more result -oriented  package  
ahead  of MC13.  
9.26.   The representative of Colombia  delivered the following statement:  
9.27.   I am sure that many here have seen the Disney film "Encanto", which is set in Colombia and 
based on  many of the country's traditions. The film features a big family, one member of which is 
not talked about. They all know who he is, they all know he exists, and they all know he is important. 
However, nobody talks about Bruno. In fact, the title of the fi lm's most famous song is "We do not 
talk about Bruno". Something similar is occurring at the WTO. The use of industrial subsidies, 
investment measures and conditions and trade related investment measures (TRIMS), in addition to 
intellectual property and tr ade related intellectual property rights (TRIPS), as crucial elements for 
tackling the environmental crisis is a key part of the trade policies being implemented by Members. 
However, such elements are not talked about much within this Organization. Colombi a therefore 
thanks the African Group for the document circulated and for introducing this agenda item and 
bringing these conversations to the table. Indeed, we see the willingness of the African Group and 
other Members to discuss these elements and their i mpact on development. They are completely 
valid considerations. We also see the appetite for these elements in the developed world, often 
demonstrated through concrete and strong actions and measures. Industrial subsidies, new forms WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  of conditioning investm ent and green technology and industrialization are, under the current 
geopolitical circumstances, central elements in the formulation of developed countries' policies.  
9.28.   One example concerns industrial subsidies. We are witnessing a boom in subsidies in the 
developed world, which are very often linked to local content or presence requirements or other 
performance requirements. The biggest subsidizers are pushing the rules to the limit in search of 
what they see as the best way of maintaining their own develop ment. Yet, as always, these subsidies 
and the massive volume thereof have a direct effect on the development, industrialization and export 
capacities of neighbouring countries. This effect is exacerbated if the neighbour is a developing 
country with a cheq ue book that is naturally smaller. Moreover, these sort of subsidies, such as 
support through State owned enterprises and support linked to national security, environmental 
policy and the membership of clubs, are difficult to address. We are seeing endless  new ways of 
subsidizing industry by linking such subsidization to the fulfilment of various public policy objectives. 
All of this has a direct impact within this Organization and clearly affects the development prospects 
of the developing world.  
9.29.   However,  despite the fact that they are one of the most insurmountable problems in 
international trade, we rarely talk about industrial subsidies. We have a similar situation in the area 
of TRIMS. The developed world is increasingly imposing conditions on the rece ption and performance 
of foreign investment. There have also been cases in which there has been forced foreign investment 
in certain areas due to trade or geopolitical considerations. This is in addition to the subsidy war at 
the national and sub national level used as a mechanism to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). 
These are all examples of new TRIMS, yet the rules have lagged: disciplines are strict when it comes 
to promoting industrial and export -oriented development in developing countries, but lightweight 
when it comes to other ways of conditioning FDI, despite the fact that the diversion effects and 
impact on competitiveness are the same. With regard to intellectual property, it is clear that the 
energy transition and response to the environmen tal crisis require technological progress. However, 
both the production of, and innovation in, this type of technology is highly concentrated and 
protected. All innovation and production occur in a very small number of countries. In a context in 
which the crisis is a structural part of our discussions, we must find overall better solutions that 
ensure less concentration. The sustainable industrialization proposed by the African Group is 
necessary and for the collective good. The dialogue on the role of the TRIPS rules as drivers of 
innovation and sustainable development among all Members is one that goes far beyond the specific 
discussion relating to COVID 19. It is a necessary dialogue that must not be avoided.  
9.30.   In conclusion, subsidies, TRIMS and TRIPS are part of the current global reality and are crucial 
in relation to what is occurring today. They are key trade measures that inform what takes place 
between our countries. The document by the African Group focuses on the impacts of these 
measures on develop ment. It must also be mentioned that developed countries are making 
significant use of these types of measure as part of their domestic policies. However, we are choosing 
not to talk frankly about these matters. We are not prejudging the outcomes of these conversations: 
the solution could be more disciplines or fewer disciplines, or it could be a different arrangement. 
The point is that the playing field needs to be levelled once again. Nobody is naive here: we know 
that they are very complicated issues. Ye t they are the complicated issues present today. It is better 
to talk about them and seek collective solutions than to see multilateralism be eroded. We must 
seek different and innovative approaches. We have said on many occasions at the WTO, both when 
speaking generally and in relation to reform, that the rules need to be prepared with the next 
generation in mind, yet our discussions continue to be based on a somewhat self -centred approach. 
Allow me to conclude by telling you that, at the end of the film, Bruno proves to be a good guy and 
saves the family.  
9.31.   The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
9.32.   This communication in our view is another example that WTO today faces diverse set of global 
challenges and demands. The European Union's recent communication on reinforcing the deliberative 
function, presented yesterday, has a clear development dimension.  The paper from the African 
Group confirms that there is a shared interest among the membership to stimulate more effective 
exchanges among Members on key issues for today's world, such as the nexus between trade and 
industrial policies. I can confirm that  there is indeed an overlap between our papers. We should aim 
to initiate policy discussions in these and other areas in the coming months in the appropriate WTO 
bodies. We are ready to see what common ground can be established between this paper and the WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  European Union's submission on enhanced deliberation, notably on our ideas on how to take forward 
the question of state intervention in support of industrial sectors.  
9.33.   The representative of Peru delivered the following statement:  
9.34.   We are pleased to take part in the debates on that document in the relevant bodies. This 
initiative was received just a few days ago, so we have  not had enough time to digest it and to 
examine it. At our mission or in the capital, however, we can say that we agree with several of the  
points made in the document, such as that the main goal of trade is not trade itself, but trade as a 
tool for development and the progress of our peoples and as part of development. We should see 
development as an aspiration for higher levels of industria lization, sustainable development, 
resilience against things such as climate change. We also agree that we should aim to increase  our 
share in global and regional trade . We should diversify exports and make sure that they have 
increased added value. We wel come the fact that we agree  with the need  to take into consideration 
items such as technology transfer . That is very important to bridge gaps between developed 
countries and the developing countries on the international market . However , to the extent that we 
have seen this proposal, there are things  we disagree with regarding the way in which the WTO can 
contribute to the well -being of LDCs  in developing countries. Colombia has already underscored the 
dangers of going down that road when we talk about industrial subsidies, seeing the reality , levelling 
the playing field . We need to be careful  to not shoot ourselves in the foot. We would like  to 
understand the intent behind the proponents ' proposal, particularly why certain rules or 
commitments taken on by all Members to be part of the multilateral trading system in this 
Organization, why that would be  something limiting their industrial devel opment and would reduce 
their policy space and why the exceptions and flexibilities that benefit developing countries  are not 
enough . We would also  need to look into rebalancing trade rules as part of the reform process. This 
might be legitimate, but there  are other elements. My delegation from a developing country does  
not understand why backsliding  on commitments agreed upon by all on TRIMs or t he SCM 
Agreement, why that could be the best way  to promote our development. We would like to express 
our apprec iation for that document. We will come back with further comments after our Capital 
examines the document  and w e will always try to contribute constructively to development.  
9.35.   The representative of Indonesia  delivered the following statement:  
9.36.   As reported by UNCTAD, contrary to the prediction that developing countries will be able catch 
up to catch up with  the developed countries, the economic and development divide has widened 
over the years.  This means more policy space is needed to pursue development and in dustrialize. 
New and emerging challenges, COVID -19 and climate change, among others, require policy tools 
that allow members the rooms for manoeuvre while at the same time restrain protectionism in the 
name of sustainable development and other common goods . On that note, Indonesia welcomes the 
submission by the African Group as the African experience of production patterns dominated by 
extractive sectors with their exports concentrated in basic unprocessed commodities with minimal 
value addition, resonates with us.  
9.37.   Furthermore, the efforts of developing countries, including Indonesia, to modernize and to 
industrialize is often curtailed by the idea that we should be a "perpetual consumer/market " rather 
than a self -sufficient producer. And to add to that burd en, when we are trying to adhere to the 
specific requirements in order that our products considered as "sustainable ", the goal post keeps 
moving further and render us incapable to access certain markets.  Therefore, we support the African 
Group calls for fo cused discussion to address the constraints inherent in certain WTO agreements 
which limit the policy space to drive industrialization, economic diversification and structural 
transformation programmes, including the ability to respond to emerging challeng es such as climate 
change, side -by-side with the growing impulses of unilateralism and beggar -thy-neighbour policies.  
9.38.   The representative of Pakistan  delivered the following statement:  
9.39.   We thank Cameroon for introducing this paper on behalf of the African group and Columbian 
delegate for introducing us to Bruno.  We feel this is a timely proposal to find ways to address the 
challenges arising from the polycrisis that many of developing and least developed countries find 
themselves in.  While we await further inputs from our capital on this proposal, we wish to make a 
couple of preliminary comments.  The proposal has been made against the African background, but 
many more members across the globe are facing similar polycrisis. Our capacities are limited while WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  the challenges are increasing leaving us into increased indebtedness and into a spiral of balance of 
payment crisis.  As the debate on the WTO reform is on -going, this proposal contributes to that work 
by providing useful elements to feed into the dev elopment part of the reform as it identifies some 
ways to support economic growth through multilateral rules. Pakistan will engage positively and 
constructively on this paper.  
