 RESTRICTED  
  
WT/WGTTT/M/68  
 
19 April 2023 
(23-2816) Page: 1/15 
Working Group on Trade and Transfer of Technology  
Sixty -Eighth Session    
 
NOTE ON THE MEETING OF 24 NOVEMBER 2022  
Chairperson:  H.E. Mr. Luis Chuquihuara Chil (Peru)   
1   ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  ................................ ................................ .......................  2 
2   EXAMINATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRADE AND TRANSFER OF 
TECHNOLOGY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  2 
2.1   A FRAMEWORK FOR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER  ................................ ...............................  7 
2.1.1   WIPO (MS. OLGA SPACIC, HEAD, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER SECTION, IP FOR 
INNOVATORS DEPARTMENT)  ................................ ................................ .............................  7 
2.1.2   WTO (MS. ROBERTA PIERMARTINI, CHIEF OF TRADE COSTS ANALYSIS, ECONOMIC 
RESEARCH AND STATISTICS DIVISION)  ................................ ................................ .............  7 
2.1.3   ARGENTINA (MS. JOSEFINA CAMPOS, NATIONAL CENTER FOR GENOMICS AND 
BIOINFORMATICS, NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION OF LABORATORIES AND HEALTH INSTITUTES 
OF ARGENTINA)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  7 
2.1.4   UNCTAD (MR. DIMO CALOVSKI, ECONOMIST, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION 
POLICY BRANCH)  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  7 
Q&A ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  7 
2.2   EPHYTO INITIATIVE  ................................ ................................ ................................  10 
2.2.1   STANDARDS AND TRADE DEVELOPMENT FACILITY (MR. SIMON PADILLA, ECONOMIC 
AFFAIRS OFFICER, STDF)  ................................ ................................ ................................  10 
2.2.2   FAO (MR. CRAIG FEDCHOCK, MANAGER OF THE IPPC EPHYTO SOLUTION PROJECT)  ...... 10 
2.2.3   SENEGAL (MR. MASAR FALL, PLANT PROTECTION DIRECTORATE, MINISTRY OF 
AGRICULTURE)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  10 
2.2.4   WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM (MS. CANDICE WHITE, KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND 
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT LEAD, GLOBAL AL LIANCE FOR TRADE FACILITATION)  ...................  10 
Q&A ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................  11 
2.3   TECHNOLOGY TRANSFE R TO PROMOTE ACCESS AND INNOVATION IN A PANDEMIC 
CONTEXT  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  11 
2.3.1   ARGENTINA (MR. JUAN IGNACIO CORREA, ADVISOR, MINISTRY OF HEALT H) ...............  11 
2.3.2   PERU (MS. FANNY CASADO, PROFESSOR OF BIOENGINEERING, PONTIFICAL CATHOLIC 
UNIVERSITY OF PERU)  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 11 
2.3.3   WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (MR. MARTIN FRIEDE, COORDINATOR OF THE 
INITIATIVE FOR VACCINE RESEARCH)  ................................ ................................ ..............  11 
2.3.4   WTO (MS. JOSEFITA PARDO DE LEON, LEGAL AFFAIRS OFFICER, INTELLECTUAL 
PROPERTY, GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT AND COMPETITION DIVISION)  ..............................  12 
2.3.5   WIPO (MR. HANS GEORG BARTELS, SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER, GLOBAL CHALLENGES 
DIVISION)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  12 
Q&A ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................  12 WT/WGTTT/M/68  
 
- 2 - 
 
  3   ANY POSSIBLE RECOMMENDAT IONS ON STEPS THAT MIGHT BE TAKEN WITHIN THE 
MANDATE OF THE WTO TO INCREASE FLOWS OF TECHNOLOGY TO DEVELOPING 
COUNTRIES.  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  13 
4   ANY OTHER BUSINESS  ................................ ................................ .............................  13 
4.1   EGYPT, STANDING AGENDA ITEM TO ADDRESS MC12 OUTCOMES IN FUTURE MEE TINGS  . 13 
4.2   INDIA, GREATER TRANSPARENCY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE AGENDA  ......................  14 
4.3   ANNUAL REPORT  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 15 
 
1  ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  
1.1.  The Chairperson  said that the draft agenda for the 68th Session of the Working Group on Trade 
and Transfer of Technology (WGTTT) was contained in document WTO/AIR/WGTTT/21, circulated on 
14 November 2022. The Working Group was invited to raise any matter under other busi ness.  
1.2.  The representative of Egypt  delivered the following statement:  
1.3.  I would suggest for the consideration of the Working Group to address the MC12 outcome 
relative to the WTO response to the Pandemic as reference was made to trade and transfer of 
technol ogy in this working group specifically. How can we approach this and how can we deal with 
it in the context of the proceedings of this Working group?  
1.4.  The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
1.5.  We would like to make some observations wh ich are systemic in nature. On October 27, the 
Development Division had sent an email seeking inputs for the meeting and whether the Members 
wanted to make a presentation or share their experiences or lesson learned. After that, there was 
no communication until November 16, when the notice of this meeting was sent with a proposed 
agenda. Between these two dates, there was no visibility on how the agenda had been evolving, 
whether Members had proposed topics and who were the participant for these topics. The refore, in 
that context, we request you and the Development Division to manage the evolution of agenda for 
such meetings with greater transparency and visibility for the Members. This meeting involved 
organizations which, some of them, may not be observers , as mentioned on the WTO website. 
Therefore, the request is that the minutes of the meeting may specifically call out the manner and 
process of inviting the presenters, whether Member driven, that is, whether the Members invited 
them, or it was otherwise.   
1.6.  The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
1.7.  While it would be interesting to hear what the representative of Egypt has to say under any 
other business, I am not sure if the verb he used that we can "address" the MC12 mandate under 
AOB, as if it were a self -standing agenda item, I am not sure whether  that will be possible. A similar 
discussion took place in the Committee on Trade and Development where it was recalled that there 
are limits to what could be done under an AOB item.  
1.8.  The Chairperson  said that he will talk under other business about the Wo rking Group's annual 
report to the General Council.  
1.9.  The agenda was adopted  as amended.  
2  EXAMINATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRADE AND TRANSFER OF 
TECHNOLOGY  
2.1.  The Chairperson  recalled that at the last session of the Working Group on 12 May 2022, the 
Working Group had continued to discuss the relationship between trade and transfer of technology. 
Some Members had underscored the critical role technology played to support development efforts, 
especially in the areas of health, agriculture, environment, edu cation and trade. In this context, it 
had been stressed that technology and technical know -how remained key elements in facilitating 
industrialization and economic growth and therefore were essential for improving productivity and WT/WGTTT/M/68  
 
