WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/GC/W/612 
6 November 2009 
 (09-5555) 
General Council 
17 November 2009  
 
 
GENERAL COUNCIL 
 
Draft Annual Report (2009 )1 
  
 The present report has been prepared in pursu ance of the Procedures for an Annual Overview 
of WTO Activities and for Reporting under the WT O (WT/L/105), and sets out the actions taken by 
the General Council in the period since its previous annual report.
2 
  In carrying out its tasks, the General Council h as held five meetings since the period covered 
by the previous report.  The minutes of these me etings, which remain the record of the General 
Council's work, are contained in  documents WT/GC/M/118 – 122.
3 
  The following subjects are included in the report:  
1.
 Work under the Doha Work Programme...............................................................................3  
(a) Trade Negotiations Committee – Reports...................................................................................3  
(b) Work Programme on Small Economies – Reports .....................................................................4  
(c) Aid for Trade .................................................................................................................. ............5  
2. Non-recognition of rights under Article XXIV:6 and Article XXVIII of GATT 
1994 – Communications from Honduras and Guatemala.....................................................6  
3. Review of the Exemption Provided under Paragraph 3 of GATT 1994 ..............................7  
4. Transparency for Preferent ial Trade Arrangements ............................................................8  
5. Committee on Balance-of-Payments Restrictions..................................................................8  
(a) Consultations with Ecuador ..................................................................................................... ...8 
(b) Consultations with Ukraine..................................................................................................... ....8 
(c) Note on meeting of June 2009 ................................................................................................... .8 
6. Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration – Reports and 
recommendations ................................................................................................................ ......8  
7. Accession matters.............................................................................................................. ........9  
(a) Afghanistan.................................................................................................................... .............9  
(b) Iraq........................................................................................................................... ...................9  
                                                      
1 The final version of the report will also reflect the General Council meeting on 17 November 2009 
and the points will be renu mbered as necessary.  The General Counc il meeting scheduled to take place on 17 
and 18 December 2009 will be reflected in an addendum to the present document. 
2 The annual report of the General Council for 2008 was circulated in WT/GC/117. 
3 To be issued. WT/GC/W/612 
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  (c)
 Lao PDR ........................................................................................................................ ...........10  
(d) Samoa.......................................................................................................................... ..............10  
(e) Bahamas........................................................................................................................ ............10  
(f) Seychelles ..................................................................................................................... ............10  
8. Waivers ........................................................................................................................ ............11  
(a) Introduction of Harmonized System 1996 Changes into WTO Schedules of Tariff 
Concessions – Argentina and Panama ......................................................................................11  
(b) Preferential tariff treatment fo r least-developed countries........................................................11  
(c) Procedures leading to the verification and certification of Harmonized System 1996 
changes relating to the Schedules of 64 Members....................................................................11  
(d) United States - African Growth and Opportunity Act ..............................................................11  
(e) United States – Andean Trade Preference Act..........................................................................12  
(f) United States – Caribbean Basi n Economic Recovery Act ......................................................12  
(g) Cape Verde – Implementation of the schedule of concessions.................................................12  
(h) Review of waivers pursuant to Article IX:4 of the WTO Agreement ......................................12  
9. The economic and financial crisis and its repercussions on trade......................................13  
10. Possible further action by Members in  response to the financial crisis .............................13  
11. Netherlands – Seizure of generic medicin es in transit from India to Brazil......................14  
12. Accession of developing countries – St atements by Gabon for the Informal 
Group of Developing Countries.............................................................................................14  
13. Accession of Least Developed Countries – Statement by Cambodia .................................15  
14. United States exports subsidies – Statement by Brazil on behalf of the G-20 ...................15  
15. CWR Building Renovation Project – Statement by the Director-General........................15  
16. Seventh Session of the Ministerial Conference.....................................................................16  
(a) Communication by Uruguay.....................................................................................................16  
(b) Date and venue................................................................................................................. .........16  
(c) Election of officers........................................................................................................... .........16  
(d) Attendance of observers from Government s and international intergovernmental 
organizations.................................................................................................................. ...........17  
(e) Statements by the Chai rman ..................................................................................................... 17 
(f) Strengthening the WTO – Communication fro m Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, 
Hong Kong China, European Communities, I ndia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mauritius, 
Mexico, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, United States and Uruguay .................18  
17. Administrative Measures fo r Members in Arrears .............................................................18  
18. WTO Pension Plan............................................................................................................... ...19 
(a) Amendments to the Regulations of the Pension Plan ...............................................................19  
(b) Election of Members and Alternates to the Management Board ..............................................19  
(c) Annual Report.................................................................................................................. .........20   WT/GC/W/612 
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  19. International Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO.......................................................................20  
20. Appointment of the ne xt Director-General ..........................................................................20  
21. Appointment of the Deputy Directors-General – Statement by the Director-
General........................................................................................................................ .............21  
22. Appointment of offi cers to WTO bodies...............................................................................22  
23. Election of Chairperson........................................................................................................ ..23 
 
 
1. Work under the Doha Work Programme 
(a) Trade Negotiations Committee – Reports (WT/GC/M/118, 120, 121, 122) 
1. Ministers at Doha established a Trade Negotiations Committee under the authority of the 
General Council to supervise th e overall conduct of the negotiati ons (WT/MIN(01)/DEC/1).  In 
accordance with the Principles and Practices endor sed by the Trade Negotiations Committee at its 
first meeting on 28 January and 1 February 20 02 (TN/C/M/1), the TNC reports to each regular 
meeting of the General Council. 
2. At the General Council m eeting on 3 February 2009 , the Director-General, as Chairman of 
the Trade Negotiations Committee, reported on the TNC' s activities since his last report to the General 
Council.4 
3. The representatives of Switzerland; Egypt (o n behalf of the African Group); Mexico; 
Ecuador; Bolivia; European Communities; Hong K ong, China; Cuba; Japan; Chinese Taipei; Turkey; 
Colombia; Korea; Norway; Brazil; Bolivarian Re public of Venezuela and Costa Rica, and the 
Director-General spoke. 
4. The General Council took note of the Directo r-General's report and of the statements. 
5. At the General Council meeting on 26-27 May 2009 , the Director-General, as Chairman of 
the Trade Negotiations Committee, reported on the TNC' s activities since his last report to the General 
Council.5 
6. The representatives of Tanzania (on behalf of the LDC Group); Switzerland; Turkey; Egypt 
(on behalf of the African Group); Côte d'Ivoi re; Chinese Taipei; the European Communities; 
Bangladesh; Bolivia; Japan; Bolivarian Republic of Ve nezuela; Barbados (on behalf of the SVEs); 
Burkina Faso (on behalf of the cosponsors of the Sectoral Initiative in Favour  of Cotton); Argentina; 
India; Ecuador; United States; Norway; Domini can Republic; Korea; China; Brazil; Mexico and 
Australia spoke. 
7. The General Council took note of the Directo r-General's report and of the statements. 
8. At the General Council meeting on 28 July 2009 , the Director-General, as Chairman of the 
Trade Negotiations Committee, reported on the TNC's activities since his last report to the General Council.
6 
                                                      
