RESTRICTED  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/GC/M/113 
31 March 2008 
 (08-1410) 
General Council 
5-6 February 2008  
 
 
 
MINUTES OF MEETING 
 
Held in the Centre William Rappard  
on 5-6 February 2008  
 
Chairman:  Mr Muhamad Noor (Malaysia) 
 
 Subjects discussed
: Page  
 
1. Accession of Ukraine........................................................................................................... ......1  
2. Equatorial Guinea – Request for Accession .........................................................................10  
3. Report by the Chairman of the Trade Negotiations Committee ........................................13  
4. Work Programme on Small Economies – Report by the Chairman of the Dedicated 
Session of the Committee on  Trade and Development ........................................................20  
5. Non-recognition of rights under Article XXIV:6 and Article XXVIII of GATT 1994 – 
Communications from Honduras and Guatem ala – Statement by the Chairman ...........21  
6. ACP-EC Economic Partnership Agreemen ts – Communication from Brazil...................23  
7. Appointment of offi cers to WTO bodies...............................................................................28  
8. EC - Suspension of fresh b eef imports from Brazil .............................................................30  
9. Administrative Measures fo r Members in arrears ..............................................................30  
10. Election of Chairperson........................................................................................................ ..31 
ANNEX I Statements submitted by delegations for inclusion under  
  agenda item 1 – Accession of Ukraine .....................................................................36 ANNEX II Statements by delegations at the informal meeting of the   Trade Negotiations Committee on 31 January 2008...............................................38 
  
1. Accession of Ukraine (WT/ACC/UKR/152 and Add.1 and 2) 
1. The Chairman
 welcomed H.E. Mr Victor Yushchenko,  President of Ukraine, as well as the 
other members of the Ukrainian delegation to the m eeting, and said that the President's presence at 
this meeting was a demonstration not only of the latte r's commitment, but also that of Ukraine, to its 
domestic reform processes and to furthering Memb ers' common goals as embodied in the multilateral 
trading system under the WTO.  He recalled that in December 1993, the GATT 1947 Council 
established a Working Party to ex amine Ukraine's request for accessi on to the General Agreement on 
Tariffs and Trade.  Subsequently, in line with the General Council Decision of 31 January 1995, the 
GATT 1947 Working Party had been transformed into a WTO Accession Working Party.  The Report WT/GC/M/113 
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  of the Working Party was now before the Gene ral Council for consideration and adoption in 
documents WT/ACC/UKR/152 and Add.1 and 2.   
2. Mr Matus (Chile), Chairman of the Working Party
, joined the Chairman in welcoming 
President Yushchenko and his delegation, and said this  was not only an historic day for Ukraine, but 
also a defining moment for the WTO.  With Member s poised to decide on the terms of Ukraine's entry 
into the WTO, the organization was set to move even closer to becoming a truly global organization.  
More importantly, in this dynamic process both the WTO and Ukraine would be adjusting and 
changing to address future challenges to the multilate ral trading system.  The road had been long and 
often daunting.  With an economy as important in regional and global terms as Ukraine's, the 
multilateral and bilateral negotiations had been comp lex, detailed and time-consuming.  Ukraine was 
the second-largest country in Europe, with 47 million inhabitants and a growth rate of 7 per cent in 
2007.  Its accession process had lasted more than 14 years, during which the Working Party had held 
17 formal meetings as well as several informal meet ings in the advanced stages of the negotiations.  
He recalled that the first meeting of the Worki ng Party had been held in February 1995 under the 
Chairmanship of his first predecessor, Mr Stoler (United States).  In May 2000, the latter had been 
succeeded by Mr Marchi (Canada), who had steered  the process until 2006, when the baton had been 
passed on to him.  He paid tribute to the work of his predecessors, as much of the groundwork for the 
successful completion of this accession had been done under their stewardship, and requested the 
delegations of the United States and Canada to convey to them his sincere thanks for their valuable 
contributions.  The documents now before Members were the result of the detailed and painstaking 
work involving difficult political decisions.  Ov er the period of the accession process, Ukraine had 
worked hard to meet the challenges and comple xity of WTO accession.  The process had gained 
significant momentum in 2005, and this had carried it forward to the present day.  In particular, the 
solid progress on the domestic legislative front, including efforts by the President himself, had 
contributed greatly to the accelerati on of the work during this period. 
3. He also paid tribute to the continued effort s, goodwill and spirit of compromise shown by 
Members, which had enabled the many difficulties enc ountered in the process to be overcome.  In 
particular, he paid tribute to the Ukrainian te am of devoted and comm itted negotiators under the 
leadership of its chief negotiator.  The entire te am had done a commendable job, responding promptly 
to numerous requests by Members, right up to the final stages of the negotiations.  This success had stemmed in no small part from Ukraine's commitment to domestic reform and the efforts in Kiev to 
enact and implement WTO-consiste nt legislation.  He thanked all concerned, including the 
Secretariat, for their valuable contributions.  The results of the negotiations , constituting the terms of 
entry of Ukraine into the WTO, were contained in the following documents:  the Report of the 
Working Party (WT/ACC/UKR/152), the Schedule of Concessions and Commitments in Goods 
(WT/ACC/UKR/152/Add.1), and the Schedule of Specific Commitments in Services (WT/ACC/UKR/152/Add.2).  Ukraine was a country profoundly committed to trade liberalization.  
For example, its average bound tariff rate was 10. 6 per cent in agriculture and 4.9 per cent in non-
agricultural goods, while in services it set an exampl e that other Members should follow.  The same 
was the case regarding its commitments on discip lines.  If all Members were willing to commit 
themselves with the same openness, he believed th e Doha Round would be successfully completed on 
time.  Regarding the Schedule of Concessions and Commitments in Goods, he noted that a technical 
rectification would be issued following the presen t meeting in order to bring the Schedule into 
accordance with the bilateral market-access protoc ol signed between Ukraine and Uruguay.  The 
technical correction concerned HS tariff lines 0202 30 10 00, 0202 30 50 00, and 0202 30 90 00, which were found on page 8 of the Schedule.  For th ese three tariff lines, Uruguay should be added to 
the list of Members holding initial negotiating right s.  The accession package had been adopted by the 
Working Party on 25 January on an ad referendum  basis.  By this action, the Working Party had 
completed its mandate and forwarded the documen tation to the General Council for decision as 
appropriate.  The Appendix to the Report reproduced  the draft decision for the General Council and 
the Protocol of Accession of Ukraine to the Agr eement Establishing the World Trade Organization.   WT/GC/M/113 
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  In accordance with usual WTO practice, the Protocol  of Accession incorporated, by reference, the 
specific commitments undertaken by Ukraine in the re port of the Working Party.  In his capacity as 
Chairman of the Working Party, he had the priv ilege to commend its report, as well as the draft 
decision and Protocol of Accession, for approval by the General Council. 
4. The Chairman  thanked Mr Matus on behalf of all de legations for having served as Chairman 
of the Working Party, and also extended his appreci ation to Mr Stoler and Mr Marchi, through their 
respective delegations, for having guided the work of th e Working Party as Chairs in its earlier years.   
5. The General Council then approved  the text of the draft Protocol of Accession of Ukraine1 as 
contained in the report of the Working Party and,  in accordance with the Decision-Making Procedures 
under Articles IX and XII of the WTO Agreement agreed in November 1995 (WT/L/93), adopted  the 
draft decision on the Accession of Ukraine as also  contained in the report of the Working Party.2  The 
General Council next adopted  the report of the Working Party as a whole, in documents 
WT/ACC/UKR/152 and Add. 1 and 2. 
6. The Chairman  welcomed the Decision Members ha d just taken, and extended his 
congratulations to President Yushchenko, to Ukrain e's chief negotiator and his entire team, and to the 
people and Government of Ukraine on the successful completion of the WTO accession process, 
which represented the first step towards greater Ukra inian integration into the European as well as the 
global economy.  Ukraine's forthcoming entry as a Me mber also took the organization another step 
towards greater universality in its membership and added to the depth and diversity of the WTO, as 
well as bringing with it the potential of further economi c benefit for all Members.  With regard to the 
next steps in the process, he noted that a ceremony  for the signature of the Protocol of Accession 
would be held at 4.15 p.m. that afternoon.  Th e Government of Ukraine would then submit the 
Protocol for ratification by its legislative assembly .  In keeping with WTO provisions, Ukraine would 
become a Member 30 days following the date of its  ratification of the Protocol of Accession.   
7. H.E. Mr Victor Yushchenko, President of Ukraine , said it was a pleasure to attend the Council 
for this important event.  His country had worked ha rd over a number of years to achieve this success.  
The signing of the Protocol of Accession would c onclude the complicated negotiation process that 
had started in 1993 and had continued for 14 year s.  He wished to thank all those who had been 
involved in this victorious effort – the Working Party itself, the Secretariat, and all Members with whom Ukraine had worked, negotiated, and compromi sed during this long and difficult process.  He 
wished also to thank the Ukrainian team which, ove r a number of years and especially the past two, 
had worked hard to make this event happen.  Ukrain e was finally ready for its full integration into the 
global economic sphere, and WTO accession had been  one of the key priorities for its domestic 
economy.  The next procedural steps were for Ukraine to ratify the Protocol of Accession by 4 July 2008.  At the same time it had to approve 11 technical laws, and some regulations had to be 
passed by Cabinet Ministers and a number of Ministries.  He assured Members that he, as President, and the Parliament and Government would do ev erything possible so that all the procedural 
commitments were adhered to in the shortest time.  Approval of Ukraines' accession package was of 
historic importance for all, and his country saw great benefits for all market players as a result of it.  
Regarding the benefits to Ukraine's domestic economy,  the first would be the increase in GDP, in the 
quality and size of external investments and in export- oriented industries.  Uk raine also expected an 
increase in production technology and modernization.  Ukrainian producers would have their rights 
protected in anti-dumping investigations, and some industries could expect an increase in production 
of between 19-20 per cent.  Access to markets woul d increase the scope of exports, not only in goods 
but in services, and one could see these benefits unfol ding now.  Ukraine expected that international 
                                                     
 
1 Subsequently circulated  in document WT/L/718. 
2 The Decision was also subsequently circulated in document WT/L/718. 
 WT/GC/M/113 
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  investment would help it to improve its assets, a nd even now was aware of the countries which could 
expect to increase their trade volume with Ukraine. 
8. One of the major benefits would be the impr ovement of the well-being of the Ukrainian 
people, which would be the result of the stabilization of the economy, and legislation in compliance with world trade rules and procedures as a result of WTO accession.  Ukraine fully acknowledged its 
commitments to adhere to all the obligations th at would open domestic markets, liberalize trade 
regimes and bring its domestic legislation into full co mpliance with international trading rules.  Soon, 
Ukraine would have an open and transparent mark et.  The fiscal policy of the country would be 
governed by the new code, and the judiciary would become a truly independent branch of power, in 
compliance with principles of the rule of law.  He was confident that all these tasks would be 
achieved, due to the synergy between the President, the Government and the Parliament of Ukraine.  
He also wished to mention one other important c onsequence of today's event.  Soon Ukraine would 
launch negotiations to establish a free-trade agreement with the EU.  This was considered to be an 
important step for the free flow of products, service s and resources, and would offer new impetus for 
the development of small- and medium-sized busin esses in Ukraine.  His country clearly supported 
the WTO principles of openness, transparency, and no r estrictions, and this had to be the backbone of 
the trading regime among the countries of the former Soviet Union.  Ukraine would never support any 
artificial difficulties imposed on the accession of other countries.  It fully supported the accession of the Russian Federation and hoped this would happen as soon as was feasible.  Ukraine would always 
support the authority of the WTO and its expansion to new countries and regions. 
9. The Director-General
 said he was particularly pleased to welcome to the WTO the President 
and members of his delegation.  President Yu shchenko's personal commitment to his country's 
accession had been a major factor in the successful outcome of these negotiations, and his presence at 
this meeting was another testament to the importanc e Ukraine attached to WTO membership.  He also 
paid tribute to the Ukrainian negotiating team.  A ll knew that WTO accession was not an easy ride.  
Ukraine's WTO membership would strengthen the multilateral trading system and provide this 
country with a stable and predictable trading enviro nment that would boost its growth and prosperity.  
As a Member, Ukraine would undoubtedly play an active and constructive role in the management 
and future development of the organization.  With its unique geographical position, economic 
structure and natural resource endowments, Ukraine ha d particular interests and concerns that should 
be reflected in the multilateral trading system.  Uk raine's entry would represent a further step towards 
making the WTO universal in scope and coverage , and would undoubtedly benefit all current and 
future Members.  If the work of the Ukrainian de legation, especially over the past days, had been 
particularly intense, so had been the work done by  the Chairman of the Working Party.  His personal 
commitment and capable hand had guided Ukraine a nd all Members to the finish line.  He also 
thanked the Working Party Chair's two predecessors, Mr Stoler and Mr Marchi, who had not been 
able to attend the present meeting but wish ed to join in congratulating Ukraine. 
10. The Chairman  said that since many more delegations might wish to express their welcome 
and support to Ukraine at the present meeting than could be accommodated in the time available, he 
would invite coordinators of regional and other WTO groupings – as well as those not represented in 
such groupings – who wished to speak to do so firs t.  He urged all delega tions who were represented 
in such groupings to show restraint in taking the floor subsequently.  All de legations who were unable 
to speak before the meeting was adjourned for th e signing ceremony, and those who wished to be 
placed formally in the records as having expressed  their welcome and support to Ukraine, could 
submit statements or indicate their names to the Secretariat, which would ensure that this was 
reflected in the records of the meeting. 
11. All representatives who spoke congratulated Ukraine on the completion of its accession 
process and warmly welcomed the President and his dele gation to the meeting.  They also paid tribute  WT/GC/M/113 
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  to the Chair of the Working Party and his predecesso rs for their work in co ntributing to the successful 
completion of this process, and said they looked fo rward to working with Ukraine in the WTO.   
12. The representative of the European Communities  said it was a privilege to welcome Ukraine 
as a new Member, and an even greater honour to express this welcome in the presence of President Yushchenko, who had always maintained WTO accessi on as a priority.  The EC had always been a 
strong supporter of Ukraine's WTO membership, and joined Ukraine in celebrating this great 
achievement.  The EC stood ready to assist Ukraine in  the transition period, should help be needed.  
He commended the Ukrainian leadership for the impressive economic reform process that had been 
carried out since the accession request in 1993.  Si nce then, much had been done to transform what 
had been a state-driven economy into an economic and political environment where trade partners and 
investors could freely contribute to the economic growth of the country.  He praised these 
achievements because they were not easy to attain and required great vision and political courage.  Of 
course, there remained concerns to be addressed ahead, but his delegation had great confidence in 
Ukraine to take the necessary steps in due time.  The Ukrainian Prime Minister, during her visit to 
Brussels a few days earlier, had confirmed the willingn ess of her Government to continue on the path 
of economic reform.  A modern Ukrainian economy – a fair and non-discriminatory market where 
investors and traders could do business – was crucial for Ukraine's sustainable growth, and the EC was sure this would benefit the global trading system. 
13. The representative of Jamaica
, on behalf of the ACP Group , recalled that at the 
December 2007 Council meeting Members had welcom ed a member of the ACP Group, Cape Verde, 
as a Member.  Therefore, the Group was well aware of the years of dedication, hard work and difficult 
policy decisions that underpinned Ukraine's accession process. 
14. The representative of the United States  said his delegation took enormous pleasure in joining 
in the approval of Ukraine's accession package and inviting it to join the WTO.  His delegation was 
honoured by the presence of President Yushchenko a nd congratulated him and his delegation.  The 
United States was proud to have provided the firs t Chairman of the Working Party and pleased to 
have provided technical assistance.  However, hi s country's real enthusiasm was based on the 
accomplishments of Ukraine itself.  Its terms of accession were exceptional and should be a cause of 
much pride on Ukraine's part.  As the Working Party Chair had pointed out, Ukraine's accession 
commitments were an inspiration, but also a challenge  to all to meet the standard of openness Ukraine 
had embraced.  These commitments demonstrated Ukraine's firm determination to embrace WTO provisions and to establish a trade regime based on  rules and principles that encouraged trade and 
investment.  The United States commended the Uk rainian delegation for its hard work and 
exceptional achievement. 
15. The representative of Costa Rica
, on behalf of GRULAC , said he was pleased that after so 
many years of negotiations and endeavours, Ukraine's lengthy accession process had reached a 
successful conclusion.  Ukraine had undertaken substantial commitments in goods and services and 
had agreed to bring its trade regime into WT O compliance.  Members and the international 
community would be enriched by Ukraine's entr y into the multilateral trading system.  GRULAC 
congratulated Ukraine, the Secret ariat, the Members and the Chairm an of the Working Party on their 
efforts, which had made this accession possible. 
16. The representative of Japan  said this day had been long awaited.  Japan's Ambassador in Kiev 
had called him that morning to tell him that Ukrain e was steadily developing its bilateral relations 
with Japan and that these were beco ming even closer after the visit of  President Yushchenko to Japan 
in 2005.  Later in February, the first joint conference of business corporations of Ukraine and Japan 
would be held in Kiev.  Japan was convinced that Ukraine's accession would be an important stepping 
stone for its further development.  President Yush chenko's statement showed Ukraine's strong resolve 
to become an important Member in the organization. WT/GC/M/113 
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  17. The representative of Côte d'Ivoire
, on behalf of the African Group , said he was delighted and 
extremely honoured to attend the official ceremony that would mark Ukraine's accession to the WTO 
and its formal integration into the multilateral tr ading system, following negotiations that had lasted 
some 15 years.  The African Group had informed  the coordinator of the Informal Group of 
Developing Countries and the coordinator of the AC P Group of the profound feelings and hopes this 
accession – one welcomed by all in its community – had inspired within the Group.  The Group joined 
all those who had enthusiastically welcomed this  great nation and friend to the WTO family, and 
extended its heartfelt congratulations to President Yushchenko, the members of his delegation and the 
Ukrainian people. 
18. The representative of Canada  said that on behalf of all Canadians, and especially the more 
than one million Canadians of Ukrainian heritage, he offered Canada's hear tfelt congratulations on 
reaching this final stage in the accession process.  Canada was very pleased to have played a special 
role in this process through the work of its former Ambassador who had chaired the Working Party 
for six years.  Canada also congratulated Mr St oler and thanked him for getting the Working Party 
going in the right direction, and Mr Matus fo r completing the work successfully.  His delegation 
highlighted the dedication, professionalism and leader ship of Ukraine's Deputy Minister and his team 
throughout the accession negotiations.  Their effort s and patience to see this negotiation through 
deserved specific praise, given the many challe nges they had faced along the way.  Canada and 
Ukraine had a long-standing bilateral relationship, and Canada was hopeful that bilateral trade and 
investment flows would be multiplied with Ukraine' s accession and would bring mutual benefits to 
both countries. 
19. The representative of Singapore , on behalf of the ASEAN Members , said that during the past 
few months, much hard work and flexibility had been  demonstrated by Ukraine in the continuation of 
its quest to become a Member.  The ASEAN Member s congratulated Ukraine for its efforts and the 
extensive commitments it had made during the acce ssion process.  They were confident that Ukraine 
would contribute to the work of the WTO and reap the benefits of a rules-based multilateral trading 
system, as well as contribute positively to the world economy. 
20. The representative of China  said his delegation was greatly honoured to have President 
Yushchenko address this important meeting of the Council.  As a Member which had also 
experienced 15 years of negotiating history, China fully understood how difficult the journey towards 
the WTO was.  It therefore commended the tremendous  efforts Ukraine had made in the course of its 
accession.  The Protocol, the Working Party Report, and the goods and services schedules adopted by 
the Council at the present meeting fully demonstrated Ukraine's strong determination to integrate into 
the multilateral trading system.  Ukraine played an  important role in world trade and the world 
economy.  With Ukraine's entry into the WTO, the organization took a giant step towards universality.  
China was ready to work closely with Ukraine in the WTO.  He  wished all the ongoing accession 
negotiations, especially those of LDCs and those at more advanced stages, completion at an early 
date. 
21. The representative of India  said the accession to the WTO of such an important was a major 
event for the global trading system.  Ukraine had a number of strengths that equipped it uniquely to 
emerge as a force to be reckoned with in world tr ade.  These included its e ducated and skilled work 
force, its many advances in science and technology, its heavy-industry base and the high quality of its 
natural endowments, including its fertile black soil and the variety of its mineral resources.  In the last 
decade, Ukraine had undertaken exte nsive reforms to bring itself into compliance with WTO rules as 
well as to convert itself into a market economy.  These reforms would stand it in good stead, and by 
giving free play to its competitive strengths, would en able Ukraine to emerge as an important player 
in world trade.  As President Yushchenko had sai d, accession to the WTO was an important step in 
Ukraine's full integration into the global economic sphere.  India had always had strong bilateral ties 
with Ukraine, and had been among the first countries to conclude bilateral ne gotiations for Ukraine's  WT/GC/M/113 
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  accession.  Its trade with Ukraine was growing, but the current level of about US$1.2 billion was 
modest compared to the potential that existed.  Other than trade, India and Ukraine were cooperating 
in a number of fields, especially in high-tec hnology areas, and India valued this collaboration 
immensely.  The presence of President Yushche nko at the present meeting was testimony to the 
importance Ukraine attached to its relationship w ith the global trading fraternity and its commitment 
to a rules-based multilateral trading system. 
22. The representative of Brazil , on behalf of the G-20 , said the presence of President 
Yushchenko at the present meeting was a clear sign of the importance Ukraine attached to the WTO 
and the multilateral trading system.  Expanding th e membership of the WTO would benefit not only 
the Members, both current and acceding, but also c ontribute to the strengthening of the rules-based 
multilateral trading system which the G-20 strongly supported.  The G-20 had been a major driving 
force in the process of agricultural reform in the context of the Doha  Round, and expected to work 
closely with Ukraine and were confident it would play a significant role in the organization. 
23. Speaking on behalf of Brazil , he welcomed Ukraine, which was a country with which Brazil 
had growing economic and political relations. 
24. The representative of Turkey  said his delegation wholeheartedly endorsed the decision to 
accept Ukraine as a new Member, after 15 years of intense negotiations.  As a good neighbor with 
strong trade and investment ties with Ukraine, Turkey had been a long-standing supporter of 
Ukraine's accession.  Ukraine had shown an im pressive economic performance, with annual GDP 
growth averaging 7.4 per cent for the past seven y ears.  In addition to this outstanding economic 
progress, Ukraine's foreign trade had increased three-fold since 2000.  Based on 2006 WTO trade 
figures, Ukraine had been the 52nd largest exporter and the 45th largest importer, accounting for 
US$83.4 billion of merchandise trade, and the world could no longer ignore such a significant economy.  Turkey's bilateral trade figures with Ukra ine had also shown remarkable progress in recent 
years.  Bilateral trade volume, which had tripled in  the past five years and exceeded US$5 billion, was 
a concrete example of this close trade relationshi p.  Turkey was confident that WTO membership 
would contribute significantly to the further devel opment of Ukraine’s economy and to the prosperity 
of its people. 
25. The representative of Indonesia
, on behalf of the G-33 , said these countries hoped Ukraine's 
WTO membership would be meaningful and beneficial  to the people of Ukraine, its economy, and its 
national development programmes.  The presence  of President Yushchenko and his delegation 
signified the paramount importance – to world pr osperity and development – of the multilateral 
system and the WTO in the global economy.  The G-33 was confident that Ukraine's membership 
would positively contribute to the strengtheni ng of the multilateral trading system and the 
organization, and was fully convinced that Ukraine w ould play an essential role in the organization.   
The G-33 fervently hoped to work closely with Ukraine in future WTO endeavours. 
26. The representative of Lesotho , on behalf of the LDCs , said the presence of President 
Yushchenko at the meeting bore testimony to th e seriousness with which Ukraine took its WTO 
membership.  The LDCs were confident that Uk raine would prove to be a worthy Member and 
contribute positively towards the achievement and ma intenance of a balanced, just and fair rules-
based global trading order.  Th e accessions of both Cape Verde and Ukraine brought to mind those 
countries that were still struggling to accede, a nd the LDCs hoped these accession processes would be 
pursued vigorously and moved towards fruition.  Some of these countries had been knocking at the 
door for a very long time.  While celebrating the accession of Ukraine, Members should be reminded 
that Decisions of the General Council – one of whic h related to the "fast-tracking" of LDC accession 
processes – should be respected and implemented meticulously.   WT/GC/M/113 
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  27. The representative of the Kyrgyz Republic
 said Ukraine was one of his country's important 
trading partners, as it occupied third place in its trade with the CIS countries and eighth place in its 
foreign trade.  Trade with Ukraine as a fully-fledge d Member with full application of the multilateral 
trading rules of the WTO would not only increase fu rther the quality and quantity of bilateral trade 
and economic relations, but also great ly benefit all Members.  As a member of the Working Party, his 
delegation had actively an d constructively participated in the negotiation process, and the Kyrgyz 
Republic and Ukraine had resolved all issu es in a spirit of goodwill and compromise. 
28. The representative of Sri Lanka , on behalf of the Informal Group of Developing Countries , 
said Ukraine's economy had undergone a rapid and astonishing process of transformation that had put it in a situation where it could now confidently jo in the WTO.  This difficult economic reform 
process, which had been ongoing for more than a decade, had had as one of its main objectives 
ensuring that Ukraine's integration into the multilate ral trading system would be beneficial to all 
actors in its economy.  This provided a positive ou tlook on the sustainability of its economic and 
development policies.  Moreover, it was not just Uk raine that would benefit from its accession to the 
WTO – the multilateral trading system, including deve loping countries, would also derive numerous 
advantages from integrating a large and diversified economy with exports ranging from grains to steel 
to aircraft and an enormous potential for growth in IT services. 
29. The representative of Switzerland
 said the accession of Ukraine was not only an important 
step for Ukraine, but strengthened the organization itself.  The system of global trade took its legitimacy from the number of states and separ ate customs territories that were fully-fledged 
Members.  The accession of Ukraine strengthene d and increased this legitimacy.  Ukraine had 
undertaken a lot of effort on both the international and domestic levels in order to join the WTO.  
Therefore, Switzerland was pleased that after 15 years of constructive dialogue, the traffic light for Ukraine's accession had switched to green.  While  economic relations between Switzerland and 
Ukraine were already close, his delegation was c onvinced that Ukraine's accession would lead to a 
further development and deepening of these relations , whether bilateral or within the EFTA context. 
30. The representative of Georgia
 said President Yushchenko's presence at the meeting served as 
further proof of the serious commitment and fu ll determination the Uk rainian Government had 
demonstrated during its accession process.  Georgia was particularly pleased to see Ukraine – its closest and strategic trade, economic and political  partner – become a Member, as the two countries 
enjoyed mutually beneficial and fruitful econom ic, political and cultural relations.  Ukraine's 
accession would further strengthen the foundations of  the multilateral trading system and widen its 
geography, thus bringing it closer to being a truly uni versal organization, and would also be a catalyst 
in boosting Ukraine's economic performance and ensu ring sustainable economic growth in general. 
31. The representative of Barbados
, on behalf of the small, vulnerable economies , said it was an 
honour to have taken this Decision in the presence  of President Yushchenko and his distinguished 
delegation, and the SVEs commended the President and the Ukrainian delegation for the dedication 
they had shown in this long process.  The SVEs ha d taken special note of the President's statement 
and congratulated Ukraine on its commitment to th is process and the reforms undertaken.  The SVEs 
shared the view that Ukraine's WTO entry would l ead to economic, social and development benefits 
for the people of Ukraine, and additional opportuni ties for enhanced and predictable trade for all 
Members.  He pledged the SVEs' full suppor t to Ukraine as it entered the WTO family. 
32. The representative of Israel  said WTO accession was a process of long and complicated 
negotiations, but all would agree that the final p ackage of Ukraine's terms and conditions of entry 
reflected the constructive spirit with which Me mbers and Ukraine had conducted the process.  
Ukraine's WTO entry would once again clearly signa l the organization's willingness to move towards 
greater universality in its membership and to incr ease its depth and diversity.  Welcoming such a key 
Member in the WTO would make the organization more complete and globa l, and would strengthen  WT/GC/M/113 
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  its role in the international scene.   Ukraine's accession also represented a remarkable accomplishment 
for that country, and marked an important milestone in an impressive evolution of economic reform.  
Ukraine had worked hard to prepar e for WTO membership and to make  the adaptations needed in its 
domestic, legal and regulatory systems.  As a Me mber, Ukraine would enjoy both the responsibilities 
and benefits conferred by full par ticipation in the multilateral trading system.  Those benefits – which 
included access to the markets of all other Members a nd a place at the table for trade talks that sought 
greater multilateral liberalization – brought with th em the responsibility to abide by WTO rules.  For 
Israel, the opportunity to welcome Ukraine into the WTO was a particularly important and long-awaited occasion.  Israel and Ukraine had enjoye d a strong and steady trade relationship and, as 
further proof of those excellent trade relations , the two countries had completed their bilateral 
negotiations at an early stage of the accession process.   Israel was confident that implementation of 
Ukraine's WTO commitments would lead to further expansion in its trade with Ukraine and closer 
economic and investment linkag es between the two countries. 
33. The representative of Norway
 expressed his delegation's satisfaction with the Council's 
adoption of the Working Party report.  This accession served to underscore the universal nature of the 
WTO, and would be an important event in the history of both the organization and, no doubt, Ukraine.  
His delegation commended the Ukrainian negotiators, who had been both dedicated and constructive.  
Norway was pleased that the bilateral protocols be tween it and Ukraine had been signed already in 
July 2005.  Ukraine's WTO membership would be an  important step in the strengthening and further 
development of trade and economic relations between Norway and Ukra ine.  It would contribute to 
improved conditions for ec onomic operators and thus  to economic growth in both countries, and 
would also help in their efforts to further the wellbeing of their citizens. 
34. The representative of Chinese Taipei  said that from the experience of Chinese Taipei's own 
lengthy 12-year accession process, it fully understo od the extremely tough challenge of bringing a 
trade regime into compliance with WTO rules and prac tice.  His delegation was therefore able to state 
with some confidence that Ukraine's accession to th e WTO and its further integration into the global 
economy would bring about lasting benefits in term s of its economic developm ent and the forging of 
stronger links between Ukraine and its trading part ners, including Chinese Taipei.  His delegation was 
also confident that Ukraine woul d honour its accession commitments. 
35. The representative of Korea  said accession was never an easy process, but Ukraine had 
demonstrated its commitment and endurance over th e past 15 years and had finally concluded its 
accession process.  In this regard, Korea sincerely a ppreciated Ukraine's sustained efforts.  Ukraine 
was one of Korea's largest economic and trade partne rs in Eastern Europe.  Korea had completed its 
bilateral accession negotiations with Ukraine in 2002 and had consistent ly supported Ukraine's 
accession.  Ukraine was a dynamic economy with huge resources and potential, and its WTO membership would provide greater universality to  the WTO, as well as provide Ukraine the 
opportunity to benefit from world trade. 
36. In addition to these statements, and in keeping with the procedural suggestion made by the 
Chairman in this regard at the out set, the representatives of Argentina
, Viet Nam  and the Russian 
Federation (as an observer)  submitted statements for inclusion in the records of the meeting3, and the 
representatives of Australia for the Cairns Group , Paraguay  and Hong Kong, China  w i s h e d  t o  b e  
placed on record as also welcoming and supporting the accession of Ukraine. 
37. The General Council took note  of the statements and of the expressions of welcome and 
support. 
                                                      