9.40.   The representative of Djibouti , on behalf of the LDC Group , delivered the follow ing statement:  
9.41.   The LDC Group thanks South Africa for its presentation entitled: "Space for industrial 
development – rebalancing trade rules to promote industrialization and address new challenges such 
as climate change, concentration of production and digi tal industrialization. We welcome the 
submission. Industrial development is important for LDCs. Our capitals are reviewing the submission.   
9.42.   The representative of Canada  delivered the following statement:   
9.43.   We are reviewing this communication carefully and w ith an open mind. We do want to support 
development, of course, and the industrialization of developing Members  and we recognise that 
there are significant challenges. However, we are unconvinced that relaxing existing disciplines at 
the WTO is the right a pproach. We are unconvinced  - we have yet to see compelling and specific 
evidence of where the rules are real impediment, and that would be key to considering any 
relaxation, any new policy  space evidence which we have not seen . However, we do believe that  
approaches to attract investment such as that which is being pursued under the JSI on Investment 
Facilitation for Development, do have promise. We also do believe that negotiating stronger market 
oriented disciplines  for example, in agriculture, but not n ecessarily limited to agriculture, could 
benefit all of us. However, more generally, we do believe that this is a subject that is worth a further 
discussion, and whether it  is in the context of the proposal put forward by the European Union or 
however else  the issue of industrial policy and what the role the WTO should play is a very important 
issue that we would like to see further  discussion of.  
9.44.   The representative of Barbados  delivered the following statement:   
9.45.   It would be remiss of us if we did not take this opportunity to join others in welcoming the 
communication from the African Group and to thank the proponents for reaching out to us in advance 
to introduce the paper. Barbados supports the key elements of the  paper and look forward to further 
engagement on the document and its elements.  
9.46.   The representative of Jamaica  delivered the following statement:  
9.47.   Jamaica thanks  the presentation of the African Group. The presentation comprehensively 
highlights the structura l and long -term challenges facing developing countries, which impede their 
effective participation in global trade and global value chains. Jamaica, as a small developing 
economy, can resonate with the sentiments conveyed by the presentation. For Jamaica, issues of 
development, policy space, economic transformation and less than full reciprocity for developing 
countries in the multilateral trading system are priorities. There is a well -known fallacy which says 
that developing countries do not require policy  space because they have not been using such 
flexibilities. The reality in our country is that policy space and flexibilities provided under WTO 
Agreements are not fully used only on the basis that we currently lack the capacity to fully take 
advantage of them. As a result of current our incapacity to use these flexibilities, the obvious results 
have been, inter alia , poor export performance, balance of payment challenges, limited progress, 
economic transformation, poor integration into the global economy, over-dependence on trade 
preferences and, importantly, inability to transfer the benefits of trade and the advantages of the 
WTO to the people and businesses in our societies. We will not cede the policy space currently 
available  as we are mindful that we do use them on many occasions to manage issues emanating 
from exogenous shocks to our economies and trade, such as the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic.  
We believe that the WTO reform agenda mandated by Paragraph 3 of the MC12 Outcome Document 
should accomm odate the concerns and solutions outlined by the Ambassador. The submission is 
under consideration of capital so we will revert with more comments in the future. In the meantime, 
we will be having bilateral engagements with proponents as the issues highlig hted are of critical 
importance to Jamaica.  
9.48.   The representative of the United Kingdom  delivered the following statement:  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  9.49.   We thank Cameroon for introducing the paper and officials in capital are reading it with 
interest and an open mind, as many others are.  We agree with many points in the paper, particularly 
around the importance of multilateralism and that the WTO as a multilateral institution has to be 
relevant and responsive to the problems faced by all Members , and we recognise that many of the 
areas ra ised in the paper are of high interest to Members in this room. We also recognise that this 
is one of a number of contributions that we are having in this debate, and we note as others have 
the parallels with the EU paper which we saw under Item 2, and in particular we saw the importance 
of making the WTO fit for purpose, avoiding unilateralism and subsidy races. So, we look forward 
on engaging on this going forward.  
9.50.   The representative of Singapore  delivered the following statement:  
9.51.   I would also like to joi n others in thanking the African Group for its thought -provoking paper. 
I will just make three brief points. First, the paper is timely because the use of subsidies and local 
content requirements has grown substantially in recent years, especially during t he COVID -19 
pandemic. According to The Global Trade Alert, from 2009 to 2021, nearly half of recorded 
government interventions were subsidies. The OECD has also estimated that more than 145 new 
local content requirements have been introduced since 2009. Tr ade distortive subsidies and local 
content requirements undermine long -term competitiveness and have a beggar -thy-neighbour 
impact, which is most keenly felt by developing and LDC Members, given that we lack the resources 
and capacity to compete against th e bigger and better -resourced Members.  
9.52.   Second, while Singapore is open to efforts to update the WTO rulebook to ensure it is fit for 
purpose in the 21st century, we must not undermine the rules -based multilateral trading system. It 
is crucial that discuss ions are evidence -based and strike a balance between addressing the 
challenges Members face in pursuing industrial development and the potential trade distortive impact 
of subsidies and local content requirements. Third, Singapore firmly believes that the rules-based 
multilateral trading system, as embodied in the WTO, has, and will continue to play an important 
role in helping developing and LDC Members pursue economic development. More importantly, the 
rules-based multilateral trading system protects the interests of small developing Members so that 
“might is right” does not prevail. But to preserve and strengthen the “rule of law”, all Members, both 
developed and developing, big and small, must respect the rules that we have collectively signed 
onto, when  we accede to the WTO. We look forward to engaging fully with the African Group on this 
submission.  
9.53.   The representative of Republic of Korea  delivered the following statement:  
9.54.   I would like to start by thanking the African Group for its submission of the proposal. I 
recognize that these proposals for advocating policy space of developing countries and rebalancing 
of negotiated multilateral rules have been raised repeatedly in various context and I also recognize 
that this house is still far from reaching c ommon understanding. The only way forward for us is to 
continue sincere discussions, formal and informal, on these critical issues for the multilateral trade 
system.  The power of multilateral rules comes from predictability and predictability in turn depen ds 
on the fact that rules will be applied impartially and universally. While flexibility is a necessary part 
of multilateral rules, it should not undermine the fundamental power of predictability.  
9.55.   More specifically, with regards to TRIMs and TRIPS related parts of the proposal, I would like 
to draw attention on the WTO Report on Accession, which we have discussed today. It provides 
empirical data which proves that Article XII Members continued to be integrated into the GVCs at a 
much faster pace after acced ing to the WTO because WTO accession provided governments with 
enhanced opportunities to attract FDI. In this light, we would like to further discuss what would be 
the most efficient way to facilitate FDI to developing countries, which enables developing c ountries 
to be incorporated into Global Value Chain s with proper technology transfer.  
9.56.   The representative of Uruguay  delivered the following statement:  
9.57.   We welcome the document submitted by the African Group . It is certainly a matter of the 
utmost importance. We agree on the importance of the right to industrial development, technology 
transfer and the development of the services sector, which are among the fundamental aspects 
linked to our countries' develop ment. I come from a region that, for decades, saw industrial 
development that sadly, aside from some partial successes, did not help the region to cross the WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  development threshold. The reasons for this are numerous and complex and I could spend a long 
time analysing them. However, during those decades, we did see a colossal subsidy war between 
the main economic actors at the time. Ending this war was one of the reasons for launching the 
Uruguay Round and finding a new modus vivendi. This is why the rules -based system, and its 
fundamental principles are important. I am concerned that history is repeating itself; we note with 
concern how the significant use of subsidies by the main actors once again features among the key 
matters on the agenda.  
9.58.   The representati ve of Australia  delivered the following statement:  
9.59.   This is an important debate, so we are grateful for the paper. The contribution it makes is to 
enhance the discussion on the need to deepen the WTO's deliberative function. None of us can 
overstate the cha llenges developing and least -developed countries face in integrating into the 
multilateral trading system. But we are convinced of the merits of that system and the constraints 
it places on all of us, to avoid the negative externalities that can arise from  policies such as subsidies. 
There has been an enormous growth in subsidies, especially in the agriculture sector. Constraining 
negative impacts is a crucial benefit of our system. Our experience and the experience of many 
developing countries especially i n our region has been that rules, open markets and trade rules have 
unlocked economic growth and reduced poverty. We look forward to further debate on this topic.  
9.60.   The representative of Egypt  delivered the following statement:  
9.61.   During the development retreat  last February, a large number of delegat ions highlighted the 
importance of policy space for developing and least developed countries to achieve their economic 
development through industrialization. The African Group, through the document presented by 
Came roon WT/GC/W/868, laid the first building block for further discussions on this issue. Policy 
space shall not be confused with Special and Differential Treatment or flexibilities in current 
WTO agreements. Yet, it shall be an integral part of the reform pr ocess mandated in paragraph 3 of 
the MC12 Outcome Document. We call on Members to initiate discussions, based on the African 
Group's submissions, to elaborate and identify the policy space required to promote industrialization 
in developing countries, part icularly in Africa, to stimulate their industrialization plans, and to 
address emerging challenges such as high unemployment rates, high rates of poverty and hunger, 
import dependency, climate change, concentration of production, Supply chain disruptions, and lake 
of industrial technology and know -how. It is in this context, that the African Group submitted this 
document demonstrating the areas and agreements where we could develop the narrative on policy 
space for industrialization, without precluding the possibility of adding other Agreements or topics 
to the list. Again me. This submission is just a call for focused discussions on the issue at hand in a 
structured and productive manner.  
