WT/MIN(24)/W/12/Add.1  
 
16 February 2024  
(24-1443) Page: 1/14 
Ministerial Conference  
Thirteenth Session  
Abu Dhabi, 26 -29 February 2024    
 
 
DRAFT ABU DHABI MINISTERIAL DECLARATION  
EXPLANATORY  NOTE BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE GENERAL COUNCIL  
H.E. Dr. Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme (Botswana)  
Addendum  
INTRODUCTION  
This draft Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration  in WT/MIN(24)/W/ 12 is presented under my own 
responsibility.  It is without prejudice to Members' positions and proposals and to the final outcome.  
The end result depend s on the full Membership. The textual suggestions submitted by Members, as 
well as the discussions  we had  since November 2023, were the main inputs to this draft  Declaration .  
 
The draft contains placeholders for D ispute Settlement  Reform, WTO Negotiations and WTO Regular 
Work – whose content will depend on  the outcomes of respective  ongoing processes. This addendum 
provides a paragraph -by-paragraph explanation of the draft Declaration. The second section – 
"Additional Textual Proposals from Members as Reflected in the Annex", provides a high -level state 
of play of the discussions for Mem bers' suggested paragraphs where consensus is yet to be reached 
and more work is required. The current state of the texts discussed in these areas appears in the 
annexed matrix.   
 
In considering this draft text, I appeal to Ministers to take into account the delicate balance struck. 
In addition, the hard work and extensive negotiations  of your delegations  has enabled the texts 
annexed to this addendum  under the titles " Additional Textual Proposals from Members as Reflected 
in the Annex " to further advance.  I hope that this draft Declaration and this explanatory note  will be 
useful as Members  finaliz e the Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration  
 
Excellencies,  the importance that we all attach to sending a strong, meaningful, and responsive 
political message from M inisters is evident – particularly given the difficult period we are currently 
living in. Let us all keep in mind what is at stake as we finalize the Abu Dhabi  Ministerial Declaration.  
Let me thank all Members for their constructive engagement throughout this process.  
 
 
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  WT/MIN(24)/W/12/Add.1  
 
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  DRAFT ABU DHABI MINISTERIAL DECLARATION  
EXPLANATIONS  
PARAGRAPH 1  
Paragraph 1 is about reaffirming the principles and objectives set out in the Marrakesh Agreement 
establishing the WTO, in particular – in the context of the WTO's 30th anniversary when MC13 will 
occur.  What is presented is a clean paragraph. In addition, a  delegatio n suggested adding the 
reaffirmation of  the value of taking decisions through a "Member -driven" and "consensus -based" 
process. Other delegations, w hile acknowledging the importance of a consensus -based, 
Member -driven decision -making process, wished to bala nce the proposed addition with the qualifiers 
"flexible", "constructive", and "responsible" to ensur e that th ese principle s were not  used to hinder 
Members from advancing on different issues  of interest . 
 
PARAGRAPH 2  
Paragraph  2 acknowledges that WTO Members , since the establishment of the WTO  30 years ago, 
have sought to fulfil the WTO's objectives consistent with Members' respective needs and concerns 
at different levels of economic development. Important progress has been m ade and Ministers 
express  their resolve to further strengthen the multilateral trading system to provide meaningful 
impetus to address global challenges.  
 
PARAGRAPH 3  
Paragraph  3 refers to the  importance of the  implementation of WTO agreements, Ministerial  
Decisions and Declarations. In doing so, Minister would  take note of progress and instruct relevant 
WTO Bodies to expedite further work. A was proposed to be included regarding the non -fulfilment 
of past mandates and agreements . This was subsequently withdrew with the understanding that the 
term "some issues" encompassed this . 
 
PARAGRAPH 4  
Paragraph  4 reaffirms Ministers' commitment on WTO Reform enshrined in Paragraphs 3 and 4 of 
the MC12 outcome document. It acknowledges that progress has been made – which includes tabling 
several proposals , advancing "reform by doing" work as reflected in the Secretariat Report in 
WT/MIN(24)/7  and WTO Members'  engagement in reform discussions organized under the auspices 
of  the General Council on 10 November 2022  focused on General WTO Reform , 2-3 February 2023  
focused on Development , 16 June 2023 focused on Deliberative Function and Institutional Matters 
and 25 -26 September 2023  focused on Trade and Industrial Policy, respectively . In noting and 
valuing the work done to improve the daily functioning of WTO Bodies, Ministers would instruct the 
General Council and its subsidiary bodies to continue this work and report progress, as appropriate, 
to the next Ministerial Conference.   
 
PARAGRAPH 5  
Paragraph  5 is a placeholder for D ispute Settlement  Reform.  
 