3 The statements are reproduced in  Annex I to the present records. WT/GC/M/113 
Page 10  
 
  2. Equatorial Guinea – Request for Accession (WT/ACC/GNQ/1) 
38. The Chairman
 drew attention to the communication from Equatorial Guinea requesting 
accession to the WTO Agreement pursuant to Article XII (WT/ACC/GNQ/1).  He recalled that Equatorial Guinea had requested observer status in  the General Council and its subsidiary bodies in 
April 2002, which had been granted by the Council in May 2002.  In keeping with the Guidelines for 
observer status for Governments in the WTO (WT/L/ 161, Annex 2), observership had been granted to 
Equatorial Guinea for an initial period of five years – i.e. until May 2007 – for the purposes of better acquainting itself with the WTO and its activities, and to prepare and initiate negotiations for accession 
to the WTO Agreement.  In keeping with this tim eline, Equatorial Guinea had submitted its accession 
request in February 2007.  While informal soundi ngs by the Secretariat on behalf of the Council 
Chairman had indicated that there were no reserva tions among Members about taking this request up 
in the Council, it had not been possible to do so in 2007 owing to difficulties encountered by Equatorial Guinea in arranging for the participati on of a representative from its Government at the 
Council meetings scheduled in 2007.  In recent disc ussions with the Secretariat, the Government of 
Equatorial Guinea had indicated the possibility of its  presence at the present meeting, and this matter 
had accordingly been placed on the Agenda.  If delegati ons were agreeable to considering this request 
positively, he would propose for their considerati on that the Council agree to establish a working 
party to examine this request, with the followi ng standard terms of reference and composition: 
 Terms of Reference
: 
 
"To examine the application of the Government  of Equatorial Guinea to accede to the WTO 
Agreement under Article XII, and to submit to  the General Council recommendations which 
may include a draft Protocol of Accession." 
  Membership
: 
 
Membership would be open to all Members i ndicating their wish to serve on the Working 
Party. 
  Chairmanship
: 
 
In keeping with customary practice, the Genera l Council would authorize him as  Chairman to 
designate the Chairperson of the Working Pa rty in consultation with representatives of 
Members and with the representative of Equatorial Guinea. 
 39. All representatives who spoke welcomed and supported Equatorial Guinea's request for 
accession. 
40. The representative of Côte d'Ivoire
, on behalf of the African Group , said Equatorial Guinea 
was ready to join the organization and work in the interests of international trade, and urged Members 
to support its request as the African Group firmly did. 
41. The representative of Cuba  endorsed the statement by Côte d'Ivoire on behalf of the African 
Group.  Cuba hoped that Equatorial Guinea's acces sion negotiations, both plur ilateral and bilateral, 
would enable it to achieve rapid and easy ac cession.  The process should not impose major 
commitments as had been done in regard to other po or countries.  On the contrary, Equatorial Guinea 
should enjoy, insofar as possible, the benefits of joining the multilateral trading system and promoting 
development in accordance with its LDC status. 
42. The representative of Sri Lanka , on behalf of the Informal Group of Developing Countries  
said Equatorial Guinea was a non-resident LDC which had long been an observer in the organization.   WT/GC/M/113 
 Page 11 
 
 
  The Group was therefore pleased that it had decided to join the WTO.  With its observer status, 
Equatorial Guinea had had a good opportunity to beco me familiar with the work of the organization, 
and had also been an active par ticipant in the WTO's technical as sistance programmes, such as the 
"Geneva Week" programme for non-residents and the trade policy courses.  The Group wished it 
every success in its accession process and hoped to welcome another LDC among the ranks of 
Members in the near future.  The Group was always pleased to see ne w Members joining the 
organization, as this enriched Members' work and ga ve the organization a truly global character.  For 
this reason, the Group reiterated its view that acce ssion processes should strictly observe the principle 
of less-than-full reciprocity.  Accordingly, accedi ng countries, and in particular LDCs such as 
Equatorial Guinea, should be asked to undertake only  commitments that were consistent with their 
present and future development, financial and trade needs.  The Group also noted with concern that 
the accession of some developing countries was being unduly delayed due to political and non-
commercial considerations.  In a rules-based syst em such as the WTO, commercial, technical and 
juridical considerations should be the deciding f actors in every accession process.  The Group urged 
Members to take serious note of the concerns expr essed by the developing countries and to respond 
positively to any future efforts to unblock the accession processes of those countries encountering 
obstacles not based on commercial considerations. 
43. The representative of Jamaica , on behalf of the ACP Group , expressed the hope that 
Equatorial Guinea's accession process would be expediti ous in order to permit it to participate in the 
organization's work as soon as possible, and would take full account of Equatorial Guinea's LDC 
status. 
44. The representative of Angola  said Equatorial Guinea was a Central African country with an 
area of 28,050 square kilometres , a population of 0.504 million, three official languages – Spanish, 
French and Portuguese – which shared regional affin ities with more than eight other Central African 
states, including Angola, Cameroon, Gabon, the Cent ral African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, 
the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Burundi, Nigeria and Chad.  
Since 1984, it had been a member of the Centra l African Economic and Monetary Community, which 
had a common currency with fixed parity with the eu ro.  With the discovery of petroleum, Equatorial 
Guinea, whose sole export resource had been cashew  nuts, had become Sub-Saharan Africa's third 
largest petroleum producer after Nigeria, with 2.6 million barrels per day, and Angola, with 
1.81 million barrels per day, and the sub-region' s leading producer ahead of the Congo, Gabon and 
Chad.  The discovery of oil had delivered ec onomic growth of over 10 per cent per annum.  
Equatorial Guinea was one of the signatories of the Treaty of the Gulf of Guinea Commission, created 
in Libreville in 1999 to serve as a framework fo r dialogue, cooperation, development, and conflict 
prevention and management among its member Stat es – Angola, Nigeria, Cameroon, Sao Tome and 
Principe, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Republic of  the Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the 
Congo.  With a Secretariat based in Angola, it pr ovided a regional framework that was increasingly 
recognized as a reference for international coope ration and a geo-strategic asset that most aptly 
reflected the logic of diversification in respect of energy-supply requirements adopted by certain 
major economic powers.  Considering that the pr ice of oil had been above the US$80 per barrel 
threshold for more than two years, and in view of the global energy shortage foreseen for around the 
year 2030, the Gulf of Guinea's oil reserves might provide a remedial solution for the world's energy 
dependency.  Apart from its oil sector, Equatori al Guinea possessed a multiplicity of other assets, 
particularly in the services sector, such as civil en gineering, telecommunications, distribution, and 
tourism, which could foster diversification in th e country's other economic sectors.  Angola trusted 
that no political considerations would  hamper  the speedy completion of Equatorial Guinea's 
accession process, and urged UNCTAD and the Secretariat to assist Equatorial Guinea and other developing countries throughout their accession processes.   This also applied in the context of the 
proposals on enhancement of UNCTAD's mandate th at would be put forward at UNCTAD XII in 
Accra in April 2008. WT/GC/M/113 
Page 12  
 
  45. The representative of Lesotho
, on behalf of the LDCs , looked forward to the appointment of 
the Chair of the Working Party, and hoped that  Equatorial Guinea's accession process would be 
expedited in line with the General Council Deci sion on LDC accession, and that the requisite 
technical assistance and capacity building would be extended to it.  The LDCs invited Equatorial 
Guinea to participate in their consultative group in the WTO. 
46. The representative of China  hoped that Equatorial Guinea's accession process would be 
facilitated by the fast-track procedure adopt ed by the General Council for acceding LDCs. 
47. The representative of Brazil  said his delegation would coopera te with Equatorial Guinea to 
facilitate its accession, and with the Working Party to see that this process was completed 
expeditiously and in the best possible conditions. 
48. The representative of Costa Rica , on behalf of GRULAC , said it was important that with 
Equatorial Guinea's accession the organization would  have a new LDC Member.  GRULAC 
supported the universality of WTO membership and be lieved that Equatorial Guinea's participation in 
the multilateral trading system would assist it in its integration into the world economy.  GRULAC 
would cooperate with Equatorial Guinea in its accession process and wished it full success. 
49. The representative of Bangladesh  said that as an LDC in Asia, Bangladesh fully empathized 
with Equatorial Guinea's request and hoped its accession process would be conducted on a fast-track 
basis, as prescribed by the General Council guidelines. 
50. The representatives of Mexico , United States , Viet Nam , Uruguay  and Ecuador  said their 
delegations joined others in we lcoming Equatorial Guinea and its request to accede to the WTO. 
51. The representative of Equatorial Guinea , as an observer , said it was an honour for him to 
submit Equatorial Guinea's accession request to the Council.  A number of grounds had warranted 
taking such a major step.  First, within the framework of the Millennium objectives for poverty 
reduction, trade was an essential component that ha d to form part of his country’s development 
policy, and considerable benefit could be derived from mechanisms in the WTO in order to achieve 
that goal.  Second, Equatorial Guinea's geopoliti cal situation as a member of the Central African 
Monetary and Economic Community – whose other members were WTO Members –  made it more 
difficult to conduct effective trade negotiations at  regional level.  Third, in this globalized 
environment, there was the further problem of econom ic operators needing transparency in order to 
carry out their activities in any given country.  Th ere was no better forum for obtaining information 
about any country's practices than the WTO.  These were only a few examples of the multiplicity of 
reasons that argued in favour of his country's WTO accession.  Clearly, moving ahead in the WTO 
was no easy task, if one considered the developm ent-related issues being negotiated in the Doha 
Round, and in particular the S&D treatment that had to be afforded the developing, and especially the 
LDCs of which Equatorial Guinea was one.  His coun try was well aware of the challenges, and it was 
clearly necessary for it to take an active part in the negotiating process as a full Member, rather than 
to be subjected subsequently to the decisions st emming from those negotiations.  Equatorial Guinea 
appealed to all Members to join together in a c onsensus to support its requ est for WTO membership.  
Without listing them all, a special call was made to  the CEMAC member countries in particular, the 
African Union, the Hispanic and Portuguese-speaki ng communities in general, the European Union, 
the United States, China, India, and others to adopt  a united approach in helping Equatorial Guinea to 
make its wish to become a Member of this distinguished organization a reality. 
52. The General Council agreed  to establish a working party with the terms of reference and 
composition as read out earlier by the Chairman.  WT/GC/M/113 
 Page 13 
 
