Chairman of the Appellate Body elected

The Members of the Appellate Body elected Mr. A.V. Ganesan to serve as Chairman of the Appellate Body from 17 December 2005 to 16 December 2006, following the expiry of Mr. Yasuhei Taniguchi’s term as Chairman. (WT/DSB/40).
> More on the Appellate Body members

Hong Kong Ministerial Conference: Ministers agree on declaration that ‘puts Round back on track’

Ministers from the WTO’s 149 member governments approved a declaration that many described as significant progress both since the July 2004 “package” and after six days of intensive negotiations in Hong Kong which the chairperson described as “working like a dog”.
> Summary of the day

18 December: Ministers consider second revision of the Draft Declaration

> Draft Ministerial Text

Day 5: Revised draft circulated, ministers comment

Ministers headed for another long night of negotiations after a revised draft ministerial declaration was circulated in the early afternoon of 17 December. At an evening informal meeting of the heads of delegations, they said the draft reflects further achievements since the original was forwarded from meetings in Geneva in November. They then got down to resolving remaining differences in the text.
> Summary of the day

Ministers consider revised Draft Declaration

After extensive consultations, Chairman John Tsang and Director-General Pascal Lamy, on 17 December 2005, circulated a revised Draft Ministerial Declaration.

> Corrigendum

Day 4: Ministers start preparing revised draft ministerial text

WTO members ended the fourth day of the Ministerial Conference, 16 December 2005 working on texts that are to be inputs for a revised draft ministerial text and circulated in the middle of the next day.

> Summary of the day

Conclusion of the 34th Trade Policy Course

On Friday, 9 December, officials from 27 countries attended the closing ceremony during which diplomas were awarded marking the end of the 34th WTO Trade Policy Course, which was held in English at WTO Headquarters from 19 September to 9 December 2005.
> News item

The Secretariats of the WTO and UNIDO hold side-event at Hong Kong Ministerial

On the occasion of the WTO 6th Ministerial Meeting in Hong Kong, WTO and UNIDO held a side-event on 15 December 2005 on the implementation of the Joint Cooperation Agreement between WTO and UNIDO and on the UNIDO Cotton Initiative for Africa.
> News item

Day 3: Tonga all set to join, as movement seen in talks on least-developed countries

The WTO’s membership is officially heading for 150 now that Tonga’s accession talks have been completed — Tonga still has to ratify the agreement before it formally becomes a member. Meanwhile, consultations continuing into the early hours of 15 December and resuming later in the day have seen some progress on issues concerning least-developed countries, the conference chairperson reported.

> Summary of the day

WTO Ministers successfully approve Tonga’s membership at Hong Kong Conference

The WTO Sixth Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong today (15 December) approved Tonga’s terms of accession. This decision paves the way for the South Pacific Island nation to become the 150th member of the Organization. “The Kingdom of Tonga is pleased that its sustained efforts and commitment to a transparent and predictable trading environment have led to its successful membership of the WTO and, through it, to a fuller integration with the world economy,” said Minister for Labour, Commerce and Industries, Dr. Feleti Sevele.

> Press release

Arbitrator appointed in chicken cuts dispute.

On 14 December 2005, Mr. James Bacchus, former Member of the Appellate Body, accepted the appointment as arbitrator by Brazil, the European Communities, and Thailand to determine the reasonable period of time for implementation of the DSB’s recommendations and rulings in “European Communities — Customs Classification of Frozen Boneless Chicken Cuts” (WT/DS269/12, WT/DS286/14).
> Download the appointment of the arbitrator in Word format (1 page; 41KB), in pdf format (1 page; 9KB)
> All documentation on the case DS269
> All documentation on the case DS286
> More on the Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

Day 2: Convergence elusive on first full day of consultations; cotton also discussed

First consultations on agriculture, non-agricultural market access and development issues show that differences remain on a number of issues, the ministers handling these issues reported to heads of delegations at an evening meeting on 14 December 2005.

> Summary of the day

Sweden gives CHF 1.96m for assistance on SPS standards

Sweden agreed on 14 December 2005 to donate 12 million kronor (approximately 1.96 million Swiss francs) to help developing countries analyse and implement international standards on food safety and animal and plant health — so-called sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards.
> Press release

Recipients and donors review cooperation programme

Partner countries of JITAP, the Joint Integrated Technical Assistance Programme, implemented jointly by the International Trade Centre, the UNCTAD and the W TO, met  on 14 December 2005 on the fringes of the 6th WTO Ministerial Conference to review the programme, its impact and future needs, and share experiences.
> Press release

Day 1: Conference opens formally and ministers consult on industrial goods

Hong Kong, China’s Chief Executive Donald Tsang formally opened the Sixth WTO Ministerial Conference on 13 December 2005, and ministers started consultations on market access for non-agricultural products.

> Summary of the day

Lamy urges negotiators to be “bold and courageous”

Director-General Pascal Lamy, in his address at the inaugural session of the Sixth Ministerial Conference on 13 December 2005, said trade negotiators must be prepared to take some risks “for improved rules, for a level playing field, for free and fair trade — in short, the best chance for development, the backbone of the Doha Round”.

Aid planned as a complement to a market access package

An ambitious market access package, as a result of the negotiations of the Doha Development Agenda, will need to be accompanied by Aid for Trade to help developing countries and Least Developed Countries take advantage of new export opportunities and build up their capacity to trade, according to Valentine Rugwabiza, Deputy Director-General of the WTO.
> Press release

Lamy: “Hong Kong should bring us closer to the finishing line next year”

Director-General Pascal Lamy, in a speech to the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the European Parliament on 12 December 2005 in Hong Kong, China, said that members “must strengthen the Draft Declaration, build on it, and take it forward,” warning that “there is little time to spare”.

Aid for trade capacity in poorer countries up by 50 per cent since Doha

The amount of trade-related technical assistance and capacity building — to help developing and least-developed countries to participate more efficiently in international trade — has increased by 50% since the Doha Ministerial Declaration in November 2001, according to a joint report by the WTO and the OECD.
> Press release

Saudi Arabia raises WTO membership to 149

Saudi Arabia becomes today (11 December 2005) the 149th Member of the WTO. It is the world's 13th largest merchandise exporter and the 23rd largest importer. Director-General Pascal Lamy, at the conclusion of Saudi Arabia's negotiations last month, said its membership “paves the way for a stronger multilateral trading system”.
> More on the accession of Saudi Arabia

Members OK amendment to make health flexibility permanent

WTO members on 6 December 2005 approved changes to the intellectual property agreement making permanent a decision on patents and public health originally adopted in 2003.
> Press release

DSB agrees to extend time-period for adoption of “zeroing” panel report (DS294)

> Summary of the meeting

Appellate Body issues Report on softwood lumber dispute

The Appellate Body, on 5 December 2005, issued its Report regarding the compliance panel's rulings in the case “United States — Final countervailing duty determination with respect to certain softwood lumber from Canada” (DS257)
Download:
> Just the findings and conclusions in pdf format (2 pages; 14KB)
> Full Appellate Body Report in Word format (49 pages; 351KB), in pdf format (49 pages; 193KB)
> Summary of the case DS257
> More on Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

Denmark donates DKK 8.72 million to WTO technical assistance

The government of Denmark has pledged five contributions for a total of DKK 8,720,000 for which DKK 7,720,000 goes to the WTO technical assistance programmes and DKK 1,000,000 to the financing of WTO LDC members’ participation in the Sixth Ministerial Conference from 13 to 18 December 2005.
> Press release

Lamy says improved draft text will help ministers in Hong Kong

Director-General Pascal Lamy, in his report to the General Council on 2 December 2005 as chair of the Trade Negotiations Committee, said that an intensive consultative process in the past few days has produced a second Draft Ministerial Text in response to a clear message from ministers that they expect to receive a “workable basis” for the deliberations in Hong Kong.

Conference Chair announces slate of facilitators

The Chair of the Sixth Ministerial Conference, Sec. John Tsang, on 2 December 2005 urged members to be “fully engaged in serious negotiations” in Hong Kong, and “set the platform” for the conclusion of the Round in 2006. He promised “an open, transparent and inclusive process”, and announced the names of Ministers who will be assisting him as facilitators.
> Statement by Sec. John Tsang to the General Council

The Working Party negotiating Tonga's accession concludes its mandate

The Working Party on Tonga's accession, on 1 December 2005, adopted the draft Schedule of specific commitments in services, the last remaining document necessary to complete its work on Tonga's membership to the WTO.
> News item

Officials end immersion course on dispute settlement

On 25 November 2005, twenty-four government officials from WTO Member States ended a five-day immersion into the rules and procedures governing the WTO Dispute Settlement mechanism.
> News item

Lamy urges Geneva negotiators to “redouble” efforts as Hong Kong looms

Director-General Pascal Lamy, in his capacity as chair of the Trade Negotiations Committee, said on 30 November 2005 that he hoped to present soon a revised version of the Draft Ministerial Text for the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference. He urged all delegations to “exercise good will and redouble their efforts in order to find all possible convergence in the few hours before us”.
> News item

Poorest countries given more time to apply intellectual property rules

Least-developed countries have been given an extension until 1 July 2013 to provide protection for trademarks, copyright, patents and other intellectual property under the WTO’s agreement, following a decision reached by member governments on 29 November 2005.

