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WT/COMTD/LDC/M/9 2 
 
19 May 2022 
(22-3850) Page: 1/14 
Sub-Committee on Least Developed Countries  
Ninety -Second  Session    
 
 
NOTE ON THE MEETING OF 16 FEBRUARY 2022  
Chairperson: Ambassador Kirsti Kauppi  (Finland ) 
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  ................................ ................................ ....................  1 
B. MARKET ACCESS FOR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES OF EXPORT INTEREST TO  
LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES (WT/COMTD/LDC/W/69)  ................................ ...............  1 
C. SUPPORT PROVIDED TO LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES IN THE AREA OF  
DIGITAL TRADE: BRIEFING BY THE WORLD BANK  ................................ ...........................  6 
D. WTO TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING TO LEAST DEVELOPED  
COUNTRIES: ORAL REPORT BY THE SECRETARIAT  ................................ ...........................  9 
E. UN CONFERENCE ON THE LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES (LDC5): UPDATE BY  
THE UN OFFICE OF THE HIGH REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE LEAST DEVELOPED 
COUNTRIES, LANDLOCKED DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND S MALL ISLAND  
DEVELOPING STATES (UN -OHRLLS)  ................................ ................................ ...............  12 
F. SOUTH -SOUTH DIALOGUE ON LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES AND  
DEVELOPMENT, HELD IN MONTR EUX, SWITZERLAND, 16 -17 SEPTEMBER 2021:  
ORAL REPORT BY THE COORDINATOR OF THE LDC GROUP  ................................ ............  14 
G. OTHER BUSINESS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 14 
 
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  
1. Opening the meeting, t he Chairperson  thanked Members for electing her as the Chair of the 
Sub-Committee on Least Developed Countries (hereinafter the Sub -Committee).  She said that the 
agenda of the meeting was contained in document WTO/AIR/COMTD/LDC/19 . 
2. The agenda was adopted . 
B. MARKET ACCESS FOR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES OF EXPORT INTEREST TO LEAST 
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES (WT/COMTD/LDC/W/69)  
3. The Chairperson  recalled that f ollowing the Work Programme for the L east Developed 
Countries (L DCs), the Secretariat ha d been preparing annual reports to facilitate the review of 
market access for LDCs. The latest report was contained in document WT/COMTD/LDC/W/69 , and 
was issued in October 2021. She invited the representative of the Secretariat to present an overview 
of the findings  of the report . 
4. The representative of the Secretariat  (Economic Research and Statistics Division)  said that his 
presentation would include both  medium -term trends as well as most recent developments  in 
LDC trade .  
5. He reported that in 2020, LDC exports of goods dropped by 12% to USD  173 billion, and 
exports of services  decreased  by 35% to USD 28 billion.  He highlighted that t he share of LDCs in 
world exports of goods and commercial services increased slightly from 0.9 5% in 2011 to 0.96% in 
2019, but due to the pandemic fell to 0.91% in 2020.  While the share of LDCs' goods exports dropped 
from 1.05% in 2019 to 1.01% in 2020, the share of LDCs' commercial services trade collapsed from 
0.70% in 2019 to 0.57% in 2020.  WT/COMTD/LDC/M/9 2 
 
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  6. In 2011, LDCs' trade balance in goods was slightly positive, while the trade deficit in 
commercial services stood at USD  40.7 billion. In 20 20, LDCs'  trade deficit was almost 2.5 times 
higher than in 2011 . However, LDCs' overall trade deficit marginally impro ved from USD  98.9 billion 
in 2019 to USD 98.8 billion in 2020  as LDCs' imports of goods decreased more than their exports. 
While  during the past decade  only the LDC oil exporters had a positive trade balance, in 2020 only 
the LDC exporters of non -fuel mine rals showed a trade surplus.  
7. He emphasi zed that e nergy prices were important for merchandise trade of LDCs  in nominal 
terms , because fuels constitute d a big part of LDCs' total exports. From 2019 to 2020, energy prices 
dropped by 31%, while prices of other product groups remained stable or even slightly increased : 
exporters of minerals and non -ferrous metals  as well as  food saw an increase in prices by 5% and 
2%, respectively.  
8. The share of primary products in total exports of LDCs decreased from 73% in 2011 to 48% 
in 2020 , in particular as the share of fuels in LDCs' merchandise exports went down from 53% to 
19%, respectively . On the other hand, the shar e of manufactured products increased from 22% in 
2011 to 42% in 2020 , mainly due to clothing products  whose share increased  from 13% to 31% 
during that period . The change in the product composition of exports also included  a relative effect 
linked  to the d ecline in fuels  exports .  
9. He continued by presenting quarterly trade data, showing that w orld trade plunged in the 
first half of 2020 as the global economy was shaken by the COVID -19 pandemic. Based on the 
reported quarterly import data of 99 economies, the value of LDCs' merchandise exports fell by 30% 
year-on-year in the second quarter of 2020 – with exports of fuels and mining products affected the 
most (-40%), followed by exports of manufactured goods ( -35%).  The third and fourth quarters o f 
2020 continued to show negative rates, but at smaller magnitudes  (-10% in Q3 and -2% in Q4).  
10. Turning to the year 2021, he pointed out that t he first quarter show ed signs of recovery, with 
a total year -on-year growth of 3%, and exports of fuels and minin g products growing the most 
(+5%) – also due to increased prices. However,  manufactures recorded a decline by 2%.  The 
second  quarter saw strong year -on-year increases for all product groups, especially for fuels and 
manufactures , partially due to a base -effect, as figures for the reference quarter (Q2 2020) had 
been extremely low.  The third quarter of 2021 show ed a continu ed recovery, with an overall 
year-on-year increase of 21% for LDC exports.  
11. Preliminary  estimates based on partner import data indicate d that for the period of January 
to September 2021, most LDCs were able to increase their merchandise exports ; only 7 LDCs show ed 
year-on-year export decreases, namely South Sudan ( -29%), Comoros ( -24%), the Central African 
Republic ( -8%), Mali ( -6%), The Gambia ( -5%), the Solomon Islands ( -5%) and Cambodia ( -4%).  
12. With respect  to services trade, he said that t he COVID -19 pandemic and associated restrictions 
had interrupted a decade of rapid services exports g rowth in LDCs. LDC services exports dropped 
from USD  43.0 billion in 2019  to USD  27.9 billion  in 2020 . The decline was largely driven by 
collapsing travel exports and a contraction of transport services.  LDCs' commercial services exports 
represented a shar e of only 14% of LDC total exports  in 2020 , compared to 18% in 2019. 
13. Travel exports, covering foreign tourists' expenditure s in services and goods during their stay 
in LDCs , dropped by 62% to USD  7.7 billion  in 2020 . Nevertheless, LDC participation in global travel 
exports remained stable at 1.4% in 2020, as the sharp decline affected all economies worldwide.  
Exports of the transport sector decreased by 16%, other commercial services by 7% , but 
goods -related services i ncreased by 4%.  
14. The prospects of recovery of LDC services exports appeared rather weak . Travel , transport 
and other services  exports for January -June 2021 were 67% , 9% and 5%  below pre -pandemic 
levels, respectively . He concluded that it would t ake longer for services trade to recover from the 
pandemic . 
15. The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDC Group , congratulated the Chair on her 
election . He also  thanked her predecessor, Ambassador Monique T.G. Van Daalen (Netherlands) , for 
her contribution to the work of the Sub -Committee . He said that t he Secretariat's report showed 
how the COVID -19 pandemic ha d negatively impacted exports of goods and services from LDCs.  WT/COMTD/LDC/M/9 2 
 