 
  53. The Chairman  then invited the delegation of Equatori al Guinea to consult with the Accessions 
Division of the Secretariat as to the further procedur es, and in particular with regard to the basic 
documentation to be considered by the Working Party.   
54. The Director-General  welcomed the representative of Equatorial Guinea and said that the 
Secretariat would be accompanying his country in the accession process, as it always did.  Although 
this matter was in the Members' hands, the Secretaria t would make every effort possible to ensure that 
accession conditions for LDCs were not necessar ily the same as those for non-LDC acceding 
countries. 
55. The General Council took note  of the statements and of the expressions of welcome and 
support. 
3. Report by the Chairman of the Trade Negotiations Committee 
56. The Chairman  invited the Director-General, as Chairman of the TNC, to report on the TNC's 
activities since his last report to the Council. 
57. The Director-General, Chairman of the TNC , recalled that in his report to the Council in 
December, he had suggested that Members were get ting closer to achieving the major goal all shared 
– establishing modalities in Agriculture and NAMA.  Political conditions for reaching a deal on the 
modalities had clearly improved.  All knew that th e task ahead was a big one, and that the time 
available for it was tight, but Members had never been  nearer to achieving it.  He believed they were 
in the last lap and had now started the final sprint towards establishing modalities.  Since his last report, the TNC had held one informal meeting on 31 January with the purpose of taking a look at 
where Members were in the negotiations and to provid e clarity on the next steps.  While his remarks 
at that meeting had been circulated in document JO B(08)/2, he wished to reiterate some of the main 
points.  From the discussion at that meeting, he  believed Members were clearer about the process 
ahead.  That week, the Chairs of Agriculture and NAMA would circulate comprehensive revised 
modalities texts, building on the discussions which ha d taken place since their first draft texts were 
circulated in July.  After a brief pause to allow de legations to reflect on the texts and consult capitals, 
the texts would go back to the two negotiating grou ps for consideration in the multilateral forum, as 
was Members' normal practice.  How long that woul d need to take should become clearer when the 
texts were tabled, and would also depend on the le vel of engagement participants showed in the 
negotiating groups.  The decisive step in the pr ocess of establishing modalities would involve a cross-
cutting discussion – a negotiation across both texts.  As  he had outlined in December, this horizontal 
process would start at Senior Official level, with any Ministerial involvement which might be needed 
taking place later on.  The timing of this process w ould be tight.  The horizontal process would have 
to come to fruition around Easter, to allow Member s to respond to what had now become a collective 
determination to conclude the talk s by the end of 2008.  This, of course, allowed some six to eight 
months after the modalities were established for the scheduling exercise in Agriculture and NAMA, 
and to conclude the negotia tions in the other areas.  From the statements at the informal TNC, he 
believed there was broad agreement on the urgenc y of what Members were doing and on the basic 
steps they needed to take to reach a deal.  Dele gations had repeated that substance had to drive 
process, and that the process had to remain a multilateral one.  There was strong support for 
proceeding step by step and making the transition fr om one phase to another in  the light of progress 
on the substance.  On the other hand, Members had to factor in the need for urgency, and had to 
reconcile these two considerations as they moved fo rward.  The meeting had provided less clarity on 
the scope of the horizontal process.  This was a ma tter on which further cons ultation would be needed 
over the coming days and weeks.  However, he be lieved Members had to work within the mandates 
agreed in 2001 at Doha, in 2004 by the Genera l Council, and in 2005 at Hong Kong.  In his 
consultations so far and at the informal TNC meeti ng, many delegations had indicated that one had to 
ensure strict compliance with the mandates.  Me mbers should also bear in mind that they were WT/GC/M/113 
Page 14  
 
  working under the principle of the Single Undert aking, and that the establishment of modalities was 
not the end of the Round.  All knew what was happe ning in the world economy at present.  All were 
also aware of the need for a su ccessful outcome to the Round by the end of 2008.  The coming weeks 
would be an extremely intensive period for all, bu t he believed the potential results of the Round, and 
the benefits they could provide across the membersh ip, were worth fighting for, and he would keep 
helping Members do that. 
58. All representatives who spoke thanked the Director-General for his report. 
59. The representative of Panama
 said that in addition to the efforts made so far to bring this 
process to a positive conclusion, further progress was clearly needed in order to achieve a balance 
conducive to satisfactory results in the negotiations .  In the next few days Members would receive 
revised modalities texts for NAMA and Agriculture, which Panama hoped would cover the elements 
of the mandate, in particular S&D treatment, and se t out specific solutions that took into account the 
level of contribution of recently acceded countries with  a lower percentage of world trade, such as his 
country.  Panama also hoped the revised texts would reflect market-acc ess opportunities for its 
exports, notably, tropical produc ts, which accounted for a substantial volume of its agricultural 
exports.  In this regard, Panama urged the key players to show the flexibility and political will 
necessary to conclude the Round and fulfil the deve lopment goals for which it had been initiated.  
Members were entering a decisive phase of the Doha Round during which negotiations would move 
to a horizontal process in which the NAMA and Agricultu re texts would be considered side by side.  
Panama, which had a small delegation, was aiming for a transparent and inclusive process capable of achieving balanced and mutually beneficial outcome s for all Members, thereby eliminating policies 
that sought to perpetuate distortions in world trade.   Panama was prepared to work in a constructive 
manner and believed that once the revised texts on Agriculture and NAMA were on the table, a 
certain period of time should be agreed for discussi ons at negotiating group level before the process 
moved to a horizontal level.  He reiterated the si gnificance Panama attached to progress in the other 
negotiating areas.  Any advance in areas critical for economies such as Panama's was important to it.  
Trade Facilitation and Services were two such areas.  In Services, Panama saw the need, in the revised 
offers, for a balance to be struck in the level of ambition for the gradual liberalization of markets of 
interest, without failing to take account of th e flexibilities to which developing countries were 
entitled.  All of this would help bring th e negotiations to a satisfactory conclusion. 
60. The representative of Sri Lanka
, on behalf of the Informal Group of Developing Countries , 
said developing countries were looking forward to  receiving the revised Agriculture and NAMA 
Chairmen's texts that were due that week.  Once th ese texts had been circulated,  Members should be 
able to allow their capitals sufficien t time to review the new texts and formulate their reactions to all 
the elements being put forward by the Chairmen.  Moreover, both new texts should be thoroughly and 
individually discussed in transparent, open-ende d sessions of the NAMA and Agriculture negotiating 
groups before being subject to any type of horizontal, small-group pro cess.  It was very important to 
continue with an inclusive and bottom-up approach where the pace of the negotiations was dictated by 
the ability of Members to fully digest and react to the texts being presented, and not by any external 
situation.  The Informal Group continued to be co mmitted to working with the Chairs of the various 
negotiating groups and the TNC, and with the rest of  the membership to find a consensus that would 
bring a swift and successful outcome to the DDA. 
61. The representative of Jamaica , on behalf of the ACP Group , requested that her delegation's 
statement on behalf of the Group at the 31 January  informal TNC meeting be included in the records 
of the present meeting.4  In addition, the Group supported the Director-General's view that further 
consultations would be necessary on the question of  scope as it related to the horizontal and cross-
                                                      
4 The statement is reproduced in Annex II to the present records.  WT/GC/M/113 
 Page 15 
 
 
  cutting process.  The ACP Group remained commi tted to full engagement as Members sought a 
successful conclusion to the negotiations. 
62. The representative of Barbados , on behalf of the small, vulnerable economies , requested that 
his delegation's statement on behalf of the SVEs at  the31 January informal TNC meeting be included 
in the records of the present meeting.5 
63. The representative of Lesotho , on behalf of the LDCs , requested that his delegation's 
statement on behalf of the LDCs at the31 January in formal TNC meeting be included in the records of 
the present meeting.6  The points made then were equally valid now.  The LDCs remained committed 
to a constructive engagement in th e negotiation process with a view to  arriving at a fair conclusion 
punctually. 
64. The representative of Benin , on behalf of the co-sponsors of the Sectoral Initiative on Cotton , 
endorsed the statements by Côte d'Ivoire for th e African Group, Lesotho for the LDCs, and Jamaica 
for the ACP Group.  The co-sponsors supported the Dir ector-General's proposed approach for the next 
stage of work.  Members had truly reached a crossr oads in this Round, and all had to renew their 
commitment so that it could be concluded within the desired time-frame.  They had no other choice.  
To do otherwise would be to lose momentum and a ll the work that had been done since the Round's 
launch in 2001.  The co-sponsors once again emphasi zed the vital nature of the cotton issue and the 
need to find appropriate and ur gent responses and solutions refl ecting the high level of ambition 
accorded to this issue by the July 2004 Framework a nd the Hong Kong Declaration.  As all knew, this 
issue required balanced treatment commensurate with the expectations of the millions affected in the 
countries and regions concerned.  Th ere had been a timely reminder of this in the summary remarks at 
the close of the High-Level Session on Cotton held in  March 2007, where it had been pointed out that 
unless the cotton issue was resolved, it would not be possible to conclude the Doha Round.  Members 
had to take this message very seriously and to work towards resolving th is issue in a proper and 
ambitious manner.  It was also clear that the leve l of ambition given to cotton would reflect the level 
of ambition accorded to agriculture.  Therefore, Me mbers had to work collectively to find useful and 
lasting solutions to this problematic issue, in bot h its trade and developmen t-related aspects, while 
also ensuring coherence between the two and intr oducing a safety net to manage the revenue losses 
resulting from fluctuations in cotton prices on the international market. 
65. The representative of Côte d'Ivoire , on behalf of the African Group , endorsed the statements 
by Sri Lanka for the Informal Group of Developi ng Countries, Benin for the co-sponsors of the 
Cotton Initiative, and Jamaica for the ACP Group, of which the African Group was a part.  He 
requested that his delegation's statement on behalf  of the African Group at the 31 January informal 
TNC meeting be included in the records of the present meeting.7  The Group wished to  reiterate its 
concern that the development dimension, S&D treatme nt for developing countries – in particular for 
LDCs – and the reaffirmation of the principle of the Single Undertaking be  reflected at every stage of 
the negotiating process.  It again expressed its politic al will to help move the negotiations towards a 
speedy conclusion, but considered it vital that the in terests of the developing countries, in particular 
the LDCs, be taken into account.  The African Group therefore endorsed the st atement by Lesotho for 
the LDCs. 
66. The representative of Cuba  thanked the Director-General for his efforts to reduce differences 
among Members and achieve an agreement within the Doha Round.  In addition to Cuba's statement 
at the 31 January informal TNC meeting, which he requested be included in the records of the present 
                                                      
5 The statement is reproduced in  Annex II to the present records.  
6 The statement is reproduced in Annex II to the present records. 
7 The statement is reproduced in Annex II to the present records. WT/GC/M/113 
Page 16  
 
  meeting,
8 his delegation wished to make some further co mments.  It was vital to achieve a balance at 
all levels within each discipline in order to ag ree on modalities in NAMA and Agriculture, first and 
foremost to ensure there were no major winners or  losers in these negotiations.  That was vital if 
Members were to conclude a global agreement.  However, the most recent NAMA and Agriculture 
texts required further technical work in the nego tiating groups.  Some Members were maintaining 
intransigent positions for tactical or other reasons .  Agricultural subsidies were the major hindrance to 
international trade, and work had not yet led to an agreement among the parties on their reduction.  
There were still outstanding matters of major impor tance for developing countries, including the G-
33.  In other areas, some might have the view th at progress had been made and might fall into the 
temptation of consolidating their interests in the texts.  However, negotiations should bear in mind 
both the offensive and defensive interests of all Member s, and that had to be part of the balance that 
would lead to concluding an agreement.  In NAMA,  there was a similar situation, with major aspects 
outstanding where not even a partial conclusion had been reached.  Cuba maintained its proposal to 
eliminate unilateral non-tariff barriers that were non-tr ade based, and hoped this could be reflected in 
the draft put forward by the Chairman.  Members ha d to respect the rules and basic principles of the 
WTO or they would never be able to conclude thei r negotiations.  The first question to consider was 
respect for decisions and mandates on process rega rding sequencing and comparability and the need 
to maintain a proper balance in the level of am bition in Agriculture and NAMA.  It had to be 
understood that in NAMA, a balanced outcome c ould be achieved only if Members respected the 
principles of less-than-full reciprocity and S&D treatment. 
67. At the same time, the Members had to abstain from bringing pressure to bear in other areas 
such as Services.  There had to be a balance be tween Agriculture and NAMA, but at the same time, 
that balance had to be a balance in and of itsel f, and not a currency of exchange.  In Hong Kong, 
Ministers had established the highest level of ambition Members could aspire to in Services, and the decisions in Annex C of the Hong Kong Declaration would lead to the real possibility that the majority of developing countries would have to meet the ambitions of developed countries.  He 
recalled that Cuba had made reservations with resp ect to some of the decisions taken in Hong Kong 
on substance and procedure regarding Services, whic h it felt were not justified.  Some developed-
country Members had expressed disappointment with respect to the little progress that had been made 
in Services, but one also had to look at the offers of these same countries in various modes of supply.  
The Doha Round was not limited to market access in  Services, Agriculture and NAMA.   There was 
another aspect, which was supposed to serve as the co re of the Doha Development Round.  Cuba was 
awaiting the new texts from the Agriculture and NAM A Chairs.  The sequence and format of further 
developments in this process would depend, as the Director-General had said, on the level of compromise Members showed and the balance of interests contained in the new texts.  Members should set achievable goals and work on the basis of inclusiveness and transparency in order to ensure 
real and effective participation at all levels.  On ce the revised texts had been circulated, Members had 
to have sufficient time to examine them and a dopt their individual and group positions before a 
decision could be taken with respect to future work  of this organization.  His delegation understood 
Members were considering April for the convening of a horizontal Ministerial-level meeting, and 
asked that this meeting not be planned immediat ely before or after the UNCTAD Ministerial, in 
which Heads of State, Ministers as well as Ambassa dors based in Geneva dealing with WTO matters 
also had to participate.  Developing countries were  very interested in concluding this Round as 
quickly as possible, but also wanted to par ticipate in the forthcoming UNCTAD Conference. 
68. The representative of Bangladesh
 requested that his delegation's statement at the 31 January  
informal TNC meeting be included in the records of the present meeting9, to which his delegation 
wished to add a few more points.  Bangladesh look ed forward to the circulation of the revised draft 
texts on Agriculture and NAMA, and enthusiastical ly awaited positive improvements on the issues 
                                                      
8 The statement is reproduced in Annex II to the present records. 
9 The statement is reproduced in Annex II to the present records.  WT/GC/M/113 
 Page 17 
 
 
  relating to LDCs in these texts.  Bangladesh wa s sure the texts would be discussed in an open, 
transparent and inclusive manner.  It also hoped that the content relating to developing countries, 
particularly the concerns and the interests of LD Cs, would receive separate and autonomous – which 
he underlined – attention during the horizontal process.  Members should not rush towards a 
Ministerial meeting until they had completely ex hausted the Geneva process.  Delegations with 
limited capacity in Geneva were keen to have the Geneva process dealt with fu lly and in an inclusive 
fashion before moving to any Ministerial involveme nt.  His delegation looked forward to an early 
thaw and a blooming spring. 
69. The representative of Bolivia  requested that her delegation's statement at the 31 January  
informal TNC meeting be included in the records of the present meeting.10  Her delegation echoed the 
comments by Sri Lanka and others about the need to provide enough time for capitals to review the 
forthcoming revised draft texts on Agriculture and NAMA.  Bolivia wished the Chairs of both these 
groups full success in achieving balanced texts for all.   
70. The representative of the European Communities  thanked the Director-General for the 
impetus he was giving the negotiations.  The EC fu lly shared his view on the urgency of reaching a 
breakthrough on modalities if Members were going to adhere to their agreed aim of concluding the 
Round in 2008.  Therefore, their collective commitment to finish the Round in 2008 now needed to be translated into a process that attracted the trust of  all.  Clarity on timing was important, but common 
understanding of where the goalposts lay was even mo re fundamental.  Members needed to bridge the 
gap between the two schools of thought on what w as a realistic and realisable outcome for the 
modalities package.  Basically, they would need to find a middle ground between Agriculture and 
NAMA modalities pure et dure , and overloading the boat .  Clearly, the core of the work would be on 
modalities in Agriculture and NAMA, but the possib ility of reaching agreement on modalities in these 
two areas depended on the degree of comfort Members ha d  in other areas.  At the very least, on the 
key issues Members would need decisions of princi ple and a clear expression of the level of ambition 
to be attained, together with a roadmap.  For exam ple, a substantive text on Services should be on the 
agenda of the Green Room as well as a clear political commitment to meaningful Services offers.  For 
the EC, extended protection for geographical indications  would also have to be part of the Agriculture 
modalities at the time of the breakthrough. 
71. The representative of Japan
 said his country was committing itself to a successful conclusion 
of this development Round in 2008.  In order to attain this objective, while focusing on Agriculture 
and NAMA modalities, it was imperative to make ba lanced progress in all the main pillars, namely 
Agriculture, NAMA, Services and Rules – not two and a half, but all four. 
72. The representative of Switzerland  thanked the Director-General for sharing his views on the 
steps to be taken in the crucial period that lay ah ead in the coming weeks.  Switzerland would prefer 
to have Services – first and foremost – but also Ru les, Trade Facilitation, geographical indications and 
the liberalization of trade in environmental goods be  part of the horizontal process, even though it 
acknowledged that priority had to be given to Agri culture and NAMA.  At the very least, road maps 
covering not only time limits, but also substance, spec ifying clear principles to be applied and texts, 
had to provide the necessary clarification on the ma nner in which these issues were to be addressed, 
and had to give Members the reassurance they needed , thus reaffirming the fundamental principle of 
the Single Undertaking.  For Switzerland, the negotia tions on Services were clos ely linked to those on 
Agriculture and NAMA.  His country would need an am bitious outcome in this area in order to ensure 
that the overall package of Doha negotiations was accepta ble to it.  It was vital that a text on Services 
specifying the exact level of ambition and defining the level of commitment Members were willing to 
undertake be available when the modalities on Agriculture and NAMA were finalized. 
                                                      
10 The statement is reproduced in Annex II to the present records. WT/GC/M/113 
Page 18  
 
  73. The representative of Turkey
 requested that his delegation's statement at the 31 January  
informal TNC meeting be included in the records of the present meeting.11  Turkey endorsed the work 
plan put forward by the Director-General and was r eady to engage constructivel y for its realization.  
Regarding the scope of the negotiations, any gene ral understanding among the Members to expand the 
scope of the horizontal process should be discussed  transparently and well-defined beforehand.  
Turkey reiterated its commitment to the su ccessful conclusion of the Doha Round. 
74. The representative of Canada  requested that his delegations's statement at the 31 January  
informal TNC meeting be included in the records of the present meeting.12 
75. The representative of Pakistan  said it was becoming increasingly obvious that the moment 
one thought of adding any issues to the consid eration of modalities on Agriculture and NAMA, one 
entered a slippery slope.  Since all knew that all issues had to be resolved as part of the Single 
Undertaking, Pakistan would urge Members to be  patient and to take these issues one by one.  His 
delegation looked forward to the revised draft te xts from the Agriculture and NAMA Chairs which 
hopefully would break some of the difficulties that existed at present.  Pakistan hoped there was no 
slippage backwards in either text, and that Member s could continue to build on what they had already 
achieved. 
76. The representative of Argentina  requested that his delegations's statement at the 31 January  
informal TNC meeting be included in  the records of the present meeting13, and said it could not help 
but repeat the points it had made a week earlier.  Hi s delegation also echoed Turkey's comment that if 
Members were to discuss another type of package,  the decision to do so, as well as the discussion 
leading to any such decision, had to take  place in a broad and multilateral framework. 
77. The representative of Korea  requested that his delegations's statement at the 31 January  
informal TNC meeting be included in the records of the present meeting.14  His delegation wished to 
add two points regarding the future  negotiating process.  First, as had been rightly pointed out by 
many at the informal TNC meeting, Members shoul d take a step-by-step approach.  They should 
move carefully from one stage to the other and only when there was a consensus among the broad 
membership.  Hence, while not losing sight of ex isting time constraints, Members should not enclose 
their future negotiations within strict deadlin es.  Second, regarding the scope of horizontal 
discussions, Members should bear in mind the fact th at Services and Rules were vital components of 
the DDA negotiations.  Including Services and Rules in the horizontal agenda would eventually 
contribute to the success of discussions by giving Mini sters adequate room for possible trade-offs.  In 
this context, Korea expected a revised Rules text to be circulated before Members moved on to the 
horizontal process. 
78. The representative of Mexico  requested that his delegations's statement at the 31 January  
informal TNC meeting be included in the records of the present meeting.15  There was a need to reach 
agreement on what Members wanted to achieve in th e horizontal process, and to do that as quickly as 
possible, which did not mean Members had to leave aside other negotiations, particularly substantive 
progress in all the negotiating groups. 
                                                      
