The World Trade Organization (WTO) members recently convened to review six regional trade agreements and discuss issues related to transparency. The Committee examined several agreements, including the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS), a Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and New Zealand covering goods and services, an Interim Economic Partnership Agreement between the United Kingdom and Pacific States concerning goods, an Economic Partnership Agreement between the United Kingdom and Cameroon focused on goods, an Association Agreement between the United Kingdom and Morocco for goods, and a Free Trade Agreement between Türkiye and Kosovo regarding goods.
Ambassador José Valencia of Ecuador, Chair of the Committee, highlighted that as of June 2, 2025, there are 61 Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) in force that have not been notified to the WTO. This number has increased from 58 RTAs listed previously.
Ambassador Valencia also shared insights from informal consultations with members on non-notified RTAs, factual presentations, and potential contributions for the upcoming 14th WTO Ministerial Conference scheduled in Yaoundé, Cameroon from March 26-29, 2026. He presented a report summarizing members' perspectives along with his suggestions for future actions. The report was provided under his responsibility without affecting members' views. Additional informal consultations are planned post-summer to encourage further discussions on the report's contents.
During other business matters at the meeting, Brazil requested clarification regarding a trade deal announced by the United States and the United Kingdom. Both countries responded that they would consult their respective capitals before providing further details.
The next meeting of this Committee is set for November 10.