Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have advanced discussions on revitalizing trade and development, examining special and differential treatment provisions based on a WTO Secretariat analysis. Recognizing the importance of these provisions, designed to aid developing economies in global trade participation, members expressed interest in further analysis.
Debate also continued on the WTO rules regarding the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Customs Union, as members examined the WTO Secretariat's insights on this issue. Continuing exploration of this trading arrangement is planned. The WTO's Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation updated members on the Global Trust Fund's financial status, which supports training programs for officials from developing economies. Furthermore, preparation for the next technical assistance plan for 2026-2027 was discussed, with calls for innovative solutions and additional support based on beneficiary needs.
The WTO’s Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group informed members on efforts to resume preparations for the duty-free and quota-free market access for LDCs report. Ongoing consultations with delegations aim to facilitate the annual review of steps providing LDCs with market access.
India's two requests regarding Committee functioning and the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce are under informal consultation. Additionally, members reviewed the Economic Complementarity Agreement between Argentina and Mexico with a factual presentation by the WTO Secretariat.
Elected for leadership roles, Ambassador Mzukisi Qobo of South Africa will chair the Committee on Trade and Development, while Ambassador Ib Petersen of Denmark continues as chair of the Sub-Committee on Least Developed Countries. A WTO Secretariat report titled “Challenges and opportunities for small economies in using e-commerce and digital ecosystem to drive competitiveness” was welcomed by members.
“Many small and vulnerable economies still face high costs to access the internet, inadequate digital infrastructure, and gaps in digital literacy, hindering their participation in the global digital economy,” said Ana Libertad Guzman Villeda from Guatemala, coordinating the Small, Vulnerable Economies group. “Addressing these challenges requires targeted investments, capacity-building initiatives and policies that foster inclusive digital transformation,” she added.
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s efforts in supporting small economies with digital capacity building were highlighted, including initiatives involving national single windows for customs and e-commerce law upgrades. Members highlighted UNCTAD’s eTrade Reform Tracker and the expansion of eTrade Readiness Assessments, which evaluate the e-commerce environment of developing economies.