LDC GROUP PRIORITIES AT THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION

DRAFT

The following communication, dated 4 December 2025, is being circulated at the request of the delegation of The Gambia on behalf of the LDC Group.

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Introduction

This communication from the LDC Group at the WTO is intended to elaborate the latest on LDC priorities at the WTO, inclusive of some priorities related to the upcoming 14^th WTO Ministerial Conference. This communication is not intended to convey what of these priorities must be transmitted to Ministers.

1  Follow-up required from MC13 Declarations and Decisions

The areas below, with instructions and mandates from the last Ministerial Conference, MC13, are priorities for the LDC Group. At minimum, these areas should be the basis for a ministerial declaration outcome document.

1.1  Paragraph 4, _WT/MIN(24)/34; _WT/L/1189 - WTO smooth transition support measures in favour of countries graduated from the LDC category

At MC13 in Abu Dhabi, Members adopted a partial decision (_WT/MIN(24)/34; _WT/L/1189) on LDC graduation providing that graduated countries shall continue to benefit from the application of the Special DSU Procedures for LDCs set out in Article 24 and from LDC specific technical assistance and capacity building provided under the WTO, for a period of three years after graduation. Under paragraph 3 of the Ministerial Decision, Ministers also instructed the LDC Sub-Committee, under the guidance of the General Council, to continue its work on the remaining provisions listed in Annex 2 of the LDC proposal contained in document _WT/GC/W/807/Rev.2, with a view to making recommendations by December 2024. After an extension of that time and a further streamlined submission from the LDC Group, the process pursuant to paragraph 3 of the MC13 Ministerial Decision on graduation is exhausted, with no recommendations.

However, paragraph 4 of _WT/MIN(24)/34; _WT/L/1189 instruction from Ministers at MC13 requires the following: The General Council shall report to the Fourteenth Ministerial Conference on progress. In this regard, the LDC group streamlined proposal _WT/GC/W/967, was submitted to the General Council in October 2025, and remains on the agenda. The LDC Group remains committed to consultations in any format, including by the General Council Chair, with a view to the report due for Ministers under paragraph 4 of the MC13 graduation decision.

The LDC Group remains ready to engage constructively with other members in different formats, with a view to concluding deliberations at the General Council meeting before MC14.

1.2  Paragraph 10 Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration on LDC Decisions

The work accomplished so far in relation to the instructions of Ministers under paragraph 10 of the Abu Dhabi Declaration is welcome. These are namely the introduction of a survey to collect information to review information on LDC services suppliers and consumers of LDC services in preference providing Member markets. However, more time is needed to enable the information to be collected and reviewed at the Council for Trade in Services. The LDC Group also welcomes the progress on efforts of the WTO Secretariat to explore improvements in LDC services export data. Finally, it also remains that the CTS must assess best practices in facilitating the use of the services preferences. Regarding rules of origin, the LDC Group calls on the Committee on Rules of Origin to continue and intensify work on identifying and where possible, agreeing on best trade facilitating practices on preferential rules of origin and related administrative requirements. On the instructions from Ministers in relation to the decision at the Ninth Ministerial Conference in Bali on Duty-Free Quota-Free Market Access for Least-Developed Countries and instruct the Committee on Trade and Development to recommence the annual review process on preferential DFQF market access for LDCs, not much progress has been achieved.

We call on Ministers at MC14 to extend the mandate in paragraph 8 of the MC12 Outcome Document and paragraph 10 of the Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration in order for the instructions of Ministers to be completed.

1.3  Paragraph 8 Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration regarding outstanding special and differential treatment Agreement Specific Proposals (ASPs)

Following up on this mandate from MC13, the LDC Group notes progress made concerning the proposals of the G90 found on SPS[1] and on a voluntary, non-binding illustrative list of incentives to aid the implementation of Article 66.2 of the Agreement on Trade‑Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)[2] (_JOB/TN/CTD/18/Rev.2; IP(_C/W/727).