PARAGRAPH 6  
Paragraph  6 reiterates Ministers'  resolve from MC12 to preserve and strengthen the ability of the 
multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core,  to respond to contemporary trade challenges, 
taking advantage of available opportunities, and ensuring the WTO's proper functioning. It 
acknowledges that Members have engaged in the informal meetings on WTO Reform under the 
auspices of General Council  –as detailed in the explanation under paragraph 4 – as well as at the 
Senior Officials Meeting on 23 -24 October 2023 .  It recogni ses the nee d to deepen such dialogue in 
a focused manner. As Members have suggested, the aim of this deepened dialogue is to have a 
better understanding of these issues.  The final sentence of this paragraph was bracketed by a 
delegation subject to the paragraphs that  would follow which it believed qualify the term "some of 
these issues" that Members had "engaged on" and "explored" – and where there would be a need 
to deepen dialogue. Others  delegations clarified  that the term "some of these issues" does not refer WT/MIN(24)/W/12/Add.1  
 
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  to the succeeding paragraphs but relates to "current trade challenges", "available opportunities" and 
those concerning the "WTO's proper functioning" – which have been mentioned on the first sentence 
of this paragraph . 
 
PARAGRAPH 7 
Paragraph 7 about  on Global Supply Chains. In this regard, Ministers would underscore the 
importance of open, inclusive, resilient, sustainable, diversified, and reliable global supply chains, 
and their role in ensuring that production and trade can more easily recover fro m crisis and 
disruptions. Ministers would also note the work being done in WTO bodies, especially on transparency 
including information sharing, and welcome efforts to promote the resilience of global supply chains.  
 
PARAGRAPH 8 
Paragraph 8 is on developme nt. Ministers would reiterate the centrality of the development 
dimension in the work of the WTO and recogni se that the full integration of developing Members 
including LDC Members in the multilateral trading system is important for their economic 
developm ent. In this regard, Ministers would stress the need to make positive efforts so that the 
gains from trade benefit them in accordance with the Marrakesh Agreement.  
 
PARAGRAPH 9 
Paragraphs 9 is specific to LDCs – with Ministers recognizing the particular vu lnerability and special 
needs of LDCs and underscoring that their interests should be given due priority for them to secure 
meaningful integration into the multilateral trading system.  
 
PARAGRAPH 1 0 
Paragraph  10 is on LDC Graduation and recalls the MC12 outcome document on this matter . It then 
welcomes the Decision adopted by the General Council in WT/L/1172 . A placeholder  was suggested 
to reflect the progress of the current work and provide a forward -looking message on Annex 2  of 
the LDC Graduation proposal in document WT/GC/W/807/Rev .2. 
 
PARAGRAPH 1 1 
Paragraph  11 is on Aid for Trade. Ministers would recogni se the importance of this initiative for 
developing Members in particular LDCs for trade -related capacity building and look forward to the 
outcomes of the 9th Global Review and recogni se the continuing need for this Initiative . 
 
PARAGRAPH 1 2 
Paragraph  12 is on Small, Vulnerable Economies (SVEs) . Ministers would  reaffirm their commitment 
to the Work Programme on Small Economies and to facilita te the integration of SVEs into the 
multilateral trading system . 
 
PARAGRAPH 13 
Paragraph  13 relates to Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs). Building on Paragraph 9 of the 
MC12 outcome document, this paragraph acknowledges the importance of the dedicated sessions 
on transit at the Committee on Trade Facilitation, and instructs the Committee on  Trade and 
Development to hold focused sessions to assess trade -related challenges identified for the fuller 
integration of LLDCs into the multilateral trading system  and to report to the General Council, and 
propose recommendations, if any, to the next Mi nisterial Conference.  
 
PARAGRAPH 14 
Paragraph  14 is about Trade and Sustainable Development. Ministers would underscore the 
importance of trade and sustainable development in its three pillars – economic, social, and 
environmental – recalling the objective s in the Marrakesh Agreement and recognizing the role that 
the multilateral trading system can play in contributing towards the achievement of the UN 2030 
Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals, in so far as they relate to the WTO mandate . WT/MIN(24)/W/12/Add.1  
 
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  PARAGRAPH 15 
Paragraph  15 concerns Trade and Inclusion. Ministers would recognise the importance of an inclusive 
and equitable multilateral trading system that that enhances WTO Members' relations in the field of 
trade and economic endeavour with a view to supporting development and raising standards of 
living,  including for developing Members and LDCs, and contributes to ensuring the gains of trade 
benefit all. A Member added  the word "Members" to refine  the scope.  Others sought the deletion of 
this word as in their view, this addition would  alter the message t hat they intended this paragraph 
to conveyed  – that is gains of trade, within and amongst Members . In an effort to bridge convergence 
– by accommodat ing the insertion of the term "Members" w ithout altering the intended message , 
drawing on SDG 10  – the suggestion was made to add the term "within and among" to qualify 
"Members".  This paragraph also recognise s work already underway and welcome s further work by 
Members to hold thematic discussions on improving trade inclusiveness under the overall supervision 
of the General Council, which should report, as appropriate, to the next Ministerial Conference. 
Concern s remains about  the term "trade inclusiveness" and the concept of having thematic 
discussions  as proposed in the text . A suggestion was made to add the p hrase " insofar as they relate 
to Members concerning their multilateral trade relations " after "trade and inclusiveness" to clarify 
the scope of the thematic discussions . Similar to the issue on adding the term "Members", it was 
thought that this suggestion  would alters the scope and purpose of such discussions.   
 
