. /.WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/MIN(03)/W/8
4 September 2003
(03-4627)
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE
Fifth SessionCancún, 10 - 14 September 2003Original:  English
PROPOSAL ON FLEXIBILITY PROVISIONS
FOR RECENTLY ACCEDED MEMBERS
Communication from China
The following communication, dated 3 September 2003, has been received by the Chairman
of the General Council from the Permanent Mission of China.
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In the context of ongoing discussions for improving the Draft Cancún Ministerial Text, I am
submitting to you a Proposal on Flexibility Provisions for Recently Acceded Members by the
government of the People's Republic of China.  It is hoped that this document should be circulated to
the Members immediately as a formal document of the Cancún 5th WTO Ministerial Conference.
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Proposed Amendments to the Draft Cancún Ministerial Text (JOB(03)/150/Rev.1)
1. Ministerial Text Proper:
We propose that the following language be added to the Draft Cancún Ministerial Text
(JOB(03)150/Rev.1):
Taking into account the extensive co mmitments undertaken by Recently Acceded
Members as part of their accession and their significant contributions to the multilateral
trading system, we confirm that the particular concerns of Recently Acceded Members shall be
effectively addressed in the negotiations under Doha Development Agenda.
2. Annex A on Agriculture Framework :
We propose that the following addition be made to the 5th Point on recently acceded Members
in Annex A:
The particular concerns of recently acceded Members shall be effectively addressed
through provision of necessary flexibilities, which shall include lower level of reduction,
exemption from further reduction of certain sensitive products, longer implementation periods
and deferred implementation.WT/MIN(03)/W/8
Page 2
3. Annex B on Non-Agriculture Market Access Framework:
We propose that the following addition be made to the last sentence of Paragraph 9 on newly
acceded Members in Annex B:
…. We instruct the Negotiating Group to furth er elaborate on such provisions, which shall
include lower level of reduction, exemption from further reduction of certain sensitive products,
longer implementation periods and deferred implementation.
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