4 The Director-General's statement was subsequently circulated as JOB(09)/5. 
5 The Director-General's statement was su bsequently circulated as JOB(09)/47. 
6 The Director-General's statement was su bsequently circulated as JOB(09)/86. WT/GC/W/612 
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  9. The representatives of Argentina; Zambia; Mexico; Hong Kong, China; Norway; Gabon (on 
behalf of the Informal Group of Developing Count ries); European Communities; Singapore (on behalf 
of the APEC Members); Chinese Taipei; Tanzania (o n behalf of the LDC Group); India; El Salvador; 
Burkina Faso (on behalf of the C-4); Guatemala; Cuba; Pakistan; United States; Australia; China; 
Switzerland and Bangladesh spoke. 
10. The General Council took note of the Directo r-General's report and of the statements. 
11. At the General Council meeting on 20 October 2009
, the Director-General, as Chairman of 
the Trade Negotiations Committee, reported on the TNC' s activities since his last report to the General 
Council.7 
12. The representatives of Bangladesh; Colombia; Hong Kong, China; Norway; Chinese Taipei; 
Pakistan; Burkina Faso; Korea; Uruguay; Turkey; Egypt; the European Communities; Costa Rica and 
Switzerland spoke. 
13. The General Council took note of the Director  General's report and of the statements. 
(b) Work Programme on Small Economies – Reports (WT/GC/M/118, 120, 121, 122) 
14. Ministers at Doha agreed to a work programme, under the auspices of the General Council, to 
examine issues relating to the trade of small econom ies, with a mandate to frame responses to the 
trade-related issues identified for the fuller inte gration of small, vulnerable economies into the 
multilateral trading system and not to create a sub-category of WTO Members (WT/MIN(01)/DEC/1, 
paragraph 35).  At its meeting in February and March 2002, the General Council took note of a 
framework and procedures for the conduct of th e Work Programme on Small Economies, under which 
this Work Programme would be a standing item on the General Council's agenda.  The framework 
and procedures also provided that the Committee on  Trade and Development would report regularly 
to the General Council on the progress of work in its Dedicated Sessions on this subject.  Ministers at Hong Kong instructed the CTD, under the overall res ponsibility of the General Council, to continue 
the work in the Dedicated Session and to monito r progress of the small economies' proposals in the 
negotiating and other bodies, with the aim of providi ng responses to the trade-related issues of small 
economies as soon as possible but no later than 31 D ecember 2006.  In December 2006, on the basis 
of a report by the Chair of the CTD in Dedicated Session the General Council took note that Members 
would be pursuing the substantive work under this work programme. 
15. At the General Council meeting on 3 February 2009
, the Chairman of the Dedicated Session 
of the CTD, reporting on developments in this area since the December Council, said inter alia  that 
following up on the suggestion by proponents of the Wo rk Programme that the Secretariat liaise with 
the Financial Crisis Task Force established by th e Director-General in De cember 2008, consultations 
had begun between the SVE proponents and the Task For ce.  In parallel, the Dedicated Session would 
continue to monitor issues of interest to SVEs  as they developed in the Doha Round and WTO 
committees. 
16. The representative of Barbados (on behalf of the SVEs) spoke. 
17. 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 statement. 
                                                      
7 The Director-General's statement was su bsequently circulated as Job(09)/143.  WT/GC/W/612 
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  18. At the General Council meeting on 26-27 May 2009 , the previous Chair of the CTD, in the 
absence of the Chairman of the Dedicated Session of  the CTD and on the latter's request and behalf, 
reported inter alia  that since the February Council, the De dicated Session had continued to monitor 
issues of interest to SVEs as they develope d in the Doha Round negotiations and in the WTO 
Committees.  The Secretariat's compilation document with the SVE proposals and their treatment in 
the draft modalities and Chairmen's texts (WT/COMTD/SE/W/22 Rev.3 and Corr.1) would be 
reviewed at the next meeting of the Dedicated Sessi on to be held in July.  The SVE proponents and 
the Secretariat's Financial Crisis Task Force had he ld consultations to mon itor the situation and to 
gather information in order to identify the scope a nd possible repercussions of the economic crisis on 
the SVEs. 
19. The representative of Barbados (on behalf of the SVEs) spoke. 
20. 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 statement. 
21. At the General Council meeting on 28 July 2009,  the Chair of the Dedicated Session of the 
CTD reported that since the May Council, the Dedi cated Session had met formally on 15 July 2009 
and had considered an updated version of the Secretariat compilation document 
(WT/COMTD/SE/W/22/Rev.3 and Corr.1) containing all proposals made on the treatment of SVEs in 
the various negotiating groups and other WTO bodies, their reflection in the different draft modalities 
and negotiating texts, and any decisi ons taken thus far on SVE issues.   He had also reported on work 
done to identify the scope and possible repercussions  of the economic crisis on the SVEs, as requested 
by Members in November 2008.  In this re gard, the SVE proponents had communicated their 
concerns to the Secretariat's Economic Crisis Task  Force, which had taken them into consideration 
when preparing the Director-General's monitoring re ports to the TPRB, including the latest one issued 
on 1 July 2009. 
22. The representative of Barbados (on behalf of the SVEs) spoke. 
23. 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 statement. 
24. At the General Council m eeting on 20 October 2009, the Chair of the Dedicated Session of 
the CTD, reporting on developments in this area si nce the July Council, said the Dedicated Session 
had agreed to further update the Secretaria t compilation document (WT/COMTD/SE/W/22).  As 
mandated by Ministers in Hong Kong, it had also adopted its Second Report to the General Council 
(WT/COMTD/SE/6) for its subsequent transmissi on by the Council to the upcoming Ministerial 
Conference. 
25. The representative of Barbados (on behalf of the SVEs) spoke. 
26. 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 statement. 
(c) Aid for Trade (WT/GC/M/121) 
27. At the General Council meeting on 28 July 2009 , the Director-General reported on the Second 
Global Review of Aid for Trade which had taken place on 6-7 July 2009.8 
                                                      
