WTO members discuss ways to facilitate trade amid diverse carbon-emission measures

In his opening remarks, the Chair of the Committee, Ambassador Erwin Bollinger of Switzerland, said members' continued interest in the interface of trade and climate change policies or measures and their discussions in various configurations since 2024 culminated in the holding of the event. Through his consultations, "members identified three areas around which deeper discussion was needed: transparency approaches; the development dimension; and interoperability and coherence," he said.

He pointed out that the interactive sessions provided a space for members to "engage in technical discussions, build further understanding, and foster peer learning." He emphasized that the exercise is not intended to lead to any specific outcome, nor to endorse any particular type of measure or alter the rights and obligations of members.

Ambassador Sofía Boza Martínez of Chile, Ambassador Clare Kelly of New Zealand and Ambassador Manuel Antonio Teehankee of the Philippines, each in their personal capacity, joined Ambassador Bollinger in moderating the four breakout group discussions.

Members delved into the three topics of transparency, the development dimension, and interoperability and coherence through guided questions.

On transparency approaches, discussions focused on ways to enhance transparency in the preparation, adoption and application of relevant measures - particularly emissions measurement methodologies - and how to improve transparency around alternative environmental approaches that could have less impact on trade.

On the development dimension, members explored the specific challenges faced by developing and least-developed members in implementing new emissions-related measures. They also discussed potential flexibilities that could support these members in complying with such measures.

On interoperability and coherence, questions centred on possible actions to facilitate alignment and compatibility across various emission-reduction measures, with a view to minimizing regulatory and compliance burdens.

Concluding the one-day, Ambassador Bollinger thanked members for the successful event and fruitful discussions. He said he will present key takeaways from the event at the upcoming Committee meeting on 4-5 November. He noted members' strong interest in organizing additional interactive sessions, with the next event tentatively scheduled for 5 December 2025.