PARAGRAPH 16 
Paragraph  16 is about Women's Economic Empowerment . There is broad support in recognising that 
women's economic empowerment and women's participation in trade contribute to economic growth 
and sustainable development . Ministers would also  take note of work  undertaken in  this regard. To 
address a concern raised regarding the nature of this work,  similar to MC12, a footnote stating that 
"These are general messages on cross -cutting issues that do not change the rights or obligations of 
WTO Members and do not relate to any Joint Statement Initiatives " was suggested to be added. The 
agreement to this  paragraph by few Member s with concerns hinges upon the agreement to the 
insertion of this footnote. The footnote was however requested to be bracketed given that the 
paragraph had been significantly streamlined to address concerns raised earlier regarding  the level 
of specificity and that the reference to the Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender had already 
been deleted from this paragraph.  
 
PARAGRAPH 17 
Paragraph  17 is about Micro, Small and Medium -sized Enterprises (MSMEs) . There is broad support 
in recognising the important role that MSMEs play in economic growth, sustainable development, 
and poverty reduction in all WTO Members, while noting the differences in context, challenges, and 
capabilities of MSMEs among Members. Ministers would also take note of work in this regard.  Similar 
to the previous paragraph, to address a concern raised regarding the nature of this work  undertaken , 
a footnote from the MC12 outcome document stating that " These are general messages on 
cross-cutting issues that do not  change the rights or obligations of WTO Members and do not relate 
to any Joint Statement Initiatives " was suggested to be added. The footnote was however requested 
to be bracketed given that the paragraph had been significantly streamlined to address conc erns 
raised earlier regarding the level of specificity and that the reference to the Informal Working Group 
on MSMEs had already been deleted from this paragraph.  
 
PARAGRAPH 18  
Paragraph 18 covers  Trade in Services. This paragraph builds on the MC12 outcome document  with 
Ministers recognising the role and importance of services to the global economy and in providing a 
stable environment for economic growth and development and tackling global challenges. Ministers 
would then acknowledge the need to fac ilitate the increased participation of developing Members, 
including LDCs, in global services trade and the work undertaken in the Council for Trade in Services 
(in regular and special session) and its subsidiary bodies and commit to reinvigorate work in t his 
regard. Given the importance attached by a delegation to the phrase "w ithin the mandate of the 
GATS and other existing mandates " and its concerns regarding the phrase  "including through further 
thematic, evidence -based discussions ", the last line of th is paragraph has been bracketed. Other 
delegations thought that the phrase was not necessary since the work of the Council for Trade in 
Services is within the mandate of the GATS and other mandates. At the same time, such addition 
would unnecessarily restr ict discussions – including on topics where there is contention about  WT/MIN(24)/W/12/Add.1  
 
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  whether they fall within the GATS mandate such as the one proposed by the delegation who raised 
concern. In an attempt to bridge gaps, a proposal was made to insert the term "their" befo re "work 
on trade in services" – to clearly qualify that the work reinvigorated is that of the Council for Trade 
in Services which operates within the mandate of the GATS and other mandates.  
 
PARAGRAPH 19 
Paragraph  19 contains a placeholder for WTO Negotia tions – that is, agriculture, fisheries subsidies 
and S&DT  which are subject to ongoing negotiations  – as well as a catch all messaging on other 
negotiating areas in Negotiating Groups.  
 
PARAGRAPH 20 
Paragraph 2 0 talks about celebrating WTO Accessions – particularly the successful completion of the 
accession procedures of two LDCs – Comoros and Timor -Leste.  Additional text was proposed to 
reaffirm commitments made at MC12 to facilitate the conclusion of ongoing accessions, especially 
for the LDCs, and provi de technical assistance, where appropriate, including in the post -accession 
phase. Given the political sensitivities on the matter, and since this additional text was generally 
lifted from the MC12 outcome document, the phrase "recall our commitments at ou r Twelfth Session" 
at the end of Paragraph 27 was thought to be sufficient.  
 
PARAGRAPH 2 1 
Paragraph 2 1 concerns Article XII Members and  their levelling the playing field issue. This language 
has been lifted from previous Ministerial Declarations.  
   
PARAGRAPH 22 
Paragraph 22 is on Trade and Crisis Response. Ministers will recogni se the short -term challenges 
faced by Members, in particular developing Members, including  LDCs, confronting global and 
domestic crises including disasters caused by natural hazards  and encourage relevant WTO Bodies 
to continue work to support resilience an d preparedness. This paragraph also includes an instruction 
to present a report of work undertaken and any recommendations, as appropriate, for future action, 
based on Member's suggestions, to the General Council ahead of the next Ministerial Conference.  
 
PARAGRAPH 23 
Paragraph 23 concerns follow up work regarding the MC12 Declaration on the "WTO Response to 
the COVID -19 Pandemic and Preparedness for Future Pandemics". Ministers will take note of work 
done in relevant WTO Council and Committees in this reg ard – as reflected in WT/MIN(24)/ 8 and 
encourage these WTO Bodies to continue this work. Ministers will also note the work of the WTO 
Secretariat in this area and encourage it to continue to do so, as appropriate.  
 