> Press release

Appellate Body issues Report on rice dispute

The Appellate Body, on 29 November 2005, issued its Report regarding the complaint of the United States against Mexico in the dispute “Mexico — Definitive Anti-Dumping Measures on Beef and Rice, Complaint with Respect to Rice” (WT/DS295/AB/R).
Download:
> Just the findings and conclusions in pdf format (4 pages; 19KB)
> Full Appellate Body Report in Word format (145 pages; 835KB), in pdf format (145 pages; 530KB)
> Summary of the case DS295
> More on Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

Find the ‘last bridge’ urgently farm talks chairperson tells negotiators in pre-Hong Kong report

The agriculture negotiations have made “relatively rapid” progress since August, the talks’ chairperson, Ambassador Crawford Falconer, says in a report to the Trade Negotiations Committee circulated on 25 November 2005. But the major differences that have prevented agreement on “full modalities” in the forthcoming Hong Kong Ministerial Conference mean there is a “compelling urgency” to seize the moment and drive the process to a conclusion as rapidly as possible, he warns.
> News item             > Chairperson’s text

The DSB adopts rulings on Korean and US anti-dumping measures

On 28 November 2005, the DSB adopted panel report concerning Korea anti-dumping duties on certain paper from Indonesia (DS312); and panel and appellate body reports pertaining to United-States anti-dumping measures on oil country tubular goods from Mexico (DS282).
> Summary of the meeting

Lamy says the Round’s development potential must be preserved

Director-General Pascal Lamy, on 28 November 2005, presented a Secretariat note on Development Aspects of the Doha Round to the WTO's Committee on Trade and Development. He said that “what is already on the table can translate into a good result for development,” adding that “it would certainly be disastrous if what we have disappears because we fail to move the negotiations forward”.

> Download the Secretariat note (Word format, 29 pages, 266KB)

> Statement to the Committee on Trade and Development

Trade Policy Review: Romania

Continued liberalization should improve efficiency and competitiveness.
> Press release
> Chairperson's concluding remarks
> More on Romania

Lamy submits draft ministerial text for Hong Kong

Director-General Pascal Lamy, at an informal meeting of heads of delegations on 26 November 2005, introduced the Draft Ministerial Text for the 6th Ministerial Conference.

> Draft Ministerial Text

Regional trade policy course for Latin America closes in Santiago, Chile

The closing ceremony for the Regional Trade Policy Course for Latin America, organized by the WTO in cooperation with the Institute of International Studies, University of Chile, was held on 25 November 2005. The course started on 5 September 2005.
> News item

Luxembourg donates 250,000 euros to the Doha Fund

Luxembourg has donated EUR 250,000 to the Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund, a contribution that will be used for the implementation of the activities included in the Technical Assistance and Training Plan.
> Press release

The Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu to contribute to LDCs’ participation at Hong Kong Ministerial

The Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu made a contribution of USD 20,000 to the trust fund established for the purpose of financing the participation of least-developed countries in the 6th Ministerial Conference.
> Press release

Two cotton proposals for Hong Kong conference discussed

Two new or modified proposals on cotton were outlined at the eighth Cotton Sub-Committee meeting on 18 November 2005: from the four African proponents (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali) and from the EU. These include proposed actions for ministers to take at the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference next month. 

> News item

WTO Secretariat prepares implementation of the 2006 technical assistance plan

The Secretariat has started preparations for the implementation of the WTO Technical Assistance and Training Plan for 2006 for developing countries. The plan is designed to enable the Secretariat to pursue in a coherent and cost effective fashion key objectives mandated by members, including “mainstreaming” trade into national development and poverty reduction policies, and reflects the principles and priorities of the Doha Development Agenda.

Lamy to NGOs: your criticism is based on a misunderstanding of services talks

Non-governmental organizations that signed an open letter to the WTO misunderstand the way a text on services for the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference is being drafted, Director-General Pascal Lamy says in a reply released on 18 November 2005. The text is based on ideas from all participants in the negotiations and at no stage has the chairperson said that parts of the text can only be removed by consensus, Mr Lamy writes.
> News item

WTO Secretariat announces statistics on safeguard measures

The WTO Secretariat, on 16 November, published statistics on safeguards actions notified by WTO Members pursuant to the Agreement on Safeguards during the period 1 January 1995 to 30 June 2005.
> News item

Patricia Francis appointed as Executive Director of the International Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO

Patricia Francis of Jamaica has been appointed as Executive Director of the International Trade Centre, the joint technical cooperation agency of UNCTAD and WTO for business aspects of trade development. The appointment was made by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy.

> Press release

WTO issues report of compliance panel in softwood lumber dispute

The WTO, on 15 November 2005, issued the report of the panel that had examined Canada's complaint regarding the implementation of rulings in the case “United States — Investigation of the International Trade Commission in Softwood Lumber from Canada.” (DS277).
> Download the panel report:
> Just the conclusions in pdf format (1 page, 12KB)

> Summary of the case DS277
> More on Dispute Settlement

WTO General Council successfully adopts Saudi Arabia’s terms of accession

The General Council formally concluded, on 11 November 2005, negotiations with Saudi Arabia on the terms of the country’s membership to the WTO. The General Council Chair, Ambassador Amina Mohamed of Kenya, said “Members have taken not only a major step towards better international economic cooperation but they have also allowed the WTO to become more universal.” Director-General Pascal Lamy said that “Saudi Arabia is on its way to becoming the WTO's 149th Member, paving the way for a stronger multilateral trading system.”
> Press release
> Statement by the Director-General
> Statement by the Chairman
> Statement by H.E. Dr. Hashim A. Yamani

Lamy says differences require “recalibration” of Hong Kong expectations, calls for “negotiating spirit” to advance trade talks

Director-General Pascal Lamy, in his report to heads of delegations on 10 November 2005, said that informal meetings of a number of ministers during the past few days have not been able to bridge differences, which would now require members to “recalibrate” their expectations for the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference. He stressed the need to maintain the ambition of the Round, and for Hong Kong to mark a step forward in successfully completing the talks next year.

Arthur Dunkel: “A life dedicated to a more open and fair world trading system”

Director-General Pascal Lamy, in a speech on 2 November 2005 during a ceremony in memory of Mr. Arthur Dunkel, said the former GATT Director-General should be an inspiration in the current trade negotiations: “he did not change course following the fashion of the day, but remained firmly committed to his own belief that a more open and fair trading system is an instrument of peace and prosperity”. 
> More on Arthur Dunkel

Trade Policy Review: Bolivia

The trade regime has improved but greater predictability is needed.
> Press release
> Chairperson's concluding remarks
> More on Bolivia

Appellate Body issues report on anti-dumping dispute.

The Appellate Body, on 2 November 2005, issued its report regarding the complaint of Mexico against the United States in the dispute “United States — Anti-Dumping Measures on Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) from Mexico” (WT/DS282/AB/R).
Download:
> Just the findings and conclusions in pdf format (3 pages; 16KB)
> Full Appellate Body Report in Word format (87 pages; 516KB), in pdf format (87 pages; 322KB)
> Summary of the case DS282
> More on Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

Iceland contributes CHF 180,000 to WTO technical assistance for 2005 to 2007

Iceland is donating to the WTO Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund CHF 60,000 for each of the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 in order to finance WTO technical assistance activities.
> Press release

Report out on “zeroing” dispute

The WTO, on 31 October 2005, issued the report of the panel that had examined European Communities’ complaint against “United States — Laws, regulations and methodology for calculating dumping margins (“zeroing”)” (DS294).
> Download the panel report:
> Just the conclusions in pdf format (2 pages, 19KB)

> Summary of the case DS294
> More on Dispute Settlement

African cotton proponents hail ‘landmark’ progress on development

The African proponents of the cotton initiative have welcomed progress on the developmental side of the initiative, saying this aspect of the 1 August 2004 framework is finally taking shape, the Cotton Sub-Committee learnt in its seventh meeting on 28 October 2005.
> News item

Lamy welcomes conclusion of Saudi Arabia's WTO negotiations

Director-General Pascal Lamy, on 28 October 2005, welcomed the conclusion of the Working Party negotiations on the accession of Saudi Arabia to the WTO. “This is a very important step in Saudi Arabia's accession to the WTO. I am glad to see that the tremendous amount of work done by Saudi Arabia has now brought it closer to WTO entry. We look forward to confirmation by the General Council in the days to come,” he said. 
> More on accessions                   > More on Saudi Arabia

WTO issues arbitrator's award in sugar dispute

The WTO, on 28 October 2005, issued the award of the arbitrator regarding the reasonable period of time for the EC to implement the recommendations and rulings of the Dispute Settlement Body in the case “European Communities — Export subsidies on sugar” (DS265, DS266, DS283).