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  16. He noted that the export base of LDCs was  narrow, and  composed mainly of products with 
low added value. He underlined that o il exports constitute d the largest share of total LDC exports , 
such that t he slightest fluctuation in oil prices affect ed total export s of LDCs. On market 
diversification , he noted  that t he export destinations  for LDC products remain ed concentrated a t the 
top ten trading partners , represent ing 83.4% in 2011 and 78.4% of total LDC exports in 2020. He 
highlighted  that LDC services exports fell  by 35%  in 2020 , as travel and transport services  exports 
decreased sharply . He argued that LDCs were unable to take full advantage of the market access 
for LDC services and service suppliers granted by several developed and developing countrie s. 
17. He stated that the COVID -19 pandemic ha d undermined the efforts made by LDCs for several 
years . The  LDCs need ed full support from their development partners to be able to adjust to the 
pandemic and to build resilient economies. He concluded by requesting the Secretariat to present 
an update of the overall assessment of the impact of the pandemic on LDC trade.  
18. The representative of Bangladesh  highlighted  that between 2011 and 2020, exports of goods 
and services of the LDCs decreased more than the exports of other developing economies  and that 
the target of the Istanbul Program me of Action (IPoA) for doubling LDCs ' share in global  trade by 
2020, h ad not been fulfilled. He recalled that LDCs collectively account ed for only 1% of global trade.  
19. He said that d uring the years 2020 and 2021, the pandemic had been causing reversals in 
development and had been impeding efforts in ending extreme poverty. Referring to World Bank 
estimates , he stated that around 100 million more people were living on less than USD 1.90 a day  
because of the pandemic . The lockdown and other sanitary measures had put severe pressure on 
the economies worldwide , and LDCs were particularly hard hit. In many LDCs, children ha d not been 
able to attend schools. There were challenges of affordable  and timely access to vaccines and 
therapeutics for the treatment and containment of COVID -19 and its variants.  
20. As these ch allenges had arisen  in addition  to the perpetual other socio -economic struggles in 
the LDCs , he urged  WTO Members to undertake more affirmative actions for the LDCs. In this regard, 
he pointed out that t he Secretariat 's report show ed that the proportion of LDC products enjoying 
duty-free market access ha d substantially increased since 2005, the year of the adoption of the 
Hong Kong Ministerial Decision on duty -free and quota -free (DFQF) market access for LDC products ; 
it increased fro m 48% in 2005 to 66% in 2019 , representing an increase by 18 percentage points 
over 14 years. Acknowledging  that most developed -country Members, and a number of 
developing -country Members, offer ed full or almost full duty -free access to the beneficiaries o f their 
LDC schemes, h is delegation request ed preference -granting Members to improve their LDC schemes 
and allow more access for products originating in LDCs. In addition, he urged  Members to help 
effectively operationalize the LDC services waiver , includi ng going beyond the notification obligation.  
21. He went on to flag  two points on the report: First, he asked for clarification on the inclusion 
of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in the section on non -reciprocal LDC preference 
schemes of the rep ort, as well as  on the basis for the calculation of the duty -free tariff line coverage 
under this scheme. Second , he noted that the Secretariat's report was published on 27  October 2021 
and could not capture the full picture of 2021. His delegation therefore requested the Secretariat to 
report to the LDC Sub -Committee on a fuller picture of the trade situation of LDCs  during the 
pandemic.  
22. The representative of Cambodia  made three  observations on the report: First, he stressed  
that the pandemic ha d a disproportionate impact on the LDCs. He noted with concern that the LDCs ' 
share in global exports of goods and commercial s ervices remain ed below 1% despite special and 
differential treatment and other support measures provided to the LDCs. Second, although there 
was diversification happening in LDCs between 2011 and 2020, LDCs ' export structure was still 
dependent on primary products and clothing. In addition , their exports were highly concentrated in 
a small number of markets. Third, LDC services exports showed a negative growth of -35% in 2020, 
which was more pronounced  than for the rest of the world  (-20%) . This was mainly due to the 
decrease in international tourist arrival . Tourism had been  the most important services export sector 
for many LDCs.  
23. Acknowledging that  trade was an important tool for LDCs in terms of growth and recovery 
from the pandemic , he underlined that Members needed  to fully utilize the special and differ ential 
treatment  under the WTO, including the implementation of DFQF  market access  and the LDC services 
waiver. In addition, Members needed  to solve issues with non-tariff measures such as sanitary and WT/COMTD/LDC/M/9 2 
 
