THAILAND – CUSTOMS AND FISCAL MEASURES ON CIGARETTES FROM THE PHILIPPINES

COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE DSB CONCERNING THE
"UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN the Philippines and Thailand to Pursue
Facilitator-assisted discussions aimed at progressing and
resolving outstanding issues in regard to DS371"

The attached communication, from the delegation of the Philippines and the delegation of Thailand dated 18 December 2020, containing an "Understanding between the Philippines and Thailand to Pursue Facilitator-assisted discussions aimed at progressing and resolving outstanding issues in regard to DS371" has been forwarded to me in my capacity as Chairperson of the Dispute Settlement Body, with a request that it be circulated to Members.

I welcome the fact that the two delegations have reached an Understanding aimed at resolving their outstanding differences in regard to DS371, which builds on the consultative process that I have been pursuing with the parties over recent months. In this regard, I am also pleased to confirm that Ambassador George Mina has confirmed his agreement to take on the role of Facilitator and has advised that he will be meeting with the parties in the period ahead to take forward the process of further Facilitator-assisted consultations.

H.E. Ambassador Dacio Castillo

Chair of the Dispute Settlement Body

cc H.E. Ambassador George Mina