9.62.   The representative of South Africa  delivered the following statement:  
9.63.   South Africa associates with the statement delivered by Cameroon on behalf of the African 
Group. As clearly articulated by Cameroon, the paper submitted today is a culmination of the various 
debates and discussions in the WTO. The submission aims to outli ne the developmental policy space 
we have long called for to support industrial development. The submission contributes to the 
development dimension of WTO reform and what is required to meaningfully enable developing 
countries, especially African countrie s to industrialise and move up the development ladder. It 
recognizes the fragility of developing country economies, particularly in Africa, and the risk of 
overdependence on imports has been severely exposed during the COVD -19 pandemic as well as 
the curre nt food security crisis.  While South Africa appreciates and values the benefits that the WTO 
has provided in as far as predictability and the certainty that trade rules provide to global commerce, 
for the majority of developing countries, including ourselv es, the reality of the last two decades has 
also been one of deindustrialisation. The rational for the submission is to recognize the importance 
of a multilateral framework to address the challenges that Members are facing and avoid the resort 
to unilatera lism.  
9.64.   South Africa believes that we need to strengthen multilateralism and the MTS by ensuring 
that rules are recalibrated as necessary to provide the policy space Members need to achieve 
legitimate goals. The African Group submission therefore aims to sa feguard the integrity of the 
multilateral trading system, and also protect the weakest in it by providing them with the necessary 
policy space, legal clarity, and certainty to access the policy tools for industrialisation and economic WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  development, Without a multilateral framework, the risk is that those with the means and power will 
unilaterally implement policy tools they need to respond to the polycrisis while developing countries 
and LDCs have no such option. This will result in further asymmetries and a  system defined by power 
dynamics. It is important to clarify that we speak not here of access to existing S&D within current 
agreements, but the very rules inherent in the agreements themselves. This submission by the Africa 
Group should, therefore, not b e confused or viewed to be usurping the role and mandate of the CTD -
SS which has a narrowly defined mandate to improve existing S&D provisions to make them more 
precise, effective and operational and whose outcomes remain of fundamental importance and a 
priority to the African Group and the G -90 broadly. The submission has been carefully crafted to 
ensure that the agreements are fit for purpose, and it also draws on some of the policy tools that 
existed in the past, non -actionable subsidies being a case in point. The submission identifies policy 
tools that Members have used in their process of industrialisation or are currently finding useful that 
should be availed to developing countries to achieve their industrialisation and structural 
transformation objec tives.  
9.65.   The submission builds on the various conversations that Members have had, including in the 
Development Retreat recently held and aims to respond to some of the questions Members have 
sought clarifications on. While the list of issues and agreements  is not exhaustive, the Africa group 
has identified three that are at the core. The TRIMS Agreement for incentivising both domestic and 
foreign investments and to build domestic manufacturing capacities, including downstream linkages, 
while ensuring the ap propriate balance, hence the consideration of a threshold on LCR as an 
example. The ASCM and a Green Box/non -actionable subsidies to achieve legitimate goals such as 
green industrialisation, digital industrialisation and technology upgrading so as to achie ve the 
common good and to ensure meaningful and inclusive integration of developing countries in global 
trade. The TRIPS and technology transfer to promote access to the necessary know -how and 
technology to improve productivity and global competitiveness. The submission does not aim to 
unravel these agreements and recognises the importance of multilateral trade rules and the MTS 
and the value and contribution it has made in terms of providing predictability in global trade. 
However, it also recognises that some provisions of the agreements limit the policy space to respond 
to current global challenges. It also recognises the limited fiscal space for some developing countries; 
hence it has found a balance and includes a combination of financial and non -financ ial policy space. 
In terms of the way forward, in order to avoid an ideological debate on policy space, the Africa Group 
will development proposals for each of the identified agreements. In developing these, we will reach 
out to the broader Membership as w e have done with regards to this submission. We hope that 
members will use the next few months to identify issues we can converge on for possible deliverables 
at MC13. Any outstanding work could then continue post -MC13 for delivery soon thereafter but 
definitely before MC14 given the urgency of the issues.  
9.66.   The representative of Cameroon , on behalf of the African Group , delivered the following 
statement:   
9.67.   We would like to thank the various delegations of Brazil, of other Members, as well as the 
groups that took the floor. Cameroon, as part of its coordination efforts, stands on a footing of 
openness, openness to all - on a bridge -building footing in order to attain common objectives. And 
as other delegations have said, including the delegation of South Africa that took the floor before 
us, this paper seeks to build a new bridge. As the delegation of Colombia duly noted, the issues 
raised in this paper are not new issues, they are not non -existent issues.  They are issues not only 
related to improving the transparency of our Organization, but also to making it operational and fair 
to all.  
9.68.   To that end, we would like to say that the enthusiasm that this paper has engendered stems 
perhaps from the interest that there might be, within the framework of the refor m discussions, for 
a dedicated session on development, focused on this central issue. This could be useful for everyone. 
Similarly, Chair, we would like to say that we are open. We are open. But this openness should not 
lead to interminable discussions, as  these issues are urgent and pressing. We would also hope that, 
before the Thirteenth Ministerial Conference, we could already agree on a certain number of 
measures that may be acceptable to all.  
9.69.   I hesitate to use the term "policy space", because we have n oted that every time we talk 
about "policy space", the urgency is tempered. But the question here is not whether there is policy 
space, but whether there are appropriate, just and equitable measures. And that is what we are 
asking for. Lastly, Chair, I wou ld like to return to a point that closed our statement on development. WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  That is fear. The issue we are really talking about here is fear. The people using the policy tools 
consider that others cannot use those same tools because they will not use them prope rly. This is 
fear of the other. There is a lack of confidence to have the necessary good sense to be able to use 
the same measures to which we have referred. We would like to say, Chair, that the industrialization 
of Africa is an opportunity for humanity. And this paper seeks to help us to understand that Africa 
needs to develop. It is a stroke of luck that we have a Director -General who is from the region, a 
fact which could perhaps offer the WTO the best chance to play its part in Africa's development. We  
will continue to pay close attention to this matter. We look forward to seeing other Members assume 
their roles and provide us with the necessary elements to achieve that goal. We are counting on 
your wisdom, Chair, and that of your predecessor, to guide us down this new path.  
9.70.   The Director -General  delivered the following statement:   
9.71.   I think it is really important that we look at the conditions externally and internally for 
industrialization and creating good jobs on the continent. I think the number of opp ortunities before 
us now, as I've said repeatedly in several speeches, and I won't go into them here, but this is a 
unique moment, and I do hope we can look at what we can do from the side of the WTO, but also 
what we need to do internally in our countries  to seize these opportunities. So, I am looking forward 
to something positive coming out of this as we debate it.  
9.72.   The representative of Mauritius  provided the following statement17: 
9.73.   Mauritius associates itself with the statement made by Cameroon in present ing the proposal.  
We have time again highlighted the need for small and vulnerable members of this Organisation to 
be supported in their actions towards meeting their development objectives. The proposal presented 
by the African Group is one that not only highlights the challenges we face but also identifies specific 
issues to be addressed at the level of the WTO.  We, therefore, call on all Members to engage 
constructively and help in ensuring that African Members reap the benefits of international trade 
that they rightly deserve.  
9.74.   The General Council took note  of the statements.  
10  REVIEW OF THE EXEMPTION PROVIDED UNDER PARAGRAPH 3 OF THE GATT 1994 
(WT/L/1165)  
10.1.   The Chair recall ed that Paragraph 3(a) of GATT  1994 provide d an exemption from Part II of 
GATT 1994 for measures under specific mandatory legislation – enacted by a Member before it 
became a Contracting Party to GATT 1947 – which prohibit ed the use, sale or lease of foreign -built 
or foreign -reconstructed vessels in  commercial applications between points in national waters or 
waters of an exclusive economic zone. On 20 December 1994, the US  had invoked the provisions of 
Paragraph 3(a) with respect to specific legislation that met the requirements of that paragraph. 