> Download the decision of the Arbitrator in Word format (48 pages; 272KB), in pdf format (48 pages; 169KB)
> Summary of the case DS265
> Summary of the case DS266
> Summary of the case DS283
> More on Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

Transition period extended for export subsidies of developing countries

The WTO Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM Committee), on 27 October 2005, extended by another year (until end 2006) the transition period for the elimination of export subsidy programmes of 19 developing countries.
> Summary of the meeting

WTO issues panel report in anti-dumping dispute

The WTO, on 28 October 2005, issued the report of the panel in the case “Korea — Anti-dumping duties on imports of certain paper from Indonesia” (DS312).
> Download the panel report:
> Just the conclusions in pdf format (3 pages, 22KB)

> Summary of the case DS312
> More on Dispute Settlement

Arbitrator issues second award on banana dispute

The WTO, on 27 October 2005, issued the second award of the arbitrator regarding the European Communities' implementation of the waiver granted by the Doha Ministerial Conference in relation to its banana regime (“European Communities — The ACP-EC Partnership Agreement, Decision of 14 November 2001,” WT/MIN(01)/15).

> Download the report in Word format (28 pages; 278KB) in pdf format (28 pages; 134KB)
> More on Dispute Settlement

Trade Growth in 2005 to slow from record 2004 pace

Lower economic output, brought on in part by the sharp rise in oil prices, will slow world trade growth in 2005, according to WTO annual publication International Trade Statistics released on 27 October 2005. World merchandise exports are expected to grow by 6.5 per cent in 2005, markedly less than the 9 per cent growth recorded in 2004.

> Press release

Lamy says progress in farm talks needed for the Round to gain steam

Director-General Pascal Lamy, in a speech during an interactive video conference from Paris to the Annual Conference of the Parliamentary Network of the World Bank in Helsinki on 22 October 2005, said “while we have seen some progress in the agriculture dossier last week, positions are still too far apart on agricultural market access to allow the negotiations to progress”.

WTO Secretariat reports continuing declines in both new anti-dumping investigations and new final anti-dumping measures

The WTO Secretariat, on 24 October 2005, reported that in the period 1 January-30 June 2005, the number of initiations of new anti-dumping investigations and the number of new measures applied continued their previously-reported declining trends.
> Press release

Lamy reiterates call for a new “Geneva consensus”

Director-General Pascal Lamy, on 21 October 2005, said “trade liberalization is necessary but not sufficient” in his Master of Public Affairs inaugural lecture at the Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris. He stressed that “trade liberalization policies must be accompanied with programmes that take into account the victims of trade opening”.

Eighth Introduction Course on WTO for LDCs concludes in Geneva

The eighth Introduction Course on the WTO for the least-developed countries (LDCs), organized by the Institute for Training and Technical Co-operation of the WTO, concluded on 21 October 2005 in Geneva.
> News item

Lamy: “We need to act now”

Director-General Pascal Lamy, in his report to the General Council on 19 October 2005, said he will stress to Ministers meeting informally in Geneva that “we are under severe pressure of time” in the negotiations. He said the Ministers must build on last week’s momentum “to allow us to advance on all issues across the board”.

Lamy urges more flexibility in farm talks

Director-General Pascal Lamy, in a speech (only in French) to European Union farmers’ organizations in Strasbourg, France on 18 October 2005, encouraged the EU and the United States to show greater flexibility in the agriculture negotiations, adding that everyone must make compromises in the Round. He also underlined the importance of agriculture in alleviating poverty in developing countries.

Lamy takes part in Hong Kong Roundtable Forum

Director-General Pascal Lamy and Hong Kong, China's Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology John Tsang, who is also chairman of the 6th WTO Ministerial Conference, were keynote speakers of a roundtable forum on 16 October 2005 at the Hong Kong University. NGO representatives participated in an open-floor discussion. The host government's website broadcast the event. Mr Lamy also spoke to journalists at the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents Club.
> News item

Lamy says the engines of negotiations are “buzzing” again

Director-General Pascal Lamy, in a statement at the meeting of the WTO Trade Negotiations Committee on 13 October 2005, said that the trade talks have gained “a new momentum” with the agriculture proposal by the United States. He added that “it is essential that the development aspect of agriculture negotiations be kept at the centre stage, as it is for the Round as a whole”.

Trade Policy Review: Republic of Guinea

Improved trade regime but good governance and trade diversification remain major challenges.
> Press release
> Chairperson's concluding remarks
> More on Republic of Guinea

“Trade can be a friend, and not a foe, of conservation” — Lamy

Director-General Pascal Lamy, in his opening address to the WTO Symposium on Trade and Sustainable Development on 10 October 2005, said that the WTO must ensure its rules help correct environmental problems and support the implementation of multilateral environmental protection accords. He also urged trade liberalization in goods and services that can help protect the environment.

Working Party head underlines Bhutan’s LDC status

Ambassador Wolfgang Petritsch, at the second meeting of the Working Party on the accession of Bhutan on 6 October 2005, said members must keep in mind Bhutan's special status as a land-locked, least-developed country in the negotiations.
> Summary of the meeting

Serbia's membership negotiations now underway

Serbia's Foreign Economic Relations Minister Milan Parivodic, at the first meeting of the country's accession working party on 7 October 2005, declared that WTO membership is a “sine qua non” for Serbia's competitiveness and integration into the world economy.
> Summary of the meeting

Panel report out on sweetener dispute

The WTO, on 7 October 2005, issued the report of the panel that had examined the United States' complaint against “Mexico — Tax measures on soft drinks and other beverages” (DS/308).
> Download the panel report:
> Just the conclusions in pdf format (1 page, 13KB)

> Summary of the case DS308
> More on Dispute Settlement

Lamy urges business leaders to support services talks

Director-General Pascal Lamy, in a speech to the International Trade Centre Executive Forum on National Export Strategy in Montreux on 5 October 2005, stressed that “services are a core element of the Doha Development Agenda”. He added that “there is clear link between development and benefits brought about by the opening of services markets”.

Lamy: Trade is “fundamental tool” in fight against poverty

Director-General Pascal Lamy, in a speech to the UN Conference on Trade and Development in Geneva on 6 October 2005, said that “the bottom line will have to be that trade must act, and deliver, as an engine of GDP growth and development”. He added that “the economic interests and development needs of developing countries lie at the heart of the Doha Agenda”.

Book celebrates 10th anniversary of the WTO dispute settlement system

The WTO, on 6 October 2005, released “Key Issues in WTO Dispute Settlement: The First Ten Years”. Edited by Deputy Director-General Rufus Yerxa and Legal Affairs Division Director Bruce Wilson, the book contains contributions by WTO Secretariat professionals and outside experts.
> News item

Trade Policy Review: Tunisia

> First press release
> Second press release
> Chairperson's concluding remarks
> More on Tunisia

Montenegro membership talks launched

Montenegro's International Economic Relations Minister Gordana Djurovic said the first meeting of the country's accession Working Party held on 4 October 2005 marked “an important step in Montenegro's transition to a fully free-market and free-trade oriented economy”.
> News item

Yemen underlines commitment to WTO entry

Yemen's Industry and Trade Minister Khaled Rajeh Sheikh, at the second meeting of the country's working party on 3 October 2005, said that WTO membership is “a necessary step and an important component in our efforts to integrate into the world economy”.
> News item

WTO issues report of second compliance panel in FSC dispute

The WTO, on 30 September 2005, issued the report of the panel that had examined European Communities' second complaint regarding the implementation of rulings in the case “United States — Tax treatment for ‘Foreign Sales Corporations’” (DS108).
> Download the panel report:
> Just the conclusions in pdf format (1 page, 10KB)

> Summary of the case DS108
> More on Dispute Settlement

Chair calls for cotton consultations as Hong Kong meeting looms

Intensive consultations on the trade aspects of the cotton initiative are needed if result is to be achieved by the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference, the Cotton Sub-Committee’s new chairperson Crawford Falconer told members on 28 September 2005.
> News item

DDGs assume office

WTO Deputy Directors-General Alejandro Jara of Chile, Valentine Rugwabiza of Rwanda, Harsha V. Singh of India and Rufus Yerxa of the United States begin their terms of office on 1 October 2005. Director-General Pascal Lamy informed the General Council about his choice of Deputy Directors-General last July.
> DDG page                     > Organization chart

Lamy says trade is the missing piece of the development puzzle

Director-General Pascal Lamy, in his remarks to the Development Committee of the World Bank in Washington on 25 September 2005, said that while the international community has taken recent steps towards debt relief and increasing aid “there is a missing piece of the development puzzle — an essential third pillar — and that is trade opening”.

Appellate Body members reappointed

The Dispute Settlement Body, on 27 September 2005, appointed Messrs. Luiz Baptista, John Lockhart and Giorgio Sacerdoti to second four-year terms as Members of the Appellate Body, commencing on 12 December 2005.