- 3 - 
 
  output, to diversify econ omies, to better integrate into the regional and global value chains, for 
promoting growth and attaining the development aspirations of developing Members and in 
particular, the least developed countries. And, on the basis of a presentation made by the Del egation 
of Brazil, attention had been also drawn to the importance of technology in addressing the COVID -19 
pandemic, but also to improve preparedness against future pandemics and beyond that, to address 
the issue of neglected diseases which had continued to constitute a major cause of loss of 
productivity and had aggravated poverty in several developing countries. Against that background, 
some Members had reiterated their attachment to the mandate of the Working Group as contained 
in Paragraph 37 of the Do ha Declaration and to the significant contribution that the fulfilment of the 
mandate could make in achieving the development aspirations of Members.  
2.2.  The Chairperson also recalled that  at the last session of the Working Group held on 
12 May 2022 and with a view to invigorate work of the Working Group, he had informed Members 
of his intention to organize an exchange of views, including with other organizations. He had also 
encouraged Members to share their experiences with innovation, technology generation,  transfers, 
assimilation, absorption, research and development and the role it might have played in economic 
development. He went on to say that in addition to informal consultations he had held with Members, 
the Secretariat had circulated to delegations a  call for expression of interest on 27 October 2022 to 
present lessons learned from the implementation of transfer of technology projects.  
2.3.  The Chairperson noted that the agenda adopted at the start of the Session contained, within 
the mandated agenda item s of the Working Group, a programme aiming to structure discussions to 
improve clarity and understanding on the nexus between trade and transfer and technology so that, 
in turn, the Working Group could proceed to developing possible recommendations to incr ease 
technology flows to developing countries.  
2.4.  The Chairperson also said that, in addition to a panel of experts on technology transfer working 
in national and international organizations, he had also invited 
Deputy  Director -General  Xiangchen  Zhang and Ms. Shamika N. Sirimanne , Director of UNCTAD’s 
division on technology and logistics , to provide remarks.  
2.5.  Deputy Director -General Xiangchen Zhang  delivered the following statement:  
2.6.  It has been a few years since this Working Group had such an exte nsive programme and as 
many experts sharing their findings on the complex nexus between trade and the transfer of 
technology. So, congratulations to all those involved and in particular to you, Mr. Chairperson.  
2.7.  Since its establishment by paragraph 37 of t he Doha Declaration, the Working Group on Trade 
and Transfer of Technology (WGTTT) has been engaged in the examination of the relationship 
between trade and the transfer of technology, and also of possible recommendations that might be 
taken within the man date of the WTO to increase flows of technology to developing countries.  
2.8.  This work remains critically important. Innovation, technology generation and its transfer have 
assumed greater importance in this day and age.  
2.9.  Technology transfer made possible the  rapid production and the dissemination of COVID -19 
vaccines. And there is little doubt that it will be central in providing response to other contemporary 
challenges including food security, job creation, digital trade expansion and better inclusion of 
women and the youth and the micro small and medium sized enterprises in global value chains.  
2.10.  In other words, technology transfer is a critical vehicle for greener, sustainable and more 
inclusive economy.  
2.11.  Technology also is recognized as a crucial global me ans for job creation, income generation, 
value addition, and for shared prosperity in the interdependent world. Technological upgrading is a 
crucial element in increased labour productivity, and it is central to the broader development 
process.  
2.12.  The acquis ition, adaptation and the diffusion of technology improve competitiveness across 
sectors of production. This is of crucial importance for Members in their pursuit of the development 
path. Technological improvement has an important positive impact on econom ic growth and WT/WGTTT/M/68  
 
- 4 - 
 
  development. We are also aware that technological upgrading is not easy. Indeed, if it were, we 
would not see such labour productivity gaps among countries.  
2.13.  Effective technology transfer is the product of a complex long -term process involvin g several 
factors and actors, both at national and international levels. In this context, the role of governments, 
business, academia, research and development institutions, as well as international institutions, 
cannot be overemphasized. To take just a fe w examples of the policies and actors affecting 
technology transfer, international trade liberalization can play an important role, as can foreign direct 
investment. The enabling environment for technology transfer and absorption can be enhanced by 
measure s taken in both home and host countries. Intellectual property rights rules and technical 
assistance are two additional factors that only serve to underscore the multifaceted nature of 
technology transfer.  
2.14.  The Marrakesh Agreement recognized that need for positive effort designed to ensure that 
developing countries, and especially LDCs, secure a share in the growth in international trade 
commensurate with the needs of their economic development. A way of facilitating this goal would 
be to narrow the technol ogical gap between developed and developing countries. Accordingly, 
several WTO agreements contain provisions related to technology transfer.  
2.15.  It is my understanding that discussions in the Working Group have underscored that 
technology and innovation are powerful tools for development. The debate, therefore, has a 
continuing relevance and importance.  
2.16.  Members also seem to broadly acknowledge the fact that both the private and public sectors 
in home and host countries play an important role in the process o f technology transformation 
through cohesive partnerships.  
2.17.  But let us not lose sight of the fundamental goals of the WTO as set out in the preamble of 
our founding Marrakesh Agreement: using trade as a means to improve living standards, create 
better jobs , and promote sustainable development. These goals are fundamentally about people, 
and your work at the WGTTT has the potential to do much more to improve the lives of people 
worldwide.  
2.18.  I am confident that your deliberations today will shed light on vario us aspects of innovation, 
technology and its transformation.  
2.19.  I am sure the discussions today will contribute to an enhanced understanding - among 
Members - of the complex issues in the technology transformation process; and will help the Working 
Group ful fil its mandate.  
2.20.  With these words, I wish you all fruitful and enlightening deliberations. Thank you.  
2.21.  Ms. Shamika Sirimanne, Director of technology and logistics at UNCTAD  delivered the 
following statement:  
2.22.  Technology has been a question of existential im portance to UNCTAD throughout our nearly 
six decades of existence. The notion that developing countries needed access to technology and 
know -how on better terms, as a precondition for the emergence of a fair international economic 
order, was at the core of  the ground -breaking code of Conduct on the technology transfer of 
technology that we came up with.  
2.23.  This Code of Conduct established the framework for all future discussion of the issue, even if 
it could not bear fruit in the intensely ideological controv ersies of its time. And they have not stopped 
there.  
2.24.  When we think about technology transfer, it is almost like a reflex. People just say  a yes or a 
no, without really unpacking what technology transfer is all about.  
2.25.  Today, the Sustainable Development Goals, as set out in the 2030 Agenda, clearly established 
the fundamental role of technology and technology transfer as enablers of developme nt. And if there 
was any need to remind us of this, it is now.  WT/WGTTT/M/68  
 
