1.127. The representative of Nigeria, speaking on behalf of the African Group, thanked the Chairman for his efforts to ensure that a composite text was drawn from Members' contributions. The African Group was studying the text and would come back with more detailed comments.
1.128. The African Group had co-sponsored the proposal on S&D as reflected in Section F of the composite text. The proposal provided for transition periods for developing and least developed country Members, technical and financial assistance by developed country Members and an exemption from registration fees. He said that a reading of the composite text clearly showed that there was no common position on any of the six topics from the proponents of the W/52 proposal. This was due to the fact that the African Group was still working on three texts, i.e. on TRIPS-CBD, GI extension and the multilateral register together and he hoped that whatever would be agreed as a W/52 proposal would then be included in the composite text.
1.129. The African Group was concerned with the issue of costs relating to the administration of the register, as an increase of Members' annual contribution to the WTO would not be acceptable to them. As indicated by the delegation of Brazil, this would lead to taking money from one basket to another, and could affect the WTO current technical assistance programs to developing countries and LDCs.
