Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have reviewed ongoing discussions about technology transfer to developing economies. Chairs from the Council for Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), the Committee on Trade and Environment, and the Committee on Agriculture provided updates on how technology-transfer issues are being addressed within their respective groups. According to members, these briefings helped clarify the evolving approach to technology transfer across the WTO and supported efforts to maintain coherence in this area.
The Chair noted that informal consultations were held earlier in the year to collect member views on organizing future work for the group. Delegations emphasized that technology transfer is important for development, particularly in building productive capacity, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting digital inclusion. While there were different opinions about potential outcomes for the upcoming 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), members showed interest in continuing structured exchanges beyond this event.
The WTO Secretariat is currently preparing an overview of technology transfer discussions taking place across various WTO bodies. The Chair has asked the Secretariat to present these findings at the group's next formal meeting in 2026.
The Working Group on Trade and Transfer of Technology was created during the Doha Ministerial Conference in 2001. Its mandate is to examine how trade relates to technology transfer and explore ways within the WTO framework to boost technology flows to developing countries.