Support for accession to the WTO

Guidelines to facilitate the accession process for least developed countries (LDCs) to the World Trade Organization (WTO) were adopted by the General Council in 2002 (WT/L/508 (2002)) and strengthened in 2012 (WT/L/508/Add.1 (2012)). The guidelines encourage WTO members to exercise restraint in seeking market access concessions and commitments on the trade in goods and services from acceding LDCs in these processes. They contain benchmarks on goods and services commitments on transparency in accession negotiations; special and differential treatment and transition periods; and technical assistance. The accession of LDCs was recognized as one of the systemic issues under the work programme of the LDCs. The Subcommittee on LDCs regularly monitors the accession of LDCs and serves as one of the forums in which acceding LDCs and WTO members can exchange views and share experiences. The Director General reports on accessions on an annual basis. Part of China’s “Least Developed Countries and Accessions Programme” under the framework of WTO (the “China Programme”) is aimed at assisting acceding Governments in joining WTO. 

LDCs currently in the process of acceding to the WTO:  Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan.

Updated 22/08/25