- 5 - 
 
  2.26.  From the COVID -19 pandemic to the tensions around access to semiconductors and advanced 
semiconductor making equipment, and addressing the existential threat posed by climate change ; 
all show the centrality of technologies in our lives. So on this last point, mitigating climate change 
and adapting to it can only be achieved through the application of knowledge and technology.  
2.27.  Improving the access of developing countries to renewable energy tec hnologies, but also 
cleaner production technologies that both increase productivity and open possibilities for economic 
diversification, is becoming literally a matter of survival, and not just for developing countries, but 
for all.  
2.28.  The impact of technolo gy on inequality is another reason why anyone concerned with 
development or peace needs to think hard about transfer of technology. As pointed out in UNCTAD's  
2021 Technology and Innovation Report, every wave of technological change has been accompanied 
by rising levels of inequality.  
2.29.  We also know from history that when inequality reaches unbearable levels, the return to more 
socially acceptable levels often involves political upheavals. Sometimes they spill over borders. As 
an example, the difference in G DP per capita between the richest and poorest countries has increased 
from 15 to one to almost 30 to one in the last 70 years. And much of this difference can be attributed 
to unequal access and deployment of technology. Put simply, very little technology transfer has 
happened for the less developed.  
2.30.  We can all agree that global markets and trade have made an important contribution to 
development and poverty reduction.  
2.31.  However, the benefits of trade, and more specifically trade in technology, are not equa lly 
shared. The explanation is not overly complicated. Left onto their own devices, the market forces 
push for the deployment and transfer of technology to locations and applications with the highest 
expected rates of return to developed countries. And wha t happens is , this creates a widening of 
these income inequalities that I have just mentioned. So we need to develop innovative approaches 
to technology transfer that maintain the market's incentives for creativity and its competitive 
disciplines while ens uring solidarity and steering technological progress for the common good, such 
as when we are confronted with pandemics, famines and climate change. There are no arguments 
that we can say that we are going to hoard these technologies to ourselves, and we w ill earn the 
USD 1 billion, whereas the millions and millions of people can be saved. I do not think there is any 
excuse for this.  
2.32.  There is also good news , in that many of these technologies have never been more affordable. 
This is the truth compared to t he history of the technologies. One example is technology for solar 
power generation, which has become cheaper to deploy and exploit in recent years than fossil fuel 
solutions. And also, let me tell you that the knowledge, thanks to the digital technologie s and the 
Internet, is much  easier to access today. But none of these things are happening. So what then we 
need to do?  
2.33.  We all understand that technologies are largely privately owned, and the result of R &D work 
conducted between private and also public s ector and with important financial and human inputs 
from both sides, while IP has enabled trade and investment and supported creativity. I think it is 
the time to break free from these very narrow shackles of this whole perspective of profits. A short -
term, accountants game of me versus the world , where books balance in a zero -sum game of 
globalization , may not be the way forward for humanity and our planet. And this is one lesson we 
should have learned during COVID -19.  
2.34.  I hope that the discussion today wil l bring us one step closer. It may be very difficult, but I 
think th is kind of discussions are important , because together , we will get one step closer to 
developing a new and more meaningful consensus about the unavoidable necessity of strengthening 
and s upporting technology transfer processes , in all its forms, including through trade.  
2.35.  It will not only benefit the Global South, but I think it is for the benefit of all humanity and 
especially if we do not want to become extinct. So the point of technology  transfer is no longer, it is 
for the Global South. So we cannot give it to them. We hold it here. I think we have to move beyond 
that point. Honestly, we are in a situation  where the planet will stay, but we will not be there. I think WT/WGTTT/M/68  
 
- 6 - 
 
  we are in that kind of moment. I do not know whether you have seen th e movie called Don't Look 
Up. I think we are in that do not look up moment. I know it is very difficult to break these taboos. I 
think maybe this is the time to do these things.  
2.36.  Before this meeting started, I proposed to the Chairperson to have a session on unpacking 
technology transfer in the beginning of next year, so we carry this conversation at UNCTAD  which is 
a freer space for you to ask questions, to argue. And so we keep this conversation alive because I 
think we are in a n existential moment. So thank you so much and thank you for having me.  
2.37.  The Chairperson  thanked DDG Zhang and Ms. Shamika  Sirimanne for the ir remarks . He went  
on to share his reflections concerning the importance of technology transfer, noting that many of 
which had arisen during consultations he had held with some Members. He said :  
2.38.  Recent episodes such as the COVID -19 pandemic and the current food crisis hav e led to a 
demand for particularly complex public policies, as the circumstances require that they seek to be 
effective and rapidly implemented. The situation is even more demanding among developing 
countries which lack human and infrastructure capacity to  cope with this crisis.  
2.39.  In this context, many tools can be used, and technology transfer is a relevant one. While in 
the more advanced economies technological progress involves the generation of new knowledge that 
can be applied to productive activity, for  developing countries, technological progress is strongly 
influenced by their ability to access, adapt and diffuse technological knowledge that has been 
generated abroad.  
2.40.  Within several international organizations like UNCTAD, WHO, WIPO and the WTO, this k ey 
issue has been dealt with from multiple perspectives. Previous deliberations of the Working Group 
have led us to recognize its vital importance for competitiveness and development, but also for 
survival itself. No doubt that given its complexity and mul tifaceted nature, the transfer of technology 
should be addressed considering the diverse interests of all the stakeholders involved.  
2.41.  The literature on the subject points to the importance of trade as one of the main transfer 
channels, together with others such as investment and cooperation. For this reason, I believe that 
our discussions are undoubtedly more relevant and necessary than ever.  
2.42.  A few weeks ago, I heard a Member say words that I thought were particularly appropriate 
concerning the role of trade : "trade does not happen in isolation but, on the contrary, it has 
substantial effects on other scenarios, which, in turn, affect trade".  
2.43.  In that sense, I consider more than ever that trade can and should trigger scenarios to 
promote and strengthen easier  access to technology, knowledge, and innovation. And that it is one 
of the more efficient and effective ways through which Members may address the main 21st century 
global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, or global health.  
2.44.  Against that background, I have invited well -known experts with different approaches to 
technology transfer.  I am sure they will bring new contributions and findings from a cross -cutting 
perspective applied to some issues that are the subject of the regular work of ou r Organization. In 
addition, we will listen to some national experiences from WTO Members in the implementation of 
technology transfer and access to improved knowledge.  
2.45.  Allow me to finally mention that this is mainly a first effort to reinvigorate and dive rsify our 
discussions within the Working Group and to provoke new ideas about how we can help strengthen 
technology transfer through trade.  
2.46.  I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all international organizations and Member 
participants for thei r willingness to be part of this session. I am confident that their contributions 
will be very valuable to our work. I also encourage all Members to engage and to take advantage of 
the knowledge and experience of our guest speakers.  WT/WGTTT/M/68  
 