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  phytosanitary measures ( SPS) and rules of origin to en sure full utilization of preferential market 
access. Finally, Members  also needed to address the issue of smooth transition of LDCs  that were 
on the path of graduation from LDC status  to ensure continued development.  
24. The representative of the United States  said that the United States  had numerous  programmes  
to assist the LDCs. In addition to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), the full scope of 
United States preference programmes encompasse d AGOA, the Caribbea n Basin Initiative (CBERA), 
including the Haiti/HOPE Programme,  and the Nepal Preference P rogramme.  She highlighted that 
the United States  imported USD 24 billion worth of LDC goods  in 2021 , three  quarters of which were 
labour -intensive  manufacturing products such as clothing, shoes, furniture and toys ; a fifth of this 
total, USD 4.9 billion, was under preference programmes , including GSP, AGOA, Haiti/HOPE and the 
Nepal Preference Programme . She noted that AGOA and Haiti/HOPE had wide co verage, far beyond 
GSP. She further noted that the United States'  duty-free coverage for the 24 LDC beneficiaries of 
AGOA exceed ed 97% of its tariff lines. She underlined that the United States'  preferential trade 
programmes  remain ed an important tool in s upporting LDCs as they build resilience to emerge from 
the pandemic economic crisis.  
25. She also n oted that t he manner in which U nited States'  preference programmes  were reflected 
in the Secretariat's report had been a long -standing issue . Her delegation  believe d that the report 
did not reflect the true value of the preference programmes  of the United States , specifically the 
figures presented for duty -free market access under LDC schemes  in the United States . Her 
delegation was of the view that  data presented in tables 4 and 5, as well as  annex table 6 of the 
Secretariat's report did not adequately capture the full scope of United States preference 
programmes for LDCs.   
26. The representative of Chad emphasi zed that a reason why LDCs experienced a s tronger 
economic shock than other Members stemmed from the concentration of LDC exports on a few low 
value -added goods and services. He urged Members to consider options on  how LDCs could 
accelerate their industrialisation, diversification, level of produc t processing and support for  micro, 
small and medium -sized enterprises (MSMEs ).  
27. He shared the observation that the more t echnologically advanced countries  that made use of 
digital tools were coming out of th e COVID -19 crisis well placed , while exports of LDC products 
remained weak , including due to shortcomings in the use of digital tools. He noted that t he digital 
sector  could be a significant lever for LDCs' economies ; but that LDCs lacked adequate  infrastructure . 
Referring to the presentation of the World Bank under agenda item C, he emphasi zed the need to 
consider how to help LDCs in the digital  sector.  
28. He reaffirmed that millions of people ha d been pushed into extreme poverty during the 
pandemic, with a vast majority living in L DCs. The role of trade remain ed highly important  and c ould 
bring about swifter recovery . He invited reflection of Members  on how support c ould be given so 
that LDCs could return  to their pre -crisis trade performance ; what sectors could be of interest to 
strengthen LDCs' competitiveness ; and how to decrease LDCs' export concentration  in the mining 
and oil industr ies. 
29. The representative of Senegal  stated that an increase in market access had been observed 
since 2005 , while exports from LDCs remained at a  low level. He noted that many LDCs were 
exporters of primary commodities. The products associated with increased processing often had 
been facing non -tariff barriers. In addition, restrictions due to the pandemic had h ampered 
LDC exports.  
30. The representative of the Republic of Korea  noted  that the Secretariat's report showed that 
Korea was among the top ten export destinations for LDC manufactures , fuels and mining products. 
Exports of agricultural products to Korea had grown  at an annual average of 6 % between 2011 and 
2021. Yet, the share of LDC products in Korea 's total imports remain ed small . 
31. He reiterated  that Korea provide d DFQF treatment to over 90 % of its tariff lines for 
LDC products ; in addition, reaching  97% coverage  remain ed work in progress. He underscored that 
expand ing Korea's  DFQF coverage from 1.8% right after the WTO Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration  
to 95% in 2012 had not been a straightforward process. P artly due to revisions to the H armonized 
System  (HS) codes at the World Customs Organization , the DFQF coverage reduced to 93.3%. This WT/COMTD/LDC/M/9 2 
 
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  figure did not correspond to the one presented in the report (89.9%) . He, therefore , asked the 
Secretariat to clarify the methodology used in presenting the DFQF covera ge of Members .  
32. Recalling  the intervention s made by the delegations of Bangladesh and Cambodia , he 
wondered whether  the important topic  of extending support measures for graduated LDCs ha d to 
proceed in a top-down  manner through the General Council, without sufficient deliberations about 
its implications in the Sub -Committee . Referring to the suggested extension of LDC benefits to 
graduated LDCs by 6 to 12 years , he asked for existing analyses that would justify  such a 
recommendation. He continu ed to argue that it would be important for the Sub -Committee to provide 
more information for Members to better understand the legitimate grounds on which changes were 
being sought for the purposes of graduated LDCs . He noted that guidelines on LDC accessions were 
developed under the aegis of the Sub -Committee. Similarly, discussions on a various elements of 
the LDC proposal on graduation at the Sub -Committee would be useful.  
33. The representative of China  express ed concern that b etween 2011 and 2020, exports of goods 
and services of the LDCs and their share in global exports had decreased . In this regard, she quoted 
WTO Director -General Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala , stating that "decreased export revenues mean job 
losses and economic distress for people, along with increased financial and debt pressures for 
governments. "1 
34. She said that over the past decade, China ha d been a major destination of LDCs ' products . In 
addition, it had contributed over USD  7.8 million to the WTO un der the Aid -for-Trade initiative , 
focusing mainly on LDCs ' capacity -building and technical assistance. During the past decade , 
13 young interns from LDCs had been  funded by China 's LDCs Accession Programme  (the "China 
Programme") , many of them had become p art of accession negotiating teams , or the WTO team, or 
joined institutions as trade professionals engaged in WTO -related affairs. So far, t en China Round 
Tables ha d been held  on accession and post -accession themes including experience sharing . The 
China Programme had also funded LDCs ' participation in 31 WTO meetings, of which 16 activities 
were directly related to the D irector -General 's Consultative Framework Mechanism on Cotton.  
35. She stated that in November 2021, Pres ident Xi Jinping declared at the Opening  Ceremony  of 
the Eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China -Africa Cooperation that China would  further 
increase the scope of products enjoying zero -tariff treatment for the LDCs  having diplomatic relations 
with China  to 98% of its tariff lines. She informed that China ha d notified this preferential policy to 
related LDCs.  
36. The representative of  the United Kingdom  said that the United Kingdom  would  launch a trading 
scheme  later in 2022  aiming  to be more ambitious than the current provisions , recognizing the 
positive impact that trade could have in reducing poverty and achieving sustainable development in 
LDCs. The scheme w ould continue to offer DFQF  access to the UK market for LDCs and would look 
at further liberali zing rules of origin requirements for LDCs. This should promote greater trade 
between the LDCs and the UK, in turn supporting the former  to recover from the impacts of the 
COVID -19 pandemic . He concluded by thanking all Members  that contributed to consultations  
concerning their trading scheme  that took place during 2021.  
37. The representative of Cambodia  responded to the representative of the Republic of Korea  on 
the graduation proposal  by the LDC Group . He stressed that t he proposal was a market access 
proposal, seeking for preference -granting Members to continue preferential market access beyond 
the graduation date on a voluntary basis, without asking for any strict obligation s. Also the length 
for providing this preferen tial market access (reduced from initial 12 years to 6 -9 years  in the latest 
proposal ) was optional  and up to the preference -granting Member to consider . 
38. The representative of Bangladesh  underlined that the LDC graduation proposal was written in  
an encouraging language without obligation s. He further  elaborated that t he submission ha d 
two parts: one on DFQF, which was voluntary  in nature ; the second  part referred to the existing 
WTO policy spaces for the LDCs, for which the LDC  Group was  asking f or an extension after 
graduation. For the latter, the LDC Group  sought  an opportunity in the General Council to discuss 
the topic in the Sub -Committee, similar to the process pursued for the LDC accession guidelines  
discussions in 2012 .  
 
