WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/COMTD/LDC/W/44 
10 March 2009 
 
 (09-1205) 
Sub-Committee on Least-Developed Countries  
  
 
ACCESSION OF LEAST-DEVELOPED COUNTRIES TO THE WTO 
 
Note by the Secretariat
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
I. INTRODUCTION 
1. At the 51
st Session of the Sub-Committee on Least-Developed Countries, the Secretariat was 
requested to prepare a note on the accession of Least -Developed Countries (LDCs).  In the past, the 
Sub-Committee has been briefed on the state-of-play in LDCs' accession through short, informal notes 
prepared by the Secretariat.  This note  builds on the earlier state-of-play papers.1  It includes 
information on the implementation of measures to facilitate and streamline the accession processes of 
LDCs, including technical assistance and capacity building efforts.   
2. The challenges facing LDCs in accession are rec ognised by the international community and 
the WTO membership.  In May 2001, the Brussels Pr ogramme of Action (POA) adopted by the Third 
United Nations Conference on LDCs  called for the streamlining of WTO accession requirements to 
ensure that the accession process is more effective and less onerous and tailored to the LDCs' specific 
economic conditions.2  At the Fourth Ministerial Conference in Doha (November 2001), WTO 
Ministers stressed the importance they attached to  concluding accession negotiations, in particular 
those of LDCs, "as quickly as possible".  Furtherm ore, they agreed to work to "facilitate and 
accelerate accession negotiations" with acceding LDCs, a nd instructed the WTO Secretariat to reflect 
the priority attached by Members to LDCs' accession in the annual pl ans for technical assistance.  The 
Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration also stressed the importance of facilitating and accelerating the 
accession negotiations of LDCs.   
3. Since Doha, steps have been taken to fac ilitate and accelerate the accession of LDCs.  In 
February 2002, the Sub-Committee on LDCs a dopted the WTO Work Programme for LDCs 
(WT/COMTD/LDC/11), which reflected LDCs' accession as one of the systemic issues to address the 
particular needs, interests and concerns of th e LDCs.  More specifically, the Work Programme 
outlined specific actions in the area of LDCs' accession, including:  (i) discussion of LDCs' accession 
in Sub-Committee meetings, coincidi ng with the Geneva Week briefi ngs for non-resident delegations; 
                                                      
1 Information on the state-of-pla y in LDCs' accessions has been prov ided in documents JOB(03)/87, 
JOB(03)/191, JOB(04)/3, JOB(05)/180, JOB(06)/242 and JOB(07)/147. 
2 In 2006, the Director-General submitted his report on the Mid-Term Review of the Implementation of 
the POA, including the WTO's implementation of POA commitments with respect to LDCs' accession to the 
WTO (WT/COMTD/LDC/13). This document has been prepa red under the Secretariat's own 
responsibility and without prejudice to the positions of Members 
and to their rights and obligations under the WTO WT/COMTD/LDC/W/44 
Page 2  
 
  (ii) briefings by the Chairpersons of LDCs' Ac cession Working Parties and the acceding LDCs on the 
state-of-play in the Working Parties; (iii) a report to the General Council with recommendations to "facilitate and accelerate negotiations with acceding LDCs"; (iv) a report by the Secretariat on 
technical assistance activities in support of LDCs' ac cession; and (v) a status report by the Director-
General to the Fifth Ministerial Conference on the "Implementation of the Commitment by Ministers 
to Facilitate and Accelerate the Accession of the LDCs".   
4. Pursuant to the Work Programme, the Sub-Committee on LDCs has accorded high 
importance to the accession of LDCs to the WTO.  One important outcome from the implementation 
of the LDCs' Work Programme was the developmen t of the Guidelines on the Accession of LDCs by 
the Sub-Committee, which were subsequently a pproved by the General Council in December 2002.
3  
The Director-General in his status report to the Fifth Ministerial Conference on the "Implementation 
of the Commitment by Ministers to Facilitate and Accelerate the Accession of the LDCs" stated that 
the "adoption of the Guidelines represents the willingness of WTO Members to show greater 
flexibility all around".4   
5. Among the 49 countries classified by the United Nations as least-developed, 32 are Members 
of the WTO, and 12 are currently in the pro cess of accession - Afghanistan, Bhutan, Comoros, 
Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Lao PDR, Liberia, Samoa, Sao Tomé and Principe, Sudan, Vanuatu, and Yemen.  In these accessions, the state-of-play and steps taken in response to challenges are 
highlighted and reviewed in the sections below.   
II. STATE-OF-PLAY IN ONGOING LDC
S' ACCESSION 
6. This section provides a brief description of the state-of-play for each LDC in the process of 
accession.  The countries are presented in alphabeti cal order, except for LDCs in the very initial 
stages of accession.  For these countries, the su bmission of a Memorandum on the Foreign Trade 
Regime (MFTR) by the acceding government is s till pending and, as a consequence, the Working 
Party has yet to meet.  Information on LDCs' ac cession in the very initial stages is presented in 
summary form at the end of the section.   
7. Working Party meetings were held for four LDCs in 2008 (Bhutan, Ethiopia, Lao PDR, and 
Yemen), and two accessions were advanced through c onsultations or contacts (Samoa and Vanuatu).  
A similar level of activity is expected in 2009.  In all accessions, the pace of negotiations depends on 
a range of factors, including the timely submission of the necessary inputs. 
8. The Working Party on the Accession of Bhutan  was established in October 1999.  Bhutan's 
Memorandum on its Foreign Trade Regime was subm itted in February 2003.  Four Working Party 
meetings have been held (in November 2004, October 2005, October 2006 and January 2008).  
The next meeting of the Working Party will be orga nized as soon as the necessary inputs are received 
from Bhutan.   
9. Multilateral work is progressing on the basis of a Draft Report of the Working Party.  Areas 
identified as needing further work include foreign exchange and payments, tr ading rights, quantitative 
restrictions and import licensing, TRIMs and TRIPS.   The Working Party is considering requests for 
transitional arrangements for the implementation of WTO rules on Customs Valuation, SPS, TBT, 
and TRIPS.   
                                                      
