Controversial Points in the Discussion on Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) in the Doha Round.
The Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) is often quoted as one of the main controversial points that lead to the failure to the WTO mini-ministerial process in July 2008. Technical divergences relate to key aspects of the design and operation of the mechanism but also strong political divergences among exporters and importers. (more…)
The WTO’s July 2008 Mini-Ministerial: Agriculture, NAMA, Process Issues and the Road Ahead.
This paper outlines the main events which took place during the WTO’s July mini-Ministerial. It goes on to provide a discussion of the key issues that were important in that meeting – agriculture, cotton, the non-agriculture market access negotiations, as well as systemic process concerns. (more…)
South Centre Comments on Revised Draft Modalities for Agriculture.
This note comments on various specific sections of the Revised Draft Modalities for Agriculture (TN/AG/W/4/Rev.2) of 19 May 2008). It highlights elements that were revised and pending contentious issues. Two tables summarizing the treatment of WTO Members with respect to tariff reduction modalities and proposals regarding remedies for volume-based SSM are also included. (more…)
Comments to the Second Revision of the WTO NAMA Draft Modalities.
This note contains preliminary comments to the second revision of the Draft modalities for WTO NAMA negotiations, released on 20 May 2008 by the Chairman of the Negotiating Group on Market Access (TN/MA/W/103/Rev.1). (more…)
Comments on the Draft Modalities for WTO Agriculture Negotiations dated 8 Feb. 2008
This note comments on various specific sections of the Revised Draft Modalities for Agriculture (TN/AG/W/4 rev. 1 of 8th February 2008). It highlights elements that were revised and pending contentious issues. A useful table summarizing the treatment of WTO Members with respect to tariff reduction modalities is also included. (more…)
Comments to the Draft Modalities for WTO NAMA Negotiations dated 8 Feb. 2008.
This note reviews the revised Draft modalities for WTO NAMA negotiations prepared by the Chairman of the Negotiating Group on Market Access (TN/MA/W/103). After undertaking an overall assessment of the revised NAMA draft modalities text, this note comments on various specific sections thereof, (more…)
State of Play in WTO Agricultural Negotiations: Country Groupings’ Positions – January 2008 Update.
This note provides an overview of the position of various countries and group of countries active in the WTO agriculture negotiations with respect to critical issues discussed in the WTO agricultural negotiations. (more…)
Liberalization of Trade in Health Services: Balancing Mode 4 Interests with Obligations to Provide Universal Access to Basic Services.
Health is a human Right. The Right is bestowed on human beings through national constitutions and various international legal instruments that have been signed and ratified by many, if not all, governments of the world. Inherent herein is the Right to access basic health services; which imposes an obligation on States to ensure that these services are universally accessible to all their constituents. (more…)
South Centre Comments on Draft Modalities for Agriculture.
This note contains comments on the Draft Agriculture modalities submitted by the Chairman of the WTO Committee on Agriculture in Special Session. While the text will be discussed, amended and, if agreed, adopted at a later stage, it is a capital document as it will constitute a yardstick against which positions will be assessed. (more…)
Comments to the Draft Modalities for WTO NAMA Negotiations dated 17 July 2007.
This note contains preliminary comments on the Draft NAMA Modalities submitted by the Chairman of the WTO Negotiating Group on Market Access (Job (07)/126). While the text will need to be discussed, amended and, if agreed, adopted at a later stage, (more…)
Changes in the Governance of Global Value Chains of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Opportunities and Challenges for Producers in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Horticultural trade, especially fresh fruits and vegetables from Sub-Saharan African to European market, has received a great deal of attention over the past decade due to the rapid and sustained growth of its exports to Europe. This impressive growth has undoubtedly contributed to increased national incomes and has reduced rural poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa. (more…)
The Development Dimension of the Agriculture Negotiations.
In view of the role of agriculture in the social and economic development of developing countries and their experience implementing rules and liberalization commitments related to agricultural trade, the need to redefine the boundaries of the development dimension in multilateral rules governing agricultural trade has emerged. (more…)