PARAGRAPH 24 
Paragraph 24 contains a pl aceholder for WTO Regular Work including on the Work Programme on 
Electronic Commerce, the Moratorium on TRIPS Non -Violation and Situation Complaints, the Work 
Programme on Small Economies, LDC Graduation – Annex 2,  and TRIPS Waiver Extension  - among 
others. 
 
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  WT/MIN(24)/W/12/Add.1  
 
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ADDITIONAL TEXTUAL PROPOSALS FROM MEMBERS  AS REFLECTED IN THE ANNEX  
EXPLANATIONS  
TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL POLICY  
This text relates to the establishment of a temporary Working Party on Trade and Industrial Policy. 
It provides a description of the functions of this temporary Working Party as a forum for Members 
to share and discuss factual analysis and contains a non -exhaustive  list of topics that could be 
examined. This also includes reporting instructions to the next Ministerial Conference and provides 
for a possibility to propose initiatives, concrete actions,  or recommendations for future work, as 
appropriate.  Significant ef forts were exerted to bridge gaps and address concerns raised  during the 
discussions . The text however remains blue and in square brackets since issues remain to be 
resolved. These include whether there is a need to establish a separate Working Party,  clarification 
of the scope of "trade and industrial policy", and how to ensure that discussions in the temporary 
Working Party are conducted in a neutral and objective manner. During the drafting process, the 
view was expressed that this text is closely linked  to the one on Policy Space for Industrial 
Development. While  it clear that  these two paragraphs are separate, the view was expressed that 
they were linked given that they addressed the same subject matter – that is, industrial policy . As 
such, this text reflects efforts to find balance between the approach to post MC13 discussions on 
Trade and Industrial Policy and on Policy Space for Industrial Development. However, o ther Members 
expressed the view th at these are different things and  should be treated separately . In their view , 
Policy Space for Industrial Development focuses on existing WTO agreements while Trade and 
Industrial Policy is more forward -looking.  
 
POLICY SPACE FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT  
This text resolves to examine the eff ect of WTO agreements on the industrialization, economic 
diversification and structural transformation of developing Members, including LDCs.  It contains a 
non-exhaustive list of work to be undertaken in this regard which would focus on existing needs of 
Members, be based on submissions by Members and be conducted in relevant subsidiary bodies, 
including in dedicated sessions as needed . This also includes instructions to the General Council to 
oversee this work and provide a report, including any recommenda tions, by the next Ministerial 
Conference.  As mentioned above, this text has been part of the same convergence -building outreach 
as Trade and Industrial Policy. Consequently, the text reflects the efforts to find balance between 
the two. This text has evol ved since it was first tabled to address concerns previously raised. No 
specific issues were raised about  this paragraph at the final drafting session  on 15 February  in 
Geneva.  
 
SPECIAL AND DIFFERENTIAL TREATMENT  (S&DT)  
In the proposed text,  Ministers woul d reaffirm the provisions of special and differential treatment for 
developing Members , including LDCs , as an integral part of WTO Agreements. In this regard, 
Ministers would note the progress, encourage the continuation of this work,  and look forward to a 
report on any progress. Proponents of this text reiterated that they awaited the results of ongoing 
negotiations on Special and Differential Treatment  before engaging any further on this text . In this 
regard, others requested that this text be bracketed while waiting for further clarity on the work to 
be taken note of and of which Members would be encouraged to continue.  
 
COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AS FOCAL POINT  
This text  is about the need for effective coordination of develo pment work in the WTO and recalls 
the CTD's role as a focal point of this work. The language in the second line was taken from the 
Terms of Reference of the Committee on Trade and Development in document WT/L/46 . The entire 
text remains bracketed given concerns ra ised about  its value  addition  – especially in light of 
preceding texts tasking other bodies to work on development matters. In an effort to build 
convergence, it was suggested to merge the phrase "We recogni se the need for effective coordination 
of develop ment work in the WTO" with the  text on S&DT  and delete the rest  of the paragraph . 
 WT/MIN(24)/W/12/Add.1  
 
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  SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE  
This text is about establishing a dedicated dialogue on sustainable agriculture. This dialogue will 
provide a forum for discussions on sustainable ag riculture production, productivity, and trade, as 
well as on resilient and sustainable food systems  in recognition of Members ' unique agricultural 
conditions, circumstances, practices, and common concerns related to the environment and climate.  
This also i ncludes instructions to the General Council to hold a retreat in 2024 to identify priority, 
appoint a facilitator, oversee this work and report on progress, including any recommendations, to 
the Fourteenth Session of the Ministerial Conference . While garne ring support from Members, 
several issues remain outstanding . Questions raised include whether the General Council is the 
appropriate forum for this dialogue – even if a facilitator would be appointed, the relation between 
these discussions and those in the Committee in Agriculture, and the level of specificity in terms of 
the conduct of these discussions. Several delegations also noted that they need time to discuss this 
text with capital.  
 