Paragraph 3(b) of GATT 1994 call ed for a review of this exemption five years after the date of entry 
into force of the WTO Agreement – and thereafter every two years for as long as the exemption is 
in force – in order to examine whether the conditions for t he exemption still prevail ed. The General 
Council  had last considered this matter at its last regular meeting in 2021. For the purposes of the 
review this year, he said that the Council would  proceed as in the previous reviews, based on a 
procedure agreed by the General Council in 2002. All interested delegations could  speak at the 
meeting, and they could  also subsequently submit comments and questions to the United States 
regarding the operation of the legislation under the exemption, to which the United S tates will be 
invited to respond. These statements, questions and responses, together with the annual statistical 
report provided by the US under Paragraph 3(c) of GATT 1994, would  form the basis for this year's 
review. This matter would  be on the agenda o f subsequent General Council meetings in 2023 as the 
Chair deem ed appropriate, or at the request of any Member. The General Council would  consider 
this matter again at its last meeting this year. The subsequent review would  normally be held in 
2025. The Ch air further noted that , as provided in Paragraph 3(e) of GATT 1994, the exemption was 
without prejudice to solutions concerning specific aspects of the legislation covered by this 
exemption negotiated in sectoral agreements or in other fora. He drew the Ge neral Council's 
 
17 The statement was not delivered at the meeting but subsequently provided to the Secretariat for 
inclusion in the record.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  attention to the annual report circulated by the United States in document WT/L/1165, and invite d 
the delegation of the United States to take the floor.  
10.2.   The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:  
10.3.   The United S tates welcomes the opportunity to participate in the review of the exemption 
under paragraph 3 of the GATT 1994. This exemption was agreed to by all Members to deal with 
non-conforming provisions of domestic legislation of a non -discretionary character in a specific area 
addressed by the exemption, and it is an integral part of the GATT 1994. In paragraph 3(a), Members 
agreed that as long as the legislation that the United States notified prior to the date of entry of 
force of the WTO Agreement remained in force and was not modified to reduce its conformity with 
Part II of the GATT 1994, Part II would not apply to that legislation. Paragraph 3(b) specifies that 
Members shall review the exemption every two years to examine "whether the conditions which 
create d the need for the exemption still prevail". The United States confirms that the conditions that 
created the need for this exemption continue to exist, including the US Navy's reliance on commercial 
shipyards for day -to-day maintenance of naval and surge -fleet vessels.  It also remains critical for 
US shipbuilders to build commercial ships for trade in order to ensure the maintenance of a viable 
industrial base to meet future US naval requirements. In short, the United States has the same need 
as it had in 1 994: to maintain its shipyards' readiness to build and maintain naval vessels. The 
United States has also continued to provide Members with annual statistical reports under 
paragraph  3(c) of the GATT 1994, including the most recent report submitted in December  2022. 
These reports provide detailed annual reporting of vessel orders and deliveries from US shipyards. 
The United States will be pleased to organize an informal consultation on this matter with interested 
Members prior to the conclu sion of this review at the final General Council meeting of this year.  
10.4.   The representative of Japan  delivered the following statement:  
10.5.   Japan attaches great importance to this review process as this exemption is a deviation from 
the fundamental principles of the WTO. Japan expects the United States to not only share relevant 
data but also conduct a substantial examination in order to address whether this exemption is still 
necessary. In recent years, in response to unforeseen events such as hurri cane damage, the US 
government has approved waivers from the Jones Act. However, we believe it is necessary to review 
the way in which the Jones Act itself is operated, rather than responding with temporary waivers.  
10.6.   The representative of Norway  delivered t he following statement:  
10.7.   We thank the United States for the statistical documentation as presented/circulated 
(WT/L/1165). This is an important issue, as the waiver in essence makes it impossible to sell ships 
to the United States for use in Jones Act trade s. We look forward to take part in the consultations 
that will take place later this year, giving us the opportunity to ask questions and examine if the 
conditions, which created the need for the exemption, still prevail.  
10.8.   The representative of the European  Union  delivered the following statement:  
10.9.   As we have stated in the past years, the EU supports this review process. I must underline 
once again our strong concerns with this unjustified exemption. The European Union continues to 
view the Jones Act as a pie ce of legislation that restricts fair competition in the shipbuilding and 
shipping markets, and no longer serves a legitimate purpose in today 's global economy. Even more, 
new implementing rules show an increasingly protectionist interpretation of the Jone s Act, going 
even further beyond its original intention. The prevailing situation has negative economic 
consequences for the European Union's and other countries' shipbuilding, logistics, dredging and 
energy industries. But the costs are also high for the US, which is faced with higher costs for offshore 
energy production, coastal protection from flooding, adapting to climate change, and haulage 
services due to the closure of the US market for foreign built, serviced or operated ships. We 
sincerely hope tha t the 2023 review is consequential. It should not become simply a recurring point 
in our agenda but rather the starting point to look into how to remedy a situation that is neither 
justified nor satisfactory.  
10.10.   Since this is the last agenda item I will take the floor today, I would like to pay tribute to 
you, Didier, for the very effective and successful way that you have managed and guided our work 
over the last year.  It was not always easy, and you also had to steer the preparations for MC12. We WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  have all co me to appreciate the special mix of talents you have brought to the task. You are a man 
of culture with quintessential Swiss assets: the soaring overview of a mountain people, the precision 
of a clock maker, the good taste of a chocolatier, the discretion of a banker, the sportiness of the 
world's best tennis player, the impartiality of the Red Cross, and the warmth of someone who grew 
up in the Valais. We have greatly benefitted from your sense of public service and deep commitment 
to our Organisation. Did ier, we are in your debt and wish you very well.  
10.11.   The representative of the Russian Federation  delivered the following statement:  
10.12.   We closely follow the discussion on the exemption provided under paragraph 3 of the GATT -
1994 as it shields discriminatory prot ectionist legal acts commonly known as the Jones Act that 
clearly violates core WTO provisions. The exemption represents a reversed special and differential 
treatment as it provides additional flexibilities to the developed Members. The Jones Act constitut es 
not only the shipbuilding industry but also upstream industries, like material and component 
production, by providing them with unfair support and a competitive market advantage. It is de 
facto an import ban for vessels. Pursuant to paragraph 3(b) of th e GATT -1994 Members shall review 
the exemption every two years to examine "whether the conditions which created the need for the 
exemption still prevail." We believe that the exchange of opinions in the current form in the General 
Council does not represen t the review stipulated by paragraph 3 (b) of GATT -1994. Statistical data 
provided by the US is of little help to Members to define if conditions for the exemption are still 
necessary. Reviews in the current form resemble sunset reviews in AD proceedings c onducted by 
the US authorities with semi -automatic decisions to extend AD measures for another five -year 
period. It is regrettable that reviews in the present format are done without the consideration of the 
substance of underlying conditions for the need of exemptions. The reviews have become a pro 
forma exercise. In this regard, Russia calls on the US to engage faithfully in such reviews and not to 
neglect its obligations under paragraph 3 of the GATT 1994.  
10.13.   The representative of China  delivered the follow ing statement:  
10.14.   We thank the United States for the notification of WT/L/1165. However, China would like to 
point out that according to paragraph 3(b) of GATT 1994, the purpose of the review is to exam 
whether the conditions for the exemption still prevail. This should be the focus of the review, rather 
than sharing detailed statistical data and information. As the General Council is aware, this 
exemption has been a long -standing subject for review. Over the years, China and other Members 
have expressed serio us commercial and systemic concerns on the Jones Act, in particular for its 
restriction on fair competition in shipbuilding industry and shipping markets, and its deviation from 
national treatment principle, which is one of the fundamental principles of th e WTO. However, little 
progress has been made in addressing Members' concerns on this exemption since 1999. China is 
of the view that the explanations given by the United States have not demonstrated the need for 
such an exemption. In this regard, we look forward to further clarification from the United States 
concerning the necessity and rationale of this exemption. China is ready to join further discussions 
on this review.  
10.15.   The representative of Panama  delivered the following statement : 
10.16.   First of all, I wou ld like to thank the United States first for the report that they have provided 
and also for the presentation of the said report. As you know, the subject is of high importance for 
Panama , and this has also been underscored by other delegations. We take du e note of the 
comments that will be made under this particular agenda item and we hope to participate in 
consultations and discussions on the subject, as is expected by the delegation of the United States.  
10.17.   I also believe that this is the last time I will be taking the floor today and as other delegations 
have done, I would like to express my gratitude to you, Chairman, for the quality of your work, for 
your professionalism, for your ability as the Chair of the General Council. And I would like to echo 
all of the praises that our colleagues from the European Union and other countries have made in 
your regard . I wish you good speed and congratulate you for your work.  
10.18.   The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:   
10.19.   I just wanted to thank those who spoke , and we will be reaching out for consultations on 
this issue.  And also I cannot try to match João, but I did want to express the United States thanks WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  for your steady hand and your friendship. You look like the happiest person on earth right now, so I 
will stop there so we can finish the meeting fairly soon  - but thank you.  
10.20.   The representative of the Republic of Korea  provided the following statement18: 
10.21.   Korea has consistently register ed its systemic and commercial concerns over the United 
States ' exemption under paragraph 3(a) of the GATT 1994. The exemption is not in line with the 
fundamental principles of the WTO, restricting fair competition in shipbuilding and shipping markets.  
Korea believes that the review of this long -standing exemption in accordance with paragraph 3(b) 
of the GATT should focus on examining whether the conditions which created the need for the 
exemption still prevail. In this vein, Korea would like to ask the US to provide updated explanation 
on the necessity to continue this practice.  Furthermore, Korea would like to encourage the United 
States to consider potential economic benefits to U.S. businesses and consumers alike by liberalizing 
this sector. Korea is wil ling to participate any further discussion on this issue.  