8 The Director-General's statement was su bsequently circulated as JOB(09)/87. WT/GC/W/612 
Page 6  
 
  28. The representatives of Tanzania (on behalf  of the LDC Group); Japan; Peru; Ecuador; 
European Communities; Brazil; El Salvador; Barbados  (on behalf of SVEs); China; Zambia; Norway 
and Rwanda spoke. 
29. The General Council took note of the Directo r-General's report and of the statements.  
2. Non-recognition of rights under Article XXIV:6 and Article XXVIII of GATT 1994 – 
Communications from Honduras and Guat emala (WT/GC/M/118, 120, 121, 122) 
30. In December 2004, at the request of H onduras and Guatemala, the General Council 
considered the question of non-recognition of rights for the processes under Articles XXIV:6 and 
XXVIII of GATT 1994 in connection with the enlarg ement of the EC from 15 to 25 members and its 
move to a tariff-only regime on bananas from 1 January 2006.  This matter was subsequently 
considered by the General Council at each regular meeting since then without resolution, and in 
December 2008 the Council agreed to revert to it at its next meeting. 
31. At the General Council meeting on 3 February 2009
, the Chairman, reporting on his recent 
consultations, said that they had proved useful in clarifying both the current state-of-play and its 
ramifications, as well as the steps intended to be taken in the coming weeks towards a resolution to 
the concerns of the delegations involved.  While  disappointed that during his tenure as Chair the 
matter had not been moved further towards a resolu tion, he was encouraged by the spirit of the 
discussion and the clear statements of position.  He  remained hopeful a solution would be found soon, 
and was confident that his successor as Chair would use his good offices to further explore the 
possibilities of such an early resolution.   
32. The representatives of Honduras; Guatemal a; Ecuador; Mexico; Panama; Colombia; 
Paraguay; Costa Rica; Nicaragua; Camer oon and the European Communities spoke. 
33. The General Council took note of the statements and agreed to revert to this matter at its next 
meeting. 
34. At the General Council meeting on 26-27 May 2009 , the Chairman, reporting on his recent 
consultations, said that while there had been little substantive development overall since the February 
Council, the consultations had proved useful in cl arifying both the current state-of-play and its 
ramifications, as well as the steps intended to be taken in the coming weeks towards a resolution to 
the concerns of the delegations involved.  From wh at he had heard in the consultations, he believed 
there was a glimmer of hope that the threshold of  the path towards convergence had been crossed. 
35. The representatives of Honduras; Guatemal a; Ecuador; Panama; Mexico; Colombia; 
El Salvador; Bolivia; Cameroon and the European Communities spoke. 
36. The General Council took note of the statements and agreed to revert to this matter at its next 
meeting. 
37. At the General Council meeting on 28 July 2009 , the Chairman, reporting on his recent 
consultations on this matter, said that while ther e had been little substantive development since the 
May Council, the consultations had proved useful in clarifying both the curre nt state-of-play of the 
matter and its ramifications, as well as the steps that  were intended to be taken in the coming weeks 
towards a resolution to the concerns of the delegations involved. 
38. The representatives of Honduras; Guatemala; Peru; Colombia; Ecuador; Panama; Mexico; 
European Communities and the Dominican Republic spoke.  WT/GC/W/612 
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  39. The General Council took note of the statements and agreed to revert to this matter at its next 
meeting. 
40. At the General Council meeting on 20 October 2009 , the Chairman, reporting on his recent 
consultations on this matter, said that while there had been little substantive development overall since 
the July Council, the consultations had proved useful  in clarifying both the current state-of-play and 
its ramifications, as well as the steps intended to be  taken in the coming weeks towards a resolution to 
the concerns of the delegations involved. 
41. The representatives of Honduras; Guatemala; Ec uador; Argentina; Costa Rica; Cameroon and 
the European Communities spoke. 
42. The General Council took note of the statements and agreed to revert to this matter at its next 
meeting. 
3. Review of the Exemption Provided und er Paragraph 3 of GATT 1994 (WT/GC/M/118) 
43. Paragraph 3(a) of the GATT 1994 provides an exemption from Part II of the GATT 1994 for 
measures under specific mandatory legislation – enacte d by a Member before it became a contracting 
party to the GATT 1947 – which prohibits the use,  sale or lease of foreign-built or foreign-
reconstructed vessels in commercial applications betw een points in national waters or waters of an 
exclusive economic zone.  On 20 December 1994, the United States invoked the provisions of paragraph 3(a) with respect to specific legislati on that met the requirements of that paragraph.  
Paragraph 3(b) of the GATT 1994 calls for a review of  this exemption five years after the date of 
entry into force of the WTO Agreement, and thereaf ter every two years for as long as the exemption is 
in force, in order to examine whether the conditio ns which created the need for the exemption still 
prevail.  The General Council last considered this matter at its meeting in December 2007, at which it 
took note that under the two-yearly cycle provided for in paragraph 3(b) of the GATT 1994, the next 
review would normally be held in 2009. 
44. At the General Council m eeting on 3 February 2009
, the Chairman proposed that for the 
purposes of the conduct of the review in 2009 Member s proceed in a manner similar to that in 2007.  
He would accordingly invite all inte rested delegations to speak for the record with regard to the 
review under the current cycle.  He would also invi te interested delegations to submit comments and 
questions to the United States regarding the operation of the legislation under the exemption, to which 
the United States would be invited to respond.  Th ese statements, questions and responses, together 
with the annual statistical report provided by  the US under paragraph 3(c) of GATT 1994 
(WT/L/746), would form the basis for the present year's review.  For the purposes of the review, this 
matter would be on the agenda of subsequent General Council meeti ngs in the course of 2009 as the 
Chairman deemed appropriate, or at the request  of any Member.  The General Council would, 
furthermore, consider this matter again at its last meeting of this year at which it would take note of 
the discussions held in the course of the review until then, and take any other action it might agree on.  
It would also take note that the subsequent  review would normally be held in 2011. 
45. The representatives of the United States; Eur opean Communities; Hong Kong, China; Japan; 
Norway; Chile; Australia; China and Korea spoke. 
46. The General Council took note of the statements and agreed to revert to this item at a future 
meeting. WT/GC/W/612 
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  4. Transparency for Preferential Tr ade Arrangements (WT/GC/M/121) 
47. In December 2006, the General Council adopted a Decision on Transparency for Preferential 
Trade Arrangements (WT/L/672) inviting the Co mmittee on Trade and Development to consider 
transparency for preferential trade arrangements under paragraph 2 of the Enabling Clause – other 
than RTAs – and to report back within six months  for appropriate action by the General Council.  
Subsequently, in July and December 2007, and agai n in July 2008, on the basis of reports from the 
Chairman of the CTD, the General Council agreed to  extend the deadline for the CTD to consider this 
matter and to report back for appropriate action by successive six-month periods, i.e. until July 2009. 
48. At the General Council meeting on 28 July 2009
, the Chairman of the Committee on Trade 
and Development, reporting on the CTD's consideration of this matter, said that while there had been 
considerable work on the proponents' draft text and good progress on this matter, there were still a 
number of outstanding issues to settle and it was cl ear that more time was required before the CTD 
could come to a decision.  The CTD had therefore ag reed to request that the General Council allow it 
until December 2009 to consider the matter furt her and report back for appropriate action. 
49. The representative of Brazil spoke. 
50. The General Council took note of the report by the Chairman of the CTD and the statement 
and agreed that the deadline for th e CTD to consider this matter a nd to report back for appropriate 
action be extended to December 2009. 
5. Committee on Balance-of-Payments Restrictions (WT/GC/M/121) 
(a) Consultations with Ecuador (WT/BOP/R/91) 
(b) Consultations with Ukraine (WT/BOP/R/93) 
(c) Note on meeting of June 2009 (WT/BOP/R/92/Rev.1) 
51. At the General Council meeting on 28 July 2009 , the Chairman of the BOP Committee 
reported on the consultations held with Ecuador and Ukraine.  Members also considered a draft 
decision on participation by Members in the Co mmittee (WT/BOP/R/92/Rev.1), which would bring 
the Committee's procedures on membership into line with other WTO Committees. 
52. The representatives of Ecuador; Ukraine; European Communities and Japan spoke. 
53. The General Council took note of the statemen ts and of the Note on the Committee's June 
meeting (WT/BOP/R/92/Rev.1), adopted the Decisi on on Participation in the Committee in that 
document (WT/L/767), and adopted the reports on th e consultations with Ecuador and Ukraine in 
documents WT/BOP/R/91 and 93 respectively. 
6. Committee on Budget, Finance and Admini stration – Reports and recommendations 
(WT/GC/M/120, 121, 122) 
54. At its meeting on 26-27 May 2009 , the General Council considered a report by the Budget 
Committee on its meeting of March 2009 (WT/BFA/109). 
55. The Chairperson of the Comm ittee introduced the report. 
56. The General Council took note of the statement and adopted the report.  WT/GC/W/612 
 Page 9 
 