Hong Kong Ministerial is last and best chance to conclude the Round by next year — Lamy

Director-General Pascal Lamy, in his remarks to the IMF International Monetary and Financial Committee in Washington on 24 September 2005, said that “the world economy will not come to an end if Hong Kong fails ... but it will be left significantly weaker...” He said he would work intensively with the IMF and the World Bank in the coming months to make the “Aid for Trade” initiative for developing countries a reality.

Lamy: “The world trade engine must be switched on for everyone”

Director-General Pascal Lamy, in a speech at the International Parliamentary Union in Geneva on 22 September 2005, said that “we have a common responsibility to ensure that the trade engine is switched on for everyone, that no one is left behind”. He stressed that the Doha Round represents an important opportunity for economic growth and development.

DSB starts information-gathering process in aircraft dispute

On 23 September 2005, the DSB initiated the information-gathering process and designated Mr Mateo Diego-Fernandez, deputy chief of the Mexican delegation to the WTO, as the facilitator under Annex V of the SCM Agreement for the two panels established on 20 July 2005 to examine the complaints by the US and EC against each other's support for, respectively, Airbus and Boeing (DS316 & DS317).
> Summary of the meeting

WTO website launches improved information on disputes

The WTO has inaugurated a new research tool in its website: a powerful facility to easily obtain detailed and up-to-date information on dispute-settlement cases.
> News item

Working party examines first revision of Viet Nam’s membership report

Viet Nam’s membership negotiations have taken a substantial step forward with the working party looking in detail on 15 September 2005 at the first revision of the document that is a core part of the deal. 
> News items

34th Trade Policy Course starts

Twenty-seven government officials from developing countries and economies in transition started on 19 September a three-month trade policy course at the WTO headquarters in Geneva.
> News items

Italy gives 1,000,000 euros to WTO technical assistance

The Government of Italy has donated 1,000,000 euros to WTO technical assistance for the year 2005.
> Press release

Participants in 12th Dispute Settlement Course end a week of training in Geneva

Twenty-five government officials from WTO Member and Observer countries have ended a five-day immersion into the rules and procedures governing the WTO Dispute Settlement mechanism.
> News item

Lamy lauds China's contribution to world economy

Director-General Pascal Lamy, in a message on 15 September 2005 from Geneva to the Fourth Beijing International Forum on WTO and China (2005) and the Sixth Beijing Chaoyang International Business Festival, said that China's recent growth shows that a more open economy is the best way to boost competitiveness.

Lamy opens “new phase” in trade talks

Director-General Pascal Lamy, on 14 September 2005, opened his first Trade Negotiations Committee meeting by expressing the hope that it marks a new and more productive phase for the TNC. He urged intensification of work on the core issues in the run-up to the Hong Kong Ministerial, adding that the Round will only succeed if “the development dimension is at the centre of the negotiations”.

> Statement by the TNC Chairman

Trade Policy Review: Trinidad and Tobago

Strong growth but achieving ambitious goals requires further reforms.
> Press release
> Chairperson's concluding remarks
> More on Trinidad and Tobago

WTO opens panel proceeding to public for the first time

Journalists, NGO representatives, scholars and others came on 12 September 2005 to the WTO in Geneva to watch the proceedings of a Dispute Settlement Panel. It is the first time ever a legal proceeding is open for public viewing at the WTO.

> News item

Appellate Body issues report on chicken cuts dispute

The Appellate Body, on 12 September 2005, issued its report regarding the complaints of Brazil and Thailand against the European Communities in the dispute “European Communities — Customs Classification of Frozen Boneless Chicken Cuts” (WT/DS269/AB/R; WT/DS286/AB/R).
Download:
> Just the findings and conclusions in pdf format (3 pages; 19KB)
> Full Appellate Body Report in Word format (157 pages; 1004KB), in pdf format (157 pages; 589KB)
> Summary of the case DS269
> Summary of the case DS286
> More on Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

Arbitrator appointed in sugar dispute

On 5 September 2005, Mr. A.V. Ganesan, Member of the Appellate Body, informed Australia, Brazil, the European Communities and Thailand that he accepts the appointment to serve as arbitrator to determine the reasonable period of time for implementation of the DSB’s recommendations and rulings in “European Communities — Export Subsidies on Sugar” (WT/DS265/31; WT/DS266/31; WT/DS283/12).
> Download the appointment of the arbitrator in Word format (1 page; 40KB), in pdf format (1 page; 10KB)
> Summary of the case DS265
> Summary of the case DS266
> Summary of the case DS283
> More on Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

Telecom, wheat and apple disputes settled

At the Dispute Settlement Body meeting on 31 August 2005, Mexico and Canada presented final status reports on progress in the implementation of DSB’s recommendations in the  telecom and wheat cases, respectively, while Japan reported it had reached a mutually agreed solution with the United States in the  apple case.
> Summary of the meeting

Lamy takes over

Mr. Pascal Lamy today (1 September 2005) began his four-year term as Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
> Statement to the media by Pascal Lamy upon taking office on 1 September 2005
> Director-General's page

Arbitrator issues report in cigarettes dispute

A WTO Arbitrator, in his report issued on 29 August 2005, noted that Honduras and the Dominican Republic had reached agreement on the reasonable period of time for implementation of DSB recommendations and rulings in the case “Dominican Republic — Measures Affecting the Importation and Internal Sale of Cigarettes” (DS302).
Download the report:
> Report in Word format (3 pages; 54KB), in pdf format (3 pages; 14KB)
> Annex 1 in pdf format (2 pages; 84KB)
> Summary of the dispute
> All documentation on the case DS302
> More on Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

Arbitrator issues award in gambling dispute

A WTO Arbitrator, on 19 August 2005, issued an award on the reasonable period of time for implementation of the recommendations and rulings of the DSB regarding the complaint by Antigua and Barbuda against the United States in the dispute “United States — Measures Affecting the Cross-Border Supply of Gambling and Betting Services” (WT/DS285/13).
> Download the report in Word format (31 pages; 207KB) in pdf format (31 pages; 114KB)
> Summary of the dispute
> All documentation on the case DS285
> More on Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

WTO issues report of compliance panel on steel dispute

The WTO, on 17 August 2005, issued the report of the panel that had examined European Communities' complaint regarding the implementation of rulings in the case “United States — Countervailing measures concerning certain products from the European Communities” (DS212).
> Download the compliance panel report:

> Summary of the dispute
> All documentation on the case DS212
> More on Dispute Settlement

Registration begins for public hearings of “Continued suspension of obligations in the EC—hormones dispute” panels 12-15 September 2005 in Geneva

For details and application form to request a seat for the closed circuit broadcast of the panels’ public hearings on the disputes “Continued suspension of obligations in the EC—hormones dispute” (US — Continued suspension of obligations in the EC—hormones dispute, DS320; Canada — Continued suspension of obligations in the EC—hormones dispute, DS321)
> See News item

Arbitration in cigarettes dispute suspended

On 4 August 2005, Mr. John Lockhart agreed at the request of Honduras and the Dominican Republic to treat the arbitration proceedings in “Dominican Republic — Measures Affecting the Importation and Internal Sale of Cigarettes” as suspended until further notice (WT/DS302/16).
> Download the note by the Secretariat in Word format (1 page; 41KB), in pdf format (1 page; 9KB)
> All documentation on the case DS302
> More on Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

Farm talks chairperson reports to Trade Negotiations Committee

The agriculture negotiations are stalled, but they have also clarified some of the key political trade offs that members will have sort out in the coming months, the farm talks’ chairperson, Tim Groser, told the Trade Negotiations Committee on 28 July 2005.
> News item

Hormones panels to open proceedings with parties to the public

At the request of the parties in the disputes “Continued suspension of obligations in the EC—hormones dispute” (US — Continued suspension of obligations in the EC—hormones dispute, DS320; Canada — Continued suspension of obligations in the EC—hormones dispute, DS321) the panels have agreed to open their proceedings with the parties during the period 12-15 September 2005 for observation by WTO Members and the general public via closed-circuit broadcast to a separate location at WTO Headquarters. The WTO Secretariat has been asked to make logistical arrangements. The precise dates and times for the public sessions will be announced soon on the WTO website.

> Communication from the Chairman of the panels in Word format (1 page; 44KB) in pdf format (1 page; 12KB)
> All documentation on the case DS320
> All documentation on the case DS321
> More on Dispute Settlement

Arbitrator issues award on banana dispute

The WTO, on 1 August 2005, issued the award of the arbitrator regarding the European Communities' implementation of the waiver granted by the Doha Ministerial Conference in relation to its banana regime (“European Communities — The ACP-EC Partnership Agreement, Decision of 14 November 2001,” WT/MIN(01)/15).

