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WT/GC/M/183  
 
16 June 2020  
(20-4259) Page: 1/49 
General Council  
15 May 2020    
 
 
MINUTES OF THE MEETI NG 
 HELD  IN VIRTUAL FORMAT  ON 15 MAY 2020   
Chairperson: H.E. Dr. David Walker (New Zealand)  
1  INFORMATION SHARING AND EXCHANGE OF VIEW S ON COVID -19 TRADE -RELATED 
MEASURES1 
1.1.  The Chairman2 reiterate d his deepest sympathies to the Governments and people of all WTO 
Members that were being severely affected by the spread of COVID -19 and the tragic loss of human 
lives it was causing.  The global COVID -19 pandemic was first and foremost a human tragedy. But it 
was already becoming clear that the economic dimensions of the crisis threaten ed to compound the 
negative effects on livelihoods and health; and that trade, or the lack of it, c ould variously contribute 
to ameliorating problems or to aggravating the challe nges – in both the immediate and longer term.  
1.2.  Over th ose past couple of months, the WTO ha d been active in seeking to help Members in 
responding to the crisis. The Director -General ha d participated in virtual meetings held by some 
Members – including the G20 – and, together with other International Organi zations such as WHO, 
WCO, FAO and IMF, ha d issued guidance statements for Members to draw from in their domestic 
actions. The Secretar iat ha d also sought to monitor and report on COVID -related trade measures 
being taken by Members.  
1.3.  Members, individually and in various groupings, ha d also been active in issuing statements of 
policy intention. They ha d called for keeping markets open; ensu ring the free flow of trade in 
essential medical goods, as well as in agricultural and food products; minimi zing disruptions in supply 
chains; and for measures taken in response of th e crisis to be transparent, temporary and 
proportionate, without creating  unnecessary barriers to trade. And some Members ha d begun to 
move beyond statements of intent to 'put some rubber on the road' in implementing trade -enhancing 
action – on either the import or export side and, in some cases, covering both.  
1.4.  The Special Virt ual General Council Meeting  was an important opportunity, as a General 
Council, for Members to share information and exchange views on COVID -19 and related trade 
measures taken to date, and on approaches they were looking to take to assist in responding to  and 
recovering from the crisis in the coming weeks and months.  With th ose words, he was looking 
forward to hearing Members'  views t hat day within the time constraints of th e virtual format. He 
intend ed to first give the floor to the Director -General. Ther eafter, he would  open the floor to 
delegations. As  Members were aware,  they were using a new platform for th e meeting so in opening 
the floor he would first make a couple of practical points about how to use it. He recall ed – as had 
also been indicated in the convening notice for th e meeting – that no substantive decision w ould be 
taken by the General Council.  
1.5.  The Director -General3 noted that the platform that Members  were using t hat day – Interprefy 
– respond ed to their request at the virtual H ODs in April that the Secretariat should explore platforms 
 
1 The Airgram convening this meeting can be found in document WTO/AIR/GC/28 . 
2 The Chairman's statement was subsequently circulated in document JOB/GC/228. His statement at the 
17 April Informal HODs Meeting was circulated in document JOB/TNC/81.  
3 The Director -General's statement was subsequently circulated in document JOB/GC/229. His statement 
at the 17 April Informal HODs Meeting was circulated in document JOB/TNC/80.  WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  that were more secure and allow ed for interpretation services. Some UN agencies were already using 
Interprefy, and the WTO  intend ed to use it for further meetings like th ose. As of th e current  week,  
in line with the gradual relaxation of confinement measures by the Swiss authorities, the WTO  had 
authori sed 20% of its Secretariat Staff to return to the WTO premises on a voluntary basis. The 
protection of the health of both staff and delegates remain ed the first priority, and meetings at the 
WTO premises remain ed suspended at least through the end of th e month. Access to the premises 
by delegates was restricted and he encourage d Members  to send communications electronically, 
whenever possible, to minimi ze the amount of physical mail passing through the WTO premises.  He 
was in regular contact with the Swiss authorities and w ould update Members  of developments, 
including when meetings at the WTO premises c ould resume.  
1.6.  He said that he  would also make his  second report to the Membership on trade and the COVID -
19 pandemic. His report at the informal H ODs on 17 April had been  circulated to delegations in 
JOB/TNC/80.  Since that meeting, Members  had started to witness in some regions a gradual easing 
of restrictions on business activity and physical interaction. Elsewhere, however, the storm was still 
raging. At the last meeting, he had  highlighted the forecasts of a steep decline in trade in 2020  
across all regions and sectors. The impact of the deep ongoing shocks to supply and demand was 
becoming more and more visible. People continue d to lose jobs and incomes. Livelihoods ha d been 
severely impacted.  
1.7.  International cooperation, including on trade, w ould help economies lift each other out of th e 
crisis. Th at had been  his message to the virtual meeting of the UN Chief Executives Board  on 14  May, 
where he had  said that fiscal, monetary, and trade policies should  pull hard – and pull in the same 
directio n – to lay the foundation for a strong and inclusive recovery. Also  on 14 May,  G20 trade 
ministers had met virtually and had expressed support for strengthening open and resilient supply 
chains, particularly for medical supplies.  A few weeks ago, he had  urged a virtual meeting of G20 
Agriculture Ministers to act collectively to ensure that their responses to the COVID -19 pandemic d id 
not unintentionally create food shortages. Ministers had committed to cooperating closely and taking 
concrete actions to safe guard global food security and nutrition  and he had  welcomed th at 
commitment.  
1.8.  Since the April H ODs, various Members and groups ha d sent similar messages in declarations, 
statements and proposals. Th ose ha d been circulated and posted on the WTO's COVID -19 webpage. 
While he very much commend ed those efforts, which were precisely the trade policy response 
Members  needed, they w ould only work if growing numbers of Members act ed on them.  The WTO 
had continued to work closely with other International Organizations to encourage an effective policy 
response to the COVID -19 crisis, resulting in joint statements with the WHO and the IMF. Th ose 
statements were all available on the website.  
1.9.  The WTO  had continued its efforts to track COVID -19 related trade measures as part of the 
organization's  longstanding monitoring and transparency mandate. Members deserve d credit for 
their cooperation in sharing information with the Secretariat, including through the noti fication 
process to the relevant WTO Committees. He urged those that ha d not yet responded to do so. The 
exercise ha d compiled 231 COVID -19-related trade measures for goods, across 87 WTO Members 
and Observers. 53% of th ose measures were trade facilitating , and that was good, while the 
remaining 47% could  be considered as having trade -restrictive effects.  As of 14 May, the exercise 
had compiled 89 measures from 43 Members affecting trade in services, most of them trade -
facilitating.  Around two -thirds of COV ID-19 related notifications relate d to standards and regulations 
under TBT and SPS. Th ose mainly affect ed trade in personal protective gear, food, live animals and 
medical equipment. Around half of th ose measures were reported as temporary.  
1.10.   Members and oth er stakeholders ha d issued statements and other public pronouncements 
stressing that open and predictable trade in agriculture and food products was crucially important 
to prevent the pandemic from also becoming a food crisis. In th at context, he was  informed that the 
Chair of the Committee on Agriculture was consulting on requests by some Members to consider 
convening a special meeting to focus on COVID -19 and agriculture trade policy in mid -June.  Finally, 
the Secretariat Task Force that had been  set up to  monitor how the pandemic was affecting 
international trade ha d continued its analytical work, including through informal information notes 
under the Secretariat's own responsibility and which d id not prejudice Members' positions, rights or 
obligations under the WTO.  WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  1.11.   While a number of governments ha d put in place mea sures to assist businesses and workers 
to weather the economic storm of th e pandemic – what was evident was that businesses, in 
particular micro, small and medium ones were hardest hit. Th at was why the ICC and B20 ha d 
approached the WTO  to partner in a vi rtual trade dialogue on 19 May. Business representatives 
would highlight the challenges they were facing and discuss some of the policy responses they would 
like governments to take to assist them.  
1.12.   He then stress ed three points. First, restarting the global economy and reinstating confidence 
for businesses and households w ould depend not only on when the health crisis would be  contained, 
but on coordinated, coherent and cooperative international economic policy resp onses. As he had  
said in April, fiscal, monetary and trade policies should continue to pull in the same direction.  Second, 
while WTO rules were clear about Members' rights and obligations in th at regard, and the WTO  was 
not characteri sing anyone's measures  as violating any of the WTO rules or extrapolating Members 
rights, governments should work to ensure that their emergency interventions d id not unnecessarily 
restrict trade and investment. By ensuring that measures were transparent, targeted, risk -
proport ionate, WTO -compliant, and temporary, Members c ould help prevent supply shortages and 
price volatility.  Third, he called upon all Members to resist policies that could  further disrupt supply 
chains and add to the strains on an already fragile global econom y. To build more resilient national 
economies, Members  should  build more resilient international cooperation – and a more resilient and 
effective multilateral trading system. He urged all Members to stand together and uphold the role of 
open, predictable a nd rules -based trade as a fundamental driver for recovery from the current crisis.  
1.13.   The Chair man then provided some practical pointers for the conduct of the meeting in virtual 
format . He also reminded Members to  keep their statements to a maximum of five minutes. Longer 
versions c ould be sent to the Secretariat to be included in the written record of th e meeting.  
1.14.   The representative of Uruguay  said that COVID -19 had created an unprecedented situation . 
Although people ha d already faced similar viruses  in the past, they were currently  seeing progress 
on technology and science and measures taken by modern States that ha d helped them to take a 
number of coordinated measures that in the past would have been impossible. Governments ha d 
taken measures to preve nt contagion and contain the pandemic which ha d had the effects on the 
economy and on trade  in particular . While th ose measures  had met their goal of containing the 
spread of the virus , had saved lives and had protected healthcare systems, they nevertheless had 
had a serious impact on the economy and the livelihoods of so many people and families . 
1.15.   In that context and as the Director -General ha d just pointed out, one of the most affected 
sectors ha d been MSMEs. T hat was why Canada, Mexico and Uruguay together with 74 Members 
had put forward a statement on MSMEs with a view to ensuring that MSMEs receive d the political 
and material support that they require d to overcome th e crisis. From the MSMEs initiative, they 
would try to find solutions and share good practices in order to facilitate trade, accelerate efforts 
towards trade digitalization including access to digital tools as well as improve MSMEs' access to 
trade finance and to trade -related information through o nline platforms.  
1.16.   They reaffirm ed their intention to work together in order to ensure free, fair, predictable and 
stable trade to keep markets open with the view to supporting the global economic recovery. The 
statement was available in WT/GC/215 dated 14 May 2020. They welcome d the recent decision of 
Viet Nam to support the statement and encourage d all interested delegations to co -sponsor the 
statement and to do so before 19 May4. 
1.17.   On trade -related measures and overall analysis of the information received b y the WTO, he 
said that  more than a hundred Members had taken about 200 trade measures and most of them 
were designed to liberali se imports of medical supplies and other equipment to contain the pandemic. 
But in a similar proportion, th ose measures had also been designed to prevent the prohibition and 
restriction of exports of those same products. In some cases, there ha d been authorizations of the 
expropriation of equipment by the State. Th at would have been impossible at the beginning of the 
year.  
1.18.   Those types of measures ha d led to a scarcity for certain supplies  which had in turn  affected 
least-developed countries including their protective capacity. Since t he production of th ose supplies 
 
4 A revision of this document was subsequently circulated in document WT/GC/215/Rev.1 adding Iceland, 
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Viet Nam as co -sponsors to  the Statement . WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  was highly concentrated in certain places , those types of measure which were understandable during 
a crisis could  at the same time have a negative effect in the medium term because they create d 
incentives to stop reorienting the production towards th ose supplies.  
1.19.   Uruguay  was attached to free trade and ha d adopted a Ministerial Statement on COVID -19 
and the Multilateral Trading System and the Joint Statement on Open, Predictable Trade in 
Agricultural and Food P roducts. Like other similar statements, th ose ha d been focusing on calling on 
Members to minimi ze that type of restrictive measure and , if they adopt ed such measures , to 
guarantee that th ose measures we re transparent, proportionate, temporary and WTO -consistent. In 
that regard, Uruguay ha d just taken one trade measure – preventing the application of tarif fs for 
personal protective equipment and pharmaceutical products in order to facilitate their import.  
1.20.   The representative of Switzerland  wished to highlight  the main features of the Ministerial 
Statement on COVID -19 and the Multilateral Trading System supported by 43 WTO Members and 
issued as a General Council document in WT/GC/2125. In th e statement, Ministers stress ed that the 
WTO ha d an essential role to play in ensuring the continued cross -border flow of vital medical 
supplies and other essential goods and services during th e health crisis. They pledge d to lift as soon 
as possible any trade restrictive emergency measures imposed in response to the health crisis. They 
underscore d the importance of maintaining well -functioning supply chains in order to deploy 
international resources more effectively. They encourage d work at the WTO on concrete actions 
aimed at facilitating cross -border flows of vital medical supplies and other essential goods and 
services.  
1.21.   Furthermore, they pledge d not to impose export restrictions and to refrain from implementing 
unjustified trade barriers on agricultural and food products in response to the COVID -19 pandemic. 
They support ed the vital role of the WTO in monitoring  trade-related measures implemented in 
connection with the COVID -19 situation.  Ministers recogni zed the enormous challenges faced by 
developing Members and, in particular, least -developed Members as well as MSMEs.  They support ed 
the full resumption of all WTO activities as soon as feasible and agree d to develop new WTO 
disciplines, to improve existing disciplines and to find a lasting solution to the situation relating to 
the WTO Appellate Body. Finally , they  stress ed that an open global trading system w ould be essential 
for sustainable economic recovery.  
1.22.   On behalf of Switzerland , he noted that returning to normal levels of activity in all areas was 
crucial. Members  should find ways to efficiently use the time that w ould elapse before they could 
hold face -to-face meetings with participation from capitals. A combination of pragmatic approaches 
should allow the WTO to advance its work. For instance, hybrid solutions with physical participation 
of Geneva -based delegates and remote participation of experts from capitals should provide for 
sufficient inclusiveness and transparency to allow full resumption of work.  Fisheries subsidies 
remain ed the highest priority and special efforts sh ould be undertaken to finali se those negotiations 
by the end of th e year. 
1.23.   Transparency of restrictive trade measures, including those taken in health emergencies, was 
a key factor for economic agents. It was unfortunate that the completeness and timeliness of 
notifications to the WTO f ell far short of expectations. Significant p rogress should  be made in th at 
area. In a world where confinement measures were widespread, e -commerce had helped maintain 
a substantial level of activity in many sectors. If there was a lesson to be learn ed from th e crisis, it 
was the need to harvest the full potential of trade digitalization  – notably by extending the customs 
moratorium on electronic transmissions and completing the JSI negotiations on e -commerce.  
1.24.   He stressed that v iruses acknowledge d no borders. The response to th e pandemic should 
theref ore be coordinated and global. As beggar -thy-neighbo ur policies were a recipe for disaster , 
Members  should  harness international trade to address shortages and diversify supply sources. The 
WTO ha d a central role to play in reducing obstacles to trade in m edical supplies, including export 
restrictions, tariffs and non -tariff barriers.  The WTO should also resolutely address export restrictions 
on agriculture and agri -food products, which c ould have a disastrous effect on importing countries.  
Cooperation with in the WTO was likewise  important to restore confidence among the international 
community and to support a resilient and sustainable economic recovery in line with the SDGs.  
 