 
  57. The General Council then considered a repor t by the Budget Committee on its meeting of 
May 2009 (WT/BFA/110). 
58. The Chairperson of the Comm ittee introduced the report. 
59. The Chairman of the Management Board of th e WTO Pension Fund made a statement urging 
the Committee to take action on the Management Board's recommendation to correct the actuarial 
deficit recorded in the Pension Plan at 31 December 2007. 
60. The General Council took note of the statem ents, approved the Budget Committee's specific 
recommendations in paragraphs 28 and 29 of its report in document WT/BFA/110, and adopted the 
report. 
61. At its meeting on 28 July 2009 , the General Council considered a report by the Budget 
Committee on its meeting of July 2009 (WT/BFA/111). 
62. The Chairperson of the Comm ittee introduced the report. 
63. The General Council took note of the statem ents, approved the Budget Committee's specific 
recommendation in paragraph 19 of its report in  document WT/BFA/111 and adopted the report. 
64. At its meeting on 20 October 2009 , the General Council considered a report by the Budget 
Committee on its meeting of October 2009 (WT/BFA/112). 
65. The Chairperson of the Comm ittee introduced the report. 
66. The General Council took note of the statem ents, approved the Budget Committee's specific 
recommendation in paragraph 15 of its report in  document WT/BFA/112 and adopted the report. 
7. Accession matters 
(a) Afghanistan (WT/GC/M/120) 
67. In December 2004, the General Council establishe d a Working Party to examine the request 
of Afghanistan for accession to the WTO Agreement. 
68. At the General Council meeting on 26-27 May 2009 , the Chairman informed the Council that 
following consultations and in keeping with WT O usual practice, it had been agreed that 
Mr Boudewijn Van Eenennaam (Net herlands) would serve as Chairman of this Working Party, 
replacing Mr De Jong (Netherlands) w ho had left Geneva and was no long er available to serve in this 
capacity. 
69. The General Council took note of the statement. 
(b) Iraq (WT/GC/M/120) 
70. In December 2004, the General Council establishe d a Working Party to examine the request 
of Iraq for accession to the WTO Agreement. 
71. At the General Council meeting on 26-27 May 2009 , the Chairman informed the Council that 
following consultations and in keeping with WT O usual practice, it had been agreed that 
Mr Omar Hilale (Morocco) would serve as Chairm an of this Working Party, replacing Mrs Uribe 
(Colombia) who was no longer available to serve in this capacity. WT/GC/W/612 
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  72. The representative of Morocco spoke. 
73. The General Council took note of the statements. 
(c) Lao PDR (WT/GC/M/120) 
74. In February 1998, the General Council establishe d a Working Party to examine the request of 
Lao PDR for accession to the WTO Agreement. 
75. At the General Council meeting on 26-27 May 2009
, the Chairman informed the Council that 
following consultations and in keeping with WTO us ual practice, it had been agreed that Mr Zhang 
Xiangchen (China) would serve as Chairman of this  Working Party, replacing Mr Gosper (Australia) 
who was no longer available to serve in this capacity. 
76. The General Council took note of the statement. 
(d) Samoa (WT/GC/M/120) 
77. The Working Party on the Accession of Sa moa was established in July 1998. 
78. At the General Council meeting on 26-27 May 2009 , the Chairman informed the Council that 
following consultations and in keeping with WT O usual practice, it had been agreed that 
Ms. Kumi Sato (Japan) would serve as Chairpers on of this Working Party, replacing Mr Suzuki 
(Japan) who was no longer available to serve in this capacity. 
79. The General Council took note of the statement. 
(e) Bahamas (WT/GC/M/121) 
80. In July 2001, the General Council established a Working Party to examine the request of the 
Bahamas for accession to the WTO Agreement. 
81. At the General Council meeting on 28 July 2009 , the Chairman informed the Council that 
following consultations and in keeping with WTO us ual practice, it had been agreed that Mr Black 
(Jamaica) would serve as Chairman of this Working Party. 
82. The General Council took note of the statement. 
(f) Seychelles (WT/GC/M/121) 
83. In July 1995, the General Council established a Working Party to examine the request of 
Seychelles for accession to the WTO Agreement. 
84. At the General Council meeting on 28 July 2009 , the Chairman informed the Council that 
following consultations and in keeping with WTO usua l practice, Ms Al-Hinai (Oman) would serve as 
Chairperson of this Working Part y, replacing Mr Berthet (Uruguay). 
85. The General Council took note of the statement.  WT/GC/W/612 
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  8. Waivers 
(a) Introduction of Harmonized System 1996 Changes into WTO Schedules of Tariff 
Concessions – Argentina and Panama (WT/GC/M/120) 
86. At its meeting on 26-27 May 2009 , the General Council consid ered draft decisions in 
documents G/C/W/616 and 617 providing for waivers from the provisions of Article II of GATT 1994 
until 30 April 2010 for Argentina and Panama respec tively to enable them to implement the HS 1996 
changes into their Schedules of Concessions. 
87. The Chairperson of the Council for Trade in G oods reported on the consideration of the draft 
decisions by that Council. 
88. The General Council took note of the report a nd, 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 Decisions (WT/L/757 – Argentina and WT/L/758 – Panama). 
(b) Preferential tariff treatment for least-developed countries (WT/GC/M/120)  
89. At its meeting on 26-27 May 2009 , the General Council considered a draft decision in 
document G/C/W/620 providing for extension of a waiver from the provisions of paragraph 1 of 
Article I of the GATT 1994, to the extent necessary to allow developing-country Members to provide 
preferential tariff treatment to products of  least-developed countries, until 30 June 2019 
90. The Chairperson of the Council for Trade in G oods reported on the consideration of the draft 
decision by that Council. 
91. The General Council took note of the report a nd, 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 Decision (WT/L/759). 
(c) Procedures leading to the verification and cer tification of Harmonized System 1996 changes 
relating to the Schedules of 64 Members (WT/GC/M/120) 
92. At its meeting on 26-27 May 2009 , the General Council considered a draft decision in 
document G/C/W/619 setting out procedures for in troducing Harmonized System 1996 changes into 
the schedules of concessions of the 64 WTO Memb ers listed in the annex to the draft decision. 
93. The Chairperson of the Council for Trade in G oods reported on the consideration of the draft 
decision by that Council. 
94. The General Council took note of the report a nd, 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 Decision (WT/L/756). 
(d) United States – African Growth and Opportunity Act (WT/GC/M/120) 
95. At its meeting on 26-27 May 2009 , the General Council considered a draft decision in 
document G/C/W/612 and Corr.1 providing for a wa iver from the provisions of paragraph 1 of 
Article 1 and paragraphs 1 a nd 2 of Article XIII of the GATT 1994 until 30 September 2015. 
96. The Chairperson of the Council for Trade in G oods reported on the consideration of the draft 
decision by that Council. WT/GC/W/612 
Page 12  
 
  97. The General Council took note of the report a nd, 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 Decision (WT/L/754). 
(e) United States – Andean Trade Preference Act (WT/GC/M/120) 
98. At its meeting on 26-27 May 2009
, the General Council considered a draft decision in 
document G/C/W/613 and Corr.1 providing for the re newal of a waiver from the provisions of 
paragraph 1 of Article 1 a nd paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article XIII of the GATT 1994 until 
31 December 2014. 
99. The Chairperson of the Council for Trade in G oods reported on the consideration of the draft 
decision by that Council. 
100. The General Council took note of the report a nd, 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 Decision (WT/L/755). 
(f) United States – Caribbean Basin Ec onomic Recovery Act (WT/GC/M/120) 
101. At its meeting on 26-27 May 2009 , the General Council considered a draft decision in 
document G/C/W/611 and Corr.1 providing for the re newal of a waiver from the provisions of 
paragraph 1 of Article 1 a nd paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article XIII of the GATT 1994 until 
31 December 2014. 
102. The Chairperson of the Council for Trade in G oods reported on the consideration of the draft 
decision by that Council. 
103. The General Council took note of the report a nd, 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 Decision (WT/L/753). 
(g) Cape Verde – Implementation of the sch edule of concessions (WT/GC/M/121) 
104. At its meeting on 28 July 2009 , the General Council considered a draft decision in document 
G/C/W/622 providing for a waiver on the implemen tation of scheduled concessions and commitments 
for Cape Verde until 1 January 2010. 
105. The Chairperson of the Council for Trade in G oods reported on the consideration of the draft 
decision by that Council. 
106. The General Council took note of the report a nd, 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 Decision (WT/L/768). 
(h) Review of waivers pursuant to Article IX :4 of the WTO Agreement (WT/GC/M/121) 
107. Under Article IX:4 of the WTO Agreement "[a]ny  waiver granted for a period of more than 
one year shall be reviewed by the Ministerial Conf erence not later than one year after it is granted, 
and thereafter annually until the waiver terminates." 
108. At its meeting on 28 July 2009 , the General Council considered the following waivers for 
review under Article IX:4:  WT/GC/W/612 
 Page 13 
 
