WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  TN/CTD/19 
7 May 2007 
 
 (07-1881) 
Committee on Trade and Development 
Special Session  
 
 
SPECIAL SESSION OF THE COMMITTEE ON 
TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT 
 
Report by the Chairman, Ambassador Burhan Gafoor (Singapore),  
to the General Council  
 
 
I. INTRODUCTION  
1. In pursuance of the work programme on special and differential treatment (S&D) launched at 
the Doha Ministerial Conference, developing countries and the least-developed countries (LDCs) 
tabled a total of 88 Agreement-specific proposals in the Special Session of the Committee on Trade 
and Development (Special Session).  Thirty-eight of these proposals (Category II proposals) were 
referred to other negotiating groups and WTO bodies for consideration.  Of the proposals remaining 
in the Special Session, Members reached an  in-principle agreement on 28 proposals.1  These 
proposals, which are yet to be formally adopted, are contained in Annex I.   
2. At the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference, Members adopted five decisions in favour of the 
LDCs.2  Ministers also instructed the Special Session to  expeditiously complete the review of all the 
outstanding Agreement-specific proposals and report to the General Council, with clear 
recommendations for a decision, by December 2006.  Ministers also expressed concern at the lack of 
progress on the Category II proposals that had been referred to other WTO bodies and negotiating groups and asked these bodies to expeditiously comp lete the consideration of these proposals and 
report periodically to the General Council, with th e objective of ensuring that clear recommendations 
for a decision were made no late r than December 2006.  The Special  Session was also instructed, 
within the parameters of the Doha mandate, to r esume work on all other outstanding issues, including 
on the cross-cutting issues, the Monitoring Mechanism,  and the incorporation of S&D treatment into 
the architecture of WTO rules, and report on a regular  basis to the General Council.  However, despite 
all efforts, Members were unable to meet the stipulat ed deadline, partly because of the fact that formal 
negotiations remained suspended for over 6 months during this period. 
II. STATUS OF WORK 
3. Since the resumption of negotiations, the Special Session has held two formal meetings 
(19 March and 26 April 2007) and a number of info rmal plurilateral consulta tions at which Members 
have had a text-based discussion on 7 of the 16 re maining Agreement-specific proposals.  These 
discussions have led to revised texts on 6 proposals.  These are, three proposals relating to Article 3.5 
of the Agreement on Import Licensing, two proposal s relating to Article 10.3 of the SPS Agreement 
and one proposal relating to Article XVIII of th e GATT.  The revised texts on these 6 proposals, 
which are contained in Annex II, are not agr eed in any final way and will require further 
consultations.  Nevertheless, the fact that we ha ve revised language for 6 proposals represents an 
important step forward for the work of the Special Session.  As for the seventh proposal, which relates 
                                                     