5 A revision of this Ministerial Statement was circulated in document WT/GC/212/Rev.1 adding Mauritania, 
Papua New Guinea, Qatar and Seychelles as co -sponsors.  WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  1.25.   The representative of Morocco  noted that Members wer e all facing an unprecedented global 
health crisis  – a crisis that remind ed them of how closely  their destinies were linked  and how 
depend ent they were  on each other  since the beginning of the outbreak . The pandemic, carrying 
humanitarian, social and economic challenges, could only be resolved through large -scale, 
multilateral and multidimensional responses.  Studies showed  that Members  would be confronted 
with a dramatic drop in economic growth on a global scale. Some were calling for a new approach 
in defining the priorit ies for international trade which was facing a huge impact for the relocation of 
industries and climate change. It was therefore  essential for Members to support, without detour, 
the leadership and central role of the WTO in the management of the commercia l and economic side 
of the pandemic during  these troubl ing times.  
1.26.   Protectionism and restrictive trade measures hinder ed the development of international trade 
and negatively impact ed the security and prosperity of nations. Developing and LDC  Members  were 
suffering from the steep fall in commodity prices which was pushing down their incomes and causing 
great pressure on their budgets.  Financial measures should therefore be taken by the international 
financial authorities and the big powers for the alignment of debt and the facilitation of access to 
credits at acceptable rates to make up for the budget deficit. International cooperation should 
therefore facilitate fair and equitable trade in health products including medicine, vaccines and 
medical equipment wh ich were currently  in dire need around the world.  
1.27.   Morocco was experiencing a great mobilization in the fight against COVID -19 as had been 
illustrated by the creation of the national solidarity C OVID -19 Special Fund and by numerous 
appropriate measures, decided by a Government Watch Committee made up of all concerned 
Departments. For instance, in its national action, under the leadership of His Majesty The King 
Mohammed the VI, the response provided b y the Kingdom of Morocco was multifaceted in the image 
of the multidimensional nature of th e crisis and its impacts. It concern ed more than 300 measures, 
and based on five principles: solidarity , anticipation , prevention , a holistic approach and prioriti sing 
citizens – especially the most vulnerable. Th at action was characteri sed above all by improving the 
health system, mitigating the socio -economic impact, channelling domestic financial resources to 
the C OVID -19 Special Fund and mobili sing national indust ry to produce protective equipment for 
individuals like masks and artificial respirators. Also, the different driving forces of civil society ha d 
contributed in different forms notably through analysis and reflection to mitigate the social and 
economic imp act of the COVID -19 crisis, and to envisage the future in the short and medium term.  
1.28.   The expression of the attachment of Morocco to multilateralism was also materiali sed by the 
support for the plans and initiatives of the Secretary -General of the United N ations as well as other 
initiatives to which Morocco was actively contributing  such as  the Initiative of the Ministerial 
Coordination Group on C OVID -19 which include d thirteen  countries from four continents , the Joint 
Declaration of the Alliance for Multil ateralism  and the "Support Group for Global Infectious Disease 
Response"  recently launched by a core group of States , among others . Morocco request ed that the 
WTO cooperate with other international organizations in particular UNCTAD , WHO and ICC in order 
to combine their efforts in the face of th e global crisis.  
1.29.   Based on its African roots, Morocco, under the auspices of His Majesty The King Mohammed 
the VI, had launched an initiative aimed at creating an operational framework to work with African 
countries in the fight against the pandemic. It was a pragmatic and action -oriented initiative 
dedicated to sharing experiences and best practices to deal with the health, economic and social 
impact of the pandemic. Morocco was already making considerable efforts in th at direction by 
channe lling support and material aid to brothers and friends of the continent.  At the same time,  
Members  had to resume work as soon as possible  keeping in mind that they had to resolve 
fundamental issues like those  related to the fisheries  negotiations , the Appellate Body and the tenure 
and the agenda of MC12.  Finally, Morocco thanked  the WTO Secretariat and welcom ed its important 
and active role since the outbreak of th e crisis by issuing reports and useful informa tion for Members.  
1.30.   The representative of Jamaica , on behalf of the ACP Group , said that s ince the outbreak of 
the COVID -19 pandemic, the ACP Group ha d undertaken an extensive assessment of its impact on 
its members. Some of the main conclusions were, among others, that the negative impact of the 
pandemic w ould be significant for their economies and trade, that some of the trade restrictive 
measures appear ed disproportionate to the concerns which were being addressed and that 
developing countries and LDCs w ould require additional policy space to address any fallout resulting 
from COVID -19. Concerning TRIPS and Public Health, COVID -19 represent ed an unprecedented 
health challenge to all Members. For the most vulnerable  – the developing and LDC  Members which WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  had weaker health systems, access to affordable medicine, vaccines, diagnostics and medical 
equipment as well as access to technologies to produce them were indispensable to the fight against 
the pandemic.   
1.31.   In order to better facilitate access, any COVID -19 invention or other technologies  should  be 
temporarily treated as global public goods so that they c ould be manufactured and distributed in the 
required quantity but in line with acceptable standard s by multiple producers including those in 
develop ing countries and LDCs. The Agreement should continue to be interpreted and implemented 
in a manner supportive of WTO Members' right to protect public health and, in particular, to promote 
access to medicine s for all.  The WTO ha d a vital and ethical role t o play in striking an acceptable 
balance between, on the one hand, preserving the health of their populations and on the other, 
saving the lives of their people, when looking at the commercial aspects of intellectual property 
rights  – as an unhealthy popul ation c ould neither engage in nor facilitate trade.  
1.32.   The ACP Group  express ed concerns over the use of export restrictions on medical supplies as 
policy responses to the pandemic. Th at aggravate d the impact of the pandemic especially in ACP 
Group members giv en their limited capacity in health care delivery and infrastructure. Their 
members ha d fallen victim to th at practice. The ACP  therefore call ed on WTO Members to refrain 
from th at destabili sing approach.  The ACP Group also anticipate d a decline in agricul tural production 
and trade resulting from, inter alia, mandatory quarantine, social distancing rules, export 
restrictions, and disruption in global logistical arrangements. Th at would adversely affect the ACP 
Group 's agricultural trade, food security and l ivelihood.  
1.33.   Within th at context, the ACP Group welcome d the relaxation of certain restrictions by  
Member s and was at the same time  concerned over the adoption of export restrictions, large stimulus 
packages and other measures that could aggravate the impac t of the pandemic by incentivi sing 
imbalances in global agricultural trade. The ACP Group  acknowledge d that Members  would  have to 
adopt certain measures to deal with an unprecedented development  but they also  had a duty in the 
WTO to ensure that their measures were compatible with the flexibilities in WTO rules, that they d id 
not prejudice the interest of developing and LDC  Members , and were not disguised restrictions on 
agricultural international trade. Members  should not squander th e unique opportunity to 
simultaneously advance the work of the CoA  SS, especially as it relate d to trade distorting domestic 
support, PSH and SSM.  
1.34.   The Services sector ha d been the most significantly impacted economic area for many ACP 
Group members with the introduction of mandatory quarantine policies and border closures. 
Evidence of the fallout was being reflected in, inter alia, increased unemployment, reduction in 
tourism activities and reduced foreign exchange earnings such as remi ttance transfers. The extent 
of the impact was still not known. In that connection, while the ACP  commend ed the WTO Secretariat 
on reporting on services -related measures taken by Members in the name of COVID -19, it would be 
important for the Secretariat to  preserve Members ' rights and obligations. The ACP  also implore d 
Members to exercise due restraint when adopting measures that could  negatively impact the services 
trade of developing countries and LDCs .  
1.35.   The current situation ha d likewise  brought electron ic commerce to the fore, given the 
seemingly positive impact that th ose ha d as individuals, businesses and governments ha d been 
forced to adapt to working via web -conferencing and telecommuting. However, what ha d not been 
given enough credence, were the hu ge disparities in the digital divide. The ACP  reiterate d the urgent 
need for discussions on the development dimension under the E -Commerce Work Programme.  The 
ACP Group also reiterate d that the COVID -19 pandemic should not be a pretext for Members to take 
trade restrictive measures that were likely to lead to trade and supply chain disruptions. The Group 
could  also not support an attempt to use the pandemic to create permanent rules when Members  
were responding to a temporary situation.  The ACP  was concerne d as well by the decline in the 
supply of trade finance. Adequate trade finance was important to ensure that imports of food and 
essential medical equipment reach ed the economies where they were most needed. Fisheries 
subsidies remain ed an important deliverable and require d Members'  collective action to ensure that 
Members would deliver on the Ministerial Decision of MC11 and SDG 14.6.  
1.36.   The pandemic ha d also brought to the fore inequalities among and within countries. Th at 
highlight ed why S&DT for developing and LDC Members  was such an integral part of the architecture 
of the multilateral trading system and the importance of many of the issues contained in the G90 
proposals. The ACP Group call ed on WTO Members to earnestly look at th ose proposal s in light of WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  COVID -19. The ACP was concerned about the opportunistic narrative that question ed the relevance 
of the WTO. The  Group continue d to be committed to maintaining a rules -based, transparent, 
predictable, inclusive and non -discriminatory mu ltilateral trading system with the WTO as its core 
institution  and remained  committed to a WTO that facilitate d trade for all, especially the most 
vulnerable among them to ensure that no Member was left behind.  
1.37.   The representative of Guyana  associate d with the statements made  by the ACP Group and to 
be made by  CARICOM. Guyana  joined the solidarity and goodwill of all  Members to work in a 
coordinated and cooperative manner to overcome th e pandemic and enable the recovery of their 
economies as quickly and safely as possible. In the face of COVID -19, the Guyana Government had 
taken early action to activate its national health system's response. With the critical systems of their 
regional and  international partners, particularly WHO, Guyana  had managed to maintain a 
reasonably stable health sector and situation in the country.  
1.38.   With increased testing, Guyana ha d to date recorded 113 confirmed cases with 41 recoveries 
and 10 deaths. Needless to say, the situation remain ed a delicate one and Guyana continue d to be 
concerned about the global impact being experienced. On the economic and trade front, almost all 
of Guyana's economic sectors ha d suffered the impact of COVID -19. Guyana was collaborating with 
its regional partners in the Caribbean Community to implement a comprehensive and coordinated 
strategy for relaunching economic activity and promoting economic recov ery. At all levels, Guyana  
would need the continued and sustained support of its international development partners.  
1.39.   In the WTO, Guyana fully accept ed that Members  were in a critical period of reflection and 
recalibration especially in the context of trad e relations, trade structures and trade rules. While 
Guyana was an important food and agriculture producer in the context of the Caribbean, it was  still 
reliant on imported inputs. 70% of its imports were classified as intermediate inputs and thus 
keeping trade flowing was essential to its economy's performance. Guyana  was also export 
dependent economy. While it was an agricultural exporter and an emerging oil exporter, its reality 
was that gold alone currently account ed for 50% of its export earnings.  
1.40.   The negative impacts ha d been considerable. Air cargo ha d reduced by approximately 30% 
and fuel consumption was down about 40%. Guyana's  tourism industry ha d already experienced a 
revenue loss of greater than 150 million USD and ha d experienced 30% job loss. The significant 
plummet of oil prices ha d caused a substantial reduction in its anticipated revenues. The reduction 
in capped investment being experienced affect ed all aspects of its economy. As small States and 
small islands battle d COVID -19, they also continue d to face the challenges that they normally 
confronted  – the natural resource shocks and the economic shocks being among the most important.  
1.41.   The work of the WTO was essential to Guyana's  economic recovery and economic 
development. For th at reason, Guyana emphasise d its commitment to the global multilateral system 
in general and to the global rules -based trading system specifically. Guyana  also underline d the 
importance of collectively work ing harder inside the WTO towards establishing a fairer global trading 
system – one that promote d the development of all its Members . As the UN Secretary -General ha d 
said recently, " Let us use the COVID crisis as a watershed moment to build back better, to  build a 
fairer, greener, more sustainable and more inclusive world."  
1.42.   The representative of Saint Lucia , on behalf of CARICOM , associate d with the statement made 
by the ACP Group . CARICOM express ed solidarity with all WTO Members, none of which ha d been 
spared by the impact s of the pandemic.  The Caribbean Public Health Agency had upgraded the risk 
of further disease transmission to the Caribbean Region to Very High in March 2020. As of 6 May, 
there had been  14,184 confirmed cases in the Caribbean and 603 re ported deaths. While the virus 
itself was a public health pandemic, its impact ha d extended to just about every facet of life across 
CARICOM, further exposing the acute vulnerabilities already facing the region.  
1.43.   As was the case with al l Members, the COVID -19 health crisis was having a profoundly 
damaging impact on the economic stabilit y of the CARICOM region. Complicating the region 's policy 
response were a host of constraints such as a fragile macroeconomic climate and high levels of 
external debt, much of which had been  contracted in response to natural disasters.  The ongoing 
shock was expected to worsen the fiscal accounts due to a steep decline in revenues and reduced 
tax receipts. Nevertheless, there was recognition that a large fiscal effort was needed to mitigate 
the effects of COVID -19 and to support vulnerable populations, house holds and businesses.  WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  1.44.   CARICOM Member States were among the most vulnerable to external shocks being 
particularly susceptible to natural disasters and external economic shocks. Hence, the economic 
prospects of the region were tied to the fortunes of others.  One of the main shock transmission 
channels ha d been the tourism sector which was a primary driver of economic activities and a key 
source of foreign exchange earnings. Th e sector depend ed heavily on demand from key markets 
such as the United States, Cana da, the United Kingdom and the European Union.  The pandemic was 
also laying bare the region 's vulnerabilities with respect to food and nutrition security. 
Notwithstanding CARICOM 's food production potential, it was a net food importing region with over 
70% of all food consumed originating outside the region. Hence, the availability and accessibility of 
food to CARICOM's  populace was also fundamental to mitigating the adverse health and economic 
impact of th e pandemic.  
1.45.   While the food supply in CARICOM was currently stable, CARICOM  feared that the extended 
period of the pandemic w ould increasingly place global food supply chains under pressure and by 
extension, reduce supplies or raise prices of th ose key products. To th at end, one of the short -term 
areas of focus of CARICOM was to maintain the integrity of global and regional food supply chains. 
Therefore, CARICOM Member States were drawing up national food security plans and engaging the 
private sector to shore up food supplies. Critical to th at effort was the bolstering of intra -regional 
transportation and trade facilitation. Th e crisis ha d also revealed the importance of providing public 
support in building resilience and satisfying the long -term food security needs of small vulnerable 
economies.  
1.46.   The CARICO M Group urge d restraint as it relate d to the imposition of export restrictions by 
WTO Members. The Caribbean Community was particularly concerned about the use of such 
measures on medical supplies and personal protective equipment necessary for combating the virus 
as well as on basic food products vital to the health and wellbeing of their populations. CARICOM  
had noted with  alarm that some key medical supplies needed to fight the pandemic were currently  
only available on very short -term contracts and that contract prices were subject to significant 
fluctuations. CARICOM  therefore reiterate d its call on Members to help reduce  the level of uncertainty 
that already surround ed the pandemic by refraining from imposing export restrictions – particularly 
as they relate d to items necessary for combating the virus, and food products vital to the health and 
wellbeing of other Members. Such measures w ould only result in price hikes and encourage excessive 
speculation in international markets.  
1.47.   Further, CARICOM 's Ministerial Council for Trade and Economic Development, meeting on 
6 May, had voiced concern over the use of export restrictions  at that time, noting that it would only 
exacerbate the situation and make it more difficult to fight the pandemic. In th at respect, CARICOM  
was in solidarity with the Submission by the LDC Group circulated in document WT/GC/211 dated 
4 May 2020 which  had called upon Members to refrain from imposing export restrictions on key 
medical supplies and basic food products during th at and future health emergencies. As small 
vulnerable economies, CARICOM share d similar perspectives.  
1.48.   CARICOM  recogni zed that, althoug h the work of the WTO ha d been severely hampered as a 
result of the pandemic, the role of th e organization was currently  more indispensable than ever in 
ensuring that Members'  inter-connected world respond ed to the crisis, through trade and trade 
related m easures, that secure d the health and economic interests of all. Members'  ability to 
participate in meetings, virtual or otherwise, and especially any kind of negotiations, decision -
making or not, w ould be severely hampered given the challenges of COVID -19 in their capitals, as 
key decision makers increasingly focus ed on the ec onomic downturn as well as communication 
technology weaknesses.  
1.49.   The representative of Israel  said that it  was still too early to fully understand the disruptive 
impact of the COVID -19 pandemic. All Members  were grappling with the terrible loss of so many 
human lives, the economic and commercial effects of the pandemic and the uncertainty of what the 
future could  bring. Israel in th at sense was no exception. Before the pandemic, Israel had been  in 
full employment whereas, by the end of April, around 15% of I sraeli labour force was unemployed. 
According to recent forecast, Israel was expecting a negative GDP growth rate of around 5% after a 
strong increase in growth averag ing 3.5% in recent years.  
1.50.   The WTO should  play an important role in addressing such major  challenges as th at was the 
forum to ensure the application of international trade rules for the functioning of supply chains which 
for Israel was a major concern. As it was  committed to the international collaboration in the WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  multilateral trading system , Israel had  co-sponsored along with more than forty other Members the 
Ministerial Statement on COVID -19 and the Multilateral Trading System. The statement highlight ed 
some of the key elements Members  should be tackling in the near future without prejudice to  
discussing ongoing work as well as any other areas Members could  consider necessary.  
1.51.   The worldwide use of virtual platforms ha d been growing rapidly during the pandemic and it 
was only natural that the WTO w ould use th at tool as well if they wanted to rem ain relevant. Israel  
appreciate d the submission of its Latin American colleagues which provide d some useful ideas  in 
that regard . As had been  mentioned in the submission, the normal work of the WTO Committees 
and other WTO Bodies should gradually resume and the priority should be given to discussions that 
were focused on measures taken in response to the pandemic. However, taking into considera tion 
the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic, more time should be provided to the Members for 
confirming meetings, circulating documents, preparing statements, submission of notification, 
among others, in order to allow delegations to better prepar e despite their constraints.  
1.52.   Israel also drew attention to transparency  and mention ed the initiative by the Secretariat to 
launch a useful portal combining all relevant information and notifications. I srael assume d that such 
information ha d an impact on th e decision -making o f all or most Members.  Concerning e-commerce, 
not only was Israel a key -innovator in th at front, it had also been an active participant in the e -
commerce initiative since its inception. The current situation ha d brought the spotlight to e-
commerce and the necessity for updated rules as e -commerce ha d become a lifeline for many 
companies during the physical shutdown of business es around the world. Israel  looked forward to 
the resumption of the negotiations in the near future.  
1.53.   Convening th e Ministerial Conference especially in the  current  circumstances would be very 
important. Israel however  underst ood that at th at point in time, it was difficult to set up a date. 
Nevertheless, Israel  stood ready to work on all issues and contribute to the discussions in the WTO 
Committees and Bodies aimed to making recommendations to be uph eld by the General Council.  
Israel also thank ed the  Director -General  for his service during a challenging period at the WTO. 
Although he w ould be leaving soon, Israel  was hoping for a smooth, transparent and inclusive 
transition. Israel st ood ready to make its contribution as Members  collectively move d ahead.  
1.54.   The representative of Botswana , on behalf of the African Group , hope d Members  could give 
special focus to the impac t of COVID -19 on smaller and more vulnerable economies in Africa, 
particularly the LDCs. The COVID -19 outbreak ha d reached the African continent later than the rest 
of the world but ha d spread quickly and now 53 out of the 54 African countries ha d been aff ected. 
As per WHO AFRO statistics on 11 May, a cumulative total of 63,015 cases ha d been confirmed, with 
2,283 deaths reported.  The African Group stresse d the importance of giving due consideration to 
the disparate impact of the pandemic on developing coun tries, especially NFIDCs  and LDCs. An 
urgent and coordinated response should focus on how to scale up their health systems, and ensure 
access to medical supplies and essential food products, as well as overcoming the huge income 
losses that were already ev ident.  
1.55.   African  Governments were working hard to secure health  and human life, contain the spread 
of the outbreak, and provide support to the majority of their people who were vulnerable and less 
resourced, as well as to support their economies. That said, their institutions and systems on all 
fronts – health, social and economic – were overstretched. Global rulemaking in a time of crisis was 
very difficult to pursue, therefore the members of the African Group needed time to assess the 
implications of the cr isis. For that, African countries ha d taken certain decisions to meet their 
domestic demand for some essential goods, including medical supplies and some agricultural 
products. Despite the fundamental difficulties, Members were doing their best to notify such 
measures to the WTO, and continuo usly reviewing th ose measures as the pandemic develop ed.  
1.56.   The African Group  noted the importance of transparency, especially under the current 
circumstances, and that authoritative notification by Members themselves was what w ould promote 
access to reliabl e information on measures, taking into account the capacity constraints of Members.  
Furthermore, it was important to highlight that pre -COVID -19 Africa had already  been faced with a 
debt crisis. Debt relief was therefore essential to free up fiscal space f or African countries to 
effectively finance the fight against COVID -19. In addition, members of the Group ha d recently 
requested financial assistance from the IMF in order to curb the economic and financial impact of 
the pandemic.  WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  1.57.   In that connection, ther e was opportunity to strengthen international investment flows to 
developing countries and LDCs and enable industrial diversification as well as integration in global 
and regional value chains. For the way forward, Members  needed in the short -term to safeg uard 
domestic market needs and keep supply chains flowing and connected in order to secure the 
essential needs and food security of other countries. In the long -term, the reform of the WTO rules 
should allow developing and LDC Members  to adopt trade polici es that  would  enable them to 
industriali se and diversify their economies in order to be resilient to th at and other external shocks.  
1.58.   The WTO could spur global cooperation on a number of fronts including on helping to ensure 
that the COVID -19 treatment was accessible and affordable to the world as a public good. The TRIPS 
Agreement, including its flexibilities, c ould contribute to th at objective . The use of appropriate trade 
policy tools could also  ensure that patents and other intellectual property did not create avoidable 
barriers to facilitate the local manufacturing or import of essential medical supplies, devices, or 
technologies, including diagnostics, medicines, and vaccines. The strengthening of S&D T provisions 
could promote inclusive growth and ensur e a development -oriented multilateral trading system . The 
WTO could also make  progress on the implementation of the 1998 Work Programme on E -commerce 
that addresse d the developmental aspects of e -commerce. While COVID -19 ha d highlighted the 
importance of d igital transformation, it ha d more importantly brought to light the implications of the 
digital divide both within and between countries, particularly infrastructural gaps to enable e -
commerce in Africa, and how to develop it.  
1.59.   In that regard, and as Members  continue d to assess the imp act of COVID -19 on their health 
sectors and economies, the African Group  consider ed it appropriate that Members  used the 
opportunity to explore the trade tools at their disposal, to lay the foundations for a strong economic 
recovery and a sustainable, bala nced, and inclusive growth with emphasis on building a more 
resilient trading system.  The African Group  underscore d the importance of the African Continental 
Free Trade Area and the development of a continental integration agenda that aim ed to promote 
industriali zation and economic diversification, that w ould usher in structural transformation in Africa.  
In view of the fact that the new realities presented by COVID -19 would have a significant impact on 
their economies and their ability to recover from the c risis, the African Group intend ed to submit a 
paper on the COVID -19 pandemic and its impact on the multilateral negotiations.  
1.60.   The representative of Montenegro  hoped that Members  would soon be able to resume normal 
work. Normal work d id not simply mean being in the  same  room together but also  caring about  the 
most important matters on trade -related issues. Montenegro  was witnessing various trade 
restrictions imposed by many Members to protect the health and lives of their citizens  – with some 
impos ing trade restrictions on medical supplies and food . Given the current situation, Montenegro  
wonder ed how the distribution of vaccines or drugs to treat COVID -19 would work once they were 
available . The WTO  had the responsibility to be the first one  to raise its voice against the unjustified 
prohibition of trade flow s and to stress  the need for greater multilateral cooperation in cluding the 
need to improve the multilateral  trading system.  
1.61.   Although Montenegro had been  one of the countries in Europe that had been  worst hit by 
COVID -19, it was already currently very close to being a COVID -19-free country . Montenegro  had 
not come acro ss any new cases in the last ten days and only six people were in hospital care 
undergoing  the recovery phase. Montenegro  hoped to be in the COVID -19-free state in the coming 
days.  Thanks to decisive and timely measures based solely on the requirements and  
recommendations of the medical profession, the healthcare system in Montenegro ha d been 
preserved.  Montenegro submitted a notification o f its trade measures for the period of October 2019 
to May 2020 . Among other things, Montenegro  had informed Members about the measures and 
recommendations that it had introduced to prevent and combat COVID -19. Montenegro had already  
started to gradually ease the measures that ha d been introduced to keep citizens safe. Recogni zing 
the importance of trade , Montenegro ha d not introduced any trade restrictive measure during th at 
period  and had kept its borders and ports open for the transit of goods.  
1.62.   Recogni zing the role that  the rules-based multilateral trading system should  play in  
responding to the global health crisis, Montenegro support ed the draft Ministerial Statement on 
COVID -19 and the Multilateral Trading System . The initiative aim ed to ensure  continuous cross -
border flow of medical supplies and other essential goods and services . Montenegro a lso supported  
the proposed statement indicating the negative impact that the COVID -19 pandemic ha d on citizens 
and businesses especially  MSMEs  and commend ed actions taken by many Members to address the 
current challenges faced by both workers and enterpris es especially MSMEs.  WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  1.63.   In the regional context of trade measures and given the pandemic, the CEFTA Parties were 
focused on harmoni zing measures to facilitate the transport and trade in basic products. The 
activities were related to the establishment of the so -called "Green Priority Corridors" where the free 
flow of necessary goods should  be granted  and the exchange of information on consignments as well 
as the provision of notifications on some SPS and Veterinary Inspec tions. The Parties ha d adopted 
a joint list of priority goods to be treated as such when conducting border controls. In order to 
establish "Green Priority Corridors" , Montenegro  acted according to the list and in that sense , there 
were no restrictions  imposed on  imports from countries that were not CEFTA Parties. The significant 
role of e -commerce especially in those difficult times should likewise be highlighted and Members  
should encourage the provision of expanded services in all aspects of trade.  
1.64.   The re presentative of New Zealand  said that e very Member ha d already experienced the 
impact of the COVID -19 pandemic, including for most the tragic loss of human life. New Zealand's  
thoughts were with all of those dealing with the impacts of the pandemic, includ ing the loss of friends 
and loved ones.  Unfortunately, the pandemic ha d also exposed gaps and deficiencies in Members'  
own systems. Shortages of vital medical equipment and supplies ha d exacerbated the effects of the 
pandemic in many countries. Global mark ets, supply chains, and labour markets were experiencing 
severe disruption which undermine d their economic stability. There were also growing concerns 
about the possible impact on food security in many countries.  
1.65.   All Members ha d been forced to take action s to protect the health of their populations. While 
the pandemic require d robust and dynamic responses, New Zealand  remind ed Members that trade 
related measures should  be implemented in a manner consistent with WTO rules. They should be 
necessary, targeted, proportionate, transparent, temporary and not create unnecessary barriers to 
trade or disruption to global supply chains. The unfortunate reality which confront ed Me mbers  
however was that it was difficult to see how some of the measures taken met th ose standards. New 
Zealand was  grateful to the Director -General and the Secretariat for commencing a process to track 
those measures. T hat transparency  should  continue and be intensified  – as it provide d a foundation 
for discussions such as the current one , and New Zealand  hoped more discussions would 
subsequently transpire in  specialised bodies and committees to inform Members'  policy approaches.  
1.66.   New Zealand was  particular ly concerned with measures affecting medical product supply 
chains and food security, whether the measures were through export restrictions, increased tariffs 
or behind the border measures. New Zealand  urged Members to move to adapt their regulatory 
compli ance measures to electronic formats wherever possible, and to ensure their approaches were 
risk-based taking into account the added difficulty of conducting in -person checks and paper -based 
compliance while maintaining social distancing.  Members should  not lose sight of the importance of 
helping  their economies out in a way that was minimally distortive of production and trade. This was 
particularly important in the agriculture sector, where the overlapping application of distortive border 
measures, non -transparent stockpiling, and new subsidies could, if unchecked, result in serious 
volatility and disruption affecting the global food system and particularly the poorest producers and 
consumers. Where such measures were being put in place, Members deserve d the same level of 
transparency about them as for other trade measures – and New Zealand  encourage d their prompt 
notification to the Secretariat through  the existing mechanism.  
1.67.   It was critical that C OVID -19 trade -related policies were designed and applied in  a way that 
promote d rather than inhibit ed economic recovery, and which were trade facilitating rather than 
protectionist in intent. New Zealand ha d joined other Members in addressing th ose issues through 
several important new initiatives including most re cently with Australia, Canada, Singapore and  the 
Republic of  Korea through which they would  work together on action plans for the movement of both 
essential goods and essential workers.  Those joint statements and other initiatives which support ed 
the rules -based system were critically important and New Zealand  was pleased to be part of them.   
1.68.   But to have more than symbolic value, they need ed to involve more than words. For example, 
as part of the New Zealand/Singapore Declaration on Trade in Essential Goods for Combating the 
COVID -19 Pandemic6, New Zealand and Singapore ha d eliminated MFN applie d tariffs on a range of 
medical and health products, while also undertaking not to impose export restrictions, and to work 
pro-actively to facilitate their movement across borders and resolve NTBs where they ar ose. The 
door was open for all Members wanting  to effect meaningful change to join them. New Zealand  was 
also actively considering how to ensure that there were no unnecessary barriers in place for services 
 