10.22.   The General Council took note of the statements and agreed  to revert to this item at its last 
meeting in 2023 .  
11  APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS TO WTO BODIES  
11.1.   The Chair said that, i n accordance with the Guidelines for Appointment of Officers to WTO 
Bodies (WT/L/510), and the related "practical steps" to improve their implementation  (JOB/GC/22), 
he, together with the Chair of the Dispute Settlement Body, Ambassador Molokomme (Botswana ), 
and the former Chair of the General Council, Ambassador Castillo (Honduras), ha d conducted 
consultations on a slate of names for the appointment  of Chairs to WTO regular bodies listed in 
Groups 1, 2, 4 and 5 in the Annex to the Guidelines – the so -called "Tier One". He wished to  place 
on record his gratitude to Amb. Molokomme and Amb. Castillo for their assistance, advice, and 
support throughout this process.  
11.2.   He said that they had consulted regularly and frequently with the coordinators of the four 
broad  regional groups, namely: (i)  Africa; (ii) Asia and the Pacific; (iii) developed countries; and (iv) 
Latin America and the Caribbean. They had also  remained available throughout the process for any 
individual delegation wishing to consult with them.  
11.3.   In pa rticular, they met with group coordinators on multiple occasions, in December, January 
and February. To ensure transparency in this process,  he sent communications to all delegations on 
2 December, 19 January, 26 January and 14  February. In his  communicati ons, he provided regular 
updates on the status of the consultations and the nominations or expressions of interests that we 
had received. The final communication also included the draft, stabilized slate for Members' 
consideration.  
11.4.   He further noted that, o n 21 February, in line with the Guidelines, he had  convened an 
Informal meeting of the General Council, where he had  reported on the consultations and presented 
to Members the draft, stabilized slate that had emerged – as contained in his communication. As he 
had noted at that meeting, and as it was further confirmed, no reservations to the names put forward 
had been  received – indicating that there appear ed to be consensus on the draft slate of names.  
11.5.   He said that Ambassador Molokomme, Ambassador Castillo and himself  wished to place on 
record their sincere appreciation to all Members for their constructive participation  in this process, 
and in particular to the group coordinators for their tireless efforts and cooperation in this exercise, 
which had proceeded very smoothly. He then  read out the slate of names for the WTO regular bodies 
in Tier One resulting from the consultations : 
General Council  
 H.E. Dr. Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme (Botswana)  
Dispute Settlement Body  
 H.E. Mr. Petter Ølberg (Norway)  
Trade Policy Review Body  H.E. Mr. Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel (Saudi Arabia)  
 
18 The Republic of Korea did not deliver the statement at the meeting but subsequently provided it to 
the Secretariat for  inclusion in the record of the meeting.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  Council for Trade in Goods  H.E. Dr.  Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid (Nigeria)  
Council for Trade in Services  
 Permanent Representative, Mrs.  Tsvetelina Georgieva 
Dimitrova (Bulgaria)  
 
Council for TRIPS  
 H.E. Mrs. Pimchanok Pitfield (Thailand)  
Committee on Trade and Development  
 H.E. Dr.  José Sánchez -Fung (Dominican Republic)  
Committee on Balance -of-Payments 
Restrictions  
 H.E. Mr. Eheth Salomon (Cameroon)  
Committee on Budget, Finance and 
Administration  
 H.E. Dr. Bettina Waldmann (Germany)  
 
Committee on Trade and Environment  
 H.E. Mr. José Valencia (Ecuador)  
Committee on Regional Trade Agreements  
 H.E. Ms. Clare Kelly (New Zealand)  
Working Group on Trade, Debt and Finance  
 Mr. Felipe Llantada Soldi (Uruguay)  
Working Group on Trade and Transfer of 
Technology   H.E. Mrs. Sofia Boza Martinez (Chile)  
 
 
11.6.   He said that a ppointments for these bodies would  be for one year, and they would  be made 
formally by the WTO bodies concerned at their subsequent meetings this year.  He invited  the General 
Council to take note of his statement and of the consensus on the slate of names for the appointment 
of officers in the WTO bodies that he had  mentioned.  
11.7.   The General Council so agreed . 
11.8.   The Chair  congratulate d all the colleagues on their selection and wish ed them a very 
successful tenure as Chairs in the year ahead.  
11.9.   Regarding the c onsultations for the Subsidiary Bodies of the CTG and the CTS , the Chair 
recalled that,  at the Informal meeting of the General Council on 21 February, he had  encouraged 
the CTG and CTS Chairs, as well as group coordinators and delegations, to already start  undertaking 
all possible arrangements and preparations for the consultations for the chairpersonships for the 
subsidiary bodies of the Council for Trade in Goods and the Council for Trade in Services (the so -
called "Tier 2" selection process), so as to en sure a swift exercise. He underst ood that Ambassador 
Kemvichet LONG (Cambodia), the outgoing Chair of the Council for Trade in Services, and Permanent 
Representative Mr.  Etienne OUDOT DE DAINVILLE (France), the outgoing Chair of the Council for 
Trade in Go ods ha d already reached out to group coordinators to this end.  Now that Tier 1 ha d been 
completed , he wished to once again encourage all Members to show the same flexibility and 
pragmatism in the Tier 2  selection process , by completing the relevant appoint ment process as 
expeditiously as possible. This would ensure the smooth functioning of the subsidiary bodies and of 
the Organization as a whole. He count ed on the cooperation of all Members to work constructively 
with the CTG and CTS Chairs.  
11.10.   The representa tive of Peru delivered the following statement:  
11.11.   Peru in its capacity as a coordinator of GRULAC would like to express its appreciation for the 
commitment shown by other regional groups in the process of appointing chairs of Tier 1. We would 
also like to th ank Ambassador  Chambovey for his leadership  and for being a facilitator in this process. 
We also had the invaluable support of Amb assadors  Molokomme  and Castillo. We would like to 
congratulate the appointed chairs. We are pleased to have four colleagues fr om GRULAC,  
Ambassador  Sanchez -Fung from the D ominican Republic , Amb assador  Jose Valencia from Ecuador , 
Ambassador  Sofia Bosa from Chile and Minister Felipe Llantada Soldi from Uruguay . Amb assador  
Abraham from Costa Rica, Ambassador  Wills from Col ombia and Ambassador  Castillo from Honduras 
have no doubt set a high standard, but we are confident that the professional  and personal qualities 
of our distinguished  colleagues that have been elected will contribute greatly to the work of this WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  organization . GRULAC  is a group of developing Members. It is a diverse group with different specific 
interests, and it has always shown a constructive spirit in the different negotiating bodies . It has 
always staunchly supported a rules-based  multilateral trade system  which  is transparent, inclusive, 
fair, and predictable. Rest assured  that that will be our approach. I cannot conclude without 
expressing the appreciation of our delegation to the other Heads of Mission that have been elected 
or re -elected at this meeting of the General Council . You can count on our support and our 
constructive collaboration .  
11.12.   The representative of Mauritius  delivered the following statement:  
11.13.   We could not let this pass without saying thank you. We are very privilege to have 3 excellent 
Chairs that assure things at this standard are very high. Not only do you carry this standard of 
excellence, but with your Swiss efficiency gene you tried to bring some discipline in the manner we 
make statements and the way we intervene at the WTO. Thank you for these efforts. I really 
appreciate it. But on a personal level, I am also very happy to see an African woman coming as the 
Chair of the GC, a woman after two men, on the eve of International Women's Day. I am just so 
glad to have seen both of you as Ch airs. Thank you again very much. Let me congratulate all the 
incoming Chairs, and a special word for Ambassador Sánchez -Fung as he takes over CTD to wish 
him a lot of luck.   
11.14.   The representative o f Kazakhstan  delivered the following statement:  
11.15.   I would like t o join previous speakers in expressing our heartfelt thanks for your exceptional 
leadership and contributions as the General council Chair over the past year. On behalf of 
Kazakhstan's Government, the MC12 Chair, and our delegation, I would like to commend  your 
leadership and dedication which have been instrumental in ensuring the success of MC12. Your 
tireless efforts and diplomatic skills were critical in achieving the conference outcomes and advancing 
the organization's agenda during those challenging da ys. We are deeply grateful for your valuable 
contributions and friendship and wish you all the best in your future endeavours. We also welcome 
Ambassador Athaliah Molokomme  as the new General Council Chair, and congratulate all other 
colleagues that have been appointed today as Chairs of various bodies of the WTO. We are confident 
that their extensive experience and leadership qualities will be a great asset to the organisat ion. We 
look forward to working closely with them to advance the WTO's goals and promote a rules -based 
multilateral trading system.  
11.16.   The representative of Canada  delivered the following statement:  
11.17.   I needed to join others in thanking you personally for your leadership as GC Chair. On behalf 
of the government of Canada, on behalf of the Canadian delegation, we all underscore what others 
have said with regard to your strong leadership, your patience, and your efficiency over the past 
year. I personally want to thank you for your friendship as I started here in Geneva, and I truly wish 
you all the best as you depart this important role. In the same vein, I would like to congratulate and 
give a warm welcome to the new incoming chair. I join what our Ambassador fro m Mauritius noted, 
that it is wonderful on the eve of International Women's Day to see a woman take over the GC 
Chair's role and in particular a black African woman at that. It is truly wonderful personally for me 
to see that as well.  