- 7 - 
 
  2.1  A FRAMEWORK FOR TECHNO LOGY TRANSFER  
2.47.  The Chairperson said that the aim of this sub -agenda item was to provide an overall view in 
terms of current frameworks and ecosystems within which transfer of technology takes place. He 
added that it will also aim to discuss trade, economic and development implications of technology 
transfer, as also its challenges and opportunities from a national perspective. For that, experts from 
three intergovernmental organizations and a capital -based expert were invited to make 
presentations.  
2.1.1   WIPO (MS.  OLGA SPACIC, HEAD, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER SECTION, IP FOR 
INNOVATORS DEPARTMENT)  
2.48.  Ms. Olga Spasic, head of technology transfer section at WIPO , presented WIPO's technology 
transfer programs and resources. In her presentation (which is available at this link  
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news22_e/devel_24nov22_e. zip) she noted that technology 
transfer is a collaborative process encompassing knowledge, skills and know -how; that various  
actors encompassing  governments, academia, and industries played a role; and that technology 
transfer constitutes  a tool to narrow the technological gap between developed and developing 
countries, and for integrating developing countries into the multilateral trading system. She 
highlighted that technology transfer took place when there was a business interest and a capacity 
of partne rs to create, transfer and absorb knowledge. She illustrated the support WIPO gave through 
the technology transfer offices in different regions.  
2.1.2   WTO (MS. ROBERTA PIERMA RTINI, CHIEF OF TRADE COSTS ANALYSIS, ECONOMIC 
RESEARCH AND STATISTICS DIVISION)  
2.49.  Ms. Rob erta Piermartini, Chief of Trade Costs Analysis unit of the Economic Research and 
Statistics Division, WTO  presented research outcomes which highlighted that participation in global 
value chains (GVC) boosted technology diffusion by increasing market acces s and importing 
intermediates. The pool of foreign research and development expenditure available through GVC 
affected the production of ideas in the local country. She stressed that investment in absorptive 
capacity on the receiving end and mastery of kno w-how were important factors.  Her presentation is 
available at this link https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news22_e/devel_24nov22_e.zip . 
2.1.3   ARGENTINA (MS. JOSEFINA CAMPOS, NATIONAL CENTER FOR GENOMICS AND 
BIOINFORMATICS, NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION OF LABORATORIES AND HEALTH 
INSTITUTES OF ARGENTINA)  
2.50.  Ms. Josefina Campos from the Natio nal Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, National 
Administration of Laboratories and Health Institutes, Argentina  presented  Argentina’s genomics 
experience and noted the key challenges  face. Those  includ ed: (i) different data generation models 
among cou ntries ; (ii) regulation for data privacy; (iii) language; and (iv) paywall in scientific 
journals. She highlighted in terms of lessons learnt the establishment of south -south collaboration 
and regional data sharing models. Her presentation is available at this link 
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news22_e/devel_24nov22_e.zip . 
2.1.4   UNCTAD (M R. DIMO CALOVSKI, ECONOMIST, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND 
INNOVATION POLICY BRANCH)  
2.51.  Mr. Dimo Cal ovski, economist at the Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy Branch of 
UNCTAD  noted in his presentation  that technology transfer depended on absorptive capacities and 
innovative capabilities. He further noted that in addition to trade, there were oth er channels of 
technology transfer: (i) licensing; (ii) FDI ; and (iii) movement of people. He also illustrated how 
UNCTAD provided support in the form of transfer of technology through its Automated System for 
Customs Data (ASYCUDA), a computerized customs  management system that facilitates trade.  His 
presentation  is available  at this link 
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news22_e/devel_24nov22_e.zip . 
Q&A  
2.52.  The representative o f India delivered the following statement:  WT/WGTTT/M/68  
 
