PH Among Countries Leading Charge for Greater Engagement with Stakeholders in WTO Reform and E-Commerce Discussions
Ambassador Teehankee delivers the Philippines statement during the General Council meeting on 08 May 2023. (WTO PM photo)
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, 12 May 2023 – The Philippines called for greater stakeholder engagement as part of the WTO’s reform efforts during the most recent WTO General Council meeting, held on 08-09 May 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Philippines, led by Ambassador Manuel Teehankee, is co-sponsoring two initiatives pushing for tangible reforms of the WTO. One proposal, spearheaded by the United States, aims to improve inclusiveness by assessing the practices of international organizations such as the UN in pursuing multi-stakeholder engagement to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), experiences from bilateral and multilateral development cooperation, and existing practices within the WTO. Ambassador Teehankee voice his support by stating “the Philippines supports improved multi-stakeholder engagement to help us better frame our agenda and priorities.”
The Philippines joined a number of open economies including the United Kingdom, Costa Rica, Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, and Singapore in submitting an umbrella paper on revitalizing the monitoring and deliberative functions of the WTO. The proposal covers elements on how to improve substantive work of WTO bodies, including engagement with international organizations and external stakeholders, such as the private sector, NGOs, and academe, with the aim of ensuring that the WTO is attune to economic realities through evidence, data and experience-sharing.
The co-sponsors have also offered ideas on how to help developing countries improve their ability to provide notifications and increase transparency of policies, including during global emergencies, as well as support for the tracking and resolution of specific trade concerns. Ambassador Teehankee noted that many of the recommendations can be “implemented in the near term, particularly on ways to help smaller delegations better contribute to the WTO’s work by rationalizing the calendar, preparations for and reporting of meeting outcomes, enhanced use of digital tools, streamlined notifications, and improved monitoring of specific trade concerns.”
Members also discussed progress on the E-Commerce Work Program, including efforts to strengthen its development dimension. Following recent dedicated discussions on legal and regulatory frameworks and the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, Members agreed to conduct further sessions on digital trade facilitation, digital industrialization, and e-commerce related technology transfer. Ambassador Teehankee welcomed the forthcoming workshop with other international organizations scheduled for next month and moving forward, stressed the value of “hearing from representatives coming from a broad base of stakeholders, including MSMEs, from the developing world.”
The Philippines called for further discussions on the e-commerce moratorium, which was most recently renewed at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in June 2022. Ambassador Teehankee recommended more in-depth discussions on the “implications of digital taxation, including the question of customs duties, where we could learn more from Members and stakeholders on their experience in applying VAT or Goods and Services Taxes to e-commerce activities, including issues related to scope, registration procedures, and collection regimes.” Currently, no customs duties are imposed on e-commerce transactions, but the moratorium has to be considered and renewed at each Ministerial Conference. The next period for possible renewal will be at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in February 2024 in Abu Dhabi. END
Ambassadors gather to discuss WTO reform at the General Council meeting on 08 May 2023. (Photo courtesy of Franck Abdulrahman Ghannam www.wto.org)
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