1.4  Paragraph 4 _WT/MIN(24)/DEC - WTO Reform

The LDC Group supports work going forward on WTO reform that complements the achievements made by the entire membership. More precise guidance from Ministers at MC14 is necessary on the conduct of that examination and addressing meaningful questions in order to untangle the real obstacles to trust and sustaining the shared objectives and expectations of the organization. In recommendations for guidance from Ministers, development and the principles of special and differential treatment must not be undermined. In particular, the fundamental rules provided for LDCs must be preserved, as recognized in Article XI.2 of the Marrakesh Agreement and other provisions in WTO agreements. In addition, the rules under Article IX of the Agreement Establishing the WTO must be maintained whilst implemented in a manner that builds upon the success in consensus decision making. Furthermore, noting that all LDCs have also invested in the WTO, including all of its pillars, the full dispute settlement pillar must be restored as a critical component of the functioning of the WTO. LDCs must be included in agenda setting and decision making in the organization. As part of the strengthening of the integration of LDCs in their participation in the WTO, access to documents for meetings, must be ensured, regardless of their contribution status, to avoid their falling behind in deliberations before the WTO. In addition, many WTO documents are restricted for no compelling reason. Having documents restricted creates challenges for ensuring access within LDC governments. It is therefore necessary to update the existing procedures for the circulation and derestriction of WTO documents, which were agreed to by the General Council in 2002.

On procedural issues we raised in our declaration in 2024, which we are compelled to recall reform improvements in notification and implementation obligations must not introduce punitive measures or additional burdensome obligations for the LDCs. For the process in preparation for and at ministerial conferences, where there are plenaries limited in the size of delegations or small group meetings, listening rooms should be set up with simultaneous interpretation in the WTO's various working languages. Every effort should be made to ensure the effective participation of LDCs in these meetings. Before any adoption of texts by Ministers, reasonable time must be allotted for the text to be presented to Members with relevant explanations. Group Coordinators must be allowed time to consult their members to synthesize and agree.

1.5  Ministerial Decision adopted on 2 March 2024 at Abu Dhabi on Dispute Settlement Reform (_WT/MIN(24)/37, _WT/L/1192) and paragraph 4 of MC12 outcome document.

A fully functional two-tier dispute settlement system which is accessible to all Members is a priority for LDC group. Although the peace clause in Article 24 of the DSU offers the LDCs some cushion, the recent trade turbulence exposed the vulnerability of the LDCs to the global power dynamics. An impartial and independent adjudication system within WTO can ensure the safety and security for the Members especially LDCs and developing countries in the international trade. As outlined in paragraph 4 of the MC12 outcome document and Ministerial Decision in Abu Dhabi (MC13), dispute settlement reform remains a top priority for WTO Members including LDCs. Unfortunately, the discussion has been at a standstill for a year. In the ongoing consultations by the Chairpersons of the General Council and Dispute Settlement Body, Members called for the resumption of the discussion after MC14. The LDC group also stresses that discussion should resume post MC14 with a Ministerial Mandate, with a view to resuming a fully and well-functioning DS system accessible to all Members in the shortest possible time.

1.6  _WT/MIN(24)/38; _WT/L/1193 - Electronic Commerce Work Programme Decision

LDCs rely on participation in electronic commerce platforms, which enables LDC enterprises to advance in a leveler playing field. However, without the certainty of having the necessary infrastructure, predictability of electricity, broadband, and internet for e-commerce to run on, LDCs gain little benefit. In addition to supporting the establishment of infrastructure enabling digital connectivity, it is necessary to support these efforts with training and the acquisition of better technical skills related to e-commerce. Due to the work that remains under the e-commerce work programme, in particular milestones to be achieved on the development dimension, we call for the continuation of _WT/MIN(24)/38; _WT/L/1193.

1.7  _WT/MIN(24)/39; _WT/L/1194 - TRIPS Non-Violation and Situation Complaints Decision

The LDC Group calls on Ministers at MC14 to agree to a permanent moratorium on the application of GATT 1994, paragraphs 1(b) and 1(c) of Article XXIII, non-violation and situation complaints to the TRIPS Agreement. Such a decision would provide long-overdue legal certainty and reinforce the ability of Members, particularly LDCs, to exercise their TRIPS rights in support of development, health, and economic resilience.

2  Negotiations

2.1  Agriculture and Food Security

While new challenges persist in global trade, the WTO’s agriculture trade mandates, such as trade distorting domestic support including cotton, the special safeguard mechanism, public stockholding continue to be a priority for all Members. In particular, LDCs reiterate the need to make progress on agriculture negotiations and to build on the outcomes from ministerial conferences. In addition, we urge addressing the issue of food security, including concerns of food security of net food importers.

