REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON TRADE, DEBT AND FINANCE (2025) TO THE GENERAL COUNCIL

1.1.  It will be recalled that the Working Group on Trade, Debt and Finance ("the Working Group") was established at the 4th Session of the Ministerial Conference in Doha (November 2001). Its mandate is set out in paragraph 36 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration.

1.2.  In 2025, the Working Group held one informal meeting on 17 April and one formal meeting on 1 December. Bilateral consultations took place throughout the year.

1.3.  Discussions took place in relation to a request from the Committee on Agriculture (_G/AG/38, _WT/WGTDF/W/104) to undertake, in line with its mandate, a targeted examination of specific concerns raised by least-developed and net food-importing developing countries (LDCs and NFIDCs) in relation to the financing of food imports, and in particular challenges associated in doing so during periods of food instability and emergencies. Members have been considering further suggestions by a Member, contained in a room document (_RD/WGTDF/1). While the overall proposal lacked consensus support, several Members suggested taking a step-by-step approach starting with the areas with the broadest convergence, within the Working Group's mandate and without overlapping with the work of relevant international organizations. Discussions held in 2025 aimed at narrowing down the scope of what action or discussion could be pursued within the Working Group. Some Members are supportive of the overall approach presented in the room document. Other Members expressed reservations regarding specific points, such as launching new studies or working on new financing facilities or mechanisms. Reflecting constructive engagement in discussions, support has emerged for a possible thematic session in 2026, although more work was needed to define more precisely the questions, expertise needed, participants, and other modalities of this session.

1.4.  The same spirit was reflected in exchanges regarding the submission presented in 2024 by the delegation of Pakistan, focusing on the trade and debt nexus (_WT/WGTDF/W/105), and introduced as part of the proponent's wish to explore the relationship between the Working Group and paragraph 21 of the Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration. Consultations also took place in 2025, including efforts to prepare a concrete proposal featuring thematic sessions. Work will continue in 2026.

1.5.  On 3 December, the Working Group adopted its Annual Report (2025).