WTO23-8

The program, organized by the WTO Secretariat, is a multi-phased workshop focusing on enhancing the skills and knowledge of government officials from developing and least-developed-country Members, especially those with prolonged outstanding subsidy notification obligations. It aims to ameliorate compliance with the notification obligations of subsidies, as stipulated in the SCM Agreement, by imparting practical knowledge and solutions to navigate through the process of subsidy notification preparation and submission.
The technical assistance program comprises three pivotal phases. The initial two phases have been successfully concluded. The first phase entailed comprehensive informational sessions regarding notification obligations and practical exercises in Geneva, while the second phase involved the preparation of draft subsidy notifications with periodic virtual assistance and feedback from the WTO Secretariat.
The third and final phase will assemble participants in Geneva, who have crafted and agreed to present their final draft subsidy notifications. The primary purpose of this phase is to facilitate a platform for participants to present their final drafts, exchange experiences, and discuss the challenges encountered during their preparation process. Moreover, it serves to foster an interactive environment that encourages a detailed discussion and exchange of experiences, which not only enhances the participants’ understanding and adherence to notification obligations but also aims to identify methods to further streamline and facilitate their internal processes for future notification preparations.