LDCs urge WTO members to facilitate use of services waiver

Least Developed Countries (LDCs) – at a meeting of the Council for Trade in Services today chaired by ambassador Julian Braithwaite (UK) – called on global trade regime members to undertake capacity building measures that would enable their suppliers to take advantage of preferential treatment notified under the LDC Services Waiver.
LDCs also encouraged members to increase awareness of the waiver domestically. Recalling the Nairobi Waiver Decision, LDCs today also advocated that members explore what recommendations the Council might make 'on steps that could be taken towards enhancing the operationalisation of the Waiver'.
The LDC Services waiver allows World Trade Organisation (WTO) members to grant preferential treatment to services and service suppliers from LDC members. The WTO members are also encouraged to undertake specific technical assistance and capacity building measures to orient LDC service suppliers to preference benefits available so that such suppliers can utilize the preferences granted.
The Council has received a total of 24 notifications of preferences in favour of LDC services and service suppliers, on the part of 51 Members.
As the operationalisation of the LDC Services Waiver is a standing item on its agenda, the Council will revert to the matter at its next meeting.