> Download the report in Word format (29 pages; 805KB) in pdf format (29 pages; 150KB)
> More on Dispute Settlement

WTO issues report of compliance panel on softwood lumber dispute

The WTO, on 1 August 2005, issued the report of the panel that had examined Canada's complaint regarding the implementation of rulings in the case “United States — Final countervailing duty determination with respect to certain softwood lumber from Canada” (DS257).
Download the compliance panel report:

> All documentation on the case DS257
> More on Dispute Settlement

Lamy announces his four Deputy Directors-General

Director-General Designate Pascal Lamy, on 29 July 2005, informed the General Council of the four people he has chosen to be his deputy directors-general.
> Press release

Hong Kong Commerce Secretary elected chair of the Sixth Ministerial Conference

The General Council, on 29 July 2005, elected Mr. John Tsang, Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology of Hong Kong, China, as the chair of the Sixth Ministerial Conference.
> News item

TNC chairperson Supachai reports to General Council

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, in his final report as Trade Negotiations Committee Chairman, said on 28 July 2005 that achieving a successful Ministerial Conference this December is still possible provided members dedicate themselves to “a politically engaged, results oriented, decision making mode of operation immediately after the (summer) recess”. He said that as he prepares to step down as Chair, he wished to remind members that the negotiations “must be a means of improving economic opportunities and helping to fulfil the hope of development... (and thus) problems in the negotiations cannot be allowed to defeat us”.
> More

Arbitrator appointed in cigarettes dispute

On 22 July 2005, Mr. John Lockhart informed Honduras and the Dominican Republic that he accepts the appointment to serve as arbitrator to determine the reasonable period of time for implementation of the DSB's recommendations and rulings in “Dominican Republic — Measures Affecting the Importation and Internal Sale of Cigarettes” (WT/DS302/15).
> Download the appointment of the arbitrator in Word format (1 page; 41KB), in pdf format (1 page; 9KB)
> All documentation on the case DS302
> More on Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

33rd Trade Policy Course for officials ends

Officials from 26 countries participated, on 22 July, in the closing ceremony and distribution of diplomas marking the end of the 33rd WTO Trade Policy Course, held in French at the WTO headquarters in Geneva from 2 May to 22 July 2005.
> News item

Trade Policy Review: Egypt

Continued trade and structural reforms could improve Egypt’s economic performance.

> Press release
> Chairperson's concluding remarks
> More on Egypt

Seventh introduction course on the WTO for LDCs concludes in Geneva

The seventh introduction course on the WTO for the least-developed countries (LDCs), organized by the Institute for Training and Technical Co-operation of the WTO, concluded on 15 July 2005 in Geneva.
> News item

DSB establishes panels to examine aircraft subsidy disputes

The Dispute Settlement Body, on 20 July 2005, established two panels to examine, respectively, the United States' complaint on European Communities’ subsidies to Airbus, and the EC's complaint regarding US subsidies to Boeing.

> Summary of the meeting

Germany donates 1 million euros to WTO technical assistance

The German Government made, on 25 July 2005, a contribution of 1 million euros (CHF 1,544,000) to the Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund. This donation will finance WTO technical assistance activities.
> Press release

Africans keep up pressure for progress on cotton by end of July

A group of African countries said they were disappointed that other members had not responded in writing to the African Group’s proposed “modalities”, when the Cotton Sub-Committee met on 18 July 2005. The EU replied that it had responded to the proposal at earlier meetings and had already formally proposed to “front load” (i.e. act quicker on) those parts of an agriculture deal that would apply to cotton. The US described the actions it is taking to get rid of the subsidies that had been ruled to be illegal in a recent dispute.
> Summary of the meeting

Brazil requests authorization to impose countermeasures against US in cotton case

At the DSB meeting on 15 July 2005, Brazil's request for authorization to impose countermeasures against the US in the cotton case (DS267) was challenged by the US and, hence, referred to arbitration.
> Summary of the meeting

WTO publishes its 2005 annual report

Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, in his foreword to the WTO Annual Report 2005 issued on 15 July 2005, said that to mark the 10th anniversary of the WTO this year's annual report includes a special section “to review some of the important developments in the WTO since 1995 and to identify some of the challenges that lie ahead”.

Chairman urges intensification of Cape Verde negotiations

The Chairman of the Accession Working Party, Mr. David Shark, on 14 July 2005 commended Cape Verde's efforts during the past few months to accelerate its accession process.
> News item

Australia donates 195,000 Swiss Francs for the Standards and Trade Development Facility

The Australian Government, on 1 July 2005, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the WTO over a contribution of Australian $200,000 (approximately CHF 195,000) to the Standards and Trade Development Facility, a programme which assists developing countries in improving their expertise and capacity to analyse and implement international sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards.
> Press release

Spain contributes 320,000 euros to WTO technical assistance

On 24 June 2005, the Government of Spain donated EUR 320,000 (CHF 493,760) to the Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund. This contribution will be used to finance four technical assistance activities for Latin American countries, as well as the development of three CD-CD-ROMs in Spanish for distance learning.
> Press release

Supachai: “These negotiations are in trouble”

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi called on ambassadors in an informal meeting on 8 July 2005 to immediately change gear in the trade negotiations, stressing that “progress is nowhere near sufficient in terms of our critical path to Hong Kong”. He said that there is still a “slender chance” of averting a crisis, “but every hour must be made to count”.
> Introductory Remarks by the General Council Chairman
> Director-General's statement

Second regional course for French-speaking Africa launched in Rabat

The second Regional Trade Policy Course for French-speaking Africa — organized by the WTO in partnership with Mohammed V Soussi University — opened on 4 July 2005 in Rabat, Morocco.
> News item

Trade Policy Review: the Philippines

Growth prospects are linked to continued trade liberalization reforms.
> Press release
> Chairperson's concluding remarks
> More on the Philippines

Arbitrator appointed in US — Gambling dispute

On 30 June 2005, Dr. Claus-Dieter Ehlermann was appointed by the Director-General to act as arbitrator to determine the reasonable period of time for implementation of the DSB's recommendations and rulings in “United States — Measures Affecting the Cross-Border Supply of Gambling and Betting Services” (WT/DS285/12).

> Download the appointment of the arbitrator in Word format (1 page; 40KB), in pdf format (1 page; 9KB)
> All documentation on the case DS285
> More on Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

Private sector standards discussed as SPS Committee adopts two reports

The SPS Committee completed its second review of the operation of the WTO Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Agreement and adopted a report on special treatment for developing countries on 29 and 30 June 2005. The two-day wide-ranging meeting also included the committee’s first ever discussion of how governments should act when standards required by their private sectors are tougher than the government’s own requirements.
> News item

Africans call for response to cotton proposal as attention turns to end-July farm paper

African countries called for written responses or alternatives to their own proposal at the 22 June 2005 Cotton Sub-Committee meeting but some other members said more ambition in the agriculture negotiations would be the major contributor to a substantial outcome on cotton.
> News item

Standards, ‘offshoring’ and air transport: focus of the new World Trade Report

The application of technical standards by national governments can have both constructive and detrimental effects on international trade, according to the World Trade Organization’s 2005 World Trade Report, issued on 30 June 2005. Also covered are offshoring services (a particular aspect of outsourcing), air transport services and the use of quantitative economic analysis in dispute settlement.

> Press release

Appellate Body issues report on DRAMS dispute

The Appellate Body, on 27 June 2005, issued its report on the complaint of Korea in the dispute “United States — Countervailing Duty Investigation on Dynamic Random Access Memory Semiconductors (DRAMS) from Korea” (WT/DS296/AB/R).

Download:
> Just the findings and conclusions in pdf format (3 pages; 21KB)
> Full Appellate Body Report in Word format (101 pages; 604KB), in pdf format (101 pages; 385KB)
> All documentation on the case DS296
> More on Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

Lamy calls for DDG candidates

WTO Director-General Designate Pascal Lamy has announced a call for candidates to recruit four Deputy Directors-General to serve four-year terms starting October 1, 2005. The announcement requests qualified candidates to apply to WTO Human Resources by July 10, 2005.
> Lamy announces his four Deputy Directors-General

Russia calls for flexibility as chair expresses concern about amount of work left

Russian Economics Minister German Gref asked members on 24 June 2005 to understand Russia’s difficulty in trying to transform itself quickly into a market economy and complete its membership agreement by the end of the year. But a large amount of work remains, according to the membership negotiations’ chairperson and current members.
> News item

DSB adopts panel ruling on EC shipbuilding measures

The Dispute Settlement Body, on 20 June 2005 adopted the report of the panel that had examined Korea’s complaint against “European Communities — Measures affecting trade in commercial vessels”.
> Summary of the meeting

Compliance panel rules on apple dispute

The WTO, on 23 June 2005, issued the report of the panel that had examined the United States’ complaint regarding compliance with DSB rulings in the case “Japan — Measures affecting the importation of apples” (DS245).

