Update on Recent Developments -at the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration
1.1. CBFA – Report on Meeting of 12 May 2025 (WT/BFA/226)
1.2. Update on Recent Developments at the CBFA – Statement by the Chairperson of the CBFA
Waivers under Article IX of the WTO Agreement
2.1. United States – Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA as amended) – Request for a Waiver – Draft Decision (G/C/W/870)
Fourteenth Session of the Ministerial Conference – Administrative Matters
3.1. Attendance of Observers
3.2. Attendance of Non-Governmental Organizations
Incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement into Annex 4 of the WTO Agreement – Draft Decision (WT/GC/W/927/Rev.2)
For discussion
Report by the Chairperson of the Trade Negotiations Committee and Report by the Director-General
Follow-Up to Outcomes of Ministerial Conferences: MC13; MC12; MC11; MC10 and MC9 – Statement by the Chairperson
6.1. WTO Reform – Report by the Facilitator
6.2. Work Programme on Electronic Commerce (WPEC) – Report by the Facilitator
Work Programme on Small Economies – Report by the Chairperson of the Dedicated Session of the Committee on Trade and Development
Heightened Trade Turbulence and Responses from the WTO – Communication from China (WT/GC/272/Add.1)
Respecting the Rules-Based Multilateral Trading System – Request from Brazil
At this time of great uncertainty, Canada reaffirms its strong and enduring commitment to an open, fair, transparent and predictable rules-based multilateral trading system, underpinned by the WTO.
Canada has been a steadfast supporter of the multilateral trading system since joining the GATT in 1948. Our continued conviction is that open trade can benefit all, especially when supported by rules that support fair competition.
Canada is deeply worried about recent actions that are leading to the closing of markets. The series of unwarranted tariffs announced or implemented by the United States continue to severely disrupt global trade and undermine predictability in the international trading system, at great cost to businesses and consumers.
Now more than ever, we must work together to uphold this system in order to safeguard global economic stability. But we must also continue to improve the quality of the rules that create a more level playing field and enhance trade openness.
Our commitment to strong and effective multilateral institutions will not waver, and we will continue to work with Members to promote fairness, transparency, and stability in the global trading system.
For information
WTO Smooth Transition Support Measures in Favour of Countries Graduated from the LDC Category Pursuant to Paragraph 3 (WT/MIN(24)/34; WT/L/1189) –Communication from Djibouti on behalf of the LDC Group (WT/GC/W/967)
Report on the Informal Gathering of WTO Ministers on 3 June 2025 – Request from Australia
Member Conversations on Current Economic Issues – Request from Canada
Thank you Chair.
Canada added this information item to provide a brief factual update on the “member conversations on current economic issues” series ongoing since last year.
We would like to remind WTO members that since last September, Canada and many other members have been hosting and participating in informal technical sessions to build knowledge and share perspectives on trade and industrial policy.
8 sessions have been held thus far on topics including the history of the relevant WTO rules, experiences with industrial policies, transparency and private sector perspectives.
Sessions are held in-person, but materials from past sessions are available on WTO member-only website for reviewing or sharing with capital.
We will continue this series after the summer break, and we would underscore that all members remain welcome to participate, including by hosting a session.
Follow-Up to the WTO Retreat on Sustainable Agriculture in the Multilateral Trading System – Request from Brazil
Review of Waivers pursuant to Article IX:4 of the WTO Agreement
14.1. Canada – CARIBCAN, granted on 9 May 2023 until 31 December 2033 (WT/L/1166; WT/L/1219)
14.2. European Union – Application of Autonomous Preferential Treatment to the Western Balkans – Granted on 28 July 2021 until 31 December 2026 (WT/L/1114; WT/L/1218)
14.3. Least-Developed Country Members – Obligations under Article 70.8 and Article 70.9 of the TRIPS Agreement with respect to Pharmaceutical Products, granted on 30 November 2015 until 1 January 2033 (WT/L/971)
14.4. Ministerial Decision on the TRIPS Agreement (WT/MIN(22)/30 –WT/L/1141)
WTO Pension Plan
15.1. Report of the Independent External Auditor on the Audit of the Financial Statements of the World Trade Organization Pension Plan (WTOPP) for the Financial Year ended 31 December 2024 (WT/BFA/W/724 – WT/L/1217)
15.2. Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year ending 31 December 2024 (WT/BFA/W/719 – WT/L/1216)
13th China Round Table on WTO Accessions – Draft Outcome Report (WT/ACC/48 –WT/GC/273) – Request from Oman