11 The statement is reproduced in Annex II to the present records. 
12 The statement is reproduced in Annex II to the present records. 
13 The statement is reproduced in Annex II to the present records. 
14 The statement is reproduced in Annex II to the present records. 
15 The statement is reproduced in Annex II to the present records.  WT/GC/M/113 
 Page 19 
 
 
  79. The representative of the United States  requested that his delegations's statement at the 
31 January  informal TNC meeting be included in the records of the present meeting.16 
80. The representative of India  said his delegation agreed with the Director-General on both of 
the central points he had made – first, the need  to strike a balance between urgency and the 
consideration that substance had to drive process, and second, the need for further consultations to 
decide the scope of Members' negotiations in the co ming weeks.  He requested that his delegations's 
statement at the 31 January  informal TNC meet ing be included in the records of the present 
meeting.17 
81. The representative of Brazil  said his delegation agreed with the Director-General's view that 
substance had to drive the process, but that there was a sense of urgency, as he had indicated.  Brazil 
hoped that the texts that would appear that week  would provide a good basis for making progress and 
that Members could then, as the Director-General had said, take decisions step by step.  On the issue 
of scope, his delegation also wished to highlight  what it had said at the 31 January informal TNC 
meeting, namely that Members had to consider this  issue very carefully and that it was fundamental – 
if Members wanted to move the Round to a succ essful conclusion – that there was agreement on 
modalities in Agriculture and NAMA.  Members had to show they could fit in all the other subjects in 
a way that did not destroy this possibility.  He requested that his delegations's statement at the 
31 January informal TNC meeting be included in the records of the present meeting.18 
82. The representative of Norway  said that since the informal TNC meeting the previous week, 
his delegation had registered only one  new development, which was the fact that revised draft texts in 
Agriculture and NAMA would be circulated that week – a development Norway welcomed.  Like 
Brazil, Norway hoped these two texts would be con ducive to Members' successful endeavours in the 
DDA.  He requested that his delegation's statem ent at the 31 January informal TNC meeting be 
included in the records of the present meeting.19 
83. The representative of China  said his delegation very much shared the Director-General's view 
on the status of the negotiations and agreed with the roadmap he had outlined.  Regarding the process 
for making a breakthrough around Easter, the texts fro m the Chairs of the various negotiating bodies 
could serve as the best way to help accelerate the ne gotiations.  China particularly looked forward to 
the forthcoming revised texts from the Agriculture  and NAMA Chairs, and hoped they would better 
reflect the interests of all Members, particularly the developing countries.  Those two issues should be 
dealt with honestly.  Meanwhile, it should be emph asized that Chairs of all the negotiating bodies 
should speed up their work and try to narrow dive rgences as much as possible.  The principles of 
inclusiveness, transparency and bo ttom-up approach were particularly crucial at the present stage.  
The deal was doable before the end of 2008, and Members had to make every effort possible to 
achieve that objective. 
84. The General Council took note  of the Director-General's report and of the statements. 
                                                      
16 The statement is reproduced in Annex II to the present records. 
17 The statement is reproduced in Annex II to the present records. 
18 The statement is reproduced in Annex II to the present records. 
19 The statement is reproduced in Annex II to the present records. WT/GC/M/113 
Page 20  
 
   
4. Work Programme on Small Economies – Report by the Chairman of the Dedicated 
Session of the Committee on Trade and Development 
85. The Chairman
 recalled that at its meeting in Febr uary and March 2002, the General Council 
had taken note of a framework and procedures fo r the conduct of the Work Programme on Small 
Economies, under which this Work Programme w ould be a standing item on the General Council's 
agenda.  The framework and procedures also pr ovided that the Committee on Trade and Development 
shall report regularly to the General Council on the pr ogress of work in its Dedicated Sessions on this 
subject.  Furthermore, Ministers at Hong Kong had instructed the CTD, under the overall responsibility of the General Council,  to continue the work in the Dedicated Session and to monitor 
progress of the small economies' proposals in the ne gotiating and other bodies.  In December 2006, on 
the basis of a report by the Chair of the CTD in Dedicated Session, the General Council had taken note that Members in that body would be pursui ng the substantive work under the Small Economies 
Work Programme. 
86. Mr Servansing (Mauritius), Chairman of the Dedicated Session of the CTD
, said that since 
the most recent meeting of the CTD in Dedicated  Session in December, the proponents of the work 
programme had met several times informally.  They had also been actively following the meetings of 
the negotiating groups since the beginning of 2008 , particularly NAMA, Agriculture, Services and 
Rules.  In NAMA, a proposal by the proponents had now been formally circulated in TN/MA/W/100 
and included in an annex the specific provisions they wished to see applied to SVEs.  In Services, the 
proponents had on 23 January submitted an outline pa per listing elements they considered "feasible 
and desirable" and which they hoped to see include d in a possible Services text.  Meanwhile, they 
were also closely following deve lopments related to fisheries s ubsidies in the Rules Negotiating 
Group. 
87. The representative of Barbados , on behalf of the SVEs , noted the report by the Chair of the 
CTD in Dedicated Session and thanked him for his c onstructive and effective chairmanship of this 
body over the past year.  He also thanked the Secr etariat for its support and constant updating of the 
factual compilation document.  As reflected in the Chair's report, the SVEs continued to engage on all 
fronts in the negotiations.  Since the December C ouncil meeting, they had tabled an additional 
document in the NAMA discussions and a room documen t in the Services negotiations. They had also 
been closely involved in the fisheries subsidies ne gotiations and continued to actively participate in 
the Agriculture and Trade Facilitation negotiations .  The CTD in Dedicated Session continued to 
serve as the foundation and focal point for this wo rk programme and remained a crucial conduit to 
assist SVEs in advancing their mandate and their negotiating priorities in all negotiating and other 
bodies of the WTO. 
88. The representative of Cuba  thanked the Chair of the CTD in Dedicated Session for his report.  
Cuba supported the fact that the Work Programme had been speeded up, a consequence of which was 
the request that positive consideration be given to the SVEs' proposals in the various negotiating 
bodies.  The vast majority of SVEs were small, island or land-locked countries that encountered 
serious difficulties due to their geographical circum stances, levels of economic development, and 
vulnerability to natural disasters.  In addition,  these countries represented a virtually insignificant 
share of world trade.  It was essential to re call the importance of r ecognizing and applying the 
principle that there was no  one-size-fits-all solution to tackle the diversity of problems developing 
countries – including small economies – faced. 
89. The General Council took note  of the report by the Chairman of the Dedicated Session of the 
Committee on Trade and Development and of the statements.  WT/GC/M/113 
 Page 21 
 
 
  5. Non-recognition of rights under Article XXIV:6 and Article XXVIII of GATT 1994 – 
Communications from Honduras and Guatem ala (WT/GC/85, WT/GC/90 and Corr.1, 
WT/GC/100, WT/MIN(05)/9) – Statement by the Chairman 
90. The Chairman  recalled that this matter had first been  raised by the delegations of Honduras 
and Guatemala at the Council meeting in December 2004 .  It had subsequently been considered by the 
General Council at each of its regular meetings sin ce then, without resolution.  In the light of the 
views expressed at these meetings, and the re quests for consultations made by Honduras and 
Guatemala, both his predecessors and he had been hold ing consultations in order to assist in finding a 
way forward.  He recalled that the matter referre d to the General Council in 2004 concerned the non-
recognition of claims of substantial interest in the very specific context of the EC's modification of its 
concessions as a result of enlargement from 15 to 25  members, and the modification of its concession 
on bananas in its move to a tariff-only regime as fro m 1 January 2006.  This matter had been brought 
to the General Council in keeping with Paragra ph 4 of the 1980 Procedures for Negotiations under 
Article XXVIII, under which, when a Member rene gotiating its Schedule did not recognize a claim of 
principal or substantial supplying interest, the Me mber making the claim "may refer the matter to the 
Council."  At the December Genera l Council meeting, he had reporte d to delegations on his most 
recent consultations and, in view of  the statements made at that m eeting, he had proposed that the 
General Council revert to this matter at the presen t meeting.  On 4 February, he had held further 
consultations to allow delegati ons to be updated on contacts that  might have taken place among the 
parties directly concerned since December, and on any developments that could provide a possible 
solution to the non-recognition issue raised in the Coun cil.  He had invited to the consultations all the 
delegations who had spoken on this issue at previous meetings of the Council, and had made clear that 
the consultations were without prejudice to any Member's rights under the WTO.  The consultations 
had proved to be frank and very useful in clarifying  both the current state of play and the steps that 
were planned to be taken in the coming weeks toward s a resolution of the concerns of the delegations 
involved.  The constructive and good-faith nature of the discussion gave him hope that the parties 
concerned would be able to reach a negotiated settlement  in the very near future.  He was certain also 
that his successor as Chair would be willing to u se his good offices to further explore with the parties 
directly concerned the possibilities of a resolution soon. 
91. The representative of Honduras  thanked the Chairman for his e fforts in search of a solution to 
this issue, which had been under discussion in th e Council for more than three years.  As his 
delegation had stated in the consultations the prev ious day, the problem remained unresolved, giving 
Honduras cause for the most serious concern.  Th ere was neither any response from the European 
Communities, nor did his delegation detect any kind of forward movement on the part of the EC that 
would help settle the issue.  In the past year's  discussions, the parties had reached the understanding 
that the question of lack of recognition would be negotiated in a horizontal agreement on the banana 
issue.  That was the best way forward, since it would preserve the credibility of the multilateral 
trading system and the rules governing that system, and a horizontal solution would help ease or 
largely eliminate any pressure the banana issue mi ght generate in respect of the Doha Round – to 
which Honduras was deeply committed.  On that basis, his country had hoped to conclude the 
horizontal process in 2007.  At the time, the Communities had put forward two options aimed at 
seeking a solution.  Jointly with other delegati ons, Honduras had subsequently submitted a framework 
proposal as a follow-up to a meeting held in Panama City on 4 October 2007.  The object of the 
proposal was to make it possible to initiate ne gotiations and complete them in the course of 
November, but that had proved impossible because the EC had failed to respond to the suggested framework, stating that it required a little more ti me and that an agreement would be reached in 
December.  The EC had then informed Honduras in December that negotiations would begin in early 
January with a view to concluding an agreement by the end of that month.  It was now February, and 
Honduras regretted to inform the Council that there had been no actual negotiations with the EC.  
Honduras reiterated its concerns and that its decisions  in the course of this process had been taken in 
good faith to try to find a solution that would main tain the credibility of the multilateral system.  His WT/GC/M/113 
Page 22  
 
  delegation would continue to hope for a genuine and effective undertaking on the part of the EC, 
because as time passed, the expectations of thou sands of men and women were dwindling, posing a 
social and economic problem for a smal l and vulnerable economy such as Honduras. 
92. The representative of Guatemala
 thanked the Chairman for his patience and efforts to resolve 
a matter that was of vital importance to the c ountries concerned and which had been on the Council's 
agenda for many years.  As it had stated at prev ious Council meetings, Guatemala had two kinds of 
interests in this matter – a trade interest and a syst emic interest.  Both were of critical importance to 
his country and neither was exclusively confined to ba nanas.  Moreover, in spite of the fact that the 
informal meetings for the purpose of exchanging information with the European Communities had 
proved useful, no progress had been made in the discussions on this matter since the last Council 
meeting.  Guatemala was nevertheless willing to con tinue its efforts to work constructively towards a 
solution. 
93. The representative of Panama  said his country also remained concerned about the EC's 
continuing dismissal of its Article XXVIII and Ar ticle XXIV:6 obligations  on bananas.  Although 
Panama had been recognized by the EC as a principa l supplier of bananas, the EC had still not made 
the large banana access adjustments it owed Panama and others in Latin America for failing to satisfy 
its rebinding access commitments and for increasi ng its access restrictions in connection with 
enlargement.  Panama was eager to resolve this dispute on a permanent basis.  Like Honduras, 
Panama also believed that the Panama Declaration provided the basis for reaching a lasting solution.  
Panama joined Honduras in urging the EC to resolve th is matter without further delay, consistent with 
the elements laid down in that Declaration, the WT O banana rulings to date, and the EC's other WTO 
obligations. 
94. The representative of Paraguay , thanking the Chair for his efforts in this matter, said his 
delegation had listened with some concern to the statement by Honduras.  Its concern was based on 
the fact that to date, and despite the efforts by  the Chair and his predecessors, the EC had not yet 
come to the table with a solution, nor was it putting forward possible channels for a solution that were 
real.  The major players in this organization had an obligation to dialogue  with small delegations 
regarding their concerns.  Small tr ading partners could really not harm the larger economies.  The 
larger-economy Members also had an obligation to put themselves in the place of the smaller, which 
were constantly being pressured by their economi c and productive sectors to produce results  It was 
important that the major players take account of the timeframe in which the small economies had to 
act when circumstances were urgent.  Furthermor e, without abandoning legal positions, compromise 
solutions had to be found that took into account the needs of small delegations.  The major traders had 
to put their technical capacity and analytical ability at the service of finding a practical and concrete 
solution to these problems, in cooperation with the delegations of the economies affected.  The pretext 
of not wishing to set a precedent could not be accepted, because there had been a large number of cases where, with political will and a desire to work together, the issu e of precedents had not been a 
problem.  In this particular case and in others as we ll, systemic solutions had to be found, because of 
what might happen in similar circumstances in fu ture.  The situation of small suppliers which 
nevertheless had a high level of export interest in  a product but which could not receive any type of 
compensation for the loss suffered was a problem Me mbers needed to focus on, and now was the time 
to do so.  Paraguay hoped the EC would show leader ship and use its enormous potential to solve this 
problem in both its trade and systemic aspects. 
95. The representative of the European Communities
 said he wished to reiterate that, on the 
specific issue raised by Honduras and Guatemala, in refusing to recognize these two countries' 
negotiating rights in this particular case, the EC  had based itself on WTO law and well-established 
practice.  The EC would have no interest in doing otherwise, because it attached enormous importance 
to the respect for and the correct application of WTO agreements, and hoped others did the same.  
While his delegation accepted that there might be a sy stemic issue here, it rejected all accusations that  WT/GC/M/113 
 Page 23 
 
 
  the Community was not taking carefully into account th e interests of small countries.  It noted that 
Guatemala and Honduras, in addition to seeking rec ognition of rights in this specific case, had sought 
to start a broader review of the question of whet her, and if so how, to rebalance the rules of 
Article XXVIII and the related U nderstanding to provide recogniti on for small countries who were 
very dependent on a particular product and market , but who did not meet the current criteria for 
recognition or compensation.  The Community remained  fully committed to this exercise, but was still 
awaiting the proposal Guatemala had indicated it woul d submit for this purpose.  More generally, he 
confirmed that the EC remained committed to nego tiating a comprehensive solution on bananas with 
all interested MFN suppliers in the coming weeks.  The EC was as keen as others to find a satisfactory 
outcome to this longstanding problem. 
96. The representative of Mexico , thanking the Chair for the report on his consultations and for 
his efforts to find a solution to this matter, sai d his delegation had noted the statements by the 
previous speakers.  As on earlier occasions, Me xico reiterated its support for Guatemala and 
Honduras, and also its interest in continuing to pa rticipate in any consultations to find a horizontal 
solution to this problem. 
97. The General Council took note  of the statements. 
6. ACP-EC Economic Partnership Agreements – Communication from Brazil 
(WT/GC/W/585) 
98. The Chairman  drew attention to the communication from Brazil (WT/GC/W/585). 
99. The representative of Brazil  said his delegation wished to make a few comments on the 
recently signed Economic Partnership Agreements ( EPAs) that were to replace the agreements under 
the Cotonou waiver, in particular concerning aspects that Brazil understood were of systemic interest 
to Members.  Brazil clearly understood that it wa s incumbent upon the ACP countries to evaluate and 
take a decision on the signature and implementation of EPAs.  Nevertheless, the migration of trade 
preferences from schemes authorized under waiv ers to FTAs such as the EPAs posed a series of 
questions and challenges, both to the ACP count ries and to the broader WTO membership.  In 
particular, Brazil wished to underscore  one aspect of these agreements th at was of great concern to it.  
According to statements and information that ha d been circulated, there were clauses in these 
agreements that obliged the ACP countries to extend to the EC, on a line-by-line basis, any treatment 
they might negotiate with third parties.  This was one aspect of the agreements that had drawn strong 
criticism, including from important NGOs like Oxfam.  If that clause remained in the agreements, it 
would be turning the Enabling Clause20 upside down.  When the Enabling Clause was negotiated in 
the 1970s, one of its main objectives was to enhance trade among developing countries on a 
preferential basis.  This possibility was clearly ment ioned in indent (c) of paragraph 2 of the Enabling 
Clause, under which the provisions of the clause app lied to “[r]egional or gl obal arrangements entered 
into amongst less-developed contracting parties for the mutual reduction or elimination of tariffs .…”  
The process that had led to the adoption of the Enab ling Clause had been very long and difficult.  It 
had its origins in the deliberations of UNCTAD I in  1964, which had influenced the adoption of Part 
IV of GATT in 1966.  In Part IV, the need for specific measures in favour of developing countries was recognized for the first time in the GATT, albeit as a best-endeavour clause.  Among those 
measures, the concept of less-than-full reciprocity was central.  When the Tokyo Round was launched 
in 1973, Contracting Parties to the GATT recognized the importance of the application of differential measures to provide special and more favourable  treatment for developing countries.  Following a 
Brazilian proposal, a Framework Group was created to  establish the basis for this differential 
treatment.  Very intense debates were held within  this group from 1977 to 1979, in some of which he 
                                                     
 
20 Differential and More Favourable Treatment, Reciprocity and Fuller Participation of Developing 
Countries – Decision of 28 November 1979 (BISD 26S/203). WT/GC/M/113 
Page 24  
 
  had personally taken part.  In November 1979, the Decision on Differential and More Favourable 
Treatment, Reciprocity and Fuller Participation of Developing Countries had been adopted.  The 
Enabling Clause, painstakingly negotiated, had since then been the basis for a number of agreements 
and schemes, constituting one of the pillars of the multilateral trading system.   
100. It would be ironic, to say the least, if this Clause were to be severely undermined in the 
middle of a Development Round.  In the presence of a clause that obliged the ACP countries to extend 
to the EC more favourable concessions than they mi ght negotiate with third parties, the ACP countries 
would have no incentive to negotiate agreements with other developing countries containing market 
access conditions that were more favourable than tho se the EC might enjoy.  This would be valid for 
bilateral, regional or multilateral a rrangements.  In effect, the conditi ons the EC enjoyed in the market 
of the ACP countries would be the ceiling for access in those markets, as those countries would have 
to take into account the competitiveness of the EC’s  industry when negotiating with other developing 
countries.  Thus, South-South trade would be seriously impacted by this measure.  In this context, the 
EC's frequent statements showing concern at the pr ospect of South-South trade seemed a bit ironic.  
The MFN clauses in the EPAs, if confirmed, woul d discourage or even prevent third countries from 
negotiating FTAs with EPA parties, and would create  major constraints to South-South trade.  This 
came at a time when one was witnessing a major expansion of that trade and the prospects for 
promoting further growth through initiatives like the negotiation of FTAs, the extension by some 
developing countries of duty-free quota-free mark et access to LDCs and the current round of 
negotiations in UNCTAD of the Global System of Trade Preferences among developing countries.  The inclusion of MFN clauses in these EPAs had th e potential to undermine these initiatives and to 
create constraints to the development of South-South trade.  This would not help the integration of 
developing countries into the world trading system, one of the central objectives of the Doha Round.  
As a developing country that had seen its trade w ith other developing countries grow significantly in 
the past ten years – to the point that South-Sout h trade now represented 55 per cent of Brazil's total 
trade – Brazil had not only systemic and legal concer ns with the MFN clauses but also very concrete 
objections to those clauses.  It wished to hear fro m the EC the rationale for devising these agreements 
in this format and, particularly, sought confir mation of the existence of an MFN clause in these 
agreements, something that would affect third par ties in their negotiations with the ACP countries and 
that would bring a series of challenges and difficulties to developing countries in particular, and to the 
WTO membership as a whole. 
101. The representative of Argentina
 said that from a systemic standpoint, his delegation was 
concerned about whether a situation such as that hi ghlighted by Brazil might be more than a mere 
hypothesis.  It was difficult to resist the temptati on to say how ironic it would be if clauses such as 
those described by Brazil were confirmed to exist in  the EPAs, particularly in the current context of 
arduous and difficult "Development Round" negotiations .  All irony aside, Argentina nevertheless 
wished to point out, as had Brazil,  that such clauses were inconsiste nt with the Enabling Clause.  The 
object of the Enabling Clause was pr ecisely to enable the granting of  differential and more favourable 
treatment to developing countries.  It was designed "to facilitate and promote the trade of developing 
countries", as stated in its paragraph 3(a), and sti pulated that developed countries would refrain from 
demanding reciprocity regarding concessions accorded , and from prescribing conditions incompatible 
with the pursuit of these objectives.  It was plain to  see that if clauses specifying requirements of the 
kind highlighted by Brazil were confirmed to exist, it would be very difficult to reconcile them with 
the development objectives of the Enabling Clause, which were ultimately th e same as those being 
pursued in the ongoing Doha Round  negotiations.  Argentina ther efore joined Brazil in seeking 
confirmation from the EC as to the existence of  such clauses and the rationale underlying their 
incorporation in the EPAs.  This was a matter of systemic interest, without prejudice to the legitimate 
right of ACP countries to conclude any agreements  they might consider appropriate for achieving 
their development goals.  WT/GC/M/113 
 Page 25 
 