 
 1 Annex C of JOB(03)/150/Rev.2. 
2 Annex F of WT/MIN(05)/DEC.  TN/CTD/19 
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  to Article 10.2 of the SPS Agreement, Members have yet to come up with revised language.  It is my 
intention to continue my informal consultati ons over the next several weeks on these 7 proposals.  
4. On the remaining 9 Agreement-specific proposal s, wide divergences still exist and it is my 
view that it will be difficult to reach convergence on the basis of the existing language.  For this 
reason, I have urged and I continue to urge Memb ers to put forward new ideas or table alternative 
language so as to take the process forward.  It is my assessment that until and unless Members do so, 
there would be no value in continuing discussions on these proposals as this would only lead to a 
repetition of positions alrea dy known.  It is therefore my inten tion to set aside these 9 proposals and 
take no further action on them for the time being.    
5. During the discussions on the Agreement-specifi c proposals, the LDCs have continued to 
emphasize the importance of quick and effective implementation of the duty-free, quota-free (DFQF) 
market access decision adopted at Hong Kong.  It may be recalled that the LDCs had formally tabled 
two submissions in the Committee, one on rule s of origin and the other on market access.
3  
Discussions on the submissions have been very pr eliminary and despite Members being urged to 
provide questions and seek clarifications in writin g, none have been received.  The LDCs have 
indicated to me that they are concerned by this l ack of engagement and they  have urged that Members 
put forward any questions that they may have to ta ke the discussions forward.  The few Members that 
have provided preliminary remarks, have said that negotiating common preferential rules of origin is 
not realistic especially in light of the difficulties being currently experienced in the negotiations on the 
harmonization of multilateral rules of origin.  There are also some differences of view as to whether 
the issues relating to market access and rules of origin should be discussed and negotiated in the 
Special Session.  On my part, I will continue to encourage and facilitate dialogue between the 
stakeholders to ensure speedy and effective implemen tation of the decision.  At the same time, I am 
happy to report that a number of Members have  informed the Special Session of the domestic 
processes that they have put in place and the other steps they have taken, or are intending to take 
shortly, to provide LDCs with DFQF market access in keeping with the decision taken at Hong Kong.   
6. As for the Category II Agreement-specific propo sals being considered in other WTO bodies, 
the proponents continue to be con cerned about the lack of progress on them.  I had recently written to 
all the Chairs of the bodies to which the Category II proposals have been referred, highlighting the 
need to urgently conclude work on the propo sals in accordance with the Hong Kong Ministerial 
Decision.  Though these Chairpersons will be i ndividually reporting on the progress in the May 
meeting of the General Council, based on the preliminary feedback that I have received, it is clear that 
the status on the majority of the proposals re mains unchanged in that essentially not much progress 
has been made.    
7. As for the mandate on all other outstanding issues, I am pleased to report that Members have 
made some progress.  In particular, Members have been considering possible elements of a Monitoring Mechanism.  I have held a number of cons ultations on the basis of certain questions that I 
had circulated to Members.  These questions essentia lly focus on the possible scope and structure of 
the Mechanism, as well as its relationship with ot her existing and proposed monitoring mechanisms.  
Members have said that the Monitoring Mechanism s hould be simple, practical and efficient and take 
into consideration other existing as well as proposed monitoring mechanisms.  They would also like 
the Mechanism to have a simple structure that can evolve, as necessary.  The basic aim of the 
Mechanism is to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of S&D provisions in the existing 
agreements as well as those that will result from th e Doha Round of negotiations.  Broadly speaking, 
Members believe that the Mechanism could function at  two levels, i.e. the political and the technical.  
At the technical level, the monitoring process could take place in dedicated sessions of the Committee 
on Trade and Development (CTD).  The review w ould take place on the basis of both submissions 
made directly to the CTD by Members, as well as on the basis of reports received from other WTO 
                                                     
 
3 TN/CTD/W/30 and W/31, respectively.  TN/CTD/19 
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  bodies, where Members have raised specific issues re lated to the implementation and effectiveness of 
the S&D provisions.  At the political level, the Ge neral Council would review and take decisions on 
this issue based on submissions made directly by Members and/or on the feedback provided to it by 
the reports of the dedicated sessions of the CTD.   
8. As a result of intensive informal consultations, we have been able to identify some common 
elements of the Monitoring Mechanism, which I have circulated as a Chairman's non-paper to all 
Members at the last formal meeting of the Speci al Session.  These elements, a copy of which is 
attached at Annex III, are by no means agreed or  exhaustive, but they represent a basis for our 
continued work over the next several weeks.  My  intention is to continue consultations on the 
Monitoring Mechanism by building on  the common elements that have already been identified.     
III. FUTURE WORK   
9. I have repeatedly stressed to Memb ers in the Special Session, that in light of the fact that the 
Chairs of the different negotiating bodies may be asked , at the appropriate stage, to table texts as part 
of the multilateral process to conclude the negotiations , it is important that when that time comes, the 
Special Session should be ready to do the same.  I ha ve, therefore, with the help of Members, begun 
identifying the possible elements of a package on S& D.  It is my preliminary assessment that such a 
package will include the Agreement-specific propo sals on which Members reach an agreement in the 
Special Session and the 28 Agreement specific proposals that were earlier agreed to in-principle, as 
well as a possible framework of the Monitoring Mechanism.  I do not, of course, exclude other 
elements of a package on which convergen ce may emerge in future consultations.  
10. In preparation for this S&D package, my inte ntion is to continue consultations on the 
remaining Agreement-specific proposals, especially those on which we have made some progress,  in 
the hope of reaching convergence and making clear recommendations to the General Council.  I 
intend also to continue my informal consultations on the implementation of the DFQF market access decision.  At the same time, I want to again stress,  as I have done in the past, that this is one area 
where Members need to reach out an d talk to each other.  Ultimately, it is Members that have to 
implement the decision, not the Chairman.  In acco rdance with my mandate, I will also continue to 
coordinate with the Chairpersons of the WTO bodi es to which the Category II proposals have been 
referred in order to keep track of progress on these pr oposals.  On the outstanding issues, I would like 
to build on the elements of the Monitoring Mech anism that Members have identified for further 
discussions.  
  