3 The Guidelines are contained in document WT/L/508.   
4 The status report by the Director-General  is contained in document WT/MIN(03)/2.  WT/COMTD/LDC/W/44 
 Page 3 
 
 
  10. Bhutan is engaged in bilateral market access ne gotiations with Canada, China, Japan, EC and 
the US.  A team from Bhutan visited Geneva in J une 2008 to advance the bilateral negotiations.  No 
bilateral agreement has been signed so far. 
11. Over the past three years, Bhutan has addr essed Constitutional reform leading to national 
elections.  In addition, there has been staff tur nover at the Ministry of Economic Affairs.  These 
factors have affected the pace of Bhutan's accession.     
12. Ethiopia 's Working Party was established in Fe bruary 2003.  Ethiopia submitted its 
Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime in Decem ber 2006.  The first Working Party meeting was 
held in May 2008 to consider the documents submit ted by Ethiopia and set a marker for the work 
ahead.  Ethiopia is preparing new inputs for the next meeting of the Working Party (i.e. replies to 
questions, legislative action plan, and checklists on agricultural support, SPS/TBT and TRIPS).  
Bilateral market access negotiations on goods and ser vices will begin in earnest once Ethiopia submits 
its initial offers.   
13. The Working Party on the Accession of Lao PDR  was established in February 1998.  
Lao PDR submitted its Memorandum on the Foreig n Trade Regime in March 2001.  The Working 
Party has held four meetings - in October 2004,  November 2006, November 2007, and July 2008.   
14. The Secretariat circulated a Factual Summary of  Points Raised in October 2007 to assist the 
Working Party in its deliberations on multilateral issues.  The Factual Summary was subsequently 
revised (in June 2008), and will be further updated prior to the next meeting.  Progress has been 
steady, particularly with the adoption of new legisl ation by Lao PDR.  The Lao Government is in the 
process of revising regulations and reducing the product coverage of goods subject to price controls, 
import/export prohibitions, and licensing.  Other areas being studied, or subject to further work, 
include trading rights, customs issues, subsidies, SPS, TBT, TRIMs and TRIPS.  Requests for transitional arrangements have been tabled fo r the implementation of some WTO Agreements 
(Customs Valuation, SPS, TBT, TRIMs and TRIPS).   
15. Lao PDR is engaged in bilateral market acces s negotiations with Australia, Canada, Chinese 
Taipei, the EC, India, Japan and the US.  No bila teral agreement has been concluded so far.   
16. Samoa
's Working Party was established in July 1998.  Samoa circulated its Memorandum in 
February 2000, and the Working Party met in March 2002.  Multilateral work has since continued on 
an informal basis, usually on the margins of the Geneva Week.  An informal consultation took place 
in July 2008.  Inputs from Samoa for a possible c onsultation on the fringes of the next Geneva Week 
(in May 2009) are still pending.   
17. On the multilateral front, the discussions are advancing on the basis of a draft Working Party 
Report.  Key outstanding issues concern quantita tive import restrictions, internal taxes, and 
intellectual property rights.  Samoa is drafting legi slation to bring its foreign trade regime into 
conformity with WTO rules.  Transitional arrangements are being examined with respect to the implementation of WTO rules on SPS and TRIPS.   
18. Samoa has been conducting bilateral market acce ss negotiations with Australia, China, the 
EC, Honduras, Japan, New Zealand and the US.  Ag reements have been concluded with China, 
Honduras and New Zealand.   WT/COMTD/LDC/W/44 
Page 4  
 