11.18.   The representative o f Honduras  delivered the following statement:  
11.19.   My delegation has not taken the floor during this General Council, but we would like to take 
this opportunity to say goodbye. We have been friends for 20 years. We have done a lot of things 
together. We have wo rked together to have a better WTO and I would like to thank you Didier, my 
Chair and friend, for your work. It was an honour to pass you the baton and I know how difficult this 
Council is, and that is why I would like to commend you because you have been remarkable. I would 
also like to welcome our new chair Ambassador Molokomme from Botswana and I would like to wish 
her the very best in her new role. Today the WTO has shown that leadership is in the hands of 
women. We would like to say that you can count on our delegation and on any of us on a personal 
level in whatever we can do to help you.  
11.20.   The representative of Cameroon  delivered the following statement:  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  11.21.   The African Group would like first of all, to thank the outgoing Chair Ambassador 
Chambovey, for hi s outstanding chairmanship. You have played an important role, during MC12 in 
facilitating outcomes. Your diplomatic skill and openness were fundamental in rebuilding the 
multilateral trade system. We wish you well. We also take pleasure in welcoming and c ongratulating 
the incoming Chair person , Ambassador Athaliah Molokomme, on her election as the new GC 
Chair person . We have no doubt in her wisdom, experience and individual skills to steer us from the 
stormy reform waters into the safe harbour of developmen t and mutually beneficial outcome MC13. 
Rest assured that you can count on the constructive engagement of the African Group towards a 
transparent and inclusive process.  
11.22.   The representative of Singapore  delivered the following statement:  
11.23.   First, Singapore wo uld like to warmly thank the newly appointed Chairs for offering their 
time and energy to lead these important WTO bodies. I also wish to put on record my delegation's 
appreciation to the outgoing Chairpersons for their leadership and contribution. Second,  I wish to 
thank you, Didier, for your outstanding chairmanship of the General Council. I just want to say that 
you have chaired the General Council skilfully, impartially, and wisely, especially in the run -up to 
MC12. You have also laid the post -MC12 grou ndwork and teed up for MC13. But above all, I applaud 
your courageous implementation of a time -limit on interventions at the General Council meetings. 
This will be your lasting legacy. Third, I want to congratulate the new General Council Chair, 
Ambassador  Athaliah Molokomme. We are familiar with her leadership of the DSB and TPRB, and we 
are confident that her leadership of the General Council will build on the success of her predecessors. 
I wish Athaliah all the best and assure her of Singapore's full sup port.  
11.24.   The representative of Kenya , on behalf of the ACP Group  delivered the following statement:  
11.25.   I wish to congratulate Ambassador Athaliah Molokomme  on her election as the chair of the 
General Council. The Group wishes her a successful tenure and looks forward to working closely with 
her and all the members to ensure a productive MC13.  We also commend the outgoing chair, 
Ambassador Didier Chambovey fo r his dedication and exemplary leadership, which culminated in a 
successful MC12. We wish you well in your next endeavour.  
11.26.   The representative of the Russian Federation  delivered the following statement:  
11.27.   I would like just to join others in thanking you Amb.  Chambovey for your tireless efforts and 
commitment as General Council Chair. Your diplomatic skills, trade expertise, put with a very 
important, impartial, and transparent approach, as well as your wisdom and wit have been absolutely 
invaluable in guiding  our work throughout the year as well as indispensable in the success of MC12. 
Thank you very much, Didier. I also take this opportunity to welcome the incoming chair Ambassador 
Molokomme, with best wishes in carrying out her new responsibilities. I feel t hat her election to this 
important position on the eve of International Women's Day this evening is somewhat symbolic and 
very positive.  
11.28.   The representative of China  delivered the following statement:  
11.29.   First, Chin a congratulates all the newly elected Chairs and also highly appreciated the 
smooth process of Chair selection this year, this time. Secondly to you , Chair, thank you . I would 
like to extend my heartfelt appreciation  for your tireless efforts and excellent leadership in guiding 
our work in 2022, one  of the most difficult, important , and successful years in decades. You played 
an important role in giving the world a successful MC12 in a very challenging time. I would also like 
to congratulate and warmly welcome Amb assador  Molokomme as the new Chair of the General 
Council . We have every confidence in your leadership and assure you of China's full support.  
11.30.   The representative of South Africa  delivered the following statement:  
11.31.   We join others in congratulating the incoming Chairs. We also join Camer oon, as well as the 
speakers before me, in thanking you for your good work and guidance in steering this ship towards 
a successful MC12. We know it was not easy. It was a difficult time, but the way you conducted the 
meetings and the consultations, has bee n helpful in assisting us to move forward. We also take the 
opportunity to welcome and congratulate Ambassador Molokomme, the incoming Chair. It is really 
a proud moment on the eve before International Women's Day. We know that of course, this is not WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  an ea sy task, but we trust her abilities in guiding us as we move towards MC13. We assure you, 
dear sister, of our full support.  
11.32.   The representative of India delivered the following statement:   
11.33.   Let me take this opportunity to join others in conveying thanks on behalf of the Indian 
Delegation for the excellent work that you have rendered as the General Council Chair. I am sure 
that we will continue to benefit from your leadership as you will be forming part of the Troika, and 
we keep on tapping the services of th e Troika from time to time. Let me take this opportunity to 
also thank all the departing Chairs of Tier 1 bodies for their excellent work which culminated in a 
successful MC12, and at the same time let me also welcome all of the incoming Chairs that are go ing 
to steer us through the MC13 process. Last but not least, a special welcome to her excellency 
Ambassador Athaliah Molokomme for joining as General Council Chair. We are looking forward to 
working with her.  
11.34.   The representative of Japan  delivered the fol lowing statement:   
11.35.   I would also like to thank all the departing Chairs for their contribution for the past year. I 
know that you have been working very hard, but I think that with the success of MC12, much credit 
should come to you. You are very impartial and effective in delegating. And sometimes, since 
Switzerland and Japan are close friends in agriculture, you are so impartial so we see you so distant, 
but we would like to welcome you back to the group from now. I would also like to express our 
gratitude  to the incoming Chairs. Athaliah, we are confident that you will do a very good job and we 
would like to support your chairpersonship for the entire success of the WTO.  
11.36.   The representative of Türkiye  delivered the following statement:  
11.37.   I thank all departin g Chairs and congratulate newly appointed colleagues. I would also like 
to thank you on behalf of my delegation for your successful term as the GC Chair. Your significant 
contributions to the work of this house, your leadership, and all your efforts. I wis h all the best to 
our new GC Chair person , Ambassador Molokomme, and assure her of our full support. Taking this 
opportunity, I congratulate all our colleagues on the International Women 's Day.  
11.38.   The representative of Tanzania  delivered the following stateme nt: 
11.39.   I would like to begin by reiterating our gratitude and appreciation to the  outgoing Chair of 
the GC, His Excellency  Didier Chambovey, the Amb assador and PR of Switzerland to the WTO, for 
his excellent  service and commitment. We are looking forward to continuing  working with him as 
the WTO will continue to benefit from his vast experience and wisdom, For the incoming Chair, my 
friend, my colleague , and my sister, Her Excellency , Athaliah Molokomme, Am bassador  and PR of 
Botswana to the WTO , I would like t o congratulate her on the appointment  to assume this important 
role. Moreover , I want to express my delegation's  firm confidence in her capacity as the new G eneral 
Council  Chairperson. Her Excellency  Ambassador  Molokomme  assumes this new role as Chair of this 
august body at a very critical year of MC13 preparations while Members are facing numerous 
challenges emanating from multifaceted crises and disasters.  We are positively  looking forward to 
her leadership and indulgenc e when the Members deliberate on important issues, the current and 
the longstanding ones. As I conclude my brief remarks, I would like to assure Her Excellency 
Ambassador  Molokomme, of my delegation's commitment and unwavering support to the work of 
the WT O and that of her leadership.  
11.40.   The representative of Bangladesh  delivered the following statement:  
11.41.   The delegation of Bangladesh welcomes the incoming Chairpersons of different WTO bodies 
and wish them every success.  Our delegation also conveys thanks to al l the outgoing Chairpersons 
for their dedication and service and we wish them all the best. The delegation of Bangladesh 
congratulates you, Excellency Ambassador Chambovey, our outgoing GC Chairperson for 
successfully completing your term. You have guided us in the most crucial time of the MC12. We 
remain grateful for your service, passion, and efficiency. You have already set a new standard. The 
Ambassador and PR of Bangladesh is now in Doha for the UN LDC conference and today he has 
asked me to convey to you his personal regards. The delegation of Bangladesh hopes that you will 
continue to guide us with your wisdom as you remain in the Troika. We wish you every success.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  11.42.   The delegation of Bangladesh congratulates the new Chairperson of the GC, Her Excellen cy 
Ambassador Dr. Molokomme of Botswana.  We have full confidence in her leadership, professional 
acumen, and wisdom. We assure her of the fullest cooperation from the delegation of Bangladesh 
and wish her every success.  
