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WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
21 June 2023 
(23-4260) Page: 1/37 
Committee on Trade and Development  
120th Session    
 
NOTE ON THE MEETING OF 5 APRIL  2023  
Chairperson: H.E. Ms. Usha Chandnee Dwarka -Canabady (Mauritius) up to item L, and  
H.E. Dr. José R. Sánchez -Fung (Dominican Republic ) for items M and N 
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  ................................ ................................ ....................  2 
B. OBSERVERS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  3 
(I) Request for attendance of ad hoc  observers  ................................ ................................ .. 3 
(II) Further consideration of requests for observer status by the League of Arab States, 
the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the Gulf Organization for Industrial 
Consulting, the Organisa tion Internationale de la Francophonie, the Common Fund for Commodities, 
the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) and the Groupe de la Banque 
Africaine de Développement  ................................ ................................ ................................  3 
C. TECHNICAL COOPERATION AND TRAINING  ................................ ............................  3 
(I) Briefing by the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation:  ................................ ...... 3 
(a) Preparation of the Biennial Technical Assistance and Training Plan 2024 -2025 ....................  3 
(b) New e-learning platform  ................................ ................................ .............................  3 
(c) Update on the technical assistance dashboard and the single technical assistance and training 
portal   ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  3 
D. MINISTERIAL DECLARATION FROM THE TWELFTH MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON 
THE WTO RESPONSE TO THE COVID -19 PANDEMIC AND PREP AREDNESS FOR FUTURE 
PANDEMICS (WT/MIN(22)/31 - WT/L/1142)  ................................ ................................ . 9 
E. POLICY SPACE FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT - A CASE FOR REBALANCING TR ADE 
RULES TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIALIZATION AND TO ADDRESS EMERGING CHALLENGES 
SUCH AS CLIMATE CHANGE, CONCENTRATION OF PRODUCTION AND DIGITAL 
INDUSTRIALIZATION – COMMUNICATION FROM THE AFRICAN GROUP 
(WT/COMTD/W/270)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 12 
F. TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT – WORK IN THE COMMITTEE ON THE BASIS OF THE 
CHAIRMAN'S CONCLUDING STATEMENT FROM THE EIGHTH MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 
(WT/MIN(11)/11)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  20 
(I) Committee on Trade and Development Mandate: Focal Point for Consideration and 
Coordination of Work on Development in the WTO – Proposal from Barbados, Bel ize, China, Cuba, 
Ecuador, India, and the African Group (WT/COMTD/W/208)  ................................ ...................  20 
(II) Operationalization of the CTD's Mandate: A Proposal to Deliver Outcomes based on the MC8 
Mandate - Proposal from China, Cuba, Ecuador, India and the  
African Group (WT/COMTD/W/192)  ................................ ................................ ....................  20 
G. SPECIAL AND DIFFERENTIAL TREATMENT PROVISIONS IN WTO AGREEMENTS AND 
DECISIONS – NOTE BY THE SECRETARIAT (WT/COMTD/W/271)  ................................ .. 23 
H. NOTIFICATIONS UNDER THE ENABLING CLAUSE  ................................ ..................  25 
(I)  Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Notification of Customs Union – Communication from China, 
Egypt and India (WT/COMTD/W/175)  ................................ ................................ .................  25 WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  I. REVIEW OF STEPS TAKEN TO PROVIDE DUTY -FREE AND QUOTA -FREE MARKET 
ACCESS TO LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES  ................................ ................................ ... 26 
J. WORK PROGRAMME ON ELECTRONIC COMMERCE  ................................ .................  27 
(I)  Global Electronic Commerce for Inclusive Development – Communication from India and 
South Africa (WT/COMTD/W/264/REV.1)  ................................ ................................ .............  27 
K. OTHER BUSINESS  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 33 
L. ELECTION OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SUB -COMMITTEE ON LEAST DEVELOPED 
COUNTRI ES ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  33 
M. ELECTION OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND  
DEVELOPMENT  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  33 
N. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING  ................................ ................................ ................  34 
ANNEX 1  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  35 
 
A. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  
1. The Chairperson  said that, before turning to the draft agenda for the 120th Regular Session of 
the Committee on Trade and Development (CTD), she wished to request all delegations that would 
speak at the present meeting to email their statements to: ctd@wto.org . As this was the first 
meeting of the CTD's Regular Session  in which she was informing delegations of this method to 
submit statements, she wanted her words on this matter to be reflected in the minutes of the 
meeting. Submitting statements to  this email address would allow a more efficient preparation of 
the minutes of the meeting by the Secretariat. She thanked all delegations for doing so in the context 
of the present meeting, as well as in the context of future meetings of the CTD's Regular  Session .  
2. She also wished to note for the record that the 120th Regular Session of the CTD had originally 
been scheduled to be held on 31 March 2023. This was the date she had announced at the last 
meeting. However, for various reasons, it was not possibl e to hold the meeting on 31 March. 
In a communication dated 13 December  2022, she had informed Members of the change in the date 
of the 1 20th Regular Session to 5 April 20 23. She had also informed Members in the same 
communication that the two CTD meetings  that ha d just been completed – the 19th Dedicated  
Session on  Regional Trade Agreements ( RTAs) and the 11th Dedicated Session on Preferential Trade 
Arrangements ( PTAs) – would also be held on 5 April 2023. She additionally drew Members' attention 
to a communication from the United States which was circulated on 27 March 2023 and was titled 
"The World Trade Organization's Role in Enhancing Food Security". This communication carrie d a 
number of document symbols of various Committ ees, including the CTD document 
symbol  JOB/COMTD/1. The communication did not appear on the agenda for the present  meeting, 
as it had been  circulated after the agenda was issued. It w ould be listed on the agenda for the next 
meeting of the CTD's Regular Se ssion. She went on to say that t he draft agenda for the 1 20th Regular 
Session of the CTD was contained in Airgram WTO/AIR/COMTD/28/Rev.1 of 24 March 2023.  She 
inquired  whether any Member wishe d to add any other matter under "Other Business" . 
3. The representa tive of Uganda , on behalf of the LDC Group , delivered the following statement:  
4. The LDC Group would like to make a short intervention under "Other Business" concerning 
draft agendas in the CTD and all WTO bodies.   
5.  The Chairperson  said that the Committee would continue with its  practi ce of taking up "Other 
Business" before turning to the ite ms concerning the election of the Chairperson  of the 
Sub-Committee on Least Developed Countries ( LDCs) and the election of the Chairperson  of the 
CTD. After the election of the new Chair person  of the CTD, the Committee would turn to the last 
item on the ag enda, which concern ed the date of the next meeting. Th is date w ould be announced 
by the newly elected Chair person  of the CTD.  
6. The agenda was adopted  as amended . WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  B. OBSERVERS   
(I) Request  for attendance of ad hoc  observers  
7. The Chairperson  recalled that, at previous sessions of the CTD, Members had agreed to invite 
a number of intergovernmental organizations on an ad hoc  meeting -by-meeting basis. These were 
the Arab Maghreb Union, the Economic Community of Central African States, 
the Economic  Community of West African States, the Economic Cooperation Organization , 
the Inter-Arab Investment Guarantee Corporation, the Islamic Development Bank, 
the African  Union, t he Organization  of the Islamic Conference, the South Centre, 
the Pacific  Islands  Forum, the United Nations Environment Programme, the  West African  Economic 
and Monetary Union, and the World Intellectual Property Organization.  These organizations had been 
invited to the present meeting. She proposed that the same organizations be invited to the next 
formal meeting of the CTD.  
8. It was so agreed . 
(II) Further consideration of requests for observer status by the Le ague of Arab States, 
the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countrie s (OPEC) , the Gulf Organization for 
Industrial Consulting, the Organi sation Internationale de la Francophonie , the Common 
Fund for Commodities, the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) 
and the Groupe de la Banque Africaine de Développement  
9. The Chairperson  said that the positions of delegations had been previously expressed. 
She inquired whether there were any changes in Members ' positions on these requests for observer 
status.  
10. No Member took the floor.  
11. The Chairperson  noted that there were no changes in Members' positions , and that there was 
therefore  no consensus at the present  time to approve these requests for observer status . 
She suggested  that the Committee take note and  revert to th ese requests at the next meeting.  
12. It was so agreed . 
C. TECHNICAL COOPERATION AND TRAINING  
(I) Briefing by the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation :  
 
(a) Preparation of the Biennial Technical Assistance and Training Plan 2024 -2025 
 
(b) New e-learning platform  
 
(c) Update on the technical assistance dashboard and the single technical assistance 
and training portal 
 