  19. Samoa is scheduled to graduate from LDC status by the end of 2010
5 – a factor which is 
adding momentum to the process.   
20. Sudan 's Working Party was established in Oct ober 1994.  Sudan's accession dossier was 
activated with the submission of its Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime in January 1999.  
The Working Party held its first meeting in  July 2003, and met again in March 2004.  
In September 2004, the Secretariat prepared and ci rculated a Factual Summary of Points Raised to 
facilitate further work on the multilateral front.   
21. Sudan has been advancing its bilateral market access negotiations with interested Members.  
Brazil, China and Jordan have concluded thei r bilateral negotiations with Sudan.     
22. Vanuatu 's Working Party was established in July 1995, and the final meeting of the Working 
Party was held in October 2001.  Shortly before Va nuatu's accession package w as to be sent for the 
approval of Ministers at Doha, the authorities of Va nuatu informed the Secret ariat that they needed 
more time to consider the package.  This accessi on will be completed only after interested Members 
and Vanuatu can agree to changes, if an y, in the package already agreed.   
23. On 12 March 2008, the Government of Vanua tu endorsed a proposal to resume the WTO 
accession process.  A team of ni-Vanuatu officials vi sited Geneva in July 20 08 and in November 2008 
to make contact with concerned Geneva delegations.  Discussions are ongoing to establish a possible 
basis for the resumption of Vanuatu's accession in th e near term.  The authorities of Vanuatu are also 
making efforts to sensitize the relevant domestic stakeholders on the importance of concluding the 
accession process.   
24. Yemen 's Working Party was established in July 2000.  Steady progress has been made since 
Yemen's submission of a Memorandum on its Foreign Trade Regime in November 2002.  
The Working Party has held five meetings - in November 2004, October 2005, July 2006, 
November 2007, and October 2008.  The timing of th e next meeting depends on the receipt of the 
inputs from Yemen.   
25. Prior to the next meeting, the Secretariat will revise the Elements of the Draft Working Party 
Report.  Concerning the systemic issues discussed in the Working Party, gaps re main in areas such as 
trading rights, fees and charges, import prohibitions and licensing, customs valuation, subsidies, SPS, 
TBT, TRIMs and TRIPS.  Yemen is seeking flexib ilities in these areas, and has been requested to 
provide more detailed action plans and specific ju stifications to facilitate agreement on possible 
transitional arrangements.   
26. On the bilateral front, Yemen is engaged in  market access negotiations with Australia, 
Canada, the EC, El Salvador, Japan, Korea (Rep. o f) and the US.  China concluded its negotiations 
with Yemen in 2006.   
27. Domestic reforms to bring Yemen's trade a nd economic regime in conformity with WTO 
requirements are to be accelerated in 2009.   
28. As for the five LDCs in the in itial stages of their accession processes , their respective 
Working Parties were established by the General Council between December 2004 and 
February 2008.  The Working Parties are listed in ch ronological order in Table 1.  In accordance with 
established procedures and practice, the first step to  activate the accession process is the tabling of a 
Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime by th e acceding Government.  The Memorandum is 
                                                      
5 UN ECOSOC Resolution E/2007/L.35 and the UN General Assembly Resolutions A/RES/59/209 and 
A/RES/62/97.  WT/COMTD/LDC/W/44 
 Page 5 
 
 
  circulated to all Members of the WTO, and they ar e invited to seek clarifications on the information 
contained in the Memorandum.  Once the initial exch ange of formal questions and replies has been 
completed, and circulated by the Secretariat, the Wo rking Party will be able to hold its first meeting.  
The submission of the Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime is still pending for all countries 
listed in Table 1.   
Table 1:  LDCs' accessions in the initial stages  
 
Name of country   
Working Party established in 
Afghanistan  DECEMBER 2004 
Sao Tomé and Principe May 2005 
Comoros October 2007 
Liberia December 2007 
Equatorial Guinea  February 2008 
 
III. LDC S' ACCESSIONS COMPLETED SINCE 2002 
29. Three LDCs have successfully completed their accession negotiations pursuant to the 
provisions of Article XII of the Marrakesh Agreem ent establishing the World Trade Organization.   
30. The Working Party on the accession of Cambodia  held its final meeti ng, and thus concluded 
its mandate, in July 2003.  Cambodia's accession term s were formally approved by Ministers at the 
Fifth WTO Ministerial Conference held in Cancún (Mexico) in September 2003.6  Following 
domestic ratification, Cambodia became the 148th Member of the WTO on 13 October 2004.   
31. The Working Party on the accession of Nepal  concluded its mandate in August 2003.  Nepal's 
accession terms were formally approved by Minister s at the Fifth WTO Ministerial Conference in 
September 2003.7  Nepal subsequently ratified the term s and conditions of its membership, and 
became the 147th Member of the WTO on 23 April 2004.   
32. The final meeting of the Working Party on the accession of Cape Verde  was held in early 
December 2007.  The Working Party forwarded Cape Verde's accession package to the General 
Council, which approved the terms of Cape  Verde's accession at a meeting held on 
18 December 2007.8  Cape Verde ratified the terms and condi tions of its membership to become the 
153rd Member of the WTO on 23 July 2008.9   
                                                      
