|
1. Adoption of the Agenda
2. Adoption of the Summary Record of the 144th Session
3. The multilateral trading system: The way forward
a) State of the DDA negotiations
b) Discussion on Trade Committee medium-term strategy
4. Making sure aid works for trade: The OECD contribution
5. Focus on trade facilitation: International developments and the OECD contribution
6. Work in progress
7. Other business
a) Report on the Seminar on Corporate Social Responsibility in Production and International Trade
* * *
2. Adoption of the Summary Record of the 144th Session
Delegates are invited to adopt the Summary Record of the 144th Session of the Trade Committee.
3. The multilateral trading system: The way forward
State of the DDA negotiations
Since the start of the Doha round, the Trade Committee has traditionally held a discussion item on the state of play in the DDA. In June 2006, at a time when the DDA negotiations were at a critical point, the Trade Committee decided to hold a brainstorming session on the wider issue of the future of the multilateral trading system, and it was agreed that this type of discussion should be pursued at subsequent meetings of the Trade Committee. In July 2006, the DDA negotiations were suspended indefinitely, at the risk of missing a great opportunity for improving the welfare of all WTO members.
Delegates are invited to discuss prospects for breaking the current deadlock and completing and implementing the round in a timely manner, as well as to look ahead to key issues and the implications of the round for the multilateral trading system.
Discussion on the Trade Committee medium-term strategy
In the context of the current suspension of the DDA negotiations and at this important moment for the multilateral trading system, the Trade Committee is invited to reflect on its strategic priorities with a view to enhancing its relevance. Delegates are invited to share their views on the key challenges currently facing the multilateral trading system.
4. Making sure aid works for trade: The OECD contribution
The Recommendations of the Aid for Trade Task Force have been discussed in the WTO General Council and efforts are now focused on making them operational. One of the main contributions of the OECD to the deliberations of the Task Force was to focus the debate on improving effectiveness rather than confine it to providing additional financial resources. Improving effectiveness requires the development of a delivery framework that is compatible with the Paris Declaration principles on aid effectiveness. The heart of the challenge, however, remains the implementation of these principles in practice.
Proposals for further work aim at developing the tools and methods necessary to deliver improved trade performance through aid. In particular, the objectives of the work programme are to integrate trade issues more effectively in aid programmes, enhance the effectiveness of aid for trade programmes and develop tools for comprehensive assessments of aid-for-trade efforts to take place locally and globally. This programme of work does not address issues related to improving the coverage of the joint WTO/OECD database which will be treated separately. The Trade Committee is invited to discuss current developments on aid for trade and the proposed OECD contribution to this work.
5. Focus on trade facilitation: International developments and the OECD contribution
Along with all other topics of negotiation under the DDA, negotiations on trade facilitation are currently suspended since last July. Although proposals to continue discussions by carving the topic out of the DDA were rejected by the WTO membership, there were strong and widespread calls to keep up work in this area and to maintain the momentum that has built up.
In light of the significant work done by the Trade Committee on the topic of trade facilitation, particularly since the adoption of the July package, it would seem timely for the Committee to have a focused discussion on its role in maintaining the current momentum and addressing future challenges in this field.
Delegates are invited to discuss how to make the most out of the current intermission to advance the trade facilitation agenda, to consider topics that have not yet been fully addressed in the negotiations and to explore issues that may arise following the adoption of an agreement. Recent economic analysis and policy guidance prepared by the Trade Committee over the last two years can serve as background for this discussion.
6. Work in progress
This document is provided for information.
7. Other business
Report on the Seminar on Corporate Social Responsibility in Production and International Trade
The Delegation of the Netherlands will provide an oral report on the Seminar on Corporate Social Responsibility in Production and International Trade which took place on 26 September 2006 in Rotterdam.
|
