At a special session of the Committee on Trade and Development (CTD) held on 22 May 2025, World Trade Organization (WTO) members continued discussions on three key Agreement-specific proposals put forward by the G-90 group. These proposals focus on enhancing the application of Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) provisions within the WTO agreements, addressing critical issues such as sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, technical trade barriers (TBT), trade-related intellectual property rights (TRIPS), and trade-related investment measures (TRIMs).
During the session, Barbados, representing the G-90 group, presented a strategic roadmap for the continued advancement of these proposals ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) scheduled for March 2026. Barbados emphasized the group’s commitment to a constructive, evidence-based, and inclusive approach to addressing these issues.
Ambassador Kadra Ahmed Hassan of Djibouti, Chair of the Committee, provided an update on recent bilateral consultations with various delegations and coordinators. She highlighted the increasing willingness among members to engage in negotiations on S&DT provisions with a focus on flexibility and pragmatism, acknowledging the complex needs of developing economies and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Updates from Facilitators on Key Proposals
The facilitators of the specific proposals provided key updates to the Committee:
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Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Proposals:
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Daniel Lim of Singapore, the facilitator for the SPS and TBT discussions, outlined ongoing consultations and collaborations with the SPS and TBT Committees. Lim announced that a thematic session on these issues would take place in July 2025, focusing on addressing the challenges faced by developing economies and LDCs. Cecilia Risolo of Argentina and Daniela García of Ecuador, the respective Chairs of the SPS and TBT Committees, shared detailed updates on their work to improve S&DT implementation for developing members and LDCs, encouraging participation in the upcoming thematic session on TBT scheduled for 24 June 2025.
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TRIPS and Technology Transfer to LDCs:
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Joel Richards of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, facilitator on the TRIPS proposal, informed members about a planned informal thematic information session on 12 June 2025. This session will provide an opportunity for LDCs, donor members, external experts, and private sector representatives to discuss the needs of LDCs regarding technology transfer under TRIPS Article 66.2, and explore effective solutions.
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Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMs):
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Eduardo Terada Kosmiskas of Brazil, facilitator on TRIMs, provided an update on his consultations, calling for continued flexibility among members to advance discussions on the G-90’s proposals in this area.
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Commitment to Collaboration and Urgency Ahead of MC14
Throughout the meeting, members underscored the importance of continued collaboration with relevant WTO bodies to develop shared solutions to the challenges faced by developing economies, particularly LDCs. Ambassador Hassan stressed the urgency of the work, noting, “With less than a year until MC14, it is clear that we need to work with a sense of urgency and stronger focus on results.”
The Chair urged members to take full advantage of the facilitators’ expertise and to remain engaged in constructive dialogue as the Committee continues to explore ways to strengthen the WTO’s support for developing countries.
The ongoing discussions underscore the WTO’s commitment to ensuring that all members, especially developing economies and LDCs, are better equipped to navigate global trade challenges and benefit from the multilateral trading system.