6 Cambodia's Protocol of Accession is contained in document WT/M IN(03)/18, the Report of the 
Working Party and the Schedules of Concessions and Commitments on Goods and Services are contained in 
WT/ACC/KHM/21 and its Addenda 1 and 2.   
7 Nepal's Protocol of Accession is  contained in document WT/MIN(03) /19, the Report of the Working 
Party and the Schedules of Concessions and Commitments on Goods and Services are contained in 
WT/ACC/NPL/16 and its Addenda 1 and 2.   
8 Cape Verde's Protocol of Accession is contained in document WT/L/715, the Report of the Working 
Party and the Schedules of Concessions and Commitments on Goods and Services are contained in 
WT/ACC/CPV/30 and its Addenda 1 and 2.   
9 Cape Verde graduated from the LDCs' Group effective 1 January 2008 (UN General Assembly 
Resolution A/RES/59/210). WT/COMTD/LDC/W/44 
Page 6  
 
  IV. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GENERAL COUNCIL DECISION OF 
10 DECEMBER 2002 
33. The Guidelines on the accession of LDCs were developed by the Sub-Committee on LDCs, 
and subsequently approved by the General Council in December 2002.  The General Council's 
Decision mandated the Sub-Committee to review th e implementation of the Guidelines on a regular 
basis.  Accession of LDCs has since been an item on the agenda of the Sub-Committee.  In this and 
other fora, Members have stressed the importance they attach to the Guid elines.  Acceding LDCs, 
supported by LDC Members in the WTO, continue to  call for full and faithful implementation of the 
Guidelines on LDCs' accession.
10 
34. The Decision calls for LDCs' accessions to be facilitated and accelerated through simplified 
and streamlined procedures with a view to concludi ng the negotiations as quickly as possible, and sets 
out Guidelines with respect to:  (i) market access; (ii) WTO rules; (iii) the process; and (iv) trade-
related technical assistance and capacity building.  The analysis in this section is thus organized 
according to these four themes.   
(i) Market Access 
35. The Guidelines stipulate that Members are to  exercise restraint in seeking concessions and 
commitments on trade in goods and services from acceding LDCs, while acceding LDCs are expected to offer access through reasonable concessions and co mmitments commensurate with their individual 
development, financial and trade needs.   
36. In accordance with established procedures a nd practice, market access negotiations are 
conducted between the acceding government and inte rested Members on a bilateral basis.    
Information about the status of requests and offers in the bilateral negotiati ons is limited, although 
agreed results shall apply MFN.  However, based on the information available, it would appear that 
Members active in market access negotiations with acceding governments, have decided not to exercise their rights to enter into such negotiati ons with all, or some, acceding LDCs.  Members 
engaged in such negotiations state that their request s have been developed while exercising restraint 
in keeping with the Guidelines.   
37. Concerning the three completed LDCs' accessions , Cambodia, Nepal and Cape Verde have 
bound their tariffs at levels of 19.0, 26.0 and 15.8 per cent, respectively.
11  Reductions in the bound 
rates are being effected over periods up to ten year s (from their dates of accession).  For the three 
countries, the average final bound rates are at levels of  up to double the level of their applied rates at 
the time of accession.  With regard to the 160 services sub-sectors in which commitments can be 
made under the GATS, Cambodia, Nepal, and Cape  Verde undertook specific commitments in 94, 99 
and 77 of these sub-sectors, respectively.   
(ii) WTO Rules 
38. The Guidelines state that the WTO's special a nd differential treatment provisions shall be 
applicable to all acceding LDCs, and that, based on identified needs, transitional arrangements – 
accompanied by action plans – shall be granted to enable acceding LDCs to implement their 
commitments and obligations effectively.  The acti on plans are to be supported by technical assistance 
                                                      
10 See paragraphs 56 to 59 of the Maseru Declaration adopted by LDC Trade Ministers in 
February 2008 (WT/L/719). 
11 These percentages refer to the average final bound ra tes, i.e. at the end of the implementation period.  
Detailed information concerning the terms of accession of Cambodia, Nepal and Cape Verde (and other acceded 
Members) can be found in their respective schedules.    WT/COMTD/LDC/W/44 
 Page 7 
 