> Download the panel report:

> All documentation on the case DS245
> More on Dispute Settlement

WTO and University of Namibia launch regional trade course for English-speaking Africa

The official inauguration of the First Regional Trade Policy Course for English-speaking Africa in partnership with the University of Namibia took place on 6 June 2005 in Windhoek, Namibia.
> News item

Chair reports ‘unsatisfactory’ information on import licensing

WTO members reviewed 33 import licensing notifications when the committee responsible for this agreement met on 15 June 2005, the first of its two meetings of the year. However, the number of notifications remains low, a situation the committee’s chairperson described as “unsatisfactory”.
> News item

Panel report out on Mexico-US anti-dumping dispute

The WTO, on 20 June 2005, issued the report of the panel that had examined Mexico's complaint against “United States — Anti-dumping measures on oil country tubular goods (OCTG) from Mexico” (DS282).

> Download the panel report:

> All documentation on the case DS282
> More on Dispute Settlement

WTO issues panel report on DRAMs dispute

The WTO, on 17 June 2005, issued the report of the panel that had examined Korea's complaint against “European Communities — Countervailing Measures on Dynamic Random Access Memory Chips from Korea” (DS299).

> Download the panel report:

> All documentation on the case DS299
> More on Dispute Settlement

Trade Policy Review: Ecuador

Continued reform would improve resilience and sustain economic growth.

> Press release
> Chairperson's concluding remarks
> More on Ecuador

EC and US block each other's first requests for panels in Airbus/Boeing disputes

At the Dispute Settlement Body meeting on 13 June 2005, the European Communities and the United States blocked each other's first requests for panels in their Airbus/Boeing disputes. The DSB agreed to revert to these matters at a future meeting.
> Summary of the meeting

Stability is as important as freer trade, Supachai tells Asian business leaders

A good outcome in the current WTO negotiations will be vital both for increasing trade and for modernizing global economic management, Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi told business leaders at a conference in Bangkok on 14 June 2005. 

> Speech

Norway gives 10 million Norwegian Kroner to WTO technical assistance

On 10 June 2005, the Government of Norway made a contribution of 10 million Norwegian Kroner (1.9 million Swiss Francs) to the Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund.
> Press release

DDG Rana underscores Africa's significant stake in the negotiations

Deputy Director-General Kipkorir Aly Azad Rana, in a speech in Cairo on 8 June 2005 during the Conference of the African Union Ministers of Trade, stressed the importance of Africa's continuing engagement in the Doha negotiations and hoped the Conference could send out “a message of reform and liberalization, ambition and development”.

Arthur Dunkel long time Director-General dies at 72

Arthur Dunkel, former Director-General of the GATT, died today  (8 June 2005) aged 72, in Geneva, after a long illness. As Director-General of the GATT during 1980-1993, Mr Dunkel was at the helm of the launch of the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations in September 1986 and steered the multilateral trading system to the doorstep of what is now known as the World Trade Organization.
> Press release

Chairman cites encouraging progress in Kazakhstan talks

The Chairman of the Working Party on the Accession of Kazakhstan Amb. Vesa Tapani Himanen (Finland) on 7 June 2005 cited the circulation of the first draft report as “a clear signal that this accession has taken an important step forward”. He said progress would not have been possible without key domestic reforms and the enthusiasm of the Kazakh negotiating team.

> News item

Arbitrator issues award on anti-dumping dispute

A WTO arbitrator, on 7 June 2005, issued an award on the reasonable period of time for implementation of the recommendations and rulings of the DSB regarding Argentina's complaint against “United States — Sunset Reviews of Anti-Dumping Measures on Oil Country Tubular Goods from Argentina” (WT/DS268/12).

> Download the decision of the Arbitrator in Word format (24 pages; 180KB), in pdf format (24 pages; 77KB)
> All documentation on the case DS268
> More on Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

Panel report out on rice dispute

The WTO, on 6 June 2005, issued the report of the panel that had examined the United States' complaint against “Mexico — Definitive anti-dumping measures on beef and rice” (DS295). 

> Download the panel report:

> All documentation on the case DS295
> More on Dispute Settlement

DSB establishes compliance panel to examine US implementation of softwood lumber case, Canada's request for sanctions is referred to arbitration

At its meeting on 1 June 2005, the Dispute Settlement Body established a compliance panel at the request of Canada to review the United States' implementation in the case “United States — Final dumping determination on softwood lumber from Canada” (DS264). Canada also requested the right to apply sanctions against the US but the US asked for arbitration on the amount of sanctions.

> Summary of the meeting

WTO issues report on dispute over customs classification of chicken cuts

The WTO, on 30 May 2005, issued the reports of the panel that had examined complaints by Brazil and Thailand against “European Communities — Customs Classification of Frozen Boneless Chicken Cuts” (DS269 and DS286).
> Download the panel reports

WTO Members choose Lamy as organization's 5th Director-General

The 148 members of the WTO today (26 May 2005) formally selected Pascal Lamy of France to be the organization's fifth Director-General. “I congratulate Pascal on his selection as Director-General. His experience in trade matters, his grasp of detail and his proven track record in institutional management ensure that he will be an excellent Director-General. I look forward to working closely with him in the future,” said Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, who will assume 1 September the post of UNCTAD Secretary General.

> Press release                > Statement

Accession working parties established for Iran, Sao Tomé and Principe

The General Council, on 26 May 2005, established separate working parties to examine the membership applications of Iran, and Sao Tomé and Principe, respectively.
> News item

The Netherlands to donate over CHF 4 million to WTO technical assistance

The Dutch government, on 24 May 2005, pledged a contribution of CHF 4.186 million to the Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund for 2005 to 2007.
> Press release

New chair urges Belarus to accelerate accession work

The seventh meeting of the Working Party for the accession of Belarus to the WTO was held on May 24, 2005 presided by the new chairperson Ambassador Mia Horn af Rantzien of Sweden. The delegation of Belarus was led by Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Andrei Kobyakov.
> News item

African Group proposes cotton distortions scrapped by September

The African Group has circulated a text (dated 22 April 2005) for radically reforming trade in cotton and “cotton by-products”, which it says includes textiles goods. Many members welcomed the proposal at the 29 April 2005 meeting because it has allowed the Cotton Sub-Committee to start focusing on substance rather than procedure, but some said the sector’s reform should be part of the full agriculture negotiations package.
> News item

WTO dispute body adopts rulings on EC sugar export subsidies and on Dominican Republic's cigarette measures

The Dispute Settlement Body on 19 May 2005 adopted the Appellate Body and the panel reports on the European Communities' export subsidies on sugar. At the same meeting, the DSB adopted the Appellate Body and the panel reports on the Dominican Republic's measures affecting the importation and internal sale of cigarettes.

> Summary of the meeting

Chair says Viet Nam must complete bilaterals quickly to meet ambition

The chairperson of the working party negotiating the country’s membership said Viet Nam and its trading partners should finish their bilateral talks in “a couple of months” if it is to join by December. He was speaking at an informal working party meeting on 20 May 2005, where Viet Nam’s vice minister and chief negotiator highlighted Hanoi’s new commitments and latest legislative programme.

> News item              > Vice minister’s statement

WTO Secretariat reports declines in both new anti-dumping investigations and new final anti-dumping measures

The WTO Secretariat, on 19 May 2005, reported that in the period 1 July-31 December 2004, both the number of initiations of new anti-dumping investigations, and the number of new final anti-dumping measures applied, showed substantial declines compared with the corresponding period of 2003.

> Press release
> Statistics on anti-dumping

The United States to contribute US$ 992,000 to WTO technical assistance

The United States Government, on 17 May 2005, pledged a contribution of US$ 992,000 (CHF 1.2 million) to the Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund for 2005.
> Press release

Supachai welcomes appointment to UNCTAD, pledges continuing support for WTO and Doha Round

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi expressed deep appreciation to United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan and to the UN General Assembly on the confirmation yesterday (11 May) of his appointment to lead the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) for the next four years, beginning on 1 September 2005.

> Press release

Trade Policy Review: Nigeria

Trade liberalization should improve Nigeria’s macroeconomic performance.

> Press release
> Chairperson's concluding remarks
> More on Nigeria

Supachai calls for greater sense of urgency in trade talks

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, in his remarks before the OECD Council at Ministerial Level in Paris on 4 May 2005, urged Ministers to “provide essential impetus to the work in Geneva”, warning that “convergence is not built overnight, and time is running out quickly”. He stressed that “failure would be a major setback for growth, development and the multilateral system”.

French-speaking officials begin 33rd WTO Trade Policy Course

Twenty-seven officials from developing countries began the 33rd three-month WTO Trade Policy Course in Geneva on 2 May 2005. One of five planned for this year, this course is in French. It was opened officially by Paul Rolian, director of the WTO’s Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation.
> News item

Appellate Body issues report on sugar dispute

The Appellate Body, on 28 April 2005, issued its report on the complaints of Australia, Brazil, and Thailand against “European Communities — Export Subsidies on Sugar” (WT/DS265/AB/R; WT/DS266/AB/R; WT/DS283/AB/R).