13. The Chairperson  said that there were three sub -items reflected under th e present  agenda 
item. The first item concern ed a briefing by the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation 
(ITTC) on preparations for the Biennial Technical Assistance and Training Plan (TA Plan) for 
2024-2025. The second item concern ed a presentation by th e ITTC of the new e -learning platform. 
The third item relate d to an update by the ITTC on the technical assistance (TA) dashboard and the 
single TA and training portal. She invited the representatives of the ITTC to present the three issues 
together.  
14. The representative s of the ITTC began their presentation by noting that the ITTC ha d the 
overarching responsibility to coordinate, manage , design and implement WTO TA provided by the 
Secretariat, including the monitoring and evaluation of these activities.  The ITTC conduct ed this 
work in collaboration with all relevant in -house divisions and external partners, and in consultation 
with TA beneficiaries and donors. TA was a core function of the WTO. Its main purpose was to 
enhance the human and ins titutional capacities of beneficiaries, so that they could fully benefit from 
the rules -based multilateral trading system  (MTS) ; meet their obligations and enforce their rights WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  as Members ; and deal with emerging trade -related challenges and opportunities.  
The Secretariat's  work to deliver TA was based on biennial TA Plans approved by the Membership. 
As a result, preparation s of the next draft biennial TA Plan had begun . The Plan w ould define the 
strategy and priorities that would  be followed by the Secretar iat in this domain over 2024 -2025. 
It would  continue to be a policy framework that identifie d priorities  and anticipate d results . It was 
also a mechanism for implementation and indicated the sources of funding for the activities. 
Furthermore, it would  aim to give continuity to build on the work carried out under previous TA  Plans, 
including on the Progressive Learning Strategy (PLS) and Results -Based Management (RBM) 
approach, while adapting t he TA offer to the evolving needs of TA beneficiaries. As part of the 
preparations for the TA Plan, and consistent with past practices, the Secretariat would  continue to 
interact with beneficiary Members and Observers to identify their TA priorities and se ek comments 
on various aspects related to the provision of TA. In this regard, an online questionnaire had been  
circulated to beneficiaries' permanent missions to the WTO, inviting feedback on a number of issues. 
In total, the Secretariat had received resp onses from 87 beneficiaries. This was the highest response 
rate on record . The questions posed were open -ended and the answers provide d the ITTC  with rich 
and varied information that was being  process ed internally. The needs were presented in two broad 
categories: those relating to existing WTO Agreements and those relating to  topics under discussion 
or negotiation.  
15. A preliminary analysis of beneficiaries ' responses  relating to the existing WTO Agreements  
showed the following main priority areas : sanitary a nd phytosanitary (SPS)  measures ; trade-related 
aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS) and transfer of technology ; technical barriers to trade 
(TBT) ; trade in services ; trade facilitation ; agriculture ; market access -related issues ; fisheries 
subsidies ; general capacity building ; trade remedies ; notifications ; RTAs; trade negotiations skills 
and dispute settlement. These were in broad terms similar to the priority areas identified in the 
TA Plan for 2022 -2023 with a slight variation in  terms of the top five priority areas. As for the issues 
under discussion in the WTO that were  not covered by a specific Agreement, the main areas identified 
in the order of priority  were e-commerce ; trade and environment ; investment facilitation for 
devel opment ; gender issues and micro, small and medium -sized enterprises (MSMEs). In addition, 
the discussion on WTO reform  – including the current challenges facing the WTO dispute settlement 
system  - were accorded priority by several beneficiaries . On the issue of capacity constraints that 
hinder ed beneficiaries' ability to take full advantage of the rules -based MTS, the follo wing points  
were raised , among others : high turnover of staff dealing with trade matters and lack of expertise 
in given trade topics ; small size of delegations in Geneva and the need to allow for more access to 
internship programmes such as the Netherlands  Trainee Programme (NTP) and the French and 
Irish Mission Internship Programme (FIMIP) ; the need for assistance to better understand outcomes 
from the Twelfth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) including the procedures to ratify the 
Fisheries  Subsidies Agre ement ; and challenges faced by acceding governments. As for preferences 
with respect to specific forms of delivering training, most respondents indicated their strong 
preference for face -to-face activities followed by blended and virtual  activities . This was in line with 
the feedback received from partner institutions. The demand -driven nature of TA w ould remain a 
central element in the next TA Plan. The Secretariat would  continue reflecting on how best to address 
the evolving needs and priorities of benefi ciaries in a cost -effective and results -based manner. With 
a view to ensur ing that the TA Plan was inclusive and accurately reflected identified needs and 
priorities, the ITTC  intend ed to convene an open -ended  consultative meeting with beneficiaries and 
donors in due course. The current intention was to finalize the consultative process and submit a 
draft Plan for Members' consideration at the July 2023 CTD meeting and thereafter to the 
Committee  on Budget, Fin ance and Administration (CBFA)  for the financial aspects of the Plan. If it 
did not prove possible to achieve this, a standalone CTD meeting would be requested to ensure that 
the draft was presented to the CTD before it was present ed to the CBFA.  
16. The pres entation next turned to the WTO e -learning programme . It was explained that 
e-learning was a key TA programme  for the WTO. F or many government officials, it represent ed the 
entry point to WTO TA. Many WTO e -learning courses were prerequisites for progressi ng to more 
advanced levels of training, and as such the e-learning programme was an essential step in the PLS. 
The programme focuse d on the effective transfer of knowledge by employing a diverse toolkit of 
learning methodologies. This included not only asynchronous training, but also blended training, 
webinars, forum discussions and more. The programme ha d more than 10 ,000 participants . 
It offered over 50 training courses in the three official languages and the course catalogue was 
constantly expanding. The programme was available 24  hours a day and seven  days a week. 
Government officials could therefore  access the programme from anywhe re and at any time . 
In 2021, a strategic decision was taken to transition to a new learning management system to host WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  the e-learning programme. Several factors guided this decision. Perhaps the most important one 
was a desire to have more independence and flexibility in the management and design of the 
products in order to better serve the needs of TA beneficiaries. Following from this, a Moodle -based 
learning management system (LMS) and a new e -learning platform  were launched  in 
December  2022. The main adv antage of transitioning from a proprietary LMS to an open -source one 
was more flexibility in the design and customization of the e -learning platform and greater autonomy 
in managing the programme. The new platform allowed a  more intuitive navigation  and access to 
the course catalogue without having to register on the e -learning platform. It was compatible with 
any mobile device s, tablets and other digital devices. Digital badges  were deliver ed to reward 
participation. Users received automated notification s of training events  and benefited from 
personalized dashboard s. The new LMS would allow for the develop ment and innovat ion of the 
products. The results so fa r had been  very positive, both in terms of feedback from users as w ell as 
in terms of the outreach. In the last part of the presentation, the Committee was informed that the 
TA Report for 2022 was well advanced in its preparation  and would be circulated shortly. A 
demonstration was also given as to how the TA dashboard av ailable from the WTO website had been 
redesigned . For example, i t was now possible to view  an integrated set of tables and graphs for the 
years 20 16 to 2021 which gave information on TA activities according to different criteria  such as 
mode of delivery, reach  and subject . Finally, i t was recalled that the Committee had been  previously 
informed that the ITTC was working on the development of a single training portal for beneficiaries  
to select and apply for TA activities. However, d ue to budgetar y constraints, th is project  had been 
put on hold . It was uncertain if and when work on this project would resume . 
17. The representative of  Thailand  delivered the following statement:  
18. I wish to thank the representatives of the ITTC for the briefing. The presen tation is very useful 
for further work under this Committee, and for the Members as beneficiaries. Thailand has always 
benefited from the TA activities and training programmes organized by the ITTC. We agree with the 
specific needs and priorities associate d with TA. As we are all aware, there are many emerging 
issues. Thailand wishes to inform the Committee that t rade and environment is among the issues 
we place priority on. We also thank the ITTC  for the update on the e -learning platform and the 
TA dashboard. We think that th ese development s are important for the stakeholders, and we are 
ready to cooperate with the ITTC  with regard to any feedback . 
19. The representative of Uganda , on behalf of the LD C Group, delivered the following statement:  
20. The LDC Group thanks the ITTC for its presentation. In particular, we take note of the 
implementation of the new e -learning platform and the updated information on the TA dashboard 
and the single portal for TA and training. The LDC Group commends ITTC for its efforts to provide 
better products to Members. As you may be aware, LDCs benefit greatly from WTO TA products, 
which allow them to strengthen the capacity of their officials in their capitals and the relevant  
requests from the LDC Group in Geneva. This notwithstanding, LDCs face challenges in crafting 
trade policy for development. The LDC Group hopes that , in the development of the TA Plan for 
2024-2025, the ITTC will take into account the situation of some LD Cs deprived of TA because they 
are subject to administrative measures. In addition, other LDCs are plagued by conflicts or face 
complicated security situations that deprive them of training opportunities at the national level. 
The LDC Group urges the ITTC to use technology to provide  training at the national level  upon 
request  pending the improvement of the internal situations of these LDCs.  Once again, the 
LDC Group thanks the ITTC  for its presentation and remains committed to working with it to ensure 
that the TA products are even more tailored to the needs of LDCs, including products that address 
the challenges faced by LDCs in integrating into the global economy. In conclusion, t he LDC Group 
thanks all development partners who support the implementation of the ITTC's TA activities.  
21. The representative of Uganda  delivered the following statement:  
22. I notice that most of the TA activities  going on now are targeting capital -based offic ials. 
I would like to know if there is the possibility to have online options for Geneva -based officials , as 
the TA activities will help us  to learn . During the COVID -19 period, remote participat ion in 
TA activities was possible . As people have started tra velling  again , I would like to  know whether 
these opportunities are still available . 
23. The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:  WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  24. The United States appreciates the ITTC briefing us on the preparation of the new 
TA Plan 2024-2025. Thank you for the sharp , brief and interesting presentations  you always come 
up with . The recent informal meeting on development, this past February 2023, demonstrated the 
widespread interest in and support for the WT O's capacity -building activi ties. In collaboration with 
the ITTC, we seek to promote a culture at the WTO where Members are motivated to share success 
stories and challenges, and where our partnerships and dialogues here help open the door to more 
effective development assistance coo peration at the national level.  We welcome the continued efforts 
by the ITTC to refine its reporting through the electronic dashboard and training portal. These are 
effective tools to give Members access to real -time TA data. We also welcome the time and r esources 
the Secretariat invested in launching and managing these  activities . We are  pleased to be featured 
as a donor's testimonial in the upcoming TA Plan. The United States is  a longstanding contributor to 
WTO TA activities and is committed to working w ith the ITTC to ensure a demand -driven approach 
to TA and cooperation as the organization adapts to the needs of Members.  
25. The representative of  Kazakhstan  delivered the following statement:  
26. Kazakhstan appreciates the briefing by the ITTC and welcomes the work being conducted in 
order to prepare the TA Plan 2024 -2025. Kazakhstan has been working closely with the Secretariat 
in the past few years as the host to the Regional Trade Policy Courses  for the Central and 
Eastern  Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus  (CEECAC ) region. These courses aim to strengthen 
the ability of government officials to participate in ongoing WTO work by expanding their 
understanding of WTO rules and procedures. Kazakhs tan appreciates the professionalism of the 
Secretariat and looks forward to continued cooperation ahead. We attach great value to TA activities 
and look forward to further engagement and discussion on this issue . 
27. The representative of the Russian Federatio n delivered the following statement:  
28. First of all, we would like to express our gratitude to the Secretariat for the information 
presented today , especially for an update on preparation s of the TA Plan for the next two years, and 
an analysis of the submitt ed answers to the questionnaire. We consider that WTO TA has always 
been an instrument that helps developing and least developed Members to build their trade capacity, 
so that they can participate more effectively in global trade. For CEECAC countries whic h joined the 
WTO pursuant to Article XII of the Marrakesh Agreement, TA program mes represent a possibility to 
deepen understanding of the WTO rules and strengthen  the negotiation skills of government officials 
who are directly involved in WTO -related work and trade negotiations. The former practice implied 
that WTO regional courses have been financed solely from the Global Trust Fund. However, regional 
courses , regardl ess of funding source , remain a part of the WTO agenda. Therefore, the eligibility of 
Members for such activity should be based on the principles of non -discrimination and fair 
competition. For the moment, regional TA program mes do not have such an advanta ge. 
The Russian  Federation has submitted detailed answers to the questionnaire on the needs and 
priorities in TA for preparation of the TA Plan for the next two years. We expect that they will be 
accommodated in the above -mentioned Plan.  
29. The representative  of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
30. The European Union would like to thank the WTO Secretariat for the valuable information on 
technical cooperation and training. We believe that all Members should be able to participate 
effectively i n the MTS and in the WTO. Trade -related TA is an important factor in supporting 
developing Members and especially LDCs. I wish to thank the representative of Uganda for the  
statement delivered on behalf of the LDC  Group. Like the United States, we welcome efforts to 
continue to keep e -learning  and TA virtually  - on top of the resumption of face -to-face activities . 
Looking forward to the TA Plan for 2024 -2025, I would like to make two points. First, 
the European  Union is ready to look at the possibility of tailor -made TA in particular to help LDCs a s 
well as  developing countries with specific needs and capacity constraints. Second, in line with 
previous TA Plans, we would welcome continued focus on supporting LDCs an d African countries. 
The European Union welcomes the constant efforts by the WTO  Secretariat  as well as the 
beneficiaries to enhance the efficiency and impact of trade-related TA activities. We should see to it 
that the activities target the main goals wit hin the planned budget that we have set ourselves . 
31. The representative of Egypt  delivered the following statement:  WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  32. Egypt appreciates the briefing provided by the ITTC on their recent activities and plans for the 
future . We also appreciate the presentation on the e -learning program me and the TA dashboard. 
Egypt strongly believes that TA and training are crucial elements in enhancing the capacity and 
capability of developing countries to participate effectively in the global economy. Egypt recognizes 
the importance of technical cooperation and training in promoting sustainable development and 
achieving the goals of Egypt's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In this regard, Egypt 
benefited from several activities and training courses organized by the ITTC in the trade domain. 
We will remain supportive of the activities carried out by t he ITTC, and we welcome the Plan for 
future activities that was explained. We noted the priority areas and Agreements where Members 
benefited the most. However, we want to see more of those activities tailored specifically to enhance 
the abilities of devel oping countries and LDCs to use the flexibilities in current WTO Agreements  – 
mainly the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (ASCM)  and the TRIP S Agreement 
– as well as  in technology transfer, e -commerce and digitalization , insofar as they r elate to building 
economic resilience and industrialization in developing  countries  and LDCs . I would also mention the 
flexibilities in the Agreement on Agriculture  and the SPS Agreement as they pertain to addressing 
food insecurity , especially in the net food-importing developing countries (NFIDCs) and LDCs .  
33. The representative of Mauritius  delivered the following statement:  
34. I join other colleagues  in thanking the ITTC  for the presentation. As a regular beneficiary of 
TA and capacity -building programmes, Mauritius takes this opportunity to thank the ITTC for its 
continued support. We hope that such programmes continue and adapt to take into account new 
issues such as en vironmental issues and others , so that we are up to date . We will then have the 
capacity to meet all our commitments at the WTO  and be  well prepared to effectively participate in 
negotiations. I also hear d some colleagues talk ing about specific needs . This  brings to my mind that 
we recently concluded the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement. We all have certain requirements  and 
certain obligations to meet.  Maybe island states are slightly different and may need tailor -made 
programmes  in this and other areas. We would therefore request the ITTC to look into that. Another 
issue we recommend looking into is the holding of orientation  programmes  of a week or so  to help 
incoming delegates understand the in s and out s of the WTO . I think that this issue has also been 
discussed in some Committees. Finally, I would be grateful if the Secretariat could elaborate on  
e-commerce capacity -building programmes . 
35. The representative of Nepal  delivered the following st atement:  
36. I associate with the statement delivered by Uganda on behalf of  the LDC Group and would like 
to add a few points. I would like to thank the ITTC for the comprehensive presentation on the 
preparation of the TA Plan as well as  the new e -learning platform and training portal. As a beneficiary 
of TA, Nepal welcomes the preparation of the ITTC and extends its appreciation. The training and 
e-learning platform are quite useful to us to enhance our capacity building. I take this opportunity 
to extend my sincere thanks to the development partners who have been providing the continuous 
support for the implementation of TA. 
37. The representative of China  delivered the following statement:  
38. We thank the ITTC for outlining the preparation of the TA Plan for 2024-2025. We also 
appreciate the efforts made by the Secretariat to ensure the continued delivery of TA activities in 
innovative ways and maintain the volume and relevance of TA activities. We support the way of 
releasing questionnaires to seize the t rue needs and feedback from the beneficiaries. Let the 
beneficiaries voice out what kind of TA courses they need, what kind of successful case stories they 
prefer to listen to, and what kind of platform they think is more user friendly. In the past 11 years, 
China has been working closely with the Secretariat under the China Program me with the aim to 
facilitate LDCs ' accession to the WTO and support their integration into the global economy. Taking 
this opportunity, we appreciate the professionalism of the WTO Secretariat and look forward to our 
continued cooperation in the years ahead. China notes on many occasions the value of TA activities 
to help developing country Members, especially LDCs , better respond to the pandemic and recover 
quickly from the econ omic downturn. In this regard, t he ITTC's work is more crucial than ever before. 
We hope that more targeted and tailor -made assistance could be provided in a more streamlined 
way to better serve the needs and interests of developing Members .  
39. The represent ative of Kenya , on behalf of the ACP Group , delivered the following statement:  WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  40. The ACP Group thanks the ITTC for its briefings. ACP members continue to benefit from the 
Secretariat 's targeted TA and capacity -building programmes. We support the planned activities and 
look forward to participating in the TA Plan for 2024 -2025.   
41. The representative of Korea  delivered the following statement:  
42. Korea thanks the ITTC for briefing the Membership on the TA Plan in addit ion to sharing other 
updates. Korea will be continuing in 2023 its voluntary contributions to the Global Trust Fund, as we 
are committed to supporting TA activities for developing  countries and LDCs . Korea also welcomes 
the updates to the e -learning platfo rm. This is an important online portal that offers high -quality, 
in-depth training courses on WTO and trade matters. It helps trade practitioners on the ground, in 
addition to bettering the public 's understanding of the WTO. We also thank the ITTC for the updates 
on the TA dashboard. We believe that the efficient sharing of information regarding TA in turn 
enhances transparency of the various TA program mes. Finally, we appreciate that the ITTC 
committed time and resources during the pandemic to update these  important service platforms.  
43. The representative of  the United Kingdom  delivered the following statement:  
44. I would like to thank the ITTC for the presentations. The ITTC  is an important function of the 
WTO. A fair global trading system requires that all representatives are able to reach informed policy 
positions across the range of issues under discussion. This is challenging whatever the size of the 
delegation. Building consensus and common agreements is difficult, one might say impossible, 
without common understanding amongst Members . The work of the ITTC is essential for providing 
that common understanding and basis for discussions. We are also pleased to see the launch  of the 
new e -learning platform. This should allow for much more flexible learning. We wish it every success 
and hope to receive updates on progress  at future meetings . The United Kingdom is firmly committed 
to supporting developing countries to advocate f or themselves and to build their capacity in the 
WTO. We have our flagship Trade and Investment Advocacy Fund designed to deliver that support, 
as well as  support provided by the Commonwealth Small States Office. I would be interested to hear 
the response to Uganda 's question about how much support is available for Geneva -based 
delegations. We are very aware that it is often in Geneva that the capacity constraints are felt most 
acutely for small delegations. I also wonder whether you could share further information about the 
demands coming through from developing countries. The analysis of the questionnaire responses 
would be particularly interesting, and it would be helpful if there is anything more you can share . 
45. The representative of  Antigua and Barbuda  delivered  the following statement:  
46. I would like to add my voice to those that have commended the ITTC for their presentation 
this morning. As a member of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States ( OECS ) and representing 
some of the smallest states in this organization, we would like to emphasize how much the  
ITTC's  programmes have helped our Member States. We have small delegations, small Ministries  
and small countries. TA and capacity -building activities  have been extremely helpful in building our 
trade negotiating capacity and in understanding and making our way through what can be a 
bewildering and sometimes intimidating  WTO system. We are also pleased to see the e -learning 
platform and the TA dashboard . The work of the ITTC fits in very well with other support that is 
being provided to OECS Member States  by the U nited Kingdom  and the Commonwealth Small States 
Office. All these put together have been tremendously useful for the OECS ' efforts to avail ourselves  
of the MTS, and to ensure that we can be treated fairly  and can benefit from fair and free trade in 
this MTS. 
47. The representative of Moldova  delivered the following statement1: 
48. I would firstly like to thank the ITTC for all the efforts and the assistance offered to our region , 
and particularly to the delegation of Mold ova over  the last years. The TA activities organized by the 
ITTC help s developing Members similar to Moldova to better understand and implement WTO rules, 
as well a s to participate more effectively in its work. Therefore, the ITTC's assistance  is crucial, 
especially for countries with small delegations like Moldova, which face continuous capacity 
constraints in terms of trade and WTO expertise. Secondly , Moldova is a mong the beneficiaries which 
 