TRADE AND TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY  
This text acknowledges the impo rtance of trade and transfer of technology in responding to global 
challenges and building economic resilience and prosperity for all WTO Members. In doing so, 
Minister will  reinvigorate the work in the Working Group on Trade and Technology Transfer  (WGTTT ) 
including by continuing to work with other relevant international organizations. This text has been 
subjected to extensive discussions – originating from two detailed  proposals with different ways of 
looking at technology transfer within the WTO context.  The fate of the text rests on the reflection of 
the bracketed phrase "on voluntary and mutually agreed terms" which is a must for several 
delegations to agree to its inclusion in the draft declaration. The insertion of this phrase is however 
a redline for  others. The term "facilitating" was also suggested to replace "coordinating" with regard 
to the WGTTT's role in discussions on this matter in the WTO.  One delegation questioned the utility 
of this paragraph given the existence of the WGTTT. Technology tra nsfer on  voluntary and mutually 
agreed terms  was important this delegation who wished to reflect its concerns on forced technology 
transfer.  
 
TRADE AND ENVIRONMENT  
This text originated from extensive discussions in the Committee on Trade and Environment (C TE). 
Given that convergence could not be achieved in the CTE, its Chairperson, presented the text in the 
matrix under his own responsibility . A facilitator was appointed by the General Council Chairperson 
to try and build con vergence  and three options of t he text emerged. In a bid to move Members to 
converge, the Director -General suggested to merge the first sentence  of one of the options of the 
facilitator's draft with the last two sentences.  The deletion of the middle part was suggested to avoid 
reflectin g contentious issues and prevent opening up another polarizing debate – given the deep 
divergences in this regard.  However, s ome noted that this  suggestion  could set them back from the 
work already done since MC12. Delegations  were nonetheless willing to c onsult with their capitals 
on this suggestion to see how best to reach convergence on this text  on this important issue . 
 
ENHANCED INTEGRATED FRAMEWORK (EIF)  
This text acknowledges the contributions of EIF, urges the immediate launch of a well -endowed 
future programme of EIF, and recommends the continuation of prioritising the programmes identified 
by the LDCs. The proponents attach great importance to EIF whic h Members, including donors, 
recognise. At the same time, concerns were raised about  the need to reference EIF in the Ministerial 
Declaration especially given the political sensitivities of the current situation  and the ongoing review 
of the programme . Other delegations also questioned the singling out of EIF amongst other  capacity 
building and technical assistance initiatives, frameworks and funds – which are not mentioned in the 
draft D eclaration.  
 
ONGOING ACCESSIONS  
This text reaffirms the commitments m ade at MC12 to facilitate the conclusion of ongoing accessions 
and provide technical assistance, where appropriate, including in the post -accession phase. While 
the Membership recognises the importance attached to (i) assisting  ongoing accessions advance a nd 
conclude their respective processes, and (ii) the provision of technical assistance in this regard as 
well as during the post -accession phase, political sensitivities exist in explicitly mentioning them in WT/MIN(24)/W/12/Add.1  
 
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  the current draft Declaration. There is referen ce to recalling commitments made at MC12 .  However, 
others  still wish to have an explicit mention of the phrases from MC12 as reflected in the matrix 
table and have said that this is important given that as acceding governments will be participating 
at MC1 3. Given the differences , the phrase "and recall our commitments at our Twelfth Session" was 
bracketed in Paragraph 20. 
 
CROSS -BORDER TELEMEDICINE SERVICES  
This text focuses on recognising the critical role played by cross -border telemedicine services and 
building a pool of globally recognised health professionals to effectively respond to natural disasters 
and pandemics as well as to contribute to fulfilling SDGs. This includes an instruction to relevant 
WTO bodies to continue work on these matters and rep ort progress to the General Council. While 
reference to the discussions in the General Council and the Council for Trade in Services (CTS)  on 
the proposals on cross-border telemedicine services and building a pool of globally recognised health 
professional s were made in the factual report prepared by the WTO Secretariat on pandemic 
response and preparedness ( WT/MIN(24)/8 ), the proponent stressed that the importance of these 
two matters merits their reflection in the draft Declaration. Others noted that Paragraph 23  of the 
draft Declaration strikes the right balance by reflecting all the work done since MC12 on pandemic 
response and preparedness  in a general manner , including discussions on these two issues as 
referenced in the factual report, without listing any specific matters – which would otherwise open 
the door for privileging some topics over others . 
 
COST OF REMITTA NCES  
This text recogni ses (i) the contribution of cross -border remittances towards development and 
financial inclusion  and the achievement of the SDGs, and (ii) the need to reduce cost of remittances. 
This includes an instruction to the Committee on trade in Financial Services (CTFS) to establish a 
work programme in this regard and explore ways on how the WTO, in collaboration with relevant 
international organizations, can address the challenges in this sector. The Membership, particularly 
the developing Me mbers , including LDCs, have recogni sed the importance of this issue. Many have 
expressed their support on referencing this in the draft declaration. At the same time, concerns were 
raised on (i) how the proposal was formulated – focusing on the issue of co st of remittances instead 
of financial inclusion, (ii) the need for a work programme given that such discussion can already 
take place in the CTFS and (iii) the appropriateness of such a text given that there would an 
upcoming seminar on this topic in the CTFS in March 2024. To address these concerns, an alternative 
and additional texts were proposed.  
 