The LDC Group has circulated a separate proposal for Ministerial consideration in Yaoundé on food security and agriculture negotiations.

2.2  Additional Fisheries Subsidies Disciplines

We welcome the entry into force of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS) this year, as a major step forward for ocean sustainability and toward addressing harmful fisheries subsidies. To build upon this accomplishment, and in light of Article 12 of the AFS Members are urged to continue negotiations on additional disciplines to tackle the enormous subsidies that support overcapacity and overfishing. Integral to those disciplines is special and differential treatment for developing countries and LDCs who are not the problem or responsible for this problem, but instead suffer from the extensive depletion of their resources, which impacts livelihoods and food security. The operationalization of the Fisheries Funding Mechanism is also welcome, and we urge that LDCs are fully participating in and benefitting from the Fund.

3  Other areas of LDC interest at the WTO

3.1  Trade and Environment

The climate crisis stands as one of the most pressing challenges of our era, with LDCs bearing its heaviest impacts despite contributing very little to global greenhouse gas emissions. While respecting Members’ right to protect the environment, we stress that trade-related climate measures must not restrict LDC market access or serve as disguised trade barriers and remain consistent with WTO rules and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

As we underscore in our communication _WT/CTE/W/266/Rev.1 at the CTE, LDCs hold significant potential in ecotourism, renewable energy, carbon markets, sustainable agriculture, and artisanal or organic products. With targeted technical assistance and capacity-building, technology transfer, and finance, LDCs can transform these environmental and natural assets into economic opportunities while meeting international standards. Green policies should support rather than restrict development.

At MC14, we call on Ministers to ensure predictable support, strengthen technology transfer under WTO frameworks, and foster cooperation that empowers LDCs to integrate into green value chains and use trade for climate-resilient development. In this regard, LDC own standards for their already bio and climate friendly practices should be taken into account.

3.2  LDC Accessions

We urge Members participating in negotiation of accession market access with LDCs in the accession process to adhere to the 2002 LDC Accession Guidelines (_WT/L/508) as affirmed in the 2011 General Council decision _WT/L/846, and to adhere to Addendum 1 to _WT/L/508, adopted in on 25 July 2012 by the General Council. We further urge Members to refrain from seeking concessions and commitments beyond the benchmark levels set for an average tariff and binding coverage on goods and market access opening for services stipulated in Addendum I. Members should continue to support LDCs after accession.

3.3  Costs of Remittances

The LDC Group registers concerns about the escalation of new charges on remittances from LDC services suppliers and calls for commitments aimed at reducing the cost of such cross-border remittances.

3.4  Aid for Trade (AfT)

LDCs are facing rising development needs just as Aid for Trade (AfT) flows are declining, weakening their ability to address structural barriers, diversify our economies, and withstand overlapping crises. Although most AfT resources still focus on infrastructure and productive sectors, support for trade policy and regulatory capacity remains scarce, at a time when LDCs must adapt to the demands of digitalization, services, sustainability standards, and resilient supply chains. Reversing this trend is vital to ensure that LDCs can fully seize emerging opportunities in global trade.

In line with the Doha Programme of Action for LDCs, the mandate of AfT and other relevant global outcomes, we call for renewed, targeted assistance and capacity-building, and technology transfer, to build human, productive, and institutional capacities; expand affordable and secure digital connectivity; and improve access to finance; address climate impacts; and help meet evolving international standards. These areas are essential for LDCs to participate effectively in regional and global value chains.

At MC14, we call on Ministers to align AfT global efforts with LDC priorities through predictable financing, stronger coordination, and measurable results that advance our full integration into the multilateral trading system.

3.5  Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

The LDC Group reiterates the vital role of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) as the only multilateral programme and AfT mechanism dedicated to supporting LDCs. We recognize its significant contribution in helping LDCs integrate into the multilateral trading system, strengthen trade-related capacities, and advance our development objectives.

We commend the tangible results achieved by the EIF, including its contribution to LDC trading capacity; support micro, small, and medium enterprises; and develop digital skills to diversify LDC economies. Building on these achievements, we welcome the launch of the third phase of the EIF partnership to provide both financial and technical support, further enhancing institutional and productive capacities in LDCs, including those undergoing graduation.

Predictable and adequate financing for EIF Phase 3 must be ensured, while promoting results-based management, national ownership.

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