1 The statement by Moldova was delivered under "Other Business " but is reflected under agenda item  C 
at the request of the representative of Moldova, who explained that she could not be present at the meeting to 
deliver the statement when agenda item C was addressed . WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  continuously participate in different ITTC training activities . These are very helpful for Moldova to 
ensure the implementation of the numerous obligations within the WTO Agreements. However, we 
have additional work to be done,  particularly in the area of compliance on agriculture notifications . 
Due to a lack of capacity , Moldova still has some pending notifications to be submitted . In this 
context, we would like to reiterate and mention that we have requested from the ITTC the 
organization of several national TA activities during the current year . We are looking forward to 
preparing these activities in collaboration with the Secretariat . We believe  they will help us to 
improve our compliance with notification obligations  and assist us in preparing  relevant trade experts 
with the necessary expertise in different WTO topics.  
49. The Chairperson  invited the ITTC  representatives to respond to the comments and questions 
from delegations .  
50. In their responses, the representative s of the ITTC noted that there were various  types of 
opportunities for Geneva -based delegates to participate in TA activities. WTO introducti on days were 
regularly organized for new delegates arriving in Geneva . In addition , Geneva -based delegates could 
participate in some TA activities as observers . Furthermore, based on requests by several missions, 
activities for Geneva -based delegates on sp ecific topics had been organized in the past. It was also 
explained that anybody could register on the e -learning platform  and get immediate access on a 
restricted basis . In order to gain full access, including to exams and certifications, an individual had 
to submit a nomination form stamped and signed by the sponsoring government authority.  The 
presente rs indicated that e -learning courses ha d a dual function. They were used as a training tool 
but were also often a pre-requisite for face-to-face activities . The presenters further  noted that LDCs 
and African countries would remain the priority for WTO TA. The ITTC was currently analy sing the 
specific needs of LDCs based on t he responses to the questionnaire. It was possible for t ailor-made 
activities to be put together, based on the needs  of beneficiaries . The s haring of experiences , 
including through virtual participation, was becoming an increasingly important part of TA activities.  
This could be done without any additional costs us ing the existing techn ology. It was also explained 
that Members subject to administrative measures in Category III could not benefit from TA. With 
regard to TA on e -commerce issues, it was noted  that e-commerce was a priority for many 
beneficiaries  and s everal requests had been received  for events to be organize d on th e matter . 
Accordingly, e vents had been  organized at both the national level  and the regional level.  Information 
on these events co uld be found on the TA dashboard. Furthermore, s ince MC12, several events on 
the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement had been held  as well . 
51. The Committee took note of all interventions . 
D. MINISTERIAL DECLARATION FROM THE TWELFTH MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON THE 
WTO RESPONSE TO THE COVID -19 PANDEMIC AND PREPAREDNESS FOR FUTURE 
PANDEMICS (WT/MIN(22)/31 - WT/L/1142)  
52. The Chairperson  said that , at the last meeting, the Committee had agreed that the item 
relating to the MC12 Ministerial Declaration on the WTO response to the COVID -19 pandemic and 
preparedness for future pandemics would remain on the CTD's agenda until the end of 2024. In this 
Ministerial Declaration, it was indicated that relevant WTO bodies w ould - within their fields of 
competence, and on the basis of proposals by Members  - continue or initiate work as soon as 
possible, to analy ze lessons that ha d been learned and challenges experienced during the 
COVID -19 pandemic. A stocktaking exercise w ould be taken of the work by WTO bodies under this 
Declaration yearly at the General Council until the end of 2024, based on the reports of those 
relevant bodies. The Ministerial Declaration identifie d the CTD as one of the relevant WTO bodies to 
undertake work in  this area. She recalled  that she had invited Members to consider submitting 
proposals for work in the CTD, in particular in the Regular Session, on lessons that ha d been learned 
and challenges experienced during the COVID -19 pandemic. There were no writte n submissions from 
Members on the agenda for the present meeting. However, delegations still had the opportunity to 
share lessons learned and challenges experienced during the COVID -19 pandemic, and also share 
ideas on work that could be undertaken by the Committee in this area.  
53. The representativ e of the United States  delivered the following statement:  
54. The United States remains open to engage with Members and contribute to operationalize the 
Ministerial Declaration. As will be recall ed, the United States responded to the Chair's  request to WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  share information and experiences on Members ' efforts to combat an d recover from the 
COVID -19 pandemic. Last November, we shared three case studies from Sub-Sharan Africa on how 
the United States worked with development partners in Angola, Senegal and Zambia. We received 
positive feedback on that experience sharing . Looking ahead, we would like to explore the topic of 
humanitarian cargo relief work to address vulnerabilities to natural disaster s, including pandemic 
responses, and the role that cross -border trade can play in mitigating such vulnerabilities. We  do 
not yet have a specific timetable in mind. It would be realistically between now and the end of the 
year. This is a topic that we invite other Members to join us  in explor ing. We will keep you informed 
on next steps in planning this experience sharing,  most likely after the summer. This is not all. As 
the Chair  remarked at the beginning of the meeting, we are also looking at another experience 
sharing on the topic of food security for  the next CTD meeting in July.  There is a lot of experience 
sharing in  the air . We invite other Members to join us in this continued creative effort of generating 
and sharing knowledge in this Committee . 
55. The representative of Uganda , on behalf of the LDC Group , delivered the following statement:  
56. The LDC Group would like to m ention what it has said in various WTO bodies, which is that 
LDCs have been severely affected by the COVID -19 pandemic due to disruptions in the supply chains 
of essential goods to fight the pandemic , and their dependence on imports of foodstuffs as well a s 
health products such as vaccines, medicines and diagnostic tools  - among others. In addition, trade 
in services, notably tourism and transport, has been severely affected in LDCs. The export restriction 
measures put in place by some Members were the main factors aggravating the situation of LDCs at 
the time of the pandem ic. In line with the Ministerial Declaration on the WTO response to the 
COVID -19 pandemic and preparedness for future pandemics, the LDC Group encourages the WTO 
to continue its cooperation with international actors, including relevant international organi zations, 
pharmaceutical companies and civil society  - among others. Cooperation between these actors and 
WTO Members should be also encouraged . In addition to what the WTO has been doing since the 
COVID -19 crisis, LDCs are of the view that the organization  should encourage more dialogue and 
cooperation among Members in areas such as regulation, digitization and access to finance  - among 
others. The LDC Group encourages the establishment of a funding mechanism at the WTO level to 
address emerging crises, str engthen preparedness, foster innovation and rapid and equitable access 
to health products, and share patent rights and production technology with LDCs in accordance with 
Articles 15 and 16 of th e Ministerial D eclaration , which emphasizes the importance of promoting 
technology transfer. The Group also reaffirms Article 66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement. In accordance 
with Article 7 of the Ministerial Declaration , LDCs believe that export restrictive measures, if found 
to be WTO consistent, should be targeted, prop ortionate, transparent and adopted on a temporary 
basis. Members should exercise restraint in implementing such export restriction measures for 
COVID -19-related vaccines ; treatments ; diagnostics and other essential medical products. Such 
measures should ta ke into account LDC s' needs to enable them to fight against and recover from 
any future pandemic.  
57. The representative of South Africa  delivered the following statement:  
58. As the Chair has highlighted, this item is very import ant for Members to continue to engage 
on. We believe that the Ministerial Declaration on the WTO response to the C OVID -19 pandemic and 
preparedness for future pandemics  - as well as the Ministerial Decision on the TRIPS Agreement  - 
were notable outcomes at MC12 . They signify the need for the WTO to continue to engage on how 
Members  can build resilience to deal with future pandemics. We also believe that the CTD, within its 
mandate, has to consider measures and initiatives to assist developing country Members, including 
LDCs, in the expansion of their trade and investment opportunities. In the context of the 
Ministerial  Declaration, we need to consider measures to strengthen productive, scientific and 
technological capacity across the world, with a view to diversifying location s of production. 
Paragraph  15 of th e Ministerial Declaration is clear in terms of what we need to increase the level of 
global preparedness to COVID -19, as well as to future pandemic s. The paragraph  also states that it 
is important to ensure that we are ab le to respon d to public health crises including those relating to 
HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other epidemics and neglected tropical diseases.  Within the 
context of the CTD, we have to look at specific measures that can be taken to advance technolo gy 
transfer to boost the scientific and technological capacity of developing countries. This is not only 
important to respond to pandemics, but also in terms of  address ing food security  issues , climate 
change, supply -chain disruptions and the digital divid e. We  therefore welcome the submission by 
the United States on the issue of food security . This is an important issue that the Membership 
should continue to discuss. The submission by the African Group , to be considered later in the  WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  meeting, also highlights some critical issues that Members  need to respond to. Finally, w e welcome 
your request to the Membership to put forward specific submissions . Whether individually or within 
the context of the African Group,  South Africa  is looking to prepar e a submission so that the 
Membership can look at how to take forward the discussion under this Declaration .  
59. The representative of Egypt  delivered the following statement:  
60. This is a very important agenda item. Our statement is going to be practical, try ing to add to 
the discussions and tak ing them forward. As we all know, the COVID -19 pandemic has had a 
significant impact on the global economy and the livelihoods of millions of people around the world. 
The MC12 Ministerial Declaration on the WTO response to the  COVID -19 pandemic and preparedness 
for future pandemics is an important step towards ensuring that we are better prepared for future 
pandemics, and that we can work together to mitigate the impact on our economies. Egypt welcomes 
this Declaration and recognizes the importance of taking concrete steps to prepare for future 
pandemics. In this regard , and based on the content s of the  Declaration, Egypt would like to offer 
some specific suggestions for future work that could be carried out by the C ommittee  to deliver more 
concrete results, hopefully in preparation for the Thirteenth WTO Ministerial Conference ( MC13 ). 
First, we believe that the Committee should focus on promoting access to vaccines and to 
therapeutics and diagnostics for all.  This is particularly important for developing countries that may 
have limited resources to procure or to produce therapeutics and diagnostics. We call upon the CTD 
and the TRIPS Council to investigate the potential of agreeing on an  intellectual property (IP) 
trigge r-ready mechanism to be recalled by developing countries to address future pandemics. We 
suggest that the Committee explore ways to promote technology transfer and capacity building to 
enable developing countries to produce vaccines, therapeutic s and diagnostics locally. We also 
suggest that the Committee explore ways to incentivize pharmaceutical companies to make vaccines 
available at affordable prices. Second, we believe that the Committee should focus on addressing 
debt relief for developing countries. The COVID -19 pandemic has led to significant debt burdens for 
many developing countries, which can hamper their ability to effectively respond to future 
pandemics. We suggest that the Committee explore ways to provide debt relief to developing 
countries, particularly those with limited resources. This could include exploring mechanisms for 
debt restructuring or cancellatio n. This  will have to happen in collaboration with relevant 
international organization s. 
61. Third, we suggest that the Committee f ocus on providing digital trade and e -commerce. The 
COVID -19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards digital trade and e -commerce, which can help 
mitigate the impact of future pandemics by enabling trade to continue even in the face of physical 
restrict ions. We suggest that the Committee explore ways to promote digital trade and e -commerce, 
including through capacity building and the development of supportive regulatory frameworks in 
capacitating developing countries to address the problem of the digital  divide  with the developed 
nations . Fourth, we suggest that the Committee focus on promoting access to finance for small and 
medium -sized enterprises ( SMEs ), in collaboration with donor  Members and with international 
organizations. SMEs are particularly vulnerable to the economic impact of pandemics  and may have 
difficulties accessing finance during times of economic uncertainty. We suggest that the Committee 
explore ways to promote access to finance for SMEs, including through the developmen t of 
innovative financial instruments and the provision of TA. Egypt believes that the CTD can play an 
important role in promoting global preparedness for future pandemics. We urge the Committee to 
consider our suggestions for future work, and we look forw ard to working with our fellow 
WTO members to ensure that we are better prepared for future pandemics . 
62. The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
63. We would like to join other members in echoing the importance of this agenda item. India h as 
been at the forefront of sharing COVID -19 health products with several resource -constrained low  
and middle -income countries, leveraging its manufacturing capacities in vaccines and other 
pharmaceutical products . The application of digital technologies was an integral part the response 
to the public health crisis stemming from the pandemic.  While we have been sharing experiences on 
Members ' responses to pandemic in various Committees  - as well as in the General Council  - it is 
apparent that there is a  need to discuss in greater detail the importance of understanding how 
WTO rules have supported Members during the COVID -19 pandemic, a s well as their role in future 
pandemics. I refer to paragraph  23 of the Ministerial Declaration  on the WTO response to the 
pandemic and preparedness for future pandemics . In this paragraph , Minister s emphasi zed the need 
to review and buil d on all the lessons learned and the challenges experienced during the WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  COVID -19 pandemic, to build effective solu tions in case of future pandemics including on balance of 
payments ; development ; export restrictions ; food security ; IP; regulatory cooperation ; services ; 
tariff classification ; technology transfer ; trade facilitation and transparency.  Paragraph  28 highlig hts 
the need for expeditious matching of supply to demand  and mutual recognition norms related to 
goods and services that are essential to respond effectively to COVID -19 and future pandemics. In 
most of these areas, not much meaningful deliberation has ha ppened . This includes  balance of 
payments  issues ; regulatory cooperation ; mutual recognition ; technology transfer ; the issue of debt 
and obligation commitments under Article 66 of the TRIPS  Agreement . Furthermore, the discussion 
on a TRIPS waiver on diagnostics and therapeutics has been extended for many months. In all these  
areas , the WTO needs to play a key role to provide effective solutions as a response to the pandemic. 
The CTD has an important part to play . Development need s to permeate all WTO activities and be 
central to the WTO 's work . 
64. The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
65. The European Union encourages all relevant WTO bodies to work in their field s of competence , 
as mandated by the MC12 Ministerial Declaration on the WTO response to the COVID -19 pandemic 
and preparedness for future pandemics. Important work has been done i n the Committee on Market 
Access (CMA) and other Committees. With relevance to this Committee, the sixth experience sharing 
session took place  in the CMA  on 24 March , highlighting the LDC s' experience on trade in essential 
goods to fight the COVID -19 pandemic . The European Union will continue to engage on this 
important topic in the relevant Committees.  
66. The representative of Brazil  delivered the following statement:  
67. I would like to thank all delegations for their statements, particularly Uganda on beh alf of the 
LDC Group. The experience s shared by the LDC Members highlights the unbalanced  burden that fell 
on developing countries when facing the hardships during the pandemic. This is particularly the case 
in areas such as  access to vaccines, medicines a nd diagnostics. It further reinforces the need for 
WTO Members to reach consensus on the waiver  extension . It also shows the importance of further 
advancing in addressing the trade distorting practices that affect food security.  Brazil understands 
that add ressing market distortive carbon -intensive agricultur al subsidies is a major driver to promote 
efficiency in sustainable agriculture and global food security.  
68. The Chairperson  encouraged Members to continue to engage and to submit written proposals 
on work that the CTD  could do on this matter.  
69. The Committee took note  of all interventions.  
E. POLICY SPACE FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT - A CASE FOR REBALANCING TRADE 
RULES TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIALIZATION AND TO ADDRESS EMERGING CHALLENGE S 
SUCH AS CLIMATE CHANGE, CONCENTRATION OF PRODUCTION AND DIGITAL 
INDUSTRIALIZATION – COMMUNICATION FROM THE AFRICAN GROUP 
(WT/COMTD/W/270)  
70. The Chairperson  said that th e present  item concern ed a communication from the 
African  Group, which was titled "Policy Space for Industrial Development – A Case for Rebalancing 
Trade Rules to Promote Industrialization and to Address Emerging Challenges such as Climate 
Change, Concentration of Production and Digital Industrialization".  The document carrie d the symbol 
of a number of WTO bodies , including the CTD . The CTD document symbol was WT/COMTD/W/270. 
A discussion on the submission had taken place at the General Council meeting of 6 -7 March 2023.  
The present meeting was the first opportunity to discuss th e submission  in the CTD. She invited the 
representative of the African Group to introduce the document .  
71. The representative of Cameroon , on behalf of the African  Group , delivered the following 
statement:  
72. The African Group appreciates this opportunity to introduce our submission to the CTD.  At the 
heart of this paper is the objective of ensuring that the WTO lives up to its fundamental objective of 
ensuring  that trade and the trade rules of the MTS contribute to the economic development of a ll its 
Members. It is therefore up to the CTD, as the body entrusted with exploring the relationship WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  between trade and development, to take up this discussion following our introduction of the same 
submission during the General Council meeting of 6 -7 March  2023. The reality is that , whilst trade 
and innovation ha ve produced positive outcomes, the majority of countries have evidently been left 
behind, with their prospects of achieving targets set out under the United Nations ' Sustainable  
Development  Goals (S DGs) at real risk. Like many other developing countries, African economies 
have in this regard bor ne the disproportionate brunt of these trends. Not least the disproportionate 
impact of contemporary challenges such as pandemics; supply -chain disruptions; t he high and 
escalating cost of food and energy; balance of payments pressures; climate change and increasing 
regularity and scale of natural disasters; and the speed and extent of technological advances and 
widening technological divide . The inability of A frican economies to weather these challenges and 
shocks remains inevitable in the context of undiversified production and trade patterns confined to 
extractive sectors . Their exports are concentrated on basic unprocessed commodities with minimal 
value addi tion nor active participation in downstream and more sophisticated manufacturing value 
chains.  
73. The overconcentration of markets and production among a few Members also poses systemic 
risks to those marginalized economies such as ours. We are currently witnessing the increasing use 
of industrial policies for purposes of environmental protection – that i s, green industriali zation – or 
to de -risk supply -chain vulnerabilities. In the absence of clear policy space and tools within 
WTO structures, such unilateral and even protectionist efforts have remained the domain of the 
developed, well -resourced and powerful economies. The increasing use of industrial subsidies and 
trade-related investment measures such as local content requirements  by Members are cases in 
point. The less developed and weaker Members , on the other hand , contend with being spectators , 
unable to access similar tools due to legitimate fear of reprisals. These developments clearly point 
to the universal demand for more p olicy space. They highlight the need to recalibrate certain 
WTO rules to bring them in sync not only with the development demands of developing economies, 
but also with requirements of contemporary challenges such as digitali zation and climate change.  In 
the context of increasing unilateralism and unfair playing field, the African Group believes it is 
opportune, therefore , that a multilateral framework to rebalance trade rules to promote domestic 
and regional productio n be urgently discussed and developed w ithin the WTO. As we indicated at 
the G eneral Council  meeting in March, this contribution seeks to strengthen the multilateral 
rules-based trading system, by placing the WTO at the centre of efforts towards responding to the 
common challenges of today. It is aimed at ensuring the WTO remains relevant and responsive to 
the development needs of Members, more importantly those of developing countries, including LDCs 
that have hitherto been left behind on several fronts and development indices.  
74. The Africa n Group submission identifies core WTO Agreements that should be rebalanced so 
as to serve as catalysts of economic diversification ; industrial development and structural 
transformation and also build the resilience of developing countries  and LDCs. The advance s in the 
digital economy and the green economy as a response to the challenge of climate change provides 
an opportunity to craft trade rules that foster inclusive and equitable growth and development. 
Providing the necessary policy space and access to poli cy tools to facilitate industriali zation, 
structural transformation and diversification of our economies beyond current production and export 
patterns whilst simultaneously supporting joint and individual efforts towards meeting multilaterally 
agreed targe ts towards achieving net -zero emissions.  The African Group seeks to initiate  - through 
this submission  - a multilateral negotiation on the glaringly obvious deficiencies in key instruments 
or Agreements that we consider hold a vast potential to unlock Afri ca’s industriali zation; structural 
transformation and economic diversification ; and ultimately facilitate our meaningful and qualitative 
integration into global value chains  (GVCs) , including the green and digital industries. These 
agreements include, but are not limited to, the Trade -Related Investment Measures (TRIM s) 
Agreement, the ASCM  and the TRIPS Agreement as a potential key enabler of technology transfer. 
The aim is to generate discussions beyond the general or ideological debate on the concept of policy 
space, and towards actual constraints in specific Agreements and their provisions that we consider 
posing constraints on our industrialization objectives. The agenda is not confined to special and 
differential treatment  (S&D) , important a s it remains, but fundamentally about the substance of 
some of the rules that either facilitate or inhibit the ability of our economies to industriali ze. 
75. While we intend to also pursue these discussions in other appropriate WTO bodies, including 
the Genera l Council, it is our view that the CTD – as a focal point for discussions on the nexus 
between trade and development  – should also be seized with this matter. We thank those that have 
afforded us time to explain our proposal, including those that have show n an interest in our 
submission . We trust that all Members will constructively engage towards delivering some outcome WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  on this urgent endeavour at MC13 . This would ensur e that the scope of the policy space available to 
us all is multilaterally redefined and  recalibrated for the sake of preserving the multilateral 
rules-based system, building certainty in global trade and commerce, and ensuring inclusive and 
equitable economic development . 
76. The representative of South Africa  delivered the following statement:  
77. We associate ourselves with the statement delivered by Cameroon on behalf of the 
African  Group. As clearly articulated by Cameroon, the submission that we are putting forward in 
the CTD today contributes to the development dimension of WTO reform and what is required to 
meaningfully enable developing countries  - especially African countries  - to industriali ze and move 
up the development ladder. It recogni zes the fragility of developing countries, particularly in Africa, 
and the risk of overreliance on produ ction and export of primary products . It also recognizes  the 
vulnerability of overdependence on imports in the context of supply -chain disruptions which have 
been severely exposed in the context of the COVID -19 pandemic, but also the geopolitical tensions 
that we see today that also led to the current food security crisis . This  has been a concern to the 
African Group for a number of years . We emphasize that the African Group values the MTS and 
recognizes its benefits in terms of providing predictability and certainty in trade rules. However, we 
also want to note that for the majority of developing countries, including ourselves, the reality is 
that there are some provisions that present constraints to industriali zation and economic 
developm ent. In fact, our experience over the last two decades has also been one of 
deindustriali zation. This is a point the system needs to engage on.  The rational e for the submission 
is to recognize the importance of the multilateral framework to address the cha llenges that Members 
are facing to avoid the resort to unilateralism. The proposal thus aims to strengthen multilateralism 
and the MTS by ensuring that rules are recalibrated as necessary to provide the policy space 
Members need to achieve legitimate goals . It is about safeguarding the integrity of the MTS , and 
also protecting the weakest in it by providing them with the necessary policy space, legal clarity, 
and access to policy tools for industriali zation and economic development that others have used in  
their industriali zation path and are using to respond to the polycrisis. These policy tools should be 
available to developing countries to achieve their industrialization and structural transformation 
objectives. Without a multilateral framework, the risk  is that those with the means and power will 
unilaterally implement policy tools they need to respond to current challenges while developing 
countries and LDCs have no such option. This will result in further asymmetries and a system defined 
by power dynam ics. It is important that we also clarify that we are not speak ing here of access to 
existing S&D within current Agreements and the discussion on the G90  Agreement -specific  proposals 
(ASPs) in the Special Session of the CTD (CTD SS). That discussion has a clear mandate, which is 
narrowly defined to improve existing S&D provisions to make them more precise, effective and 
operational. Here, we are looking at the rules that are inherent in the current constraints that we 
have identified in terms of industriali zation.  
78. The Africa n Group submission on policy space has been carefully crafted to ensure that the 
Agreements are fit for purpose. It draws on some of the policy tools that existed in the past . The 
example here is the non -actionable subsidies that we are proposing should be reconsidered in the 
current context. Whil e the paper has been prepared from an African perspective, we are certain that 
the issues and challenges w ill raise resonate with many developing countries. We hope that the 
submission will r eceive broad support from the Membership, and we encourage co -sponsorship 
beyond the African Group.  The submission builds on the various conversations that Members have 