- 8 - 
 
  2.53.  Thank you to the presenter s for comprehensively covering various aspects which improves 
understanding  for us all. Seeing all these presentations, I have a few observations to make which 
will be followed by a few questions.  
2.54.  We see a very gloomy picture in the area of technology transfer. As mentioned in the opening 
remarks, with every technological development, the divide in terms of inequality is increasing. For 
example the income inequality has increased from th e ratio of one to 15 to one to 30. Over the 
years, the frameworks for technology transfer, including IP, are becoming more complex with 
technology transfer becoming prohibitive. The convergence chart shown in the presentation by the 
WTO indicates that what ever progress has slowed down, and since 2010, that chart shows that again 
we are on downward path.  
2.55.  The point of inflection is that even the access to research papers became costly. Researchers 
are finding hindrances including accessing others' research, or to publish or to have access to 
research published in other languages. Also, brain drain is an issue.  
2.56.  The stories are far and few to showcase when the opportunity comes. UNCTAD has shown 
ASYCUDA example which started in 1981. Actually we should be worr ied as to, while we are talking 
about technology transfer, the needs are not met, and it is becoming a cross -cutting issue in the 
WTO: we haven't achieved much, and this should be a cause of concern and real deliberations are 
required.  
2.57.  My questions to the  panellists are, in these developments that they have presented, what do 
they think, have the developed countries who are having technology gained from brain drain, 
whether and where have things gone wrong in the sense that we are failing the humanity in t erms 
of not taking enough in terms of technology transfer? The second question is about WTO. We are 
saying that the growth was from 1990s to 2008. So what is the reflection on WTO as to whether we 
have and what we are doing and where we are going wrong? Th e third question is what could be 
done? We heard in the presentations that we require innovative solutions, but where are those 
innovative solutions? What could be done here? What we are seeing is that regulatory frameworks 
are becoming complex, technology  transfer becoming prohibitive, gains are only for few. So it would 
be appreciated if the panellists can reflect on these questions.  
2.58.  The representation of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
2.59.  That has been really most insightful and very complimentary presentations as well as well as 
a brilliant contribution from my Indian colleague who is a great painter, but his picture is a bit 
gloomy. I will be very interested to hear what you have to say to this rather than attempting my 
own summ ary of what was said. I have a very specific question to Ms. Piermartini. You mentioned 
that one of the channels for technology transfer is the intermediates and I think you meant goods. 
But since you've quoted Professor Baldwin, I was wondering if you cou ld say something about 
services.  
2.60.  The representative of Panama  delivered the following statement:  
2.61.  We extend our thanks to the panellists for the presentations that they have shared with us. 
And we should also like to reiterate the importance of this working  group supporting reform process. 
Everything that has to do with transparency, notifications and facilitation, all of this requires 
technology and technology transfer facilitation. So we really would like to highlight that this working 
group is very import ant, to ensure that it is revitalized and that it continues to work.  
2.62.  Ms. Roberta Piermartin i (WTO)  delivered the following statement:  
2.63.  I will address first the question of the EU representative because it was direct, but I have 
some points of clarificatio n also related to the Indian delegation. About services, one of the points I 
had in my last slide is exactly that we do not know much about services. Indeed most of the academic 
studies done relate to goods. But to the extent that we know the channels, we have some clear 
elements to point at. The fact that some of the channels, if you think of services in the various 
modes in which it applies, if you think of mode four, that is a business travel temporary. And we do 
have evidence of a clear impact of this f ace-to-face communication on technology transfer as being 
instrumental. This is one of the channels through which actually the global value chains operate. WT/WGTTT/M/68  
 
- 9 - 
 
  Similarly, also highlighted for FDI, if we think of mode three also, one would expect that it works in 
the same way. An interesting question is what happens when they are digital? As we are moving 
increasingly toward sort of contentless trade, so how that will act? I think this is an open question. 
But definitely to my knowledge, no one has looked into t his.  
2.64.  Some few points of clarification related to what I said, that in fact, what we observed is an 
increasing convergence across countries. A reduction in inequality among countries. And this has 
not finished after 2008. It is only the pace has been slowi ng down more recently to a certain extent, 
to the extent that global value chains have brought to this, there is a limit to how much you can 
fragment in the sense physically across a limited number of countries. What I think is the next phase 
is to include  more and more economies as participants into global value chains.  
I think there is still margin for exploiting this channel. And if you think of inequality within country, 
then indeed technological advances, depending on what form of technology we are ta lking about, 
may be a factor in increasing inequality; and that at that point largely is an issue of domestic policies 
to find a way for more inclusive gains to happen through technology transfers. And maybe just one 
thing about the presentation by UNCTAD representative, that when distinguished between trade, 
FDI and so on, I think we have to sort of keep in mind that trade is a key factor in increasing all the 
other element, the mobility of people, IP licenses, FDI. So not only there is evidence that the d irect 
use of intermediate inputs is good for technology transfer, but also there is a role for trade in 
transferring knowledge that goes to the fact that it actually is a push factor for all the other channels 
that we know.  
2.65.  The representative of Egypt  delivered the following statement:  
2.66.  I appreciate the Secretariat and the speakers for providing this magnitude of information on 
transfer of technology and the way it takes place including through trade, FDIs and services. When 
I read again the text of the agen da item itself, which was agreed years ago, analysis of the 
relationship between trade and transfer technology, I wonder if we can maybe put things more into 
perspective with respect to the role of this working group in enhancing technology transfer throug h 
trade. Given the mandate of the WTO itself in this regard, I wonder if the secretariat could assist us 
and try to maybe put together a compilation of flexibilities available, that is the different provisions 
in various WTO agreements that would be relate d to the matter of transfer technology, and to what 
extent are those articles or provisions being used or have been used to promote transfer technology?  
2.67.  Mr. Dimo Calovski (UNCTAD)  delivered th e following statement:  
2.68.  What has gone wrong is a very big questi on. Many things have gone wrong. A few things have 
gone right as well. What we see in the field is that there is a positive development and that countries 
are more and more and increasingly seriously taking the task of establishing strong functional and 
active Science, Technology and Innovation  (STI) policies. These are the policies that are needed for 
developing the absorptive capacities and innovative capabilities amongst firms and industries that 
will, in turn, push demand for technology and stimulate an d energize technology transfer processes.  
2.69.  On the question of technology intermediaries, I think we need to bring into the realm a other 
institutions beyond technology transfer centres. These are incubators, accelerators, science 
technology parks, IP centr es, universities and so forth. There is a plethora of national public 
institutions, private institutions that are part of the technology transfer process and they need to be 
better involved as key stakeholders in this process. Of course, trade in goods and  services, but also 
trade in IP are probably the two largest conduits, but they require an enabling environment.  
2.70.  I think we need to need to reach out and think in a more of a systemic way rather than in a 
linear way of getting technology A to location B. Indeed, I think technology tends to be attracted to 
places which already have high levels of productivity and ther e is a limited amount of will in the 
technologically able firms and industries. And they are private players in this whole picture. They 
seek out places with high innovative capacities, with high productivities. And there is a real risk that 
unless we do s omething in firming up on the other side and having a better environment and 
increasing the strength of STI policies as a partner to trade policies, that we will not be able to move 
forward purely on a trade policy basis.  
2.71.  Ms. Olga Spasic (WIPO)  delivered the following statement:  WT/WGTTT/M/68  
 