1 https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news21_e/serv_04jun21_e.htm  WT/COMTD/LDC/M/9 2 
 
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  39. The representative  of the Secretariat  (Economic Research and Statistics Division)  agreed  that 
the concentration on few products and markets ma de LDCs prone in times of crisis. The observable 
increase in the share of manufactures  in LDC  exports  was mainly concentrated in Asian  LDCs,  such 
as Bangladesh, Cambodia and Myanmar. Also, among manufactures , there was a strong 
concentration in clothing which also need ed diversification.  Acknowledging that LDCs' economic and 
trade structure could not change m uch from one year to the other, he underlined the importance to 
find ways to climb up the value chains and engage in the processing of raw materials that LDCs are 
currently exporting.  
40. The representative of the Secretariat  (Development Division)  responded to Bangladesh that 
AGOA was a non -reciprocal preference scheme for eligible countries in Sub -Saharan Africa  which 
also included specific provisions for LDCs . A large majority of beneficiaries of AGOA were LDCs. He 
underline d that in the main part of the report, in tables 4 and 5, the Secretariat  report ed on duty -
free access under LDC schemes , focus ing on the GSP programmes which were exclusively for LDCs. 
In the annex , the Secretariat tried  to also cover major schemes beyond GSP that benefi ted LDCs.   
41. On the question o f whether the Secretariat could  provide a global evaluation of the impact of 
the pandemic on LDC trade, he referred to the Secretariat 's dedicated portal where information notes 
were published, including a note on trade -related developments in LDCs.2 He noted that it  would be 
necessary to wait a few more months to get a better picture of how trade ha d evolved in LDCs in 
the year 2021 compared to 2020  and that the Secretariat would be happy to  update the respective 
note. 
42. He concluded by underlining that presented tables were based on data reported to the IDB 
and the WTO preferential tariff database for which data was rigorously verified .  
43. The Chairperson  reiterated that the LDCs ha d been hit hard by the ongoing pandemic , with 
the share of their exports having  fallen to a new low level in the last decade.  She encourage d all 
Members to continue to take steps to improve LDCs' participation in global trade  and expressed her 
hope that LDC exports w ould soon be on a steady path of recovery , helping to boost  their economic 
growth.  She suggest ed that the Sub -Committee take note of the report provided by the Secretariat 
as well as the statements made.  
44. It was so agreed . 
C. SUPPORT PROVIDED TO LEAS T DEVELOPED COUNTRIES IN THE AREA OF DIGITAL 
TRADE: BRIEFING  BY THE WORLD BANK  
45. The Chairperso n noted  that the Work Programme for the LDCs promote d information on 
capacity -building initiatives undertaken by international organi zations.  She mentioned that LDCs ha d 
been highlighting challenges to embrace developments in the digital economy. She invited the World 
Bank ( Ms Dorothee Delort , Mr Martín Molinuevo and Mr Mark Williams , who joined remotely from 
Washington DC ) to provide the Sub -Committee  with an overview of the World Bank 's support to 
LDCs in the area of digital trade.  
46. Mr Martín Molinuevo  (Senior Counsel, Trade and Integration; Macro, Trade, and Investment 
Global Practice  of the World Bank) outlined that the World Bank had a broad mandate of ending 
extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity  and benefit ed from a broad geographical coverage 
(over 170 countries) . Under  its mandate the World Bank ha d projects in almost all  policy areas; from 
hard infrastructure (e.g. sub-marine cables) to social policies , as well as  areas such as digital trade.  
One of the most important channels of the World Bank was the financing of infrastructure investment 
and certain policies through lo ans and grants, especially for LDCs and IDA -eligible countries .3 In 
addition, it offered advisory services and analytics (policy advice, background research, training). 
These were financially supported by the international community, incl uding  through a trust fund.  
47. Mr Mark Williams  (Practice Manager, Global Knowledge and Expertise; Digital Development 
Global Practice of the World Bank ) provided a presentation on digital connectivity and infrastructure. 
He explained that t he concept of digital infrastructure in the World Bank include d everything along 
the digital value chain from last  mile connectivity (i.e. the handsets people around the world were 
 
2 https://www.wto.org/english/trato p_e/covid19_e/ldcs_report_e.pdf  
3 https://ida.worldbank.org/en/about/borrowing -countries  WT/COMTD/LDC/M/9 2 
 
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  familiar with) , to the global networks that connect ed countries  in the global networks . The 
World  Bank support ed countries in developing infrastructure throughout this value chain.  
48. He empha sized that t he situation o f digital infrastructure ha d changed dramatically over the 
past 20 years. There had been c onsistent growth in network coverage  and sustained investment , 
primarily from the private sector , in digital infrastructure , as well as an increase in physical access 
to digital networks in almost all countries around the world. Concerning  mobile broadband , he noted  
that c overage ha d increased in all regions over time, though  the level was different across regions . 
Also, t here was a large usage gap , which meant that although a large proportion of the population 
had physical access to networks  (i.e. they live d within the range of a broadband signal) , they d id 
not use it for a variety  of reasons . Further more, core -data infrastructure was heavily concentrated 
in a small number of countries – primarily high-income  countries and countries in the Asian region. 
A large number of countries outside these node concentrations were excluded from global data 
infrastructure. He highlighted that a significant barrier to effective access  in LDCs was that many 
households could not afford it . For example, in the East Asia region the wide variation of the price 
for digital services  was reflective  of market structure and incomes .  
49. He elaborated that 5G, as the next generation of mobile technology , would  becom e 
increasingly important to business and individuals . High amounts of investments were required to 
expand 5G coverage.  Traditionally, the World Bank had been financing upstream high-capacity  
backbone infrastructure , both onshore and offshore. In recent years, its approach ha d broadened 
from core infrastructure to all aspects of the digital economy, following a more holistic approach to 
digital development , with several critical cross -cutting issues such as data protection and 
cyber security  which affect ed all aspects of the digital economy. He noted that in addition to projects 
directly addressing the digital economy, increasingly other pr ojects had digital components in them. 
He summari zed that t he World Bank's programme on digital infrastructure focuse d on digital 
foundations, such as : (i) connectivity ; (ii) core data infrastructure ; (iii) climate change and 
resilience ; (iv) regulation an d enabling environment ; and (v)  digital public platforms. He concluded 
that s upport across these foundations, depending on the priorities and needs of developing 
countries, provide d the basis for the digital economy to develop, feeding into digital trade.  
50. Ms Dorothe e Delor t (Senior  Financial Sector Specialist, Payments and Market Infrastructures; 
Finance, Competitiveness and Innovation Global Practice of the World Bank)  provided a p resentation 
on digital financial services , focusing on digital payments and Fintech . She outlined that p ayment 
systems ha d seen a lot of innovation in recent years. It had enabled the surge of e -commerce, but 
also a transformation of the way how people buy and pay for products.  
51. Among key innovations in payments, she highlighted  e-money, which allowed for access to 
transaction accounts for people who ha d not been banked , leading to a strong  increase of cashless 
transactions. With people moving away from cash, it facilitated transactions and trade. A s another 
key trend  she mentioned the surge of fast payment , which was a transaction where the recipients 
of the money would  see immediate credit on their account, which was not the case for credit transfer, 
direct debit or card payments. Therefore, fast payment mattered  to a lot of merchants who were not 
comfortable with electronic payments  and as such contribute d to electronic payment acceptance. 
Showing a map o n the acceptance of  electronic payments around the world (Sub -Saharan 
Africa  25%, South Asia 20%, East Asia and Pa cific 31%), she highlighted that there was an 
opportunity to increase electronic payments by USD  19 trillion for micro , small and medium -sized 
retailers.  
52. She underlined that intervention s of the World Bank aimed at ensur ing that countries were 
equipped with the right payment system and payment infrastructure to enable the uptake of 
electronic payments and digital trade. Taking a holistic approach, the World Bank support ed 
countries in their legal and regulatory framework and infrastructure. It a lso work ed on digitalization 
of government payments and international remittances and the global oversight and supervision 
framework for those payment systems.  
53. She highlighted the importance of a  cooperation framework, including domestic cooperation 
betwe en authorities involved in digital payments , such as Ministries of Finance, Central Banks, 
telecommunication regulators, competition authorities, consumer protection authorities and 
authorities involved with cyber -resilience.  She explained that an assessme nt of the status of the 
country  could lead to the implementation of technical assistance  and investment opportunities . The 
World Bank provided financing of payment system s such as large-value payment systems , retail WT/COMTD/LDC/M/9 2 
 