 
  102. The representative of Ecuador  said his delegation welcomed bot h Brazil's raising this matter 
in the Council and its statement, and shared Brazil' s concerns.  He asked wh en the EC expected to 
notify these agreements to the WTO under the Transparency Mechanism for RTAs.  He also asked the 
EC under which WTO provisions it had been granting, as of 1 January 2008, preferences that were not 
covered by any previously requested waiver.  Ecuador reserved its rights in this matter. 
103. The representative of India  said his delegation shared the concerns expressed by Brazil.  If the 
EPAs included clauses that obliged the ACP countries to extend to the EC, on a line-by-line basis, any 
preferential treatment they might negotiate with ot her countries, such provisions would raise serious 
systemic concerns.  They would also add a new dimension to the challenge of preference erosion, except that in the present case, one would be dea ling with the preference erosion of a developed-
country Member.  The implications of such provisions on the meaning and intent of the Enabling 
Clause would need to be carefully assessed.  Th e Enabling Clause was an important pillar of the 
multilateral trading system and of the WTO acquis.  Members could not allow it to be undermined in 
any way, especially in a development Round.  A major objective of the Enabling Clause was the need to enhance trade between developing countries.  To  the extent that such provisions would deter ACP 
countries from negotiating preferential arrangement s with other developing countries, the EPAs 
would prevent the Enabling Clause from meeting th at objective.  However, these were India's 
preliminary comments only, as the specifics of the EPAs had not yet been made known to Members.  
At the present stage, India wished only to flag th ese concerns and to urge the EC, in line with the 
recently adopted Transparency Mechanism for RTAs , to notify the EPAs at the earliest.  The EPAs 
were a major event, as they involved more than  100 countries, both devel oped and developing, and 
their review in the WTO would provide fresh meaning to Members' mandate for clarifying and 
improving disciplines and procedures under existing WTO provisions. 
104. The representative of Paraguay
 said his delegation endorsed the statement by Brazil.  
Paraguay respected the Communities' ties with the ACP countries and, in this connection, had no 
complaint about the agreements concluded between these Members, provided they respected the legal 
order established in the WTO and the ethical principles and commitments embodied by the 
organization with regard to less-than-full reciprocity .  However, the information concerning a possible 
clause under which developing countries undertook to extend the concessions or advantages conferred 
upon them to developed countries had been a matter  of concern to Paraguay for some time.  A 
provision of this nature would be in flagrant viol ation of the letter and spirit of the Enabling Clause 
and would undermine one of the foundations of  the WTO, which underpinned S&D treatment in 
favour of developing countries.  For this reason, hi s delegation joined Brazil and others in requesting 
that the EC furnish reliable and specific informa tion on the existence of a clause of this kind. 
105. The representative of Honduras  said Brazil had flagged a legal question with respect to the 
EPAs, and Honduras wished to flag an additional co ncern.  As his delegati on had mentioned under the 
previous agenda item, although the EC had not shared with Members full information on its 
provisional economic agreements, Honduras had learned that these arrangements would cause even 
greater prejudice to supplier access for Latin American countries.  Duty-free treatment would be extended to all ACP suppliers, and since the new arrangements between the ACP and the EC did not 
exempt the EC from its obligations under Article  XXVIII and elsewhere relating to bananas, his 
Government reserved all of its rights in the WTO with respect to this matter. 
106. The representative of Pakistan
 said his delegation fully shared the concerns raised by Brazil 
and others.  If the EC was demanding an MFN clause from the ACP countries, it would create – as 
had been noted by India – a preferential system.  It would be logical to expect that the EC should include such a clause for itself as well as in FTAs it negotiated with others.  Thus, whenever it 
concluded an agreement with any country and ag reed to certain concessions, it should extend those 
concessions to all other countries.  The EC should review such a clause carefully, as it would create 
severe difficulties for other developing countries.   Many developing countries were presently WT/GC/M/113 
Page 26  
 
  negotiating preferential trading arrangements with the ACP countries, and the existence of such a 
clause in the EPAs would make this negotiating process very difficult. 
107. The representative of China
 said his delegation shared Brazil's concern about the consistency 
of certain clauses in the EPAs with the Enabling Clause.  As all knew, the Enabling Clause allowed 
developing countries to enjoy preferences granted by developed countries or through agreements 
among themselves.  China found no legal basis for such preferences to be extended to developed 
countries.  It was also concerned about the possible negative impact of this on South-South trade.  Therefore, while awaiting further information from the EC to clarify the situation, his delegation 
emphasized that no clause in the new agreements should undermine the objective and principles laid down in the Enabling Clause. 
108. The representative of Panama
 thanked Brazil for having raised this matter and for having 
provided Members some explanation of it.  Pana ma wished to begin a bilateral and multilateral 
examination of these agreements and reserved  its rights with respect to this matter. 
109. The representative of South Africa  said his delegation was somewhat familiar with the so-
called MFN clause in the EPAs, and had held intense bilateral discussions on this issue with the EC.  
It welcomed Brazil's initiative to table this issue for discussion in the Council.  Brazil's misgivings 
echoed South Africa's own concerns with the MFN clause and other aspects of the EPA negotiations.  
Although the EPA negotiations were bilateral, they  had some broader syst emic and multilateral 
implications.  First, the MFN clause attempted to lock in ACP Members to the EC market by 
disincentivizing any other bilateral relationship that  sought to build deeper trading relationships, in 
particular with countries that enjoyed more than one per cent of world trade.  For South Africa, this 
would prejudice its bilateral relationships with th e major emerging economies in the South, including 
India, China and Brazil.  For many ACP countries too, the new opportunities in the world economy to 
diversify their trading relationships and enhance their development with ot her developed countries 
and new emerging developing-country markets could be stymied by the MFN clause.  Second, for 
many ACP countries, building South-South relationships , especially in a regional context, was crucial 
to their development process – even more so than  the EC regional integration process.  The EPA 
negotiations had begun with the laudable objective of enhancing regional ec onomic integration in 
ACP countries.  However, in several cases the out come had been to create new obstacles to regional 
integration and to unravel regional integration arrangements that had been built over decades, such as 
the Southern African Customs Union, which incl uded Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia and 
South Africa.  Finally, South Africa had been distre ssed that many of its neighbours who were LDCs 
in Africa had had to make reciprocal concessions to  the EC in the EPA negot iations.  South Africa 
had fought for LDCs to be provided non-reciprocal  duty-free quota-free market access in the WTO.  It 
hoped that reciprocal concessions by LDCs to the EC would not prejudice the mandate agreed in Hong Kong to provide duty-free quota-free market access to LDCs.  For these reasons, South Africa 
supported Brazil's initiative to have a fuller, transpar ent discussion on the systemic implications of the 
EPAs. 
110. The representative of Jamaica,
 on behalf of the ACP Group , said the Group noted the 
statements by Brazil and others, and of the concer ns raised regarding the EPAs recently concluded 
between the ACP Members and the EC.  At th e present stage, the Group recalled that upon 
notification of these EPAs to the WTO, there woul d be an opportunity for Members to examine them 
and to highlight any concerns, such as those raised  at the present meeting, under the Transparency 
Mechanism for RTAs.  The Group looked forward to the discussion and examination of these 
agreements once the notification procedures had been completed. 
111. The representative of Uruguay  said Brazil's initiative to flag this matter in the Council was 
very welcome.  Uruguay understood and respected th e decision of the ACP countries to include the 
clause mentioned by Brazil in an agreement whic h those countries felt reflected their legitimate  WT/GC/M/113 
 Page 27 
 
 
  interests.  However, the possibility of the exis tence of MFN provisions in agreements between 
developed and developing countries did highlight the need to clarify the application of the Enabling 
Clause in these cases.  Uruguay's first reaction wa s that the Enabling Clause, being multilateral in 
nature, would have precedence over provisions in b ilateral agreements between countries or groups of 
countries.  That did not remove the concern flagged by Brazil and other delega tions that the existence 
of an MFN clause in this type of agreement coul d erode the application of the Enabling Clause and 
have negative or harmful practical effects in est ablishing agreements betwee n developing countries.  
Thus, as others had said, Members should await the notification of these agreements and examine the 
specific provisions.  This would enable all Member s to reach the necessary conclusions.  Beyond this, 
Members should examine whether such  a clause appeared in other agreem ents of this nature, and thus 
should keep this item on the Council's agenda fo r the purpose of having a systemic analysis of 
problems which might arise from such erosion of the Enabling Clause. 
112. The representative of th e European Communities  recalled that the EPAs were a new chapter 
in the long-standing, deep-rooted partnership between the EC and the ACP countries.  With the EPAs, the EC and the ACP countries had created a new b asis for their trade relationship and had moved 
away from unilateral preferences – which required a WTO waiver – to fully-fledged FTAs.  EPAs 
were FTAs with asymmetric liberalization, usin g flexibility in the WTO rules to allow ACP 
economies to adjust to liberalization.  The EC had opened its market to full duty-free quota-free 
imports – the most generous offer in the history of trade agreements.  In addition, simpler and 
improved rules of origin would further support development and regiona l integration among ACP 
countries, particularly in key sectors like textil es, fisheries and agriculture.  EPAs were stepping 
stones to a more complete integration of the EC's ACP partners into the multilateral trading system.  
There were MFN clauses in the EPAs, and the EPAs per se  were in line with Article XXIV of GATT.  
The reasoning behind these clauses was not new.  Ot hers had signed trade agreements which included 
similar provisions.  Brazil, together with Argen tina, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, 
Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela, had ad opted a similar approach under the Treaty of 
Montevideo in 1980 which established ALADI, the La tin American Integration Association.  The 
MFN clauses in the EC's EPAs were limited in sc ope.  They concerned only potential future FTAs 
that might be concluded by EPA parties with thir d countries that would be considered major trading 
economies – i.e. countries directly competing with the EC – and therefore would not impede deeper 
integration between neighbouring countries.  They  would have no negative impact on overall South-
South trade.  Furthermore, the EC would grant to ACP partners any more favourable treatment arising 
from subsequent agreements it conc luded with any third parties, while the ACP partners would only 
have to extend to the EC any more favourable tr eatment granted to a major trading country with 
whom they entered into an FTA.  Where the MF N clauses of the EPAs applied to preferential 
arrangements among developing countries, it had to be remembered that the Enabling Clause permitted such preferential arrangements, but did not prohibit the extension of the preferences at stake 
to other Members, in conformity with other WTO ru les.  Therefore, any suggestion that the EPAs, or 
the MFN clauses in them, were inconsistent with  the Enabling Clause was without foundation.  The 
EC's intention was to provide further information at  the appropriate time and to notify the agreements 
to the WTO.  At present, it was jointly undertaking te chnical corrections of the texts of the agreements 
and preparing them for formal signature. 
113. The representative of the Dominican Republic
 said his delegation concurred with the 
statement by Jamaica for the ACP Group.  It wo uld be more productive for all Members if the 
discussion of the EPAs took place once those agre ements had been notified to the WTO. 
114. The representative of Brazil  thanked the EC for its clarification about the EPAs.  Brazil was 
not questioning the EPAs overall or other aspects of them, but was concerned about the existence of 
an MFN clause in them that woul d extend automatically to the EC, on a line-by-line basis, any 
preferential arrangements with other countries, esp ecially developing countries.  His delegation 
understood from the EC's statement that this clause did exist, although the EC had not confirmed that WT/GC/M/113 
Page 28  
 
  it was on a line-by-line basis.  Thus, Brazil's preoccupation – and that of a large number of other 
Members – with this matter had clearly been confirme d.  Brazil requested that  this item remain on the 
Council's agenda, and his delegation would seek furt her information from the EC regarding the MFN 
clause in the EPAs. 
115. The General Council took note
 of the statements. 
7. Appointment of officers to WTO bodies 
116. The Chairman  recalled that, in accordance with the Gu idelines for Appointment of Officers to 
WTO Bodies approved by the General Council in December 2002 (WT/L/510), he and his colleagues, 
Mr. Gosper (Australia), the serving Chair of the Dispute Settlement Body, and Mr. Glenne (Norway), 
the former Chair of the General Council, had conduct ed consultations with delegations on a slate of 
names for the appointment of Chairs to the bodies lis ted in Groups 1, 2, 4 and 5 in the Annex to the 
Guidelines.  At the outset, he wished to thank M essrs Gosper and Glenne for their assistance, which 
had been very valuable to him and, he was cer tain, also to delegations.  They had consulted 
delegations both individually and in groups, including through group coordinators.  These 
consultations had included an informal open-ended Heads-of-Delegation meeting held on 1 February. 
117. He was pleased to be able to inform delegati ons that, on the basis of these consultations, there 
was a consensus on the following slate of names: 
General Council H.E. Mr. Bruce GOSPER (Australia) 
Dispute Settlement Body H.E. Mr. Mario MATUS (Chile) Trade Policy Review Body H.E. Mr. Yonov Frederick AGAH (Nigeria) Council for Trade in Goods H.E. Ms Karen TAN (Singapore) 
Council for Trade in Services H.E. Mr. Alex VAN MEEUWEN (Belgium) 
Council for TRIPS H.E. Ms Gail Marie MATHURIN (Jamaica) 
Committee on Trade and  
Development H.E. Mr. Shree Baboo Chekitan SERVANSING 
(Mauritius) 
Committee on Balance-of- Payments 
Restrictions H.E. Mr. Arsene M. BALIHUTA (Uganda) 
Committee on Budget, Finance and  
Administration Mr. Tony LYNCH (New Zealand) 
Committee on Trade and  
Environment Dr. Wieslaw KARSZ (Poland) 
Committee on Regional Trade  
Agreements Mr. Detlev BRAUNS (Germany) 
Working Group on Trade, Debt and  
Finance Mr. Martin GLASS (Hong Kong, China) 
Working Group on Trade and  
Transfer of Technology H.E. Mr. Kwabena BAAH-DUODU (Ghana) 
 
118. Appointments for these bodies would be for one year as usual, in keeping with the general 
rule in the Guidelines.  These appointments would, of course, be made formally by the WTO bodies 
concerned at their subsequent meetings in 2008.  WT/GC/M/113 
 Page 29 
 
 
  119. Since the proposal to appoint Mr Matus (Chile ) as Chairman of the DSB had resulted in a 
vacancy in the chairmanship of  the Special Session of the Committee on Trade and Environment – 
and in keeping with the provisions of the struct ure adopted by the Trade Negotiations Committee at 
its first meeting, namely that the General Counc il Chair should consult on the chairmanships of the 
individual negotiating bodies under the TNC – his collea gues and he had used this opportunity also to 
consult delegations regarding this ap pointment.  He was pleased to be able to inform delegations that, 
on the basis of their consultations, there was a consensus on the appointment of Mr Teehankee 
(Philippines) to this post.  With regard to th e duration of this appointment, he proposed that 
Mr Teehankee be invited to serve until the next Sessi on of the Ministerial Conference.  This would be 
in keeping with the terms of office for the appoint ments to the other negotiating groups agreed by the 
General Council in February 2006. 
120. The General Council took note  of the statement and of the consensus on the slate of names for 
the appointment of officers to the bodies mentioned above. 
121. The Chairman , on behalf of the General Council, expressed sincere appreciation to the 
outgoing Chairpersons of all WTO bodies for their dedicated work in chairing these bodies during the 
past year.  He then recalled that, in keeping with  Paragraph 7.3 of the Guidelines for Appointment of 
Officers to WTO Bodies, the out going Chairpersons of the Council for Trade in Goods and the 
Council for Trade in Services normally conducted cons ultations to select Chairpersons for the bodies 
established under their respective Counc ils.  Paragraph 7.3 of the Guid elines also provided that these 
Chairs should announce the start of their respec tive consultation processes at the February General 
Council, and work in close coordination in order to  ensure the efficiency of the process and the 
balance mentioned in Paragraph 3.3 of the Guidelines. 
122. In the absence of the Chairman of the Goods Council, and on the latter' s request and behalf, 
he then read out the latter's statement as follows:  "I  take this opportunity to inform Members that, in 
accordance with the Guide lines for Appointment of Officers to WTO Bodies approved by the General 
Council in December 2002 (WT/L/510),  I will be starting consultations for the appointment of 
chairpersons to the subsidiary bodies of the Counc il for Trade in Goods.  I will be carrying out this 
process with a view to proposing and agreeing on a ba lanced slate of names at the next meeting of the 
Council for Trade in Goods, scheduled for 11 March.  I intend to make sufficient time available to 
meet with any interested Members and to hear th eir views and suggestions, and will be sending a fax 
to all Heads of Delegations tomorrow indicating my  availability for this purpose.  Following this, I 
will conduct further consultations as necessary.  In or der to ensure the efficiency of the process and 
the balance mentioned in the Guidelines, I will wo rk in coordination with the Chairman of the 
Services Council." 
123. In the absence of the Chairman of the Servi ces Council and on the latter's request and behalf, 
he then read out the latter's statement also as fo llows:  "In accordance with  the Guidelines you have 
just referred to, I will start the consultation process fo r the appointment of the new chairpersons to the 
four subsidiary bodies that are under the Council for Trade in Services.  This process will aim at 
reaching agreement on a balanced slate of names, which will be proposed for election at the next 
meeting of those subsidiary bodies.  For this pur pose, I will undertake consultations in coordination 
with the Chairman of the Goods Council, and will make sufficient time available to meet with any 
interested Members." 
124. The General Council took note  of the statements. 
 WT/GC/M/113 
Page 30  
 
  8. EC - Suspension of fresh beef imports from Brazil  
125. The representative of Brazil
, speaking under "Other Business ", said his delegation was  
raising this matter at the present meeting owing to  its emergency nature and importance to Brazil's 
economy.  His Government regretted the EC's decisi on to temporarily suspend imports of beef from 
Brazil into the European market.  This extreme m easure had not been due to any sanitary problems in 
Brazil or any risk to public health.  The EC had a lleged flaws in Brazil's traceability system for cattle 
and had asked Brazil to prepare urgently an unrealis tic short list of farms wh ich would be allowed to 
continue exporting.  Despite the short time given,  a list of audited units had been prepared, but 
subsequently rejected, leading to the temporary emba rgo.  This decision was unjustified, arbitrary and 
disproportionate.  Brazil could not overlook the fact that some commercial interests of European 
producers had been affected by the competitiveness  of Brazilian beef, and that these producers had 
supported a publicity campaign to advocate restric tions on Brazilian exports  on false allegations 
regarding the sanitary situation in Brazil.  Brazil was the largest exporter of beef in the world.  More 
than 150 countries bought its beef because they recognized its quality.  This situation was not 
accidental.  Over the years, Brazil had invested significantly to further enhance production conditions 
and animal health.  The EC's decision was unjustifia ble, as Brazilian beef did not represent a risk to 
human or animal health.  The report on inspectio ns by the Food and Veterinary Office had not 
identified flaws affecting the safety of Brazilian beef .  Instead, there had been new demands regarding 
the system of traceability in Brazil.  However, Br azil's system of traceability differed from that in 
Europe, as it had not been implemented to safegua rd against sanitary prob lems, whereas traceability 
in the EC had been implemented as a response to the outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy 
(BSE), which still affected European herds.  BSE ha d never been registered in Brazil.  Brazil was a 
traditional exporter of beef to European countries and w as interested in keeping this trade relationship.  
His delegation therefore hoped that Brazilian and European sanitary authorities could maintain a 
constructive dialogue, as they had done in the past.  Brazil reserved its right to defend its interests in 
the SPS Committee and in other WTO bodies. 
126. The representative of the European Communities  said the suspension of fresh beef imports 
from Brazil was not a surprise.  This was a longsta nding issue between the EU and Brazil.  The EU 
had invested hugely in achieving an FMD (Foot -and-Mouth Disease)-free status and wanted to 
preserve this status.  The EU was the only major developed market that allowed imports of fresh beef from Brazil.  Other key trade partners, including th e United States, Japan and Canada, had total bans 
in place.  Brazil had never challenged these bans in the WTO and had never raised them in the 
General Council.  Following outbreaks of FMD in Brazil in 2006, the EC had adopted measures for 
keeping disruption in trade to a minimum.  Howeve r, in parallel, more decisive action had been 
demanded from Brazil to address the Community's l ongstanding concerns on animal and public health 
grounds.  Brazil had consistently ignored the Commun ity's repeated warnings, despite several political 
and official contacts.  The Community remained committed to cooperating with Brazil but would not 
put its animal health status at unacceptable risk. 
127. The General Council took note
 of the statements. 
9. Administrative Measures for Members in arrears 
128. The Chairman , speaking under "Other Business ", recalled that at its meeting in May 2006, the 
General Council had approved a recommendati on from the Committee on Budget, Finance and 
Administration regarding revised Administrative Measures for Members in arrears (WT/BFA/86).  
Among these Administrative Measures was a requirement that at each meeting of the General C ouncil, 
the Chairman of the Committee on Budget, Fina nce and Administration s hould provide information 
with regard to which Members were under Administ rative Measures in Ca tegories II through IV.  WT/GC/M/113 
 Page 31 
 
