implementation
of the mc13 decision on
the work programme on small economies
The
following communication, dated 2 July 2024, is being circulated at the
request of the delegation of Guatemala on behalf of the Group of Small, Vulnerable
Economies (SVEs).
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1 Introduction
1.1. At the Thirteenth WTO Ministerial
Conference (MC13) held in Abu Dhabi from 26 February to 2 March 2024, a Ministerial
Decision on the Work Programme on Small Economies was adopted (WT/MIN(24)/33 – WT/L/1188).
1.2. In this Ministerial Decision, Ministers
instructed the WTO Secretariat to provide relevant
information and factual analysis for discussion among Members in the CTD's
Dedicated Session on Small Economies, including through cooperating with
relevant international organizations, inter alia, in the areas identified in
item k of paragraph 2 of the Work Programme on Small Economies and, in
particular, on:
1. Challenges and opportunities for small economies in using
e-commerce and digital ecosystem to drive competitiveness;
2. Addressing the importance of resilient,
accessible, open, reliable and transparent supply chains for small economies
given food security issues, and the impact of non-tariff measures on trade
costs;
3. Exploring with other relevant WTO bodies
how to integrate trade related climate change adaptation and mitigation
policies into the trade policies of small economies.
1.3. In the implementation of past Ministerial
Decisions on the Work Programme on Small Economies, Secretariat background
documents were prepared on the topics given by Ministers for discussion in the
CTD's Dedicated Session on Small Economies. Accordingly, for the implementation
of the MC13 Decision on the Work Programme on Small Economies, the SVE Group
would like to once again suggest that background documents be prepared by the
Secretariat on the above three topics. Considering that there are three
different topics and that it is intended to have specific discussions on these
topics, the SVE group has identified the specific information, detailed in this
communication, needed for the discussions within the CTD's dedicated session.
1.4. In addition, given that the SVE
group is seeking concrete recommendations, it is considered that the policy
brief-focused papers modality can contribute correctly and efficiently to the
needs and objectives of our countries. This approach would allow Members to
have more in-depth discussions and exchange of experiences on the information
provided by the Secretariat and other relevant
international organizations.
1.5. The SVE Group would like to propose
the following outlines for the Secretariat background documents on the three
assigned topics.
2 proposed outline for topic 1: Challenges and opportunities for small economies in using e-commerce
and digital ecosystem to drive competitiveness
Part 1:
The potential of e-commerce to boost growth in small economies: In this
introductory section we hope to understand, including through data, how digital
trade can help small economies to grow. This part will also clarify terms such
as e-commerce and digital trade, drawing on existing definitions in literature
from UNCTAD and WTO.
Part 2:
Digital connectivity for development and digital transformation: This chapter
will set out the different aspects of the digital economy that would need
attention to push growth and competitiveness, inter alia,
hard and soft infrastructure, internet access and digital skills, and how these
can promote digital trade, including in the tourism sector.
Part 3:
The regulatory ecosystem of e-commerce for competitiveness: an elaboration of
the domestic regulation necessary for countries to benefit from e-commerce.
Part 4:
Analysis of the WTO moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions
for small economies.
Part 5:
Recommendations for government policies regarding digital trade and their
implementation.
Part 6:
Case studies of some small economies.[1]
3 proposed outline for topic 2: Addressing
the importance of resilient, accessible, open, reliable and transparent supply
chains for small economies given food security issues, and the impact of
non-tariff measures on trade costs
Part 1: Defining the supply
chains in small economies: mapping of the various global and regional supply
chain sectors that small economies are involved in and an examination of the
decentralization and fragmentation of global value chains and the conditions
which prevent greater access to and equity in the participation by small
economies in global supply and value chains.
Part 2: Vulnerability and
resilience in supply chains: Analysis of the vulnerability of supply chains and
what measures could help build more resilient supply chains in small economies.[2]
Part 3: Food security issues:
How to overcome significant disruptions in food systems, taking into account
the report and recommendations of the food security work programme approved by
Members in G/AG/38.
Part 4: Analysis of the impact
of non-tariff measures on trade costs related to supply chains for small
economies.
4 proposed outline for topic 3: Exploring with other relevant WTO
bodies how to integrate trade related climate change adaptation and mitigation
policies into the trade policies of small economies
Part 1:
Sustainable development benefits to small economies of sustainable agriculture,
tourism and fisheries, including by improving our understanding on how trade
related aspects could be integrated into national determined contributions in
support of these sectors to deliver both climate and development goals.
Part 2:
Technical assistance, capacity building, and technology transfer regarding the
trade related needs identified by small economies in climate, particularly
those related to adaptation.
Part 3:
Links between trade, technology and climate to explore the interrelation with a
focus on environmentally sustainable technologies that are cutting-edge and
contribute to small economies' growth and trade expansion.
Part 4:
Breaking silos to synergies on the agenda for trade, climate and development:
Mapping potential areas of cooperation to foster open an inclusive dialogue in
the ongoing work of various WTO bodies and other initiatives on how trade and
trade climate policies, including on market access, regulations and trade
facilitation can contribute to small economies' integration in the trade
system, in particular their SMEs.
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[1] It is
suggested that, if there are cases of success of some small economies, they
should be reflected in this section or in the document. In addition, a summary
of the thematic session which was held at the 9th Global Review of Aid
for Trade, to be submitted by the SVE Group to the Secretariat, is expected to
be attached to the document.
[2] An informal thematic session on "Green supply chains for
development: the case of small economies" will be held on 16 July 2024 and
the main results are expected to be included in the final document.