 
  and capacity building measures for acceding LDCs.  Accession to the Plurilateral Trade Agreements 
or participation in other optional sectoral market access initiatives shall not be a precondition for their 
accession to the WTO.   
39. The Working Party assesses the ability of th e acceding government to apply and enforce 
WTO rules and requirements from the date of accession.   This is at the centre of the multilateral work 
of every accession Working Party.  Achieving WT O conformity frequently requires changes and 
reforms in the legal, institutional and administ rative framework of the acceding country.  For an 
acceding LDC, the Working Party wi ll engage in fact-finding to establish the level of existing 
conformity with WTO obligations, and develop a common understanding of the changes that would 
be required to ensure compliance in  areas where such conformity is l acking.  As stipulated in the 
Guidelines, the acceding LDC will table action plans for compliance with WTO rules, as necessary.  
Technical assistance needs may also be identified a nd examined in connection with the action plans to 
ensure that they remain operational before a nd after accession.  Any requests for transitional 
arrangements for the implementation of WTO Agreements are considered on the basis of the action plans.  The length of the transitional arrangement is a function of the projected date of accession and 
the foreseen end-date for the implementation of sp ecific measures under the action plan.  Transitional 
arrangements are agreed and confirmed through the adoption of the Report of the Working Party and 
are applicable from the date of accession.   
40. Transitional arrangements are under considera tion in all ongoing LDCs' accession Working 
Parties that have advanced beyond the first meeting( s) of the Working Party.  In the completed LDCs' 
accessions, Nepal was granted transitional periods to implement the WTO Agreements on Customs 
Valuation, SPS, TBT and TRIPS.  For Cambodia,  its implementation of the WTO Agreements on 
Customs Valuation, Rules of Origin, SPS, TBT and TRIPS has been subject to transitional arrangements, and specific flexibilities were agreed  for the phasing-in of WTO obligations with 
respect to trading rights and import measures on certain goods, and the establishment of a WTO-
consistent duty drawback scheme.  Cape Verde negotiated its terms of accession as an LDC.  Cape 
Verde has now graduated but is still enjoying transition periods for the implementation of the WTO 
Agreements on Customs Valuation, Subsidies a nd Countervailing Measures, SPS, and TRIPS, and 
specific flexibilities for the modification of legisla tion regarding customs user fee, free zones, and 
subsidies.  Technical assistance needs have been evaluated and are being provided by the WTO, other 
intergovernmental organizations, and WTO Members.   Neither Cambodia nor Nepal nor Cape Verde 
have made commitments to accede to any of the Pl urilateral Trade Agreements, and they have opted 
for less than full participation in sectoral initiatives.   
(iii) Process 
41. The Guidelines identify general and specific me asures to streamline the accession procedures 
and processes for acceding LDCs.  The Guidelines not e that the good offices of the Director-General 
shall be available to assist acceding LDCs and th e chairpersons of their Working Parties.   
42. WTO Members and the Secretariat are conscious of  the need to ensure that the documentation 
exchange in each LDC's accession Working Party re mains pertinent and not more onerous than 
necessary.  The Secretariat is mandated to prepare a "Factual Summary of Points Raised" at an early 
stage of the multilateral accession process to fac ilitate and guide additional fact-finding in LDCs' 
accessions.
12  Each Working Party meeting is conclude d with a summary of the exact inputs and 
materials expected from the acceding LDC for the ne xt meeting, to ensure that the number of 
meetings are kept to a minimum.   
                                                      
12 In other accessions, the Factual Summary is pr epared only when the available information is 
sufficiently complete.   WT/COMTD/LDC/W/44 
Page 8  
 
  43. For non-resident acceding LDCs, Working Party meetings or consultations are routinely 
scheduled on the margins of the Geneva Week to ease the financial burden on these delegations.  The 
increasing use of information technology by accedi ng LDCs and Members has also facilitated the 
exchange of information as well as the negotiations.  Bilateral contacts are often effected by electronic 
mail, videoconferencing, or by visits to the capitals  of the concerned parties.  The WTO Secretariat 
has assisted in the establishment of WTO Refere nce Centres in ten of the 12 acceding LDCs.
13   
44. The Director-General of the WTO accords priority  attention to accessions, in particular to the 
accession of LDCs.  The good offices of the Direct or-General remain available, as and when 
appropriate, to assist acceding LDCs.  Chairs of Wo rking Parties, supported by the Secretariat, have 
also carried out high-level visits to acce ding LDCs to advance their accession process. 
(iv) Trade-Related Technical Assistance and Capacity Building  
45. The Guidelines call for targeted, coordinated  a nd effective technical assistance and capacity 
building measures to be provided, on a priority basi s, to assist acceding LDCs at all stages of the 
accession process.  The assistance is to be provided  by the WTO and other relevant multilateral, 
regional and bilateral de velopment partners.   
46. The WTO delivers technical assistance to acceding LDCs on a priority basis.  WTO 
assistance is being provided under the Biennial Technical Assistance and Training Plan for 2008-2009.
14  Assistance provided by the WTO includes ac tivities carried out in the acceding LDCs, WTO 
outreach, regional seminars and workshops, the establis hment of reference centres, participation in 
general and specialized training courses organized by the WTO15, the Geneva Week for non-resident 
delegations, and trainee and inte rnship programmes.  Acceding LD Cs have participated in over 
600 WTO activities since 2003.  LDCs, including acceding LDCs, are entitled to three national 
activities per year.  The activities are funded and or ganized by the WTO on the basis of needs and 
priorities identified by the acceding government. 
47. Other multilateral agencies and bilateral donors c ontinue to provide significant and valuable 
support to acceding LDCs at all stages of the accession process and post-accession.16  The assistance 
sought by acceding governments is inter alia  linked to the submission of documentation to the 
Working Party, the preparation of legislation (inclu ding translation into an official language of the 
WTO), training, outreach to the general public or key stakeholders, and the establishment and 
operation of enforcement mechanisms.  The WTO/ OECD Doha Development Agenda Trade-Related 
Technical Assistance and Capacity-Building Database17 provides an overview of the assistance 
available.  Table 2 provides an illustrative list of the assistance being provided to acceding LDCs.
                                                      