 
  129. Mr Lynch (New Zealand), Chairman of  the Committee on Budget, Finance and 
Administration , said that as the Chairman had just r ecalled, the Budget Committee had formulated a 
recommendation regarding Members in arrears whic h had been approved by the General Council in 
May 2006.  The background to th is recommendation was the Committee' s assessment that Members' 
obligation to contribute promptly to the WTO thei r share in the expenses of the organization, in 
accordance with the WTO Ag reement, should be reinforced.  The administrative measures had been 
reinforced through the recommendation that had b een approved.  The General Council had also 
authorized the Budget Committee to waive the appl ication of the measures for Members in Category 
IV who agreed to, and abided by, a schedule of inst alment payments aimed at liquidating all arrears.  
In this context, he invited the Members concerne d to contact the Secretariat to discuss the modalities 
for establishing such an instalment plan.  In purs uance of the revised Administrative Measures, he 
informed the Council that the Members under Categories II through IV of the Administrative Measures as at 5 February were as follows:  Mali, Nicaragua and Peru, in Category II;  Grenada and  Senegal in Category III;  and the following Members in Category IV:  Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Commonwealth of Dominica, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, 
Djibouti, Gabon, the Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Paraguay, 
Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone and Togo. 
130. The Chairman
 then recalled that under the revised Administrative Measures he was also 
required at each Council meeting to request those Members in Categories III and IV of the Measures 
to inform him, before the next meeting of the Ge neral Council, as to when their payment of arrears 
might be expected.  In keeping with the Admini strative Measures, he would report on Members' 
replies to the next meeting of the General Council.   Since the December General Council meeting, he 
had not received any replies from the Members concerned. 
131. The General Council took note  of the statements. 
10. Election of Chairperson 
132. The Chairman , as the outgoing presiding officer of the General Council, thanked all for their 
co-operation and friendship during his term as General Council Chair.  The consensus principle on 
which this organization functioned was not simply about decision-making – it also meant a sense of 
shared responsibility and stewardship for a system wh ich belonged to all Memb ers.  Over the past 
year, he had seen delegations deepening their relations  of trust and confidence in each other.  This was 
a positive trend and one he was sure would continue.  Whatever the differences in national interests 
and positions, it was now more than ever clear that all shared the need for a truly multilateral trading 
system.  There were no doubt challenging times ahead.  All wanted to fulfill the mandate of the Doha 
Development Agenda but were unde r no illusions about the difficulties.  His hope was that whatever 
the ups and downs of the negotiations, one would ne ver lose sight of the core WTO values and their 
importance.  As the organization matured, one had co me to appreciate more clearly what it meant and 
what was needed to keep it working for all.  Members had in the incoming Chair someone who 
understood these points very well.  The Council could not  be in better hands.  He wished the incoming 
Chair all good luck and knew that the latter coul d count on the support he himself had had the 
privilege to enjoy.  He also wished to thank th e Director-General for his cooperation and his tireless 
efforts to advance the DDA as well as many other im portant issues such as Aid for Trade.  He had 
received nothing but friendship and help from everyone  in the Secretariat and thanked all, especially 
the Director and staff of the Council and TNC Divisi on.  He hoped to be in the WTO for some time 
yet, but back on the floor as a born-again delegate.  The incoming Chair could count on him from that position to provide the friendship he himself had be en fortunate to receive from the previous Council 
Chair.  He also wished all other Chairs every su ccess.  All of their tasks were important, and Members 
were fortunate that the representatives concerned had made themselves available to take on these 
challenges.  In thanking everyone once again, he hoped that the forthcoming "Year of the Rat" would 
be auspicious for the WTO. WT/GC/M/113 
Page 32  
 
  133. The General Council then unanimously elected
 Mr Bruce Gosper (Australia) to the Chair. 
134. The Director-General  thanked the outgoing Chair of the General Council for the way he had 
accomplished his duties in this position.  The post of  Director-General was probably the best place to 
appreciate the mix of qualities one needed to be a good Council Chair.  This could be done a priori when electing Chairs, and a posteriori with their tr ack record.  Working with the outgoing Chair had 
been a pleasure.  They had worked a lot together  and the latter had brought a mix of formidable 
qualities to his duties – permanent availability, experi ence, ability to listen, au thority and leadership.  
He had done it the Asian way – in particular, in sp ecific cases where leadership and authority were 
needed from the Chair – and Members had got the results without the noise.  This had worked 
extremely well.  For all these reasons, and on his own and the Secretariat's behalf, he expressed 
gratitude to the outgoing Chair.  He also wished  good luck to the incoming Chair for the coming 
period, where Members would have a bit of difficult  navigation.  However, the newly-elected Chair 
knew the sea. 
135. The newly-elected Chairman
 said he wished to thank the outgoing Chair for his outstanding 
chairmanship over the past year.  The latter had the admiration and gratitude of all for the job he had 
done.  He had performed this role with a gentle touc h, but with very clear vision and a firm resolve to 
serve the interests of all Members.  All had appreci ated the dedication he had shown in this work, the 
wise way he had handled so many sensitive issues, and the sense of fairness and transparency he had 
maintained in the performance of this role.  A ll had been impressed and grateful for his sense of 
humour during many difficult times.  He thanked the outgoing Chair also for his counsel and friendship, which he knew would c ontinue through the important coming year.  He was certain to be 
able to count on him, as the latter had been able to  count on his predecessor, and looked forward to 
that.  He thanked Members for the confidence they had shown in him, and was aware that this was a 
great honour and responsibility.  He would seek to do his best to meet Members' expectations and to 
conduct business efficiently, with openness and transpar ency.  He would work for the interests of all 
Members, and cooperatively with other Chairs, the Di rector-General and the Secretariat.  There was 
clearly a lot of work ahead, and it would be a tes ting year.  The outgoing Chair had noted it was the 
year of the Rat, which was a creature of great industr y and, hence, prosperity.  He believed this was a 
mark of the possibilities of the year ahead.  Clear ly, the normal WTO business was an important part 
of the work.  Members had had a very good reminde r the previous day with the accession of Ukraine 
and the beginning of the accession process of Equatorial  Guinea.  Other matters that were part of the 
normal business of the organization would also need Members' attention.  However, the immediate 
task was what Members had decided to do, name ly, achieving Agriculture and NAMA modalities and 
then taking the Round forward.  Over the past year , Members had relearned how to do business in this 
organization when it came to negotiations – how a multilateral process conducted with perseverance, 
patience and transparency could take Members forw ard.  He believed there was a good spirit in the 
house and a sober appreciation of the task ahead.  Th e task was difficult, but there was a will to get 
things done and an understanding of  the time pressures.  He was convinced that with continuing 
patience and perseverance, with  goodwill and understanding, one coul d achieve a good result for all 
and one that aided economic growth and development.  He would do his best to help Members in that 
endeavour. 
136. He then proposed – in keeping with the scenar io suggested for this Agenda item at the 
beginning of the meeting, and wit hout wishing to prevent any delegation wishing to do so from taking 
the floor – to offer the floor first to coordina tors of regional and other WTO groupings, and those 
delegations not represented in such groupings, who wished to speak.  He was hopeful that members of 
regional and other groupings whose coordinators had spoken would c onsider them to have spoken on 
behalf of all of their constituents, and that all de legations would exercise restraint in seeking the floor 
in addition.  He was confident that delegations would have the opportunity to express their thoughts 
and views individually to both the outgoing Chair a nd himself over the coming days and weeks.  He  WT/GC/M/113 
 Page 33 
 
 
  hoped to be able to count on the cooperation of all delegations to maintain the tradition of efficient 
and business-like conduct of business in the Council. 
137. The representative of Côte d'Ivoire , on behalf of the African Group , recalled that at an 
UNCTAD meeting some 20 years earlier, cocoa producers and consumers had asked the outgoing Chair to work in that area and, in view of the latter's experience, skills and professionalism, he had 
been asked to chair the preparatory committee of th e international conference on the negotiations for a 
new international agreement on cocoa, at a time when the world price of cocoa – vital for the 
economies of African, Latin Ameri can and Asian countries – was extr emely low.  With great panache 
and skill, the outgoing Chair had managed to carry out his mandate.  His moral and professional 
qualities, together with his long international expe rience, had led him to the chairmanship of the 
General Council, which was a very sensitive post and one of high prestige.  Over the past year, the 
African Group had welcomed his management of th e Council, which had been efficient and positive 
throughout.  The African Group also welcomed the newly-elected Chair, and had seen that he was 
convivial, worked well and was well acquainted with  the issues.  The Group was sure he would 
undertake his role with dedication and efficiency, and would be able to follow the path outlined by his 
predecessor.  The Group assured him of its support and that it would do everything it could to ensure 
the WTO became even more universal. 
138. The representative of Costa Rica
, on behalf of GRULAC,  expressed gratitude and recognition 
to the outgoing Chair for his great efforts in that role.  His guidance, which had always been well thought out and serene, had reassured Members over this  past year.  He had done excellent work and 
GRULAC wished to thank him very much.  GRULAC  also wished to congratulate the newly-elected 
Chair who was now taking over the helm, and to wish him great success, and was confident that he 
would lead the Council with his great qualities and help Members meet the challenges ahead. 
139. The representative of Sri Lanka
, on behalf of the Informal Group of Developing Countries , 
congratulated the newly-elected Council Chair and a ll Chairpersons on their election.  The important 
role played by Chairpersons of WTO bodies in fac ilitating the work of the organization, as well as the 
responsibilities attached to these posts, could not be over-emphasized.  This was particularly so as 
they took up these roles in this critical year.  The Informal Group therefore assured them of its support and cooperation in their future work.  The Group th anked the outgoing Chair for his indefatigable and 
astute leadership, and extended its deep appreciati on for the strength, patience and wisdom he had 
tirelessly displayed throughout his term as Chair.  It wished him well for all his future endeavours.  It 
also extended its thanks and appreciation for the wo rk and contributions made by all out-going Chairs 
and wished them well. 
140. The representative of the United States
 said all had been very fortunate in recent years to have 
had a series of outstanding Chairs of the General Council – outstanding in terms of their leadership, 
fairness and personal dedication – an d the outgoing Chair had more than met that standard over the 
past year.  In considering the qualities of an ideal Ch air, three occurred to him.  The first was that the 
Chair had to have the respect of the membership, and that flowed directly from the integrity of that 
individual, his or her honesty, ope nness to all delegations, personal de dication to the organization, and 
not having a particular agenda of his or he r own.  The second was an understanding of the 
organization, not simply the organizational chart, but  the chemistry and culture of the organization.  
The third was effectiveness in promoting consensu s.  He believed there was a consensus that the 
outgoing Chair had displayed these qualities in abundan ce.  Fortunately, he believed Members would 
also agree that during the newly-elected Chair's ch airmanship of the Dispute Settlement Body over the 
past year, one had seen that he too possessed thes e same qualities, and that gave everyone enormous 
confidence that the coming year was going to be very successful, not only for the WTO as an institution, but also for each Memb er.  He wished to make it clear to the incoming Chair that the 
United States was committing to him and to the othe r Chairs to work constructively and cooperatively 
with them during the coming year.  He also wished  to thank all the indivi duals who were taking on WT/GC/M/113 
Page 34  
 
  responsibilities as chairpersons, and also their governments for allowing them to take on these 
responsibilities and to contribute their time, effort and talents for the success of the organization. 
141. The representative of Japan
 said his delegation regretted the departure of the outgoing Chair, 
whose contribution to the WTO during a crucial peri od would be long remembered.  The latter had 
been a wise and warm Chair and, as a fellow Asian, he was proud of the outgoing Chair and would 
miss him.  Japan also wished to thank all the other outgoing Chairs.  Members were lucky to have the 
best possible successor to the outgoing Council Ch air, a man who was though tful, independent and 
dignified.  His delegation looked forward to work ing with him as well as with the other incoming 
Chairs, and pledged Japan's full support. 
142. The representative of Singapore , on behalf of the ASEAN Members , expressed their gratitude 
to the outgoing Chair for the exemplary manner in wh ich he had led the Council over the past year.  
His ready humour and steady hand had delivered  solid progress at a time of uncertainty and 
turbulence.  It was in no small part due to hi s leadership as the Council Chair that Members were 
where they were at present – on the threshold of revised texts for Agriculture and NAMA, and 
preparing to move to the next and, hopefull y, final phase of work on the DDA.  The ASEAN 
Members would miss the outgoing Chair's warm a nd welcoming presence on the podium, but looked 
forward to welcoming him back to the trenches amon gst the ASEAN family.  They were nevertheless 
reassured that for the coming year, the newly-elected Chair, a close friend and neighbour of ASEAN, would chair the Council.  They extended their warm est congratulations to him and reiterated their 
commitment to work closely with him over the co ming year.  The incoming Chair was taking over at 
a critical juncture, but the ASEAN Members were c onfident – as they had been with his predecessor – 
that they were in safe hands as Members moved fo rward in their efforts to successfully conclude the 
Round and to continue with the WTO's important work during the coming year. 
143. The representative of China
 said this was a very special occasion, because China was 
celebrating the start of the New Year as well as the election of new Chairs in the WTO.  He 
congratulated the incoming Chairs of the various  bodies and wished them every success in the busy 
and tough year ahead.  China, like other Members,  was confident they would provide Members with 
strong leadership in the year ahead to ensure the smooth operation of the WTO, including negotiations 
for a successful conclusion of the Round.  He e xpressed China's sincere appreciation to all outgoing 
Chairs for their great dedication to the work of chairing their respective bodies throughout the past 
year.  China paid special tribute to the outgoing Ch air of the Council for the excellent work he had 
done to guarantee the normal functioning of the WTO at a rather delicate and difficult period.  It was 
said that the difference between real diplomats and pure trade negotiators was that diplomats from 
time to time used their ears, while  trade negotiators did not use them very often.  The outgoing Chair 
was a first-class diplomat with his own style as a sy mpathetic listener, and a soft-spoken but articulate 
and convincing lecturer.  During the latter's term as Chair, he had helped build trust and confidence 
among Members and had been instrumental in bridging many differences among them through quiet 
diplomacy, whether on the DDA negotiations, on accession negotiations, or on the selection of Chairs 
of the various WTO bodies.  He had won great ad miration from Members, which had certainly added 
credit to Malaysia, to Asia and to the organiza tion as a whole.  He hoped the outgoing Chair would 
continue to play a strong leadership role afte r the present meeting.  While China regretted the 
outgoing Chair's departure, it had full trust in his successor.  The newly- elected Chair, in his role as 
DSB Chair and as coordinator of the Cairns Group, had already demonstrated his great skill and 
capacity in providing leadership for the organizati on and in handling the crises Members had faced.  
China had no doubt that the incoming Chair would do a great job, and his delegation looked forward 
to working closely with him and giving him whatev er support was necessary in the days and months 
to come. 
144. The representative of the European Communities  thanked the outgoing Chair for his 
outstanding chairmanship of the Council over the p ast year.  All had deeply appreciated the hard  WT/GC/M/113 
 Page 35 
 
 
  work, wisdom, leadership, humour and sense of fair ness he had brought to his Chairmanship.  His 
delegation also congratulated the newly-elected Chair on his appointment.  The Community was happy that the Council would be in such safe, capab le and experienced hands in what would certainly 
be an interesting and perhaps crucial year for the Doha Round.  The newly-elected Chair had the 
Community's full support and could rest assured th at it would work with him constructively and 
cooperatively in the year ahead.  The Community also  wished to congratulate all others who had been 
appointed to the chairmanships of various  WTO bodies for 2008 and assured them of the 
Community's full support in th eir work in the year ahead. 
145. The representative of Jamaica
, on behalf of the ACP Group , extended its warmest 
congratulations to the newly-elected Council Chair and to the Chairs of the other WTO bodies on 
their election.  The Group looked forward to work ing with the incoming Council Chair over the next 
12 months and was confident that Members were in  very good hands.  It also looked forward to 
working with the other Chairs, as Members sought to move the WTO agenda forward.  The Group also wished to thank all the outgoing Chairs.  It had been a great pleasure working with the outgoing 
Council Chair, and the Group had greatly appreci ated his professionalism, sense of balance, 
availability, patience, wise counsel and ever-present se nse of humour.  It had not been by accident that 
Members had made progress under his watch.  The Group looked forward to working with him again as a born-again delegate and wished him all the best in his future activities. 
146. The representative of Chinese Taipei
 expressed his sincere appreciation for the enormous 
efforts and contributions of all past Chairs of WTO bodies, particularly the outgoing Council Chair.  
The past year had seen an exceptionally busy sche dule of negotiations under the DDA, in addition to 
the daily work of the WTO.  The Chairs of th e General Council, the Dispute Settlement Body, the 
Trade Policy Review Body and all the other WTO bo dies worked continuously and tirelessly keeping 
the WTO moving forward.  His delegation commended them all on a job well done.  His delegation also congratulated all the new Chairs and, at the current auspicious conjuncture between the old and 
new lunar years, wished them all a particularly good and successful start to their important work. 
147. The General Council took note
 of the statements WT/GC/M/113 
Page 36  
 
  ANNEX I 
 
Statements submitted by delegations for inclusion
 
under Agenda Item 1 – Accession of Ukraine  
 
1. Argentina   
 This is a great day for the WTO, not only b ecause the country joining this Organization is an 
important one, but also because its concessions pr ofile will place it among those countries which, with 
their open trade policies, make a real contribution to  multilateralism.  This is worthy of note, not only 
because of Ukraine's difficult economic past, but also  because its record of trade liberalization in 
tariffs and subsidies is better than that of most other developed countries.  We are therefore, once 
again, seeing the accession of a country whose te rms of accession should put certain developed 
Members to shame.  It is also an important day b ecause the acceding country's profile is that of a net 
exporter of food and other agricultural products.  If this potential has not been fully realized, it is 
because we are barely at the start of a process of re form which began only 15 years ago.  Ukraine is a 
country with a population and agricultural potential comparable to Argentina;  I should remind you 
that Ukraine has large areas of th e most fertile land on the planet.  Bilateral economic relations 
between Ukraine and Argentina have grown from a leve l so insignificant they could have been classed 
as non-existent.  At first, we thought that since we were both agricultural exporting countries, there would be no potential for trade development.  This, however, has not been the case.  Our exports to 
Ukraine amounted to US$73 million in 2007 and c ontinue to increase and diversify.  The most 
surprising thing, however, has been the increase in imports entering Ar gentina from Ukraine, with the 
latter achieving a trade surplus vis-à-vis  Argentina of US$26 million.  In fact, it should come as no 
surprise that it was Ukraine, not Argentina, wh ich first achieved exports to the tune of US$100 
million in bilateral trade, much of it in the form  of industrial products, si nce Argentina's level of 
protection is so low, even in respect of indus trial products, that it enables non-WTO Members to 
develop their exports.  Economic and trade relati ons between Argentina and Ukraine have much 
potential for development and there is little doubt that Ukraine's accession to  the WTO will enable 
substantial progress to be made in enhancing trade links, diversifying the stru cture of bilateral trade 
and developing new forms of coopera tion.  Within this new framework, at the next meeting of the 
Argentine-Ukrainian Intergovernmental Join t Commission on Economic and Trade Cooperation, 
scheduled for this year, both countries will continue to make every effort to strengthen economic and 
trade cooperation mechanisms and, in particular , cooperation in respect of energy, agriculture, 
industry and mining.  We therefore hope to be able  to enter into important  multilateral cooperation 
with Ukraine in the WTO.  Just  as the multilateral process inclusive of all Members is what enabled 
this accession to be completed succ essfully, so too will an active multilateral role be the best option 
for the economic and trade development of Ukraine.   Lastly, I would like to acknowledge the efforts 
made by the Secretariat and, in particular, the ba lanced way in which the Chair of the Working Party 
conducted the proceedings.  
2. Viet Nam  
 On behalf of the Government of Viet Nam, we would like to join other Members in warmly 
welcoming H.E. President Yushchenko and the other distinguished delegates of the Government of 
Ukraine to this meeting.  The presence of the Presi dent at this historic moment shows the strong 
determination of the people and G overnment of Ukraine to integrate into the world economy.  The 
accession of Ukraine reinforces the strength and economic meaning of this universal trade 
organization.  From the experience of my own count ry, we are fully confident that this accession will 
not only benefit Ukraine in transforming its economic  prospects, but at the same time bring in 
potential economic and market access opportunities for other Members.  For Viet Nam, Ukraine has 
been a long-standing, traditional friend with a hi gh potential of future complementary economic co- WT/GC/M/113 
 Page 37 
 
 
  operation, especially after Ukraine enters this rul es-based organization.  Viet Nam looked forward to 
co-operating closely with the Ukrainian delegation in  all operational activities of this institution.  The 
successful completion of this long and challenging accession is a commendable achievement for which Ukraine and its national negotiating team deserve passionate and respectful applause.  We 
would also like to express our appreciation for th e valuable and professional work done by the Chair 
of the Working Party and by the Secretariat. 
 