6 This declaration can be found in document G/C/W/777 . WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  that were essential to the C OVID -19 response  – not just for the sake of the future of the globa l 
economy and the multilateral trading system, but also at the most basic level for the fundamental 
welfare of people in all countries . Memb ers needed to walk the talk. In times of international crises, 
Members  needed more international cooperation and act ion, not less.  
1.69.   The representative of Argentina , also on behalf of Brazil , Colombia , Costa Rica , Guatemala , 
Mexico , Panama , Paraguay , and Uruguay  said that Members  had a collective responsibility to 
continue their work in Geneva, adjusting it to the context of the pandemic. In th at regard , a group 
of Latin American Countries  had circulated an unofficial room document in RD/GC/13 – RD/TNC/2 
which  contain ed suggestions for actions and procedures to be considered duri ng the confinement 
and after the reopening of the WTO Headquarters.  They were pleased to see that some of the ideas 
expressed were already being implemented , such as  the current special virtual meeting and the 
consultations conducted by various Chairs of r egular bodies in th at regard.  
1.70.   The room document  contained  suggestions with the aim of continuing WTO work during and  
after the pandemic . They include d a set of logistical and health considerations to be taken into 
consideration once face -to-face meetings could  resume at the headquarters of the organization.  The 
room document complemented  the efforts made at the domestic level in order to generate a mutual 
and necessary complement between the national and multilateral levels. They hoped to have the 
opportun ity to discuss their suggestions and exchange ideas about it with the other delegations.  
1.71.   On behalf of Argentina , he said that the multilateral trading system ha d a substantial role to 
play in confronting COVID -19. Now, more than ever, Members  needed rapid and joint international 
action against the pandemic  since global problems require d global solutions. As President Fernández 
had expressed at the recent G20 Leaders ' Summit: "Overcom ing the crisis … requires us to design 
and sign a great Global Solidarity Pact. Nothing will be the same after this tragedy. We have to act 
together, right now, because it has been seen that no one can save oneself alone …". As a way to 
contribute during the difficult period , Argentina continue d to provide quality food to the world. Its 
national industry in particular the agro-food sector wa s rapidly adapting to th at new reality  by 
complying with strict health protocols and supporting the c ontinuous operation of logistic s networks.  
1.72.   It was essential to ensure the flow of goods and services across borders including through 
trade facilitation and customs procedures. Restoring global supply chains where disruptions exist ed, 
particularly for ess ential medical supplies related to th e pandemic was an urgent task.  In th at 
framework, emergency trade measures related to COVID -19 should be  targeted , proportional, 
temporary and consistent with WTO rules. Members need ed to promptly notify measures and allow 
the WTO to play its role in ensur ing transparency. The availability of information of such measures 
constitute d a fundamental element to understand their immediate scope and impact being an 
essential aspect in th at complex scenario.  The notification mechanisms recently established by the 
WTO should be maintained and strengthened  to have complete information in real time. Argentina 
commended the Secretariat  for its efforts in th at regard  and encourage d Members who ha d not yet 
done so to contribute to th at transparency exercise .  
1.73.   Argentina ha d timely notified the WTO of the temporary suspension of the application of 
import tariffs, non -automatic licenses, anti -dumping duties, and certain fees and taxes for medical 
supplie s related to COVID -19. During the pandemic, the obligation to submit an affidavit of product 
composition ha d also been eliminated while electronic documentation was being accepted for 
preferential certificates of origin.  Furthermore, the work of the WTO to  assess the impacts of the 
pandemic on trade and global value chains was crucial. In th at work, Argentina  consider ed it 
essential that special attention be paid to the effects on developing countries as well as on the most 
vulnerable sectors in particular MSMEs. It was in Members'  interest to share good practices in th at 
area in order to ensure that assistance reache d those most affected.   
1.74.   Beyond the specific measures related to the pandemic, it was necessary to move quickly and 
conclude the pending negotia tions of the WTO including the continuous reform of the agricultural 
trade rules and the prohibition of certain fishing subsidies. All of th ose would undoubtedly contribute 
to a stronger recovery in the post -pandemic scenario. At the same time, it was impo rtant to continue 
advancing with a strengthened and moderni sed WTO that c ould face the challenges of the 
21st century including in the area of electronic commerce, MSMEs and investment facilitation.  
Today's world need ed the spirit of global collaboration.  Argentina was ready to continue coordinating 
a common response to the current crisis. In th at task, the WTO ha d a crucial role to play not only WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  during the crisis, but also post -pandemic, thus contributing to an inclusiv e, strong and sustained 
economic recovery.  
1.75.   The representative of North Macedonia  noted that s ince the outbreak of the COVID -19 
pandemic in early March, the Republic of North Macedonia ha d faced severe health and socio -
economic implications, unforeseen chal lenges to its citizens as well as burdensome  challenges to the 
economic development. From the beginning of the crisis,  North Macedonia  had suspended most of 
its capacities of commercial trucks and air transportation for travels and shipment of goods. In th at 
regard, it had to postpone the demand and to stall the scheduled deliveries and the opening of 
borders.  The President of the country ha d proclaimed a State of Emergency on 11 March. From the 
outset of the  proclamation , the Government had undert aken restrictive measures as immediate 
response to the pandemic and for the protection of public health and the population. Response 
measures had been  developed in North Macedonia to cope with the socio -economic consequences 
of COVID -19. In the spirit of solidarity , macro -financial assistance had been  provided to all 
companies that had shown economic interest to work in th ose difficult conditions.  
1.76.   The adverse impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on world trade ha d been demonstrated in 
recent months and it was expected t hat th e downturn trend w ould continue. According to the latest 
statistics in March, the total trade volume in North Macedonia ha d declined by 8.3%, the export was 
down by 10.8% and the import was over by 6.3%  and it continue d to test the national capacity to 
overcome th e situation. Nevertheless, its government was determined to actively engage in 
responding and resolving the negative effects of the crisis on the economic activity by outlining a 
set of scenarios for continuing trade reform and fulfilling strategic plans. Besides its internal market 
where restrictive trade measures for export of certain products had been  undertaken, North 
Macedonia  had also closely followed the WTO activities related to the COVID -19 crisis and had 
responded to concrete actions within the WTO. Regarding transparency, North Macedonia on 
31 March had notified to the WTO Committee on Market Access and to the Committee on Agriculture 
trade -related measures on the prohibition of exports in emergency sit uation. Th at measure had been  
intended to protect human health and release a critical shortage of essential goods and had been  in 
effect until 30 April 2020.  
1.77.   Concerning the activities related to the pandemic in the context of the WTO, North Macedonia 
had co-sponsored the Joint Ministerial Statement on COVID -19 and the Multilateral Trading System. 
With th at statement, Members  had sent a strong message that they would refrain from unjustified 
barriers in order to support economic recovery. As the current glo bal economic emergency ha d 
negative impact s to MSMEs, North Macedonia ha d supported the statement for continue d importance 
of the Informal Working Group on MSMEs to the global economy in times of COVID -19. North 
Macedonia  would continue to work to ensure a ccess to international trade for small businesses to 
build their resilience to greater shock.  North Macedonia support ed the efforts of the WTO in 
responding to the crisis, to the timely, accurate information on restrictive measures that influence d 
global t rade during th e period. Since every crisis was also an opportunity, all countries – developed 
and developing – should  work together to overco me the multi-fold crisis. International solidarity and 
cooperation should  prevail in overcoming th e unprecedented c risis – result ing in a comprehensive 
transformation towards a more sustainable and a more resilient multilateral trading system.  
1.78.   The representative of the Republic of Korea  said that the COVID -19 pandemic was affecting 
daily lives of people all around the globe. Cross -border flow of goods, services and personnel was 
being restricted to various extent and links in the global value chain regardless of their sizes were 
suffering from the uncertainty and unpredic tability caused by the pandemic. Even work in the WTO 
had been practically crippled as all physical meetings ha d been suspended until the end of May. 
Fortunately, swift actions had been  taken to produce high -level political statements underlining the 
impor tance of coordinated global response. G20 Leaders and Ministers as well as APEC Trade 
Ministers had demonstrated exemplary leadership on th at front. In addition, many WTO Members 
including Korea had not hesitate d to display the commitment to safeguard the global value chain s 
and the rules -based multilateral trading system. The Joint Statement on Open and Predictable Trade 
in Agricultural and Food Products and the Ministerial Statement on the Multilateral Trading System 
were such examples. The m ost recent ef fort by Korea along with Australia, Canada, New Zealand 
and Singapore la id out specific action points to minimi ze the effect of the pandemic on trade and 
investment.  
1.79.   The statement circulated in WT/GC/214 entitled "Joint Ministerial Statement on Action Plan s 
to facilitate the flow of goods and services as well as the essential movement of people" c ould be an WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  important reference document for possible discussion on a guideline in response to similar 
contingencies in the future. Korea look ed forward to positive  consideration and support from other 
Members and remain ed open to discussing th at in further detail with interested delegations. It was 
difficult to predict when th e pandemic w ould pass and what w ould take place afterwards. However,  
work by the WTO and wh at Members could  accomplish in the WTO was critical. Transparency through 
the work under the monitoring pillar was the most important one in that regard. Members' efforts in 
notifying their emergency measures to COVID -19 in a transparent manner w ould provide a firm 
groundwork for discussions on the post COVID -19 landscape. Furthermore, the proactive work of 
the Secretariat in data compilation and p resentation could  be instrumental in such discussions. Korea 
stood in full support of such work.  
1.80.   Confronting crisis was not new for the WTO but t he current pandemic made  matters even 
worse. As every cloud ha d a silver lining, th e crisis c ould however  be turned into an opportunity to 
maintain and further the relevance of th e organization. Some very important topics ha d been gaining 
more limelight  in that regard such as t he importance of e -commerce negotiations and the extension 
of the moratorium on electroni c transmission. The relationship between trade and health was without 
a question the next area needing early attention. Brainstorming new mechanisms such as ensuring 
stable trade of essential medical products directly related to the pandemic c ould be usefu l and time -
worthy effort. More importantly, it w ould ensure that  the WTO c ould still deal with what the real 
world consider ed important. Korea st ood ready to engage constructively with Members in th at 
regard.  On 14 May , the Members had been  presented with an unexpected news from the Director -
General . Korea had  listened carefully to his remarks  and underst ood and respect ed his decision. 
Going forward, Members  should  not waste any time and should work diligently for a smoot h 
transition. Korea w ould fully enga ge with the GC Chair and other Members in th e upcoming process.  
1.81.   The representative of the United Kingdom  said that the  meeting was timely as Members  
discuss ed the multilateral  trade response to what was the most serious global challenge in a 
generation  – one that was transforming the global trading system and as the WTO's own excellent 
analysis show ed, one that risk ed seriously undermining it. Th e pandemic was already the worst 
international health emergency for over a century. By the time t hat was all over, it risk ed also 
becoming the worst economic crisis since the great depression – and the global, social and political 
crisis.  The multilateral trading system ha d a critical role to play in mitigating th at worst case scenario. 
To coin a phrase  bending the curve of th e crisis below the ability of the global, political and economic 
systems to cope, Geneva ha d already responded well and after a difficult negotiation World Health 
Assembly w ould adopt an important resolution on 18 May  to guide them through the next phase of 
the pandemic and ensure that they learned and adapt ed as they went forward.  
1.82.   The WTO also ha d a major role to play. While the United Kingdom  unders tood the challenges 
that the organization met informally, th at was still the world' s leading platform to discuss global 
trade with senior trade representatives from around the world. It was the place where the impact of 
COVID -19 on the global trading system should be discussed, where ideas and solutions should be 
shared and where initiat ives to mitigate the global economic crisis to come launched. On the  WTO 
response more specifically , the WTO was already playing an important monitoring role and the 
Secretariat had proactively placed information and published useful analytical pieces. The United 
Kingdom also welcome d all trade monitoring reports for example returning to the quarterly reports 
during the financial crisis. The United Kingdom also agree d with Switzerlan d that there was more 
that the  WTO and its Members c ould do. The WTO need ed to be the place where export restrictions 
and other trade measures in response to COVID -19 were reported, their consequences debated and 
their collective determination to resist se rious damage they c ould do to the global economy 
expressed.  
1.83.   As Members  had heard t hat day, many developing country partners as well as small island 
States and other vulnerable economies were experiencing serious trade shocks because of th e crisis. 
That day, he would like to announce that through the UK Trade and Investment Advocacy Fund and 
its funding to the World Bank, the United Kingdom  would be providing support to eligible developing 
country Members to better understand the trade -related impacts of COV ID-19 on their economies, 
notify COVID -related measures to the WTO and tackle t he COVID crisis through better trade 
facilitation.  On the importance of continuing with regular business , the crisis should not  set back the 
important work the WTO ha d been task ed with. Beyond ensuring the reinstatement of a fully 
functioning dispute resolution system and continuing the crucial regular monitoring and transparency 
work, Members  needed to continue to work on live negotiations. They needed to get th e agenda 
back on trade, get the WTO's formal processes back online and demonstrate to the world that the WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  WTO was part of the solution playing its essential role in helping the world build back better as they 
defeat ed the virus and master ed the crisis and reaffirming their commitment to open markets, free 
trade and the unprecedented prosperity and opportunities that they deliver ed. 
1.84.   The representative of the Dominican Republic , also on behalf of El Salvador , Guatemala , 
Honduras , and Panama , said that those five countries were aware of the unprecedented challenges 
caused by the COVID -19 pandemic and the need to safeguard the health of their population. They 
expressed their  solidarity to all families affected because of the human tragedy caused  by the 
pandemic a nd to all health workers in the world. They had listened closely to the notes made by the 
Director -General during the press conference with regard to the predictions for trade as a 
consequence of the disruptions caused by the pandemic tha t global trade for goods w ould experience 
a drop of between 13% and 32% for 2020. Similarly, their countries believe d that the leadership 
position assumed by WTO Members to be positive underlining that trade w ould be an important 
component in the recovery process following COVID -19 and the fundamental need for markets to 
remain open, transparent, predictable and properly functioning under clear rules. However, it was 
necessary to ensure that public policies c ould be produced to implement measures needed to protect 
public health and well -being at a highly sensitive time – in line with WTO rules regarding 
transparency, clear objectives and timebound.  
1.85.   Their countries ha d been focusing specifically on the notifications relating to COVID -19 made 
by Members to the Secretariat. The measures relating to TBT, SPS and quantitative restrictions ha d 
been the ones  most often applied given their link with  the domestic supply of medi cal equipment 
and medicines to fight the pandemic. Their countries recogni zed the need that all Members ha d to 
safeguard the lives , wellbeing and health of their people. A proliferation of restrictive measures could 
however  have an impact on the availability of basic medical supplies in developing countries who 
depend ed on imports in order to confront the COVID -19 pandemic.  Some countries who support ed 
the declaration ha d taken temporary measures for essential products with the aim of combatting the 
COVID -19 pandemic as well as in order to ensure trade facilitation. Furthermore, they saw how the 
involvement of their products and important services in global value chain ha d been reduced.  
1.86.   They had also seen a considerable drop  in foreign direct investments relating to th ose 
activities.  Their countries therefore  urged all Members to cooperate – promoting and defending an 
open, transparent, predictable and rules -based multilateral trading system. They called for  
transparency in t he notifications to the WTO of trade measures which were being implemented by 
Members with the aim of eradicating the negative impacts of th e pandemic which affect ed them all. 
They express ed sincere thanks to the Director -General for his efforts over the l ast seven years and 
for all the success in terms of the objectives of th e organization. In strengthening the multilateral 
trading system, they very much value d his work with other organizations seeking a coordinated 
response to the COVID -19 pandemic and th e mitigation of its negative impacts on international 
trade.  
1.87.   The representative of the Philippines  associate d with the statement s to be made by  ASEAN 
which would highlight the recent statements of ASEAN Leaders,  Economic, and Agriculture Ministers 
on the ASEAN response to COVID -19 circulated in document WT/GC/210  and by Malaysia  concerning 
the Statement on COVID -19 by APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade circulated in WT/GC/213.  The 
Philippines commend ed the Direc tor-General 's leadership and initiative  in compiling up -to-date 
trade -related information from Members to promote  transparency of trade measures taken in the 
context of the COVID -19 crisis,  which ultimately help ed to assess the pandemic 's impact on global 
trade, as well as  on WTO activities. As had been declared by the APEC Ministers and the G20, such  
measures should be targeted, proportionate, transparent, temporary and should  not create 
unnecessary barriers to trade, and should be  consistent with WTO rule s. 
1.88.   The global health emergency could soon trigger a global economic crisis. It  was imperative 
that Members  strengthen ed their networks of solidarity and economic  cooperation. In particular, the 
WTO need ed a coordinated global response to  support MSMEs whic h were crucial to job generation 
and economic resilience in  that difficult period for the global economy. In th at regard, the Philippines 
had joined 49 co -sponsors of the Statement on Highlighting the Importance of  MSMEs in the time of 
COVID -19 in document  WT/GC/215.  Like all Members, the Philippines remain ed profoundly 
concerned about the spread of COVID -19 within its borders as well as its negative effects on the 
welfare of society and global socio -economic developments. Like many Members, the Philippines  
was forced to impose drastic measures to address the COVID -19 pandemic. The Philippine  
Government had made a difficult but necessary decision to place most parts of the Philippines, WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  including its capital, on an Enhanced Community Quarantine starting on 17 March, which ha d 
recently been extended to 31 May.  
1.89.   To alleviate the adverse effects of the pandemic, s everal trade and trade -related measures 
had also been introduced by its government, including, among others, the exemption from import 
duties, taxes and other fees of critical equipment or supplies, such as medicines, medical equipment, 
and personal protec tive equipment, the grant of temporary regulatory and rediscounting relief 
measures to financial institutions affected by the COVID -19 situation, and the acceptance of 
electronic SPS -related certificates.  For the governments of many developing countries su ch as the 
Philippines, COVID -19 impose d extraordinary financial and resource burdens in delivering much 
needed public health and emergency services, extending lifelines for vulnerable populations, and 
supporting critical sectors of the economy such as heal thcare services, manufacturing, and 
agriculture. To effectively respond to th at global public health emergency, their governments need ed 
the policy space and resource flexibility required to finance critical interventions.  
1.90.   In that regard, the Philippines  inform ed the General Council that, as had been notified to the 
WTO, its government ha d imposed, on an extraordinary basis, an additional 10 per cent customs 
duty on imported crude oil and refined petroleum products. The increase was merely temporary, 
timebo und in nature, and consistent with ASEAN Leaders and Ministerial statements, as well as G20 
and other declarations. For transparency, and in compliance with the D irector -General's  call, the 
Philippines ha d notified its relevant COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures to the WTO.  Now, 
more than ever, Members  should  act cooperatively and decisively to manage the spread of the 
disease, while mitigating its adverse impact on the global economy and world trade. The Philippines  
looked forward to hearing Members ' experiences in battling th at deadly disease, in mitigating its 
adverse impact on their economies, and in minimi zing the unprecedented disruption it ha d caused 
in their way of life.  
1.91.   The representative of Tajikistan  said that his country  was closely monitoring the developments 
related to the COVID -19 outbreak . To stop the spread of the virus,  the relevant actions were being 
taken. Pursuant to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan dated 18 March 2020 , 
to prevent the transmission and  appearance of new cases of COVID -19 in the Republic of Tajikistan,  
a Working Party led by its Prime Minister had been  established and two Action Plans for the 
prevention and mitigation of the potential risks of COVID -19 to national economy had been  approv ed 
by its government . International cooperation was important and  could  tackle the  pandemic if 
relevant policies were in place. COVID -19 ha d the potential to create devastating social, economic 
and political crises. Joint, decisive and timely effort in fig hting the virus  was therefore  required.  The 
Republic of Tajikistan greatly value d the WTO and acknowledge d its central role within the rules -
based multilateral trading system . Constructive cooperation within the WTO framework w ould allow 
Members  to maintai n economic cooperation amid the global spread of COVID -19.   
1.92.   The representative of Australia  said that it  was undoubtedly challenging for all Members  to 
operate in t he current  environment, but the critical situation they faced means they should  find ways 
to work together  to assist the post -pandemic economic recovery.  The COVID -19 crisis ha d 
heightened the importance of a stable and open global trading system – underpinned by the WTO – 
to effectively combat the pandemic and support economic recov ery. Tempting as it could  appear, as 
history ha d taught them, sheltering in protectionism w ould make all  Members  weaker.  Some  of the  
key ways in which  the WTO c ould contribute to the recovery phase  relate d to transparency and 
monitoring of trade measures , short-term initiatives addressing COVID trade -related measures and 
the resumption of WTO negotiations ahead of MC12.   
1.93.   Australia thank ed the Secretariat for its excellent work on Monitoring and Transparency.  That 
was particularly important while Members were instituting new measures that impact ed trade.  
Members and their businesses, especially MSMEs, need ed a better understanding of what  was going 
on and how they could  be affected.  WTO committee work that provide d a forum for dialogue on 
policy approaches w ould also be very valuable in th at regard – by providing a forum to share best 
practi ces and to discuss where Members were facing difficulties with the policies of others.  Keeping 
supply chains open was not only necessary to deliver medical supplies and es sential goods, such as 
food, in the current crisis, but also for exports as their economies start ed to re-open. Recently, 
Members had  seen trade -distorting measures introduced on critical medical supplies and Australia  
wanted to contribute to new work in th at area to improve the production and supply chains, covering 
tariffs, export restrictions and potentially broader elements.   WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  1.94.   Agriculture supply chains and food security was an understandable concern for many 
Members. Agricu ltural trade was vital to global food security, and Australia  had viewed with concern 
both export restrictive measures and increased subsidies, leading to further distortions. Members 
should  continue efforts to ensure that th ose supply chains remain ed open, that export restrictions 
were avoided and that any COVID -19 related measures were temporary, transparent and fully 
consistent with WTO obligations.  Australia  was also interested in exploring ways to prevent the 
imposition of export restrictions more broa dly, including commitments to rollback COVID -19 related 
measures to ensure temporary measures d id not  become permanent fixtures.  Australia was pleased 
to have joined many Members in issuing Ministerial Statements committing to th ose principles  and 
wanted to work with others to pursue more concrete initiatives to give substantive effect to those 
commitments.   
1.95.   Members should likewise  not ignore the negotiating agenda.  Updating the WTO rulebook 
would provide a much needed confidence boost to companies and inve stors facing uncertainty.  
Australia  thought  it was realistic to aim for a December General Council meeting to achieve some of 
the most pressing priorities.  On fisheries subsidies, Members  should  achieve a meaningful outcome 
as agreed at MC11. Th at would be  an important signal of the organi zation's capacity to come together 
in agreement. Members  should aim for a comprehensive and effective agreement by 
December  2020. The e -commerce JSI negotiations ha d become even more important and ha d been 
identified by business as a key focus for the WTO post COVID -19. Australia  was committed to work 
to take th ose negotiations forward, as soon as practicable . 
1.96.   Australia was also committed  to continue its dialogue with  the private sector to ensure real 
world perspectives, particularly on the impact of COVID -19, inform ed Members'  deliberations. For 
example, business ha d highlighted the problem of relying on paper documentation to conduct 
international business, and the n eed to fast track adoption of electronic documentation and 
processes.  On services domestic regulation, where negotiations were well advanced, an outcome 
should be feasible before MC12 and would provide a much needed boost for small services suppliers 
by im proving transparency around key behind -the-border barriers, including licensing, qualifications 
and technical standards.  Those were the areas Australia  saw most potential and value for work to 
assist global economic recovery. Australia  looked forward to wo rking with other Members to take 
those forward.  
1.97.   The representative of Mexico  said that i n many parts of the world, the health emergency and 
measures to contain COVID -19 were being reflected in the economic dimension and social costs that 
had not been seen in several generations.  The situation require d Members  to act responsibly and 
pragmatically in the immediate future so they should  put the WTO back on track. Mexico  noted that 
some Committees, such as the CBFA, CTD and Committee on Market Access , were already beginning 
to schedule their meetings in virtual format. It was urgent that WTO work continued to  function, 
mainly in those bodies that discuss ed issues related to the measures imposed by C OVID -19. 
Although th ose me asures had been  implemented at a time of urgency, Members should  be attentive 
to such updates  and ensure that they  did not cause unnecessary damage in international markets. 
It was therefore  crucial that Members were transparent in their notification and d ismantling.  
1.98.   In the  spirit of transparency , Mexico share d information on the measures it had imposed in 
recent weeks . Public procurement procedures had been  established by electronic, optical or any 
other technology to execute and attend acts and meetings d erived from the contracting processes 
themselves.  To facilitate commercial exchange in the context of the health crisis, facilities for the 
shipment of plant, livestock, aquaculture and fishing products had been  established on 27 March.  To 
guarantee the co ntinuity of foreign trade procedures, facilities were implemented to import goods 
subject to Official Mexican Standards. The terms of a dministrative procedures relating to foreign 
trade  were extended and added the possibility of delivering documentation by  electronic means.  
Mexico had not imposed any restrictions on trade covered by th e health crisis thereby hono uring the 
commitments made through various Ministerial Declarations and the call  to keep markets open and 
to make the measures imposed in th at context transparent. Th e crisis  showed Members  the need to 
accelerate their work to reform the organization to equip it with the necessary tools to better respond 
to current circumstances. Memb ers could count on Mexico in that regard . 
1.99.   The representative of Nigeria  associate d with the statements made by the African Group and 
the ACP. There was no doubt that the pandemic was one of the most disruptive occurrences in the 
global economy since the Gr eat Depression of 1930. Members  were struggling to cope with the 
economic effects of lockdown measures and social dislocation triggered by COVID -19. Nigeria  was WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  experiencing problems in capital flows and decline in demand and price of commodities produced.  It 
was therefore critical for Members to pursue tariff agenda on essential products at the WTO. Nigeria  
also call ed for the suspension of the relevant clause under Article 11 of the GATT and Article 12 of 
the Agreement on Agriculture that ha d critical imp ortance during times of crisis.  Beyond the 
advanced global economic impact of COVID -19, there were some positive developments  as the world  
experienc ed its potential growth on e -commerce and the digital economy.  The benefits of th at growth 
for developing co untries were however ambiguous given the digital divide.  
1.100.   The multilateral trading system should be recalibrated to ensure it deliver ed tangible and 
sustainable benefit s for all. The exercise sh ould entail (i) refraining from rushing into undertaking 
WTO obligations with long -term economic implications in an attempt to address short -term COVID -
19 economic crisis; (ii) strengthening partnership to enable Members to take advantage of TRIPS 
flexibilitie s to attain effective treatment and medicine to address th at and other health emergencies; 
(iii) self -assessment by Members of their economic performance pre, during and post -COVID -19 
with a view to mainstreaming their priorities in  the ongoing WTO negotia tions; (iv) provision of 
short-term relief for developing and vulnerable economies to allow for the implementation of 
measures needed to speed up economic recovery; and (v) provision of effective policy space for 
developing countries in any outcome of mult ilateral negotiations or JSI negotiations.  
1.101.   The representative of Albania  said that t he COVID -19 pandemic ha d proven to be far more 
than a health crisis – affecting the social and economic well -being of their societies at their core. 
The extraordinary chall enges that the pandemic pose d called for increased cooperatio n and  
coordinat ed responses both domestically and internationally . Transparency and information sharing 
were crucial in dealing with the global health emergency and the economic devastation broug ht 
about by the  pandemic. Luckily, both the WHO and the WTO ha d established transparency 
mechanisms. In response to COVID -19, Albania had adopted export restrictions on medical goods 
which were duly notified to the WTO Secretariat. The Albanian Government had also adopted  
economic packages including fiscal, monetary and financial policy measures with the aim of 
mitigating the negative effects of public health controls on the economy and to sustain public welfare.  
1.102.   MSMEs represent ed majority  of enterprises in Albania – account ing for  over 79% of the total 
number of employees. The lockdowns and border closures ha d had staggering effects on households 
and businesses. Albania was therefore  among the Members that had highlighted the importance of  
MSMEs in the time of COVID and supported the relevant statement circulated in d ocument 
WT/GC/215.  On a positive note, CEFTA members had implemented  the original "Green Corridor 
System " to facilitate the transport and trade of goods within the region prior itising humanitarian 
goods. Such was a  good example of regional cooperation and coordination as it provid ed new 
procedures at  border s, consolidat ed lists of essential goods , safeguard ed priority passage and 
harmoni sed sanitary measures. To speed up clearan ce procedures at the Green Border point, 
veterinary, SPS , food safety and sanitary inspectors of the CEFTA members ha d started receiving 
pre-arrival notices on essential goods – enabling them to plan required recourses.  
1.103.    Some 81% of trucks were using borde r crossings that were part of the Green Corridor. 
About 20% were carrying essential goods and waiting time was under 60 minutes.  Albania's focus 
continue d to be on efforts to protect human life. The measu res Albania had taken  were in line with 
the recommen dations of the WHO. But it was equally vital that any trade restrictive measures 
deemed necessary to fight COVID -19 were targeted, proportionate, transparent and temporary, that 
they d id not create unnecessary burdens to trade or disruption to global suppl y chains and that they 
were consistent with WTO rules. The r ules-based multilateral trading system that was predictable, 
transparent, non -discriminatory and open was essential for sustainable economic recovery. The WTO 
had been sailing in rough waters for some time and the trade forecast was not exactly encouraging. 
The crisis also showed a remarkable level of solidarity and it was important for Members  to seize 
that opportunity to chart the strategic direction of th e organization for the years to come.  
1.104.   The representative of Paraguay  associate d with the Joint Declaration made by Argentina on 
behalf of some Latin American countries. Members  were facing an unprecedented crisis. The COVID -
19 pandemic ha d affected all Members without distinguishing levels of development or economic 
growth, generating one of the greatest health emergencies that had brought with it dire 
consequences for their economies.  They however still had  time to act  and the WTO ha d an important 
role to play as a forum to promote transparency and compliance with its founding principles among 
the Members. Now , more than ever, Members should  aim at predictability in trade in essential goods 
and services such  as food, supplies and medical equipment, as well as strengthening international WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  cooperation.  Paraguay ha d taken important measures in the health, employment, commercial and 
economic spheres, which aim ed to provide a strong network of support to the health care system 
during th e crisis, protect employment and the economy during the pandemic and create the 
conditions for economic recovery and employment.  
1.105.   Paraguay  had approved several trade facilitating measures aimed at digiti sing and speeding 
up procedures, and temporarily reducing tariffs that allow ed the importation of scarce and highly 
complex medical supplies and equipment. Th ose measures were included in the COV ID-19 dedicated 
webpages  of the WTO and the I TC, and Paraguay  continue d to work with national authorities to 
update them and include stimulus measures that its government  had implemented  for its economy . 
Paraguay  urged all Members to continue to inform the  Secretariat about such measures for the sake 
of transparency and for efficient monitoring to ensure that they were proportional, temporary and 
specific.  Paraguay ha d not imposed a ban on exports of non -agricultural goods, nor restrictions on 
imports of ag ricultural products, in accordance with the commitment made in the Ministerial 
Declaration on Trade in Agricultural Products and COVID -19, circulated  in document WT/GC/208. 
Agro-exporters had an enormous responsibility in the supply of food, but that did n ot exempt 
importers from the responsibility of assuring the necessary opening so that those exports could 
reach their destination  – ensuring the flow of the supply of products throughout the logistics chain. 
In that regard, Paraguay called on Members not o nly to implement facilitati ve measures, but also to 
avoid creating or implementing new obstacles that could affect food trade and food security.  
1.106.   Paraguay was concerned with the imposition of  restrictive SPS requirements – more than 
those currently in force , especially in a period where  the exercise of the rights of Members before 
the organization was affected by the suspension of meetings and as capitals  focused  more on giving 
an effective response to the pandemic. Being a landlocked developing country, Par aguay faced 
additional logistical obstacles as it was far from the main markets that were in a position to export 
extremely necessary goods such as medical supplies and equipment including ventilators and 
respirators. Paraguay therefore called on the Membe rship to comply with the Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation and a request for cooperation from transit countries during the crisis. Members' response 
to the crisis could understandably lead to some restrictions but the importation of products in transit 
shoul d not be subject to measures that would prevent their effective arrival at the port of destination. 
Even in times of pandemic, solidarity was present. Paraguay thanked those  Members who had made 
donations of medical equipment and protective equipment to it s people  – attending to the conditions 
and needs of Paraguay's  health care system during that difficult period.  
1.107.   The representative of Japan  joined others in highlighting the importance of transparency, 
and appreciate d the ongoing efforts by the Secretariat to monitor trade -related measures by 
Members, including the report dated  23 April. While the number of notifications by Members ha d 
been growing,  Japan  called for Members to make timely notifications in line with WTO rules and to 
provide information promptly in response to the requests from the Secretariat.  As had been agreed 
by the G20 and APEC Ministers, "emergency measures designed to tackle COV ID-19, if deemed 
necessary, must be targeted, proportionate, transparent, and temporary, " and should be "consistent 
with WTO rules. " As had been  confirmed by the "Ministerial Statement on COVID -19 and the 
Multilateral Trading System " dated 5  May and suppor ted by 42 Members including Japan, Members 
should lift th ose measures as soon as possible. Japan call ed for Members to commit to the rollback. 
To th at end, Members would  need to have a mechanism to ensure transparency and to review 
whether the emergency me asures ha d been lifted. Japan  also expect ed that the  Secretariat would  
continue to play a central role in monitoring and analy sing trade -related measures.   
1.108.   The WTO as a whole should confirm such principles in the form of, for example, a decision 
by the General Council. Such codification could then serve as a fundamental rule to prevent the 
paralysis or dysfunction of the multilateral trading system in a future crisis.  Japan  was particularly 
concerned by the export restrictions of essential goods, such as  medical and agricultural products. 
On agriculture, Japan had joined the statement for "responding to the COVID -19 pandemic with 
open and predictable trade in agricultural and food products. " According to the analysis by Japan 
and four other Members, for t he period of 2007 -2012 when food prices  had spiked, 251 export -
restrictive measures had been  introduced but only eight notifications had been submitted. To its 
regret, th at was the past record. It was therefore important for the WTO, especially  the COA, to  
review Members ' export restrictive measures on agricultural products, and Japan  welcome d the 
proposal by the COA Chair to hold a virtual meeting on 15 June.  WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  1.109.   The current pandemic ha d demonstrated the growing importance of electronic commerce. 
Members  shoul d extend the moratorium at MC12 and, for the JSI, they should soon resume 
negotiations in order to achieve substantial progress, such as the development of a consolidated 
text, at the earliest possible time. The WTO ha d an important role to play in maintai ning the 
multilateral trading system in time s of crisis. Further efforts should be made to promote WTO 
reforms. The pandemic ha d proven the essential role of WTO notifications, and it remain ed a matter 
of urgency to seek fundamental solutions for the refor m of the dispute settlement system. At the 
highest political level, Japan was strongly committed to promoting free trade, and maintaining and 
strengthening the multilateral trading system through WTO Reform.  In that regard, WTO meetings 
should resume as soon as possible. As for MC12, Japan welcome d the efforts by the G eneral Council 
Chair man to coordinate on the new schedule of MC12. An early agreement on the new date was 
important to allow Members to have a clearer view on the way forward and to promot e WTO work 
to help Members  cope with the COVID -19 crisis . 
1.110.   The representative of Namibia  associated  with the statement made by the African Group and 
the ACP. The WTO as a rules -based institution provide d the opportunity for economic growth and 
development of all Member States that were using obstacles to join to international trade and ensure 
a level playing field for all. As the WHO had declared the novel COVID -19 outbreak a global 
pandemic , the contagio n had led to unprecedented effect s on the global trade regime which had 
prompted  majority of Members to impose some form of export restriction on food, medical and 
medicinal supplies respectively to maintain domestic availability for such supplies.  That enigma had 
affected the world  at a time when some countries in Sub -Saharan Africa were still in the process of 
recovering from severe drought which in some countries that had declared a State of Emergency 
had caused devastating effects among small economies that heavily depend ed on imports for 
essential products. COVID -19 should therefore serve as a wake -up call on all Members especially 
LDCs and developing countries in advocating for policy space and flexibilities within the multilateral 
trading system. In so doing, c onsideration  should  be made in providing flexibilities or exceptions 
within the TRIPS Agreement which seem ed to be very stringent in the implementation.  
1.111.   The use of flexibilities under the TRIPS Agreement were not fully reali sed among developing 
countries  due to a number of factors such as limited access to technology, access to data inclusive 
of TRIPS provisions through the declaration of emergencies to empower the judiciary to authorise 
government institutions or private companies to use any pate nted invention or services of the State.  
Paragraph 6 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health 
recogni zed that WTO Members with insufficient or no manufacturing capacity in the pharmaceutical 
sector could face difficulties in making effective use of compulsory licensing under the TRIPS 
Agreement. Namibia hoped that in line with SDG 3 on ensur ing health and he althy lives and 
promot ing wellbeing for all at all ages including the resolution on Public Health that developing 
countries were accorded such privileges. Developing and LDC Members  needed to see a dynamic 
shift of investment opportunities in the productio n of medicinal and medical goods in their 
economies. Namibia  implore d the Members hip to abstain from the use of export prohibitions and 
restrictions on essential goods  reaffirm ed its commitment in achieving the objectives of the 
multilateral trading system . 
1.112.   The representative of Brazil  said it was important that Members used the time they had to 
think about the implications of th e crisis so that they could provide constructive recommendations. 
Economic fallout of the pandemic was and w ould continue to be a challenge for the WTO. But it also 
represent ed an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of having a solid multilateral trading 
system. It was hard to estimate the full economic and trade impacts of the measures taken to fight 
COVID -19 but by all accoun ts, the consequences w ould be dire. Members  should  make sure that 
they took the appropriate measures so that they did not inadvertently prolong the effects of th at 
crisis.  Currently , all countries were trying to strike a balance between public health and e conomic 
strength. Developing Members  were more vulnerable to face th at predicament. For Brazil, it was 
essential to assure economic growth in the long run and to guarantee prosperity, jobs and income 
for its population particularly to those in more fragile working conditions.  
1.113.   Trade and the WTO framework of rules should be now , more than ever , part of the solution 
for all  Members  particularly for developing ones. Brazil's approach for the post pandemic WTO was 
based on a four -fold roadmap. Members should  collectively rollback restrictive and emergency 
measures as soon as possible in an effort to go back to the status quo ante. They should  assess the 
situation at the General Council and decide on the way ahead as soon as the crisis subside d. Having 
the right set of priorities for continuing the process of the WTO Reform was crucial. Members should  WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  set a new d ate for MC12  which  would help them reorgani ze and resume their work based on the 
right set of priorities. As they had learned on 14 May , Members likewise  needed to start the selection 
process for the new D irector -General  immediately.  
1.114.   The representative of Chile said that t he pandemic ha d placed great pressure on the global 
system  and ha d varying impacts with different depths on all Members. Members  had been dealing 
with th at on a national level but there were also global problems that ha d been experienced in 
various places. A global response was still pending. Various Members ha d made declarations which 
reaffirm ed their commitments to WTO rules with th e obligation  of maintaining their markets on 
goods and services open, avoiding protection ist measures and support ing MSMEs. Chile therefore 
aligned itself with th ose declarations especially within the WTO context and in the UN  fora. Chile 
support ed the multilateral trading system . Members should  ensure that it remain ed open and rules -
based. Ch ile ha d kept its market s and its supply chains for various products open. Chile had sought 
to find measures which w ould facilitate cross -border trade especially for essential food products and 
such measure s had been duly notified to the WTO. Approximately 60% of the Membership ha d 
likewise notified COVID -19 related measures to the WTO.  
1.115.   But the work of the WTO d id not end with notification s. With regard to the trade measures 
that ha d been implemented, Members should  ensure that th ose were in line with WTO r ules. Chile  
urged all Members to ensure that any measure adopted during the pandemic  be proportional, 
transparent, timebound and consistent with WTO rules. Members should  draw lessons from th e 
pandemic  especially as s cientists ha d noted that th e pandemic could occur again in the future. 
Members  should create a formal body in real time to analyse the impact caused by the pandemic. 
That body would be very relevant for future WTO work.  As the Director -General had noted, Members  
had much work ahead o f them. They ne eded to transform th e pandemic into an opportunity to push 
forward WTO Reform and to realis e tangible results  in the ongoing negotiations.  Members  needed 
to look at actions that c ould be undertaken in all negotiating fronts  and work together . 
1.116.   Fisheries subsidies  was a priority for Chile and the WTO . Members should  look at the 
subsidies that ha d been implemented to extend fishing opportunities especially during the pandemic 
and how they could further the work on eliminating fisheries subsidies . Chile reiterate d its 
commitment to trade openness especially in agricultural matters  with emphasis  placed on domestic 
support. Members should  act collective ly in facing  the various challenges ahead of them in  opening 
international markets.  Chile support ed negotiations on services domestic regulation, e -commerce 
and investment facilitation for development and encouraged others to support the joint initiatives . 
With FDIs  seeing a reduction between 30% to 40%  in 2020 which w ould be its lowest level for over 
a decade , Members should  start looking in to the future  and find ways  for the WTO to help them  
achieve real economic recovery post COVID -19. 
1.117.   The representative of Colombia  support ed the preservation  and strength ening of a 
multilateral rules -based system in the face of the COVID -19 emergency. Colombia ha d been active  
in discussing and endorsing a series of significant international initiatives such as the MPIA and 
multiple declarations pointing towards the importa nce of maintaining predictability and openness in 
international trade relations particularly under the current emergency situation. Colombia  had also 
been active on notifications on communications related to COVID -19 showing great deference to a 
transparen t dialogue among the Membership.  Despite certain current criticisms of the system, the 
existence of the WTO and its rules ha d been key in finding moderation during th ose difficult times 
avoiding as much as possible dangerous and unjustifiable protectionist  measures. Th at was highly 
commendable especially from the perspective of MSMEs.  
1.118.   Without th ose rules, reactions to th e pandemic would have probably been more drastic and 
more arbitrary, worsening an already difficult situation. Colombia was  appreciative of th e role that 
the WTO rules ha d had even when day to day work in the organization appear ed to have been more 
passive than usual.  Now, Members should  start to fully switch to active mode. Colombia underst ood 
the difficulties and concerns that ha d directed the Membership towards the cautionary approach. 
Colombia itself ha d suffered from them too. But uncomfortable as they could  be, Members  needed 
to take progressive and bolder steps towards a mix of virtual and physical presence as could  be 
feasible even for negotiations and urgent decisions. Th at could  not be easy but with political will and 
by always bearing in mind the r ecommendations of the Swiss Federal Council, Members  could walk 
that path.   WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  1.119.   As WTO Members, they needed to step up and do what th e organization need ed them to do. 
The WTO  was a Member -driven organization and they should act like it. The WTO was no more tha n 
their collective effort as Members to move forward a substantial trade and trade -related agenda. 
That was their task and they should  face it and deliver on it with utmost responsibility. Difficult times 
should be taken as an opportunity to find new ways to achieve their common goals. They should  
move forward and make decisions on a timely and efficient manner. As ha d been mentioned by 
others earlier t hat day, a global crisis require d a global response. The multilateral trading system 
structured under the WTO framework serve d as an appropriate forum to foster and exercise 
international coordination.  In the face of  mitigat ing the COVID -19 pandemic , Members should also 
bolster economic r esilience. In turn, the multilateral trading system depend ed on their work and 
their will to cooperate. Colombia assured the Membership that it  was ready to engage constructively 
and deliver on their work.  
1.120.   The representative of the European Union  said that  the pandemic was impacting citizens 
across all parts of the world and all sectors of the economy  – demand ha d dropped, supply chains 
were disrupted, investments were put on hold. There were certainly lessons to be learned from th e 
unprecedented situation.  But one thing was clear , COVID -19 ha d highlighted the interconnectedness 
of global economies and societies. It was a global problem that require d a global solution and part 
of that solution was a reinforced, open, rules -based multilateral trading system.  The pandemic d id 
not strengthen the arguments of those who, pre -crisis, had called for protectionism, local 
content/import substitution policies, economic nationalism, unfair and discriminatory state 
intervention and the weakening of international institut ions. It strengthen ed the case against them. 
Trade restrictive measures would create a downward spiral that would be harmful to all Members  
when what they desperately need ed was for trade to help them escape from the deep economic 
trough into which they had fallen. Open trade, on the other hand, w ould broaden the impact of 
demand as it return ed. A stable, open, predictable trading system was also the foundation they 
needed to address other key challenge raised by the outbreak  – building more resilien t supply chains. 
The shortages of essential products linked to the pandemic ha d certainly revealed weaknesses.  
1.121.   As Members  address ed that, they should  acknowledge a simple truth  that no country c ould 
secure the supply of all the products it need ed on its o wn. Th at had never been the case in the 
history or pre -history of human economic activity.  It was certainly not the case in a world so deeply 
interconnected by transport and communications technologies as theirs. A high degree of global 