13 WTO Reference Centres have been established in Bhutan, Comoros, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, 
Lao PDR, Samoa, Sao Tomé and Principe, Sudan, Vanuatu and Yemen.  They are yet to be established in 
Afghanistan and Liberia. 
14 See document WT/COMTD/W/160.  WTO Technical Assistance Products have been grouped as 
General WTO-Related Technical Assistance and Training ; Specialized and Advanced  Technical Assistance and 
Training; Academic Support for Training and Capacity Building; Trainee Programmes and Internships; and E-
Learning. 
15 Trade Policy Courses, Introduction Courses for LDCs, e-training, etc. 
16 Technical assistance providers include the bila teral donor agencies, IMF, ITC, FAO, UNCTAD, 
UNDP, UNIDO, UN Regional Economic Commissions, Regional Development Banks, Commonwealth Secretariat, WCO, WIPO, World Bank, WTO. 
17 Website: tcbdb.wto.org.    
   WT/COMTD/LDC/W/44
 Page 9Table 2:  Technical Assistance and Capacity Building for Acceding LDCs  
WTO (2003 – 2009) Country Enhanced Integrated 
Framework National Regional Geneva-based Other Total Illustrative List of 
Bilateral Donors Other multilateral agencies, 
development partners 
Afghanistan Beneficiary of the 
Enhanced Integrated 
Framework (EIF).  
Preparation of DTIS is 
underway.   5 39 9 2 55 France, Germany, Japan, 
Korea, Netherlands, UK, 
US IMF, UNCTAD, WCO, 
World Bank (IDA)   
Bhutan Workshop on EIF and 
Trade Facilitation held in 
March 2009 in Thimphu. Government yet to apply 
for the EIF. 10 82 19 7 118 Austria, Denmark, EC, 
Japan, Korea, Thailand  IMF, ITC, FAO, UNCTAD, 
UNESCAP, UNIDO, WCO, 
WIPO   
Comoros Beneficiary of the EIF.  
DTIS finalized in 2007 and 
includes a section on WTO 
accession.  Proposals for 
funding include capacity 
building for accession. 7 60 8 2 77 Belgium, France, US Commonwealth Sect., IMF, 
ITC, FAO, WCO 
Equatorial Guinea Seeking assistance under 
the EIF.  Technical 
Reviews to be undertaken at a later stage in 2009. 3 62 23 - 88 US FAO 
Ethiopia Beneficiary of the EIF.  
DTIS finalized in 2003 and 
includes a section on WTO 
accession. EIFTF (Window 
II) financing includes an 
accessions-related project. 16 81 16 30 143 EC, France, Germany, 
Japan, Korea,  
Netherlands, UK, US  IMF, UNCTAD, UNIDO, 
WCO, World Bank (IDA)  
Lao PDR Beneficiary of the EIF.  
DTIS finalized in 2006 and 
includes a chapter on WTO 
accession.  EIFTF (Window II) financing 
includes an accessions-
related project. 16 99 31 13 159 Australia, EC, France, 
Japan, Korea, 
Switzerland, Thailand  ADB, IMF, ITC, FAO, 
UNCTAD, UNESCAP, 
UNDP, UNIDO,  WIPO  
Liberia Beneficiary of the EIF.  
DTIS finalized in 2008 and 
includes a section on WTO 
accession.  Project 
proposal for EIFTF 
funding in preparation. 2 56 2 3 63 US IMF, ITC, FAO, UNIDO, 
World Bank (IDA)    
  WT/COMTD/LDC/W/44 
Page 10 WTO (2003 – 2009) Country Enhanced Integrated 
Framework National Regional Geneva-based Other Total Illustrative List of 
Bilateral Donors Other multilateral agencies, 
development partners 
Samoa Seeking assistance under 
the EIF.  DTIS yet to be 
drafted.   6 79 28 8 121 Australia, EC, Japan, 
New Zealand Commonwealth Sect., 
UNDP, UNESCAP 
Sao Tomé and Principe Beneficiary of the EIF.  
DTIS finalized in 2005 and 
includes a section on WTO 
accession.  EIFTF 
(Window II) financing 
includes an accessions-
related project.  5 60 31 1 97 EC, France, Japan, 
Korea, Portugal, US  FAO,  l'Organisation 
Internationale de la 
Francophonie, UNCTAD, 
World Bank (IDA) 
Sudan Beneficiary of the EIF.  
DTIS finalized in 2008 and 
includes a section on WTO 
accession.  Project 
proposal for EIFTF 
funding in preparation. 10 128 22 23 183 France, Germany, Japan, 
Korea, US IMF, IsDB,  FAO, 
UNCTAD, UNESCWA, 
UNIDO, World Bank (IDA)  
Vanuatu Beneficiary of the EIF.  
DTIS finalized in 2007 and 
includes a section on WTO 
accession.  EIFTF 
(Window II) financing 
includes an accessions-
related project. 7 79 21 2 109 EC, France, Japan, 
New Zealand UNESCAP 
Yemen Beneficiary of the EIF.  
DTIS finalized in 2004 and 
includes a section on WTO 
accession.  Proposals for 
funding include capacity 
building for accession. 21 57 16 12 106 EC, France, Germany, 
Japan, Korea, 
Netherlands, UK, US  IMF, UNCTAD, WIPO,  
World Bank (IDA)  WT/COMTD/LDC/W/44 
 Page 11 
 