11.43.   The representative of Nepal  delivere d the following statement:  
11.44.   My delegation would like to congratulate the newly elected Chair of the General Council H.E. 
Ambassador Dr. Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme and wish her for the best. Count Nepal 's full support 
while discharging the responsibilities. M y delegation sincerely thanks the outgoing General Council 
chair H E Ambassador Didier Chambovey for the outstanding work and the outcomes of the General 
Council.  
11.45.   The representative of the United Kingdom  delivered the following statement:  
11.46.   Let me just echo the very warm compliments paid to you by so many around this room. It 
has been a real pleasure to work with you. You have shown extraordinary commitment, 
extraordinary diligence, extraordinary knowledge of this organization, and extraordinary patience 
with all of us. So, thank you for that. It is hard to imagine anybody who could succeed you, except 
we found an extraordinarily worthy successor and we wish her all the best in her new role. We will 
miss her in the rest of Geneva as I suspect that she will be rather busy here preparing for the 
Ministerial. Thank you both, and thanks to all the other office holders.  
11.47.   The representative of Egypt  delivered the following statement:  
11.48.   Allow me on behalf of the Egyptian Government, my Ambassador, and our delegation to 
extend our sincere regards and wishes to the Ambassadors who will take over the task of chairing 
the main bodies of the Organization, especially Ambassador Molokomme of Botswana,  Ambassador 
Almoqbel of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Salomon of Cam eroon, and Ambassador 
Abdulhamid of Nigeria. Finally, I would like to thank you, Mr. Chair, for your sincere efforts in chairing 
the General Council during a difficult period, when we needed someone with your special skills and 
dedication to do what we hav e done throughout this period.  
11.49.   The Chair said that, before moving to "Other Business" , he wished to take the  opportunity 
to inform all Members of some developments concerning the chairpersonships of accession 
Working Parties  for which the respective Chairs ha d left Geneva. He recalled that, a s announced 
at the regular meeting of the General Council in December, and in line with practice, he had asked 
Deputy Director -General Zhang to undertake the relevant consultations, on his behalf.  Following 
these consultations and in keeping with usual WTO practice, he underst ood that there was consensus 
on the appointment of the following Chairs:  
WP on the Accession of Azerbaijan  Amb. Alparslan ACARSOY (Türkiye)  
WP on the Accession of Bosnia and Herzegovina  Amb. Anita PIPAN (Slovenia)  
WP on the Accession of Curaçao  Amb. Matthew WILSON (Barbados)  
WP on the Accession of Equatorial Guinea  Amb. Dr. José R. SÁNCHEZ -FUNG (the 
Dominican Republic)  
WP on the Accession of Ethiop ia Amb. Rebecca FISHER LAMB (United Kingdom)  
Working Party on the Accession of Serbia  Amb. Margit SZŰCS (Hungary)  
Working Party on the Accession of Uzbekistan  Amb. Seong deok YUN (Republic of Korea)  
 
11.50.   The consultations on the Chairpersonships for the Working Parties on the Accessions of 
Bhutan and Iraq were still ongoing.  He wished to place on record my sincere gratitude to Deputy 
Director -General Zhang for undertaking these consultations on his behalf.  On behalf of the General 
Council, he thank ed the new Chairs for their readiness and commitment in taking on these new roles 
and wished  them every success in their new endeavour.  
11.51.   The General Council took note  of the statements.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  12  OTHER BUSINESS  
12.1  Statement by the Chair in connection with Administrative Measures for Members in 
Arrears  
12.1.   The Chair , speaking under Other Business , recalled that the General Council Procedures for 
Members and Observers subject to Administrative Measures in WT/BFA/132 required that, at the 
end of each meeting of the General Council, the Chair of the Committee on Budget, Finance and 
Administration provided information with regard to which Members and Observers were under 
Administrative Measures.  
12.2.   Ambassador Bettina Waldmann (Germa ny), Chair of the Committee on Budget, Finance and 
Administration , delivered the following statement19: 
12.3.   The Administrative Measures applicable to Members and Observers in arrears have been in 
place since 1 March 2013. In accordance with a decision previous ly taken by the General Council, I 
shall state all Members and Observers under all categories of administrative measures.  
12.4.   Before doing so, I would like to acknowledge payments have been received from nine 
Members since my last report to you on 20 December.  As a result of these payments, Argentina, the 
Bahamas, Burundi, Djibouti, The Gambia, Libya, Mauritania, Rwanda and Zambia are no longer 
subject to administrative measures. I would like to express my thanks to these Members and 
Observers for the payments received.  
12.5.   That said, as of today, 7 March 2023, there are a total of 22 Members and 9 Observers subject 
to Administrative Measures. The following 8 Members are currently in Category I: Afghanistan; 
Congo; Ghana; Liberia; Malawi; Senegal; Sri Lanka and Sur iname.  The following 5 Members are in 
Category II: Plurinational State of Bolivia; Cuba; Dominica; El Salvador and Uganda.  The following 
9 Members are in Category III: Antigua and Barbuda; Central African Republic; Chad; Guinea; 
Guinea -Bissau; Niger; Pap ua New Guinea; Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Yemen. Central 
African Republic; Chad and Niger are not compliant with payment plan terms.  
12.6.   There are no Observers in Category I.  The following 4 Observers are in Category II: Comoros; 
Ethiopia; Lebanese R epublic and South Sudan. There are also 5 Observers in Category III: Iran; 
Iraq; Sao Tomé and Principe; Somalia and Syria.  
12.7.   The Chair request ed Members and Observers in Categories II and III of the Measures to 
inform the Secretariat as to when their payment  of arrears may be expected , as required by the 
General Council Procedures .  
12.8.   The General Council took note of the statement.  
13  ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON  
13.1.   The Chair said that before  moving to  the election of our new Chairperson, in the tradition of 
his predecessors, he wished  to say a few final words.  
13.2.   The Chair  delivered the following final remarks:  
13.3.   For my part, the only thing left for me to say is that all good things must come to an end.  It 
has been an honour and a pleasure to serve as Chair of the General Council.  There have certainly 
been some disheartening moments and others when tensions sometimes ran high at crucial 
instances. That is unavoidable and comes with the job.  But the results a re largely positive, and the 
experience has been very rewarding. This was doubtless the high point of my career in the little 
cosmos of multilateral trade cooperation.  
13.4.   Thanks to the Members' active collaboration, the Director -General's unwavering commitmen t 
and the Secretariat's invaluable support, many hurdles have been overcome and mutually 
satisfactory solutions have been reached.  This was particularly true at the Ministerial Conference 
 
19 The statement by the CBFA Chair was subsequently circulated in JOB/GC/339.  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  last June, when we were able to find a common understanding on cruci al multilateral issues.  Of 
course, a lot still remains to be done and the onus is on us to persevere with pragmatism and 
conviction to ensure the success of the next Ministerial Conference.  Since the last Ministerial 
Conference, we have organized lots of r etreats. The time has come now to move forward through 
concrete and sufficiently creative proposals that take into account the difficult climate in which we 
must operate.  
13.5.   That being said, the time for reflection is not over. Sometimes taking a step back ca n be 
useful to fully grasp the complexity of the situation and carefully pave the way to better steer the 
negotiations and set the bar at a realistic height for our ambitions.  I make a point of insisting on 
this notion of realistic ambitions. It is the onl y way to de -dramatize the Ministerial Conference and 
conduct calm and constructive discussions. A realistic level of ambition does not mean, however, 
limiting ourselves to the bare minimum.  We should aspire to achieve tangible deliverables in as 
many areas  as possible.  It is also by being pragmatic and realistic that we will be able to make 
concrete progress on reform, which is so indispensable for our Organization. And this is a mammoth 
undertaking.  
13.6.   A word about the conduct of proceedings in the General Co uncil. I have made a number of 
proposals aimed at making our discussions smoother and more efficient. Some progress has been 
made, particularly with regard to the length of interventions, but more can still be done in terms of 
being more disciplined.  I still have the feeling, however, that we have not fully exploited the potential 
to streamline the discussions in the General Council. Proposals along these lines have been made 
by certain Members and I will suggest to my successor that she examine the appropr iateness of 
other measures.  To this end, I believe we must draw inspiration from the original purpose of the 
General Council. That is, serving as the highest decision -making body of the WTO in Geneva, with 
the authority to act on behalf of the Ministerial Conference in -between sessions. In other words, this 
is the body that oversees all the other bodies and committees of the Organization whose task is to 
lay the groundwork for decisions to be taken by the General Council.  
13.7.   Allow me to thank the Members for their trust, their availability and the efforts they have 
made to iron out their differences and devise consensus -based solutions.  I would also like to express 
my sincere gratitude to our Director -General, Dr Ngozi. It has been a privilege to w ork with you, 
Madam DG. Your energy, resolve and brio have been priceless assets from which all Members, not 
to mention the multilateral cause itself, have greatly benefited.  
13.8.   Allow me to express my deep appreciation to the Secretariat, which has afforded m e its 
unwavering support throughout my term. More specifically, the staff in the Council and Trade 
Negotiations Committee Division, with whom I have had friendly and fruitful relations. I have 
adopted them as my "second team", with whom I have worked as cl osely as with my own team 
members at the Swiss Mission. I will always cherish these excellent memories.  