had, including in the development retreat held in February 2023, and aims to respond to  some of 
the questions Members have sought clarifications on. While the list of issues and Agreements is not 
exhaustive, the African Group has identified three that are at the core. In terms of  the 
TRIMS  Agreement , the aim  is to incentivi ze both domestic a nd foreign investments and to build 
domestic manufacturing capacities, including downstream linkages, while ensuring the appropriate 
balance . We are talking about the consideration of a threshold on local content requirements as an 
example of how we can ac hieve the requisite balance of providing policy space on the one hand, 
while ensuring that international trade can continue. Regarding the ASCM, we are calling for 
consideration of a Green Box or non-actionable subsidies to achieve legitimate goals such as  
industriali zation, including green and digital industriali zation and technology upgrading that are 
necessary for developing countries to meaningfully integrate into the global trading system and build 
resilience. Turning to the TRIPS Agreement, it is important to look at the constraints in this 
Agreement, but also the issue of technology transfer and access to know -how so as to build global 
competitiveness. I would like to make three points in conclusion . First, the submission does not aim 
to unra vel the Agreements. We recogni ze the importance of multilateral trade rules and the value WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  of the MTS in terms of providing predictability to global trade. The submission ensure s that a targeted 
discussion will be held on specific provisions that cause limi tations in terms of policy space , with a 
view to look ing at how specific constraints  can be addressed . Second,  the paper recognizes the 
limited fiscal space for some developing countries. A balance has been found which includes a 
combination of financial a nd non -financial policy space which would enable Members  to respond to 
the multiple challenges facing  developing countries . Third, we will be looking at preparing specific 
proposals covering the three Agreements . This will  hopefully allow for a focused tec hnical discussion, 
moving us away from an ideological debate on policy space. We hope that Members will use the next 
few months, including in the CTD, to look at areas where convergence could be  found  on possible 
deliverables at MC13.  
79. The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
80. India would like to congratulate the African Group for this very well drafted submission. We 
also thank Cameroon for introducing th e proposal in th is Committee, and for the elaboration by 
South  Africa as to what it contains and seeks to achieve. This is a natural step forward from the 
discussions we had at the  development retreat in February. The CTD  has a very important role to 
play here as focal point on trade and development issues. The propo sal highlights very relevant 
issues to the development objectives of the Global South. The pol ycrisis and global economic shocks 
have seriously impacted developing countries. During these difficult times, it is imperative for 
developing countries including  LDCs to maintain supply -chain resilience against external shocks. This 
submission evoked a significant discussion in the G eneral  Council meeting of 6-7 March 2023. Most 
Members associated with the issues raised in the submission. Developing countries are faced with 
enormous challenges, including  food insecurity ; inflation ; debt; unemployment or declining 
economic activities. The C OVID -19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues. The survival and 
development of the developing countries including LDCs would depend on economic diversification, 
industriali zation and effective value addition. However, these are difficult times , and the ask is 
extremely challenging . Historically, advanced and industriali zed Members used industrial measures 
to gain and have the first -mover advantage . In their development phase, these advanced Members 
used policy options like domestic industry protection and state  support incentivi zation through 
subsidy regimes, which we are  also see ing in certain areas today.  
81. In the first phase of industriali zation, no nascent industry can grow unless positive support is 
provided one way or the other. This requires some flexibili ty and policy space for countries that are 
now moving toward s industrialization  and want to progress in this direction. However, as pointed 
out by the African Group, these policy options were not easily available for developing countries and 
LDCs as intern ational trade rules unfolded. Unilateral protectionist measures have added to their 
misery. Consequently, developing countries  and LDCs  fall into a debt trap, while the 
North -South  economic divide widens, unemployment rises, and SDGs  remain only a talking point.  
The submission rightly emphasi zes that trade rules should provide producers and nations in the 
developing world the necessary policy space to integrate more meaningfully and qualitatively in 
global value and supply chains  – not only as suppliers and exporters of primary products , but also 
as producers of intermediate and final goods, with significant value added . This is in line with the 
objectives enshrined in the preamble of  the Marrakesh Agreement. India agrees that rebalanc ing 
trade rules and guaranteeing access to the requisite policy tools will assist developing countries and 
LDCs in developing capacities and capabilities to contain, prevent, respond and recover more 
effectively from acute shocks and more chronic crises associated with a  changing world. The paper 
presents pertinent points for the retention of policy space for industrial development. These 
deliberations can be widened further to identify how developing countries, including LDCs , can 
effectively use their exi sting national policy space, and even enlarge it without opting out of their 
international commitments. Going forward, India will contribute keenly and constructively to these 
deliberations, as we move toward s specific proposals . 
82. The representative of Egypt delivered the following statement:  
83. Egypt  would like to associate itself with the statement made by the Ambassador of Cameroon 
on behalf of the African Group. The crucial need for policy space to support industrial development 
in developing countries has become imperative, particularly in rebalancing trade rules in the WTO. 
The ASCM, TRIMs and TRIPs Agreements have restricted the policy space of developing countries to 
pursue their industrialization and digitalization objectives, hindering their economic g rowth and 
development. Several studies underscore the relevance of the cause of the African Group's 
submission. Here are a few examples. According to a report by the United Nations Conference on WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  Trade and Development (UNCTAD) from 2018, the ASCM has limite d the use of industrial policies by 
developing countries. This has made it more difficult for developing countries to promote their 
domestic industries and attract foreign investment . Another study by the World Bank from 2019 
found that the TRIMs Agreement has hurt the ability of developing countries to attract foreign direct 
investment (FDI). The study showed that countries that implemented TRIMs -related measures 
experienced a signific ant reduction in FDI inflows compared to countries that did not. Several studies 
have highlighted the negative impact of the TRIPS Agreement on the ability of developing countries 
to access affordable medicines and technology. For example, a report by the 
World  Health  Organization from 2016 showed that the high cost of patented medicines and 
technology has limited  the access to healthcare in many developing countries. Article 8 of the ASCM 
was an essential mechanism for Members to promote their industrializ ation before its expiration in 
2004. It allowed developing countries to implement policies crucial for building their industrial 
capabilities, creating jobs and promoting technological advancements. Research by UNCTAD from 
2021 has shown that the absence o f Article 8 has resulted in a significant decline in the use of 
subsidies  and other  measures that promote industrial development in developing countries. 
Furthermore, the TRIPS Agreement has provisions requiring the Membership to facilitate technology 
transfer to developing countries and LDCs. However, the flexibility in the TRIPS Agreement fell short 
of delivering on the desired objectives, resulting in limited access to critical technologies necessary 
for industrial development in developing countries. A study by the South Centre from 2020 found 
that technology transfer was significantly restricted due to intellectual property rights and the lack 
of financial and technical resources in developing countries . 
84. The TRIMs Agreement has also limited the policy s pace of developing countries by restricting 
their ability to pursue industrialization policies. However, measures such as investment measures, 
performance requirements, and local content requirements can promote industrial development and 
build domestic ca pabilities in developing countries. A report by the International Centre for Trade 
and Sustainable Development  suggested that these measures could be more effective in promoting 
industrial development in developing countries  than traditional TRIMs . As ment ioned by the 
Ambassador from South Africa, the list of Agreements contained in the submission is not exhaustive. 
And the ideas here should not be confused with the G90 ASPs on S&D  being discussed in the CTD  SS. 
Providing policy space for developing countri es is critical for protecting infant industries and 
addressing balance of payment s issues. The UNCTAD report from 2021 found that developing 
countries that implemented industrial policies were more successful  in developing their industries 
and achieving ec onomic growth, which helped to address balance of payment s problems. 
Additionally, protecting infant industries through industrial policies has been critical for the economic 
success of many countries.  Furthermore, technology transfer is vital for developing countries to 
address challenges relating to climate change and digital industrialization. The UNCTAD report from 
2021 highlights the importance of technology transfer in supporting developing countries ' efforts to 
transition to a low -carbon econ omy and promoting digital industrialization. Providing developing 
countries with the necessary policy space to access and use critical technologies can promote 
sustainable and inclusive industrialization, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to 
achieving global climate goals. In conclusion, it is crucial to provide developing countries with the 
policy space necessary to pursue their industrialization and digitalization objectives. Reviving 
Article  8 of the ASCM, fulfilling obligations under the TR IPS Agreement, revisiting the TRIMs 
Agreement  - and reviving the Working Group on Trade and Transfer of Technology  (WGTTT)  based 
on concrete goals directed to produce tangible outcomes at MC13  - can enable developing countries 
to promote sustainable and in clusive industrialization and build economic resilience. As such, Egypt 
urges the CTD to consider the issues contained in the African Group's submission seriously and take 
action to address them . 
85. The representative of Kenya , on behalf of the ACP Group , delivered the following statement:  
86. The ACP Group welcomes the submission from the African Group. Development is a core focus 
at the WTO  – especially given the broad representation of developing country Members , that has 
seen a massive increase since 1947 and continues to increase  in the accession process. The 
commitment of developing countries and LDCs to participate in the WTO reflects our investment in 
the multilateral rules-based  trading system. However, integration into the system and trade ought 
to be a c atalyst for accelerating structural transformation, industrial development and diversification 
in developing  countries  and LDCs, to enable them to address inequality and exclusion. We also 
support the view that trade rules should provide the necessary resu lts-oriented policy space for 
developing countries and LDCs to integrate more meaningfully and qualitatively in GVCs , as 
producers and suppliers of intermediate and final goods. We must also note that developing WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  countries , especially our members,  are diverse, with various severe problems in our journey for 
development and remain with vulnerabilities impacted by many factors. The pandemic coupled with 
climate change, digitization gaps, and others, have only shown how we must have space to 
strengthen too ls toward industrialization and structural transformation. We therefore see value in 
advancing discussions at the WTO on how to address the legitimate concern of policy space for the 
promotion of industrialization and addressing the emerging challenges . We look forward to other 
opportunities to unpack elements raised in the submission . 
87. The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
88. I would like to thank the previous speakers for the ir thoughtful contributions, and in particular 
the African Group for stressing the development dimension of their ambitious recent communication 
on policy space for industrial development. The European Union believes that the 
African  Group 's ideas on policy space for industriali zation could go hand -in-hand with the 
European  Union's  proposal on enhanced deliberation on trade and state intervention in support of 
industrial sectors. We are ready to look at what common ground can be established between the 
two papers. For example, both are clearly connected  on the need for the WTO to look at the interface 
between trade and industrial policies; on the importance of considering whether the current 
framework or rules applicable to subsidies is up to date given the challenges that we are all facing; 
and on the n eed to consider the development dimension. However, we consider that the scope of 
both communications is broader than development and goes beyond the remit of the CTD. We would 
like to return to this issue at the General Council in May  2023. 
89. The representa tive of China  delivered the following statement:  
90. We welcom e discuss ion of  this paper in the CTD. China supports the work to facilitate 
developing Members ' industrialization and safeguard their policy space under the WTO reform 
process. For example, as mentioned in the document and by many speakers today, the latest 
unilateral domestic measures by some WTO Members exacerbate the uncertainties of  the trading 
environment. It further highlights the need to re -install the toolbox of non -actionable subsidies in 
the ASCM, so that developing Members will be equipped with that tool to promote industry upgrading 
and technology innovation. Another example relates to  the TRIPS Agreement. An important objective 
of this Agreement is to strike the balance between intellectual property rights  protection and other 
legitimate social and economic objectives, and to encourage technology transfer from developed 
Members to develop ing ones. However, the WTO failed to have substantial discussions on that issue. 
A further desired and reasonable request is to restore the work of the TRIMs Working Group and 
make it better play its role. All in all, China supports the African Group 's pro posal to build the 
resilience of developing Members . 
91. The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:  
92. The United States take s note of the African Group 's submission on policy space for industrial 
development. We thank the Ambassador of Cameroon and the speakers that followed, including 
South Africa and others, for the interventions. We are working diligently to review this paper and 
expect to provide comments in the near futur e. 
93. The representative of the Russian Federation  delivered the following statement:  
94. The Russian Federation  thanks the African Group for its submission and Cameroon for th e 
comprehensive presentation. We fully support the endeavours  to make the WTO more efficient in 
responding to development needs. The to pics raised in the communication are vital, especially in 
the light of modern -day tendencies in the global economy and trade. We share the importance of 
technology transfer. Unhindered and fair access to technologies, especially green and digital ones, 
is essential for effective participation in global trade. It helps to upgrade along the value chain, which 
was also mentioned today by other delegates. Russia supports further discussions on how to facilitate 
transfer of technologies. The revitalization of th e WTO WGTTT could be helpful to promote such 
discussions. Support measures and their modalities are another important area covered in the 
communication. Let us take for example onshoring and nearshoring. These trends seem natural 
when it comes to increasing the resilience of the supply chains. But they should not be taken to the 
extreme . The race to subsidize green energy force s businesses to  relocate production of 
semiconductors and change the terms of global competition. Low-income economies will simply be WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  unable to keep up with such  a race. There is a need to explore how the growing competitiveness 
gap may be managed. Domestic support seems  to be an unavoidable topic in the WTO reform 
process, which should be explored from various angles. Here, I echo China's statement. Russia 
appreciates the importance that the communication attaches to the MTS, which should guarantee 
that trade benefits al l. Today , this system is threatened by the rise of unilateralism and 
protectionism. Such tendencies, together with the closed clubs of like -minded Members and most 
favoured nation ( MFN)-inconsistent trade deals, especially hurt developing countries and LDC s. 
These tendencies contribute to further fragmentation of international trade. Constraining these 
harmful tendencies and safeguarding the MTS with the WTO at its core is a basic task. To conclude, 
Russia acknowledges that the communication should be given  further consideration and is ready to 
constructively engage in this work . 
95. The representativ e of Switzerland  delivered the following statement:  
96. Switzerland thanks the African Group for their communication on policy space for industrial 
development and Camero on for today 's presentation. This paper addresses a number of important 
issues related to the trade and development dimension, while also going beyond this dimension and 
beyond the mandate of this Committee. Switzerland is currently still in the process of analy sing this 
document. However , let me state for now that , from the Swiss point of view, WTO rules neither 
hinder industrialization, no r do they foster market concentration or prevent the adoption of 
climate -related policies. On the contrary, the rules -based trading system enables countries to 
achieve these goals in a way to minimize negative spill -over to other WTO Members. At the same 
time, these rules ensure a level playing field for economic actors. Switzerland is  nevertheles s 
committed to discussing these issues with Members and engage constructively, in a framework and 
venue that will be appropriate .  
97. The representativ e of Canada  delivered the following statement:  
98. As stated at the General Council meeting of 6-7 March  2023, where this proposal was also 
submitted, we are reviewing it carefully and with an open mind. We recognize the significant 
challenges faced by developing countries, but we remain unconvinced that relaxing existing 
disciplines is the right approach . We would need to see compelling and specific evidence of where 
the rules are a real impediment , and we have not seen that yet. More generally, we do believe this 
subject is  worth further discussion.  We believe that approaches to attract more investment, such as 
the Joint Statement Initiative ( JSI) on investment facilitation for development, are promising. We 
do believe that stronger market -oriented disciplines, such as for a griculture, would benefit all of us. 
On a final, more general note, we think it is important to understand the links and common objectives 
between the current proposal, the G90 proposals, and the LDC proposal and its two Annexes. If we 
are to continue to a dvance on WTO reform, we need to ensure that we are engaging on issues in 
the most effective and efficient means possible. Duplicating objectives in various proposals and 
having similar discussions across various WTO bodies is not a conducive move in that direction. We 
look forward to further discussions . 
99. The representativ e of the United Kingdom  delivered the following statement:  
100.  The United Kingdom thanks the African Group for this paper and the Ambassadors of 
Cameroon and South Africa for their helpful and comprehensive articulations of the aims of the 
paper. We recogni ze that this is an important contribution to broader conversati ons on the green 
transition, promoting development and WTO reform. We agree with the paper 's reiteration of the 
importance of multilateralism and the need for the WTO to be relevant as a multilateral institution 
fit for purpose and responsive to the issues  that Members face. Given the breadth of the paper, and 
the overlap with various other papers and the work of other Committees, we are still assessing these 
proposals. However, we are keen to discuss the content with the Africa n Group going forward. We 
note that there will be further proposals and focused evidence -based discussions, which we think 
would be a helpful way forward . 
101.  The representativ e of Japan  delivered the following statement:  
102.  We thank the African Group for its comprehensive explanation. Regar ding the discussion o n 
policy space, Japan would like to listen and understand more specifically from Members  about the 
development strategies and the measures being considered within those strategies, including their WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  relationship with WTO norms or rules. In addition, Japan would like to consider an appropriate venue 
for the discussion . 
103.  The representativ e of Australia  delivered the following statement:  
104.  Australia thanks the Africa n Group for the paper, and the Ambassadors of Cameroon and 
South Africa for their presentation s. In the interests of time, I would like to refer the Committee to 
Australia 's statement on this pap er at the March 2023 General Council meeting. I would add that we 
also agree with comments from my colleagues from the European Union, Switzerland , Japan and 
others that this paper goes beyond the remit of this Committee . We look forward to further 
discuss ions in the General Council and relevant Committees responsible for the identified 
Agreements .  
105.  The representative of Uganda , on behalf of the LDC Group , delivered the following statement:  
106.  The LDC  Group thanks the African Group for its communication  and the Ambassador of 
Cameroon for the presentation . We think that this submission addresses many of the issues that are 
important for LDCs such as industrialization, digitalization and climate change. We are looking 
forward to engaging and having constructive discussions, and hope that the discussion s lead to 
concrete outcomes for the LDC Group and other developing countries . 
107.  The representativ e of Singapore  delivered the following statement:  
108.  Singapore t hanks the African Group for its paper and the contributions to WTO reform efforts. 
While we are still reviewing the paper, we affirm the importance of having the necessary policy 
space, and TA and capacity -building support , for Members to cope with the glo bal challenges of 
slowing economic growth, climate change and food insecurity. We note that the African Group has 
identified the TRIMs  Agreement , the ASCM, and the TRIPS Agreement as relevant WTO Agreements 
in the context of  which Members can initiate poli cy discussions. In that regard, it may be useful as 
a first step to discuss the paper in other relevant and appropriate Committees where there can be 
more technical and in -depth evidence -based discussions. Singapore stands ready to engage on the 
paper in f urther detail in the relevant Committees. Following these focused discussions, the 
African  Group could then provide updates to the G eneral Council  and the CTD. In closing, allow me 
to reiterate that while Singapore welcomes efforts to ensure that the WTO a nd its rules are fit for 
purpose in the 21st century, we must ensure that such efforts do not inadvertently destabili ze the 
MTS. 
109.  The representativ e of Korea  delivered the following statement:  
110.  Korea thanks Cameroon for its presentation on behalf of the African Group. We are still 
reviewing this proposal . As expressed by Korea  at the previous General Council meeting, we look 
forward to taking a facts -based, evidence -based approach to addressing t he concerns contained in 
the paper. We also echo some of our colleagues today and ask the proponents of the various papers 
to help us better understand the relationship between what seem to be proposals with similar 
objectives .  
111.  The representative of Camer oon, on behalf of the African  Group , delivered the following 
statement:  
112.  On behalf of the African Group, I would like to thank Members for the ir interest in this 
important proposal , which is central to the work of the WTO and more broadly to multilateralism . 
We are looking at the industrialization of African countries and their participation in global trade and 
the WTO . We have taken good note of the comments made. We will continue to work on this matter . 
113.  The Committee took note  of all interventions.  WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  F. TRADE A ND DEVELOPMENT – WORK IN THE COMMITTEE ON THE BASIS OF THE 
CHAIRMAN'S CONCLUDING STATEMENT FROM THE EIGHTH MINISTERIAL 
CONFERENCE (WT/MIN(11)/11)  
(I) Committee on Trade and Development Mandate: Focal Point for Consideration and 
Coordination of Work on Deve lopment in the WTO – Proposal from Barbados, Belize, 
China, Cuba, Ecuador, India, and the African Group (WT/COMTD/W/208)  
(II) Operationalization of the CTD's Mandate: A Proposal to Deliver Outcomes based on the 
MC8 Mandate - Proposal from China, Cuba, Ecuador, India and the African Group 
(WT/COMTD/W/192 )2 
114.  The Chairperson  said that Ministers at MC8 had reaffirmed the positive link between trade and 
development and had called for focused work in the CTD. Ministers had called on Members to fully 
operationalize the mandate of the CTD as a focal point for development work. Two submissions 
containing proposals for work under the MC8 mandate were included on the agenda of the  present 
meeting. The first submission – by Barbados, Belize, China, Cuba, Ecuador, India and the African 
Group (WT/COMTD/W/208) – contained a proposal for the CTD to report on the development -related 
work taking place in other WTO bodies. The second submi ssion – by China, Cuba, Ecuador, India 
and the African Group (WT/COMTD/W/192) – contained three  proposals. In the order they were 
presented in the document, the first proposal was for the Secretariat to continue to update its report 
on the implementation o f the S&D provisions in the WTO  Agreements and Decisions. The 
second  proposal was for the CTD to report on the development -related work taking place in other 
WTO bodies, while the third proposal was for the CTD to make a recommendation for parties to RTAs 
to submit their notification and information requirements jointly. She noted that the two submissions 
had remained on the CTD's agenda for several years. At the last meeting, India had requested that 
the submissions be maintained on the agenda. She indicat ed that she would first invite the 
proponents of the two submissions to brief the Committee on the status of the proposals after which 
the floor would be opened for interventions by other delegations.  
115.  The representative of India delivered the following sta tement:  
116.  These  items have been on the agenda for quite some time. The issues are pending resolution. 
These two submissions, when taken together, contain  three proposals. The first proposal in 
document WT/COMTD/W/ 192 relat es to the Secretariat updating its report on the implementat ion 
of S&D provisions in the WTO Agreements and Decisions . The proposal was agreed to at the  
87th Session  and does not require  further  intervention. The second proposal  is for the CTD to report 
on the development -related work taking place in other WTO bodi es. This proposal is in line with the 
terms of reference (TORs) of the CTD, as well as with the MC8 mandate to operationalize the 
CTD's  role as focal point. It is unfortunate that this proposal has been  languishing in the Committee  
for all these years , even though it is in line with the understanding contained in the 
Marrakesh  Agreement as regards the role of CTD. However, the development retreat  in early 
February  was a welcome change . At that meeting, the proposal found traction and the M embership 
saw merit in taking discussions on the development dimension further. The d evelopment dimension 
is cross cutting and permeates all functions of the WTO . There is  therefore  a need for cohesive and 
coordinated action , which is precisely the role of this Committee. Illustratively, I would like to quote 
the statement of Chair of this Committee who is also facilitator for the dedicated sessions  on 
e-commerce in the General Council, a s contained in document J OB/GC/330 . The facilitator 
mentioned that she engaged with the Chairs of other bodies that are also tasked with implementing 
the WTO's Work Programme on E -Commerce  (WPEC) , in an effort to better coordinate the work on 
e-commerce . She also mentioned the need to continu e to work together. This is what is required to 
be done in a formal way for all items concerning the development dimension and not only for the 
e-commerce.  It is exactly what the proposal seeks. The Ministerial mandate is absolutely clear in 
this regard.  
117.  India woul d also like to place before colleagues in the house that if you see the CTD's annual 
report to the General Council for 1996, as contained in document WT/COMTD/19, you would note 
that the CTD had agreed that year to review the implementation of provisions i n favour of 
developing  countries on the basis of contributions from Members and from the WTO bodies 
 