 
  48. Coordinated technical assistance is availabl e through mechanisms such as the Enhanced 
Integrated Framework (EIF).18  Most LDCs in the process of accession have joined the EIF or are 
currently seeking to be included in the framework.  Potential synergies exist between the EIF and the 
accession process.  The preparation of the Diagnostic  Trade Integration Studies (DTIS) have been 
found to stimulate domestic debates on trade refo rm.  For the acceding LDCs, the DTIS may devote a 
section or chapter to WTO accession, identifying and prioritizing accession-related needs along with 
the broader trade priorities in an Action Matrix.  In some cases, accession-related needs identified in 
such Action Matrices have been funded through the EIF Trust Fund.  The Comoros, Ethiopia, Lao PDR, Sao Tomé and Principe, and Vanuatu have received accession-related support through 
Window II of the Trust Fund.  Funding may also be sought from other de velopment partners or 
through the Aid for Trade initiative.
19   
49. Concerning the concluded LDCs' accessions, al l three countries joined the Integrated 
Framework while in the process of accession.  The Diagnostic Trade Integration Studies for 
Cambodia and Nepal are currently being updated to address some of the challenges faced post-
accession.  For Cape Verde, the EIF will provide a follow-up mechanism to support actions plans 
incorporated in the accession package.   
V. CHALLENGES FACED BY ACCEDING LDC S 
50. The accession of LDCs is subject to a number of challenges.  These include human and 
institutional capacity constraints, the sustained commitment needed to pursue domestic reforms and 
accelerate the pace of WTO accession, the specific c oncerns of non-residents, and the internal 
coordination required to negotiate terms of acc ession and bring the domestic legislative and 
enforcement mechanisms in conformity with WTO requirements. 
51. Accession to the WTO is a challenging task for an y government, but in particular for a small 
economy or an LDC with limited human and ins titutional capacity.  The accession process requires 
focused attention of the acceding government from th e very early stages, as the Working Party first 
engages in fact-finding – on the basis of informati on provided by the applicant – before proceeding to 
the next phase characterized by active negotiation.  The factual information on the economic and trade 
regime relevant to the accession process may not be readily available, or policies may need to be appropriately developed and form ulated before being presented to an external audience.  These 
constraints can to some extent be offset with th e provision of technical assistance, but a balance will 
also need to be struck between short-term effici ency and expediency and longer-term considerations 
of ownership of the process by the acceding government.   
52. Sustained commitment to WTO Membership at th e policymaking level is key to ensure steady 
progress in the accession process.  The commitment may be affected, over time, with changes in government, elections, or different priorities and changing perceptions in public opinion or the 
business community about the benefits and costs of jo ining the WTO.  Membership invariably entails 
significant reforms as the acceding LDC establishes an  economic and trade regime based on the rule 
of law in conformity with WTO obligations and requirements.  A close relationship between the 
administration and the legislature is necessary to  develop the legal framework and administrative 
enforcement infrastructure to comply with  international rules and standards.   
                                                     
 
18 More information on the EIF is available at the website www.integratedframework.org. 
19 More information on Aid for Trade is available at the WTO website at www.wto.org. WT/COMTD/LDC/W/44 
Page 12  
 
