This activity concerns the CTD and two, formal   Dedicated Sessions on the Work Programme on Small Economies. The first meeting is scheduled for 6 April (TBC) and the second for June 2017. Both meetings will focus on a Secretariat paper circulated in WT/COMTD/SE/W/33/Rev.1 (attached) which focuses on the challenges Small Economies experience in their efforts to reduce trade costs, particularly in the area of trade facilitation.

Members agreed at their last meeting (minutes attached) that for the discussions on global value chains in the services sector, they would invite outside speakers, two to each meeting. These speakers would be experts dealing with tourism, logistics and/or business outsourcing services. Representatives at this time will most likely come from Asia/Pacific and the Carribean and will provide Members with case stories and concrete examples of problems with value chain entry for small economies.