Download:
> Just the findings and conclusions in pdf format (3 pages; 16KB)
> Full Appellate Body Report in Word format (147 pages; 928KB), in pdf format (147 pages; 448KB)
> All documentation on the cases: DS265, DS266, DS283
> More on Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

Trade Policy Review: Paraguay

Stability of the trade and investment regime, crucial to achieve sustainable growth.

> Press release
> Chairperson's concluding remarks
> More on Paraguay

Appellate Body issues report on cigarettes dispute

The Appellate Body, on 25 April 2005, issued its report on the complaint of Honduras against “Dominican Republic — Measures Affecting the Importation and Internal Sale of Cigarettes” (WT/DS302/AB/R).
Download:
> Just the findings and conclusions in pdf format (2 pages; 19KB)
> Full Appellate Body Report in Word format (62 pages; 383KB), in pdf format (62 pages; 188KB)
> All documentation on the case DS302
> More on Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

WTO/University of Hong Kong trade policy course begins for Asia/Pacific region

The official inauguration of the Second Regional Trade Policy Course (RTPC) for the Asia-Pacific region in partnership with the University of Hong Kong took place on 20 April in Hong Kong, China.
> News item

WTO issues panel report on EC shipbuilding measures

The WTO, on 22 April 2005, issued the panel report on Korea's complaint in the dispute “European Communities — Measures affecting trade in commercial vessels” (DS301).
> Download the panel report in Word format (145 pages; 1063KB), in pdf format (145 pages; 535KB)
> All documentation on the case DS301
> More on Dispute Settlement

WTO dispute body adopts rulings on geographical indications and on gambling

The Dispute Settlement Body on 20 April 2005 adopted the panel report on the European Communities' protection of trademarks and geographical indications for agricultural products and foodstuffs. It also adopted the Appellate Body and panel reports on the United States' measures affecting the cross-border supply of gambling and betting services.
> Summary of the meeting

Canada donates C$156,000 for second Caribbean Regional Trade Policy Course

A Canadian contribution of 156,000 Canadian dollars (149,000 Swiss francs) to help train Caribbean officials “will enable them to better understand the WTO agreements and to take a more active part in the negotiation of new market access commitments,” WTO Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi said, welcoming the donation.
> Press release

WTO Training Institute reports on activities for 2004

The WTO Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation annual report describes over 500 training activities conducted for the benefit of developing countries during 2004, ranging from intensive twelve-week courses on the WTO to the establishment of computerized WTO reference centres.
> Report 2004

Supachai underscores WTO contribution to world peace and development

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, in his introductory remarks at the WTO Public Symposium on 20 April 2005, said that “the WTO has extended the rule of law into the international trade realm and has contributed significantly to keeping peaceful and stable trading relations between WTO Members”. He added that “trade is not the answer to all the world's problems, but it can make a powerful contribution to international efforts for development”.
> Programme

Russia concludes goods negotiations with 29 members

The Russian Federation, at the 27th session of its Working Party on 13 and 15 April 2005, reported the completion of bilateral negotiations on goods with a total of 29 WTO members (the EC counting as one), which represents 50% of members of the Working Party and 87% of total Russian imports.
> Summary of the meeting

DDG Rana cites development gains from successful trade talks

Deputy Director-General Kipkorir Aly Azad Rana, in a speech at the 9th Economist Government Roundtable in Athens on 20 April 2005, said that successfully concluding the Doha negotiations is “key to helping developing countries grow their way out of poverty”.

WTO welcomes public access to historical GATT documents on the Internet

The WTO, on 19 April 2005, welcomed the launch by Stanford University Libraries and Academic Information Resources (SULAIR) of a website to permit public access to de-restricted documents of the GATT, the predecessor of the WTO.
> Press release

Developing countries’ goods trade share surges to 50-year peak

Riding a wave of higher oil and commodity prices, and vigorous global trade growth including recovery in trade in office and telecom equipment, developing countries saw their share in world merchandise trade rise sharply in 2004 to 31%, the highest since 1950, according to WTO figures released on 14 April 2005. “As trade continues to play a growing role in economic activity, it is increasingly important for development and poverty alleviation,” said Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi.
> Press release

Supachai: Doha success will enhance global food security

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, in a speech at the High-Level Round Table on Agricultural Trade Reform and Food Security on 13 April 2005 at FAO, Rome, stressed that “the path to food security is through integration and interdependence, not protection and autarchy”.

Arbitrator appointed in Argentina — US anti-dumping dispute

On 8 April 2005, Mr. A.V. Ganesan, Member of the Appellate Body, accepted the request by Argentina and the United States to act as arbitrator to determine the reasonable period of time for implementation of the DSB's recommendations and rulings in “United States — Sunset Reviews of Anti-Dumping Measures on Oil Country Tubular Goods from Argentina”.

WTO dispute body adopts panel ruling on Korean shipbuilding measures

The Dispute Settlement Body on 11 April 2005 adopted the panel report on Korea's measures affecting trade in commercial vessels, a case brought by the European Communities.
> Summary of the meeting

31st and 32nd WTO Trade Policy Courses end

The Director-General, Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, congratulated participants during the Diploma Ceremony held on the occasion of the closure of the 31st and 32nd Trade Policy Courses which were organized by the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation.
> News item

WTO eTraining launches course for government officials

The WTO eTraining programme will be conducting an online course, in French, for 63 government officials from developing countries from 28 April to 27 May 2005.
> News item

Appellate Body issues report on gambling dispute

The Appellate Body, on 7 April 2005, issued its report on the complaint of Antigua and Barbuda against “United States — Measures Affecting the Cross-Border Supply of Gambling and Betting Services” (WT/DS285/AB/R).
Download:
> Just the findings and conclusions in pdf format (5 pages; 17KB)
> Full Appellate Body Report in Word format (146 pages; 880KB), in pdf format (146 pages; 441KB)
> All documentation on the case DS285
> More on Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

Supachai calls for substantial Doha progress before summer break

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, in his remarks at the start of the 10th Geneva Week for non-resident WTO Members and Observers on 4 April 2005, underlined the need “to translate the positive input of Ministers and Senior officials into give-and-take in the detailed negotiations here in Geneva”. He assured participants that the WTO will continue to be responsive to their special needs for technical assistance.

The WTO and the Netherlands launch new trainee programme for LDCs

The WTO and the Kingdom of the Netherlands launched, on 24 March 2005, a new Trainee Programme for LDCs and other low income, and small and vulnerable, economies. The objective is to give the officials from such countries the opportunity to learn, while working for the WTO, about trade and development related matters and to develop their knowledge of trade policy.
> Press release

Sub-committee starts work, looking at farm talks and development aspects of cotton

The Cotton Sub-Committee heard updates on the agriculture talks and development aspects of cotton, getting down to substance after it swiftly adopted its work programme at its second meeting on 22 March 2005.
> News item

Korea donates 200,000 US dollars to WTO technical assistance

The Government of the Republic of Korea, on 22 March 2005, contributed USD 200,000 (approximately CHF 234,000) to the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) Global Trust Fund.
> Press release

WTO dispute body adopts ruling on US cotton subsidies

The Dispute Settlement Body on 21 March 2005 adopted the Appellate Body and panel reports on the United States' subsidies on upland cotton. The complaint was brought by Brazil. At the same meeting, the DSB set up at the US' request a panel to examine selected European Communities customs matters. The DSB also established at Korea's request a panel to look at Japan's import quotas on laver.
> Summary of the meeting

Goods Council agrees on chairpersons of subsidiary bodies

The Council for Trade in Goods, on 11 March 2005, agreed on a slate of chairpersons of its subsidiary bodies for this year.
> Summary of the meeting

WTO eTraining Course for government officials

The WTO eTraining programme is offering an online course for 52 government officials from developing countries from 14 March to 22 April 2005 (six weeks). The course is entitled “3rd Introduction to the WTO and its Basic Principles” and will be conducted in Spanish.
> News item

Canada donates 385,000 Swiss Francs for the Standards and Trade Development Facility

The Canadian Government, on 18 March 2005, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the WTO over a contribution of Canadian $400,000 (approximately CHF 385,000) to the Standards and Trade Development Facility, a programme which assists developing countries in improving their expertise and capacity to analyse and implement international sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards.
> Press release

Panel reports out on geographical indications disputes

The WTO, on 15 March 2005, issued the reports of the panel that had examined complaints by the United States and Australia against “European Communities — Protection of trademarks and geographical indications for agricultural products and foodstuffs” (DS174 and DS290, respectively).
> Download the panel reports

Trade Policy Review: Mongolia

Early market-oriented reforms helped the transition to a stable economic growth.
> Press release
> Chairperson's concluding remarks

Regionalization, BSE and foot-and-mouth still top issues list

WTO members meeting on 9–10 March 2005 failed to agree on a work programme on implementing “regionalization”, but progressed in their latest review of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) Agreement. Mad cow disease (BSE or bovine spongiform encephalopathy) and foot and mouth disease repeatedly emerged as concerns in the SPS Committee, both underlying the broader issues and in the more specific trade concerns raised.
> News item

WTO's first 10 years “a success” — Supachai

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, in his speech “The WTO After 10 Years: The Lessons Learned and The Challenges Ahead” to the Council on Foreign Relations in New York on 10 March 2005, expressed confidence that “the lessons learned during our first decade will help future leaders to chart the course for greater equity, stability and prosperity”. He said that one of the most important achievements has been “the enhanced integration of developing countries into the WTO system”.