economic integratio n was not a policy choice. It  was a fact of li fe. The only question was how they 
regulate d it together. And in fact global, sustainable and resilient supply chains were a key element 
in effectively guaranteeing supplies in emergencies since they allow ed access to a broad range of 
suppliers. They were also the most future proof since they did not know what products w ould be 
essential in a future crisis which would  not be a simple repeat of the current pandemic. Furthermore, 
others would  mention that the opti on of reshoring production was not open to the more vulnerable 
developing and least -developed countries. Finally, mass reshoring would increase competition for 
scarce resources, drive up prices and deepen the international tensions which ha d hampered an 
effective global response to th e crisis. It would be a lose -lose situation for the global community and 
be highly damaging to the smaller companies who ha d been hardest hit, as had been noted in the 
statement on MSMEs circulated on 14 May  which the EU ha d signed. The fundamental lesson of 
COVID -19 was therefore that Members  needed more stability and predictability based on WTO rules, 
not less.  In practice, th is would mean  different things at different times.  
1.122.   In the short -term, work should  focus on transparency and health. The WTO ha d a vital role 
to play on transparency. As had been agreed at the G20, where the EU ha d been playing a leadership 
role, the WTO should  become the focal point for transparency on the many C OVID -19 trade -related 
measures that Members were taking. For the EU, th at should cover measures not only related to the 
direct health response but also to the many economic support measures. The EU was one of only a 
few Members to have reported on both. The EU  encourage d others to joi n. The WTO was tracking 
that which was  very much welcomed  but it should  also confront Members  with their shortcomings if 
need be. The EU  asked the Secretariat to report in full on the situation, and if necessary,  to "name 
and shame" those Members not  willing to engage in earnest in the transparency effort. The EU ha d 
made proposals to improve compliance with notification requirements. Th at work strand ha d become 
even more important in the current context and it was a priority for the EU moving forward  to see 
progress in making the WTO 's monitoring function work properly. Members  should frontload th e 
issue in the coming months.  On health, the COVID -19 crisis ha d shown the importance of affordable 
access globally to healthcare products on a predictable a nd lasting basis, to which the WTO could 
contribute. The EU was therefore exploring how efforts could be deployed to facilitate trade, WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  eliminate tariffs on medicines and protective equipment as well as address non -tariff restrictive 
measures, including on the export side.  The WTO c ould also encourage Members to work 
collaboratively to develop, test and scale -up production of safe, effective, quality diagnostics, 
medicines and vaccines for the COVID -19 response, including through existing mechan isms for 
voluntary pooling of rights and licensing.  
1.123.   But Members' other short -term priorities w ould be precisely to keep in their sights the 
medium and long -term.  The WTO should  be an essential tool in addressing the fall -out from the 
crisis.  In the enormo us effort that w ould be needed to ensure a global recovery and build resilience, 
Members  needed global rules to maintain stability and predictability. They should  complete the 
fisheries subsidies negotiations within the 2020 deadline set by the UN Sustaina ble Development 
Goals . An updated multilateral rulebook was needed to ensure that value chains remain ed functional 
and open, notably through enhanced transparency, services and investment facilitation measures 
and new rules on digital trade. Digital trade had proven to be a critical issue in the current crisis and 
its development would contribute to building resilience and crisis response in the future. 
International rulemaking through the WTO on e -commerce c ould not wait any longer . Renewed rules 
to addres s level playing field issues would contribute to fighting against unfair competition and 
contribute to the diversification of global value chains. Members would  need to step up cooperation 
on the significant state support measures  currently  being taken to ensure a return to market -based 
operations based on resilience, openness and fairness during the recovery to growth . 
1.124.   The sustainability agenda should  play a prominent role in  the reform efforts. Eliminating 
barriers to the trade of goods and services that helped mitigate climate change would contribute to 
sustainable development and a green recovery, including in developing Members and LDCs  – as 
would improving policy coherence between the WTO and other international organizations on the 
trade, health and s ustainability agendas. To ensure the necessary certainty and predictability that 
would be needed, now , more than ever , for Members'  economies to recover from the crisis, it was 
of particular importance that the impasse concerning Appellate Body appointment s be resolved, 
including necessary reforms, so that they could restore a dispute settlement system that work ed 
for, and applie d to, all WTO Members.  The EU was conscious that it was a very broad agenda for an 
organi zation that had already been facing a deep crisis before the pandemic. But th at was the hand 
they had been dealt. The pandemic ha d made preservation and reform of the rules -based multilateral 
trading system even more urgent and important than before. The EU therefore welcome d the 
Ministerial Statement circulated by Switzerland on behalf of the "Friends of the System " that passe d 
the message. They should  urgently pursue work on reforming the WTO to ensure that it remain ed 
the bedrock of open markets and free trade and contribute d to the recovery  effort post -crisis.  
1.125.   The EU  welcome d that the G20 Trade Ministers had urged  on 24 May  to promote the 
necessary reform of the WTO and had provided guidance on market opening efforts by calling to 
explore COVID -19 related WTO initiatives to promote open and  more resilient supply chains and 
taking note of plurilateral work on e -commerce.  But the first step was even more basic than that . 
The WTO should  resume its work, virtually and safely, but also urgently. The EU welcome d the 
holding of th e virtual session and commend ed the Chairs of Committees and Negotiating Groups for 
their efforts to find solutions to allow other bodies to meet safely. Members  should  urgently find 
pragmatic solutions for meetings to take place virtually and decisions to be taken in another form. 
In doing so, Members  should  recogni ze that  some of them  would have capacity constraints and 
should  prioritise accordingly  – most urgent and i mportant was the operation of the D SB. The WTO 
should  innovate as ha d been done in other international organizations.  
1.126.   The representative of Barbados  associated  with the statements made by the ACP and  
CARICOM  and noted that i t was only through the multilate ral coordination and international 
development cooperation that w ould ensure that all countries c ould effectively recover from the 
crisis. Barbados  therefore hope d that the special virtual meeting  was the first of many meetings on 
the issue. In setting the  context for elaborating on Barbados' views on COVID -19, like many other 
Members, Barbados ha d been and was continuing to grapple with the impact of the economic crisis 
which ha d emerged from the pandemic. All Members  were therefore in th is together albeit  in varying 
degrees. The imposition of sweeping measures including travel bans and border closures on a global 
scale ha d had an instantaneous effect on the Barbadian economy. Now, whilst the full impact was 
yet to be determined, Barbados confirmed that t he economic gains that the country would have 
generated in recent history ha d already  been effectively eroded. Barbados  was faced with 
bourgeoning debt levels, limited financial resources to spread across critical priority areas, decrease  
in foreign exchan ge and high unemployment . The UN forecast ed that small island developing States WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  like Barbados w ould continue to be the most disproportionately impacted group of countries owing 
to their extreme vulnerability to economic and environmental shocks, their high  dependence on 
trade, their insularity and dependence on a few economic sectors.  
1.127.   For Barbados  and many other SIDS, th at redound ed to their dependence on tourism as the 
main source of foreign exchange and employment and their dependence on the importation of food 
to guarantee their food security.  In the outset of the pandemic, there ha d been a marked increase  
of export restrictions and prohibition s that ha d been invoked by Members in the name of COVID -19. 
A significant number of th ose had been specific to f oodstuff, medical supplies, medicines and medical 
equipment thereby threatening public health and the food security of small vulnerable islands that 
did not have the capacity to produce th ose items and were NFIDCs and therefore heavily reliant of 
the impor tation of the majority of the food that they consume d. Barbados  urged Members to consider 
the impact of such measures on small countries.  Barbados had joined the Joint Ministerial Statement 
on COVID -19 and the Multilateral Trading System led by Switzerland . Barbados  remain ed cognizant 
that the WTO Covered Agreements allow ed for flexibilities in the rules for emergency situations such 
as the current one . Barbados was also  mindful that invoking such flexibilities was not without 
condition. Any measures involving th ose modalities should  be temporary and should  not be applied 
arbitrarily or discriminatory and should  not serve as disguised restrictions to trade.   
1.128.   Barbados ha d vested interested in the trade -related measures that were involved in the  
name of COVID -19 and therefore t ook note of the growing number of proposals being submitted by 
Members particularly those that outline d specific proposals for further market access in various 
areas. Members'  focus and efforts  should  be channelled towards their response and recovery from 
the economic crisis – ensuring that the vulnerable amongst them were given adequate policy space 
and S&DT  in their efforts.  The COVID -19 pandemic ha d again raised some of the critical questions 
regarding the adequacy of the  flexibilities available to small, vulnerable economies like Barbados. It 
had also served as a timely reminder that economic development c ould not and was not merely to 
be determined by a country's per capita income. There was much more than that a multila teral 
institution like the WTO c ould do to assist countries in their response and recovery from the economic 
impacts of COVID -19. The WTO continue d to be a rules -based multilateral organization that was 
Member -driven and sp oke in the principles of inclusiv ity, transparency and non -discrimination. 
Barbados was committed to continuing the discussions on the economic impact of the pandemic.  
1.129.   The representative of Egypt  commend ed the Secretariat for its efforts in compiling the  trade -
related measures applied in response to the COVID -19 pandemic. Egypt  associate d with the 
statement made by the African Group. There was a need to give due consideration to the effects of 
the pandemic on developing countries and African Countries in particular. An urgent and coordinated 
response  to focus on how to speed up their health systems and ensure access to medical supplies 
and ess ential food products as well as overcoming the huge income losses  was needed . Like many 
Members , Egypt ha d been impacted by the pandemic. The related global recession ha d become even 
more realistic. The Government ha d responded to the pandemic and provide d the Central Bank ha d 
implemented timely related measures to support the economy.  
1.130.   Egypt ha d taken some decisions to fulfil the domestic demand from some essential goods 
including medical supplies and some agricultural products. Such measures ha d been noti fied to the 
WTO. Egypt was  continuously reviewing the m as the pandemic develop ed and w ould keep the WTO 
informed with the relevant updates.  Some measures including postponement of property tax 
payments had been  applied to support the business sector especi ally the most affected such as the 
MSMEs. On the social front, Egypt ha d extended the coverage of its social safety net to include the 
vulnerable segment significantly affected by the pandemic. Furthermore, regionally and 
internationally, Egypt was working  constructively to coordinate efforts for developing a set of 
mitigation measures, the establishment of the African Union Continental Solidarity Anti -COVID -19 
Fund and the contribution to the Africa Centres to support African Union Member States in the fig ht 
against COVID -19 – were concrete examples to share.  
1.131.   At such an unprecedented time, Members should  keep their solidarity within the global 
response to overcome the crisis (i) to protect the health of the people; (ii) to mitigate the socio -
economic effect s of the crisis especially on the most affected countries resulting from governments 
holding revenues and debt payment increase and (iii) to pave the way for quick global economic 
recovery. The WTO ha d an important role to play in coordination with other i nternational 
organizations within th at context. From the WTO perspective, some exceptional  measures were 
needed. However, they should be transparent, temporary and consistent with WTO rules. With the WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  way forward, Members  in the short -term needed to  safegua rd domestic markets' needs and keep 
supply chains open for sustaining the essential need and food security of other  Member s. For the 
long-term, the reform of WTO rules should allow the developing and LDC Members  to adopt trade 
policies that enable d them to  industrialise and diversify their economies in order to be resilient to 
other external shocks bearing in mind that the TRIPS flexibilities w ould help th em to access medicine 
and vaccines needed to combat the pandemic in the coming two months.  
1.132.   The representative of Singapore  said that the meeting was important and timely because 
COVID -19 ha d unleashed a massive shake -up of the world. As  the Director -General had  said at the 
TNC/HODs on 17 April, "we are facing the deepest recession of our lifetim es". In th at context, 
Singapore proposed  three suggestions as Members  worked together to respond to the crisis.  First, 
Members should  learn from history and avoid repeating the same mistakes. As trade historian 
Douglas Irwin had observed regarding the Grea t Depression of the 1930s, "the general contraction 
of trade led by trade barriers harmed the world economy and probably made the Great Depression 
worse ". That wa s a real prospect that Members should  avoid. In contrast, the global community had 
resisted th e temptation to resort to protectionism during the 2008 global financial crisis and had 
averted a prolonged depression. That had been  possible because the G20 "got out ahead of the 
problem ", by agreeing to "refrain from raising new barriers to investment o r to trade in goods and 
services, imposing new export restrictions, or implementing WTO inconsistent measures to stimulate 
exports ". The lesson was therefore clear: major economies should  take the lead, including at the 
WTO, and show the way to encourage t he global community to overcome the tendency to look 
inwards. But leadership c ould also be exercised by medium and small Members.  
1.133.   Second, e very WTO Member, regardless of size, c ould make a difference. A fine example 
was the recent Ministerial Statement on COVID -19 and the Multilateral Trading System, which was 
endorsed by a wide spectrum of WTO Members – big and small, developed and developing. 
Singapore was proud to be associated with this Ministerial Statement, which had stressed that "trade 
restrictive e mergency measures aimed at protecting health, if deemed necessary, shall be targeted, 
proportionate, transparent and temporary, not create unnecessary barriers to trade or disruption to 
global supply chains, and be consistent with WTO rules ". Equally impor tant, they had  pledged "to 
lift any such measures as soon as possible ". In a similar vein, Singapore together with a group of  
ten other like -minded small and medium -sized Members had issued the Joint Ministerial Statement 
on Supply Chain Connectivity, underlining their collective commitment to ensure that supply chains 
remain ed unimpeded. Together with New Zealand, they had  gone a step further by launching the 
Declaration on Trade in E ssential Goods for Combating the COVID -19 Pandemic in April . The 
Declaration concreti sed Singapore and New Zealand' s commitment to "maintain open and connected 
supply chains amidst the COVID -19 pandemic ". Most recently, on 1 May, Singapore, together with 
Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea, had issued a Joint Ministerial Statement 
on Action Plans to Facilitate the Flow of Goods and Services as well as the Essential Movement of 
People. Besides ensuring that trade channels remain ed open and supply chains stay ed connected, 
the action plans include d expediting customs procedures for essential goods and facilitating essential 
cross-border travel. Singapore  hoped that other Members w ould take similar concrete steps to 
strengthen the multilate ral trading system, by dismantling barriers to trade and refraining from 
imposing new ones.  
1.134.   Third, Members should  ensure that the WTO continue d ticking in the midst of the pandemic. 
At a time when COVID -19 was wreaking havoc on societies, livelihoods and t rade, it was untenable 
for the WTO to stand still. While Singapore  recogni zed that responding to the pandemic ha d placed 
severe strains on their national capacities and bandwidth, Members  should  not allow the WTO to 
grind to a halt. On the contrary, they should  exercise maximum flexibility to continue the important 
on-going work at the WTO such as the negotiations on fisheries subsidies. Similarly, Members  should  
accelerate progress in the JSIs on E -Commerce and MSMEs, given that the pandemic ha d underlined  
the importance of e -commerce, and the damaging impact on MSMEs. Finally, the pandemic ha d 
underscored the urgency for all WTO Members to commit to not imposing export restrictions on 
foodstuffs purchased for non -commercial humanitarian purposes by the Wor ld Food Programme 
(WFP). According to the WFP, 821 million people worldwide were chronically hungry, and the 
pandemic could push an additional 130 million people to the brink of starvation by the end of 2020. 
Their co llective actions, as Members of the WTO , could make a difference in the global fight against 
COVID -19. 
1.135.   The representative of Norway  said that, a s with any type of crisis, the first priority was to 
manage the  crisis and limit the negative consequences, and secondly to take what one had learned WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  from the crisis and use those lessons to be better prepared for whatever the future could  bring.  The 
first lesson, in terms of trade policy, was the fundamental importan ce of trade in securing access to 
vital goods and services. Disruptions of trade flows, whatever cause d the disruptions, were not only 
hampering the response to the health crisis, but w ould also slow down the economic recovery.  The 
pandemic represent ed a sobering reminder of the fundamental importance of open economies and 
rules based trade. Neither the health crisis nor the economic crisis c ould effectively be dealt with by 
any individual country in isolation. Th ose were global challenges and ha d to be add ressed in a global 
setting.  Declaring s upport  for the rules -based multilateral trading system was important. Norway's  
Minister ha d joined various statements  including the one referred to by Switzerland. But even more 
important than that wa s to do as they preach ed.  
1.136.   Members  had to demonstrate through their actions that they respect ed the rules and 
compl ied with their WTO obligations. Th at include d being transparent about any measures they 
impose d in response to the pandemic, ensuring that any such measures were temporary and 
minimally trade distorting, and that they did what they could to keep trade flowing.  In the WTO, 
that also mean t close monitoring of support measures as the Membership start ed rolling back 
emergency measures and phasing out temporary government support and assistance introduced in 
response to the pandemic. One particular lesson learned from th e crisis was that of the challenges 
related to access to medicines and vital medical s upplies. One reason for th at was related to export 
restrictions and other trade restrictive emergency measures aimed at protecting health. Th ose were 
highly sensitive and complicated issues where Members ' legitimate interests could  be at odds. 
Nevertheless , Members'  ambition should be to adopt a decision at MC12 on how to ensure global 
supply of vital medical goods.  
1.137.   Looking forward to MC12, Members  should not lose their focus on reform. Meaningful reform 
was needed to safeguard the multilateral trading sys tem. At the top of Norway' s priority list for 
reform remain ed the successful conclusion of the fisheries subsidies negotiations. By implementing 
SDG 14.6, Members could clearly demonstrate that the WTO deliver ed multilateral results. Its 
signalling effect could not be overestimated.  Members  should also continue their efforts to update 
the rulebook in line with the digital realities of the 21st century. The pandemic ha d clearly 
demonstrated the timeliness of the e -commerce negotiations and the urgent need fo r results.  
Members should  also realise that the pandemic w ould have the most severe consequences in the 
poorest countries. Th at was one more argument in support of the need to incorporate the 
development dimension in a pragmatic way when negotiating new or improved rules  and in their 
regular work.  Members  should  protect the system by abiding by the rules.  They should  address trade 
policy challenges to ensure access to vital supplies across borders and limit the imposition of trade 
restrict ive measures as much as possible. They should  continue the reform efforts with special focus 
on fisheries subsidies and e -commerce while always taking the development dimension into account.  
1.138.   The representative of Peru noted that t he fight against the COVID -19 pandemic posed upon 
Members an  unprecedented challenge. Recent studies projected a  huge impact on the global 
econom y. Members'  joint efforts shou ld therefore be  focused on adopting measures that ensure d 
the health and safety of their citizens  while establishing a foundation  for a rapid and sustainable 
economic recovery.  All Members  were facing a global crisis that require d a coordinated international 
response making it  importa nt to intensif y cooperation between the WTO and other international 
organizati ons. The depth and effects of the COVID -19 pandemic ha d negatively impacted the 
dynamics of international trade . A predictable, transparent, non -discriminatory and open multilateral 
trading system w ould therefore  be essential for a sustainable economic rec overy. Peru recogni zed 
the important role that the WTO play ed in guaranteeing the stability, predictability and transparency 
of the multilateral trading system . Given th e current complex situation, Peru reiterated its  
commitment to the rules -based multilateral trading system.  
1.139.   Recogni zing that the proper functioning of supply chains and the opening of trade w ould 
allow for the adequate provision of food, medical equipment and other essential goods and services 
in the cu rrent situation, Peru support ed the efforts of  Members in mitigat ing the effects of the COVID -
19 pandemic  on trade, encouraging concrete actions aimed at facilitating the cross -border flow of 
essential supplies and applying simplified best practices and pr ocedures. Peru therefore  reaffirm ed 
its commitment not to adopt measures that create d unnecessary barriers to trade or dis rupted  global 
supply chains  and to  ensuring  the consistency of its measures  with WTO rules.  
1.140.   Like most Members, Peru had taken domestic  measures to strengthen key sectors and 
minimi ze the impact of COVID -19. Those included declaring a national health emergency and WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  mandatory social isolation, aimed primarily at reducing the spread of the virus in the country without 
affecting the provision  of basic services, health care and food for the population . Mandatory social 
isolation did not apply to export and import operations, which could be conducted as usual. Peru 
also a dopted economic protection measures for vulnerable households in poverty an d extreme 
poverty to help reduce the impact on the Peruvian economy due to the high risk of COVID -19 
spreading nationwide. Peru likewise t emporarily reduc ed the tariff rate to 0% on goods imported to 
deal with problems related to the declared national heal th emergency.  
1.141.   Other measures included c reating a Business Support Fund for MS MEs so that  they had 
access to financing and were able to overcome economic difficulties stemming from the state of 
emergency due to the pandemic  – allowing them to continue opera ting and to recover without 
undermining the payment of their debts. Peru also e stablish ed the Reactivate Peru Programme to 
guarantee funding for the replenishment of working capital funds of companies facing payments and 
short-term obligations vis à vis th eir workers and suppliers of goods and services. Peru had informed 
the WTO of th ose measures and several others in last semester's report on trade -related measures 
and w ould continue to report and submit the relevant notifications for COVID -19 related measures. 
It was vitally important to promote the exchange of information and transparency as an effective 
way of reducing uncertainty and tackling th e crisis. Peru therefore en courage d Members to continue 
informing the WTO of any trade -related measures taken in response to the COVID -19 pandemic.  
1.142.   The representative of Sri Lanka  said that the  spread of COVID -19 in Sri Lanka ha d been 
controlled satisfactorily  by up to around 90% bu t it was too early to decide on a definitive date on 
when all restrictions c ould be lifted. Sri Lanka currently had 960 cases with 439 recoveries and 
8 deaths due to the pandemic. The lockdown measures ha d relaxed with certain exemptions. It was 
an underst atement that the current COVID crisis ha d gotten unprecedented challenges to a number 
of, if not all, WTO Members. Many Members ha d taken and had notified a number of COVID -related 
measures to the WTO. Sri Lanka c ould not ignore the critical situation with  its economy due to an 
array of challenges. The COVID -19 pandemic ha d been the most complex and difficult one to deal 
with. Sri Lanka ha d done its role in limiting trade -related restrictions by lifting the temporary export 
ban on medical items including PPE products and even had become a global supplier of masks and 
PPE products to the rest of the world by recently shipping face masks and PPE products to the United 
States and other countries when normal suppliers were still not able to do so. Sri Lanka had  also 
opened up its national airlines – Sri Lankan Airlines, and air and seaports including Colombo and 
Hambantota for other countries to use for their chartering of servi ces and using as transit points for 
ensuring the normal supply sources continue d with the smooth flow of goods when most of the 
countries ha d not been able to do so.  
1.143.   In some contrast to the measures notified by other  Members, the measures so far taken by 
Sri Lanka appear ed to be based on an economic rationale covering a broad range of products  – also 
cover ing certain activities in the financial sector. Sri Lanka was currently taking genuine attempts to 
analyse how it could deal with the challenges post COVI D-19 as a middle income country trapped in 
the middle income track and how it could find ways and means to avoid an escape from that status 
while trying to align its measures  with WTO rules. Members should demonstrate an understanding 
for emergency measure s of th at kind especially if th ose measures were imposed  for a long period of 
time. Sri Lanka stresse d the importance of transparency by making the purpose and precise nature 
of those measures clear and by determining if those measures d id not disproportio nately burden 
foreign traders over domestic economic actors.  
1.144.   Sri Lanka was evaluating the applicability of new innovative and renewed trade and economic 
policies that were contributing to reduce Sri Lanka's heavy and over reliance on imports of essential 
goods such as pharmaceuticals, food items and raw materials for key export products using the 
flexibilities available within the WTO legal system . Sri Lanka was in the process of identifying and 
adopting a new trade agenda of the future through an array of  areas. The following aspects w ould 
be covered: how Sri Lanka could effectively use the existing flexibilities to deal with economic 
unemployment crisis ; how to use the WTO Decision on Net Food Importing Developing Countries to 
effectively secure funding from the donor agencies to build infrastructure in the agriculture sector 
enabling Sri Lanka to build adequate public stockholding and essential food commodit ies to be used 
during unforeseen circumstances;  and, the ability to use other tools such as SSM and PSH for 
building Sri Lanka's  self-sufficiency in essential food production , among others . Coming to the WTO 
agenda and ongoing trade liberalization, time was a crucial factor. It was inappropriate for Members  
to take long -term policy decisions during a temporary crisis such as the current one . Tariff policy for WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  Sri Lanka which was the only effective instrument for according protection against import surges 
and to safeguard domestic industry . It was therefore critical for Sri Lanka  to retain such flexibility . 
1.145.   The representative of Afghanistan  noted that w ith the current global public health crisis, the 
world was facing an unprecedented situation. Members consti tuted an entire establishment and their 
capabilities were challenged. Whether developed  or advanced , Members  were struggling to fight the 
COVID -19 pandemic and to recover from it . The developing world, the LDCs, the LLDCs, the small 
fragile and in -conflict  affected countries were even more exposed to the pandemic given their 
vulnerability and lower level of development for public healthcare and their capacity to properly 
navigate their countries' fight against the pandemic and recover from it.  In Afghanistan, data 
suggest ed that it was just at the beginning of th e outbreak.  To date , Afghanistan ha d registered 
around 6,050 confirmed cases with 153 deaths  – and those  figures could even be hiding the actual 
number of infections given the lack of te st kits. According to the estimation from the Afghan Health 
Ministry, 80% of the population which was about 25 million w ould be infected and the death toll 
could  reach more than 100,000. Since the end of March, all shops and business es with the ex ception  
of food stores, pharmacies and healthcare services were closed down and cause d a widespread of 
collateral damage to their owners and workers. According to the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce, 
82% of MSMEs were severely impacted by the crisis, the outbreak a nd the lockdown. Trade ha d 
been suspended due to the border closure with the neighbouring countries  – causing losses and 
higher inflation due to the shortage of goods in the market.  
1.146.   96% of Afghanistan's customs revenue ha d not been collected due to the cl osure of the 
borders and tax ha d decreased by 30%. More than 270,000 Afghan immigrants and refugees had 
returned from Iran and Pakistan since the pandemic outbreak had started without any credible health 
checks or other safety measures at the border. The f ear of widespread poverty and famine was a 
real prospect due to the outbreak and  the consequent lockdown and trade and investment 
suspensions. The Taliban and other terrorist groups had increased their deadly attacks on military 
and innocent civilians sinc e the outbreak. Th at occurred against the fact that the Afghan Government 
had offered the Taliban a ceasefire during the pandemic to fight the virus which  had been  put down 
by the group. Even insurgent groups had expanded their terror activities targeting the country's 
energy and transport infrastructures at the time when they were most needed. They had recently 
destroyed several roads and a number of power transmission towers causing the destruction of 
supply of electricity to the capital and other provinces.  Afghanistan's experience had illustrated the 
case of the fragile and in-conflict  affected countries particularly the members of the g7+ WTO 
Accessions Group  – as they were fighting two or more enemies at the same time  – the insurgent 
groups, poverty and COVID -19. Members should therefore  come out with a coherent and cooperative 
global response. Lack of adequate and tailored response t o the pandemic would have catastrophic 
human and institutional consequences making  the cost of inaction very high.  
1.147.   Concerning the multilateral trade response, Afghanistan commend ed the Director -General's 
efforts and leadership in ensuring transparency and c oordination with other international 
organizations to lay the ground for an immediate response in managing trade matters from the crisis 
and helping the trade flow as much as it c ould. Afghanistan recogni zed Members who were trying to 
minimi ze disruptions and trade flows. Afghanistan ha d joined Switzerland and other proponents' 
initiative for introducing the Joint Ministerial Statement on COVID -19 and the Multilateral Trading 
System , thank ed the 42 Members for the support to th at initiative and call ed on other Members to 
join. As had been indicated in th at statement, trade restrictive emergency  measures  aimed at 
protecting health if deemed necessary sh ould be targeted, proportionate, transparent and temporary 
and not create unnecessary barriers to trade or d isruptions to global supply chains and be consistent 
with WTO rules. Th e global economic shock w ould continue to require a coordinated international 
response. Afghanistan also support ed the LDC Group Communication circulate d on 4 May especially 
on trade me asures taken by WTO Members since the outbreak of the virus. Export prohibitions or 
restrictions should not be imposed on products identified by the WTO as critical to combatting  
COVID -19 and such products were exported to LDCs for their domestic use or for humanitarian 
purposes. The LDCs'  call for unrestricted or prohibited exports also cover ed those products. 
Afghanistan likewise  support ed the COVID -19 related MSMEs statement proposed by the Friends  of 
MSMEs . Any strategy to battle COVID -19 in the LDC s and fragile, in -conflict affected countries  should  
be a global one  and should not reflect  the consequences of Members' inactions and negligence due 
to any trade protective measures, inward policies and so -called "me first" approaches.  
1.148.   The representative of the Republic of Moldova  associate d with the statement made by  the 
co-sponsors of the Ministerial Statement on COVID -19 and the Multilateral Trading System circulated WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  in WT/GC/212 a nd the statement on Highlight ing the Importance of MSMEs in the time of COVID -
19 circulated in WT/GC/215. Moldova  commend ed the efforts made by the leaders of th ose initiatives 
– Switzerland, Norway, Canada, Mexico and Uruguay. Th e global health crisis and subsequently the 
economic on e was currently the highest priority for all Members . As a Friend of the System and 
MSMEs, the Republic of Moldova was deeply concerned about development s related to COVID -19 
and its effect on trade, the multilateral trading system and the MSME sector. Th e situation 
necessitate d all Members  to join hands in working for the cause of fighting the pandemic while 
keeping trade open, transparent, predictable and not discriminatory and the multilateral trading 
system central and fully functional. Members should  ensure facilitation of trade flows b y ensuring 
non-distorted trade in response to the current global crisis caused by COVID -19.  
1.149.   The Republic of Moldova ha d notified of imposing only one restrictive measure on the export 
of medical equipment, facemasks, gloves and sanitizers which was in lin e with WTO rules. The rest 
of its measures were trade -facilitating in character and related to economic support in terms of fiscal, 
monetary, social and administrative measures targeting trade in goods and trade in services . 
Supporting MSMEs was likewise n ecessary especially during these difficult times. MSMEs should 
become a priority given that the sector was among the most affected by the measures imposed 
during the pandemic . In Moldova's case , SMEs constituted around 98% of its enterprises. Moldova 
also appreciat ed the delegations that ha d promptly  notified  their COVID -19 related measures 
affecting trade in goods and services and measures supporting MSMEs . Unfortunately, many 
measures particularly in the services sectors ha d not been notified. For the sak e of transparency 
and predictability, Moldova  highlight ed once again the importance of providing updated information 
on that and other measures in due time.  
1.150.   The representative of Costa Rica  said that t he leadership that the WTO should  assume in the 
face of  the current situation was fundamental . Costa Rica  was therefore pleased with the mechanism 
made available to carry th e discussion forward  and the efforts of the Members and the Secretariat 
to ensure the transparency of th ose measures. Costa Rica ha d actively participated in th at exercise 
and ha d notified  the information regarding the measures imposed  during th e current  period . Trade 
had been and w ould continue to be an effective instrument for progress and for overcoming the 
difficult situation faced  by their economies as a result of the crisis caused by COVID -19. Driven by 
the forces of trade, the world ha d changed significantly in recent decades. Information and 
communication technologies ha d helped to revitali se trade by reducing the distances that  had 
previously separated them and ha d also been fundamental for dealing with lockdown and 
maintaining communication in business environments, in their family and social lives, with such tools 
offering new uses and forms of interaction.  
1.151.   Technology had radi cally changed the way Members produced goods and services. The 
expansion of supply chains had strengthened ties between economies. Members should seek 
mechanisms that further strengthened those supply chains so that they could continue to function 
properly  and to drive global growth and prosperity. In difficult and uncertain times such as the 
current one, arguments in favour of international trade were once again being put to the test. 
Members should not forget the lessons of world history in which internat ional trade had often been 
a casualty of global crises. The crisis that the world had experienced almost a century ago had 
spelled the end of an ambitious global market opening scheme: countries had turned inward and 
the resulting decline in trade had fuel led nationalist and authoritarian movements that humanity had 
paid for with devastation and suffering. Members could not afford to repeat those mistakes.  
1.152.   Nowadays, Members shared benefits and challenges: national problems took on an 
international dimension  and national crises were globally linked. The global nature of the crisis 
reminded Members that the welfare of each one of them concerned them all. Costa Rica therefore 
noted with concern signs of a sharp contraction in global economic activity as well as  calls for 
protectionism and economic nationalism which would affect employment and world trade flows, 
deepening the crisis and increasing poverty. Costa Rica had thus joined several statements at the 
Ministerial and Head of Delegation level, such as the s tatement circulated by Switzerland in 
document WT/GC/212 and the statement on maintaining open and predictable trade in agricultural 
and food products circulated by Canada in document WT/GC/208. Members should ensure that all  
measures taken in th at context  were transparent , exceptional and temporary in nature  which should 
be fully in line with the provisions of the WTO Agreements, particularly Article XI of the GATT. 
Cooperation among Members and the commitment of all to avoiding protectionism was now much 
more important as Members  embark ed on their path to recovery.  WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  1.153.   The representative of the Russian Federation  noted that Russia ha d made a number of steps 
in response of the pandemic including trade measures and general economic support measures  – 
which had all been notified to the WTO.  The COVID -19 pandemic crisis ha d clearly revealed the 
importance of greater multilateral cooperatio n including the need to improve the global trading 
system. The WTO's response to COVID -19 should be concentrated on further strengthening the 
system, making it more resilient to crisis and enhancing the WTO's relevance  rather than merely 
discussing the cur rent situation and the emergency measures taken at the national level. The most 
important task for the WTO was  to prevent the current crisis to worsen further by trade conflict  and 
unjustified restrictions with indefinite duration especially unilateral mea sures based on non -
commercial grounds. Members  should  work collectively in curbing protectionism  – to which the  WTO 
provided the most adequate forum. As such,  maintaining the WTO's effectiveness including through 
its reform and restoring its two -tier dispu te settlement function was of utmost important.  
1.154.   In the current environment, greater systemic transparency of trade regimes was as relevant 
as ever. Russia urged  all Members t o actively use their respective monitoring mechanism s 
established by the WTO which  prove d to be effective  and well-functi oning,  and to  timely submit 
information regarding trade -related measures. The task to improve transparency of the trade regime 
should be an essential pillar of WTO reform. In line with that approach, Russia ha d put fo rward an 
initiative on the transparency of applied tariff s and  looked forward to its further incorporation in the 
WTO practice.  Another  major task in fighting the negative effects of COVID -19 was restoring global 
value and supply chains while preserving the stability of markets and availability of goods for 
consumers. To that aim, Members should  focus on how to further cut cost for economic operators 
involved in global value chains.  
1.155.   Members shoul d support economic sectors that had been most  affected by the pandemic. 
Concerted efforts aimed at facilitating import and trade as well as border measures were strongly 
encouraged. Full implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement by all  Members  had to be 
ensured and promoted. However, in reality , business did not only need a clear and predictable trade 
environment but also adequate and up -to-date rules. Members  should  accelerate their collective 
engagement in the negotiating tracks such as e -commerce, investment facilitation and MSMEs. New 
rules in those spheres should be multilateral  – common for all participants of world trade. Russia 
stressed  the urgency of prioritising the work on MSMEs in the WTO taking into account that the crisis 
had affected MSMEs to the greatest extent and that most Members including Russia ha d taken a 
number of measures to support th e sector.  
1.156.   Another key priority to ensure stability and predictability of the global economic situation 
should be the reduction of trade dis torting domestic support in agriculture. Th at was important both 
from the economic and systemic point of view. Russian initiatives in th at area deserve d further 
elaboration. The inability to hold face to face meetings should not be an excuse for Members'  
inaction. They should  maxim ise the  use of virtual formats to continue discussions in all areas of the 
organization's ongoing work. Russia  support ed the proposal by the Group of Latin American 
Countries as had been mentioned by Argentina and its co -sponsors in their statement. Russia 
likewise  support ed the idea of holding a special meeting of the General Council at the end of the 
year which could formalise the agreements reached so far on certain negotiating areas primarily on 
fisheries subsidies, investment facilitation, MSMEs and disciplines on domestic regulation in services.  
1.157.   The representative of Hong Kong, China  said that i n the face of the COVID -19 pandemic, it 
was important for Members to join hands to tackle the crisis collectively under the multilateral trading 
system. It was also timely to remind themselves that the WTO ha d a central role to play in enhancing 
transparency of trade measures, preventing disruption s to the global supply chain and facilitating 
international trade. Members'  concerted efforts in th at regard w ould be critical to the fight against 
the pandemic and to a speedy recovery of the global economy. In th at spirit, Hong Kong, China was 
pleased to  be a co -sponsor of the Switzerland -led Joint Ministerial Statement on COVID -19 and the 
Multilateral Trading System circulated in document WT/GC/212. Hong Kong, China  reiterate d its 
support for the rules -based multilateral trading system and the WTO and w ould continue to work 
together with other Members constructively during th ose uncertain and challenging times.  
1.158.   The representative of Oman  noted that,  like all other Members, Oman was  in the middle of 
its fight against COVID -19 – which require d consolidated efforts by all Government Bodies result ing 
in shifting government resources from other projects to focus on handling COVID -19. Oman was 
facing two major challenges that the governme nt ha d to deal with: a sharp drop in oil prices and 
COVID -19. Both were putting pressure on its resources. All sectors of its economy were affected by WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  those circumstances. Despite all the challenges, the government continue d to function using all 
possible means relying mainly in technology. Oman ha d to resort to some temporary emergency 
restrictive measures as well as some easing measures to deal with COVID -19. Th ose measures w ould 
be notified once it had  manage d to solve the difficulties  it faced with coor dination with different 
government bodies due to the lockdown in the country which ha d not yet been relaxed.  
1.159.   The current situation did not provide  the right environment for Members to commit 
themselves to any obligation that c ould be permanent in nature. Published studies and reports 
predict ed that the impact of COVID -19 on world economy w ould require a new thinking on trade 
liberalization in agricu lture, services, TRIPS and public health, global value chains, e -commerce, 
digital economy, digital divide, among others. As Members  did not know yet how long the pandemic 
would last, many economies w ould face difficulties to recover due to financial obsta cles. The WTO's 
role was very important in th ose challenging times to ensure predictability, stability and coordinated 
and coherent global response. Oman  urged Members to reflect on the challenges that they and 
others were facing and to show solidarity wit h those most affected by the pandemic.  
1.160.   The representative of Benin  noted that, like other Members , Benin  was facing COVID -19 
which ha d shaken its existence.  Benin had engaged very early on in its response to C OVID -19 
through actions taken at the national,  sub-regional, regional and international levels.  Following the 
announcement of the first case of patients with COVID -19 in Benin, preventive measures ha d been 
taken by the Beninese authorities to limit the risks of spread and to ensure the treatment and f ollow-
up of the cases identified.  As of 14 May, Benin ha d recorded a total of 339 confirmed cases, with 
254 people still being treated , 83 recoveries , and 2 deaths.  The crisis ha d affected several sectors 
of economic and commercial activity in the Republic of Benin with the borders closed and the 
population confined.  
1.161.   Declines in production and trade in goods and services ha d had serious consequences for 
households, agricultural pro ducers, transporters, breeders, fishermen, artisans, businesses  and the 
tourism sector, among others , in addition to the human suffering caused by the virus.  A general 
slowdown in the production sectors and business activities ha d led to a considerable dro p in the 
incomes of economic operators, citizens and the State.  Access to food, medicines and other medical 
products and equipment should  be facilitated and promoted.  In the dramatic and complex situation 
experienced during the  health, economic, social and  humanitarian crisis, preserving and promoting 
multilateralism, including in the field of international trade, remain ed a fundamental objective.  
1.162.   It was important to manage the induced shocks, and the effects, in the short, medium and 
long-term, and to ensu re the effective implementation of the flexibilities existing in the WTO 
Agreements, and to foresee new ones which w ould correspond to the exceptional circumstances 
called  for by the consequences of th e pandemic.  More specifically, Benin  recommend ed the ex tension 
on COVID -19 related grounds  of the exemptions contained in the TRIPS Agreement and Public 
Health , flexibilities relating to restrictions on imports and exports , the flexibility provisions of the 
Agreements on SPS and on TBT and other standards  as well as those relating to the balance of 
payments and debt situation of developing and LDC Members.  
1.163.   The Cotton  and Textile sector, which was also strongly impacted in the activities of the 
production cycle and the marketing of cotton and its derived product s, deserve d special attention.  
Benin  recommend ed that a safety net be set up for the benefit of agricultural producers, MSMEs, 
fishermen and breeders, craftsmen, among others,  to protect the jobs and resources from th ose 
activities.  Benin  urged all actors in the chain of management of th e pandemic, at the national, sub -
regional, regional and international levels, to increase efforts and initiatives to build, in an effective 
and sustainable manner, resilience and revival of economic, commercial a nd social activities.  
1.164.   The representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  highly appreciated the efforts of the 
organization in the fight against COVID -19 which did not recogni ze any borders and could only be 
overcome through coordinate d action. Members shou ld spare no efforts to protect lives, bring the 
pandemic under control, safeguard people's jobs and incomes and support the global economy 
during and after this phase. As the current holder of the G20 Presidency, the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia had recently he ld several extraordinary meetings including the Extraordinary Virtual Meeting 
of the G20 Leaders held on 26 March. In their statement, the G20 Leaders had agreed to present a 
united front against this common threat. In line with the G20 Leaders ' Meeting an d in response to WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  the COVID -19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia had also held a series of Virtual G20 Ministerial Meetings7 to 
discuss exclusively the COVID -19 impact on global trade and investment, agriculture, digital 
economy, tourism and energy. Moreover, a second  Extraordinary G20 Virtual Trade and Investment 
Ministerial Meeting was organi zed on 14 May. The Ministerial Statement from the G20 Trade and 
Investment Ministerial meeting was circulated in WT/GC/216.  
1.165.   The G20 Ministers had endorsed the G20 action to supp ort world trade and investment in 
response to COVID -19 and committed to continue working with international organizations within 
their mandates to facilitate investment and flows of essential goods and services. The standout 
theme across all tracks was to explore G20's response to alleviate the impacts of the pandemic and 
maintain economic recovery and stability. At the WTO front and to ensure that any trade measures 
designed to address COVID -19 were targeted, proportionate, temporary without creating 
unnec essary barriers to trade or disruption to global supply chains. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
with a group of WTO Members had endorsed a Joint Ministerial Statement on COVID -19 and the 
Multilateral Trading System, the Joint Statement on the Response to the C OVID -19 Pandemic with 
Open and Predictable Trade in Agriculture and Food Products and the Joint Statement on Highlighting 
the Importance of MSMEs in the time of COVID -19. Saudi Arabia had likewise submitted a number 
of notifications related to COVID -19 to the WTO.  
1.166.   The representative of China  appreciate d the work done by the Secretariat  during the current 
period . COVID -19 had brought both short -term and long -term impact. For the short -term impact, 
measures such as  export restrictions had been taken as an immediate response to the outbreak  
resulting in a shortage of medical supplies in the international market . Similar measures had also 
been put in place in agricultural and food products. Th ose measures d id not necessarily constitute 
direct violations of the rules and could be sympathetically understandable. However, how to 
strengthen collaboration and prevent trade policies from being fragmented through multilateral 
consultations was something Members  should think about.  The urgency and necessity to improve 
notification and enhance transparency were essential  during  the crisis. According to a Secretariat 
document in late April, only 39  out of the 72 Members that had adopted COVID -19 related export 
restriction measures  had notified the WTO.  In terms of medium  and long-term impact, the pandemic 
had caused some scepticism  to the future of economic globalization and multilateral cooperation, 
and the de -globalization sentiment became  even more intense  – harm ing the global economi c 
recovery especially of vulnerable developing Members.   
1.167.   Some Members ha d recently taken self -sufficiency as the objective , planning or 
implement ing measures to locali se production and bring manufacturing and services back home by 
providing subsidies and t ax deductions, requiring "buy local " and tightening foreign investment 
review. Global supply chains were shaped by and evolve d through their own inherent rules in line 
with changing circumstances. The government should respect basic economic logic and corp orate 
autonomy in th e process.  As among the first countries hit by COVID -19, China  was grateful for the 
generous support and assistance provided by the international community.  At the same time , China  
strive d to make its own contributions to the global fight against the pandemic. From 1 March to 
30 April, China had exported a total of 71.2 billion yuan of anti -pandemic supplies, including 
27.8 billion masks, 130 million gowns, 73.41 million testing kits and 49,100 ventila tors. China had 
also shared information on the virus and its treatment through conducting 120 video conferences 
with more than 160 countries and organizations, sending 21 teams of medical experts to 
19 countries, among others . No individual country was able to stand alone in the face of such a 
global crisis. Only through strengthened collaboration and coordination  could  they go through 
difficult times.  
1.168.   China thereby  made three suggestions.  First, Members  should  largely avoid trade restrictio ns 
by exercis ing restraint from erecting trade barriers in responding to the pandemic. If emergency 
measures were genuinely needed, they should be kept targeted, proportionate, transparent, 
temporary, and consistent with WTO rules, including timely notification s. Second,  Members should 
orderly resume the WTO's regular work. Latest means and technologies should be deployed to 
strengthen communication on how to address the crisis. When the situation would permit, existing 
WTO negotiations should continue so that the organiz ation's due value in international governance 
could be further reflected.  Third, Members should pay close attention to the difficulties of developing  
 