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  Annex I* 
 
 GATT 1994 - Article XVIII:C 
 
"The Ministerial Conference instructs the Council on Trade in Goods to develop and adopt procedures 
for recourse to Article XVIII:C. The concerns rais ed by developing countries, especially the least-
developed countries, including those related to th e suspension of concessions or other obligations 
under Article XVIII:C, shall be addressed." 
 
GATT 1994 - Article XXXVI 
 
"The Ministerial Conference agrees that the Committee on Trade and Development shall annually 
review the implementation of Article XXXVI of  GATT 1994, and report to th e General Council with 
concrete recommendations, as agreed, no later than  the last General Council of each year." 
 GATT 1994 - Article XXXVII 
 
"The Ministerial Conference agrees that any Memb er may initiate discussions in the Committee on 
Trade and Development on the basis of Article XXXVII and decides that a Member shall, upon request, provide a detailed explanati on to matters raised in regard to  the provisions under paragraph 1, 
with a view to reaching a solution that is satisfactory to all Members concerned." 
 
GATT 1994 - Article XXXVIII 
 
"The Ministerial Conference instructs the Direct or-General to pursue and conclude cooperation 
arrangements as may be necessary to further the objectives set forth in Article XXXVI of the GATT 
1994.  The Ministerial Conference further instru cts the Committee on Trade and Development to 
receive studies and reports from relevant interna tional agencies and organizations that may assist 
Members in analyzing the development plans a nd policies of individual developing and least-
developed country Members, export potential and mark et prospects over the short and medium terms, 
measures that could be taken in the WTO frame work and by other international agencies and 
organizations as well as the assistance required by  developing and least-dev eloped country Members 
to help achieve their respective development goals." 
 
Understanding on the Interpretation of Article XVII of the GATT 1994  
 
"While acknowledging that the provisions of Article XVII of the GATT 1994  apply to all Members, 
Members recognize that state trading enterprises may ha ve a significant role to play in promoting and 
protecting public policy objectives in developing  and least-developed country Members."     
 
Understanding on Balance-of-Payments Provisions of the GATT 1994 –Paragraph 8  
 "The Ministerial Conference mandates the Committee on Balance-of-Payments Restrictions to 
examine ways and means of simplifying the admini strative requirements within the full consultation 
procedures." 
 
                                                     
 
*This Annex contains the recommendations on the 28 proposals agreed to in principle but yet to be 
adopted as contained in Annex C of the draft Cancún Ministerial Text - JOB(03)/150/Rev.2.   
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  Enabling Clause  
 
"The Ministerial Conference confirms that the terms and conditions of the Enabling Clause shall 
apply when action is taken by Members under the provisions of this Clause."  Agreement on Agriculture – Article 15.2 
 
"The Ministerial Conference confirms that least -developed country Members remain exempt from 
reduction commitments, as provided in Article 15.2, unless decided otherwise by consensus."  
 PSI Agreement - Article 3.3  
 
"(a) The Ministerial Conference agrees that t echnical assistance for purposes of the Agreement on 
Preshipment Inspection shall address the concer ns of developing and least-developed country 
Members relating among others to:  
 
(i)  training customs and revenue officials to promote and achieve the objectives of the Agreement on Preshipment Inspection through th e activities defined in Article 1.3 of the 
Agreement, in order to ensure the proper inspection of consignments to be exported  to the user 
Member, and the prevention of false declaration, wrong classification and any fraud;   
(ii)  regulation of preshipment entities. 
 (b) The Ministerial Conference further agrees th at customs authorities of Members shall, in 
accordance with paragraph 8.3 of  the Decision on Implementation-Related Issues and Concerns, 
closely cooperate in the context of the Agreem ent on Customs Valuation, and of the Decision 
Regarding Cases where Customs Administrations Have  Reasons to Doubt the Truth or Accuracy of 
the Declared Value."  
Agreement on Rules of Origin 
 
"In regard to preferential rules of origin un der the Common Declaration in Annex II to the 
Agreement, the Ministerial Conference agrees th at in their arrangements for mutual reduction or 
elimination of tariff or non-tariff barriers, de veloping and least-developed country Members shall 
have the right to adopt preferential rules of orig in designed to achieve trade policy objectives relating 
to their rapid economic development, partic ularly through generating regional trade.  
 
Furthermore, the Ministerial Conference instructs th e Director-General to take  action to facilitate the 
increased participation of developing and least-developed country Members in the activities of the Technical Committee on Rules of Origin of the Worl d Customs Organization as well as to coordinate 
with this  organization in identifying technical a nd financial assistance needs of developing and least-
developed country Members, and report to the Committee on Rules of Origin and the Council for 
Trade in Goods periodically, and the General Council as appropriate." 
 
Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures – Article 1.2    
 
"It is understood that the requirement to take in to account the "development purposes and financial 
and trade needs of developing country Members" in Article 1.2 of the Agreement means that the 
burden of the administrative procedures used to implement import licensing regimes shall be further 
reduced in order to facilitate trade of devel oping country Members and minimize possible adverse 
effects to their trade, including by making im port licensing procedures as expeditious as possible." 
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  GATS – Article IV 
 
"Pursuant to Article IV.3 of the GATS, in all services negotiations, whether broad-based rounds of 
negotiations or separate negotiations on specific se ctors, modalities shall be developed in order to 
allow the priorities of least-developed country Member s to be presented and duly taken into account." 
 
GATS - Article IV.3 
 
"The Ministerial Conference agrees that the inform ation to be provided by Members shall indicate 
how the requirement that special priority be given to least-developed country Members in the 
implementation of paragraphs  1 and 2 of Article IV is being met,  and that contact points, in this 
context, shall provide information of particular interest to services suppliers from least-developed 
country Members." 
 
GATS – Article XXV 
 
"The Ministerial Conference instructs the WTO Secr etariat to pursue with a view to concluding 
arrangements with relevant international institutions  that have the technical assistance capacity to 
assist developing and least-developed country Members in addressing their supply-side and 
infrastructural constraints and their development n eeds in the services sector.  This shall be without 
prejudice to the prerogative of the Council for Trade in Services to decide upon technical assistance to 
developing countries which shall be provided at th e multilateral level by the Secretariat, in accordance 
with Article XXV.2." 
 
GATS, Annex on Telecommunications – Paragraph 6 
 "The Ministerial Conference instructs the Council fo r Trade in Services to put in place arrangements 
for prompt notification of any measures taken with regard to the implementa tion of subparagraphs (a) 
to (d) of paragraph 6 of the Annex on Telecommunications."  
 
TRIPS Agreement – Article 66.2  
"Members, having regard to Article 66.2 of the Ag reement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual 
Property Rights, and having regard to the deci sion of the TRIPS Council of 19 February 2003, 
contained in document IP/C/28, rea ffirm that this decision be expeditiously implemented in a way that 
ensures the monitoring and full implementa tion of the obligations in Article 66.2." 
 TRIPS Agreement – Article 67 
 
"The Ministerial Conference agrees that techni cal and financial coopera tion, in accordance with 
Article 67, shall be provided on request and on  mutually agreed terms and conditions, with due 
consideration given to comprehensive programm es comprising such components as improving the 
relevant legal framework in line with the ge neral obligations of the Agreement, enhancing 
enforcement mechanisms, increasing training of pers onnel at the various levels, assisting in the 
preparation of laws and procedures in an effort to encourage and monitor technology transfer, making 
use of the rights and policy flexibility in the Agreement, and strengthening or establishing coordination between intellectual property right s, investment and competition authorities. 
 
The Ministerial Conference instructs the Council fo r Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property 
Rights to annually review the state of implem entation of the Agreement between the World 
Intellectual Property Organization and the Wo rld Trade Organization, taking into account 
opportunities for technical assistance as provided for in the Agreement." 
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  TRIPS Agreement – Article 70.9 
 
"For purposes of the requirement to grant exclusiv e marketing rights during transition periods, it is 
understood that there is a clear distinction betw een “patent rights” on the one hand and “exclusive 
marketing rights” on the other.  Patent rights are set out in Article 28 of the TRIPS Agreement.  
Exclusive marketing rights are not the same as pate nt rights.  Members have the right to define 
exclusive marketing rights, so long as the definitio n accords with the meaning of the term in the 
TRIPS Agreement as interpreted under the rules of pub lic international law.  There is no requirement 
to grant exclusive marketing righ ts unless marketing approval is granted in that WTO Member for 
which exclusive marketing rights is sought."  Understanding on Rules and Procedures Govern ing the Settlement of Disputes – Article 8.10  
 
"Pursuant to Article 8.10 of the DSU, the Minister ial Conference agrees that in disputes between a 
developing country Member and a developed-country Member, at l east one panellist shall be from a 
developing country Member, unless the developing count ry Member party to the dispute waives this 
right."  
Decision on Measures in Favour of Least-Developed Countries – Paragraph 2 (v) 
 