 
  (i) LDCs – Article 70.9 of the TRIPS Agr eement with respect to pharmaceutical 
products, granted on 8 July 2002 until 1 January 2016 (WT/L/478) 
(ii) European Communities –  Preferences for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 
Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro, a nd the Former Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia, granted on 28 July 2006 until 31 December 2011 (WT/L/654, 
WT/L/763) 
(iii) United States –  Former Territory of the Pacific Islands, granted on 
27 July 2007 until 31 December 2016 (WT/L/694, WT/L/762) 
(iv) Mongolia – Export duties on raw cashmere , granted on 27 July 2007 until 
29 January 2012 (WT/L/695) 
(v) European Communities – Application of autonomous preferential treatment 
to Moldova, granted on 7 May 2008 until 31 December 2013 (WT/L/722, 
WT/L/764). 
109. In so doing, the General Council considered reports on implementation of the respective 
waivers submitted by the United States (WT/L/ 762) and the European Communities (WT/L/763 and 
764). 
110. The General Council took note of  the above-mentioned reports. 
9. The economic and financial crisis and its repercussions on trade (WT/GC/M/120, 122) 
111. At the General Council meeting on 26-27 May 2009 , the representative of Argentina 
introduced its communication in WT/GC/W/602 on possi ble ways to improve the WTO's monitoring 
of measures adopted by Members as a result of the economic and financial crisis.   
112. The representatives of Mexico; Ecuador; Tha iland; Norway; Canada; Turkey; European 
Communities; Zambia; India; Bolivia; Philippines;  United States; Cuba; Brazil; Australia; Egypt; 
Switzerland; Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; Ch ina and Japan and the Director-General spoke. 
113. The General Council took note of the statements. 
114. At the General Council meeting on 20 October 2009 , the representative of Argentina 
introduced its joint communication with Ecuado r in WT/GC/W/609 which proposed that the 
Secretariat analyze the impact on international tr ade on measures taken in response to the economic 
crisis, such as stimulus packages.  The proposal al so envisaged a process of consultations, under the 
auspices of the General Council, on the met hodology applied in the analytical work.   
115. The representatives of Ecuador; Bolivia; Indi a; China; European Communities;  Cuba; 
United States; Australia; Turkey; Brazil; South Africa; Venezuela; Chile; Dominica Republic; 
Nicaragua; Norway and Paraguay spoke. 
116. The General Council took note of the statements and agreed to revert to this matter at its next 
meeting. 
10. Possible further action by Members in resp onse to the financial crisis (WT/GC/M/120) 
117. At the General Council meeting on 26-27 May 2009 , the representative of Norway introduced 
its communication in WT/GC/W/604 which sought to build on the G-20 London Declaration. WT/GC/W/612 
Page 14  
 
  118. The representatives of Mexico; Hong Kong, Ch ina; Singapore; New Zealand; Ukraine; 
Tanzania (on behalf of the LDC Group); Chinese Ta ipei; Switzerland; Canada; Colombia; Thailand; 
Liechtenstein; Brazil; Former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia; Malaysia; Pakistan; Turkey; Korea; 
Chile; Israel; Cuba; Australia; United States; Chin a; Peru; the European Communities and Norway 
spoke. 
119. The General Council took note of the statements. 
11. Netherlands – Seizure of generic medici nes in transit from India to Brazil 
(WT/GC/M/118) 
120. At the General Council meeting on 3 February 2009
, the representatives of Brazil and India 
expressed concern at the Netherlands' recent seizure of generic medicines in transit from India to 
Brazil which they said raised serious systemic issues. 
121. The representatives of Peru; Ecuador; Egypt (on behalf of the African Group); South Africa; 
Bolivia; Argentina; Cuba; Nigeria; Bolivarian Re public of Venezuela; Indonesia; Burkina Faso; 
Thailand; China; Pakistan; Israel; Paraguay; Costa Rica and the European Communities spoke. 
122. The General Council took note of the statements. 
12. Accession of developing countries – Statemen ts by Gabon for the Informal Group of 
Developing Countries (WT/GC/M/120, 121, 122) 
123. At the General Council meeting on 26-27 May 2009 , the representative of Gabon, on behalf 
of the Informal Group of Developing Countries, sa id that developing countries' accession processes 
should have a legal and non-political basis.  Th e Group was organizing a meeting in June aimed at 
formulating concrete steps to accelerate these accessions , and requested the inclusion of this matter as 
a standing item on the Council's agenda in order to  keep Members informed of the status of 
developing countries' accession processes a nd to examine their requests for accession. 
124. The representative of Ecuador spoke. 
125. The General Council took note of the statements. 
126. At the General Council meeting on 28 July 2009 , the representative of Gabon, on behalf of 
the Informal Group of Developing Countries, said that  accession, particularly of developing countries, 
was an issue that required urgent attention by a ll Members, and expressed the Group's concern that in 
many cases, the obstacles and delays encountered we re based on political considerations.  The Group 
intended to request that this matter be made a st anding item on the Council's agenda, in order to keep 
Members informed of the progress, or lack ther eof, in the various accession working parties. 
127. The representatives of India; the United States;  Egypt (on behalf of the African Group) and 
Iran (as an observer) spoke. 
128. The General Council took note of the statements. 
129. At the General Council m eeting on 20 October 2009 , the representative of Gabon (on behalf 
of the Informal Group of Developing Countries) introduced the Group's communication in WT/GC/W/611, which proposed to improve the exis ting institutional mechanism of accession with 
the objective of providing developing countries with the possibility to make their views on the process 
known, and that progress reports be  sent to the General Council.  WT/GC/W/612 
 Page 15 
 