7 The G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Statement  dated 30 March 2020 can be found in document 
WT/L/1089.  WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  and LDC  Members , and provide targeted assistance, including especially trade financing, so that 
they c ould survive the crisis and continue to advance the industrialization process.  
1.169.   The representative of the United States  said that p rogress at the WTO , however one would 
define it , was long fought, hard fought and incremental. Unfortunately, none of th ose characteristics 
comport ed with a fast moving, deadly pandemic.  Everyone  had had to react quickly to COVID -19 to 
protect the lives of their citizens  which  was the most basic responsibility of sovereign governments.  
While transparency regarding the temporar y trade -related measures put in place was important, 
Members  all assume d that, in a public health emergency, they would rightly prioriti se the health and 
safety of their own citizens. He said that t he export restrictions enacted by individual EU Member 
States as the pandemic had spread out from Wuhan and had begun decimating parts of Europe was 
a reflection of th at common understanding. The United States too ha d imposed temporary export 
restrictions which it had duly notified at the WTO.  
1.170.   He further noted th at more Americans ha d been infected with and died from COVID -19 than 
any other nationality. As of 14 May, the United States had counted over 1.4 million known COVID 
cases, and nearly 86,000 deaths  – a third of the world 's reported cases and more than a qua rter of 
the deaths.  The United States called for Members' understanding on  those urgent matters of life and 
death which had  clear priority over any effort they could  undertake at the WTO. At the same time, 
the United States  was fully aware that it was important to bolster the economy, at home and 
worldwide, as the courageous health professionals and scientists continue d their vital work. To th at 
end, the United States ha d undertaken efforts with the hope that other countries were encouraged 
to act commensurately . 
1.171.   As of 1 May, the US Department of State and USAID ha d pledged more than USD 775 million 
in COVID specific emergency funding to the world 's most at risk countries. Private American 
businesses, non -profits, charities and i ndividuals ha d collectively provided nearly USD 4 billion in 
donations and assistance in addition to government aid.  Together, Americans ha d provided nearly 
USD 6.5 billion in government and non -government assistance and donations to the global COVID -
19 re sponse accounting for nearly 60  percent  of global totals. The United States Federal Reserve 
had taken aggressive actions to support markets, businesses and financial stability at home 
providing lending up to USD 2.3 trillion to US households and businesses . The Fed ha d also cut the 
rate it charge d on exchange swaps with central banks for countries all around the world.  The United 
States Congress ha d appropriated well over USD 3 trillion in economic support, a sum equivalent to 
15 percent of US GDP and 3 per cent of world GDP.  
1.172.   He said that a ll those measures were helping to encourage international financial stability. 
By supporting American businesses and families, the United States was promoting sustained 
spending to meet the needs of its citizens and industr ies which in turn help ed keep trade flowing 
and support ed economies around the world. For example, the US Census Bureau report ed 
USD 194 billion in imports of goods and USD 38 billion in imports of services in March – including a 
USD 9 billion increase in goods imports from the European Union.  With respect to the economics of 
the crisis, the United States was acting with urgency on a large scale and to national and global 
benefit. It was crucial  to continue to investigate the origins of the pand emic and the circumstances 
that had led to a severe supply shortage of PPEs on the global market as the pandemic 's devastating 
impact became apparent.  
1.173.   Overdependence on a handful of countries as a source of cheap medical products and 
supplies ha d created a  strategic vulnerability to the economy. The United States  was looking to 
diversify supply chains and increase manufacturing capacity back home. Once the exigencies of the 
current crisis subside d, the world 's attention w ould turn to prepar ing for the next global crisis 
including how trade policy w ould factor into that preparation and what role the WTO could  have in 
that global endeavo ur. With much of the world in the throes of the global pandemic, the United 
States'  primary focus rightly remain ed on the hea lth and safety of its citizens. But it was hard to 
ignore the existential crisis in which th e WTO found itself.  The United States  strongly encourage d 
those interested in creating a more effective, consequential WTO to re -examine US reform proposals 
includi ng those dealing with  market -oriented conditions, S&DT  and notification compliance, and to 
appreciate the positive signals that action on th at agenda would send.  
1.174.   The representative of Ecuador  recogni zed the contribution that the WTO ha d made to assist 
Members to withstand the COVID -19 crisis particularly the joint efforts made with other international 
organizations . Ecuador  could likewise not overlook the work that the Secretariat ha d done to keep WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  the di fferent WTO Bodies afloat. Ecuador  thank ed the delegations for their efforts which c ould be 
seen in a number of different joint statements on trade in relation to COVID -19 that ha d been 
circulated in recent days  including  WT/GC/208/Rev.1, WT/GC/212 and the  document it had co-
sponsored circulated in WT/GC/21 5. Ecuador  underscore d the importance during the pandemic and 
post pandemic periods of Members avoiding unnecessary trade restrictive measures. Particularly, 
they should seek to avoid unjustified restrict ions on trade and those that threaten ed global food 
supplies a nd the livelihoods and sustenance of developing countries. Ecuador  echoed the calls that 
other Members ha d made to hone international methods for facing th e crisis in a way that was 
compatible w ith WTO rules. Similarly, Ecuador  called upon the Members to the extent possible to 
maintain transparency around the measures they adopt ed. 
1.175.   Global trade was pivotal i n shoring up Members' economies. The world and particularly 
developing Members  would not b e able to rise to th e challenge without that. One of the main 
challenges, perhaps the most pressing  one, was the need to build an international response – a 
coordinated global plan to face the health, economic and social consequences of the crisis. That pl an 
should among other things include the following: rebooting international trade including in services, 
the ability to obtain fresh produce, reasonable notification periods and focus on developing Members  
particularly the most vulnerable economies.  Member s should  also seek significant international 
cooperation to ensure that they could act together to avoid a repeat of th at type of crisis in the 
future.  If Members  did not tackle th ose challenges together, a global economic crisis leading to a 
significant global recession  could happen  which could last for years . They should therefore work in 
an inclusive and coordinated manner  to shape their shared future. They needed renewed 
international commitment and solidarity through the multilateral  trading system  which  should be 
rules-based, transparent, predictable  and non-discriminatory with a functioning dispute settlement 
mechanism. Ecuador supported  moving forward with WTO work to facilitate recovery efforts.  
1.176.   The representative of Turkey  said t hat t he COVID -19 pandemic ha d highlighted how 
interdependent the global economy ha d become . From r isking global value chains to disrupting trade 
flows, the pandemic ha d massive implication s for international production networks. All global supply 
chains would not remain the same. Minor restriction s from tariffs to regulatory impediments c ould 
result in significant cost s on business. Keeping supply chains open especially in critical products 
would therefore be instrumental to overcome current bottlenecks and to mitigate the impact on the 
global economy.  Many Members including Turkey had adopted policies for  the smooth fun ctioning of 
international trade through lowering tariffs, easing import and export procedures and digitalization 
of customs procedures. From the  start of COVID -19, Turkey ha d already orchestrated a coordinated 
action  plan domestically and internationally  by lower ing tariffs on critical medical and food products 
and tak ing significant steps in conformity assessment procedures and rules of origin requirements. 
Turkey ha d also eased documentation requirements in many customs procedures focused on the 
implement ation of the TFA commitments and had initiated the paperless customs project where all 
trade -related documents had been transferred to electronic format . Paper document presentation s 
at the border gate ha d also been terminated.  
1.177.   Turkey had quickly lifted s ome export authorization measures on almost all medical supplies 
and equipment and had set up a website for COVID -19 related measures to inform exporters and 
importers of all the measures taken in response to the outbreak. Turkey ha d shown solidarity with 
the international community by donating essential protective equipment, testing kits and ventilators 
to countries around the world especially the most vulnerable ones. Trade was not an end in itself 
but a tool for inclusive prosperity of the people – ensur ing them adequate access to essential goods 
and services. To prevent or relieve critical shortages , Memb ers should adopt responsive policies 
while respecting the rules that  had been negotiated over the years and enshrined in the WTO 
Agreements . Public health policies and social security systems should not be pursued purely based 
on commercial interest. In guaranteeing th at, the WTO already provide d necessary policy space for  
Members  – which  should be used carefully in a predictable  manner  and any measur e arising from 
such use should be transparent, temporary and non -discriminatory.  
1.178.   The pandemic ha d shown that all Members  were vulnerable regardless of their development 
level. International cooperation and a coordinated policy response were key to economi c recovery 
and w ould be critical to prevent long -term economic distrust. Instead of turning inwards, Members  
should maintain the diverse architecture of global production  – helping developing Members  to take 
part in global manufacturing and benefit from gl obal value chains. To minimi ze the social and 
economic impact of th e pandemic and for an inclusive recovery, the multilateral track should be 
strengthened and efforts should be redoubled.  The WTO should continue to guide Members in WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  streamlining trade flows  and in keeping international trade open . Members  should unlock  discussions 
in several areas . Negotiations in agriculture and fisheries should intensify. They should have more 
discussion s on facilitating trade especially in essential goods and accelerate e fforts to implement the 
TFA. They should also take into account the specific needs and conditions of developing and LDC 
Members . In line with the changing nature of trade with the increasing use of  the digital economy, 
in addition to foster ing the discussi on, they should also further address the concerns of the 
developing world in e -commerce. They should likewise  consider the importance of devising rules for 
MSMEs. Turkey remained  ready to constructively engage with all Members in th at process.  
1.179.   The representative of Tunisia  associate d with the statement made by the African Group. The 
briefing by the Director -General on 17 April reveal ed the consensus that the crisis was having an 
enormous impact on global trade following the closure of borders and the near shutting down of all 
production systems . Members  needed to find ways to tackle th e crisis. The COVID -19 pandemic was 
an unprecedented challenge for the global economy. Protection of global trade and consumption was 
clearly on a downward trajectory at the global level. A number of Members ha d taken efforts to 
counter the effects of the crisis. Their efforts should be supported by increased international 
cooperation to rise to the ch allenges that th e pandemic ha d produced. Members should  respond to 
the health crisis  and take economic action to bolster resilience and efficiency of production and 
trading systems so that they could bounce back as quickly as possible.  
1.180.   Protecting citizens'  health and wellbeing was a high  priority  in all governments  – as they 
ensured the availability of food and essential  medicines, medical supplies and similar  products . 
COVID -19 was threatening the food security of millions of people around the world and in ternational 
trade was key to that  as it was  necessary fo r subsistence. Tunisia underscore d the importance of 
ensuring that the international trading system serve d international development and the global 
community's ability to respond to th e crisis. Members  needed to mitigate the consequences of the 
crisis and to preserve the necessary flexibilit ies for developing  Members  to be able to increase their 
production cap acity as a means of countering th e pandemic and any future crisis that could  arise.  
1.181.   Intellectual property rights and the ir protection  were pivotal in determining access to 
medicines, vaccines and diagnostic tools in the medical sphere for a reasonable pric e. With the  lack 
of such items and th eir potentially high prices,  exceptions for IPR protection were key in certain 
cases for developing Members  as a means of ensuring prevention and treatment of the virus. Within  
the WTO , Members  needed to make a collecti ve effort to support flexibilities and approve the relevant 
exemptions. They should avoid dispute settlement proceeding s against developing Members  in those 
cases  and ensure that they had the necessary flexibilities to be able to fight the virus. Certain 
exemptions were available under the WTO Agreements . Another key issue was technology transfer 
and Tunisia  hoped that Members  could have some specific provisions on that.  
1.182.    Various economic activities w ould be severely affected by the  crisis. Consumption habits 
would change radically and travel restrictions h ad been  and would continue to be  imposed. Tunisia  
had made significant steps in that regard by taking  measures since the detection of the first cases 
of the virus. For the past five days, no new case s of COVID -19 ha d been recorde d in Tunisia and on 
4 May, targeted lockdown had been  implemented by the Tunisian Government to ensure that a 
number of vital sectors could  resume their work. Tunisia was more tha n happy to share its 
experience with other Members. Due to the importance of  resum ing economic activity as quickly as 
possible including international trade as a means of rapidly responding to  the needs of the people,  
Members should  coordinate their effort s going beyond the classic methods used in the past. Members  
had a shared responsibility to make and fulfil that commitment.  
1.183.   The representative of Thailand  associate d with the statement to be made by ASEAN. As the 
COVID -19 pandemic regrettably continue d to impose negative effects on the well -being of the people 
around the world and could  compound extensive impacts on the global economy . The role of the 
WTO and its Memb ers was critical in ensuring stable and transparent trade flows that would enable 
expedited trade and economic recovery. In line with the joint statements and declarations made at 
various levels , including with ASEAN Member States a nd APEC, Thailand remain ed committed to 
keeping its market open for trade and investment  and support ed calls for measures adopted in 
response to the pandemic to be targeted, proportionate, transparent, temporary , not cr eate 
unnecessary barriers to trade and consistent with WTO rules.  
1.184.   Thailand share d the concerns of many Members regarding the impacts on global food 
security and acknowledge d the importance of safeguarding against supply and price volatilities. Open WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  trade t hat enable d agricultural producers to raise funds to emergencies and food crisis remain ed the 
most effective means to ensuring food security. Thailand d id not currently have an export restriction 
measure on agriculture in place and while the preservation o f the health and wellbeing of the people 
was of utmost importance  for Members, it was also vital that agricultural trade measures in response 
to the pandemic were undertaken in a manner that d id not adversely impact the smooth and 
predictable trade flows o f agricultural goods and food products.  
1.185.   In light of the aforementioned views, WTO work should continue in order to ensure that 
Members  were all in the best possible position to make swift economic and trade recovery post 
COVID -19 pandemic . Most of WTO wor k had been  stalled since the pandemic and it was unclear 
when physical meetings c ould be resumed. Members should therefore  take a decision or alternate 
means to continue their work in case of a prolonged inability to hold physical meetings. With 
flexibilit y and determination, there were available tools and procedures that they could  elaborate to 
achieve adequate means to take their work forward in th ose unprecedented circumstance s - whether 
for exchanges of views, negotiations or decision -making. Thailand  joined the calls for other Members 
to organi ze thematic discussions in relevant WTO Committees to discuss, monitor and reveal 
measures put in place in response to the COVID -19 pandemic.  
1.186.   The representative of Canada  said that i n the period of unprecedented  health and economic 
challenges due to COVID -19, adherence to the rules -based multilateral trading system ha d never 
been more important. Trade should remain open and predictable and WTO disciplines  should  remain  
relevant and valuable. The work of the  Secre tariat ha d proven invaluable to help  understand the 
various COVID -19 trade related measures implemented by Members. In addition, the comprehensive 
reports provided by the Secretariat ha d contributed to Members'  better understanding of the 
situation as they began to take gradual steps on their path towards recovery. International 
coordination and cooperation in response to COVID -19 was key to help Members address the health 
and economic crisis and support the global economic recovery guided by the SDGs. Canada 
recogni zed the unique challenges faced by developing and LDC Members and reiterate d the 
importance of avoiding disruptions to trade that could harm their ability to access essential goods.  
1.187.   Concerning the Ottawa Group actions in response to the crisis, on 8 May, the Ottawa Group 
Permanent Representatives had met virtually to discuss impacts of the COVID -19 crisis on the WTO 
work as well as potential Ottawa Group engagement with business groups. On 13 May, the Ottawa 
Group Vice Ministers had met virtually  to discuss the impacts of COVID -19 and actions that could be 
taken to safeguard the multilateral trading system in the period ahead of them. Vice Ministers had 
discussed several areas where they believe d leadership w ould be needed at the WTO and the 
impor tance for Members to quickly take action to combat a rise in protectionism. Th at had  included 
possible forward looking work to ensure that appropriate WTO rules exist ed to address future crises.  
1.188.   For example, a potential plurilateral on medical goods that facilitate d trade and preven ted 
disruption in supply chains, making progress on fisheries subsidies and continuing the work on the 
Joint Statement Initiatives especially on e-commerce had also been identified as important areas of 
work going forward. Vice Ministers further indicate d support for the WTO continuing to play a role in 
monitoring and making information available on trade restrictions and other measures taken by 
governments in response to the pandemic. They had also had an opportunity to exchange views on 
business engagement, COVID -19 impacts on global trade and business community expectations for 
the WTO with the Secretary -General of the International Chamber of Commerce. A virtual Ottawa 
Group was planned for 8 June to continue discussions on the current challenges and to pro vide 
further direction on priorities.  
1.189.   During the informal Heads of Delegation meeting in April, Canada had noted that it stood 
ready to engage and w ould fully participate in the work ahead. Since then, Canada  had worked with 
its global counterparts to faci litate the cross -border movement of essential goods and services. 
Canada  worked closely with many Members and had taken  action to ensure agriculture and agri -
food supply chains remain ed open, connected and predictable in response to COVID -19. On 22 April, 
Canada  had circulated a joint statement with 23 signatories who represent ed two-thirds of global 
agriculture exports and over 60  percent  of global agricultural imports entitled "Responding to the 
COVID -19 Pandemic with Open and Predictable Trade in Agricul ture and Food Products". Th e 
statement had been  re-circulated with five additional co -sponsors8. Canada  continue d to reach out 
 