- 10 - 
 
  2.72.  A lot has changed, positively, from the time when we stared supporting member states to 
create their innovation ecosystems. Already governments are involved, and they would like to move 
ahead not only on a policy level, but develop ing infrastructures. WIPO has two current projects, TTO 
project which we did in Arab region, development of infrastructures to facilitate technology transfer, 
but we are also working on human capital development, which is essential, and on policies. We nee d 
a time, that is the essential. We need sustainability in the actions we undertook. We can really see 
progress and that things are moving in the right direction.  
2.73.  Working on elements of an ecosystem would give good results and aligning the capacity of 
developed and developing countries to develop, to create and to absorb technologies would be a 
long term goal where we have to also involve development banks to have interdisciplinary approach 
if we want to have results.  
2.2  EPHYTO INITIATIVE  
2.74.  The Chairperson  said that discussion  will focus on a practical use case where transfer of 
technology has been instrumental, the ePhyto project, an electronic phytosanitary certificate, which 
helps streamline, secure and reduce transaction costs . 
2.2.1   STANDARDS AND TRADE DEVELOPMEN T FACILITY (M R. SIMON PADILLA, 
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICER, STDF)  
2.75.  Mr. Simon Padilla, Economic Affairs Officer, STDF , emphasized the importance of safe trade 
and highlighted three key areas of STDF’s work: (i) global coordination of SPS -related technical 
assistance; (ii) cross cutting knowledge work linked to SPS capacity; and (iii) funding mechanism. 
He also discussed other STDF projects including remote inspection practices in food safety, 
development of mobile application for animal identification and regist ration system, and harmonized 
pest information system. His presentation is available at this link 
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news22_e/devel_24nov22_e.zip . 
2.2.2   FAO (M R. CRAI G FEDCHOCK, MANAGER OF THE IPPC EPHYTO SOLUTION PROJECT)  
2.76.  Mr. Craig Fedchock , Manager IPPC ePhyto Solution Project, FAO  presented the ePhyto system 
which comprised of a hub, generic ePhyto national system (GeNS) and harmonization between its 
users. He said that only 10.6% of plant exports requiring phytosanitary certifications had been 
covered by ePhyto, signifying the system's potential growth. In terms of next steps, he also said 
that developing features such as e -signatures and e -payments, as well as atta ining sustainable 
funding to keep ePhyto free for developing countries were the priorities.  His presentation is available 
at this link https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news22_e/devel_24nov22_e.zip . 
2.2.3   SENEGAL (MR. MASAR FALL, PLANT PROTECTION DIRECTORATE, MINISTRY OF 
AGRICULTURE)  
2.77.  Mr. Papa Massar Fall , plant protection directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture, Senegal , 
presented how the e Phyto had been implemented in Senegal and shared lessons learnt and 
remaining challenges. He noted that implementation of ePhyto enabled increased government 
revenues while providing faster and more cost -effective services at customs. In terms of challenge s, 
he noted that until all trading partners adopted the electronic system, paper certificate were still 
required in some jurisdiction; and that the continuous availability of the system's infrastructure and 
of its maintenance posed a challenge. His present ation i s available at this link 
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news22_e/devel_24nov22_e.zip . 
2.2.4   WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM (MS. CANDICE WHITE, KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND 
COMMUNITY ENG AGEMENT LEAD, GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR TRADE FACILITATION)  
2.78.  Ms. Candice White Knowledge Management and Community Engagement Lead, Global 
Alliance for Trade Facilitation, W orld Economic Forum noted the benefits ePhyto brought to the 
private sector. She also expla ined the assistance her organization provided for the implementation 
of ePhyto and illustrated from the recent experiences in Fiji and in Jordan. She underlined that 
public -private collaboration was critically important for success and added the following five factors: 
(i) infrastructure readiness; (ii) financial sustainability; (iii) change management; (iv) international WT/WGTTT/M/68  
 
- 11 - 
 
  partnerships; and (v) knowledge and expertise.  Her presentation is available this link 
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news22_e/devel_24nov22_e.zip . 
Q&A 
2.79.  The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
2.80.  I think it was really very informative on the ePhyto and the advantages are very clear 
compared to before we had that tool. I would like to tell Mr. Fall that his presentation was a very 
good example of how the system ePhyto can be used in a developing country, although of course 
there are many limitations and Mr. Fall described those very well. However, let us say that the 
potential benefits of this ePhyto solution have been very aptly illustrated and of course this may lead 
us to think about innovative solutions.  
2.3  TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER TO PROMOTE ACCESS AND INNOVATION IN A PANDEMIC 
CONTE XT 
2.81.  The Chairperson  said that discussions under this sub -item of the agenda will focus on 
technology transfer to promote access and innovation in a pandemic context. He further said that 
he believed this topic remained critically important in most capitals.  He recalled that the World Health 
Organization (WHO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) , and the World Trade 
Organization (WTO) had started a trilateral cooperation in the context of the COVID -19 Pandemic 
and which builds upon each of th e organization's specific mandates and programs of activities. He 
went on to say that that framework of trilateral cooperation provided an interface spanning public 
health, trade and intellectual property to support innovation in health technologies and to  ensure 
the availability of affordable, new and more effective medicines for patients in all countries.  
2.3.1   ARGENTINA (M R. JUAN IGNACIO CORREA, ADVISOR, MINISTRY OF HEALTH)  
2.82.  Mr. Juan Ignacio Correa , Advisor, Ministry of Health, Argentina  highlighted various 
implementations, including developing a national vaccine named Arvac, which had been used as 
booster against the COVID 19. He stressed the importance of voluntary licensing as well as effective 
transfer of technology and know -how. His presentation is availab le at this link 
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news22_e/devel_24nov22_e.zip . 
2.3.2   PERU (MS. FAN NY CASADO, PROFESSOR OF BIOENGINEERING , PONTIFICAL 
CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF PERU ) 
2.83.  Ms. Fanny Casado Researcher, Pontifical Catholic University, Peru , explained how a team 
developed a mechanical ventilator named Masi, to address the shortage in international markets and 
in response to healthcare st rains such as poor oxygen supply. The equipment leveraged on novel 
mechanism of action and telemetry. 350 of the ventilators had been produced and were used in 13 
Peruvian hospitals for emergency use. The research behind that invention had been shared in 
scientific journals. Her presentation is  available at this link 
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news22_e/devel_24nov22_e.zip . 
2.3.3   WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (M R. MARTIN FRIEDE, CO ORDINATOR OF THE 
INITIATIVE FOR VACCINE RESEARCH)  
2.84.  Mr. Martin Fried e, Coordinator, Vaccine Research Initiative, WHO , explained that in response 
to the COVID -19, the mRNA technology was selected as the solution for technology transfer for its 
speed, adaptability, and reusability. He discussed the challenges faced in terms of balancing ambition 
to have domestic vaccine production on the one hand with, on the oth er, scale for sustainability of 
production. He noted that cooperation was key, including to design coherent regional hubs that 
produce and export vaccines to other countries with distribute supply chains. He also said that mRNA 
could potentially also be us ed to immunise against other diseases such as dengue or Zika. His 
presentation  is available  at this link 
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news22_e/devel_24nov22_e.zip . WT/WGTTT/M/68  
 