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  payment systems,  platform s dedicated to remittances or platform s for the connection of the national 
treasury to the national payment system .  
54. Referring to the  Bali Fintech Agenda, she outlined a ctions and activities of the World Bank , 
includ ing: (i) contributing to the legal framework conducive to cashless (regulations on e -money, 
e-signature, digital ID, cybersecurity, consume r protection, agent banking, open banking, e -kyc, 
data protection and privacy) ; (ii) interoperability and instant payment sy stems, to make sure that 
money can eas ily flow from one account to another, irrespective of whether it is an e -money account 
or a bank account and irrespective of the institution holding that account; ( iii) support to central 
banks, as they are in charge of overseeing/monitoring the framework for digital finance, licencing of 
e-payment issuers and operators; ( iv) digitalization of government payments, social transfers and 
remittances ; (v) development of electronic payment acceptance in the merchant ecosystem ; 
(vi) ensuring a fintech -enabling po licy, to allow for the development of new business.  
55. Mr Martín Molinuevo  elaborated on the topic of d igital trade governance . He said that t he 
World Bank offer ed a range of support on digital trade regulation, both for international trade 
governance and for domestic regulation.  World Bank projects focu sed on training, background 
research, gap assessments, international best practices  and international disciplines such as trade 
agreements . The World Bank cover ed regulation topics that were part of negotiations for trade 
agreements and beyond, for example, intermediary liability, licencing regimes for digital platforms 
or digital businesses.  
56. With regard to the  international governance  framework , the World Bank  also offer ed support 
in terms of training and background researc h; in the context of the WTO and the Joint Statement 
Initiative ( JSI) negotiations , the World Bank  had been supporting  interested Members with a v iew 
to helping them take informed decisions . In this regard, he was of the view that a greater 
representation of those who had been facing  the greatest challenges in the digital economy w ould 
allow for a better result from the process.   
57. The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDC Group , thanked  the World Bank for the 
presentation . He reminded participants that i n 2019 , the internet penetration rate in LDCs was only 
20%. He went on by stating that t he COVID -19 pandemic ha d shown  that e-commerce could enable 
economies to be resilient by introducing new business models, new products, new services,  and 
ultimately new ways of creating value and jobs. He emphasi zed that LDCs need ed to equip 
themselves with solid digital infrastructures in o rder to be able to facilitate access to essential 
infrastructure and e -commerce tools, including platforms, for  their people at an affordable cost. That 
would make it possible to take better advantage of the dividends of e -commerce , to better  integrate 
into the global economy  and to strengthen the resilience of their economies.  
58. He underscored that the World Bank 's assistance would have a great er impact if it were 
accompanied by a capacity -building component. As each LDC ha d its own specificity , he encourage d 
the World Bank to gather  information  about the needs of each LDC in order to provide targeted 
assistance in the field of e -commerce.  He also saw the risks  related to cybersecurity  and hoped that 
the World Bank c ould help them build capaciti es to protect users.  He concluded by  thank ing the 
World Bank for its assistance in the field of e -commerce , and hoped  for continuing and strengthening 
such assistance to close the digital gap in the LDCs.  
59. The representative of Japan  said that the importance of digital trade was rapidly increasing in 
the wake of the  pandemic. To bridge the digital divide in LDC s, Japan ha d been conducting surveys 
on the utilization  of information and communications technology  (ICT) , and providing support 
according to local needs. As an example , he mentioned Japan's work to enhance the cyber security  
capability in the Indo -Pacific region, including  the Association of Southeast Asian Nations  (ASEAN ). 
He added that Japan ha d conducted training courses on digita l trade for government officials of 
ASEAN as well as  other Members  to support  their policy making. He concluded by stating that Japan 
would continue to provid e support that contribute d to the development of digital trade in LDCs.  
60. The representative of Bangladesh  emphasi zed that digital commerce ha d become key, though  
most LDC s still had severe constraints in physical infrastructure, as well as limited  administrative 
and technical capac ity. He asked how the World Bank could help LDCs address the infrastructure 
and administrative challenges in the area of digital commerce at the national level, and how LDCs 
could protect the privacy of their citizens in the context of data governance.  WT/COMTD/LDC/M/9 2 
 
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  61. The representative of Cambodia  reiterated that e -commerce activities in all parts of the world 
had increased,  and that digital trade was one of the most important tools to continue economic 
activity during the pandemic. He emphasi zed the need for  assistance and support to build digital 
infrastructure, foster technology transfer, strengthen  the legal regulatory framework and capacity 
development to support  innovation to benefit  from digital trade . He echoed  the statement made by 
Chad that e ach LDC h ad different needs and challenges  and that  diagnostics of digital trade issues 
should be conducted to better align each LDC's transition towards digitalization. He concluded by 
stressing the need for support from all development partners, including the Wor ld Bank to assist 
LDCs in all aspects of digital trade.  
62. The representative of Chad underscored that given the huge potential of digital trade, a 
deepening of the conversation would be appreciated . He expressed the view that WTO  discussions 
should not lead  to increased regulatory obligations in the area of digital trade.  He stressed that it 
was important to focus on catching -up on their digital gaps, to focus on developing infrastructure 
and the means to operate e -commerce , and to p articipate in the market in an equitable and balanced 
way. Referring to the World Bank 's financing of projects and advisory services , he expressed interest 
in these offers and asked how these could be obtained , under which conditions , and who the contact 
point would be .  
63. The representative of the World Bank  (Mr Martín Molinuevo ) responded that the World Bank 
was working closely with every country,  designing projects tailored to the individual needs. In these  
projects , there was a component that focus ed on capacity building, involving both government and 
the private sector.  On the question of privacy protection, he referred to  the latest World Development 
Report which offered guidance on pros  and c ons of the support for strong privacy protection .4 
Protection of privacy was to be ensured  with relatively flexible data -sharing arrangements across 
borders with a view to foster ing digital trade. On the question of how to obtain support  from the 
World Bank he responded that the primary  chann el was the World Bank country office s. He also 
invited Members to write to the presenters (with e -mail addresses being found on the presentation 
slides) or to contact the World Bank 's representative in Geneva .  
64. The Chairperson  summarized that t he pandemic had increased the need to foster the digital 
economy, particularly in LDCs . The challenges that LDCs needed to tackle  included  limited access to 
affordable ICT infrastructure, inadequate online payment facilities , and weak legal and regulatory 
frameworks. She agreed that further collaboration with the World Bank , as well as other institutions , 
could bring impetus to support LDCs in these areas.  She suggest ed that the Sub -Committee take 
note of the presentation by the World Bank as well as the statements made . 
65. It was so agreed . 
D. WTO TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING TO LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES: 
ORAL REPORT BY THE SECRETARIAT  
66. The Chairperson  recalled that t he Work Programme for the LDCs mandate d the 
Sub-Committee to monitor capacity -building initiatives taken in favour of LDCs. She invited the 
representative of the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation (ITTC)  to provide a  report on 
the activities undertaken in favour of LDCs as well as  planned activities.  
67. The representative of the ITTC said that his presentation w ould focus on the Secretariat's 
technical assistance and training activities (TA) for the years  2020 and 2021, with information 
available for 2021 being preliminary . He added that a TA annual report on activities during the year 
2020 had already been circulated.   
68. He explained that f or the period 2020 -21 the WTO's TA activities were based on the biennial 
TA Plan, which attached  priority to the LDCs in the delivery of TA.  The execution of this biennial 
TA Plan had been  severely affected since March 2020 due to  the COVID -19 pandemic , especially t he 
organiz ation of face-to-face TA activities  in Geneva as well as  abroad.  
69. He elaborated that  the WTO Secretariat continued to implement national, regional,  and global 
seminars and workshops  in 2021  virtually , including long -duration regional trade policy courses . 
Since most virtual activities had access globally, a round 80 technical assistance activities were 
 