8 The revision can be found in document WT/GC/208/Rev.1 . A further revision was circulated in document 
WT/GC/208/Rev.2.  WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  to Members to join th e initiative to keep agriculture trade open and predictable. Canada had also 
signed on to the Korea -led join t statement that dealt on the call for action from G20 Leaders Summit 
and the Extraordinary Trade Ministers to ensure global supply chains continue d to function.  
1.190.   In addition, Canada had  signed on to the New Zealand and Singapore led Joint Ministerial 
Statement affirming their commitment to ensuring supply chain connectivity amidst the COVID -19 
situation. Canada along with 41 Members had signed a joint statement on 5 May to reinforce their 
commitment to and support for rules -based multilateral trade at this  critical time. Canada ha d 
publicly committed not to impose agricultural export restrictions and refrain ed from implementing 
unjustified trade barriers on agriculture and agri -food products and key agricultural production 
inputs; that emergency measures re lated to essential products designed to tackle COVID -19 would 
be targeted, proportionate, transparent, temporary and consistent with WTO rules and that Canada 
was committed to refrain from raising new unjustified barriers to investment or to trade in goods  
and services. Not only ha d Canada not taken any export restrictions during the COVID -19 pandemic, 
it had also taken a number of trade facilitative measures which ha d been notified to the WTO. Canada  
encourage d all other Members to make similar commitments.  
1.191.   Members  faced a high degree of uncertainty about when regular in -person meeting s could 
resume and the extent to which capital based officials w ould be able to attend in person. As a result, 
Canada  fully supp orted using a virtual approach or a hybrid of virtual and face -to-face approaches 
in order to allow for regular work and negotiations to take place. Canada  encourage d Members to 
look at the actions of their other international institutions to implement cre ative ways to allow the 
work to continue in a pragmatic, engaged and meaningful manner.  
1.192.   The representative of Chinese Taipei  noted that, g iven the unprecedented situation  caused 
by the  COVID -19 pandemic, policy space should be given to Members for the purp ose of protecting 
public health and saving lives.  However, any emergency measure s taken should be targeted, 
proportionate, transparent and temporary, without creating unnecessary barriers to trade and  
should be consistent with WTO rules.  Chinese Taipei  therefore support ed, along with  other Members, 
Canada' s initiative on collectively "responding to the COVID -19 pandemic with open and predictable 
trade in agriculture and food ". Chinese Taipei  urged Members  to refrain from introducing 
unnecessary export restr ictions that could have  adverse effects on global food security.  Chinese 
Taipei  also support ed the pledge made in a recent statement by APEC Trade Ministers to fight the 
COVID -19 pandemic together.  Furthermore, Chinese Taipei  was totally committed to facilitating the 
flow of essential goods and services across borders – such as medicines, medical supplies, 
agricultural and food products – and to minimi zing any disruption to the global supply chain to avoid 
undermining the efforts to secure public health.   
1.193.   Concerning the serious damage tha t the pandemic ha d caused to Members'  economies, the 
people  and businesses, and in particular to MSMEs , Chinese Taipei  fully recogni zed the importance 
of MSMEs to economic and trade growth, as well  as to employment. Chinese Taipei  commend ed 
fellow Members on the actions they were taking to address the special challenges faced by MSMEs 
and their workers at th is difficult time. Chinese Taipei  would  continue to support the constructive 
work undertaken by the MSMEs Group in the WT O. Chinese Taipei also thanked  the Secretariat for 
compiling all the C OVID -19 related information and making it easily accessible on the WTO website.  
Chinese Taipei  was willing to help other Members , and continued to do so,  to combat the pandemic 
by sharing experiences and medical supplies, and providing technical assistance. Chinese Taipei  
welcome d further cooperation on such matters  and would continue its effort s, in cooperation with 
other Members, to restore the momentum of WT O negotiations and to strengthen the WTO 's 
functions and influence in global trade. Working together, Members  could overcome th e crisis and  
the WTO had a crucial role in leading the way to a robust resumption of the global economy.  
1.194.   The representative of Malaysia  associate d with the  statement to be made by  ASEAN and 
took note of all statements issued by Members on COVID -19. Malaysia thanked all  the front -liners 
who ha d worked tirelessly during this challenging time. As the Chair of APEC 2020, Malaysia shar ed 
the Statement by APEC Trade Ministers on COVID -19 dated 5 May  circulated  in document 
WT/GC/213. The statement demonstrate d APEC Economies ' commitment to collectively respond to 
the COVID -19 pandemi c while undertaking the necessary steps to remedy the he alth and its 
economic impact.  The statement had also highlighted the importance of facilitat ing the flow of 
essential goods and services such as medicines, medical supplies and equipment, agriculture and 
food products and other supplies across borders as w ell as minimi zing disruptions to the global 
supply chains. The statement also acknowledge d that any emergency measures designed to address WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  COVID -19 challenges should be targeted, proportionate, transparent, temporary and should not 
create unnecessary barri ers to trade, and consistent with WTO rules. Malaysia  was also pleased to  
co-sponsor t he COVID -19 papers related to trade in agriculture and food products and MSMEs. 
Malaysia  hoped that Members  would be  able to get through th ose hard times together.  
1.195.   The re presentative of India said that t he crisis was a powerful reminder of inter -
connectedness and the need for a coordinated, global strategy to overcome the unprecedented public 
health situation. If the virus would not be  wiped out everywhere, it would not be wiped out anywhere . 
In formulating a response, it was critical to bear in mind that the negative effects of th e pandemic 
would be felt widely, but unevenly. The strain on economic, food and livelihood security w ould 
disprop ortionately impact developing  and LDC  Members  with large populations and limited 
resources. Concerning  the role that the multilateral trading system c ould play in combating and 
responding to the C OVID -19 pandemic , India acknowledge d the importance of coord inating the 
global response in a way that avoid ed unnecessary disruption in the flow of vital medical supplies, 
food and other goods and services across borders. India ha d been playing a proactive role in ensuring 
the availability of vital drugs such as hy droxychloroquine and paracetamol across the globe. India 
had donated and exported critical medical supplies to more than 120 countries and ha d also 
despatched teams of Indian doctors to Nepal, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles and Kuwait.   
1.196.   India was committe d to the G20 Leaders ' statement that emergency measures taken in the 
wake of the pandemic should be "targeted, proportionate, transparent, and temporary ". Members 
were free to reduce customs duties on imports of certain medical or agricultural products to zero, 
on a voluntary basis, if it serve d their health and food security objectives. However, the narrativ e 
pushed by some  Members to seek permanent tariff liberalization on a range of products including 
cut flowers, ice cream and wine, to respond to a temp orary crisis, appear ed to be a thinly -veiled bid 
to use the crisis as an opportunity to gain market access for their exporters.  Developing Members  
seeking to shore up manufacturing capacity in medical products w ould require tariff protection for 
their nasc ent domestic industry. Further, job losses in many service sectors ha d to be compensated 
elsewhere. Therefore, India, like many other developing Members,  could not agree to permanent 
tariff concessions  and a dilution of the tariff bindings that they had paid for in the Uruguay Round.  
1.197.   There ha d also been a growing narrative that s ought  to prohibit the use of export restrictions 
on medical and agricultural products. Developing countries  being unable to mat ch the deep pockets 
of buyers in developed countries w ould see th ose products vanish in times of shortage. Export 
restrictions were a WTO -consistent policy tool that was important to prevent critical domestic 
shortages of food, medicine and equipment.  Those export restrictions should be  temporary and 
imposed responsibly taking into account the dependence of others. A more effective and lasting way 
of ensuring food and livelihood security of the most vulnerable and promoting sustainable agriculture 
trade wou ld be by agreeing to eliminate the historic asymmetries in the Agreement on Agriculture.  
If Members were serious about trade -related measures aimed at combating C OVID -19 then a useful 
starting point would be to enable the use of TRIP S flexibilities to ensu re access to essential 
medicines, treatments and vaccines at affordable prices. If additional temporary flexibilities were 
required to guarantee th at fundamental objective, so be it. Along with the flow of vital goods, the 
pandemic ha d also highlighted the  need for ensuring easier cross -border movement of medical 
professionals and need for multilateral initiatives in th at respect.  
1.198.   The COVID -19 pandemic ha d accelerated the shift to a digital economy and had thrown into 
sharp relief the gaping digital divide between developed and developing Members . Almost half the 
world 's population d id not have access to high speed broadband depriv ing them  of access to virtual 
platforms, telemedicine, distance education and e -payments  – emphasi sing the urgent need to build 
the capacity of developing and LDC  Members  in areas like digital skills and broadband infrastructure 
rather than negotiating binding rules on e -commerce, which w ould freeze the non -level playing field 
against their interests.  The economic hardship and other  negative repercussions of COVID -19 ma de 
carrying on with negotiations in a business -as-usual format untenable. As a responsible Member, 
India st ood ready to work constructively with other Members to protect human life and restore trade, 
global economic growth and jobs. Having agoni sed in the last few months of the pandemic at how 
people ha d been dying, Members should  urgently turn their attention to alleviating the terrible 
conditions in which so many were forced to live especially in the developing world . 
1.199.   The representative of Indonesia  associate d with the statement to be made by ASEAN. The 
COVID -19 pandemic ha d become a pressing global issue wh ere a ll Members were  struggling to 
contain. The battle ha d not reached its finish line since the global number of new cases was still WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  growing. According to the latest global forecast by WTO economists, global trade was expected to 
witness a steep fall in 2020 . It would undoubtedly have more impact on the developing and LDC 
Members which ha d huge population s to protect from th e ravaging pandemic. The role of the WTO 
was more prominent now , more than ever. Since  developing Members  such as  Indonesia were 
stretching  their public health system, the need to ensure equitable and affordable access to health 
had never been more demanding. The need for greater policy space was logical bearing in mind  the 
urgent matters of life and death . Full utilization of TRIPS flexibilities such as compulsory licensing or 
other possible means under the WTO rulebook could  be taken to ensur e adequa cy in health capacity 
to combat th e pandemic  and to  sustain people's livelihood.  
1.200.   The WTO's support in using the WTO Agreements  or in easing up WTO rules that  could  pose 
barriers to Members' effort in having the capacity to overcome the pandemic had become  even more 
important . Within th e unprecedented circumstance s, the WTO had  played a significant role in 
rescui ng millions of lives.  At the same time, several trade measures had been proposed  by Members 
to facilitate the flow of goods and services.  Calls for enhanced transparency and elimination of export 
restriction s on essential  goods such as food, medicine s and medical devices ha d also been made . 
Developing Members  with large population s had a specific set of problems to address particularly 
their livelihood priorities amid the COVID -19 health crisis  – making it  difficult to envisage any 
enhanced commitments to p ursue far reaching liberalization measures to be made by developing 
Members  during  this period.  
1.201.   The free flow of agriculture products should  be in line with the ability of Members to provide 
food security for its people and ensure the most vulnerable among them  could meet their demand 
for food. Reassessing trade in agriculture during th e crisis w ould also have serious risk that 
agriculture pro ducts w ould only go to those  with greater purchasing power leav ing vulnerable 
Members behind. While the overall impact of th e pandemic was beyond comprehension, th e crisis 
was temporary. Hence, any action to be taken  in the  organization in the context of t he battle against 
the pandemic should be tailored accordingly in order to ensure the fulfilment of Members' urgent 
needs. Indonesia st ood ready to cooperate and support the WTO in its effort s to play its key role in 
supporting Members in collectively overc oming the pandemic.  
1.202.   The representative of South Africa  said that COVID -19 was an unprecedented crisis. The 
economic activity globally ha d plummeted, unemployment ha d soared, inequality and poverty were 
expected to rise to record levels and up to 60 million  people were expected to live in extreme 
poverty. At worst, South Africa  was likely to lose 7 million jobs, adding to a 29.1% unemployment 
rate before the crisis. COVID -19 was likely to dwarf the financial crisis in economic damage from 
which the global ec onomy had never fully recovered from and w ould change the socioeconomic 
landscape.  Changes w ould therefore be needed in the multilateral trading system  to promote more 
inclusive economic growth and development.  Governments were working to calculate the magnitude 
of the shock and sharpening their tools not only to save lives but also to save economies from 
collapse. A new study by the World Health Organiz ation Regional Office for Africa f ound that 83,000  
to 190 ,000 people in Africa could die of COVID -19 and 29 million to 44 million could get infected in 
the first year of the pandemic if containment measures fail ed. 
1.203.   Like other Members, South Africa had  implemented measures aimed at promoting public 
health in accordance with the exceptions available in the WTO  which  include d the introduction of an 
export permit for essential medical products to fight COVID -19. Trade facilitative measures had also 
been impleme nted such as the submission of electronic SPS certificates. In areas where South Africa  
needed to facilitate access to essential medical supplies, a rebate had been  issued on a temporary 
basis based on the needs of the country. Th ose ha d been practical mea sures to address practical 
and urgent needs. At the G20 Ministers meetin g, the South African  Minister had made the point that 
while globalisation br ought  benefits, th e crisis ha d also pointed to the risks of over -dependence on 
global supply chains. South A frica support ed the multilateral, rules -based system as a means to 
build more resilient, diversified global supply  chains. International cooperation w ould need to be 
intensified. South Africa  value d it and want ed to be a strong and active partner. During t his period, 
Members should  avoid the temptation to pursue other agendas and narrow commercial interests.  
1.204.   South Africa  could not agree to proposals for global rulemaking that limit ed Members'  policy 
options to respond to the crisis, enhance their preparedness for future crises and  pursue their plans 
for economic recovery. It was not advisable to make binding decisions in a policy environment that 
was manifestly uncertain including on tariffs and export restrictions which were legal in the WTO 
under Art XI of GATT and Art 12 of A greement on Agriculture . Members that need ed to temporarily WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  reduce tariffs to ensure access to essential supplies were free to do so in accordance with their 
priorities. Members should preserve policy tools including tariffs  to address job losses, revive 
industries and build new sectors and capabilities. One -size-fits-all approaches were not always 
appropriate.  Measures implemented by Members should be targeted, temporary, transparent and 
proportionate and should not create u nnecessary barriers to trade and should  take into account the 
needs of net importers.  Transparency was important especially under the current circumstances, 
authoritative notification by Members themselves was what w ould promote access to reliable 
informat ion on measures.   
1.205.   The crisis ha d revealed strategic vulnerabilities and Members  should expect more efforts to 
diversify supply chains and promote domestic manufacturing at least in some sectors. Some 
Members were calling for strategic autonomy suggest ing a need for policy flexibility and signal ling 
that a rebalancing between global rules and national economic development imperatives was 
necessary and possible.  Importantly, it ha d highlighted the importance of the role of governments 
in the economy not only  to close the gaps and address market failure but to regulate in the public 
interest. South Africa  called for a temporary umbrella Peace Clause on all government measures 
implemented in the context of COVID -19. Its parameters c ould be an outcome of constru ctive 
discussions among Members. An effective response to the COVID -19 pandemic require d timely 
access to affordable medical products including diagnostic kits, PPE and ventilators. In th e present 
context of global emergency, it was important for Members t o work together to ensure that IP rights 
such as patents, industrial designs, copyright s and trade secrets d id not create barriers to the 
scaling -up of research, development, manufacturing and supply of medical products essential to 
combat C OVID -19.  
1.206.   Devel oping Members  were going to be disproportionately affected by the crisis, especially 
African countries. Members  should recogni ze the close interrelationship between finance, debt and 
trade. The large gap between the international support currently on offer and financing needs of 
developing Members would  therefore not only weaken the effectiveness of the immediate response 
to the c risis but would also delay the global economic recovery.  South Africa  reiterate d the urgent 
need for strengthening S&D T provisions which were critical to promote public health, accelerate 
industrialization, upgrade and moderni se manufacturing, promote tech nology transfer and close the 
digital divide to promote an inclusive digital economy. The G-90 proposals articulate d those aspects 
yet Members ha d not been willing to engage. Th e pandemic highlight ed the importance of S&D T for 
developing  and LDC Members and that matter should be taken up as a matter of priority.  
1.207.   The multilateral trading system should  support production -led growth, jobs and structural 
transformation. It should  address trade distorting domestic support as a matter of urgency so as to 
promote resilience in agriculture trade, food security and deliver on SDGs. Multilateral rules should  
enable Members  to respond to their specific development challenges. The trading system should 
rediscover the careful balance struck in the Preamble of the Marrake sh Agreement which state d in 
its opening that the Parties recogni zed that their relations in the field of trade and economic 
endeavo ur should be conducted with a view to raising standards of living, ensuring full employment 
and a large and steadily growing  volume of real income and effective demand, and expanding the 
production of and trade in goods and services. South Africa  support ed the multilateral, rules -based 
system as a means to build a more diversified global, regional and national manufacturing and  
productive capacity for trade.  
1.208.   The representative of Myanmar  associate d with the statement to be made by  ASEAN. 
Myanmar  share d the concerns about the challenges caused by the COVID -19 pandemic on the socio -
economic situation globally  and recogni zed the importance of coordinate d response to stabilise the 
economy and protect human life. As part of the Joint Ministerial Statement on Supply Chain 
connectivity, Myanmar stress ed the importance of the  central and indispensable role of  the WTO and 
affirm ed its commitment to ensure openness and connectivity of supply chains , trade facilitation of 
essential and medical goods and remov al of trade restrictive measures.  
1.209.   While working together towards a predictable and stable trade environment to support global 
recovery, Myanmar  urged international organizations and stakeholders to help MSMEs which were 
the most vulnerable and affected entities to overcome the challenges all Members  were facing and 
improve their access to trade finance and information. As a co -sponsor of the Joint Statement on 
MSMEs, Myanmar emphasise d the importance of working together to overcom e the crisis. As had 
been stated in the LDC Statement, Myanmar  request ed Members and other international 
organizations to support LDCs in their economic r ecovery as a result of th e pandemic.  WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  1.210.   The pandemic ha d shocked and had overwhelmed even resource -rich countries. The 
challenge it pose d to LDCs like Myanmar could be unmanageable. Despite limitations in its resources 
and healthcare capacity, Myanmar ha d so far been able to keep the virus under control. As the WHO 
representative in Myanmar had put it, the situation in Myanmar remain ed manageable. As of 14  May, 
Myanmar  had 181 total cases with six death s and 84 recoveries . Nobody c ould say for sure which 
direction it w ould go in the next few months. It depend ed on how Members  handle d the pandemic . 
The Myanmar G overnment's efforts ha d a twin objective: to contain the outbreak of COVID -19 and 
to mitigate its impact on the economy. Myanmar  had also mobilised the strength of its people as 
well as the support of friends and partners in its fight against the pandemic.  
1.211.   The Myanmar Government had set up a COVID -19 Fund for combatting the virus . As a result, 
there had been an outpouring of suppo rt in cash, kind and services from domestic well -wishers, 
volunteers, development partners and the international community including UN Agencies. Myanmar 
thank ed all of its development partners for their assistance. Myanmar  had set up measures to contain 
the virus by banning all entertainment, public gatherings  and religious activities and  by launch ing 
intensive public awareness campaign s on health guidelines.  In responding to the  pandemic , 
Myanmar called on Members to ensure that their measures be  temporar y, non -trade restrictive and 
should cause minimum disruption in regional and global travel and supply chains.  
1.212.   On its part, a nnouncements had been  made for the temporary adjournment of the new 
export licensing on rice from late March to the end of April with the view to balance local protection 
and consumption needs to ensure food security and to mitigate the impact o f COVID -19. The 
implementation  of the new export licensing measure had been resumed starting from 1 May 2020. 
Myanmar  reaffirmed its  commitment to the  rules-based multilateral trading system and assure d to 
abide by its rules in the context of its trade relations to foster international trade and development. 
With the enhanced solidarity and involvement of the international community, Members could 
overcome the pandemic . Myanmar express ed its deep appreciation to the Director -General for his 
continued valuable contribution in strengthening the WTO and the multilateral  trading system.  
1.213.   The representative of Fiji, on behalf of the Pacific Gro up, support ed the statements made by 
the ACP and the LDCs. Like many other Members, members of the Pacific Group were NFIDCs and 
depend ed heavily on imported food, medicines and medical equipment. Members of the  Pacific  Group 
and other small, island develo ping States were not only grappling  with the COVID -19 pandemic but 
also with other threats such as  climate change with four members of the Pacific Group fac ing the 
destruction of category 5 tropical cyclone Harold in the midst of their COVID -19 response. A ny export 
restriction measures at this stage only exacerbate d the situation of the members of the Pacific Group 
thus compromising their ability to provide the necessities to their communities. The Pacific Group  
therefore rel ied on keeping global supply chains working and urge d Members to exercise utmost 
restraint in implementing measures to restrict their exports on essential products.  
1.214.   For its part, the Pacific Group was doing what it c ould to maintain production and export of 
canned tuna for people across the globe during  uncertain times. Many Members recogni zed that 
additional facilitation was needed to accelerate trade in critical products particularly pharmaceuticals 
and medical equipment. So it was no surprise to see a wide range o f notifications on SPS and TBT.  
The Pacific Group was however  often reliant on its trading partners to police international quality 
standards since its own quality infrastructure was incomplete. The Pacific Group  urged Members to 
take a balanced app roach on th e issue. When it c ame to the supply of medical equipment, both 
speed and quality were critical. The Pacific Group  also thank ed those Members who ha d provided 
timely notifications of the new measures that ha d been necessary to respond to the pand emic. Th at 
truly was an important transparency mechanism which help ed the global trading system to adjust 
to trade exchange. The Pacific Group  encourage d Members that were yet to notify new measures to 
do so promptly but clarity was also vital. The Pacific  Group  encourage d all Members to make 
notifications as explicit and as accessible as they c ould. 
1.215.   The Pacific Group t ook note of Members' need to take exceptional measures to provide 
stimulus to manage the economic impact of COVID -19 but they should also be mindful not to allow 
some of th ose measures to become the new normal. Members should  ensure that th ose measures 
did not last longer than necessary and  try to minimi ze the unintended effects they had on the 
competitiveness of companies in small developing countries where similar support c ould not be 
provided. The world was not as prepared for COVID -19 as it would have been . The future agenda of 
the WTO w ould need to do its part to address gaps in the multilateral trading system that ha d been WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  highlighted by the crisis. For example, serious thought w ould need to be devoted in areas such as 
public stockholding, export restrict ions and TRIPS flexibilities.  
1.216.   The pandemic was unprecedented and ha d established a new paradigm shift in their 
economies and lives. The situation in fact test ed the resilience and inclusivity of the WTO and its 
Agreements. Members should not  therefore  be too hasty in their response to impose restrictions and 
other measures without careful assessment of its consequences especially on small and vulnerable 
Members. Members  needed to review the situation and put forth measures that ensure d the 
sustainability a nd inclusivity of th e multilateral institution that had withstood the test of time. The 
Pacific Group was also saddened by the planned departure of the Director -General. With his 
openness , inclusiveness and encouragement, small Members like those in the Pa cific Group were 
emboldened to add their voice and actively participate in the WTO. The Pacific Group commend ed 
him for his achievements during his seven -year service to the WTO.  
1.217.   The representative of Ukraine  said that t he unprecedented nature of the COVID -19 pandemic 
had once again highlighted the need for coordinated actions in response to global crises and revealed 
deficiencies and lacunae in the existing rules and disciplines governing international trade which 
played a pivotal role in ensuring glo bal food security.  Despite lessons learnt from previous global 
crises and adequate supplies of staple foods on international markets, Ukraine  had recently 
witnessed a disturbing number of export restrictions imposed on agricultural products by Members  
including large exporters of agricultural commodities.  Such export restrictive measures, even those  
which c ould be justified under WTO rules, disrupt ed regional and global supply chains, reduce d 
incentives to produce agricultural commodities, trigger ed increas es in prices, cause d price volatility, 
led to food shortages and ultimately jeopardise d global food security.  
1.218.   The COVID -19 pandemic ha d demonstrated that the existing WTO rules which provide d for 
flexibilities necessary to respond to emergency situations by means of imposing export restrictions 
lacked transparency requirements and disciplines needed to mitigate negative effects of such trade 
restrictive measure on importing Members and to avoid supply chain disruptions.  The nature of 
existing WTO notificat ion obligations on export restrictions including the scope and timeframes d id 
not reflect present -day needs and d id not provide Members with comprehensive, complete and 
timely information which was particularly valuable during times of crisis and indispens able for 
making well -informed decisions.  Ukraine  commend ed the efforts of international organi zations aimed 
at enhancing transparency through ensuring compliance with the existing notification obligations 
and information sharing and pledges made by Members  to refrain from imposing agriculture export 
restrictions and to ensure availability of updated and accurate information on levels of food 
production, consumption, stocks and prices including through existing international mechanisms.  
1.219.   In the absence of rel iable, timely and comprehensive market information, uncertainties in 
agricultural markets w ould persist brin ging about new unjustified export restrictions, panic buying 
and hoarding as the lack of information undermine d the ability of governments, traders,  producers 
and consumers to make informed decisions. Having adequate information was critical for 
governments and international organi zations for conducting proper analysis and assessment with a 
view to identifying and developing concerted actions to be ta ken to avoid or resolve disruptions to 
global supply chains.  Ukraine  recogni zed the instrumental role of international commodity 
organizations and the existing transparency mechanisms in th ose turbulent times in addressing the 
current market uncertainties  which were  likely to have the most damaging impact on low -income 
countries heavily depend ent on food imports.  
1.220.   Since nowadays three crops – rice, maize and wheat – provide d nearly two -thirds of the 
world's energy intake, information -sharing, analysis and monitoring taking place within the mandate 
of the International Grains Council was paramount. Enhanced information exchange between the 
WTO and th ose organi zations c ould contribute to reducing market uncertainties, avoiding disruptions 
to the global supply chains and food shortages and ensuring food security. Under the present 
circumstance s, it was necessary (i) to set a specific timeframe for submitting notifications on export 
restrictions imposed on agricultural products , (ii) to designate an international transparency 
mechanism for gathering and disseminating all information on productio n, consumption, stocks, and 
prices for major agricultural commodities  and measures affecting trade in th ose goods  and (iii) to 
decide on procedures for submission of th e information.  
1.221.   The representative of Viet Nam , on behalf of ASEAN , said that  the ASEAN L eaders had issued 
a declaration circulated in WT/GC/210 concerning  the Special ASEAN Summit on COVID -19 which WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  had taken place in April . The Declaration provided that  ASEAN was deeply saddened by the 
continuing loss of life and suffering caused by the pandemic. ASEAN  convey ed its sympathies to all 
that ha d been affected and commend ed the great contributions by medical professionals, healthcare 
workers and other frontline person nel. ASEAN  appreciate d the extensive measures and timely efforts 
of ASEAN Member States to combat the severe challenges of the pandemic. ASEAN  reaffirm ed its 
determination and commitment for further collaboration with the international community to control  
the threat of COVID -19 while mitigating its adverse impact on people's livelihood, societies and 
economies. ASEAN Member States remain ed committed to keeping their markets open for trade and 
investment  and would ensure that their critical infrastructure f or trade and trading routes via air, 
land and seaports remain ed open.  
1.222.   ASEAN  would preserve supply chain connectivity that provide d for trade to continue to 
ensure th e smooth flow of essential goods including medical, food and other essential supplies. 
ASEAN encourage d the development of post pandemic recovery plans to share lessons learned, 
restore connectivity, normal business and social activities and prevent potential economic impacts. 
In line with the latest declaration, the ASEAN Trade and Agricultura l Ministers' co -statement was 
also circulated in document WT/GC/210. ASEAN ha d resolved to refrain from actions that c ould 
create unnecessary inflationary measures or adversely impact on food security intervention and 
endeavour to ensure the availability o f basic goods and commodities. ASEAN  continue d to address 
non-tariff measures particularly those that impact ed the smooth flow of goods and services in supply 
chains and refrain from imposing new and unnecessary non -tariff measures in accordance with the 
rights and obligations under the WTO. ASEAN extend ed its appreciation to Switzerland and other 
Friends of the System for the Joint Ministerial Statement on COVID -19 and the Multilateral Trading 
System circulated in WT/GC/212.  
1.223.   On behalf of Viet Nam , Viet Nam reiterate d its commitment for strengthening the multilateral 
trading system and emphasise d the necessity and importance of international cooperation especially 
during th ose challenging times. Viet Nam ha d been strengthening collaboration with ASEAN, AP EC 
Member States a nd the international community from the v ery beginning and during the pandemic. 
Viet Nam  was pursuing a two -fold strategy of controlling the pandemic while ensuring social stability 
and economic roles.  Viet Nam  maintain ed an open market, facilitate d trade, sustain ed supply and 
production channels, retain ed jobs, prioritise d support to people and businesses suffering from the 
impact of COVID -19 especially MSMEs and promote d growth. Viet Nam therefore  co-sponsor ed the 
Statement on Highlighti ng the Importance of MSMEs in the time of COVID -19 circulated in document 
WT/GC/215. Viet Nam support ed the resumption of exchange of views and negotiations in the WTO 
for more coordinated action to cope with th e unprecedented situation.  
1.224.   The representative  of Cambodia  associated with the statements made by ASEAN and the 
LDCs and express ed concern over the C OVID -19 pandemic which ha d rapidly and substantially 
affected not only the health sector but also other sectors such as tourism, trade  and financ e, 
indus tries and the livelihood of people around  the world. Cambodia expressed its dee pest 
condolences  to the governments and families for the deaths  caused by COVID -19. Cambodia thanked  
Switzerland and other Friends of the System for the Joint Statement on COVID -19 and the 
Multilateral Trading System. Like other Members , Cambodia  had put in place some preventive 
measures to combat the pandemic. In collaboration with partner countries and international 
organizations such as the WHO, Cambodia remain ed committed to keep its country open for trade 
and investment even during those  challeng ing time s. In responding to COVID -19 and to secure food 
stocks in Cambodia, the Cambodian  Government had introduced a temporary export ban on rice  
which  would be lifted on 20 May 2020.  
1.225.   Several Members ha d also introduced some restrictive measures during th e pandemic. While 
recogni zing Members'  rights and obligations under the WTO Agreements and to safeguard  their 
people, society and economy,  Members should r efrain from unilateral action that could disrupt cross -
border trade and other economic activities ; by-pass to impose export prohibitions or restrictions on 
medical products and supplies and some basic food products which could impact the poor ; avoid 
discrimination ; support each  other by sharing experiences, information  and technology and by 
providing fina ncial resources  and find out in advance some concrete ways to restore the economy 
and society especially of the LDCs after the pandemic.  The Government of Cambodia continuously 
commit ted itself to collaborate with other Members and the international community to minimi ze the 
risk and to combat the spread of COVID -19.  WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  1.226.   The representative of Burkina Faso , on behalf of the C -4, the LDCs and the 36 African 
Country Cotton and Cotton Product Producers and/or Exporters , associate d with the stat ements 
made by the African Group, the LDC s, the ACP and the G -33. Among the dramatic consequences of 
the pandemic were the loss of human lives, the slowdown of economic activity, the fall in wages  and 
the increase in unemployment. To address th e unpreceden ted health crisis and its economic and 
social repercussions, several  Members ha d put in place exceptional measures. While some measures 
helped to effectively combat the spread of the pandemic and save lives, others create d barriers to 
cross-border trade in  essential medical and food products.  If COVID -19 would also affect  the 
agricultural raw materials sector, it would largely penali se the cotton sector.  The closure of borders, 
the slowdown in the activities of the textile industr y and  the closure of clothing businesses in many 
countries following lockdown measures  had created new difficulties for the cotton sector in addition 
to those related to the effects of trade -distorting domestic support . Between March and April 2020, 
world consu mption of cotton lint had fallen by 6.4% while cotton prices had fallen by 26.1% between 
January and April 2020. During the same period, imports and world cotton exports had fallen by 
6.6% and 6.8% respectively.   
1.227.   The strong disruptions in the productive ac tivities of the cotton sector during the pandemic 
jeopardised in the short and in the medium term the health, jobs and incomes of farmers in African 
countries particularly in LDCs. In C-4 countries, on average , 70% of the fibr e produced in 2020  was 
blocked  in factories , in transit or in ports,  and exposed to the sun and bad weather with the 
immediate effects of loss of quality and additional costs. The payment of producers being conditioned 
on the sale of cotton  had the direct consequence of destitution , over-indebtedness and the risk of 
famine for millions of people . Faced with th ose difficulties, the C -4 urged  Members to lift all restrictive 
trade measures to facilitat e the supply of essential  and medical  goods  and of food  and the export of 
agricultural co mmodities  particularly  cotton which remain ed one of the main sources of income and 
employment for several L DCs. As the export earnings from cotton  were essential to the economic 
recovery of th ose countries, the C -4 urge d the Secretariat to seek with the C -4 and other concerned 
Members the responses needed to build resilience and revitali se the cotton and textile sector.  The 
Aid for Trade initiative and the EIF would have to further support the economic recovery of Members 
especially the LDCs . For a more productive interaction with capitals, Members should  hold face -to-
face meetings on cotton while taking into account the global evolution of the pandemic.  
1.228.   The representative of  the Maldives  said that f or small island developing States and small and  
vulnerable economies like the Maldives driven largely by the tourism industry and heavily reliant on 
imports, the lockdown on COVID -19 pandemic ha d been a complete lockdown on the economy 
resulting in huge challenges.  The Government of Maldives ha d taken several policy measures to 
defeat COVID -19. The Maldives had  closed its borders, had stepped up healthcare response and had 
launched economic stimulus and relief packages to help income losses. Some of the economic 
initiatives include d facilitating trade by ensur ing smooth flow of goods and minimi zing disruptions 
on supply under restrictive measures, price controls on food items and exemptions of import duties 
on essential goods. The Maldives  had also launched a loan scheme for small and medium -sized 
enterprises with low interest and easier repayment period. Its efforts to build back better by working 
towards a more resilient economy was also in progress.  
1.229.   The Government of Maldives was collaborating with the private sector to le ssen the economic 
impact on the average citizen during th e pandemic. The Maldives ha d been able to implement th ose 
measures with generous bilateral, regional and multilateral assistance . The Maldives thank ed them 
all and highlight ed that export restriction s on medical supplies and essential medical equipment, as 
well as essential food items were impacting severely on the COVID -19 response strategies of 
countries such as the Maldives . The Maldives  recogni zed with appreciation the bilateral initiatives at 
that crucial time to facilitate trade and food security. The rules -based multilateral trading system 
needed to continue to guide trade facilitation and assure trade measures were targeted, transparent 
and proportional  – in short, WTO compliant.  The global pan demic require d a coordinated global effort 
to address th e extraordinary situation. Global trade was an important element of the global response 
to COVID -19 and the WTO play ed a key role for the benefit of all.  
1.230.   The representative of Zimbabwe  associate d with the statements made by the African Group 
and the ACP. Members were  meeting under circumstances different from those they had two and a 
half months ago  and had witnessed massive disruption to the work of the WTO as a result of the 
COVID -19 pandemic. Zimbabwe had a  TPR scheduled  for 25-27 March but was postponed as 
Switzerland ha d started to implement restrictive measures  due to the pandemic . Zimbabwe  stood 
ready to go through with th e process once the situation would allow . Zimbabwe t ook its obligations WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  under the WTO very seriously. In that regard and in accordance with their obligations on 
transparency and disclosure, on 16 April, the Government of Zimbabwe had notified the WTO on its 
trade -related measures enacted in response to COVID -19. Th ose measures were contained in the 
respective instrument 88 -2020 which was aimed at waiving import duty on essential goods imported 
for the purpose of combatting COVID -19. 
1.231.   Amid COVID -19, Members  were witnessing heightened protective tendencies and the reso rt 
to export restrictions on certain medicines  and PPEs, among others. While th ose interventions could 
be understandable given the current circumstances,  the export restrictions should be targeted, 
proportionate, transparent and temporary and should be rem oved once the COVID -19 pandemic ha d 
receded. On the proposals advocating for tariff and market liberalization in the context of the current 
crisis, Zimbabwe  caution ed against adopting binding rules during a crisis and instead advi sed that 
Members  hurried slowly in any negotiations on new binding commitments. Members'  preoccupation 
at the moment was to protect and support the more vulnerable among them. In th ose difficult times, 
the more vulnerable Members should not be pressured to make the difficult c hoice between saving 
lives and breeding their economies by trying to meet burdensome trade commitments. In view of 
the unusual circumstances , Zimbabwe  propose d the adoption of a Peace Clause or Moratorium which 
would protect Members from litigation in the DSB or  otherwise extraordinary but justified measures 
implemented to mitigate the health and economic consequences of COVID -19. 
1.232.   Access to affordable and safe medication, vaccines, medical equipment and technologies 
should  be a top priority. Conversations t o explore the exceptions and limitations to intellectual 
property rights under the TRIPS Agreement should  be undertaken. The compulsory licensing system 
had proven to be burdensome and need ed a re-look. COVID -19 had also brought about the 
importance of e -commerce in today's world. However, universal benefits from th e trading system 
could only be gained if  Members  bridge d the digital divide. The needs of developing and LDC 
Members on e -commerce should  be addressed. At a time w hen the COVID -19 pandemic was 
disrupting global supply chains and international trade,  the global economy w ould benefit immensely 
from positive signals and messages from the rules -based multilateral trading system.  
1.233.   The representative of  the Bahamas , speaking as an Observer , associated wi th the 
statements made by  CARICOM and the  ACP. COVID -19 had changed the world. The health crisis ha d 
morphed into an economic crisis with disruptive and devastating impact on the socio -economic 
systems of States. Its effects w ould be greater on the more vulnerable and was another sobering 
reminder of the interconnectedness  in the global village.  Predicti ons were that in 2020 global trade 
would decline by between 13 % and 3 2% and the global economy w ould contract by 3.2 %. 
Recogni zing the contagiousness of the virus, the Government of The Bahamas had acted decisively 
to contain its spread and limit fatalitie s. To date , there ha d been 96 confirmed cases and 11 fatalities.   
1.234.   On 24 March , its government had introduced emergency measures to protect the health and 
well-being of citizens, reduce the impact of the virus on the country 's fragile healthcare, social 
services and other essential service providers while assisting and protecting the most vulnerable and 
unemployed. Th ose measures included the closure of all sea and airports which had inevitably led 
to hotel closures; physical distancing , self-isolation and quarantine protocols; national curfews and 
lockdowns; closure of non -essential businesses; closure of schools and tertiary institutions 
necessitating online teaching; utilities, rent and mortgage deferrals; USD 20 million in short -term 
loan support to small businesses to minimi ze layoffs; unemployment benefits and food and school 
lunch programmes.  The policies implemented  were however expected to lead to a recession further 
exacerbating The Bahamas'  financial position and threatening fi scal sustainability plans. At a time 
when it could  need concessionary loans, the categorization of The Bahamas as a high -income country 
without considering its vulnerabilities or exogenous factors ma de it ineligible for such loans.  
1.235.   Tourism accounts for an estimated 50% of GDP, just under 50% of direct employment , and 
had a cascading impact across the broader economy. The United Nations World Tourism Organization  
predict ed that tourism w ould contract from 20% to 30%. While many economic sectors could  recover 
once restrictions were lifted, consumer confidence reduction and restrictions on the international 
movement of persons w ould negatively impact The Bahamas. The contraction in tourism and 
unplanned increase in government expenditure w ould also adversely impact The Bahamas'  foreign 
currency reserves, its ability to service external debt and its ability to pay for vital imports and 
access global capital markets. As a net food importer importi ng approximately 90% of its food, food 
security was a major concern.   WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  1.236.   While tourism was the largest sector of the economy, the threat of the blacklisting of the 
financial services sector, the second largest contributor to the Bahamian economy, by internat ional 
partners with whom it cooperate d, present ed another challenge for policymakers. At the same time , 
The Bahamas was still recovering from the most economically devastating natural disaster in its 
history, Hurricane Dorian, a category 5 hurricane which had struck in September 2019. The slow 
moving hurricane had effectively decimated economies which had taken decades to build, causing 
significant loss of life, millions of dollars in infrastructural damage, substantial revenue losses, high 
unemployment and  the displacement of thousands on the islands impacted. With another active 
hurricane seasons opening on 1 June, concerns mount ed for policymakers.  
1.237.   The challenges th e pandemic ha d underscored require d that international community to  
harness its collective imagination and talents to support each other  in order to successfully solve 
common challenges be it climate change or economic inequalities existing between States.  The 
Bahamas was an Observer  of the WTO, the organization comprising Members who negotiate d the 
rules to govern international trade. The WTO 's post COVID -19 response present ed an opportunity 
to see how Members  interpret ed those rules and their impact on vulnerable trading partners ; what 
policy  space, tools and flexibilities w ould be relied upon and how a developing country like The 
Bahamas given its vulnerabilities  would  fare when those rules were implemented.  
1.238.   The representative of Belarus , speaking as an Observer , commended  Director -General 
Azevêdo  for his valuable work since 20 13 which ha d also resulted in five new WTO accessions  and 
acknowledge d his personal engagement in support ing the advancement of negotiations on Belarus'  
WTO accession.  That day's  discussion ha d reconfirmed the importance of the multilateral trading 
system during such uncertain and difficult period. Multilateral approach, coordination and 
transparency were the key elements needed to overcome all the complexities growing from the 
pandemic. While being an observer government, Belarus  share d many of the concern s voiced by 
Members t hat day. Belarus support ed the WTO special register initiative and ha d already contributed 
information about national trade -related measures applied in response to the pandemic. All such 
measures should be targeted, proportionate, tran sparent, temporary, and should not create 
unnecessary barriers to trade.  Despite all current difficulties , Belarus  called upon the  Members to 
keep accessions among the WTO priorities during  this and the post-COVID  period . 
1.239.   Accessions were vital for the WTO to reconfirm its relevance and openness for further 
enlargement that would make its Membership truly universal. On 30 April , Belarus had chaired the 
first virtual meeting of the Informal Group of Acceding Governments. Many countries, i ncluding 
Belarus, had voiced support for multilateralism and had reconfirmed their commitment to continue 
accession negotiations.  Belarus remain ed fully committed to the earliest accession to the WTO and 
was ready to finali se the negotiations at mutually a cceptable terms. Belarus  had to postpone its 
thirteen th Working Party meeting scheduled for 24 March despite  everything  had already be en 
prepar ed and the airgram already issued . To move  its accession process forward , Belarus was ready 
to address the remain ing concerns regarding the Working Party Report, market access and 
plurilateral issues through consultations and negotiations with members of the Working Party.  
1.240.   The representative of Uzbekistan , speaking as an Observer , said that, c oncerning measures 
impos ed on economic sectors in Uzbekistan during the COVID -19 pandemic, the Government of 
Uzbekistan was making  its best efforts to minimi ze the economic aftermath of the global pandemic 
of the country's foreign trade and to successfully maintain  foreign and domestic business within the 
country. The Republic's Anti -Crisis Commission was formed to promote operative solutions and 
implement meas ures for the provision of macroeconomic stability, uninterrupted operation of 
industries and economic sectors, to stimulat e foreign economic activity and for the prevent ion of  a 
sharp decline in the country's aggregate income. Measures ha d been taken by th e Government of 
Uzbekistan such as creating the Anti-Crisis Fund with the shared capital of more than USD 1  billion 
to support entrepreneurship, employment, infrastructure projects and the national investment 
programme. More than USD 3  billion of renewable  revolving credit facilities to business es were made 
available for the private sector to avoid liquidity gap s and for the continued production of consumer 
and medical product s. Business es were allowed to export goods without payment guarantees.  There 
had b een have a lot measures taken in Uzbekistan and it had  provided the Secretariat relevant 
information on what was going on in its business sector and related issues during the pandemic.  
1.241.   Regarding its accession process to the WTO, as had been rightly mention ed by Belarus, 
Uzbekistan  was also interested in holding a third Working Party Session as soon as possible. The 
Government of Uzbekistan attach ed great importance to an early resumption of the Working Party WT/GC/M/183  
 
