Bridges Weekly Trade News Digest • Volume 8 • Number 35 • 20th October 2004
CTE Regular Session Discusses Market Access, Paragraph 51
WTO Members, meeting on 14 October for the regular session of the Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE), discussed a new submission by the EC on addressing developing country concerns regarding the effects of environmental measures on market access. The Committee also debated an EC proposal to hold a workshop on paragraph 51, which mandates the CTE and the Committee on Trade and Development to ensure that sustainable development is adequately reflected in the negotiations.
The EC paper (WT/CTE/W/239), submitted under paragraph 32(i) of the Doha Declaration (effect of environmental measures on market access), provides information on reforms carried out in the EC policy making process that contribute to addressing — in the development and implementation stages of legislation — concerns highlighted by developing countries. Specifically, the paper describes efforts to enhance up-stream transparency, consultation mechanisms, down-stream information mechanisms and supportive/accompanying measures. The EC concludes by putting forward proposals for further cooperation, including improving bilateral dialogue, multilateral cooperation among relevant organisations (such as UNEP, UNCTAD, the WTO and World Bank), and synergies with the private sector.
While Members generally welcomed the submission as helpful, they also used the opportunity to vent their frustration with the EC process. India referred back to its earlier submission under this agenda item (WT/CTE/W/207), dated 21 May 2002, in which it had put forward a number of proposals to ensure that environmental requirements were applied in a manner that would minimise the adverse effects on market access for developing countries. Members felt that some of India’s proposals should be pursued in future discussions.
Regarding paragraph 51 of the Doha mandate, the EC suggested holding a workshop next year. According to the EC, the workshop should include international organisations presenting ideas on ways to move forward how to ensure that sustainable development is reflected in the Doha Round. Chair Naéla Gabr (Egypt) asked Members to submit their suggestions for the structure of the workshop as well as suggest speakers to the Secretariat, which could prepare a draft agenda.
The next meeting of the CTE special session will be held in February 2004.
ICTSD reporting.