TRIPS MATTERS  
This text talks about two TRIPS -related matters  instruct ing the TRIPS Council : (i) to undertake and 
finalize its first review under Article 71  on the implementation of the TRIPS Agreement  and (ii) to 
expedite its ongoing work to examine the relationship between the TRIPS Agreement and the 
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This includes the instruction to produce a document for 
each matte r and make recommendations to Fourteenth Session of the Ministerial Conference . At the 
final drafting session, several Members took the floor to support this text – which is a merger of two 
proposals. At the same time, concern s were reiterated. In particul ar, they noted that that these 
topics have been taken up in  the TRIPS Council as part of its agenda, but they have not yet resolved 
these matters given  the deep divergences in Members' longstanding positions.  Specifically on CBD, 
reference was made to the diplomatic conference in WIPO in May regarding this matter and that the 
WTO should not pre -empt or duplicate such efforts that the proposed text might suggest.  
 
TRADE AND DEBT  
This text acknowledge s that incr easing levels of debt and global financial crises constitute significant 
challenges for developing Members, including LDCs, and hinders their capacity to integrate 
effectively in the multilateral trading framework and achieve sustainable development. This includes 
an encouragement to discuss trade -related approach that could contribute to mitigate these 
challenges and promote trade finance, including in cooperation with other relevant international 
organizations, and to report on progress at the Fourteenth Session of the Ministerial Conference . 
Concerns mainly related to whether this topic is within the sole competency of the WTO and whether 
the WTO is the appropriate forum for such a discussion.  Proponents ran out of time to engage further 
on this issue.  WT/MIN(24)/W/12/Add.1  
 
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  COHERENCE  
This text is an additional proposal to Paragraph 23 on pandemic response and preparedness. This 
underscores the importance of ensuring coherence of international trade agreements with WTO rules 
and suggests a discussion on short track procedures ai med at facilitating market access for supplies 
needed to deal with pandemic and other emergencies. Similar to the proposal on cross -border 
telemedicine services, it was noted that Paragraph 23 already strikes the right balance between 
reflecting all the wo rk done since MC12 on pandemic response and preparedness  without listing any 
specific matters – which could otherwise open the door for privileging one topic over another.  The 
proponent stressed that this proposal aims to complement and further enrich Para graph 23. 
However, the view  was expressed  that this paragraph should not be re -opened given that it ha d 
already reached convergence among all Members.  
 
ADDITIONAL PARAGRAPH  
This text was offered  to take account  of the  views expressed regarding  informal discussions  in the 
WTO and the pursu ance of positive efforts towards improving the framework for the conduct of 
international trade . It was  noted that this text is from previous WTO Ministerial Declarations and 
Decisions. Others expressed their reservations on the text.  
 
 
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  WT/MIN(24)/W/12/Add.1  
 
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  ANNEX  
 
ADDITIONAL TEXTUAL PROPOSALS FROM MEMBERS  
Colour codes used in the table reflect the following: Blue texts  indicate areas  where convergence 
has not yet been achieved . Orange texts  indicate an alternative to blue texts or suggeste d 
additions.  
Paragraph  Proposed Paragraphs or  
Additional Textual Proposals from Members  
Addition to 
Paragraph 1   
[We reaffirm the value of [our consistent practice of ] taking decisions 
through a [[flexible ] [constructive, ] [responsible ]] consensus -based,  
Member -driven process ]. 
 
Trade and 
Industrial Policy   
[We agree to establish a temporary Working Party to organise regular 
dedicated discussions on trade and industrial policy. The Working Party will 
provide a forum for Members to share and discuss factual analysis and could 
examine, inter alia, (a) the different types of policy tools or measures being 
used by  Members and their impact on global trade and investment; (b) how 
to better support transparency; (c) whether WTO rules need to be improved 
or developed; and, (d) the challenges faced by Members, particularly 
developing Members, including LDCs. The Working  Party will provide a 
factual report on these discussions no later than the next Ministerial 
Conference and may also, as appropriate, propose initiatives, concrete 
actions, or recommendations for future work. ] 
 
Policy Space for 
Industrial 
Development   
[We resolve to examine the effect of WTO agreements on the 
industrialization, economic diversification and structural transformation of 
developing Members, including LDCs. To this end, this work will, inter alia, 
(a) assess any relevant challenges presented b y WTO rules and consider 
how to address them, (b) take account of any relevant opportunities 
presented by WTO rules and ways to enhance them, and (c) consider how 
WTO agreements can better facilitate industrialization and contribute to 
building resilience to global challenges. The work shall focus on existing 
needs of Members, be based on submissions by Members and be conducted 
in relevant subsidiary bodies, including in dedicated sessions as needed. The 
General Council shall oversee and provide a report on  this work, including 
any recommendations, by the 14th Ministerial Conference. ] 
 
Special and 
Differential 
Treatment 
(S&DT)   
[We reaffirm the provisions of special and differential treatment for 
developing Members , including LDCs , as an integral part of the WTO [and 
its] agreements. We note the progress and encourage the continuation of 
work in the CTD SS and other relevant bodies of the WTO to improve the 
application of special and differential treatment and look forward to a repo rt 
on any progress to the General Council and subsequently to the Fourteenth 
Session of the Ministerial Conference .] 
 
