The Working Party recently reviewed new notifications on state trading enterprises from eleven members, including Albania, Australia, Iceland, Macao (China), Montenegro, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Seychelles, South Africa, Chinese Taipei, and Uruguay. Additionally, delegations raised further questions regarding previous notifications from China, India, Mauritius, and the Philippines.
There were calls for increased compliance with notification obligations and an emphasis on transparency concerning missing notifications. The ongoing non-notification by the Russian Federation was a particular point of concern.
Ukraine and seven other members voiced strong opposition to the actions of the Russian Federation in Ukraine. In response, the Russian Federation stated that the Working Party was not an appropriate venue for such statements.
The next meeting of the Working Party is scheduled for November 4th, 2024. Further information on State Trading Enterprises can be accessed through relevant channels.