- 12 - 
 
  2.3.4   WTO (M S. JOSEFITA PARDO DE LEON, LEGAL AFFAIRS OFFICER, INTELLECTUAL 
PROPERTY, GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT AND COMPETITION DIVISION)  
2.85.  Ms. Josefita Pardo De Leon, Legal Affairs Officer, Intellectual Property, Government 
Procurement and Competition Division, WTO , unders cored the importance of the TRIPS agreement 
and noted some of the work undertaken during the pandemic: (i) research on pandemic -related 
trade measures; (ii) preparation of information sessions and tools, including the Vaccine Trade 
Tracker ; and (iii) dialogue with the private sector and civil society. Her presentation is available at 
this link https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news22_e/devel_24nov22_e.zip . 
2.3.5   WIPO ( MR. HANS GEORG BARTELS, SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER , GLOBAL 
CHALLENGES DIVISION ) 
2.86.  Mr. Hans Georg Bartels , Senior Program Officer, Global Challenges Division, WIPO , discussed 
the importance of IP in supporting technology transfer, know -how, and the freedom to ope rate. He 
also discussed IP implementation challenges and the freedom to operate.  
Q&A 
2.87.  The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
2.88.  Although at this late hour, a heartfelt thanks to all panellists for your presentations. We wil l 
be sharing your presentations with colleagues who could not attend today.  
2.89.  The representative of Peru delivered the following statement:  
2.90.  We would like to thank the panellists and we welcome the tripartite collaboration among the 
WTO, the WHO and WIPO. I think it is worthwhile work and it has allowed to see some of the general 
challenges and developments that have taken place. But I was wondering whether we could go into 
a more depth in terms of the contributions that we have had from academia and from civ il society 
in that joint work. I do not know whether we could emphasize that given that the participation that 
we have had as countries, I think demonstrates the role that can be played by academia in contexts 
such as these.  
2.91.  Mr. Martin Fried e, Coordinator , Vaccine Research Initiative, WHO , delivered the following 
statement:  
2.92.  For the mRNA project, let us begin with civil society. Civil society has played an important 
role in highlighting to member states the need to be working on this. So they have played a n 
important role at the advocacy level. Then, academia, in the case of South Africa, where the hub, 
the technology is being set up, one of the drivers to select South Africa as the hub was the strength 
of the academic institutions in South Africa and they provided the basic reverse engineering of mRNA 
to the development centre, which did not have that know -how. Then the private sector, it is 
unfortunate that at the beginning of the outbreak, the private sector was not interested in 
participating significant ly in this technology transfer. They were far more interested in bilateral 
profitable technology transfers. However, as we go forward, we have seen an increasing number of 
biotech companies that were not present at the beginning of the pandemic, beginning to step up. 
And some of them are now playing absolutely critical roles in providing new generation technologies 
better than the technologies that were used during the pandemic, so that we will be better prepared 
for the next pandemic.  
2.93.  Mr. Hans Georg Bartel s, Senior Program Officer, Global Challenges Division, WIPO  delivered 
the following statement:  
2.94.  There are two different streams. What I showed at the beginning, our publications, the 
Trilateral study and the distance learning course. This is very much Secr etariat work, which we have 
produced ourselves, but it contains, of course, to some extent a literature review. There are 
references to literature produced in different fields by different actors. And while these publications 
are ours in that sense, the ev ents that we organized - we had nine symposia - were not held recently. 
But there is information on our website. We involve stakeholders from all sectors. So we have always 
civil society representatives, academic representatives, industry representatives f rom different WT/WGTTT/M/68  
 
- 13 - 
 
  sectors, be it originator companies, be it generic companies, so we really strive to have a good 
balance in these events.  
2.95.  Mr. Juan Ignacio Correa, Advisor, Ministry of Health, Argentina  said that most technology 
transfer initiatives in Argen tina were made through the public sector and the academia; and that 
therefore, it was invaluable that academia be part of the process.  
2.96.  Ms. Josefita Pardo De Leon, Legal Affairs Officer, Intellectual Property, Government 
Procurement and Competition Divisio n, WTO , noted that a Trilateral Symposium, hosted by the three 
Director Generals was planned to be held  on 16 December 2022. And that it would be the first 
symposium since the COVID -19 pandemic and that it was going to focus on response preparedness 
and re silience.  
2.97.  The Working Group took note  of the statements made.  
3  ANY POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATIONS ON STEPS THAT MIGHT BE TAKEN WITHIN THE 
MANDATE OF THE WTO TO INCREASE FLOWS OF TECHNOLOGY TO DEVELOPING 
COUNTRIES.  
3.1.  The Chairperson  recalled that the Group had been  discuss ing the room document entitled 
"Facilitating Access to Information on Appropriate Technology Sourcing – A step to increase flows of 
technology to developing countries" tabled by India, Pakistan, and the Philippines , and invited the 
proponents to pr ovide a status of their prospective formal submission . No Member took the floor.  
3.2.  The Chairperson  said that although advancing work of the WGTTT was a collective 
responsibility, major responsibility for propelling the work towards a meaningful progress lie d on 
Members, especially the proponents. He also encourage d the proponents to resume engagement 
with likeminded Members with a view to tabling their formal submission as early as possible so that 
the Working Group could have a constructive and meaningful en gagement for achieving progress . 
3.3.  The Working Group took note  of the statements made.  
4  ANY OTHER BUSINESS  
4.1.  The Chairperson  said that three matters had been raised under other business. Two were raised 
by Members Egypt and India and the third one, an announce ment by the Chair.  
4.1  EGYPT, STANDING AGENDA ITEM TO ADDRESS MC12 OUTCOMES IN FUTURE 
MEETINGS  
4.2.  The representative of Egypt  delivered the following statement:  
4.3.  Thank you very much Mr. Chairperson for putting us together with experts from different 
international organizations, as well as from other countries, who have provided information and 
made presentations that are very relevant and important. Mr. Chairperson , the issue of trade and 
transfer technology is becoming very important and as the distinguished speakers have stated is a 
cross-cutting issue that we have to really be mindful of when we endeavour to address the global 
challenges we are facing, be it pand emics or food security or other economic challenges we are 
facing. And actually it has become evident that those challenges are recurrent. We will always insofar 
as we survive, we will be having challenges that we need to be prepared to face.  
4.4.  Following th e presentations made by the experts from international organizations as well as 
from other countries, we believe that there is a wealth of information that we can really streamline 
and try to tackle in a pragmatic way in relation to the mandate of this org anization and make 
something out of those discussions that is relevant to this house. Of course, the statements made 
today by the esteemed DDG and the Director from UNCTAD revealed the importance of addressing 
the nexus between trade and transfer of techno logy. They said that we are, and we agree, in an 
essential moment that requires us here to continue our work in collaboration with all experts from 
all fields, especially from international organizations, the academia and the private sector, and in a 
manne r that would help us deal with the significant challenges we are facing and become better 
prepared to face future challenges.  WT/WGTTT/M/68  
 