Annual symposium highlights WTO’s 10th anniversary

The WTO will hold its annual public symposium from 20 to 22 April 2005. Participants from governments, parliaments, civil society, the business sector, academia and the media are invited to debate on the theme “The WTO After 10 Years: Global Problems and Multilateral Solutions”. Several heads of state and trade ministers have been invited to speak.
> Draft programme (MS word format, 10 pages; 1184KB)
> More on the public symposium

WTO issues report on shipbuilding dispute

The WTO, on 7 March 2005, issued the report of the panel that had examined the European Communities’ complaint against “Korea — Measures affecting trade in commercial vessels” (DS273)
> Download the panel report:

> All documentation on the case DS273
> More on Dispute Settlement

Appellate Body issues report on cotton dispute 

The Appellate Body, on 3 March 2005, issued its report on the complaint of Brazil against “United States — Subsidies on Upland Cotton” (WT/DS267/AB/R).
Download:
> Just the findings and conclusions in pdf format (7 pages; 28KB)
> Full Appellate Body Report in Word format (311 pages; 1901KB), in pdf format (311 pages; 970KB)
> All documentation on the case DS267
> More on Appellate Body
> More on Dispute Settlement

Supachai welcomes chance to lead UNCTAD, pledges continued support for DDA

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, on 1 March 2005, said he was deeply honoured to have been proposed by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to lead the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. He stressed that until the expiry of his term of office as Director-General on 31 August 2005, he will remain fully committed to the WTO.
> Press release

Algeria — Meeting of the Working Party February 25, 2005

The eight meeting of the Working Party for the accession of Algeria to the WTO was held on 25 February under the chairmanship of the ambassador of Uruguay, Mr. Guillermo Valles, and with the delegation of the Government of Algeria under the leadership of H.E. Mr. Noureddine Boukrouh, Minister of Commerce, who was accompanied by a large team of experts representing all areas of trade matters in Algeria. The meeting reviewed the state of play in the bilateral market access negotiations. Algeria submitted initial offers on goods and services in March 2002, and revised offers were circulated on 18 January 2005. The meeting also examined the revised elements of a draft Report of the Working Party and the latest legislative developments.
Algeria's Working Party was established on 17 June 1987 and met for the first time in April 1998.

Trade Policy Review: Qatar

Further reforms would help sustain already impressive economic growth.
> Press release
> Chairperson's concluding remarks

Report out on DRAMS dispute

The WTO, on 21 February 2005, issued the report of a panel that had examined a complaint by Korea against United States — Countervailing Duty Investigation on Dynamic Random Access Memory Semiconductors (DRAMS) from Korea (DS296).
> Download the panel report:

> All documentation on the case DS296
> More on Dispute Settlement

WTO dispute body establishes panels on US and Canada sanctions in ‘hormones’ dispute

The Dispute Settlement Body on 17 February 2005 set up two panels to examine, respectively, the United States' and Canada's continued sanctions against the European Communities' import ban on hormone-treated beef. At the same meeting, the DSB set up at the EC's request a panel to examine the US' compliance in the Foreign Sales Corporation case.
> Summary of the meeting

Russia's membership talks make good progress

The 26th meeting of the Working Party on the accession of the Russian Federation to the WTO, held on 16-17 February 2005, made good progress on substantial issues although the chairman, Ambassador Stefán Jóhannesson of Iceland, said that there was “still a lot of work has to be done”.
> Summary of the meeting

General Council accepts separate applications from Serbia and Montenegro

At the February 15th 2005 meeting, the General Council accepted the separate applications for membership of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Montenegro and agreed to the establishment of Working Parties to start the negotiations. As from that date the application of “Serbia and Montenegro” was withdrawn and this entity ceased to be an applicant and an observer.

WTO chairpersons for 2005

The General Council, on 15 February 2005, noted the consensus on the slate of names of chairpersons for WTO bodies and elected Amb. Amina Chawahir Mohamed of Kenya as its new Chairman.
> Press release

The United Kingdom donates 1.9 million Swiss Francs for the Standards and Trade Development Facility

On 4 February 2005, the United Kingdom Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the WTO over a contribution of £850,000 (approximately CHF 1.9 million) to the Standards and Trade Development Facility, a programme which assists developing countries in improving their expertise and capacity to analyse and implement international sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards.
> Press release

Trade Policy Review: Sierra Leone

Reconstruction efforts to be based on sound policy making.
> Press release
> Chairperson's concluding remarks

Second Regional Trade Policy Course for the Caribbean launched

The WTO in partnership with the University of the West Indies (UWI) launched the Second Regional Trade Policy Course for the Caribbean on 24 January 2005 in Kingston, Jamaica. Twenty-five government officials from 15 Caribbean countries are taking part in this course which is being held at the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies from 24 January to 15 April 2005.
> News item

US and Canada block first EC panel requests in new ‘hormones’ dispute

Four first-time requests for a dispute panel to be set up were blocked on 25 January 2005, including the European Communities’ requests to consider the United States’ and Canada’s continued sanctions against the EC’s import ban on hormone-treated beef.
> Summary of the meeting

31st and 32nd WTO Trade Policy Courses begin

The 31st and 32nd WTO Trade Policy Courses opened in Geneva on 17 January 2005. Mr. Paul Rolian, Director of the Institute for Training and Technical Co-operation, welcomed the 45 participating officials from developing countries and economies in transition.
> News item

Members meet DG candidates

The four nominated candidates for the position of WTO Director-General introduced themselves to members at a formal General Council meeting on 26 January 2005.
> DG selection process

Trade Policy Review: Japan

Further structural reforms can contribute to a sustained recovery.
> Press release
> Chairperson's concluding remarks

Appellate Body issues Annual Report

The Appellate Body, on 25 January 2005, released its Annual Report for 2004.
> Communication to the DSB Chair

WTO talks can be ‘a catalyst for growth’, Supachai tells African meeting

Work on the Doha agenda has to intensify, with continued top-level political involvement, Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi told a meeting of African and Nordic ministers in Tanzania on 20 January 2005. In a wide-ranging speech, he urged African countries to reap potential big gains by taking a longer view in the agriculture negotiations, and he said that the discussion on preference erosion has to reconcile conflicting objectives among developing countries.
> Speech

WTO eTraining Course for developing-country officials

The WTO eTraining program will conduct an online course for 61 government officials from developing countries on 24 January to 4 March 2005.
> News item

Trade Policy Review: Jamaica

Reducing market distortions could foster growth.
> Press release
> Chairperson's concluding remarks

Eminent persons issue report on “The Future of the WTO”

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, on 17 January 2005, welcomed the report of his Consultative Board chaired by Mr. Peter Sutherland. As the WTO marks its 10th anniversary, Dr. Supachai said “there is undoubtedly a need for serious reflection on how to improve our functioning while safeguarding the strengths of this institution”.
> “The Future of the WTO:  addressing institutional challenges in the new millennium”

The DSB establishes compliance panel to examine US implementation of softwood lumber case

At the Dispute Settlement Body meeting held on 14 January 2005, Canada requested that a panel examine the United States' implementation in the case “United States — Final countervailing duty determination with respect to certain softwood lumber from Canada” (DS257) and the DSB referred the matter to the original panel. Canada also requested the right to apply sanctions against the US but the US asked for arbitration on the amount of sanctions.
> Summary of the meeting

Supachai urges members to mull trade policies to help tsunami sufferers

Swiftly concluding the current Doha Agenda negotiations and perhaps other actions, such as better market access, and restraint in using trade remedies, are needed to help countries trying to recover from the Asian tsunami, WTO Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi told members on 13 January 2005. In a letter to all members, he urged them to consider whether they can introduce any trade policies now to help the worst affected economies to recover.
> News item

Supachai welcomes EU-US decision on aircraft dispute

Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi, on 11 January 2005, welcomed the decision taken by the European Union and the United States to negotiate a bilateral resolution to their ongoing dispute concerning aircraft subsidies rather than continue the cases they had brought in October to the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body.
> Press release

Revised Working Procedures take effect

The revised Working Procedures for Appellate Review enter into effect for appeals initiated after 1 January 2005.
> News item
> More on Appellate Body

Four candidates nominated for the post of Director-General

The following candidates have been nominated by their respective governments for the post of WTO Director-General to succeed the current Director-General, Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, whose term of office expires on 31 August 2005: Carlos Pérez del Castillo of Uruguay, Jaya Krishna Cuttaree of Mauritius, Luiz Felipe de Seixas Corrêa of Brazil, and Pascal Lamy of France.
> Press release