2 The discussion concerning documents WT/COMTD/W/208 and WT/COMTD/W/192 is presented together 
in this Note, as the Chair person  invited the Committee to take the two sub -items together .  WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
- 21 - 
 
  responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Uruguay Round commitments. To assist in this 
exercise, the Chairman had invited the Chairpersons of oth er WTO bodies to submit information on 
how provisions in favour of developing countries had been dealt with in their respective Committees. 
On the basis of these responses, the Secretariat had prepared background documentation presenting 
the replies receiv ed in an analytical format. The C TD should restart that practice and ensure that it 
acts as a focal point for development work.  The proposal is therefore simple. It seeks for the CTD to 
be responsible for the consideration and coordination of all work on development in the WTO. The 
CTD should continuously review  the participation of developing Members in the MTS, highlight 
challenges and consider measure s and initiatives needed in this regard. India has also ma de a 
proposal  on this matter  in the General Council  (WT/GC/W/865) , which was discussed at the 
General  Council meeting of 6 -7 March 2023. In the process, beside s deliberation on development 
issues, the CTD would coordinate and consult with the other bodies in the WTO through a regular 
two-way exchange of information . It would  remain informed of all development discussions in WTO  
and report regularly to the General Council in a structured manner on the development function for 
appropriate action. This would e nsure that development issues are not lost sight of and that there 
is a proper repository of development discussions in the WTO in a single place . The CTD would act 
as a catalyst for ensuring discussions. However, t his does not mean that  the CTD would take over 
the work o f any other body or exercise any oversight on other bodies . This apprehension was 
expressed in the various discussions that were held in this Committee, as well as in the discussion 
at the March 2023 General Council  meeting . The CTD would s imply consult and coordinate, while 
discussion on the issues would continue to take place  in the relevant bodies.  
118.  As for the third proposal – which  is for the CTD to make a recommendation for parties to RTAs 
to submit their notification and information requirements jointly – this would help ensure a timely 
consideration of RTAs, and the full realization of the responsibilities assigned to the CTD. It is  not 
clear as to why certain Members have th e apprehension that the proposal amounts to a diminishing 
of Members' substantive rights and obligations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 
(GATT), the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and the Enabling Clause . It also not 
clear as to why they perceive the outcome to provide one Member right s in exclusion of other 
Members in the RTA. This is a proposal that enhances the efficiency of the system. We would like 
the Secretariat to carry out a study of a few RTA s involving developing Members  regarding the delays  
that have been caused by notification delays. We feel that if this proposal is accepted, it would 
enhance efficiency in implementing the Transparency Mechanism for RTAs. We would encou rage 
Members to discuss and find solutions to the problems and issues contained in these two papers. 
Pending such a discussion and pending a solution to these issues, we would request that the items 
concerning the two submissions be maintained on the agend a for the next meeting . 
119.  The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
120.  I would like to thank Ind ia, speaking on behalf of the various  proponents of the old submissions 
from 2012 and 2015 . The proposals got a new twist with the recent submission by India  in the 
General Council , contained in document WT/ GC/W/865 . The European Union would  like to recall  that 
its understanding of the MC8 mandate is that the CTD should further explore the positive link 
between trade and developme nt and carr y out focused work.  We found India's recent communication 
in the General Council  a very interesting and useful compilation of language on the CTD . It is stated 
in the communication that the mandate of  the CTD, as focal point on development, is n ot to replace 
but to complement the work of other bodies on the development dimension through coordination 
and consultation with these WTO bodies. I came to this meeting with  the question of whether the 
new submission by India – which is  also one of the pr oponents of the old submissions – means that 
the older submissions need to be revised, or perhaps they will be  subsumed in the discussions on 
the latest document. I think I got a few pointers today on  where India , presumably speaking on 
behalf of all the proponents , would like to take this. We are interested in  having  that conversation. 
There are a few things that I had not anticipated and that I need to check with capital. However , we 
are open to discuss ions. Let me take as an example what India said about the last proposal  in the 
old sub missions  concerning the notification issue. We are ready for constructive discussions around 
that. Joint meeting s of the CTD and the Committee on Regional Trade Agreements ( CRTA ) could 
make sense. I nevertheless need t o reserve my position on some of the new ideas by India, including 
the proposal for a study. My delegation will need to think about that . In conclusion, I want to flag 
the readiness of the European Union to engage in a more detailed discussion, but I would  need to 
bring in colleagues from capital . 
121.  The representative of Nepal  delivered the following statement:  WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
- 22 - 
 