4 "Data  for better lives ", https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/wdr2021 . WT/COMTD/LDC/M/9 2 
 
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  carried out in  2021.  However,  the COVID -19 pandemic had posed challenges for many LDCs to 
effectively  participate in TA activities , compounded by connectivity  issues .  
70. He noted  that o verall demand for TA dropped significantly in 2020 and 2021. Around  80% of 
TA activities in this period were open to the participation of LDCs, compared to an average of 60% 
in previous years. In this period, TA activities in topic s such as accessions, technology transfer, and 
the impact of COVID -19, generated large LDC participation.  
71. He said that i n 2021, it was possible to virtually deliver a regular LDC introduction course . The 
South -South Dialogue on LDCs and Development in the  framework of the "China programme " was 
held in person. A few national activities requested by LDCs, on notifications requirements, 
TBT transparency and rules of origin were also delivered. However, while TA requests from LDCs 
were given priority, both at the regional and national level, the requests for national activities had 
been particularly low.  
72. He underscored that  the partnerships with regional organizations , including  the Secretariat of 
the Economic Community of West African States  (ECOWAS ) and the Organi sation of Islamic 
Cooperation  (OIC), of which a large number of LDCs were parties, facilitated the organization of 
several activities and the participation of LDC Members and Observers.  
73. He continued by saying that LDCs were given priority r egarding the participation in the 
Netherlands Trainee Programme (NTP) and the French and Irish Mission Internship Programme 
(FIMIP).  In 2020 and 2021, interns from LDCs represented more than 60% of participants in these 
programmes (43 out of 70 participant s in the biennium). Other  internship programmes included the 
accession internship programme, the young professionals programme, and the regional coordinator 
internship programme.  
74. Concerning  e-learning  he noted that i n 2021, 6,430 participants registered f or courses . The 
number of participants was similar in 2020. Africa was the region with the highest participation 
(38%) , followed by the Asia-Pacific  region  (26%). I n 2021 , participants from LDCs  represented 30% 
of the total of the courses.  
75. He stated  that t he list of global and regional activities planned for 2022 fores aw a significant 
number of courses and workshops relevant  to LDCs. In addition to global courses and activities open 
to LDC participation and regional activities in the relevant LDC reg ions, specific activities for LDCs 
include d: (i) A virtual workshop on the implementation of Article 66.2 of the T rade-Related Aspects 
of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)  Agreement;  (ii) introductory trade policy course s for LDCs;  
(iii) a workshop on priority issues of LDCs in the multilateral trading system ; and (iv) a course on 
trade in services statistics for LDCs.  Furthermore,  a South -South Dialogue event was planned  in the 
first half of 2022 .  
76. He continued by saying  that t he Secretariat intend ed to gradually resume face -to-face 
TA activities as limitations on travel were eased . TA requests from LDCs w ould continue to be given 
priority both at the regional and national level. He underlined that TA was demand -driven and that 
a request ha d to be made using the TA online request form. He stressed that t he ITTC was the focal 
point for requesting WTO TA and that they remain ed available to help the LDCs with the submission 
of national requests . The Secretariat could also  meet with the LDC Group t o provide information on 
TA programmes. The links to access the forms to submit  the requests for national activities would 
be uploaded following the Sub -Committee meeting. An  updated list of ITTC Regional Desk s would 
also be circulated containing contact p ersons for additional information and assistance regarding 
TA activities.  
77. The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDC Group , thanked the Secretariat for its report  
and underlined the great importance that LDCs attached to WTO technical assistance and training 
activities. He encourage d the WTO Secretariat to continue build ing the capacity of parliamentarians, 
press  and civil society to better understand the role that trade c ould play in the development of their 
countries , and to continue support ing LDC university establishments  to understand trade topics and 
policies discussed at the WTO.  
78. He went on to say that t he LDCs ha d taken note of the initiatives taken by t he Secretariat 
regarding TA activities. Understand ing that offering more virtual activities to overcome the 
restrictions related to the COVID -19 pandemic  was a good way for the Secretariat to continue WT/COMTD/LDC/M/9 2 
 