Committee on 
Trade and 
Development 
(CTD) as a Focal 
Point   
[We recogni se the need for effective coordination of development work in 
the WTO and recall the role of the Committee on Trade and Development 
(CTD) to serve as a focal point for consideration and coordination of work 
on development in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its relationship 
to development -related activities in other multilateral agencies. ] 
 WT/MIN(24)/W/12/Add.1  
 
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  Paragraph  Proposed Paragraphs or  
Additional Textual Proposals from Members  
Sustainable 
Agriculture   
[We agree to establish a dedicated dialogue on sustainable agriculture, 
taking into account the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 
dialogue will provide a forum for discussions on sustai nable agriculture 
production, productivity, and trade, as well as on resilient and sustainable 
food systems, in recognition of Members’ unique agricultural conditions, 
circumstances, practices, and common concerns related to the environment 
and climate. We  instruct the General Council to organize a retreat in 2024 
to identify priorities. The General Council shall appoint a facilitator for the 
dialogue, oversee its work, and, as a result of the discussions, report on this 
work, including any recommendations for future multilateral work, at the 
Fourteenth Session of the Ministerial Conference .] 
 
Trade and 
Transfer of 
Technology   
[We acknowledge the importance of the relationship between trade and 
technology transfer [, on voluntary and  mutually agreed terms ] in 
responding to global challenges and building economic resilience and 
prosperity for all WTO Members, in particular develop ing Members,  including  
LDCs. We recogni se the role of the Working Group on Trade and Technology 
Transfer in coordinating discussions within the WTO and encourage their 
continuation, including by continuing to work with other relevant 
international organiza tions. ] 
 
Trade and 
Environment   
[We reaffirm the importance of the contribution that the multilateral trading 
system can make to addressing the global environmental challenges and 
promoting the UN 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals 
(SDGs) i n its three dimensions, insofar as they relate to WTO mandates and 
in a manner consistent with the Members' respective needs and concerns at 
different levels of economic development. In this regard, we will promote 
cooperation on environmental aspects of t rade, innovation, and technology 
transfer, particularly to developing Members , including LDCs . Recalling the 
1994 Marrakesh Ministerial Decision and subsequent ministerial decisions 
on trade and environment, the Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE) 
must continue to promote Member’s engagement on its agenda, including 
by fostering transparency and structured dialogue on trade -related aspects 
of environmental measures as well as their effects on market access, 
organizing the sharing of Members' practices and experiences, identifying 
trade policy tools that facilitate trade while contributing to addressing global 
environmental challenges, revitalizing its procedures, and collaborating with 
other WTO bodies as appropriate. We recogni se the ongoing efforts of the 
CTE, including hosting Thematic Sessions to allow Members to deepen 
discussions and explore new topics with inclusivity and transparency, 
reaching out to the secretariats of international organizations, and learning 
views from external stakeholders. The CTE will provide a factual report on 
its activities to the General Council towards the Fourteenth Session of the 
Ministerial Conference , offering recommendations, if needed, that reflect 
the discussions among Members. ] 
 WT/MIN(24)/W/12/Add.1  
 
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  Paragraph  Proposed Paragraphs or  
Additional Textual Proposals from Members  
Alternati ve from the Director -General  
 
[We reaffirm the importance of the contribution that the multilateral trading 
system can make to addressing global environmental challenges, including 
climate change and related natural disasters, loss of biodiversity and 
pollution, and promoting the UN 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable 
Development Goals (SDGs) in its economic, social and environmental 
dimensions, insofar as they relate to WTO mandates and in a manner 
consistent with the Members' respective n eeds and concerns at different 
levels of economic development. We recogni se the ongoing efforts of the 
Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE), including hosting Thematic 
Sessions to allow Members to deepen discussions, including on the 
relationship betwe en trade measures and environmental measures. The CTE 
will provide a factual report on its activities to the General Council before 
the Fourteenth Session of the Ministerial Conference , including possible 
recommendations. ] 
 
 
Addition to 
Paragraph 10  
 [Placeholder on the progress of current work and forward -looking message 
on Annex 2. ] 
EIF  
[We acknowledge the contribution of Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) 
in building trade capacity of LDCs and we urge the launch of a well -endowed 
future programme of EIF immediately after the end of second phase to avoid 
disruption of support in the context of impending conclusion of the EIF 
Phase  II, and we recommend it continues to prioritise the programmes 
identified by LDCs. ] 
 