  122.  I would like to thank India for its statement. Wh en talking about trade and development, it 
should be noted that trade is multifac eted and cannot take place in isolation. In addition, trade is 
not an end in itsel f. The objectives of trade are to raising the living standard s of people, reduce 
poverty and achieve the SDGs . To harness these objectives, the element of development should 
always re main in the centre of discussion s. This requires coordination among the 
development -related activities undertaken in several WTO bodies. In this regard, Nepal welcomes 
and supports the proposal in document WT/COMTD/W/208 and WT/COMTD/W/192 on the CTD as 
the focal point for development , and the operationaliz ation of  the CTD mandates.  
123.  The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:  
124.  I must admit  that I am a little bit puzzled by India's presentation . I would like to make clear 
that m y intervention is referring to agenda item F and the three original communications contained 
in documents WT/MIN/(11)/11 , WT/COMTD/W/208 and WT/COMTD/W/192. With reference to the 
original proposals, our position has not changed. As stated in previous meetings, we think that it is 
time for the proponents to address the concerns raised previously by Members  – including 
the United  States  – either through revising  their proposals or drop ping the proposals  altogether. 
This said, I understand that by introducing the proposal in document WT/GC/W/865, India is  adding 
a new element to the conversation. As a revised proposal, t his is welcome d. My delegation would 
like to take more time to consider it. If the proponents of th e original proposals wish to add the 
proposals to future CTD agendas,  they are free to do so. However,  we fail to see any basis in the 
CTD rules of procedure that would justify these items remaining on the agenda absent further action 
by the proponents. To make it clear, the old agend a items should be removed before another 
proposal  is introduced . Let us try to streamline and be clear first on what we can remove from the 
agenda . We welcome a revised approach  and are willing to engage on tha t. 
125.   The representative of South Africa  delivered the following statement:  
126.  Development should permeate all activities of the WTO, and hence be a central feature in the 
work of all Committees. This implies that the CTD should have a grasp on what other Committee s 
within their mandates and activities are also doing in pursuance of development and ensuring 
effective integration of developing countries including LDCs in global trade. We welcome the 
overwhelming consensus at the informal General Council meeting dedic ated to development in 
February 2023 that the role of the CTD should indeed be invigorated. Whilst a key element of the 
CTD's mandate is to serve as the focal point for the consideration and coordination of all work on 
development in the WTO  – in particula r on all issues and decisions taken by other WTO bodies which 
are of particular interest to developing Members and LDCs  – there appears to be no structured 
reporting procedure within the WTO ecosystem to facilitate this. The flow of such information from 
other WTO bodies, and the monitoring of progress through the General Council , still falls short of 
appropriately reflecting the CTD's overarching development purview and mandate. The 
communication from India to the G eneral Council  in document WT/GC/W/865 is  consistent with the 
ideas contained in the two documents we are considering under the present agenda item . 
South  Africa concurs with India that , since development is a cross -cutting issue, the CTD must 
complement the work in other bodies of the WTO on dev elopment issues and that this should not be 
viewed as overreach. At this moment , when we are seized with the reform of the WTO, the role of 
the CTD as a focal point for consideration and coordination of work on development in the WTO 
deserves due attention. This will ensure that development is truly placed at the centre of the reform 
agenda and that deliberate efforts to ensure the meaningful integration of developing countries 
including LDCs into the MTS are devi sed. Such efforts should include a recalibration and adapt ation 
of some trade rules to provide policy space for industrial development and diversification and to 
facilitate effective responses to global challenges . 
127.  The representative of India delivered the  following statement:  
128.  India is encouraged with the discussion that took place today. Members are willing to engage 
in consultations and further discuss these proposals, even at a bilateral level, before the next 
meeting . Until we get resolution in the CTD,  we request that these items be maintained on the 
agenda . WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  129.  The Chairperson  noted that there appeared to be a more constructive approach to the 
discussion under this agenda item. She encouraged Members to engage in order to find areas of 
convergence . 
130.  The Committee took note of all interventions.  
G. SPECIAL AND DIFFERENTIAL TREATMENT PROVISIONS IN WTO AGREEMENTS AND 
DECISIONS – NOTE BY THE SECRETARIAT (WT/COMTD/W/271)  
131.  The Chairperson  said that the Secretariat paper on the implementation of S&D  provisions in 
WTO Agreements and Decisions had  a long history in the CTD. In more recent years, regular updates 
of the paper ha d been prepared for the Committee since 2013. At the 109th Regular Session of the 
CTD held on 28 June 2019, it was agreed that the Secretariat paper would be updated at least once 
every two years. She recalled that, a t the last CTD meeting in November 2022, she had informed 
the Committee that the Secretariat would  begin preparing another update  of the paper, so that it 
could appear on the agenda of the present  meeting. The updated Secretariat paper had accordingly 
been prepared and was circulated in document WT/COMTD/W/271. She underst ood that this update 
had the same broad structure as previous versions of the document, and was also prepared in the 
same manner as previous versions. In particular, it was the Secretariat experts working in each 
substantive area that ha d provided the substantive inputs for their parti cular areas . In this update, 
a total of 157 S&D provisions ha d been identified in the WTO Agreements. Relative to the previous 
version of th e compilation, two additional S&D provisions had been  identified in the Agreement on 
Government Procurement 2012  (GPA 2012) . A table in the Introduction of the document show ed 
how the 157 S&D provisions were distributed across the WTO Agreements. It also showed where 
they fit into the typology of S&D provisions that the Secretariat had developed several years ago. 
In ad dition to containing updated information on the implementation of S&D provisions in the 
WTO Agreements, the paper contain ed a separate section which list ed various relevant Ministerial 
and other Decisions or Declarations, along with any updated information  available on their 
implementation. In this update, there were a total of 37 separate entries concerning individual 
Decisions or Declarations, including a number of Ministerial Decisions and Declarations from MC12 . 
132.  She went on to observe that i t was almost  inevitable in a document of this size, with so many 
contributors from across the Secretariat, that there would  from time to time be slightly different 
terms used to refer to essentially the same thing. In some cases, some terms were perhaps not 
used, but other similar terms were used instead. She was saying this in response to some questions 
on this matter that were brought to her attention. Terms such as "developing country Members", 
"developing countries" or "developing Members" should be thought of as b eing interchangeable for 
the purposes of this document.  Similarly, the terms "donor/contributor"  and "donor countries"  could  
be thought of as being interchangeable with the terms "donor" and "donor Members".  Her feeling 
was that delegations should not dwell on such language issues but should instead welcome the vast 
amount of information contained in the document. At the end of  the day, she believed that it was 
important for Members to focus on the substance of this paper and appreciate the amount of work 
that went into the making of this document each time it was updated. She hoped that the document 
would continue to serve its purpose of informing Members of the S&D provisions in the 
WTO Agreements and Decisions, and how – on the basis of information available – they were being 
implemented. If a delegation ha d any comments or questions on any particular area of the paper, 
these would  be forwarded to the expert in that area for feedback to be provided . 
133.  The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:  
134.  The United States  apprecia tes this updated compilation of S&D provisions in  WTO Agreements 
and Decisions. As we remarked at the CTD  SS just a week or so ago, the list of S&D measures and 
flexibilities is quite broad, with different possibilities in terms of who the flexibilities would apply to, 
whether the flexibility is already provided for in an Agreement, a nd how any flexibility could be 
applied – for example, as granted by Members through Committee action. I would like to refer  
specifically to the Monitoring Mechanism  on S&D , which is mentioned  in the Introduction of the 
document . This reference caught my attention and the attention of my delegation. It reminded us 
that any Member having difficulty availing itself of an existing S&D provision in a WTO Agreement 
can bring its concerns to the Monitoring Mechanism as an established foca l point within the WTO, 
designed to analy ze and review the implementation of S&D provisions. We continue to believe that 
we should at least give the Monitoring Mechanism  a try. To work under the Monitoring Mechanism WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  would lead to a more productive and spec ific discussion on the challenges and opportunities of 
utilizing existing S&D provisions.  
135.  The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
136.  The European Union welcomes the updated version of the compilation of S&D provisions. We 
consider it important to continue updating the report and thank the Secretariat for its work. We also 
thank the United States for its specific suggestion. I was wonderi ng to what extent the current 
document is different from the previous version. I have the impression from the Chair's presentation 
that both documents are very similar products, without too many changes. We have noted that 
information regarding the actual use of S&D provisions is added where available, in respective tables 
in the  "Comment"  column . We think that it could help in transparency if we had further information 
on which Members have used individual S&D provisions and when .  
137.  The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
138.  India would like to thank the Secretariat for the efforts to update  the report . I heard my 
colleague from the United States s ay that the difficulties that Members face with regard to 
S&D provisions  could be brought to the Monitoring Mechanism. I would like to ask whether the 
intention would be for this report to be discussed  and examined in the Monitoring Mechanism , as 
the scope of the Monitoring Mechanism is wide  enough ? Or is the United States env isaging that 
Members should  submit propos als?  
139.  The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:  
140.  I would like to thank the delegation of India for its question. Just to be clear, the United States 
is saying that if a challenge and a difficulty in availing of a n S&D provision is identified, then we 
should bring it to the M onitoring Mechanism  and give it a try . To date, we have not been able to see 
any of these identified factual challenges being presented. The question remains whether we are 
going to talk past each other or , in the spirit of constructive reasoning, we are going to remove from 
the agenda the three  old submissions  in documents WT/MIN/(11)/11 , WT/COMTD/W/208 and 
WT/COMTD/W/192, and discuss afresh with a new approach. This is my question back to you.  
141.  The representative of Togo delivered the following statement:  
142.  The delegation of Togo thanks the Secret ariat for its valuable contribution in compiling  the 
S&D provisions in the various WTO Agreements and Decisions. My delegation appreciates the content 
of this document and will make good use of it . 
143.  The representative of  the United Kingdom  delivered the fol lowing statement:  
144.  I would like to t hank the Secretariat for th e updated  report. Clearly , a huge amount of work  
and effort  has gone into preparing the update . Given the importance of S&D across th e organization, 
this comprehensive list of the provisions is essential . We support the document being updated as 
and when nece ssary  in the future. I would also like to thank the European Union for its constructive 
thought on what  else could be done  with this document to make it even more useful. The id ea of 
breaking down when the provisions were utilized and by whom is a good one. We would support 
such work if it is possible to do . 
145.  The Chairperson  said that  a fundamental question was raised by the United States as to 
whether Members were going to contin ue to talk past ea ch other. She believe d that Members needed 
to find solutions to all the issues that had been on the CTD's agenda for several years  and to also 
come up with new and fresh proposals that could be agreed on . 
146.  The Committee took note  of the updated Secretariat report, and of all interventions . WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  H. NOTIFICATIONS UNDER THE ENABLING CLAUSE  
(I)  Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Notification of Customs Union – Communication from 
China, Egypt and India (WT/COMTD/W/175)  
147.  The Chairperson  said that the sub -item listed under the present agenda item made reference 
to the GCC Customs Union notification. It also referred to the communication from China, Egypt and 
India, which was circulated in document WT/COMTD/W/175. She noted that the sub -item had 
remained on the CTD's agenda for several years. At the last meeting, India had requested that the 
sub-item be maintained on the agenda.  
148.  The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
149.  Once again, this is an issue that has been pending in the CT D for many years  without any 
resolution . We feel that this issue requires more deliberation because document WT/COMTD/W/175 
raises systemic concerns relating to the legal and procedural implications of the dual notification of 
the GCC Customs Union under b oth the Enabling Clause and GATT Article XXIV. These concerns also 
applied to some other RTAs  in the past . In this context, some Members expressed the view that the 
systemic concerns raised in the document were outside the scope of the CTD. In  the 
proponen ts' view, the CTD is the appropriate forum to consider issues arising from RTAs with a dual 
notification. All issues raised by the non-proponents on the ground s of the scope of the 
Enabling  Clause, or on the ground s that the bound rate commitments for some  Members were lower 
than the common GCC tariff, have been carefully answered by the proponents in past discussions. 
However, the non -proponents have avoided deliberations on the proposal and have merely reiterated 
their disagreement with it. We would like to encourage all Members to come to  the table for 
discussion s with a positive outlook on the proposal. The non -resolution of the matters raised in 
document WT/COMTD/W/175 was the main reason why the consideration of RTAs with a dual 
notification were pending for such a long time in both the CTD and the CRTA. Pending resolution, 
this item should therefore be maintained on the CTD's agenda . 
150.  The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:  
151.  The United States believe s that  this age nda item fulfilled long ago its purpose of informing 
Members of the notification made by the G CC and should therefore be removed from the agenda. 
In the spirit of collaboration, openness and perseverance , we remain open to look for a practical 
solution to dual notifications under the Enabling Clause and GATT Article XXIV , taking inspiration 
from some Members ' most recent experience s. We look forward to constructively participating in 
this process. I invite my colleague from India for tea to further discuss .  
152.  The representative of Egypt  delivered the following statement:  
153.  Egypt is a co-sponsor of this proposal . Our position on the matter is well known. We support 
the statement by India. Egypt urges all Members to consider the concerns raised in document 
WT/COM TD/W/175, as well as the findings of internationally recognized reports . I refer the 
Committee to the World Trade Report 2019, which supports the ideas in this submission. We call 
upon Members to work towards greater clarity and consistency in the legal framework governing 
RTAs. Addressing these issues is essential to ensuring the effectiveness and legitimacy of the 
multilateral trading system . 
154.  The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
155.  I want to share some thoughts on both this item and the previous ones. The only new element  
I heard in the discussion is the appointment for tea between India and the United States. This is an 
excellent idea. I think it is the only way that we are going to be able to remove some of the se items 
from the agenda – either  because they are resolved, or because we decide that we are wasting our 
time. I know that the Chair personally invested efforts i n trying to find a way forward on this item 
and others. These are longstanding issues that ar e not easy to resolve in a formal meeting like this, 
even if delegations come to the table with a positive outlook  – which is increasingly the case. This 
is because we come with our instructions from capital, and with very limited scope for real discussion . 
Informal , small group meetings are where progress could  be made on this agenda item and the one 
concerning the MC8 mandate , and where some  elements of change can be brought in. I thought it WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  would be more meaningful to share these thoughts rather than repeat the well -known position o f 
the European Union on this matter.  
156.  The Committee took note of all interventions.   
I. REVIEW OF STEPS TAKEN TO PROVIDE DUTY -FREE AND QUOTA -FREE MARKET ACCESS 
TO LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES  
157.  The Chairperson  said that  an item concerning duty -free and quota -free (DFQF) market access 
for LDCs ha d been on the CTD's agenda since early 2006. Under this item, delegations ha d provided 
information on the steps they were taking, or had already taken, to provide DFQF market access to 
LDCs. Written communications by some Members ha d also been considered. She said that she 
wished to pick up on the comments she had made at the last CTD meeting on the matter of the 
Secretariat report on Members' DFQF market access schemes. She recalled in particular that, under 
the agenda item concerning the CTD's annual revie w of the steps taken to provide DFQF market 
access to LDCs, she had informed the Committee that her informal consultations had not found a 
way forward that would allow the Secretariat to update its report on Members' DFQF market access 
for LDCs, as instruc ted in the DFQF Ministerial Decision from the Ninth WTO Ministerial Conference 
(MC9). Members had been invited  to consider the matter and provide guidance. She express ed 
appreciation to those delegations that recently interacted with her on this matter thr ough the 
Secretariat and had shared some ideas on possible ways forward for the Secretariat report. These 
ideas had been useful for her to consider. However, she believed that there was  still a need to have 
further discussions before a solution could  be found. She therefore invite d Members to continue to 
consider the matter with a view to providing guidance. In the meantime, she believe d that the CTD 
should continue with its annual DFQF  reviews even without a Secretariat report, as it ha d been doing 
since 2017.  
158.  The representative of Cambodia  delivered the following statement:  
159.  My delegation aligns itself with the statement by Uganda  on behalf of the LDC Group. LDCs 
comprise  about 12 % of the world 's population but account for less than 2 % of the world 's GDP . They 
also account for about 1 % of global trade in goods  and even less in terms of global trade in services. 
There has been significant progress in providing comprehensive DFQF market ac cess for LDC 
products . WTO Members have recognized that LDCs need special treatment and assistance to 
increase their trade in the global trading system. In this regard, my delegation would like to 
appreciate the developed and developing countries that have  notified their preferential DFQF market 
access to LDCs. My delegation call s on Members who have yet to implement the Ministerial Decision 
on DFQF preferential market access for LDCs , to do so  fully and effectively  in order  to boost 
LDCs'  trade in the MTS and promote their economic growth and sustainable development. My 
delegation also appreciate s the Secretariat for the S&D compilation document contained in document 
WT/COMTD/W/271 and takes  note of the tireless effort s of the CTD to find a  way to continue its 
annual DFQF review s. This has been a long standing issue , with the last review having taken place 
in 2017. My delegation would like to remind Members that this Committee has been given the 
instruction by Ministers in paragraph  8 of the MC12 Outcome Document to re -commence the annual 
review process on preferential DFQF market access for LDCs . The General Council is to report on  the 
progress to the next session. We look forward to the implementation of these instructions in all 
relevant WTO bodies . 
160.  The representative of Togo delivered the following statement:  
161.  My delegation endorses the statement by Uganda on behalf of the LDC Group. The issue of 
DFQF market access for LDCs was mentioned in the Istanbul Programme of Action and was the 
subject of a Decision at MC9. This provision is intended to facilitate market access for LDC products 
and to increase LDC exports. Despite the efforts of most preference  granting Members, constraints 
to market access remain in some sectors. This was noted in the Doha Programme of Action  for the 
2022-2031 period . My delegation invites preference granting countries that have not yet 
implemented th e DFQF D ecision to comply with it . 
162.  The representative of Uganda , on behalf of the LDC Group , delivered the following statement:  WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
- 27 - 
 
  163.  The LDC Group reiterates its commitment to the implementation of the arrangements made 
to provide DFQF  market access to LDCs. The Group thanks all developed and developing Members 
that have already offered DFQF market access to LDCs. We encourage those that have not yet done 
so to do their best to implement the provisions adopted in Hong Kong and Bali in favour of LDCs . 
164.  The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
165.  It was important for me to hear from three representatives of LDCs, including one speaking 
on behalf of the LDC Group. They reiterated that this is an important issue for them. The Chair has 
invested a lot of effort in this agenda item to try to  move  forward . The European Union would support 
a pragmatic solution  proposed by the Chair which would allow us to have frank , open  and useful 
discussion s under  this item. To be explicit, the absence of this particular Secretariat report does not 
as such seem a negative in view of the fact that a nother  Secretariat report  providing details  of 
LDCs' market access already exists . 
166.  The Committee took note of all interventions.   
J. WORK PROGRAMME ON ELECTRONIC COMMERCE  
(I)  Global Electronic Commerce for Inclusive Development – Communication from India 
and South Africa (WT/COMTD/W/ 264/Rev.1 ) 
167.  The Chairperson  recalled that a Ministerial Decision was taken at MC12 on the WTO's WPEC. 
The Decision was contained in documents WT/MIN(22)/32 and WT/L/1143 . It was agreed, inter alia , 
in this Decision to reinvigorate the work under the Work Programme , particularly in line with its 
development dimension. The CTD was one of the subsidiary bodies of the General Council mandated 
to undertake work under the Work Programme. In the past few meetings, the Commi ttee had 
discussed a communication from India and South Africa titled "Global Electronic Commerce for 
Inclusive Development". On 10 March 2023, a revised version of this document was circulated by 
the co -sponsors  in document WT/COMTD/W/264/Rev.1 . It was th is revised communication which 
was to be considered at the present meeting . She invite d India and South Africa to introduce the 
revised submission.  
168.  The representative of India delivered the following statement:  
169.  My delegation is encouraged to see the engag ement by Members on this paper ever since its 
introduction in November 2021 . We thank Members for that. Listening carefully to the inputs and 
feedback we received from Members in previous discussions , and also mindful of the evolving 
discussions around thi s issue, India and South Africa have submitted the revised and updated version 
of the submission. Before introducing the revised submission, I must mention that it has been 
heartening as to how the deliberations on e -commerce have moved ahead positively si nce last 
November, particularly in the dedication sessions on e-commerce in the General Council. A number 
of critical issues have been discussed in these sessions and a number of Members have contributed 
through valuable submissions of a wide ambit. I woul d also like to thank Chair for her excellent work 
as facilitator of these dedication session s on e-commerce  in the General Council . In December 2022 , 
the Chair – in her role as facilitator  – very eloquently summari zed the development dimension of 
e-commerce . As noted in document JOB/GC/330, t he issues  were group ed into some broad 
categories, namely: (a) bridging the digital divide; (b) legal and regulatory frameworks; 
(c) consumer protection; (d) issues related to digital trade facilitation and facil itation of electronic 
transactions; (e) economic empowerment and inclusion of the underrepresented and marginalized 
group, and geographically remote countries; (f) cooperation with other  intergovernmental 
organizations  (IGOs) and relevant stakeholders; and  (g) other issues  mentioned  includ ing S&D and 
policy space, sharing of experiences and best practices, and data -related issues.  In the three 
dedicated sessions held since January 2023, there have been some very good discussions on these 
aspects, which have  helped in developing a common understanding o f these issues. The revised 
submission  by India and South African  captures the development dimension of e -commerce . It 
brings out issues relating to the  digital divide, the implication s for SMEs arising from growing 
cross-border e -commerce, the implication s of the e-commerce moratorium, the challenges faced by 
developing countries in their efforts relating to  digital industrialization and issues concerning  digital 
technology transfer. We have also revised  the guiding questions around these aspects. I shall now WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
- 28 - 
 