- 14 - 
 
  4.5.  Paragraph 23 of the MC12 Declaration on the WTO Response to the Pandemic and Preparedness 
for Future Pandemics affirms the need t o learn from past lessons and challenges to build effective 
solutions to face future challenges. Transfer of technology was mentioned in that paragraph as one 
of the tools to be used and further developed in that regard. Paragraph 24 of the same document 
states that "relevant WTO bodies will, within their fields of competence, and on the basis of proposals 
by Members, continue or initiate work as soon as possible, to analyze lessons that have been learned 
and challenges experienced during the COVID -19 pande mic. A stocktaking exercise will be taken of 
the work by WTO bodies under this declaration yearly at the General Council until the end of 2024, 
based on the reports of those relevant bodies ". Footnote number one in this document names this 
Working Group, a mong others, to handle this matter accordingly, we have a mandate that needs to 
be satisfied in this Working Group.  
4.6.  Against this background, Egypt would propose the addition of a dedicated agenda item to 
address this mandate or as an alternative to amend the text of item C on the agenda to make it 
more in line with the new mandate. This new or amended agenda item should focus on the following: 
discussing how trade could enhance access to, diffusion, and transfer of technology as a means to 
building economi c resilience, expanding production, and enhancing productivity and industrialization 
in developing and least developed countries. Members should continue to share experience and 
present challenges they face to catch up with the newest industrial trends and  technologies, including 
with respect to artificial intelligence, internet of things, IP management systems and valuation, and 
management systems and valuation and blockchains. This may include sharing experience on the 
role of governments, the academia, a nd research centres to promote and facilitate transfer of 
technology, especially to MSMEs. International organizations should continue providing data and 
information on the different aspects legal, contractual, technical and matters relevant and on matters  
relevant to data exchange, access to knowledge building networks and ICT infrastructure, and 
matters relevant to technology licensing. In this regard, I would express our thanks and appreciation 
for the presentations made by WIPO, WTO, WHO and other prese ntations from experts and 
Members. We would also thank Ms. Roberta Piermartini for her valuable contribution since the 
inception of this Working Group.  
4.7.  Capacity constraints, technical assistance and capacity building needs may also be discussed 
under this  new agenda item. This item could be further developed into a work programme to 
invigorate the relationship between trade and transfer of technology. It was in that sense that we 
requested the Secretariat to put together a compilation on existing flexibili ties in WTO rules and 
provisions that are relevant to the issue of transfer of technology.  
4.8.  Based on today's presentations, which we see are very relevant and of extreme importance, it 
is on us, however, to make those presentations and the information ther ein relevant to the objective 
of this Working Group and more streamlined towards delivering on the mandates we have in various 
WTO ministerial declarations. We need to see to what extent are we able to use those flexibilities 
and what exactly we need to do  in this Working Group to address or to make those flexibilities in 
the TRIPS Agreement and in other agreements more operational, more effective, more relevant and 
streamlined to the mandate that we have from our ministers.  
4.9.  The representative of the Europ ean Union  acknowledged the importance of the issue and also 
the need to avoid  repetition of discussions that are taking place in other bodies  in the WTO . He 
requested for time to think about the proposal.  
4.10.  The Chairperson  said that he was sensitive to the importance of the proposal's subject and 
that it may be too soon to have an immediate reaction to it.  
4.2  INDIA, GREATER TRANSPARENCY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE AGENDA  
4.11.  The Chairperson  recalled that, with a view to invigorate work of the WGTTT, he had informed 
at the 67th session of the Working Group of his intention to organize an exchange of views, including 
the participation of other organization. He also recalled having at the 67th session also encouraged 
Members to come forward and share their experiences with innovation, technology generation is 
transfers, assimilation, absorption, research and development and the role it may have played in 
economic development. He further recalled that the Secretariat had sent on his behalf on 
27 October  2022 to delegations a call for expression of interest to present lessons learned from the 
implementations of technology transfer projects. He also said that the agenda of the meeting had WT/WGTTT/M/68  
 
- 15 - 
 
  strictly kept within the mandate of Working Group and that sub -agenda item s to structure 
deliberations and improve clarity had been proposed.  
4.3  ANNUAL REPORT  
4.12.  The Chairperson  indicated that , given the mandate to make an annual report on the work of 
the Group to the General Council, and in line with past practice , the draft annual  report under the 
Chair's responsibility would be circulated  to the Working Group by 2 December 2022 ; and, if no 
substantive comments were received by 7 December 2022 , it would be deemed to have been 
adopted.  
4.13.  The Chairperson informed Members that the date of the next meeting of the Working Group 
was not yet set.  
4.14.  The meeting was adjourned . 
 
__________  