"The Ministerial Conference agrees that the WT O through its participation in the Integrated 
Framework and JITAP and ot her relevant institutions will work to ensure that supply-side constraints 
of the LDCs are identified in the Diagnostic Trade In tegration Studies (DTIS) and are addressed in the 
implementation and follow-up taking into account the specific circumstance s of each beneficiary 
country.  The Ministerial Conference also inst ructs the Sub-Committee on LDCs to undertake a 
biennial review of the implementation of the DTIS  and to monitor the possible impact of assistance 
that is targeted towards the diversification of exports from LDCs, including through comparing the 
composition and concentration of LDCs' export stru ctures over time and across LDCs and through the 
establishment of other relevant indicators."  
Rules Relating to Notification Procedures 
 "Recognizing the practical difficulties faced by least -developed country Members in abiding fully by 
their notification obligations, the Ministerial Conference instructs the Sub-Committee on Least-
Developed Countries to examine possible improveme nts to the notification procedures for least-
developed country Members, taking into account the experience regarding Secretariat produced 
reports that helped fulfil some of these require ments.  In conducting its examination, the Sub-
Committee shall seek the input of relevant WTO bodies, which may be in a position to advise on 
practical means for improving the notification pr ocedures in relation to least-developed country 
Members, for example the possibility of longer timeframes, specified ex emptions and simplified 
procedures for notifications, and cross-notificati ons.  The Committee on Trade and Development shall 
forward the Sub-Committee's report to the Gene ral Council by 31 December 2003 for appropriate 
action." 
 
Enabling Clause   
 
"The Ministerial Conference agrees that in formul ating schemes under paragra ph 2(a), (b) and (c) of 
the Enabling Clause, and in furtherance of paragrap h 3 thereof, developed-country Members will take 
into account, among other factors, the needs of deve loping and least-developed country Members and 
consult with them with a view to ensuring that  their products of export interest are accorded 
meaningful market access. The Committee on Trad e and Development will annually review the 
progress made in this regard and report to th e General Council with recommendations, if any." TN/CTD/19 
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Review of Progress on Market Access for Least-Developed Countries 
 
"We recall paragraph 2(d) of the Decision on Differential and More Favourable Treatment, 
Reciprocity and Fuller Participation of Developi ng Countries, and Members' commitment to the 
objective of duty-free, quota-free market access for products originating from least-developed 
countries, as contained in paragraph 42 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration. The Ministerial 
Conference agrees to review the progress made in  providing access to the least-developed countries 
on the above basis." 
 
Decision on Measures in Favour of Least-Developed Countries – Paragraph 2 (ii) 
 
"Without prejudice to the binding commitments that  may result from work under Paragraphs 13, 16 
and 42 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration, and building upon our commitment in the Doha 
Ministerial Declaration, Members shall continue to expeditiously pursue the objective of duty-free 
and quota-free market access for products origina ting from [all] least-devel oped countries in a manner 
that ensures security and predictability.  We urge Members to adopt and implement rules of origin so 
as to facilitate exports from least-developed countries."  
Decision on Measures in Favour of Least-Developed Countries – Paragraph 2  
 
"We agree that: 
 
(a)  Taking into account their development needs, least-developed countries, following 
application, shall in principle be eligible for ex tensions of their transition periods; where relevant 
procedural provisions exist in the WTO agreements, those provisions shall apply.  
 
(b)  Technical assistance to least-developed c ountries shall aim among other things to remove 
their supply-side constraints which limit their abilit y to benefit from the WTO Agreements, including 
market access opportunities and development of domestic productivity.  In this context, the 
Ministerial Conference also instructs the Dire ctor-General to consult other institutions on 
programmes/assistance related to supply-side cons traints in least-developed country Members to 
determine what additional technical assistance may be made available." 
 
Decision on Measures in Favour of Least-Developed Countries – Market Opportunities 
Enabling Clause– Paragraph 3(b)  
"Accepting that extension of differential and mo re favourable treatment to developing countries 
should not constitute an impediment  to the reduction or elimination of tariffs on an MFN basis, but 
recognizing that as WTO Members pursue improved MFN tariff liberalization some Members may have concerns about adjusting to the loss of prefer ences, we agree that this issue be considered, in 
close coordination with other releva nt international organizations, w ith a view to identifying possible 
ways, including targeted assistance programmes, by which LDCs should be assisted." 
 