 
  130. The representatives of Nigeria; Viet Nam; Paraguay; India; China; Egypt (on behalf of the 
African Group); South Africa; Cuba; Colombia; Turkey; United States; European Communities; 
Ecuador; Japan; Brazil; Ukraine; Gabon; A ngola and Algeria (as an observer) spoke. 
131. The General Council took note of the statements. 
13. Accession of Least Developed Countries – Statement by Cambodia (WT/GC/M/122) 
132. At the General Council meeting on 20 October 2009 , the representative of Cambodia noted 
that as a result of the Round Table on Accession of Least Developed Countries held in Phnom Penh on 28-29 September, and upon request of Cambodia a nd Tanzania, the Statement on Least Developed 
Countries Accession had been circulated as a document for the Ministerial Conference (WT/MIN(09)/1), for the General Council (WT/L/769) and for the Sub-Committee for Least 
Developed Countries (WT/COMTD/LDC/16).  He request ed that a process be established to consider 
and act on the proposals contained in the Statement. 
133. The representative of Zambia and Yemen (as an observer) spoke. 
134. The General Council took note of the statements. 
14. United States exports subsidies – Statement by Brazil on behalf of the G-20 
(WT/GC/M/120) 
135. At the General Council meeting on 26-27 May 2009
, the representative of Brazil (on behalf of 
the G-20) expressed concern in relation to the deci sion of the United States to reintroduce dairy export 
subsidies as announced by the US Department of Agriculture.  He pointed out that the measure 
showed the rise of "murky protectionism", not dir ectly violating WTO obligations and yet potentially 
weakening the WTO system in a time of economic crisis.  Protectionism was not only about rising 
tariffs or controlling imports, but also included any form of government intervention, such as 
subsidies, which artificially tilted the field in fa vour of domestic enterprises to the detriment of 
competitors abroad.  In this case, the unsubsidized  farmers in the developing world would also be 
negatively affected.  It was a worrisome sign that the US decision followed a similar decision by the 
EC to reintroduce export subsidies.  These examples, if emulated by other developed countries, would 
contribute to aggravating significantly the worl d economic situation and its hardship on the 
developing world.  In order to address these distortions in world agricultural trade, the G-20 stressed the importance of concluding the Doha Round and urged the United States and the EC to show 
leadership in the multilateral pro cess of agricultural reform by withdrawing these export subsidies. 
136. The representatives of Brazil Ecuador; India; S outh Africa; Uruguay; Cuba; China; Australia 
(on behalf of the Cairns Group); United States; th e European Communities; Argentina; Mexico and 
Egypt spoke. 
137. The General Council took note of the statements. 
15. CWR Building Renovation Project – Statement by the Director-General 
(WT/GC/M/118) 
138. At the General Council m eeting on 3 February 2009
, the Director-General made a progress 
report on the plans to renovate and expand the WTO headquarters, the four interrelated parts of which 
were:  renovation of the CWR building, creation of a new central lobby and meeting room complex in 
the two interior courtyards, construction of a new building in the in the south parking, and a new 
security perimeter around this campus, with improved access controls and traffic flow for vehicles.  
The target completion date was January 2013. WT/GC/W/612 
Page 16  
 
  139. The General Council took note of the statement. 
16. Seventh Session of the Ministerial Conference  
(a) Communication by Uruguay (WT/GC/M/120
9) 
140. At the General Council meeting on 26-27 May 2009 , Uruguay introduced a communication 
(WT/GC/W/599) requesting that the issues of the date and venue of the Seventh Session of the 
Ministerial Conference as well as the election of officers be placed on the Agenda.  The 
representatives of Switzerland; India; Kenya; Chinese Taipei; Angola and El Salvador spoke. 
141. The General Council took note of the statements. 
(b) Date and venue (WT/GC/M/118, 12010) 
142. At the General Council m eeting on 3 February 2009 , the Chairman recalled that at the 
December meetings of the TNC and the General Council, the issue of the next regular mandated 
Ministerial Conference had been raised as warranti ng further reflection and discussion.  While he had 
raised this issue informally in recent consultati ons with delegations, he believed there should be 
further and more substantive discussion before it was taken forward to a decisi on, and suggested that 
his successor take this up informally with delegatio ns and that the General Council revert to it at a 
subsequent meeting. 
143. The General Council took note of statement. 
144. At the General Council meeting on 26-27 May 2009 , the Chairman introduced11 a draft 
decision providing inter alia that the Seventh S ession will be held in Geneva from 30 November to 
2 December 2009.  The representatives of Uruguay; Switzerland; India; Kenya; Chinese Taipei; Angola and El Salvador spoke. 
145. The General Council took note of statemen ts and adopted the decision (WT/L/760). 
(c) Election of officers (WT/GC/M/120, 121
12, 12213) 
146. At the General Council meeting on 26-27 May 2009 , the Chairman suggested that this matter 
be taken up under his mandate in WT/L/760 to undert ake all necessary action to prepare the Seventh 
Session in consultation with Members. 
147. The General Council took note of the statement. 
148. At the General Council meeting on 28 July 2009 , the Chairman reported14 that there was 
convergence around the idea that the upcoming Ministerial Conference, without establishing a precedent, would be chaired by the Minister of the Member providing the General Council Chair, i.e. the Minister of Chile.  The Vice-Chairs, as in th e past, would come from the remaining broad groups 
or regions.  The representatives of Switzerland and Angola spoke. 
                                                     
 
9 See also item 16(b) "Date and venue". 
10 See also item 16(a) "Communication by Uruguay". 
11 The Chairman's statement was subse quently circulated as JOB(09)/48. 
12 See also item 16(e) "Statement by the Chairman". 
13 Idem . 
14 The Chairman's statement was subse quently circulated as JOB(09)/81.  WT/GC/W/612 
 Page 17 
 
 
  149. At the General Council meeting on 20 October 2009 , the Chairman, on the basis of 
consultations he had held, proposed that the Ge neral Council agree to elect the following presiding 
officers for the Seventh Session: 
Chairperson: H.E. Mr Andrés Velasco (Chile) 
Vice-Chairs: H.E. Mrs Doris Leuthard (Switzerland) 
  H.E. Dr. Mari Elka Pangestu  (Indonesia) 
   H.E. Mr Rachid Rachid (Egypt). 
 
150. The General Council so agreed. 
(d) Attendance of observers from Government s and international intergovernmental 
organizations (WT/GC/M/12215) 
151. At the General Council meeting on 20 October 2009 , the Chairman proposed that the General 
Council agree to follow past practic e and that observers at the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference, 
both Governments and IGOs, be invited to th e Seventh Ministerial Conference, with the 
understanding that any new requests would be consid ered on a case-by-case basis in the usual way, in 
line with the Rules of Procedure.16   
152. The General Council so agreed. 
(e) Statements by the Chairman (WT/GC/M/12117, 12218) 
153. At the General Council meeting on 28 July 2009 , the Chairman reported on his consultations 
on preparations for the Seventh Session, including an  informal HODs meeting on 22 July at which he 
had made a statement19 setting out the areas in which greater clarity or convergence had emerged.  
The representatives of Switzerland and Angola spoke. 
154. The General Council took note of the statements. 
155. At the General Council m eeting on 20 October 2009 , the Chairman made a statement on 
organizational and other aspects related to the Seventh Session of the Ministerial Conference.20  The 
Chairperson of the Budget Committee drew the Co uncil's attention to the specific recommendation 
contained in paragraph 25 of WT/B FA/112 relating to the trust fund for the participation of LDCs. 
156. The representatives of Angola; India; Cuba; Egypt; Chinese Taipei; Hong Kong, China; 
Australia; Ecuador; China; Honduras; Bolivia; Mexi co; Switzerland; Uruguay; Brazil; New Zealand; 
European Communities; Turkey; Nicaragua; Domini can Republic; Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; 
South Africa; Canada; Pakistan and Argentina spoke. 
                                                      
15 See also item 16(e) "Statement by the Chairman". 
16 The list of the Observer Governments and IGOs invited to Hong Kong can be found in document 
WT/MIN(05)/INF/7/Rev.3, under Cate gories II and III respectively. 
17 See also item 16(c) "Election of officers". 
18 See also item 16(c) "Election of officers" and item 16(d) "Attendance of observers from Governments 
and international intergovernmental organizations". 
19 The Chairman's statement was subse quently circulated as JOB(09)/81. 
20 The Chairman's statement was subse quently circulated as JOB(09)/144. WT/GC/W/612 
Page 18  
 