  dwell upon these in bit more detail. The C OVID -19 pandemic has made the internet a necessary tool 
for survival. It has further hastened the transition to e -commerce as a necessity of life.  
170.  However, harnessing the benefits from this e -commerce revolution is not an automatic process 
and the benefits will be reaped by those who are technologically  prepared  to drive the revolution. 
The developing countries , on the other hand , continue to face enormous ch allenges relating to  lack 
of availability, accessibility and affordability of  the digital ecosystem, including  digital infrastructure ; 
capacity ; skills and technology. Let me illustrate this with an example . Statistics from the 
International Telecommunicat ions Union (ITU) released in 2021 show that,  while there was an 
overall global increase in the use of the internet  during the pandemic , the digital divide between 
developed and developing countries still remained wide. In 2021, while 90% of the  population in 
developed countries had access to the internet, only 57% of  the population in  developing countr ies 
and 27% of the population in LDCs had access . While we continue to hear about the transformational 
changes brought by the internet and related e-commerce boom , especially witnessed during the 
pandemic -induced lockdowns, we must bear in mind that even the pandemic -led acute demand pull 
for the internet  - along with that of e -commerce services  - did not change much for developing 
countries in terms of the scaling up of digital infrastructure. In fact, many studies show that the 
internet usage increased only marginally for these countries , thus adversely impacting on their 
competitiveness . Despite the demand pull, industries  in developing countries and LDCs – in particular 
SMEs – were crowded out. Besides the lack of digital infrastructure ; capacity ; skills and technology, 
developing countries have further  not had adequate time, opportunity and policy space for transition 
from brick and mortar to e -commerce during the exponential growth of e -commerce. It is important 
to highlight here that what is needed to speed up industrialization - whichever cycle of industry 
growth we may look at  – is a mix of calibrated tariff, subsidy and internal taxes , besides technologies 
and other resources. The moratorium has taken away a certain policy space and the e -commerce 
growth has brought uneven gains in which developing countries including LDCs have lagged 
significantly. The p andemic has exacerbated the challenge. A number of developing countries are 
facing alarming balance of payments , attested by the fact that a large number of Members have 
approached the International Monetary Fund (IMF)  for emergency assistance since the outbreak of 
the pandemic. Developing countries , and among them the most vulnerable , have thus suffered 
painfully . Unless immediate measures are taken to improve digital industrialization, developing 
countries and LDCs will suffer further . This will  result in enormous loss of employment and economic 
activities in these countries, which is not desirable or sustainable . 
171.  To be a part of this technology -led growth, it is necessary that countries keep pace with and 
get engaged in the development and execution of these technological advancements. While 
developed countries are taking quantum leaps in developing and harnessing these pathbreaking 
technologies, developing countries are still at a nascent stage. The developed countries have 
undertaken large investments in associated digital technologies like robotics, artificial intelligence, 
big data analytics and 3D printing. The vast majority of developing countries are still struggling to 
build some of the basic connectivity infrastructur al needs for the digital era. As the digital revolution 
unfolds, much needs to be done to ramp up digital infrastructure and the ecosystem . The proponents 
believe that it is fundamentally important to understand the complex and multi -faceted dimensions 
of issues related to e -commerce. We need to comprehend the full implications of the effects of 
e-commerce on competition and market structures ; issues related to transfer of technology ; data 
storage and automation and its impact on traditional jobs and gaps i n policy and regulating 
frameworks in developing countries . We understand that the guiding questions in the original 
submission initiate d some though t-provoking discussions. Therefore, we have added some new 
guiding questions to inform our deliberations. Q uestions like "How can developed countries support 
international cooperation to enable developing countries to create digital infrastructure, acquire 
digital skills, achieve growth in digital industrialization to reap gains from e -commerce? " are 
important to explore  in terms of  the various ways in which developed Members can assist developing 
Members with these challenges. It would also be worth deliberating upon which international 
organizations the CTD and the WTO can collaborate with to unpack and addres s the challenges of 
the digital divide to ensure inclusive digital industrialization. I would say that the aim and focus of 
our revised submission is to bring out the serious challenges faced by developing countries and LDCs 
when it comes to preparedness t o imbibe and benefit from the digital revolution , and more 
specifically from the growing e -commerce revolution . There is  therefore the need to have a serious 
reflection on this crucial development concern arising from recent technological advancements. We 
hope that the advantages of this revolution, unlike its precursors, is not appropriated by a few 
countries but is utili zed to unleash sustainable growth, development and prosperity for all Members .  WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  172.  The representative of South Africa  provided the following  statement3: 
173.  South Africa once again welcomes the outcomes of MC12 on the reinvigoration of the WPEC  
as contained in the Ministerial Decision. We also commend you for your tireless efforts as facilitator 
of the dedicated discussions on the WPEC under the General Council and are confident that a part 
of those endeavours will spur the CTD , as the body tasked with examining the development 
implications of e -commerce, towards fulfilling the mandate reaffirmed by Ministers at MC12 on the 
WPEC as set out in document WT/L/274. The development implications set out in the 1998 WPEC 
remain evermore relevant today, particularly in the midst of a widening development and digital 
divide. These implications require thoughtful and considered processe s and an appreciation of the 
very real development challenges and needs of developing countries, including LDCs. We thank India 
for presenting our joint revised paper and fully associate ourselves with their statement. It remains 
South Africa’s view that t he focus of the structured discussions under this Work Programme should 
primarily be on the following key aspects: (i) developmental aspects of electronic commerce; 
(ii) the scope, definition and impact of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic tra nsmissions 
on developing countries in particular; (iii) examination of the challenges experienced by developing 
countries and LDCs in relation to electronic commerce; (iv) exploring ways of enhancing the 
participation of developing countries and LDCs in el ectronic commerce and (v) importance of digital 
industriali zation as a key development imperative.  Technological advances since the adoption of the 
1998 Work Programme have been wide -ranging and far -reaching, with the pace of innovations and 
disruptions to  trade and industry surpassing what would have been envisaged nor imagined when 
the programme was conceived of. However, whilst these rapid advances and developments in 
technology and the digital economy have generated benefits for a handful dominant playe rs, 
developing countries and LDCs remain largely in the periphery, with little or no gains from such 
advances. At best, developing countries are in the main mere consumers and not producers nor 
exporters of innovations and the benefits that accrue from tec hnological advances, including 
e-commerce trade. The C OVID -19 pandemic has highlighted the enormous gap in access to digital 
technologies. It has laid bare the problems of the digital divide both between and within countries 
further amplifying existing soc ial, cultural and economic inequalities. Technology is critical for 
achieving all the SDGs, but to fully harness its potential, rapid action is needed to close the digital 
divide and promote inclusion. While hyper -connected developed countries were able to  continue 
their economic operations online during the ongoing pandemic and saw exponential growth in 
cross-border e -commerce, developing countries including LDC s – and particularly their SMEs – have 
been deprived from effective participation due to lack of digital infrastructure such as internet 
connectivity.  
174.   Bridging the digital divide therefore requires deliberate efforts to facilitate digital technology 
transfers, improving access to digital technologies and building the necessary digital capacit ies and 
infrastructure . This includ es access to data, capability of processing data and deriving information 
and knowledge from that data. Yet, as our submission notes, the digital divide in its multi -layered 
characteristics, is quite pronounced, with the UNCTAD Digital Economy Report reporting, for 
example , that 80% of so -called colocation data centres reside in developed countries. Africa and 
Latin America , on the other hand, together only account for less than 5% of these.  The active role 
of developed ec onomies in technology transfers cannot be overstated, and so too is the need to 
complement this by safeguarding available policy space or a recalibration of some WTO rules that 
inhibit effective integration of developing economies in the digital economy. D eveloping countries do 
indeed need the same policy and regulatory space that developed countries exploited when designing 
their laws and regulations in the process of improving the digital capacities of their firms. Trade rules 
should not be used to lock i n first -mover advantages and breeding insatiable monopolies. While 
e-commerce thrived and grew multi -fold during  the COVID -19 pandemic, it is also indisputable that 
its benefits were highly uneven with high levels of concentration limiting the benefits of SMEs, 
replicating and worsening pre-existing  inequities. The lack of digital infrastructure and digital skills 
together pose grave threats to the existing export competitiveness of SMEs in developing countries 
and LDCs with the real likelihood that many of  them will be outcompeted by those in the 
developed  countries with access to digital technologies. This fate is more pronounced for Africa, 
whose internet connectivity rate is well below the world average. Available data also shows that 
SMEs in developing countries have an insignificant share in the profits and sales emerging from the 
exponential growth of global e -commerce with big tech firms and digital platforms  – the majority of 
them in developed economies – earning super rents. UNCTAD reports that in 2 019, seven of these 
 
3 A shortened version of this statement was delivered at th e meeting. The representative  of South Africa 
indicated that he would submit the full statement to the Secretariat for inclusion in the minutes of the meeting.  WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
- 30 - 
 
  super platforms are in two countries and constitute two -thirds of total market value worldwide, whilst 
the combined share of Africa and Latin America in terms of total number of platforms was only 1% . 
175.  Whilst the loss of direct governmen t revenues due of the e -commerce moratorium on customs 
duties is unquestionable, this should not misdirect us from the fundamental role of tariffs as a key 
policy tool for industriali zation, including digital industriali zation. In addition to a combination  of 
other policies, developing countries including LDCs should be afforded the necessary policy space to 
protect nascent industries, and to determine and calibrate their tariff policies in line with their 
domestic industriali zation objectives. Too hasty a transition towards full liberali zation could be 
detrimental to the very sectors that generate large -scale employment for low -skilled workers, 
especially SMEs. South Africa believes this joint submission with India provides a sufficient basis for 
focused di scussions in the CTD to reflect on the above key issues, and the implications of 
e-commerce on developing countries including LDCs. Our ultimate objective is ensuring that the 
WTO does not become an inhibiter, but a facilitator of an inclusive and equitabl e digital economy 
and e -commerce. Importantly , the WTO should foster a conducive policy environment for developing 
economies to drive their digital industrialization. We look forward to engaging with all Members in 
this regard . 
176.  The representative of the European Union  delivered the following statement:  
177.  The European Union would like to thank India and South Africa for updating th is Committee 
on the discussion s at the WTO  around global e -commerce for inclusive development. As we have 
explained in detail on more than one previous occasion, e -commerce for development is an important 
topic. For th is reason, we prefer at this stage to have one forum to discuss e-commerce issues 
relating to the WPEC, which is a very valuable process. We should be mindful of the d edicated 
WPEC  session to be held on 20 April  2023. When the India n colleague listed policy tools available, I 
missed in his list trade opening and FDI. I also heard the South African and Indian colleague criticize 
the moratorium. We think that it is a mist ake to single out potential government revenue losses 
from the so -called non -collected customs duties as the main  impact o f the moratorium. We continue 
to believe that the economic benefits of the moratorium are quite clear , including  for developing 
countries and LDCs. I will stop there because I am sure this is an issue you will discuss at length in 
the process that you are also chairing . 
178.  The representative of Kenya , on behalf of the ACP Group , delivered the following statement:  
179.  The A CP Group appreciates the updated submission from India and South Africa. We see that 
some elements, including a few of the questions posed in the submission, are also relevant to  the 
ACP Group interventions made during  the General Council dedicated discuss ions on the WPEC . In 
this regard, we would like our interventions during  the dedicated discussions on the WPEC  – 
especially those concerning the digital divide and  the challenges experienced in obtaining 
e-readiness assessments and implementing relevant e -legislation  – to be reflected under this agenda 
item today.4 We believe that on the issue of e -readiness, the CTD should propose a collaboration 
with the WTO, UNCTAD, the International Trade Centre ( ITC) and other relevant agencies to prepare 
e-readiness assessments for all developing countries . 
180.  The representative of the United States  delivered the following statement:  
181.  The United States welcomed the dedicated discussions on the WPEC  over the past few months. 
We found the sessions on consumer protection , the digital divide , as well as legal and regulatory 
framework t o be interesting and benefited from learning from the broad range of efforts around the 
world. We recognize that LDCs may need tailored support to achieve high -standard rules on digital 
trade and we stand ready to contribute assistance to strengthen the en abling environment for digital 
trade. We will also continue to collaborate with developing country Members to help identify areas 
of broad interest to the Membership to add to the WPEC  and look forward to future and further 
discussions, including on the im portance of the moratorium. Ultimately, in our view, the moratorium 
on customs duties on electronic transmissions has helped enable the rapid growth of the digital 
 
4 In response to th is request, the statement by Kenya delivered on behalf of the ACP Group at th e 
meeting of the Dedicated Discussion on Electronic Commerce held on 21 February 2023 is reproduced in 
Annex  1 of this Note.  WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
- 31 - 
 
  economy over the past two decades. Its continuation is critical to support developing countr ies as 
they expand their presence in the digital economy . 
182.  The representative of Canada  delivered the following statement:  
183.  As indicated before and demonstrated by Canada 's engagement in the WTO dedicated session 
under the WPEC , we recognize the significant challenges that the digital divide poses, particularly to 
developing Members including LDCs. Contrary to the tone of the paper, however, we view 
e-commerce and digital connectivity as an opportunity for these communities and for SMEs. In 
addition to provid ing a for um for Members to exchange information and best practices, the WTO also 
supports SMEs engaging in e -commerce by providing a stable and predictable trading environment, 
including by establishing and maintaining a global framework of rules. The longstanding pr actice of 
not imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions is a good example. The moratorium on 
customs duties on electronic transmissions has been beneficial to all WTO Members, irrespective of 
development status . We therefore encourage all Members  to consider supporting its renewal at 
MC13. We are also engaged in implementing the MC12 Ministerial Decision concerning the 
reinvigoration of the Work Programme.  Canada is pleased to note in this regard that there will be a 
discussion on the moratorium o n customs duties on electronic transmissions taking place on 
20 April 2023. We would encourage all interested Members to participate and share their experiences 
in this context, as it will serve to enrich our multilateral exchanges on the moratorium ahead of the 
important Decision at MC13 . 
184.  The representativ e of Switzerland  delivered the following statement:  
185.  Switzerland thanks India and South Africa for their revised communication on global 
e-commerce for inclusive development. Switzerland also welcomes the various substantive 
contributions made so far on this important topic. We note that the topics raised in the 
communication have the potential to be deepened through direct dialogue with relevant 
organi zations and stakeholder representatives. Given the dedi cated session on 20 April  2023, and 
in order to avoid a duplication of debates, this discussion should be continued in the appropriate 
forum. As Members agreed on the extension of the moratorium on e -commerce at MC12 , they have 
ensured that the WTO remains  a relevant forum for trade governance in this century. We are 
convinced that the upcoming session will provide an opportunity for fruitful exchanges . 
186.  The representativ e of Australia  delivered the following statement:  
187.  I would like to t hank India and South Africa for their comments and the revised 
communication. In a recent session of the WPEC  focused on the digital divide, Australia outlined its 
view that digital trade is a powerful tool for development, including by lowering barriers t o access 
global markets for communities that have historically faced such barriers . These  includ e SMEs, 
women entrepreneurs and rural communities. Australia wishes to reiterate its strong support for the 
moratorium on imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions. We note that many industry 
groups across the developed and developing world have publicly called for its continuation. Our 
concerns regarding deficiencies in the methodology used in the purported UNCTAD research paper 
cited in this communica tion are well known. We also note the upcoming WPEC  dedicated session on 
the moratorium to be held on 20 April 2023. We consider this to be the appropriate forum for further 
discussions on the moratorium .  
188.  The representative of Uganda , on behalf of the LDC  Group , delivered the following statement:  
189.  The LDC Group commends South Africa and India for their updated submission. This 
submission addresses some issues faced by SMEs in LDCs including the issue of platforms and data 
storage, among others. It refers to  some of the concerns expressed by our group in its submission 
contained in document WT/GC/W/787 and our interventions during the General Council e-commerce 
dedicated discussions. We hope that a constructive spirit will prevail among Members to further the 
discussions in the coming days . 
190.  The representativ e of New Zealand  delivered the following statement:  
191.  I would like to thank  India and South Africa for their presentation today and for the updated 
submission. Inclusiveness in digital trade and e -commerce is an issue of real importance to WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
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  New Zealand. We are also very committed to engage in efforts to reinvigorate the WPEC . In this 
regard, w e note some points of real interest in the revised submission. We will have a good 
opportunity to discuss this  at the dedicated session on e -commerce that is coming up on 
20 April 2023. We see the dedicated session s as the best place to engage in discussions on th ese 
issues. We look forward to being an active participant . 
192.  The representativ e of Chile delivered the following statement:  
193.  We thank India and South Africa  for their paper . However, and as other delegations have 
pointed out, we share the  understanding that Members agreed at MC12  to reinvigorate the work 
under the WPEC . This is to be done  by intensifying discussions on the scope, definition and impact 
of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions. In that context, dedicated 
discussions on various topics have been held as part of the Work Programme, with a session 
schedule d for 20 April  2023 to discuss aspects of the moratorium . We consider that this should be 
the venue in which to hold discussions on the moratorium . 
194.  The representativ e of Singapore  delivered the following statement:  
195.  We would like to thank South Africa and I ndia for the revised communication. We have 
undertaken useful and detailed discussions on e-commerce at the dedicated sessions on the WPEC  
and we look forward to having further in -depth discussions on this issue there. That said, I would 
like to reiterate Singapore’s commitment to enhancing global digital inclusion. At the dedicated 
session on e-commerce in February 2023, we shared our experiences in foundational digital 
infrastructure. We also tabled a submission on our digital economy agreements for discu ssion in 
March 2023. Singapore worked with the ITTC to organi ze the Singapore -WTO Third Country Training 
Programme on E -Commerce in March 2023 . This cover ed a wide range of issues such as  foundational 
digital infrastructure and digital economy agreements, including the  JSI on E -Commerce. Lastly, 
Singapore believes that the moratorium on customs duties and electronic transmissions is beneficial 
and important to all Members, particularly developing Members , and should be extended at MC13 . 
196.  The representative of  the United Kingdom  delivered the following statement:  
197.  I would like to t hank India and South Africa for the updated paper. The United Kingdom agrees 
that it is important to support developing countries and LDCs to benefit from digital trad e. We 
recogni ze that there are challenges that prevent them from reali zing those benefits. It is for this 
reason that the United Kingdom  provides support to delegations at the WTO through our 
Trade  Advocacy Fund, which has a dedicated component on e -commer ce. This is also why we support 
reinvigorating the WPEC , as agreed at MC12. We would encourage delegations to engage in 
dedicated discussions on e -commerce as they offer the best structure to explore the horizontal 
aspects of digital trade, including the d evelopment dimension. Finally, we believe that the 
moratorium benefits developing countries . We would draw attention to the dedicated session on the 
moratorium on 20 April 2023, which we feel is the most appropriate venue to discuss this issue . 
198.  The represe ntative of  Hong Kong , China  delivered the following statement:  
199.  Hong Kong, China would like to thank India and South Africa for the paper. We would like to 
add our support to having a more in -depth discussion on the moratorium at the dedicated session 
under  the WPEC  scheduled for 20 April 2023 . 
200.  The representative of  Indonesia  delivered the following statement:  
201.  Indonesia would like to express its gratitude for the updates on the paper submitted by India 
and South Africa. Indonesia also expresse s appreciation to the Chairperson , as the facilitator of the 
dedicated discussion on the WPEC . Regarding  the paper by India and South Africa, I would like to 
underline that this is somewhat the voice of developing countries. On the moratorium issue, th is 
discussion cannot be done in one or two h ours, or in one or two months. Let us agree to disagree . 
Or let us agree to discuss further until we get a result that we want,  and which is acceptable to all 
parties. For some countries, a permanent moratorium is a r ed line. For others, the removal of the 
moratorium is the ultimate goal. Let us discuss e -commerce  issues  in the CTD  from the development 
side. This includes the digital divide, as well as other things that are really needed so that developing WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
- 33 - 
 