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  building the capacity of beneficiaries  of WTO TA, he ex pressed doubts that virtual activities would 
allow the full effective achievement of the objectives desired by both the beneficiaries and the 
WTO Secretariat, especially given the difficulties experienced by the majority of LDCs in terms of 
internet access  and electricity rationing . In that context, he invited the Secretariat to support LDCs 
through questionnaires to gain information on the problems encountered with virtual activities, to 
derive suggestions for improvement in the delivery of TA .  
79. Referring to LDC communications on transparency and notifications, he emphasi zed the need 
for a strengthening of the role of the  Secretariat to assist LDCs and their  capitals in the area of 
notifications . Furthermore, he referred to the LDC proposal on LDC  graduation  and suggested that 
the Sub -Committee could discuss progress made by all LDCs in the pursuit of graduation and that 
the Secretariat could report on the needs of LDCs, in particular those in the process of graduation, 
and the support provided by the WTO.  He concluded by expressing the LDC  Group 's gratitude to  all 
Members, in particular partners who ha d provided their support  to the LDCs in bette r integrat ing 
into global trade.  
80. The representative of Angola  expressed her appreciation for the Secreta riat's work on  the 
World Trade Report 2021 related to the evaluation of the pandemic . She then outlined some 
proposals for reflection by Members:  
81. She stressed first, that t he social and economic recovery from the global pandemic require d 
targeted technical assistance and capacity -building programmes , where s ectors like health, 
agriculture, trade,  and infrastructure, should be prioritized , along with training on market access 
opportunities .  
82. Second, she pointed out that LDCs still lacked b asic ICT infrastructure.  The lack of 
digitalization of businesses and services  in LDCs , including teleworking and video conferencing 
systems, access to healthcare, education, and essential goods  deepened the economic and trade 
gap between developed countri es and the LDCs. She suggest ed to build  up a special task force for 
assisting the LDCs on broadband connectivity, digital trade platforms, and e -commerce strategies . 
Hoping to continue work with the World Bank on this matter, she stressed that it would  be valuable 
to launch training programmes  in partnership with universities, public and private companies and 
other relevant  stakeholders . 
83. Third, she proposed  that a novel TA package was necessary to address particular 
vulnerabilities of LDCs in the graduation  process . Referring to  reports of the Secretariat on  
trade -related implications of graduation from LDC status and the COVID -19 pandemic , she invite d 
the Secretariat  to develop a tailor -made training programme on trade aspects for graduated and 
graduating LDCs, focusing on transitional processes and sustainability.5 
84. Finally, she suggested  the empowerment of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) , both 
strategically and financially, aiming at enlarging its technical assistance to the LD Cs on trade 
integration diagnostics and the implementation of the trade facilitation agreement.   
85. The representative of Bangladesh  underscored the critical importance of WTO's TA and training 
programmes for LDCs.  Although many LDCs ha d infrastructure gaps and challenges regarding 
internet access, he expressed appreciation for the Secretariat 's adjustment of programmes  during 
the pandemic through virtual platforms, as well as the continuation of programmes for interns and 
trainees from L DCs. He also t hanked the donor countries for their valuable  contribution s and ITTC's 
work to support the LDCs.  
86. The representative of European Union  stated that a ll Members should be able to effectively 
participate in the multilateral trading system . Trade-related  TA was an important factor in supporting 
developing Members and especially LDCs in doing so. He welcomed the continued focus on LDCs in 
the TA Plan. He took note of the increased number of LDC participation in e -learning courses  in 
2020, which he regarded as a s tep in the right direction. He expressed appreciation for the constant 
efforts by the S ecretariat as well as by the  beneficiaries to enhance the efficiency and impact of 
 
5 "Trade Impacts of LDC Graduation " 
https://www.wto.org/e nglish/res_e/publications_e/ldc_graduation_e.htm ; "Graduating from status of least -
developed country (LDC) " https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/devel_e/graduation_ldc _status_e.htm . WT/COMTD/LDC/M/9 2 
 
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  trade -related TA . He underlined  that TA activities needed to remain  target ed to the main goals and 
in line with the TA Plan.   
87. The representative of China  stressed that given the challenges that the most vulnerable 
countries in the global trading system had been  facing , it was important to co ntinue prioritizing 
TA activities to LDCs in the biennial  TA Plan. Her delegation  believed  that ITTC's work was more 
crucial than ever before , and hoped  that ITTC could provide more targeted and demand -driven 
assistance to help developing Members, particularly the LDCs , better respond to the pandemic, 
quickly recover from the economic downturn,  and integrate further into global trade.  
88. The representative of Nepal expressed a ppreciation for the WTO market access report, the 
contribution by  the World Bank to enhance LDCs' digital capacity and ITTC for th eir work, as well as  
donor Members and international organi zations for their continued support.  
89. The Chairperson  echoed  that technical assistance was critical to support LDCs enhance their 
human and institutional capacities to integrate into the world trading system. She expressed her 
appreciation for the way how the beneficiaries and the Secretariat had adapted over the past 
two years to the new conditions . She hoped that  LDCs could benefit fully from the opportunities 
available at the WTO.  She suggest ed that the Sub -Committee take note of the report provided by 
the Secretariat as well  as the statements made.  
90. It was so agreed . 
E. UN CONFERENCE ON THE LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES (LDC5): UPDATE BY THE 
UN OFFICE OF THE HIGH REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, 
LANDLOCKED DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES 
(UN-OHRLLS)  
91. The Chairperson  noted  that the LDC5 Conference ha d been postponed due to COVID -19 
developments . She invited Ms Heidi Schroderus -Fox – the acting High Representative for LDCs, 
Landlocked Developing Countries (L LDCs) and S mall Island Developing States (S IDS) (UN-OHRLLS)  
– who joined remotely  from New York , to give an update on the plans for the conference and the 
new Programme of Action for LDCs .  
92. The representative of UN-OHRLLS  (Ms Heidi Schroderus -Fox) highlighted  that despite the 
postponement  of the event , agreement on the Programme of Action for the LDCs for the Decade 
2022-2031 could be secured, r einforc ing existing global commitments and detail ing numerous 
specific goals and targets as well new measures and initiatives. She poin ted out that t he central 
focus of the new Programme  of Action  was to secure a rapid recovery from the pandemic  and to 
build sustainable and resilient societies in pursuit of achieving the SDGs and sustainable graduation.  
93. She continued by saying that i nternational trade was one of the six fundamental pillars of the 
new Programme of Action. LDCs c ould derive significant benefit from a universal, rules -based, open, 
transparent, predictable, inclusive, non-discriminatory,  and equitable multilateral trading sys tem 
under the WTO.  
94. She stated  that the target set at the previous Programme of Action to double LDCs ' share of 
exports ha d not been achieved. The pandemic ha d further exacerbated the prospects of achieving 
that target . New targets include d: (i) doubling the LDCs' share of global exports by 2031 ; 
(ii) significantly increasing aid -for-trade support to LDCs, aiming to double it by 2031 ; (iii) all 
developed country WTO Members and developing country WTO Members, declaring themselves in a 
position to d o so, to implement DFQF  market access for all products originating from all LDCs ; 
(iv) facilitating technology transfer to encourage research and innovation to help scale up 
manufacturing of vaccines ; (v) ensuring accession to the WTO of all LDCs committed  to do so by the 
end of the current decade ; (vi) increasing  participation of LDCs in e -commerce to better support 
development of, and integrate into, digital value chains ; (vii) extend ing to graduated countries  the 
LDC trade preferences provided by development and trading partners .  
95. She emphasi zed that people in LDCs deserved ambitious goals  and implementation, at the 
national, regional,  and global levels. Strong and supportive follow -up and monitoring measures 
needed to be put in place, and  her office remain ed fully committed to do so.  WT/COMTD/LDC/M/9 2 
 
