The World Trade Organization (WTO) members are considering ways to revitalize the work of the Committee on Trade and Development. Ambassador Subedi reported on consultations with members, noting that "further consultations would be required" regarding the topic for the first thematic session.
Ambassador Subedi also recognized suggestions from members on improving the monitoring and evaluation of Aid for Trade. The goal is to ensure effective use by recipients and donors to achieve tangible outcomes.
Members reviewed a communication from the United States titled “Crop Diversification and Resiliency: Feed the World and Grow Exports. Heritage Crops and Localized Innovation.” This builds on an event at the 9th Global Review of Aid for Trade in June 2024. The document highlights how developing economies use modern breeding technologies to boost local traditional crop production, aiming to facilitate exports, enhance food security, and stimulate economic growth.
The WTO's Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation updated members on voluntary contributions to the Global Trust Fund and ongoing technical assistance activities under its 2024-2025 plan, amid increasing budget constraints. Several members emphasized examining technical assistance impacts on developing economies and least-developed countries as they prepare for the next biennial plan.
During a briefing on the latest session of the Joint Advisory Group (JAG) of the International Trade Centre (ITC), chaired by Ambassador Hend Abdalrahman Al-Muftah of Qatar, challenges faced by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) due to climate change, conflicts, and COVID-19 were outlined. She highlighted ITC's success stories supporting MSMEs in developing economies through international trade benefits. Members appreciated ITC's efforts.
The WTO's LDC group requested resumption of report preparation per the Bali Ministerial Decision on duty-free quota-free market access. Reference was made to a WTO Secretariat note titled “Market access for products and services of export interest to LDCs” for more information.
Members also discussed an Economic Complementarity Agreement between Mexico and Cuba. The WTO Secretariat will update notes on special differential treatment provisions to aid future discussions under its Monitoring Mechanism established in 2013. The Committee adopted its 2024 Annual Report.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2025.