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  after merely fifteen years of inactivity. Since l ast summer, Uzbekistan ha d circulated a 
comprehensive s et of documentary inputs including those circulated the previous week and had a lso 
highlight ed its robust commitment in joining the WTO based on market reforms. There was already 
sufficient documentary base to hold the third meeting of the Working Party as had been mentioned 
by the Chair of its Working Party  in his  letter circulated  on 14 May  among the  members of the 
Working Party. Uzbekistan  convey ed its strong desire to hold the fourth meeting at the earliest 
possible date including in virtual format. Uzbekistan was  working with the Secretariat regarding the 
technical and logistical feasibility in org anizing a Working Party meeting virtually. Once again, 
Uzbekistan encourage d Members to consider engaging  in some parallel bilateral market access 
negotiations directly with Tashkent as soon as possible.  
1.242.   The Chairman9 noted that it had  been a very informat ive and useful discussion  with some 
65 delegations t aking  the floor  which was  a record for the General Council in the last seven years. 
That was a credit to all delegations participating and also to the Secretariat for facilitating th e 
platform. But th e discussion d id not end t hat day. Regrettably, Members  would be living with the 
consequences of the COVID -19 pandemic for some time ahead.  The need for health protection of 
people around the world clearly remain ed the urgent priority and many  delegations  had noted the 
importance of trade in that context – to keep markets open in order to facilitate the flow of essential 
medical goods as well as agricultural and food products. The adverse impact of the crisis on the  
world economy and the severe economic downturn ha d also been widely evoked in the discussion 
that day, together with the many different policy dimensions to the response and the recovery.  
1.243.   Going forward, and as governments consider ed options for immediate  responses to the 
COVID -19 crisis, as well as long -term ones, their biggest challenge in the trade sphere was to ensure 
that trade policies, and the work that they did as Members of the WTO, were part of the solution to 
assist and support that recovery. As  many ha d said, it was important that emergency measures d id 
not have the unintended consequences to further aggravate the global economic crisis down the 
road which underline d the need to consider using the least harmful trade policy instruments and to 
adopt a coordinated and cooperative approach in addressing the global challenges they were facing.  
1.244.   As many had also emphasi sed, as governments look ed ahead and implement ed the 
necessary policies for recovery, multilateral cooperation was more important than ever. A crisis of 
that magnitude – unprecedented in their lifetime – could best be addressed through the international 
community enhancing cooperation and coordination, including at the WTO. As a Member -driven 
organization, there c ould not have been a more  important moment in  its 25-year existence as one 
delegation had  put it t hat day, for Members to "step up and drive ". He looked forward to continued 
exchange of views and sharing of information like the one they had had t hat day, in th at and in 
other appropriate formats.  
1.245.   The General Council took note  of the statements10. 
1.246.   In concluding, the  Chairman noted that,  as he had  said on 14 May  during the Informal HOD s 
meeting and further to the decision announced by the Director -General to step down as of  31 August, 
he intend ed to immediately engage with Members and initiate as soon as possible a process for the 
appointment of a new Director -General, as set out in the guidelines for the appointment of Directors -
General contained in WT/L/509. He would shortly send out a communication to all Members and in 
line with the guidelines, he would also be consulting with Members to look at establishing expedited 
deadlines as necessary, given the very limited time before 1 September.  
1.247.   He then confirmed  that, as noted in a communication sent to all delegations th at week, the 
next regular General Council meeting w ould take place as scheduled, on Friday 29 May , in virtual 
format. The airgram with the list of items for the agenda for the meeting w ould close on Monday 
18 May, close of business, and w ould be circulated on Tuesday 19 May. Technical and logistical 
arrangements w ould be communicated in due course.  
 