  countries and LDCs can participate in digital trade equally. Indonesia remains of the view that policy 
space is still needed by Members to exercise their respective policies according to their needs . 
202.  The representative of  China  delivered the following statement:  
203.  China recognizes the importance of bridging the digital gap among Members. We thank India 
and South Africa for releasing the revised proposal. China will play its role and constructively 
partici pate in the discussions in the e-commerce dedicated session on the moratorium to be held on 
20 April 2023 .  
204.  The representative of  India delivered the following statement:  
205.  India would like to thank Members for engaging in the discussion  both in the CTD and in the 
dedicated sessions of the General Council . The dedicated session focusing on the moratorium will be 
held on 20 April 2023 and we hope that there will be some positive outcomes  from that discussion . 
However, there is a significant development aspect to the matter , and Members  should  therefore  
not shy away from discussing the developmental aspects of the moratorium in the CTD. We have 
taken note of Members' interventions and we would like to continue to engage in this very important 
topic in future meetings . 
206.  The Committee took note  of all interventions.  
K. OTHER BUSINESS  
207.  The Chairperson  recalled that she had mentioned at the beginning of the meeting  that the 
Committee would address "Other Business" before turning to the elections of the Chairperson  of the 
Sub-Committee on LDCs and the Chair person  of the CTD.  
208.  The representative of Uganda , on behalf of the LDC Group , delivered the following statement:  
209.  The LDC  Group would like to refer to its communication  in document  JOB/GC/223/ Rev.1 to 
reiterate its request for the circulation of an annotated draft agenda for meetings of the CTD. This 
would allow LDCs to better prepare for the meetings.  
L. ELECTION OF THE CHAIRP ERSON OF THE SUB -COMMITTEE ON LEAST DEVELOPED 
COUNTRIES  
210.  The Chairperson  said that , on the basis of consultations, she wished  to put forward the name 
of Ambassador Erik Brøgger Rasmussen of Denmark to serve as the Chairman of the Sub -Committee 
on LDCs  for 2023. She said that Ambassador Rasmussen had assumed his current position in Geneva 
in September 2022. Prior to this, he was State Secretary and Chief Operating Officer at the 
Ministry  of Foreign Affairs of Denmark from 2019 to 2022. Among his other previous appointments, 
he held several senior positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Head of the Information 
Technology Department from 2018 to 2019, Head of the Finance Depa rtment from 2017 to 2018, 
and Head of the Development Policy and Financing Department from 2016 to 2017. She invited the 
Committee to elect Ambassador Rasmussen . 
211.  The Committee elected  Ambassador Rasmussen as the Chair man of the Sub -Committee on 
LDCs for 20 23. 
212.  The delegations of Uganda , on behalf of the LDC Group , and Nepal  took the floor to welcome 
the election of the new Chairman  of the Sub -Committee on LDCs , and to express appreciation for 
the work of the o utgoing  Chairperson  (Ambassador Kirsti Kauppi of Finland ). 
M. ELECTION OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT  
213.  The Committee was informed that, at the General Council meeting of 6 -7 March 2023, 
the names of the WTO Chairpersons for 2023 were announced, including that of 
Ambassador  José R. Sánchez -Fung of the Dominican Republic as the Chair man of the CTD for 2023. 
Ambassador Sánchez -Fung ha d been serving since April 2022 as the Permanent Representative of 
the Dominican Republic to the WTO and UNCTAD in Geneva. Prior to thi s appointment, he served as WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
- 34 - 
 
  Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Dominican Republic to the 
Swiss  Confederation, as well as the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the 
Dominican  Republic to the Universal Postal Union. During the period  starting from September 2021, 
he was also Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary designate of the Dominican Republic to 
the Principality of Liechtenstein, and Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary designate of the 
Dominican Republic to Bosnia  and Herzegovina. Before joining his country’s foreign service, 
Dr Sánchez -Fung taught economics for over two decades at the University of Nottingham in 
Ningbo,  China; at Kingston University  in London; and at the University of Kent in Canterbury. She 
invited the Committee to elect Ambassador Sánchez -Fung. 
214.   The Committee elected  Ambassador Sánchez -Fung as the Chair man of the CTD for 2023.  
215.  The Chairman thank ed Members for the opportunity to serve as Chair man of the CTD. He also  
thank ed Ambassador Canabady, on behalf of Members and the Secretariat, for her energy and 
enthusiasm over the past year. He noted that the development dimension of the WTO's work was 
very important. As a focal point for the consideration and coordination of work on developme nt in 
the WTO, the CTD play ed a key role in the MTS. He looked forward  to working with Members on the 
various areas of the CTD's work, which included the work of the Regular CTD ; the work on 
Aid for Trade, and the work of the CTD's Dedicated Sessions on th e Monitoring Mechanism on S&D, 
on Small Economies ; on RTAs and on PTAs.  He also  recall ed that, at the informal General Council 
meeting on the development dimension of WTO reform  held on 2-3 February 2023, many Members 
had indicated that the CTD should have a part to play in taking the discussions on this matter 
forward. Subsequently, at the f ormal General Council meeting held on 6 -7 March 2023, the Chairman 
of the General Council had proposed that the reform discussion on development take place under 
the aegis of the CTD and had requested the CTD Chair to structure this work going forward . 
The development al aspects of WTO reform would therefore be one of his priorities in the coming 
months. He added that t he process should be Member -driven. He intend ed to start by meeting 
bilaterally with Members to hear their thoughts on what they believe d should constitute the reform 
discussion on development, and what the CTD could  and should be doing in that regard. In the 
context of reform, he also wished to take the opportunity to hear Members'  views on what could be 
done to make the CTD function more effi ciently and effectively. He noted that s uch discussions ha d 
been taking place in other WTO bodies, and he believed that it would  be important for Members to 
similarly consider these issues in the context of the CTD . 
216.  Several delegations took the floor to we lcome the election of the new Chairman, and to 
express appreciation for the work of the outgoing Chairperson . Interventions in this regard were 
made by the representatives of  Kenya  on behalf of the ACP Group,  Uganda  on behalf of the LDC 
Group, the United States , the United Kingdom  and the European Union .  
N. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING  
 
217.  The Chairman said that the next meeting of the CTD's Regular Session was tentatively 
scheduled to be held on Tuesday , 11 July 2023. An initial agenda would be circulated four weeks 
before the meeting, on 13 June 2023, as per the CTD's rules of procedure. After the circulation of 
this initial meeting notice, Members would still have the opportunity to request items on the agenda 
for the meeting. The agenda would close on Thursday , 29 June 2023, and would be circulated on 
Friday , 30 June 2023.  
218.  The meeting was adjourned . 
_______________  
 
 
 
 WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
- 35 - 
 
  ANNEX  1 
Statement by Kenya on behalf of the ACP Group at the meeting of the Dedicated Discussion on 
Electronic C ommerce held on 21 February  20231
 
The ACP Group welcomes today's session to discuss digital divide issues in the context of the 
E-commerce Work Programme. In our interventions over the years, we have advocated for the 
reinvigoration of the development dimension of the Work Programme, including as it relates to the 
digital divide. The development dimension cuts across all areas of the Work Programm e that was 
first elaborated in September 1998. Members in the WTO have heard a number of the issues raised 
about the digital divide, and we have seen progress in the last decades in the adaptation of the 
e-commerce platform across our membership. However, with the advancements in technologies and 
e-commerce enabling infrastructure, ICT, and governance, we have also seen a widening of the 
digital divide. We have noted the questions from some Members seeking to ascertain what is meant 
by the digital divide an d questioning the role that the WTO can play in narrowing such a divide. 
A rudimentary view of the digital divide is the difference between where we are individually or 
collectively as a Group when compared to others, particularly those Members that have e ither 
managed to harness the full benefits of technological advancements and of e -commerce, or those 
that house the owners to such technology and platforms. Our countries are constantly playing 
catch -up in light of the dynamic nature of technology advancem ents. The digital divide does not 
mean for us that we have no access or participation in e -commerce. What we are seeing is the need 
to find ways to alleviate and reduce the digital divide in a manner that allows for sustained access 
and participation of ou r regions. Some of this requires work in our own domestic and regional 
regimes. At the same time, the work we are doing regionally and domestically can bring better 
results with the means to address the infrastructural and governance obstacles to our capac ities. 
Other than digital transactions themselves, cross -linkages to the divide in the development 
component exist with transport, logistics, professional, tourism and other services as well as delivery 
of goods from online purchases.  
 
The backdrop to the digital divide issues may vary in the experiences in different ACP regions related 
to lack of basic ICT infrastructure. Our challenges gravitate around regulations ; technologies ; 
consumer trust ; sustained electricity ; internet usage ; connectivity and data flow options to benefit 
our own enterprises. Reports from ITU and other institutions show varying growth across our regions 
from the boost during the pandemic in 2020. However, the reports also indicate remaining gaps in 
the digital divide. In particular, we will highlight some of the obstacles that diminish our effectiveness 
in e-commerce which owes itself to what is called the "digital divide". Before doing so, the ACP Group 
welcomes the submission from the OECS introducing the Commonwealth study, and the  
interventions to be made by the Pacific and CARICOM Groups, both of which are regions or 
sub-regions within the ACP. In terms of highlighting the progress and the challenges faced by 
ACP countries, we wish to offer a snapshot of some figures and issues th at define the digital divide 
for us.  
 
ITU has reported that over the last four years, Africa experienced slow growth in most areas of 
ICT infrastructure, access and use. The good news is that mobile cellular coverage in Africa was 
estimated at 88.4%, with over 77% of the population nearing 3G signals. Internet usage increased 
from 24.8% in 2017 to 28.6% by the end of 2019. Households with internet access at home 
increased 0.1 percentage points in the same period. By the end of 2019, ITU reported 28 
African  ITU Member States had at least one submarine cable landing. Landlocked nations in 
African  ACP States rely on either satellite or international fibre link capacity. On the gaps, in terms 
of access to the internet, ITU 2019 reports estimated only 14.3% of ho useholds in the Africa region 
had Internet access, compared with 57.4% worldwide. Mauritius, Cabo Verde, Botswana, Gambia, 
South  Africa and Seychelles are cited to lead the region at estimated rates of home access to the 
internet. The proportion of individ uals on the Internet, was 28.6% compared to 51.4% globally. 
These results may also show that beyond connectivity we have other problems in the divide such as 
the high cost of smartphones relative to income levels, limited digital skills  and the divide betw een 
urban and rural populations. However, access to reliable and affordable electricity is also cited as a 
major constraint in the region. ITU recommends further exploration of the satellite option to close 
the remaining gaps in connectivity. Nevertheless,  with any progress made, challenges continue in 
the cost of infrastructure.  
 
1 The statement, as contained in document WT/GC/WPEC/M/2, is reflected in this Note in response to 
the request by the delegation of Kenya.  WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
- 36 - 
 
  While most in the Caribbean are 80% or more connected, as low as 30% connectivity is found in 
certain countries. Programmes such as the UNICEF and ITU GigaConnect Project have assisted some 
Caribbean States with grade school connectivity. ITU reports that in the Caribbean, all are connected 
to at least two submarine cables in 2021. Satellite broadband is also recommended by ITU for the 
Caribbean region to close connectivity gaps. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean 
are noted to be "highly  exposed to extreme natural events, which include hurricanes and sea -level 
rise and have limited financial resources". Similarly, the Inter -American Development Bank (IDB) 
reports that the Caribbean has also experienced growth, however, given that the econ omies are 
small but open, they are highly dependent on external economies and given the island or coastal 
nature of the economies – and this applies to all island States across the ACP region – they are 
severely damaged by the devastation resulting from th e scourge of natural and manmade disasters. 
Unfortunately for these countries, scale continues to drive access to services, including banking and 
other financial services. These continue to be key features for MSMEs in SIDS if they are to move 
from buyers to sellers on e -commerce platforms. We may wish to examine the link between financial 
services and e -commerce, particularly as it relates to smaller WTO Members.  
 
The ITU reported in its 2021 trends that Asia -Pacific mobile markets are fairly advanced with , for 
example, Vanuatu at 88.4%, Solomon Islands  at 71.4%, Samoa at 63.6%, Tonga at 59.4% and 
Papua New Guinea  at 47.6%. As we noted for Africa, landlocked countries in particular, ITU  also 
cites that satellite broadband and satellite connectivity solutions offer an effective means to close 
the digital divide and address remaining connectivity gaps for small island States in the Pacific. This 
is especially evident in emergency situation s, such as natural hazards in the South Pacific, that are 
disproportionately reflected among high -risk countries such as Vanuatu and Tonga. Among the 
solutions in this area is that satellite broadband is more affordable broadband connectivity for 
underserv ed communities in remote and rural areas. The Pacific States generally have limited 
financial resources. According to other reports, improved internet in the Pacific alone has potential 
to create close to 300,000 new jobs in the near future.  
 
The recently launched UNCTAD  Digital Economy Report 2022  is dedicated to the Pacific. The report 
findings are that "despite progress related to strengthening digital infrastructure, significant gaps 
remain in terms of access  to reliable, affordable, high -speed and high -capacity broadband Internet. 
On average, Pacific SIDS lag behind the average for developing economies and SIDS on most 
indicators of ICT connectivity. Indicators include international bandwidth per user, 3G and 4G 
coverage, fixed broadband connection spee d, mobile broadband subscriptions, affordability of 
broadband packages and Internet use and that the average for Pacific SIDS is generally similar to 
the average for LDCs ". With highly dispersed distances between island states and very small 
economies, the  demand for digital connectivity that reduces isolation and links to international 
markets is critical.  
 
Beyond the connectivity issues in the digital divide, we have noted challenges with payment systems 
as well. This problem cuts across our regions. Ther efore, solutions must be available for those 
without bank accounts and that rely on mobile banking options. According to some reports, also 
noted in the OECS submission, regional harmonization and governance may play a role. We have 
found that there are mo re onerous requirements for our member State consumers trying to open 
bank accounts and/or merchant accounts in other markets to accept digital payments than for their 
peers in other countries in other markets. We see that in intra -ACP regions, deploying m obile banking 
and addressing the needs of the unbanked or rural sectors are more useful than the protocols 
available to us in markets outside of our regions in particular in developed countries. To assuage 
these issues, our enterprises use alternative paym ent solutions from outside the region (e.g., PayPal 
and Stripe). However, these options still create unnecessary currency and data transfers abroad. 
This was also alluded to in the OECS study. Notwithstanding the evolution of mobile payment 
solutions acros s the ACP regions, we are faced with the lack of adequate and well -established 
distribution channels for mobile payment solutions, which hampers the effective engagement of our 
users. Regionally, ACP Members are slowly finding more cashless solutions for d omestic e -trade 
transactions, however, we have faced interoperability problems. The WTO can find ways, as part of 
Aid for Trade, to build awareness and exchange information with all relevant institutions to ensure 
a system that facilitates e -commerce.  
 
The accomplishments to reduce the digital divide lead to increases in employment in the digital 
sphere. For example, we were pleased to learn from the Aid -for-Trade Global Review Report 2022 
the example of Madagascar, where digital services were reported to e mploy around 23,000 formal 
workers and 85,000 informal workers in sectors such as web development, writing, translation and WT/COMTD/M/120  
 
- 37 - 
 
  graphic design, among others, with a turnover amounting to nearly USD 417.5 million. This turnover 
was reported between telephone op erators (web subcontracting and digital services companies). It 
was also important to see that in terms of the hard infrastructure, Madagascar was connected to 
several undersea fibre -optic cables through an infrastructure consortium including the 
African  Development Bank, Africa –EU Partnership, the World Bank and commercial partners such as 
France Telecom and Orange Madagascar, among others. Ironically, the WTO Aid -for-Trade 2022 
Global Review Report finds that the pandemic produced a connectivity boost glo bally, with 
782 million more developing countries online since 2019, 24% more in Africa, about 23% in Asia 
and the Pacific and 20% in LDCs. However, the reports of digital constraints such as 
insufficient/uneven internet coverage ; inadequate network infras tructure and broadband capacity ; 
poor access to internet services ; poor digital skills and IT literacy plagued developing countries, 
particularly in our regions.  
 
All of the very useful reports and analyses from WTO, regional organi zations and sub -regional  
organi zations have concluded, without a doubt, the significance of the need for a modern 
ICT infrastructure for developing countries to benefit from the e -commerce ecosystem. Trade 
opportunities abound especially for small economies such as in the ACP reg ion. Closing the digital 
gaps to reinforce the system that the world is increasingly dependent upon is a priority globally. In 
terms of the WTO's role, we should explore better the cooperation needed to support the elimination 
of the digital divide and con sideration of international governance mechanisms and lessons that can 
be learnt from each other. We  could provide examples as well as the elements for what more the 
WTO might contribute. We also welcome the paper from India as a major developing country 
exporter and user of e -commerce services with a wealth of experience to share. We will study the 
paper and look forward to further consultation with India about some of the elements where our 
group may have questions. We feel that one meeting on this aspect  of the Work Programme will not 
be sufficient and a series of meetings on the various thematic issues that have been drawn out today 
are required. As we indicated during our last statement, we must push the envelope to discuss the 
role of the WTO in delive ring on the development dimension of the e -commerce Work Programme 
in a meaningful way. The ACP Group remains open to engaging with Members on the way forward 
in this regard.  
 
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