  157. The General Council took note of the statem ents, approved the Budget Committee's specific 
recommendation in paragraph 25 of WT/BFA/112 a nd urged interested donors to indicate to the 
Secretariat the level of commitmen t they were ready to provide. 
(f) Strengthening the WTO – Communication from Au stralia, Brazil, Canada, China, Hong Kong 
China, European Communities, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Norway, 
South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, United States and Uruguay (WT/GC/M/121, 122) 
158. At the General Council meeting on 28 July 2009
, the representative of India introduced the 
submission in document WT/GC/W/605 containing proposals for systematic improvements of the WTO.  The representatives of China; Tanzania (on behalf of the LDC Group); Egypt (on behalf of the 
African Group); United States; Philippines; Canada; Israel; European Communities; Uruguay; 
Australia; Korea; Mauritius (on behalf of th e ACP Group); Japan; New Zealand; Chinese Taipei; 
Nepal; Switzerland; Bangladesh; Dominican Republic ; El Salvador; Chile; Brazil; Angola; Oman; 
Hong Kong and Argentina spoke. 
159. The General Council took note of the statements. 
160. At the General Council meeting on 20 October 2009
, the representative of India introduced a 
proposal, co-sponsored by 17 other Members, in document WT/MIN(09)/W/1 entitled "Strengthening 
the WTO".  The representatives of Angola; India;  Cuba; Egypt; Chinese Taipei; Hong Kong, China; 
Australia; Ecuador; China; Honduras; Bolivia; Mexi co; Switzerland; Uruguay; Brazil; New Zealand; 
European Communities; Turkey; Nicaragua; Domini can Republic; Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; 
South Africa; Canada; Pakistan and Argentina spoke. 
161. The General Council took note of the statements. 
17. Administrative Measures for Members in Arrears (WT/GC/M/118, 120, 121, 122) 
162. At its meeting in May 2006, the Genera l Council approved a recommendation from the 
Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration w ith regard to revised Administrative Measures 
for Members in Arrears (WT/BFA/86) under which, inter alia , at each meeting of the General Council 
the Chairman of the Budget Committee would provide information with regard to which Members 
were under Administrative Measures in Categories II through IV, and the General Council Chairman 
would request Members in Categories III and IV to inform him before the next Council meeting as to 
when the payment of arrears might be expected a nd report on Members' replies at each subsequent 
meeting. 
163. At the General Council meeting on 3 February 2009 , in pursuance of the revised 
Administrative Measures, the Chairman of the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration 
provided information with rega rd to which Members were under Administrative Measures in 
Categories II through IV.  Also in pursuance of  the revised Administrative Measures, the Council 
Chairman requested Members in Categories III and IV  to inform him before the next meeting of the 
Council as to when their payment of arrears might be  expected.  He informed the Council that since 
its December meeting he had not received any replies from the Members concerned. 
164. The General Council took note of the statements. 
165. At the General Council meeting on 26-27 May 2009 , in pursuance of the revised 
Administrative Measures, the Chairperson of th e Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration 
provided information with rega rd to which Members were under Administrative Measures in 
Categories II through IV.  Also in pursuance of  the revised Administrative Measures, the Council 
Chairman requested Members in Categories III and IV  to inform him before the next meeting of the  WT/GC/W/612 
 Page 19 
 
 
  Council as to when their payment of arrears might be  expected.  He informed the Council that since 
its February meeting he had not received any replies from the Members concerned. 
166. The General Council took note of the statements. 
167. At the General Council meeting on 28 July 2009 , in pursuance of the revised Administrative 
Measures, the Chairperson of the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration provided 
information with regard to which Members were  under Administrative Measures in Categories II 
through IV.  Also in pursuance of the revised  Administrative Measures, the Council Chairman 
requested Members in Categories III and IV to inform  him before the next meeting of the Council as 
to when their payment of arrears might be expect ed.  He informed the Council that since the May 
General Council meeting, Zimbabwe had liquidate d its outstanding contributions in arrears. 
168. The General Council took note of the statements. 
169. At the General Council meeting on 20 October 2009 , in pursuance of the revised 
Administrative Measures, the Chairperson of th e Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration 
provided information with rega rd to which Members were under Administrative Measures in 
Categories II through IV.  Also in pursuance of  the revised Administrative Measures, the Council 
Chairman requested Members in Categories III and IV  to inform him before the next meeting of the 
Council as to when their payment of arrears might be  expected.  He informed the Council that since 
the July General Council meeting, Paraguay had liq uidated its outstanding c ontributions and Senegal 
had moved from Category IV to Category III. 
170. The General Council took note of the statements. 
18. WTO Pension Plan (WT/GC/M/118, 120, 121, 122) 
(a) Amendments to the Regulations of the Pension Plan (WT/GC/M/121) 
171. At the General Council meeting on 28 July 2009 , the Chairman of the Management Board of 
the WTO Pension Plan introduced the Amendments to the Regulations of the Pension Plan circulated 
in document WT/GC/W/606, increasing the normal retirement age to 65 for new entrants, and increasing the overall rate of contribution to the Plan. 
172. The representative of the United States spoke. 
173. The General Council took note of the statements  and approved the amendments to the WTO 
Pension Plan Regulations as set out in document WT/GC/W/606. 
(b) Election of Members and Alternates to the Management Board (WT/GC/M/118, 120, 122) 
174. Article 4 of the Regulations of the WTO Pension Plan (WT/L/282) provides inter alia  for the 
election by the General Council of a Chairman, f our members and four alternates to serve on the 
Management Board, each for a three-year term. 
175. At the General Council meeting on 3 February 2009
, the Chairman drew attention to a 
proposal circulated by him in document WT/GC/W/597 on the basis of which he proposed that the General Council agree to elect Mr Schneider (Ger many) and Ms Stylianou (Australia) to serve as 
members on the Management Board of the WTO Pensi on Plan for the remainder of the Board's term, 
i.e. until May 2011. 
176. The General Council took note of the statement and so agreed (WT/L/748/Rev.1). WT/GC/W/612 
Page 20  
 
  177. At the General Council meeting on 26-27 May 2009
, the Chairman drew attention to a 
proposal circulated by him in document WT/GC/W/600 on the basis of which he proposed that the General Council agree to elect Mr Mukhtar (Pakista n) to serve as an alte rnate on the Management 
Board of the WTO Pension Plan for the remainder of the Board's term, i.e. until May 2011. 
178. The General Council took note of the statement and so agreed (WT/L/761). 
179. At the General Council meeting on 20 October 2009
, the Chairman drew attention to a 
proposal circulated by him in document WT/GC/ W/608 that the General Council agree to elect 
Mr Tissot (United Kingdom) to serve as a member a nd Mr Neufeld (Canada) to serve as an alternate 
on the Management Board for the remainder of the Board's term, i.e. until May 2011. 
180. The General Council took note of the statement and so agreed (WT/L/774). 
(c) Annual Report (WT/GC/M/122) 
181. At its meeting on 20 October 2009 , the Chairman of the WTO Pension Plan Management 
Board introduced the Annual Report of the Management Board for 2008 (WT/L/771). 
182. The General Council took note of the statem ent and of the Annual Report in WT/L/771. 
19. International Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO (WT/GC/M/120) 
183. At the General Council meeting on 26-27 May 2009 , the General Council considered a report 
of the Joint Advisory Group of the Internati onal Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO on its Forty-second 
Session (ITC/AG(XLII)/225). 
184. The Chairman recalled that, in keeping with  customary practice, this report had been 
considered initially by the Committee on Trade and Development at its meeting on 11 May. 
185. In the absence of the Chairman of the Comm ittee on Trade and Development and on the 
latter's request and behalf, the pr evious Chair of the CTD reported on the Committee's consideration 
of the report of the Joint Advisory Group.   
186. The representative of Mexico; Switzerland and Colombia spoke. 
187. The General Council took note of the statements and adopted the report of the Joint Advisory 
Group in document ITC/AG(XLII)/225.  
20. Appointment of the next Director-General (WT/GC/M/118, 119) 
188. In October 2008, the Chairman informed Memb ers in a communication that in accordance 
with the Procedures for the Appointment of Dir ectors-General adopted by the General Council in 
December 2002 (WT/L/509), the process for appointment  of the next Director-General would begin 
on 1 December 2008. Members would have until 31 December 2008 to nominate candidates who 
would have until 31 March 2009 to ma ke themselves known to Members a nd to engage in discussions 
on the pertinent issues facing the organization.  Al so, as early as possible after the close of the one-
month nomination period, candidates were to be inv ited to meet with Members at a formal General 
Council meeting at which they would be invited to  make a brief presentation, including their vision 
for the WTO, to be followed by a question-and-answ er period.  In keeping with the Procedures, a 
decision on the appointment of a new Director-Gen eral would have to be taken not later than 
31 May 2009.  WT/GC/W/612 
 Page 21 
 