- 13 - 
 
  96. On the organizational preparations , she explained that a broad agreement  had been reached  
that the conference would  be held in two parts . The first part would  be held in New York which would  
include a short opening statement  by the Secretary -General, election of the President of the 
Conference , and the adoption of the new Programme of Action to commence the implementation of 
the new Programme of Action.6 The second part of the conference wou ld then be held in Doha, 
Qatar , in the first quarter of 2023.7 The Political Declaration , for which negotiations were underway,  
would be adopted during  the second part of the conference.  
97. She underline d that her o ffice had been enjoying  an excellent worki ng relationship with the 
WTO. Mentioning  WTO's recent report  "Boosting trade opportunities for least developed countries ", 
she emphasi zed that the WTO's publications,  meetings, workshops and brainstorming sessions  
benefit ed the preparation of LDC5 .8 In conclusion , she highlighted that in September 2021,  former 
UN Under -Secretary -General Courtenay Rattray and WTO Director -General Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala  
agreed to foster a systematic collaboration between OHRLLS and the WTO throu gh the signing of a  
Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU), for which dis cussions were underway to initiate the process.  
98. The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDC Group , thank ed UN-OHRLLS for the  detailed 
report concerning  LDC5. He stressed that LDC5 was an opportunity to adopt a programme for the 
next decade to assist LDCs, in particular in recovering from some of the effects  of the COVID -19 
pandemic on their economies. He argued that such a programme should take into account the  
Sustainable Development Goals, the decisions and declarations adopted in favour of LDCs in different 
international for a and, in particular , the flexibilities in the areas of trade, environment,  and 
intellectual property.  He stressed that e-commerce should  occupy an important place in the final 
programme of LDC5 , as it was one of the activities  that ha d shown dynamism and resilience 
throughout the pandemic , while LDCs  needed to overcome  the digital divide to effectively participate 
in e-commerce. LDC5 should also take into account the vulnerabilities of LDCs' logistics and 
productive capacities and health systems, to fight any pandemic and food insecurity. H e concluded 
by calling upon al l development partners to provide assistance to the United Nations, especially the 
UN-OHRLLS , to make LDC5  a success.   
99. The representative of Bangladesh  underlined that LDC5 was the most important and 
decade -long Programme of Action dedicated for the LDCs . He expressed his appreciation for the role 
and contribution of the government of Finland in hosting the LDC Future Forum in October 2021. He 
stated that it had  provided a platform for academics and practitioners to delve deeper on the 
prospects of LDCs and  the challenges that the  LDCs had been facing and how the international 
community c ould extend support. Regarding the Programme of Action, he  asked whether 
UN-OHRLLS would provide a report and had recommendations for the LDCs and their development 
partners on the unfinished agenda  of the previous Programme of Action. 
100.  The representative of Angola  emphasi zed that the recovery from the pandemic had to be at 
the core of LDC5. Acknowledging the LDC programmes under the numerous UN organizatio ns and 
bodies, she stressed that it had been difficult  for LDCs with limited capacities to navigate such diverse  
range of  opportunities. She therefore suggested that LDC5 should propose a simplification of the 
UN assistance system for LDCs, envisaging a si ngle multidisciplinary body with a unitary budget, 
able to build up active cooperation with other international organizations involved in LDC assistance .  
101.  The Chairperson  expressed satisfaction  that despite all difficulties, a new Programme of Action 
had been negotiated and that it include d guidance on the role of trade to foster inclusive economic 
development.  She hoped that this reinvigorated global partnership would  help LDCs recover from 
the pandemic and build resilience.  She suggest ed that the Sub -Committee take note of the 
presentation by UN -OHRLLS as well as the statements made.  
102.  It was so agreed . 
 
6 The first part took place on 17 March 2022.  
7 As of April 2022, the  second part is planned to take place on  5-9 March 2023  in Doha, Qatar.  
8 https://www. wto.org/english/res_e/publications_e/boottradeopp22_e.htm  WT/COMTD/LDC/M/9 2 
 
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  F. SOUTH -SOUTH DIALOGUE ON LEAST DEVELOPE D COUNTRIES AND DEVELOPMENT, 
HELD IN MONTREUX, SWITZERLAND, 16 -17 SEPTEMBER 2021: ORAL REPORT BY THE 
COORDINATOR OF T HE LDC GROUP  
103.  The Chairperson  recalled that t he South -South Dialogue was one of the five pillars of China's 
LDCs and Accessions Programme to support LDCs' participation in the WTO . She invited the 
LDC Coordinator to provide a report on the  fourth edition of the  event.  
104.  The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDC Group , stated that s ince the start of the 
South -South Dialogue in 2016, almost  300 delegates, including representatives of Geneva -based  
LDC delegations, ha d been able to enjoy e nriching discussions and exchanges with trade and 
development partners on relevant topics of shared priorities. The Dialogue ha d evolved over time. 
It focused on South -South cooperation  in 2016 , on negotiating priorities ahead of MC11  in 2017 , 
and on WTO r eform  in 2018 . The outbreak of the COVID -19 pandemic delayed  the fourth meeting.  
The fourth South -South Dialogue was held in  September  2021 as the first face -to-face 
capacity -building activity organized by the Secretariat since the beginning of the COVID -19 
pandemic. The main topics of discussion included  priorities for MC12, the WTO response to the 
pandemic and WTO reform.  
105.  He expressed his gratitude to the Government of China for its support and commitment to 
helping LDCs integrate  better  into the multilateral trading system . He thanked the 
WTO Director -General for her participation.  He emphasi zed that t he Chair of the General Council and 
Chairs of the  various  WTO negotiating bodies joined the event and briefed the LDC Group on 
development s in the WTO negotiations. There was unanimous call  to move ahead on  negotiations 
on fisheries subsidies, agriculture and development . At the same time, t he key theme was the need 
for a strong and effective multilateral response to the pandemic. In additio n, the issue of graduation 
of LDCs was discussed in depth . He stated that the LDC Group called on Members to show flexibility 
in order to reach an outcome on LDC graduation at MC12.  
106.  Looking ahead , he presented two points  that the LDC Group considered helpful with respect 
to the preparation of the fifth South -South Dialogue on LDCs and Development in 2022: First, one 
of the major  lessons learned was that diversity of viewpoints, including from academia, helped to 
foster the emergence of new ideas  that could benefit all . Second, t he world trading  landscape was 
constantly evolving  and so should the dialogues.  
107.  The representative of China  reiterated tha t the fourth  South -South Dialogue provided an 
excellent opportunity to explore potential deliverables at MC12 and address development issues. 
She thanked the Secretariat for the successful organization of the event, and the Members for their 
active partici pation. She expressed gratitude to WTO Director -General Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala  and 
Deputy Director -General Xiangchen Zhang for their presence  at the event . She appreciate d the 
remarks  made by the delegation of Chad and hope d that the Secretariat could take them into account 
during the preparation of the next Dialogue. She concluded by stating that China was looking forward 
to enhanced cooperation with the Secretariat for a greater role of the China Programme,  including 
the South -South Dialogue.   
108.  The Chairperson  noted with appreciation  that th e event was useful for the LDCs. She 
suggest ed that the Sub -Committee take note of the presentation by the LDC Group Coordinator as 
well as the statement made.  
109.  It was so agreed . 
G. OTHER BUSINESS  
110.  There were no suggestions for any item  under other business. T he Chairperson thanked 
Members for their statements as well as the interpre ters for their services . She  informed Members 
that the next meeting of the Sub -Committee was tentatively scheduled for the end of May 2022 ; the 
exact date would be confirmed through the circulation of the agenda . 
111.  The meeting was adjourned . 
__________  