Speaking after the meeting, DG Azevêdo said:

“Minister Malcorra and I are working closely together to prepare the ground for a successful Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires which puts the multilateral trading system on a strong footing for the future. The discussion with Negotiating Group Chairs was constructive, but it highlighted again what is very clear to all WTO members — there are still significant gaps between positions in many key areas. Continued engagement will be essential in the coming months in order to make progress in closing these gaps.” 

The Director-General will brief the full membership on this and other consultations before the next meeting of the WTO General Council, scheduled for 26-27 July.

Ambassador Xavier Carim (South Africa) also attended the meeting, as chair of the General Council. The negotiating group chairs attending the meeting were:

• Ambassador Dr Stephen Karau (Kenya) – agriculture
• Ambassador Hector Marcelo Cima (Argentina) – services
• Ambassador Didier Chambovey (Switzerland) – non-agriculture market access
• Ambassador Wayne McCook (Jamaica) – rules
• Ambassador Dr Syed Tauqir Shah (Pakistan) – trade and environment
• Ambassador Tan Yee Woan (Singapore) – development
• Ambassador Coly Seck (Senegal) – dispute settlement