Ongoing 
Accessions   
[We reaffirm our commitments made at the Twelfth Session to facilitate the 
conclusion of ongoing accessions, especially for the LDCs, and provide 
technical assistance, where appropriate, including in the post -accession 
phase. ] 
 
Cross -border 
Telemedicine 
Services   
[We recall the Declaration at our Twelfth Session  on the "WTO response to 
COVID -19 pandemic and preparedness for future pandemics" and take note 
of the work done in relevant WTO Councils and Committees.  In this regard, 
[cross-border telemedicine services and building a pool of globally 
recognised health – professionals have a critical role to enable Members to 
effectively respond to natural disasters and pandemics and to promote the 
achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals ] in so far as they relate 
to the WTO mandate . [We instruct the relevant WTO bodies including CTS 
to continue to work on these areas based on Member's submissions, in 
accordance with the Declaration, and report progress to General Council 
every year. ]] 
 WT/MIN(24)/W/12/Add.1  
 
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  Paragraph  Proposed Paragraphs or  
Additional Textual Proposals from Members  
Cost of 
Remittances   
[We recogni se the significant contribution of cross border remittances 
towards development and financial inclusion, particularly in developing 
Members,  including LDCs , as well as to promote achievement of the 2030 
Sustainable Development Go als. In this regard, we recognise the need to 
reduce the cost of these remittances in advancing financial inclusion. We 
instruct the Committee on Trade in Financial Services to establish a work 
programme to develop understanding on factors contributing to the cost of 
remittance services and explore ways on how WTO, in collaboration with 
relevant international organi zations, can address the challenges in this 
sector. ] 
 
Alternative  Suggestion  
 
[We take note of the work done to date in the Council on Trade in Financial 
Services. We recogni se that improving the financial empowerment of 
women and other financially underserved groups is critical to inclusive 
development. In this regard, we recogni se that trade in financial services 
contributes to expanding access to and use of financial services. We 
welcome Members’ proposals in the Committee on Trade in Financial 
Services aimed at advancing our understanding of various aspects of 
financial inclusion. We recogni se the contribution of cross border 
remittances towards development and financial inclusion, particularly in 
developing Members,  including LDCs. In this regard, we welcome the 
upcoming seminar on cross border remittances in March 2024 and 
encourage further discussions towards advancing our un derstanding of 
financial inclusion. ] 
 
Additional  Suggestion  
 
[We recogni se that improving the financial empowerment of women and 
other financially underserved groups, including indigenous and rural 
communities, is critical to inclusive development. In this  regard, we 
recogni se that trade in financial services contributes to expanding access to 
and use of financial services. We instruct the Committee on Trade in 
Financial Services to further discuss how trade in financial services and 
financial services trad e policy can be leveraged to financially empower 
women and other financially underserved groups. ] 
 
TRIPS  Matters   
[Keeping in mind the upcoming 30th anniversary of the TRIPS Agreement,  
we the Ministers instruct the TRIPS Council to undertake and finalize its first 
review under Article 71 on the implementation of the TRIPS Agreement; 
further, we instruct the Council to  expedite its ongoing work to examine the 
relationship between TRIPS and the Convention on Biological Diversity 
(CBD), and the protection of traditional knowledge and folklore, including in 
cooperation with the WIPO and other relevant international organi zations; 
in order to produce a document for each and make  recommendations to  
the Fourteenth Session of the Ministerial Conference . In undertaking this 
work, the TRIPS Council shall be guided by the objectives and principles set 
out in Articles 7 and 8 of the TRIPS Agreement and shall take fully into 
account the development dimension. ]  
 WT/MIN(24)/W/12/Add.1  
 
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  Paragraph  Proposed Paragraphs or  
Additional Textual Proposals from Members  
 
Trade and Debt  
  
[We acknowledge that increasing levels of debt and global financial crises 
constitute significant challenges for developing Members, including LDCs,  
and hinders their capacity to integrate effectively in the multilateral trading 
framework and achieve sustainable development. We encourage Members 
to discuss, based on Members’ submissions, trade -related approach that 
could contribute to mitigate these cha llenges and promote trade finance, 
including in cooperation with other relevant international organizations, and 
to report to ministers in the Fourteenth Session of the Ministerial Conference  
on progress made. ] 
 
Coherence   
[We underscore the importance of ensuring the coherency of international 
trade arrangements developed in various international trade -related 
organizations and in the WTO. With that in mind, we, as participants of such 
international organizations, will take appropriate steps to ensure that such 
arrangements are consistent with the WTO rules. We intend to discuss short 
track procedures aimed at facilitating market access for supplies needed to 
deal with pandemics and other emergencies. ] 
 
Additional 
Paragraph   
[We note the importance of transparent, accessible, and inclusive 
discussions and recogni se that many participants view informal discussions 
as a particularly important component of developing and building 
convergence towards multilateral solutions on key issues.  We r eaffirm that 
no Member should be prevented from pursuing positive efforts towards 
improving the framework for the conduct of international trade. Accordingly, 
this document shall not be used in a manner that would undermine positive 
efforts among Members t o build convergence with a view to improving the 
framework for the conduct of international trade. ] 
 
 
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