REPORT BY THE CHAIRMAN, AMBASSADOR ALFREDO SUESCUM (PANAMA)

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1.  I present this report on my own responsibility and without prejudice to the positions of delegations or to the outcome of negotiations under the mandate to establish a multilateral system of notification and registration of geographical indications (GIs) for wines and spirits (the "GI Register") in the Special Session of the Council for TRIPS.

2.  Since my last written report (_TN/IP/35 of 14 July 2025), I have continued informal contacts with interested stakeholders to assess existing interest in the GI Register negotiations. In a small number of cases, stakeholders themselves initiated contact, building on earlier informal consultations. While no new proposals have been submitted and no delegation has approached me to discuss the work of the Special Session, these exchanges with stakeholders suggest that the matter may be regaining some attention among certain producer groups. Some stakeholders indicated that they are reflecting on their own positions in light of recent developments relating to GIs and believe that a multilateral register for wines and spirits could serve useful functions in today's context.

3.  As outlined in my previous report, and consistent with the three steps proposed by the Director‑General, in her capacity as Chair of the TNC, for Members' consideration at the TNC meeting on 12 December 2024 (_JOB/TNC/125), I intend to continue consultations to assess whether space may emerge for renewed engagement within the existing mandate. I also continue to reflect on the possibility of holding informal information-sharing sessions, to help delegations become re‑acquainted with the history and context of the Special Session, and take stock of relevant developments.