 
  189. At the General Council m eeting on 3 February 2009 , the Chairman recalled that in keeping 
with the Procedures for the Appointment of Di rectors-General (WT/L/509), the process for the 
appointment of the next Director-General had b een begun on 1 December 2008.  He had informed 
Members on 4 November of the candidature of th e current Director-General, who had notified him 
before the start of the process of his intention to seek reappointment for a further term.  By the close 
of the nomination period on 31 December 2008, no fu rther candidatures had been  received.  Under the 
procedures, candidates had three months following  the end of the nomination period to make 
themselves known to Members and to engage in discussions on the issues facing the organization, 
with the following two months devoted to narro wing the field of candidates through a process of 
consultations and arriving at a choice for appointment .  The process was to conclude with a meeting 
of the General Council not later than three months prior to the expiry of the incumbent's term to 
appoint a new DG – in the present case, not later th an 31 May.  In his consultations, Members had 
acknowledged the unique nature of the present situa tion, and there was no opposition to, and indeed 
widespread support for, Mr Lamy's reappointment.  Members had also said they looked forward to an 
opportunity to hear, in accordance with paragraphs  8 and 14 of the procedures, a presentation from the 
DG on his vision for the WTO, followed by a question and answer session and an opportunity for 
discussion.  This exchange would itself have no lega l effect.  Accordingly, a special meeting of the 
General Council for this exercise would be conve ned at a suitably early date, and Members had 
indicated their willingness to expedite the process so that the reappointment of the DG could be 
confirmed before 31 May. 
190. The representative of Tanzania (on behalf of the LDCs) spoke. 
191. The General Council took note of the statements. 
192. At the General Council meeting on 29 and 30 April 2009 , pursuant to paragraph 14 of the 
Procedures in WT/L/509, Members met formally with Mr Pascal Lamy, the incumbent Director-General and sole candidate for the post of the next  Director-General, on the basis of modalities for the 
conduct of the meeting communicated in a fax to all delegations on 25 March and recalled by the 
Chairman at the beginning of the meeting. 
193. Mr Lamy made a presentation
21 which was followed by a question-and-answer session.  The 
representatives of Malta; Dominican Republic; Japan;  United States; Korea; Argentina; France; 
Latvia; China; United Kingdom; Bolivarian Republic of  Venezuela; Egypt (on behalf of the African 
Group); Tanzania; Cuba; Nepal; Bolivia; Turkey ; Senegal; Chinese Taipei; Chile; Paraguay; 
Colombia; India; Ecuador and Morocco, and the Director-General spoke. 
194. The General Council took note of the statements. 
195. The General Council then agreed to appoint Mr  Lamy as the next Director-General of the 
WTO for a period of four years as from 1 September 2009. 
196. The representative of Costa Rica (on behalf of all delegations)  spoke. 
197. The General Council took note of the statement. 
21. Appointment of the Deputy Directors-General – Statement by the Director-General 
(WT/GC/M/120) 
198. At the General Council on 26-27 May 2009 , the Director-General in formed the Council that 
he had decided to retain the four Deputy Directors-Ge neral in their current position for a further term.  
                                                      
21 Subsequently circulated in document JOB(09)/39. WT/GC/W/612 
Page 22  
 
  He said that this team had served the organizati on and the Members with dedication and vision and 
had worked to advance the interests of the multilateral trading system. 
199. The General Council took note of the statement. 
22. Appointment of officers to WTO bodies (WT/GC/M/118) 
200. At the General Council m eeting on 3 February 2009
, the Chairman said that in accordance 
with the Guidelines for Appointment of Officers to WTO Bodies (WT/L/510), he and his colleagues, 
Mr Matus (Chile), the serving Chair of the Disput e Settlement Body, and Mr Noor (Malaysia), the 
former Chair of the General C ouncil, had conducted 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.   
201. On the basis of these consultations, he consider ed that there was a consensus on the following 
slate of names: 
General Council H.E. Mr Mario MATUS (Chile) 
Dispute Settlement Body H.E. Mr John GERO (Canada) 
Trade Policy Review Body H.E. Dr István MAJOR (Hungary) 
Council for Trade in Goods H.E. Mrs Elin Østebø JOHANSEN (Norway) 
Council for Trade in Services H.E. Mr Yonov Frederick AGAH (Nigeria) 
Council for TRIPS H.E. Ms Karen TAN (Singapore) 
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 H.E. Mrs Marie-Claire SWÄRD CAPRA (Sweden) 
Committee on Trade and  
Environment H.E. Mr Bozkurt ARAN (Turkey) 
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) 
 
202. The General Council took note of the statement a nd of the consensus on the slate of names for 
the appointment of officers. 
203. The Chairpersons of the Council for Trade in Goods and the Council for Trade in Services 
then spoke.  WT/GC/W/612 
 Page 23 
 
 
  204. The General Council took note of the statements. 22 
23. Election of Chairperson (WT/GC/M/118) 
205. At the General Council meeting on 3 February 2009 , the Chairman, as the outgoing presiding 
officer of the General Council, made a brief statement. 
206. The General Council then unanimously elected Mr Matus (Chile) to the Chair. 
207. The Director-General, the newly-elected Chairman, and the representatives of the 
United States; Cuba (on behalf of GRULAC); Ma uritius (on behalf of the ACP Group); Brazil (on 
behalf on the G-20); Egypt (on behalf of the Afri can Group); New Zealand; Thailand (on behalf of 
ASEAN Members); Tanzania (on behalf of the LD Cs); Hong Kong, China; Peru; India; Norway; 
Mexico; Turkey and Nigeria spoke. 
208. The General Council took note of the statements. 
 
__________  
                                                      
 22 In a fax dated 18 March, the Chairman informed delegations of his intention to start consultations 
regarding the appointment of a successor to Mr Falconer (New Zealand), Chairman of  the Special Session of the 
Committee on Agriculture, who had been recalled to his capital to take up another appointment.  On the basis of his consultations, the Chairman subsequently informed delegations in a fax dated 8 April of a consensus among 
Members to appoint Mr Walker (New  Zealand) as Chairman of the Special Session of the Committee on 
Agriculture. 
In a fax dated 27 March, the Chairman informed delegations of his intention to start consultations 
regarding the appointment of a succes sor to Mr Balihuta (Uganda), Chairm an of the Committee on Balance-of-
Payments Restrictions.  On the basis of his consultations, the Chairman subsequently informed delegations in a fax dated 1 May of a consensus among Members to appoint Mr Mwape (Zambia) as Chairman of the Committee 
on Balance-of-Payments Restrictions. 
In a fax dated 29 June, the Chairman informed delegations of his intention to start consultations 
regarding the appointment of a succes sor to Mr Baah-Duodu (Ghana), Ch airman of the Working Group on 
Trade and Transfer of Technology, who had been recalled to  his capital to take up another appointment.  On the 
basis of his consultations, the Chairman subsequently informed delegations in a fax dated 3 July of a consensus among Members to appoint Mr Owade (Kenya) as Chairman of the Working Group on Trade and Transfer of 
Technology.