3. Russian Federation (as an observer) 
 Let me join other delegations in expressing our sincere congratulations to Ukraine on its 
accession to the WTO.  Since its request for accessi on in 1993, Ukraine al ways remained committed 
to full membership in this organization.  The accession process was long and required hard work and 
sometimes difficult policy decisions from Ukraine.  We know that from our own experience.  Ukraine 
has always been and, I hope, will remain our relia ble and important trading partner.  Our countries 
have close relations in economy, culture and other areas.  We are certainl y interested in further 
deepening cooperation in all these areas.  Last y ear, for instance, the trade turnover between Russia 
and Ukraine increased by 30 per cent and reached $US 30 billion.  Let me express the hope that 
Ukraine's accession and Russia's forthcoming acc ession to the WTO will further strengthen our 
bilateral trade and economic rela tions, which will be based on their preferential agreements, the 
principles of international trade, and fully consistent  with WTO rules and regulations.  We are grateful 
to H.E. President Yushchenko for his support in hi s statement today for the accession of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO as soon as it is feasible. 
 WT/GC/M/113 
Page 38  
 
  ANNEX II 
 
Statements by delegations at the informal meeting of
 
the Trade Negotiations Committee on 31 January 2008  
  
1. Argentina 
 
 I think I can be brief given the debate that h as taken place today.  I believe that we are all 
clear on the fact that we will be having  texts co ming from our Chairmen in the forthcoming days and 
that those texts will be subject to an exercise of an alysis in the respective groups and that after that, 
we will then carry out an evaluation on whether or no t those texts enable us to move forward to a next 
phase.  Given the debate that has taken place, I think that there may be confusion with regard to what 
is going to take place in the next phase and what the issues will be in that next phase of debate, so I 
would like to echo the concerns and the suggestions raised by the Ambassador of India so that we 
have clarity on that very issue.  My delegation has no difficulty in discussing any roadmaps which 
may be charted or any time frames which may be set out for the future enabling us then to conclude 
the Round before the end of the year.  We can al so examine how to deal with the question of 
geographical indications, but of course that will be for a future round of negotiations. 
 
2. Bangladesh 
 
At the outset, I would like to associate myself w ith the statement delivered by Lesotho as the 
LDC Coordinator.  I would just like to highlight an d stress a few issues from the areas of interest to 
us.  It will be only proper and fair on my part to recognise and acknowledge the skilful and positive 
role played by you, Chair, in keeping our hopes a live for an early and a successful conclusion of Doha 
Round. In fact, your determination and persuasion have always helped to keep our focus on the 
essence of this Round.  I would also take this opportunity to complement the Chairs of the 
Negotiating Groups for their patient and hard work  which they are pursuing often to accommodate 
conflicting perspectives.  I align myself with spir it and letter of your interim report and remain 
optimistic.  I am encouraged to note that the flex ibilities shown by all Members have ensured that we 
do not find ourselves in a stalemate.  Maybe we have not been progressing at the pace we would have 
liked to, but we are convinced of the political goodwill of the Members.  I agree that we are 
approaching the last laps of the marathon and we need to put in all our positive breath to end the game 
with a sprint.  In NAMA, LDCs have shown flexibility in the key area of their interest, i.e. the issue of 
3% tariff lines for duty-free quota-free market access.  On the other hand, it is imperative for us that 
the DFQF market access offered to us by our part ners needs to be commercially meaningful.  The 
tariff lines that will be offered duty-free access are crucial.  We have been assured by developed-
country Members, as well as developing-country Members, of their intentions of providing DFQF market access to the LDCs in due time and in subs tantive manner.  We put our trust in them.  What 
we would like to see is a reflection of their commitm ents towards LDCs in actions taken by them and 
reflected in their schedules.  On the issue of meani ngful market access, we also need simplified rules 
of origin so that our exporters do not suffer.  LDCs would also like to see assurance about phasing out 
the remaining tariff lines for DFQF market access  by those countries that may temporarily feel 
constrained.  In the area of preference erosion, we appreciate the flexibility shown by various Members.  We are talking here about the LDCs, the most marginalised Members of this organisation.  
If Members exhibit further flexibility, further pos itive understanding attitude towards the LDCs when 
the issue of preference erosion arises, it will go a long way to help LDCs build their productive 
capacities. 
 In Hong Kong our Ministers provided elaborate instructions on special priorities to be 
accorded to the LDCs in the area of  services.  What we need is operationalization of those mandates.  
I am encouraged to note the discussion at the last meeting of the Services Special Session regarding  WT/GC/M/113 
 Page 39 
 
 
  LDC modalities.  We are keenly waiting for the Secret ariat’s brief in this regard.  If Members have 
positive attitude, I do not think it should be a gr ave problem to find an operational solution for LDC 
modalities.  LDCs are banking on market access in de veloped and developing countries in their areas 
of interest in different service sectors.  Everyone present in this room is aware of the importance of 
trade in services, and it is only fair that we, the LDCs, are asking for our share to alleviate our 
vulnerable development situations.  With every p assing day, the absolute as well as relative difference 
between the developed world and the LDCs in te rms of all socio-economic parameters has been 
increasing.  This has become more disconcerting as the world economy braces for a slow-down, if not a recession.  If this Round is truly meant to be a Development Round, and I strongly believe so, then 
we need the flexibilities and market opportunities pr omised to LDCs to be implemented at the 
soonest.  Any Member can provide flexibilities a nd opportunities to LDCs any time as an early 
harvest, as an advance payment towards concluding the Round.  Then everyone can be proud of their role in the Doha Development Agenda.  We ag ree with the three-stag e timeline that you have 
indicated.  I am sure you will agree, Chair, that without following a transparent and an inclusive process we shall not be able to ensure a substantive outcome.  But we also ma intain that the process is 
not an end in itself, but a means to achieve results.  That is why we, at the end of the day, will judge 
the Round by the quality of the outcome.  Thus, we reckon that the “window of opportunity” is not 
only to become “window of necessity”, but should al so be a “window of delivery”.  My delegation, 
Chair, assures you of its commitment to  contribute to achieve that end. 
 
3. Barbados (for the SVEs) 
 
 Small, vulnerable economies wish to thank yo u for convening this meeting and the update 
you provided.  Although small in size and relative economic importance, SVEs  have reiterated the 
significance of the multilateral process and our wi llingness to contribute to the process within our 
capacities to so do.  Timing is important, but more so is content.  In this regard, we look forward to 
the issuance of revised texts in  Agriculture and NAMA that take into account our concerns.  We 
acknowledge the work done thus far by the va rious negotiating Chairs and welcome the 
announcement of the continuance of the Chair-led pro cesses as we seek to achie ve an agreement that 
satisfies our needs.  SVEs hope that sufficient time will be provided for assessing revised texts and 
expect that issues will be sufficiently mature befo re being referred to the horizontal process.  Like 
others, we look forward to a horizontal process to foll ow that is inclusive, bottom up and transparent.  
SVEs remain committed to the process and stand ready to play our part as we seek to fulfil the Doha 
Development mandates and c onclude the negotiations. 
 
4. Bolivia 
  With regard to process, Bolivia would like to st ate that it welcomes the texts which reflect our 
discussion in Agriculture, which is driving this Round, as well as NAMA.  Nevertheless we should 
state that we believe we should be careful.  This is  a process which is fragile at this point in time and 
this is why mentioning a Ministerial meeting at this  point in time seems premature to us.  We are 
going to have to wait to have the texts and to ha ve results from those texts before we commit to a 
horizontal process or a Ministerial process.  Otherwi se, we may find ourselves in a situation similar to 
mid-2006 when, unfortunately, we had to leave Gene va empty-handed.  I would like to reiterate 
Bolivia's position.  We believe that the process of having a text in Services has not taken into account 
Article 9 of the decision-making rules of the WTO.   This process for Bolivia would be illegal and 
illegitimate, and a process which cannot be applied legally .  It is not one that is binding.  Furthermore, 
Bolivia favours a process where a majority of c ountries can participate.  We also attach high 
importance to a positive outcome for the Doha Deve lopment Round – that is, a positive result for all 
developing countries.    WT/GC/M/113 
Page 40  
 
  5. Brazil 
 
 I will try to be brief but I also would like to  reflect on the debate that has been taking place 
this morning.  First of all, I w ould like to say thank you for convening this meeting and that Brazil 
feels comfortable with the process that you outlined at the beginning of our session.  We do feel that it 
is important to have both texts by next week and do feel it is extremely important that both texts start 
to create a good basis to moving to a horizontal process of negotiation.  I think the Ambassador of Norway highlighted the importance of  this aspect in his statement and I think this is the only way we 
are going to create the conditions to move to a ho rizontal process successfully.  So it is extremely 
important that by next week we ha ve both texts and that they provide the base.  On the complex issue 
of the other areas of the negotiations, what I would like  to say is that obviously we have a mandate to 
arrive at modalities on Agriculture and NAMA, and we  must retain the focus on these two topics of 
the negotiation.  If we fail to arrive at modaliti es on Agriculture and NAMA, no matter what happens 
in other subjects of the negotiation, we will be failing in trying to lead this to a successful conclusion 
this year.  So I think the focus is fundamentally on Agriculture and NAMA.  The other thing that is 
absolutely clear is that we have a Single Undertaki ng and that all the topics that are in the agenda of 
the Round are part of the negotiation.   So we have to then see that there is clearly, if we succeed in 
having modalities in Agriculture and NAMA, a road map to conclude the Round in the course of 
2008.  That is absolutely clear because if we have  committed to conclude, after arriving at modalities, 
by 2008, we must have a road map.  We must ha ve a clear reiteration of the Single Undertaking.  
Now, the problem lies obviously with things betw een the mandate of modalities on Agriculture and 
NAMA and the Single Undertaking and the road map.  And this concept of comfort is ok, but what is 
comfortable to some is not comfortable to others.  Wh at is tolerable to some is not tolerable to others, 
so it is not an easy thing to arrive at a conclusion on  this.  If we do not deal with these topics in a clear 
and reasonable manner, where a sense of realism prevails, we are going to jeopardize the whole 
process.   
 
 Development issues are extremely important for many countries as was highlighted here today by the African countries, by the Cotton 4, by the LDCs, by the ACP, and by other countries.  Rules is also an issue that is extremely important for many countries, and again this morning, several 
delegations mentioned the im portance of having a revised text on Ru les.   Other issues are important 
for other countries.  But what we at this point in time must do is try to have some balance and realism 
in dealing with these other issues.  Otherwise, we are not going to arrive anywhere in this process.  
And certainly we must have clarity on what are the other issues and what is the content that we intend 
to arrive at in dealing with these other issues.  I find myself in some difficulty in saying that Services 
is special and we have to include Services but we  cannot include anything else beyond Services.  So I 
think that we have to have a good discussion on this.  I support what India said that we must have 
clarity on the process and that we must try to find a way to deal with this with a sense of realism and 
having balance in mind in regard to these other issues .  I think that some of the indications that were 
given here this morning are helpful.  For instance, the work in the negotiating groups must be expedited across the board and we must rely on what comes out of the negotiating groups on some of 
these other issues.  We of course must have the road  map.  Further comfort in one area or another we 
must take a look at, to see that this is acceptable to all and provides a good basis for arriving at a 
balanced package.  If we do that, with time, wh ile working on modalities in Agriculture and NAMA, I 
think that we are creating the conditions for a good horizontal process and negotiations for a good 
Ministerial.  Let me conclude by saying that Brazil is really committed to try to arrive at a successful 
conclusion of these negotiations by the end of this year.  6. Canada 
 
Canada is committed to reaching a timely c onclusion to the Doha negotiations.  We are 
encouraged by the recent statements of Ministers in Davos, and the political interest in moving the 
Round forward.  We have made good progress in agri culture in recent months – demonstrating that  WT/GC/M/113 
 Page 41 
 
 
  with commitment and flexibility from all Members, it is possible to move towards an agreement.  We 
recognize that more needs to be done, however.  To  this end, we look forward to the release of the 
Chair’s revised text in the near term.  We also l ook forward to the release of a revised NAMA text. 
We will work intensively with other Members to cl ose gaps and advance the negotiations upon release 
of the revised texts.  But in order to reach ag reement on modalities in Agriculture and NAMA, it is 
not enough to consider those two issues only during horizontal discussions.  While Canada 
understands the desire to keep the package of issues  simple at that time so as not to overload the 
agenda, politically in Canada this is  not sustainable.  Services and Rul es also need to be a part of the 
horizontal discussions, and not just considered in the c ontext of a roadmap forward.  It is important to 
have our services industries onside and, therefore, we  require a Services text which begins to define 
the scope of that deal.  This must include substance on market access and not just process.  On Rules, 
Canada needs to see a revised text that reflects the views of most Members on the key issue of 
zeroing.  Given its current content, the existing draft text that includes zeroing is unacceptable from a Canadian perspective.  Once the revised texts in  Agriculture and NAMA are released, and after a 
short period of reflection in the ne gotiating groups, it will be importa nt to begin a horizontal process 
with Senior Officials as soon as possible, with tec hnical work continuing in parallel on these and other 
issues.  Only when these horizontal discussions ha ve narrowed the gaps should we bring Ministers 
together, more specifically, when we ar e within striking distance of a deal. 
 
7. Côte d'Ivoire (for  the African Group) 
 
 On behalf of the African Group, I would like to offer you my thanks and encouragement for 
the initiative you have taken in convening this info rmal TNC meeting.  The meeting comes at a good 
moment:  the time has come for a factual evaluati on of the Doha Round process in order to make the 
necessary adjustments, to refocu s the discussions on the issues deserving particular attention, to 
introduce a few technical and indeed political modi fications, and to come up with approaches that 
could give an impetus to the process with a view to  concluding the negotiations in the course of this 
year.  The African Group would like to reaffirm, in  the clearest terms and without any ambiguity, its 
total commitment to the ongoing negotiations, and to stress its political will to conclude the Doha 
Development Round.  However, we would like to remind everyone that underlying the Doha Round, 
and indeed the entire negotiating process, are a number  of guiding principles that were freely agreed 
by all participants, and that serve to structure th e negotiations.  Firstly, underpinning this round is the 
development dimension, which requires that due co nsideration be given to the developing and the 
least-developed countries and the need to ensure th eir integration in the world economy.  Secondly, 
this development dimension is coupled with sp ecial and differential treatment, which actually 
provides the developing and l east-developed countries with flex ibilities, moderate levels of 
commitment and waivers based on their economic situa tion and their level of development.  Finally, 
these negotiations are founded on the vital principle of the Single Undertaking.  The African Group 
wishes to recall these guiding principles which were  freely and jointly agreed by all WTO Members 
and set out in the Doha Ministerial Declaration.  In short, for the African Group, the development 
dimension of this Round, special and differential treatment, and the Single Undertaking are points of 
reference which must permeate each stage of th e negotiating process and determine its progression. 
 
 Regarding procedure, sequence and the packag e (perimeter), the African Group supports your 
realistic and pragmatic approach which involves focussing first and foremost on the Agriculture 
modalities texts, including cotton, and NAMA.  The African Group would like to see the draft 
modalities on Agriculture and NAMA circulated at the same time in order to ensure parallelism and 
so that these two areas of negotiation, which must be the engine of the ongoing process, reflect a 
comparable level of ambition and balance.  Furthermore, as soon as they are circulated, the revised 
draft Agriculture and NAMA modalities texts should be subjected to internal an alysis and scrutiny in 
distinct groups before undergoing an overall examination in the framework of the Room E process.  
Only once all of these stages have b een completed, of course, can the horizontal process be envisaged.  
With the circulation of these draft texts in prosp ect, the African Group would like to recall that it is WT/GC/M/113 
Page 42  
 
  essential that this negotiating process be fair, balanced  and transparent.  With regard to the Cotton 
issue, which is being defended by the C-4 on behalf of some 36 cotton-producing developing 
countries and LDCs, the African Group fully endorses the statement of the Ambassador of Chad and 
reaffirms its determination to ensure that this essential issue ranks among the priorities of the ongoing 
negotiations to find an ambitious solution.  Otherwise, under the principle of the Single Undertaking, 
"nothing will be agreed until everything is agreed".  Cotton is definitely a part of this indivisible 
whole of negotiating subjects.  Concerning Servi ces, the African Group would like to reaffirm and 
recall here that the modalities in this area have al ready been agreed and set out in Annex C of the 
Hong Kong Declaration.  Consequently, it is clear that the so-called bilateral request and offer 
negotiating modalities that have been adopted for Serv ices are distinct from the formula in force in the 
framework of the goods negotiations, whether we are speaking of agriculture, or industrial products in 
the framework of NAMA.  For the African Group, three principles should be guiding the Services 
negotiations:  First, no country is under an absolu te obligation to enter in to commitments if it is 
unable to do so;  second, the process is above all a bilateral one, since it provides for exchanges 
between each Member;  and third, the resulting o ffers and commitments involve only those who are 
part of the process.  Finally, the African Group intends to be active and politically committed to 
ensuring a successful conclusion to these negotiations.  
8. Cuba 
 
 First of all, we would like to thank you for ha ving called this consultation meeting and for the 
views and information you have shared with Member s.  We hope that public political statements of 
commitment and intentions to conclude the Round as soon as possible, and at the latest by the end of 
this year, become a reality.  But the fact is also that  statements of this sort have been repeated time 
and again without translating into any real willingn ess to negotiate or to show flexibility in the 
negotiating process.  At the moment, it is impossible to draw any conclusions about a probable 
recession in developed countries as it is premature and there are many different viewpoints and 
uncertainties.  Nevertheless, this process is taki ng place in the midst of sustained growth in world 
trade in all countries, including the least-developed countries.  In other words, the current trade 
situation is not at the root of the recession and c onsequently it is not there that the remedy – or the 
main remedy at least – should be sought.  It is wo rth recalling that in previous times of crisis and 
recession, some of the solutions have ended up ad versely affecting developing countries.  We hope 
that this will not happen this time as well, for even  the President of the United States, in his State of 
the Union address, strongly emphasized the issue of access to developing country markets.  There is 
clearly no need for me to go into detail:  ever yone knows that the process of recession and the 
situation of the financial markets are closely linke d precisely because in recent times, unfortunately, 
they have been relatively disconnected from the re al economy, and because of the speculative nature 
of the stock markets.  And there are other cau ses of unproductive spending as well, such as arms 
build-ups, wars etc., that do not contribu te to the self-reproduction of the economy. 
  Moving to another subject, we would like to turn  to the issue of mandates and some areas that 
have been touched on recently, and indeed here t oday.  The modalities for services are already clearly 
established in Annex C of the Hong Kong Declaration a nd, as you rightly put it Chair, they refer to 
offers and requests.  There is al so a sequence that has been establis hed for these modalities at Hong 
Kong, some three months after the agreement on th e agriculture and NAMA modalities.  Thus, at this 
point there is neither the space, nor a mandate , nor consensus among WTO Members for any new 
document or for any revision of Annex C which was agreed upon with difficulty, and indeed subject 
to certain reservations, both substan tive and procedural on the part of some Members, including Cuba.  
Reopening this issue will not really lead us anywhere .  On the other hand, there is a clear mandate in 
paragraph 24 of the Hong Kong d eclaration which establishes comparability in the level of ambition 
between agriculture and NAMA and not with any othe r area of negotiation.  There is no Ministerial 
mandate for that.  Obviously, there is a clear mandate which calls for a balance – in the final 
agreement of this Round – between two areas and a single undertaking.  But it is not for a lower body  WT/GC/M/113 
 Page 43 
 
 
  to reopen the decisions of the highest body of this  Organization, namely the Ministerial Conference, 
nor would that be legitimate.  We agree with you that we need revised agricultural and NAMA drafts 
that are complete and that seek to develop all the subjects in which there are still some pending issues 
or which are not as developed as others.  Obviously , these texts will only achieve consensus if they 
are based on the work programmes and mandates that were clearly defined at different stages of this 
process initiated in Doha.  Following the presentation of the revised draft texts, we agree that time is 
needed for individual reflection on the part of Memb ers, their capitals, and groups of countries with a 
view to examining and establishing their positions and moving on to the discussion of the texts.  We hope these discussions will be completely participativ e, transparent and inclusive, and not confined 
only to reduced participation formats such as in  Room E, where throughout the process, room 
documents have been circulated that the rest of th e Members were not even informed of.  The solution 
is not to organize after one or two weeks or ten days of discussions a meeting which resembles a briefing session, in which 50 hours of work is summarized  in an hour.  This is simply not possible and 
it does not allow real and effective participation by all Members in the process.  We must remember Doha paragraphs 48 and 49 , which clearly stipulate that negotiations shall be open to all Members and 
shall be conducted in a transparent manner with the effective participation of all and with a view to 
ensuring benefits for all, and that decisions sha ll be taken only by WTO Members.  To conclude, 
Chair, in general all international organizations a nd the majority of Members here will agree, as our 
mandates also clearly establish, that there is no "o ne-size-fits-all" solution to our problems, because 
all of the developing countries, even those within  one and the same group, have different tariff 
structures and different degrees of openness. 
 