_______________   
 
9 See JOB/GC/228.  
10 At their request, the statement s of Chad (LDCs) and of Libya (Observer) are incorporated in the minutes 
of this meeting and can be found in the annex of this document.  WT/GC/M/183  
 
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ANNEX  
 
At their request, the following statements are incorporated in the m inutes of this special virtual 
meeting: Chad (LDCs) and Libya (Observer).  
 
 
1. Chad (LDCs)  
 
I take the floor on behalf of the LDC Group, and I thank the Chair for convening this meeting of the 
General Council to discuss the trade -related measures taken by several Members in the context of 
the C OVID -19 pandemic.  As such, the LDC Group recently submitted a communication to all 
Members, on 4 May, specifically on trade measures taken by WTO Members since the outbreak of 
the crisis.  
 
In recent months , several go vernments have adopted a series of protective measures to slow down 
the progression of the COVID -19 pandemic and avoid the collapse of their domestic health care 
system. Some of these measures imply trade restrictions and can affect the LDCs' access to crit ical 
medical goods and basic food products.  
 
In April 2020, the World Customs Organization  produced with the support of the WHO "an indicative 
list" of medical supplies used during the COVID -19 pandemic. As we explained in our communication 
circulated earl ier this month, the LDCs do not always domestically produce these products and 
equipment. Most of our countries are dependent therefore on imports from abroad to protect the 
health of our populations and combat the pandemic.  
 
Of course, our Group is aware of the WTO rules which stipulate, under the GATT Agreement, that 
Members have the right to adopt temporary export restrictions and prohibitions to prevent or relieve 
critical shortages of essential products. Naturally, we unde rstand that Members seek to ensure the 
fundamental protection of their citizens.  
 
However, in this period of unprecedented and universal health crisis, it is also essential to ensure 
that those measures are not implemented at the expense of the most fragi le Members, including the 
LDCs, at the risk of seeing the virus spread and settle sustainably in our world which has become 
interdependent humanly and economically.  
 
Thus, as we expressed in our written submission, and at the last TNC meeting, the LDC Grou p 
request s that export prohibitions or restrictions not be imposed with respect to those products 
identified by the WHO and the WCO as critical to combat the COVID -19 pandemic, when such 
products are exported to LDCs for our domestic use or for humanitaria n purposes.  
 
We also encourage Members to expedite and facilitate the flow and transit and departure of these 
products in accordance with their WTO obligations under the Trade Facilitation Agreement.  
 
We know that every country in the world is trying to mo bilise their resources to alleviate the impact 
of the illness and save lives. In this context, we reiterate our call to developed and developing 
countries to refrain as much as possible from imposing measures on products exported to LDCs.  
 
All Members taki ng measures should follow WTO rules not to use the measures as a disguised 
restriction on trade.  
 
Beyond the medical and pharmaceutical products that we listed in the appendix to our 
communication of 4 May, several WTO Members have also imposed export rest riction or prohibitions 
on certain basic food products such as wheat, rice, or sugar, in response to a perceived risk of critical 
shortage.  
 
As observed during the 2007 -2008 food price crisis, such measures if implemented massively could 
impact import -dependent countries and particularly the LDCs' ability to purchase food and meet their 
domestic demand. To prevent such a situation, our call for unrestricted or prohibited exports also 
covers basic food products that the LDCs need to ensure the food of their  population.  WT/GC/M/183  
 
- 49 - 
 
   
Once again, the LDC Group recogni zes the need for any country to guarantee health and food 
protection for its people. But, as long as domestic stocks and production capacities remain existing, 
the LDCs call for solidarity, in this tragic per iod, and not to restrict or prohibit exports of medical 
products or basic food products purchased by LDCs or for humanitarian purposes.  
 
Finally, as we envisage possible post -crisis scenarios, Members and the WTO Director -General are 
also requested to collaborate with other international organizations to support the LDCs in their 
economic recovery as a result of this pandemic including thro ugh continuous support under the EIF, 
the Aid for Trade initiative and other programmes.  
 
2. Libya (Observer)  
 
Libya aligns itself with the statement made for the African Group presented by Her Excellency , the 
Ambassador of Botswana.  
 
As we all deal with the challenges of the COVID -19 pandemic  and its shattering impact on the global 
healthcare, economic and financial systems , we are reminded, as it appears to be obvious, that the 
world has yet to be able to put its hands around the ripple effect of this pandem ic and what it has 
caused and continues to do so.  
 
While we are all deeply concerned at the rapid spread of the pandemic, and as the world calls for 
solidarity to fight it, my country is facing this serious public health threat in a most challenging way.  
The COVID -19 pandemic in Libya is stretching the already fragile and volatile Libyan healthcare 
system beyond imagination. This whilst the Libyan Government is enduring for over a year now an 
armed conflict triggered by an act of aggression on many of the cities, including the capital, in what 
has become very clear to be a failed coup d 'état attempt for authoritarian ambitions supported by 
certain external regional and international state intervention  in a proxy war aimed at seizing and 
handing power ou tside the  democratic and legal process and in a flagrant violation to national and 
international laws.  
 
My country, Libya, throughout history and time, has played an important role in being a bridge in 
global trade and commerce because of its geopolitical location and resources. Today, more than any 
time in the past, Libya is well positioned to play a constructive role as countries look for ways to 
reignite its economies. Libya has the means to be an economic engine to economically help the 
entire region. T his partnership role is direly needed for the security and stability of Libya, 
neighbo uring countries and the region.  
 
The internationally recogni zed Government of National Accord that has assumed its authority and 
legitimacy through the Libyan, UN -brokere d, political agreement of Skheirat stands ready to 
collaborate with Member States and the UN through the ever so needed channels of multilateralism, 
to solidify economic stability and prosperity in Libya to benefit all Libyans, neighbo uring countries 
and the region.  
 
Libya calls on the WTO and its Members to take a direct and more engaging role in securing peace 
in Libya for the benefit of all. As responsible global community members, we all have a duty and 
share in the responsibility to end armed conflicts  particularly during a pandemic such as the COVID -
19 and work together to address the severe economic problems we face together today.  
 
To conclude, I would remind us all, if the COVID -19 pandemic proved one thing to us, it is that we 
are all in this toget her. We either make it together or we all sink . 
 
In the spirit of solidarity and peace.  
 
My wishes to all to stay well and safe.  
 
__________  