13.9.   A big thank -you too to my colleagues at the Swiss Mission to the WTO, who have had to 
contend with my numerous and long absences. I will be back fully a s of tomorrow and I am looking 
forward to that.  My sincere gratitude also goes to the interpreters, whose role in our discussions is 
pivotal.  
13.10.   You will have to bear with me for a few months still. I will be leaving my role as Permanent 
Representative of Sw itzerland to the WTO at the end of August. And, by the same token, my post 
in the service of the Swiss Confederation.  As I said at the beginning of my speech, all good things 
must come to an end.  
13.11.   The Chair  propose d that the election of the new Chairperson  should be taken up . On the 
basis of the understandings that ha d been reached in the process of appointment of officers to WTO 
bodies that he had announced earlier, he propose d that the General Council elect by acclamation 
H.E. Dr. Athaliah Lesi ba Molokomme (Botswana) as its next Chairperson.  
13.12.   The General Council so agreed . 
13.13.   The Director -General  delivered the following statement:  WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  13.14.   Thank you, Chair – and welcome. Let me start by addressing a few words to our departing 
GC Chair, Ambassador Chambovey.  Didier, we have been through a lot during your term as GC 
Chair. From the road to MC12, the ongoing implementation of its outcomes – and now the 
preparations for MC13, you kept the General Council on course towards continuing to deliver results 
for people . Your experience with the system and detailed institutional knowledge has kept the 
General Council well -anchored through the challenges Members faced – and we have been 
confronted with a lot of them.  
13.15.   During your election last year as GC Chair, you said th at you were aware of the magnitude 
of the task and the challenges ahead, and that you would spare no efforts to meet them. Didier, you 
certainly did just that and even more. Throughout the year, you have gone from strength to strength. 
You ensured a succes sful MC12 both as GC Chair and as a Co -host of the Conference. You spent 
countless hours listening to delegations. And you were no passive listener: being the intellectual that 
you are, you challenged Members, helping them achieve truly meaningful outcomes  at MC12, and 
the lay the groundwork for future results. Here I  am thinking especially about WTO Reform.  
13.16.   Despite entrenched positions and difficulties right up to the Ministerial itself, I would give 
your efforts an A+ ; first for getting Members first to l aunch the process, and then, after MC12, to 
start taking steps towards getting this job done. On the latter, you met more than 100 different 
delegations in marathon consultations to kickstart the discussions. You have organized two very 
successful informal  meetings on WTO Reform. The most recent one, focused on development, was 
highly commended by the entire Membership. As we all know, WTO Reform is a top priority for 
Leaders, Ministers, and stakeholders across the globe. You have laid the groundwork in the  best way 
possible. In front of us is the GC Chair who will forever be remembered in this organization's history 
as "Mr. WTO Reform".  
13.17.   And your accomplishments as GC Chair span well beyond that – from helping Members arrive 
at a creative and mutually accep table compromise on the hosting of MC13 and MC14, trying to assist 
in finding solutions on LDC Graduation, keeping the E -Commerce Work Programme and Moratorium 
discussions alive with Ambassador Usha's appointment as your facilitator, and many more issues 
that we all recognize and appreciate. And of course, you did so in a real Swiss way – as has been 
said by Australia, EU and other colleagues - keeping prompt time for all your GC and other meetings! 
Thank you very much, Didier. You and I had an open , transp arent mutually supported relationship 
and it worked.  As we head towards MC13, and even beyond, I know that we can continue to count 
on your profound knowledge of the multilateral trading system and unwavering support for the WTO.  
Following our tradition, I now wish to present you with this engraved gavel, as a memento of your 
time as Chairman of the General Council.  
13.18.   Now following what I have said, I want to turn to what you just said, the election of 
Ambassador Athaliah Molokomme and two African women at the helm of the WTO. I just want to 
congratulate the new Chair person , Athaliah. I am proud to see a strong woman, a known doer former 
attorney general of her country, a woman of wisdom, a respected woman who has also shown what 
she can do before taking this job, here at the WTO. I am proud to see you here. I am proud to have 
a fellow African take the reins. I think you are the right person to take over from Ambassador 
Chambovey at this time. I will not talk too much because you have  a heavy and urgent workload 
waiting for you.  Your election testifies to the high level of trust and confidence that Members place 
in you. From your leadership of the African Group during the DG selection process, your 
chairmanships of the TRPB and DSB, yo ur work on Trade and Gender - I can personally attest to 
Athaliah's brilliance and stellar leadership. And I am confident that, as GC Chair person , you will rally 
Members to succeed at MC13. As the road ahead of you will be challenging – but also exciting – let 
me assure you that you can always count on my personal support and that of the Secretariat as you 
take up this important role.  
13.19.   The newly -elected Chairperson  delivered the following statement:  
13.20.   Let me begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to all WTO  Members for the confidence and 
trust they have placed in me by appointing me as Chairperson of the General Council for the next 
twelve months. I have always considered it a true honour to work alongside all of you in this 
esteemed Organization, and to now  have the opportunity to serve as Chair person  of the General 
Council is indeed an immense and rare privilege. As you would know, this will be the first time that 
Botswana presides over the WTO General Council, and so the privilege I have to be the Chair person 
is shared by the country I have the distinct honour to represent. It is therefore most fitting that I WT/GC/M/203  
 
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  profoundly thank the Government of Botswana for availing me the opportunity to serve in this new 
capacity, following my previous professional roles at  home and here in Geneva. I also wish to take 
this opportunity to extend my gratitude to my brothers and sisters in the African Group of 
Ambassadors in Geneva for their support and endorsement of my nomination. I am reliably informed 
that I am the fifth Am bassador from Africa to sit in this chair in the history of the WTO, and only the 
third woman to do so. On the eve of the commemoration of International Women’s Day, let us 
reaffirm our commitment to even greater inclusivity, as there are so many more high ly competent 
women out there than are being called upon to serve in this and other leadership roles.  
13.21.   I accept this role fully cognisant of the sheer magnitude of the work before me.  From what 
I could see of my predecessors, the role of the Chair of the G eneral Council demands the full 
commitment of those who perform this function. In that regard, allow me to pay special tribute to 
the outgoing Chairperson, Ambassador Chambovey, with whom I recently had the pleasure to work 
and learn from in the Troika to identify chairpersons of the Committee on Agriculture Special Session 
and the Negotiating Group on Rules.  Ambassador Chambovey has steered the work of the General 
Council in an able, firm and collaborative manner, while always listening patiently to all Me mbers.  
This was clearly demonstrable from the preparations of MC12 in challenging circumstances, to the 
success of the Conference, particularly the adoption of the outcome document and the rest of the 
MC12 package, as well as his commitment to take forward  the discussions on WTO reform. I salute 
you and thank you, Ambassador Chambovey, for your stellar performance as Chairperson, and I 
wish to express my full commitment to building on your work as I assume this role. I know I can 
always rely on your institu tional memory and wise counsel.  I would also like to thank you, Madame 
Director -General, for your warm words of welcome. You can count on me every step of the way, and 
I look forward to working closely with you, our indefatigable DG and the able staff of the Secretariat.  
13.22.   Colleagues, turning now to the tasks at hand, with exactly one year to go until MC13, it is 
our shared responsibility to ensure that the WTO continues to deliver and remains fit for the fast -
paced developments and challenges before us. In  this regard, let me emphasise the utmost 
importance of the ongoing process of WTO reform. We need to work together and listen attentively 
to each other to ensure that the Organization continues to play a key role in global economic 
governance, and that it  delivers results for the people that we have the responsibility to represent.  
For my part, I assure you all that transparency and inclusiveness will be the guiding principles in the 
execution of my assignment, and to this you can hold me accountable. I am  committed to serving 
this institution and all Members to the best of my ability, as I have endeavoured to do in the past 
two years in my previous capacities as Chair of the Trade Policy Review Body and the Dispute 
Settlement Body. I will continue to count  on the guidance and support of Members and the Director -
General Dr. Ngozi and her team. For it is only through genuine dialogue and collective effort that we 
can hope for a multilateral trading system with the agility to respond to the ever -evolving chall enges 
of the global economic order, and indeed in a fair manner, especially those that affect developing 
countries. I once again thank you all for the opportunity to serve as Chairperson and look forward 
to working very closely with you all throughout the entirety of my term.  
13.23.   The representative of Zambia  provided the following statement20: 
13.24.   Zambia would like to commend Ambassador Didier Chambovey  for his exemplary leadership 
during his tenure as Chairperson of the General Council. His outstanding work last year resulted in 
many milestones being achieved including important outcomes at MC12 which now serve as a basis 
for future work in the WTO.  In the same vein, Zambia welcomes the new Chairperson, Ambassador 
Athaliah Molokomme and pledges to work constructively with her in advancing the work of the WTO 
for the benefit of the entire Membership during her tenure.  
13.25.   The General Council took note  of the  statements.  
 
__________  
 
20 The statement was not delivered at the meeting but subsequently provided to the Secretariat for 
inclusion in the record.