9. Ecuador 
 
 Thank you for all the information with regard  to the process and the way forward, and for 
your contacts with different delegations in order to enable us to successfully conclude this Round.  
Ecuador believes that the WTO is a tool, one of the tools which we have available to us in order to 
work through the financial and economic situation that  the world is facing today.  Ecuador gives high 
priority to positive results coming out of the Doha  Round.  It is through th e Doha Round that we will 
achieve genuine opening of markets, especially for tropical products, as well as a substantial reduction 
in subsidies and other trade-distorting measures.  Ec uador believes that we will be able to conclude 
the Round this year.  We also believe that the texts which will be circulated next week for Agriculture 
and NAMA will be conducive to enabling us to achieve  that goal without losing sight of, and without 
discounting, the fact that this is a Single Undertaki ng.  Within the concept of the Single Undertaking, 
Ecuador believes that the development dimension of the Round will guide us to begin negotiations on 
amending the TRIPS Agreement and tying that to th e CBD.  When we speak of development, we are 
talking about 70 developing countries who support amending the TRIPS Agreement.  We believe it 
would be important that this be taken into account in the relevant areas, not only in Agriculture, but 
also in NAMA.  As regards process, and this touches also on the substance of the negotiations, 
Ecuador believes that only once we have seen the te xts and have had a broad debate on them can we 
move on to a horizontal process in Geneva – that is, once we have reached sufficient convergence on 
the issues.  We believe this is the appropriate way to move forward.  Finally, Ecuador must mention, 
as we have done in all of the meetings in which we  have participated here , that the EC's banana 
regime is one where we need to find a solution.  We  are pleased to have your good offices to help us 
with this process.  A solution to th e banana issue this year is a prio rity for Ecuador and also for other 
countries in Latin America.  This is why we reit erate, and recall here to all Members, that the 
conclusion of this Round will have to include a definitive and satisfactory resolution to this issue. 
 10. India  
I would like to thank you for the roadmap you have presented to us regarding the process 
leading to the finalization of the modalities in Ag riculture and NAMA.  We agree with the sequence 
you have described as this is the only way we can  establish a work programme for concluding the WT/GC/M/113 
Page 44  
 
  Round this year.  Regarding the process, we have just  one comment in line with the sound advice that 
Norway has given.  After much trial and error, we have established a process in agriculture that 
works.  This process works because it allows for an interactive exchange of ideas between Members.  
The Chair has moved in progressive steps to capt ure the incremental understandings.  As we now 
move to a higher trajectory of negotiations, what has been learned from this process has to be kept in 
mind.  Before moving into each subsequent phase there must be a clear understanding among 
Members that we have a solid basis for engagement .  This test would need to be applied before 
moving into the horizontal phase as well as to the Mini sterial meeting.  While urgency is called for, it 
must be urgency based on realism.  Predetermined deadlines will not get us an ywhere and may indeed 
be counterproductive.  A Ministerial meeting should  only be called when the preparatory ground work 
provides clear indications for a successful outcome.  You have spoken about the expectations of many 
Members regarding other issues in the negotiating mandate.  Over the last few months, several 
Members have listed the issues which they feel mu st be dealt with along with the modalities in 
Agriculture and NAMA.  We have never had a focussed discussion on this aspect.  We cannot 
proceed to a Ministerial meeting without clarity rega rding the nature and content of the discussions to 
be held on such other issues.  The political underpi nnings of this issue must be clearly understood.  
For many Members including India, we cannot relinquish the leverage on Agriculture and NAMA without in turn obtaining assurance that issues of our interest will be favourably addressed.  A mere 
reiteration of the Single Undertaking principle or a pr ocess roadmap is not enough.  We will have to 
get more concrete than that. 
 
Regarding Services, we have noted your comment s.  We have heard it mentioned that the 
negotiations concern a subset of Members and th at such Members should seek assurance from each 
other.  This is not the way we look at it.  As  the intervention by the Ambassador of Bangladesh  makes 
clear, an ambitious outcome on market access in Se rvices is critical for a large number of developing 
countries including LDCs.  Services are an integral  part of the mandate and need to be addressed 
multilaterally and within the WTO process.  A Serv ices text which amounts to a mere reiteration of 
the Hong Kong mandate after more than two years of inaction is simply not enough.  Members expect 
more in terms of actual progress in converting the modalities to action.  The Director-General or the 
Secretariat cannot wash their hands of this issue.  We therefore urge you to propose a structured discussion to address this need.  Similarly, on Rules, it is clear that the first text tabled by the Chair 
has caused serious concern to a vast majority of Members on a number of issues, including anti-
dumping and fisheries subsidies.  Since the tabling of this text, there have been  intensive consultations 
on the proposals, which are continuing.  Another ph ase of consultations is scheduled in February.  
Given the extent of the concern expressed by a large number of Members on the proposals, it is essential that the Chair comes out with the revised version of the text before we engage on the 
finalisation of Agriculture and NAMA modalities.  As far as India is concerned, while we have 
serious difficulties with a number of issues in the text , the most urgent issue is that of S&D provisions 
for fisheries subsidies.  I would like to emphasize that India cannot engage solely on the Agriculture 
and NAMA modalities without this issue, which affect s the livelihoods of millions of poor people in 
India, being addressed.  Similarly, there are ot her issues on which developing countries expect 
progress in this intensive phase.  Ecuador has men tioned the TRIPS-CBD issue which is supported by 
the majority of the membership.  We obviously support a process which accords priority to such 
issues.  We would therefore reiterate the need for a serious discussion on the expectations of Members 
regarding other issues.  Without this it will be very  risky to go into a Ministerial process designed to 
focus only on two issues.  Whether we like it or not, Ministers will raise issues they consider 
important.  It would be prudent to prepare for this so that the discussions can be held in a constructive 
environment and lead us to a successful conclusion.  
 
11. Jamaica (for the ACP Group) 
 
On behalf of the ACP Group, thank you for conv ening this meeting, and for your remarks on 
the way forward and on the current political/economic climate.  With regard to your remarks on the  WT/GC/M/113 
 Page 45 
 
 
  way forward, we are in full support.  Indeed your approach reflects many of the points made by the 
ACP Group at the last General Council Meeting, especi ally with regard to the process.  While we 
recognize that we will have to move to a horizont al process in due course to address Agriculture and 
NAMA modalities, we fully expect that Members will have the opportunity to work on the basis of 
the revised texts in Agriculture and NAMA in the respective negotiating groups, in order that all 
elements of modalities can be equally  developed.  We will then need  to assess whethe r we are ready 
to move to the horizontal stage.  With regard to  substance, the ACP positio n is well known and we of 
course associate ourselves with the remarks made by the Coordinators of the African and LDC 
Groups and the C-4, in particular on the need to re flect the development dimension in our outcomes.  
As the Ambassador of Australia pointed out – we  are where we are because of the multilateral 
approach we have been taking over the past months.  We need to ensure that we continue with this 
approach in the way forward.  As you know, the ACP Group places great importance on the bottom-up, inclusive and transparent approach to these negotiations.  The ACP Group remains committed to 
engaging constructively as we move to what we hope will be the final stages of the negotiations. 
 
12. Korea 
 
We share the sense of urgency to conclude the d eal by the end of this year.  Therefore, like 
others, we broadly support the pro cess you have suggested today.  We have yet to see the two revised 
texts expected to come out next week.  But judgi ng from the discussions we have had thus far in 
Agriculture and NAMA, we have to narrow down th e existing gaps, reduce the number of unresolved 
issues, and fill up technical gaps in the texts befo re we move on to the horizontal process.  And for 
that to happen, the two negotiating groups should be given a sufficient amount of time and all of us 
should exert our maximum flexibility in that process.   Regarding the scope of the horizontal process, 
while we note the caution against overloading the process, Services and Rules are also important 
components of the current Round, and as such should be on the table along with Agriculture and 
NAMA for the horizontal discussion.   
 
13. Lesotho (for the LDC Group) 
 
 Let me start by thanking you for convening this highly timely meeting.  Allow me also to thank you for the report which you have just given which reflects your reading of the DDA picture at 
this juncture, as well as the outline on process that  you have just given.  The Group accepts the way 
forward which you, as the chief facilitator of th e DDA negotiations, are proposing.  The Group hopes 
that the suggested approach will assist in bringi ng about progressive converg ence leading towards the 
closing of the gaps on the outstanding issues.  The Group further reiterates its support for the Doha 
Work Programme that puts development issues at the forefront of the negotiations, and wishes to 
stress that development must remain an integral and catalytic part of the overall outcome of this 
process.  The Group notes and welcomes the political si gnal that has recently been discerned, which is 
said to reflect not only willingness but determinati on and commitment to conclude the Round within 
2008.  Both the timeframe and s ubstance are important at this juncture.  They can both be 
accommodated if Members so wish and mean what they  say and say what they mean.  That calls for 
energetic and focused engagement in the negotiating groups that will lead to the successful conclusion 
of the Round in good time.  The LDCs are eagerly awaiting revised Agriculture and NAMA texts with 
great anticipation. It is hoped that LDC issues w ill turn out to be adequately and satisfactorily 
reflected.  It is further hoped that the revised text s respect and strictly adhere to the set mandate to 
ensure that the development dimension of the DDA, including operationalization of DFQF market 
access and rules of origin, to mention only some, is not in any way negatively diluted or 
compromised.  The cotton issue which has been articul ated so persuasively and persistently by the 
C-4 is also of paramount importance and of major concern to the LDCs.  It therefore deserves full 
attention, concrete action and appr opriate solution.  The LDCs will in tently study the revised texts and 
consult with capitals where necessary, with the so le purpose of ensuring deliberate speed in the 
negotiations.  As part of the consultative pro cess with higher authorities aimed at contributing WT/GC/M/113 
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  meaningfully towards making good progress, the LDCs will be holding a Ministerial Conference 
dedicated mainly to the WTO DDA issues from 27-29 February 2008 in Maseru, Lesotho.  On the Services text, the LDCs share the view that the modalities on Services were agreed at the Hong Kong 
Ministerial Conference and are reflected in Annex C of the Hong Kong Declaration.  Any text to be 
developed should not in any way re open Annex C.  Progress on the rest of the areas of negotiations 
should advance in stride to the stage where they will give requisite comfort to the Members in order to 
enable a meaningful horizontal process when the time  is ripe. Progress is largely in the hands of the 
Members.  Chairs only facilitate and guide.  If Me mbers are responsive to the tabled proposals there 
will be good progress.  The LDC Group once again pledges to remain constructively engaged. 
 
14. Mexico  
 Just as other speakers, I would like to thank y ou for the picture you have given us and the way 
forward after we get the revised texts in Agriculture a nd NAMA.  It is quite clea r that if we don't have 
modalities – full modalities – by Easter in Agriculture  and NAMA, we will not be able to conclude 
the negotiations in 2008.  The process has been spelled out.  It must be a transparent one, it must be a 
bottom-up process and it must be a step-by-step process.  It is quite clear it should be like that.  However, I think we should be fully aware that our collective obligation is to not give up.  The need 
to produce results and to produce these results in all areas is clear, because if we don't negotiate 
amongst ourselves, the results are not going to be yiel ded, they are not going to fall from the sky.  The 
horizontal process must be started as soon as possible a nd this must be done in an orderly fashion and 
in a way which makes it possible for the different Memb ers to have a level of comfort in their various 
areas of interest.  There is so mething which is still not clear, namely how we will achieve this 
comfort.  We still have to define that, but I think th at this is a beginning.  Comfort is one thing, but 
there is something else too and that is the need to step up our efforts in all the areas of negotiation through the negotiating process that we are carry ing forward in the different negotiating bodies.  
 
15. Norway 
 
 Thank you DG for your suggestions regard ing further process and your assessment of 
important political sentiments.  Like you, we want  a successful outcome of this Round.  We believe it 
is doable this year.  We all have a responsibility to  make use of this opportunity both here in Geneva 
and in capitals.   If we are to succeed, the process need s to be conducive.  In our view this implies, 
inter alia , that we have a step-by-step process in wh ich Members make their assessment of progress 
made and decide when to move to the next step.  This leads us to believe that we ought to be 
somewhat cautious about being too specific about timing at this stage.  You indicated in your statement, DG, that texts are soon forthcoming from the two Chairs in Agriculture and NAMA.  In 
light of the urgency at hand, we welcome that.  Howe ver, in light of the different completeness of the 
two texts at present, we would prefer to be guided in this respect by the need to see the level of 
completeness being comfortable to Members rather th an a coupling of the timing.  In our view our 
main concern should be to establish the best possi ble basis for a successful horizontal process.  We 
also believe we need to come to a collective understanding regarding the scope.  To our mind the key 
here is also balance.  If we at Doha had wanted  this Round to be only Agriculture and  NAMA, we 
believe that the DDA mandate would have reflected that .  We know that is not the case.  We therefore 
need to find the right balance that makes it possi ble to both respect the DDA mandate as well as the 
sequencing agreed to in Hong Kong.  Furthermore, we are of the opinion  that it would be beneficial to 
all, and to the process, to strive for clarity on bo th what issues should be included in the horizontal 
process and what comfort we are provided with when  we all agree to modalities for Agriculture and 
NAMA.  We believe success is possible this year, provided that we do not rush prematurely into a 
final lap of negotiations without giving ourselv es a couple of weeks of necessary dialogue and 
reflection.  We should be true to the bottom-up process, the trademark of which is the negotiating 
groups.  That is also one of the prerequisites for achieving a true development Round this year. 
  WT/GC/M/113 
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  16. Turkey 
 
 As previous speakers, I also would like to express my appreciation to you, Director-General, 
for your report.  Like you, and many Members, Turkey is also of the view that there is a window of necessity in concluding the Doha Round this year , especially taking into account recent market 
instabilities.  Obviously, the forthcoming revised texts both in Agriculture and NAMA will lay out our 
conceptual basis in further negotiations to concl ude the DDA by the end of this year.  Having said 
that, let me elaborate on the essentials of the process it self.  First, it goes without saying that if there is 
to be any mutually acceptable solutio n at the end of day, it must be a product of an open-ended, 
inclusive Geneva-based process.  So far, our c ontribution to the process has been based on this 
principal understanding and on that basis we ar e ready to cooperate for a timely and balanced 
outcome acceptable to all.  There would be a horizontal process after the conclusion of the technical work by the negotiating groups on the revised texts.  That being the case, Turkey  is confident that the 
structure of the process will provid e inclusiveness.  Our past expe rience has shown that text-based 
negotiations can facilitate the process yet not guar antee full convergence among positions.  We think 
that the revised texts would be prerequisites for furt her improvement.  It should also be kept in mind 
that the level of convergence to be attained at the technical level would be vital to assure any possible 
compromise solution at Ministerial level.  We understood from your remarks that the negotiating groups would continue their work after circulatio n of the revised texts, and Turkey deems this 
appropriate.  While we are open for any request to  expand the boundaries beyond that of the two main 
negotiating areas in the horizontal process, this s hould be discussed and accepted beforehand.  In our 
view, there should be well-defined a nd precise new elements if there are any.  Finally, I would like to 
reiterate that Turkey endorses your work plan for a “substance-driven” process and is prepared to 
engage constructively for its realization.  Yet, th is doesn’t mean that we should limit ourselves with 
strict deadlines, if there is no convergence on the substance.  I want to conclude my words by 
reiterating our commitment to the successful conclusion of the Doha Round.  
 
17. United States 
 
The task facing us is to move the Round promp tly into the final stage of detailed negotiations 
on all elements of the Single Undertaking.  The task is not to resolve all the substantive issues in the 
negotiation at this stage.  However, in moving to the final stage, we need to en sure that all the issues 
in the DDA mandate are provided the necessary nego tiating timetables and formats in which we can 
resolve all of the issues.   Many refer to obtai ning “comfort” on all our respective issues through the 
horizontal process.  But, realistically, the best we can achieve is a result that is “tolerable” to each of 
us in two respects:  (i) v is-à-vis  our negotiating partners, which ultim ately must rest on faith in the 
Single Undertaking;  the US has that faith in the insurance provided by the Single Undertaking 
principle; and (ii) v is-à-vis  managing our respective political constituencies.  If we succumb to the 
cries that every compromise is “the end of the wo rld,” we will avoid the “end of the world,” but we 
also will fail to get to the end of a successful DDA.  We have three categories of negotiations 
(Agriculture and NAMA modalities, Services, and othe r disciplines) with very different attributes and 
very different requirements to move to the final stage.  We need to address each category in a manner appropriate to their respective circumstances and negotiating methodologies.  On Agriculture and 
NAMA modalities, perhaps this category has the clearest path, given that we will have Chairs’ revised 
texts very soon that will, after a period of review in capitals, be referred to the negotiating groups and 
then to a horizontal process.  The exact timing of  the transition from the negotiating groups to a 
horizontal process will depend on the achievement of roughly comparable levels of completeness and 
precision in the Agriculture and NAMA texts.  While it is true that every provision has an effect on 
the level of ambition and the balance, not all provis ions are equally significant in their impact.  Our 
immediate task is to winnow down the unresolved issues in Agriculture and NAMA to a very small 
number of truly Minister-level, highly political issues.  We must separate the wheat from the chaff.  In fact, we must even separate the ordinary wheat fro m the premium wheat for the Ministers to digest. 
 WT/GC/M/113 
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  Services, along with Agriculture and NAMA, is the third market access pillar, but it has a 
different nature – not amenable to  quantitative measurement as in Ag riculture and NAMA.  And it has 
a different negotiating methodology, as defined in th e GATS.  It will require creativity and flexibility 
from all of us to define an appropriate set of Mi nisterial directions and assurances to each other.  
Make no mistake about the importance of Servic es in the DDA.  Serv ices market access is 
inextricably linked to the Agriculture and NAMA leve ls of ambition.  For many countries, including 
the United States, there will not be agreement on Agriculture and NAMA modalities unless there is 
sufficient clarity on the realm of ambition in whic h the Services negotiations  will unfold.  On the 
negotiation of other disciplines, this is a very broad and varied negotiatin g agenda.  There is a 
different landscape in each area of these negotiati ons.  We agree with the concept of charting road 
maps for these issues.  We need to tailor the re spective roadmaps to the various landscapes that we 
face and identify the major landmarks on each route that  we must pass in order to reach conclusion by 
the time of the achievement of the Single Undertak ing.  If we wade into the swamp of trying to 
resolve substantive issues in individual negotiatin g areas as part of the overall modalities package, we 
will never extricate ourselves from that swamp.  What we must do is to frame the next stage so that 
each of us has the opportunity to negotiate into th e final package those provisions that are most 
important to us, and likewise the opportunity to pr event inclusion in the final package of those 
provisions that are unacceptable to us.  Under the Di rector-General’s outline, we have 6-8 months to 
do that after agreement on modalities.  And, as Chile  has pointed out, these negotiations need to be 
among the Members, not between Members and the Chairs.  Finally, let me assure you, Director-General and other delegations, that the United Stat es is committed to moving with speed and sure 
footing into the final stage of the negotiations so  that we can complete the DDA successfully this 
year. 
__________