  53. In acceding countries, knowledge and exper tise about the WTO can be continuously 
enhanced.  In this regard, activities focus on government officials, the business community, 
parliamentarians, and the general public .  Capacity in LDCs is limited.  Most LDCs are faced with the 
dilemma regarding the day-to-day performance of tasks in relation to the longer term need of 
investing in human resource development.  The ex tent of knowledge and expe rtise required, combined 
with periodic reorganization and staff turnovers, are pa rt of the challenges that acceding LDCs face.   
54. The WTO Agreements regulate broad areas of eco nomic life, well beyond the competencies 
of any single ministry or government agency.  A successful accession process, therefore, requires the establishment of an effective inter-governmental and inter-agency coordina tion mechanism from the 
initial stages and throughout.  The need for such effective coordination is underestimated.  The WTO 
accession process involves negotiations, both within th e acceding country to achieve coordination and 
with external negotiating partners.  Internally, th e business community and domestic interest groups 
are frequently associated with the process in orde r to achieve domestic buy-in and maintain the 
political momentum.     
55. Geographical distance and non-residency pose challenges for acceding countries.  The LDCs 
currently in the process of accession are geographically  distant from the WTO, and travel to Geneva 
can be difficult, cumbersome and expensive.  Effo rts are therefore made to keep the number of 
meetings to a minimum, and to the extent possible to link the timing of meetings to other ongoing activities in Geneva (such as training or the orga nization of the Geneva Weeks).  Maintaining a 
permanent presence in Geneva is critical to ensu re the regular flow of pertinent information to 
Capitals as well as for the interaction with other delegations and the intern ational organizations in 
Geneva.  Although several LDCs have establishe d Permanent Missions during the course of their 
accession processes, six acceding LDCs (Comoros, Equa torial Guinea, Liberia, Samoa, Sao Tomé and 
Principe, and Vanuatu) have so far not been ab le to commit the resources required to establish a 
permanent presence in Geneva.   
VI. CONCLUSION 
56. WTO Members attach priority to LDCs' acce ssions in accordance with  the Guidelines on 
LDCs' accession.  The Director-Gen eral is intensifying efforts in this regard, including through the 
provision of technical assistance in favour of acceding LDCs and through appropriate Secretariat 
support.  Pursuant to the Doha and the Hong Kong Mi nisterial Declarations, steps have been taken to 
facilitate and accelerate the accession negotiations of  LDCs.  The WTO Work Programme for LDCs 
provides the basis for progress on the accession of LDCs  in the Sub-Committee.  The adoption of the 
Guidelines on LDCs' accessions in  December 2002 marked a concrete step in favour of acceding 
LDCs.  
57. Members have emphasized their commitment to implement the Guidelines in various fora.  
Nonetheless, concerns have been expressed rega rding implementation of the Guidelines.  The 
accession procedures and arrangements have been stream lined by the Secretariat, in consultation with 
Members, to try to ensure that accession does not  become more onerous than necessary.  Members 
involved in the establishment of the accession terms fo r LDCs consider their involvement to be fully 
consistent with the letter and spirit of the Guidelin es.  Acceding LDCs appear to have benefited from 
country-specific flexibility in the market a ccess negotiations, transitional arrangements for 
compliance with WTO Agreements on the basis of action plans, simplified procedures, and technical assistance in support of the accession process.   
58. LDCs undergoing the accession process are required to adjust their economic and trade 
regimes for compliance with WTO requirements.  Wo rk on compliance is necessarily detailed due to 
the complexity of WTO Agreements.  Howeve r, accession has offered LDCs' applicants the 
opportunity to become familiar with the requirements of membership prior to their formal entry into  WT/COMTD/LDC/W/44 
 Page 13 
 
 
  the WTO.  This experience equips acceding LDCs w ith the skills needed to realize their rights and 
discharge their obligations as WTO Members from th e date of their entry into the WTO system.  
59. The need for focussed and targ eted technical assistance to support acceding LDCs is well 
recognized.  LDCs receive assistance on a priority  basis from the WTO, as well as from bilateral, 
regional and multilateral development partners.   There is scope for further progress.  The specific 
challenges faced by non-residents deserve further at tention.  The provision of technical assistance and 
capacity building measures requires careful consider ation of priorities and the timely availability of 
quality resources – a constant challenge for all st akeholders involved in these efforts.  Country 
ownership is essential to channe l this support and ensure the long-term value added for the 
beneficiaries.  In this regard, the Enhanced In tegrated Framework has provided a complementary 
mechanism to identify, prioritize and seek suppor t for policy reform and accession to the WTO.   
60. Since December 2002, Nepal, Cambodia and Ca pe Verde have concluded their accession 
negotiations, and significant progress has been reco rded in ongoing LDCs' accessions.  Three LDCs' 
accessions have been initiated during the last 18 months.  With the commitment of acceding LDCs 
and support of the international community, th e accession dossiers of LDCs should continue to 
advance on a priority basis.     
__________