GATT 1994 – Article XVIII:B 
 
"In determining the need for taking measures under Ar ticle XVIII:B, full consideration shall be given 
to the impact of the volatility of short-term fina ncial flows on the level of external reserves or 
surpluses of Members."   
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  Annex II* 
 
(13)  GATT 1994 - Article XVIII  
 
(i) It is understood that the provisions of Article XVIII aim to promote the progressive 
development of economies which can only support low standards of living and are in the early 
stages of development.   
 (ii) Therefore, this Article shall be implemente d, interpreted and applied by Members and in all 
the WTO processes in a manner that fully supports  the attainment of these goals. [Therefore, 
these provisions shall be (implemented, interpre ted and) applied in a manner that facilitates 
the attainment of the goals mentioned in Article XVIII.]  
 (iii) In particular, developing and least-develope d country Members shall not be expected to 
undertake measures that would undermine the a ttainment of these goals.  [In particular, 
Members shall not be expected to undertake measu res that would undermine the attainment of 
these goals.] [In particular, de veloping and least-developed co untry Members shall not be 
subjected to requirements and conditions that w ould undermine the attainment of the goals of 
Article XVIII.]  
 (iv) Due account shall be taken of the rights of other Members, and in particular the rights of 
those Members coming within the scope of Article XVIII 4(a).  
 
(v) [To simplify procedures under this Article, Members undertake to elaborate a multilateral 
framework on the provisions of this Article, at  the next Ministerial Conference] [Members 
agree to develop and adopt procedures for recourse to Article XVIII]. 
 
(24 - 25)  SPS Agreement – Article 10.3  
 
 
The General Council agrees that with a view to ensu ring that developing country Members are able to 
comply with the provisions of the SPS Agreement, th ey shall be eligible for specified, time-limited 
exceptions in whole, or in part, from the obligati ons under this Agreement.   In this regard, the 
Committee shall give positive and expeditious considera tion, and take a decision as appropriate within 
[x] days, on any request made by such Members under Article 10.3 of the Agreement, taking into 
account their individual financial, trade and development needs.  
(28-30)  Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures – Article 3.5
 
 
While all Members shall endeavour to provide impor t statistics with respect to products subject to 
import licensing for the purpose of enhanced tran sparency, the General Council agrees that for 
purposes of subparagraph (a)(iv) of Article 3.5, deve loping country Members shall not be expected to 
do so in cases where this will cause them additi onal administrative or fi nancial burden beyond their 
capacity.  
 
                                                      
*This Annex contains the revised language on 6 of the remaining Agreement-specific proposals being 
currently considered by Members. 
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  The General Council further agrees that: 
 (a)  Article 3.5(j) of the Agreement implies [m andatory and] non-discretionary obligations on the 
part of the Members; and  
(b)  In the allocation of licenses, special consid eration shall be accorded to existing and new 
importers of products originating in developing, and in particular  least-developed country Members. 
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  Annex III* 
Non-Paper  
Possible Elements of the Scope & Stru cture of the Monitoring Mechanism  
 
Structure  
• A simple, practical and efficient mechanism, that complements other existing, as well as 
proposed, monitoring mechanisms. 
• Allows for a regular high level review of issues related to special and differential treatment in 
the WTO.  
• Allows also for a bottom-up, horizontal a nd transparent process that would enable, inter alia , 
information sharing and compliance monitoring. 
• Gives sufficient visibility to the importance of special and differential treatment (S&D) issues 
in the WTO. 
• To begin with, it can function at two broad levels:   
o At the first level, the monitoring process can  take place in dedicated sessions of the 
CTD.  The review would take place on the b asis of both submissions made directly to 
the CTD by Members, as well as on the basis of reports received from the other WTO 
bodies, where Members have raised specific issues related to the implementation and 
effectiveness of the S&D provisions.  
o At the second level, the General Council would review and take decisions, as 
appropriate, on this issue based on submissions made directly by Members and/or on the feedback provided to it by the reports  of the dedicated sessions of the CTD. 
• The structure will be reviewed in the future, ta king into account the actual functioning of the 
Mechanism, and evolving circumstances. 
Scope
 
• Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of  S&D provisions in the existing agreements 
in line with paragraph 44 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration. 
• Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of S&D provisions that will result from the 
Doha round of negotiations. 
• Address concerns identified by Members and pr ovide recommendations that will improve the 
implementation and effectiveness of S&D provisions , in order to enable developing countries' 
further integration into the Multilateral Trading System.   
• Provide a forum at which Members can raise an y other issues related to the implementation 
and effectiveness of S&D provisions.  
__________ 
                                                      
*This non paper was circulated at the formal meeting of the Special Session held on 26 April 2007.