WTO members have expressed a renewed commitment to advancing discussions on services trade, following the mandate from the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) held in February 2024. The Services Council, alongside other WTO bodies, has been tasked with addressing WTO reform, short-term challenges related to global and domestic crises, and responses to pandemics.
Future topics for consideration in services trade include the development dimension of trade in services, trade related to the green transition, remittance costs, domestic regulation of services, and artificial intelligence. Members emphasized the need to optimize discussions and avoid duplicating efforts across different bodies. Some members also proposed thematic sessions or workshops on these topics to facilitate further deliberations.
In response to the pandemic, ongoing discussions are focused on concluding the Council's work on the impact of COVID-19 on various service sectors. This follows mandates from both MC12 in 2022 and MC13. Members expressed satisfaction with tools implemented for improving Council operations, particularly the e-agenda facilitating member participation.
Discussions continued regarding proposals from the WTO's LDC Group concerning operationalizing the “LDC Services Waiver.” This waiver allows members to notify preferences for LDC services and suppliers, with 51 members having done so thus far. The waiver aims to enhance LDC participation in services trade and was reiterated at both MC12 and MC13.
Members also revisited four previously addressed specific trade concerns. Japan and the United States, supported by several others, reiterated issues regarding cybersecurity measures in China and Viet Nam. China restated its concerns about Australia's 5G measures and certain U.S. measures while also addressing India's regulations concerning mobile applications.