Backgrounder Symposium
on WTO’s July Framework Agreement Theme: Select aspects of the WTO’s July Framework Agreement and possible multilateral agreements on trade facilitation and transparency in government procurement Objective: To organise a panel discussion on select aspects of the WTO’s July Framework Agreement and two panel discussions on trade facilitation and transparency in government procurement Background Trade Facilitation: Trade facilitation (TF) is about the simplification and harmonisation of international trade procedures with respect to activities, practices and formalities involved in collecting, presenting, communicating and processing data and other requirements for cross-border movement of commodities. The WTO’s General Council decided in its July Package to take up negotiations on TF. In this regards, CUTS-CITEE’s research project is timely. The areas of research identified are 1) Scope and Definition, 2) WTO Core Principles and TF, 3) Technical Assistance & Capacity Building and TF, 4) Specific GATT 1994 Provisions and TF, 5) Dispute Settlement Issues, and 6) Country Case Studies. Transparency in Government Procurement: Government Procurement (GP) covers purchases of goods and services made by the national, provincial or municipal governments and its various agencies out of their budgetary resources. GP can also be financed from aid received through bilateral or international aid programmes. The share of GP in national public finances is significant. An effective, competent and transparent procurement process can therefore enhance national and global welfare. However, should transparency in government procurement be a policy priority for developing countries? Would the contribution of a possible multilateral agreement on transparency in government procurement to development be substantial? CUTS-CITEE’s research aimed to answer these questions and to broaden the knowledge base. The papers produced cover specific issues and present country case studies. Context The
Event The Programme Wednesday, 3rd November 2004 09:00 – 12:30 WTO’s July FrameworkAgreement: Key Issues The July package comprising of Agriculture, Non-Agricultural Market Access, Services and development issues, will be discussed. 12:30 – 14:00 Lunch 14:00 – 15:30 Trade Facilitation The scope and definition, technical assistance and capacity building, specific GATT 1994 provisions, and dispute settlement aspects will be discussed. 15:30 – 16:00 Tea/Coffee 16:00 – 17:30 Transparency in Government Procurement Should transparency in government procurement be a policy priority for developing countries? Would a possible multilateral agreement on government procurement contribute substantially to development? Invited
Speakers Venue: Organizer: In association with the UN NGLS and the Evian Group. |
Symposium on “WTO’s July Package” November 3, 2004, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland Agenda November 3, 2004 – Wednesday 0900-1230 Session I The July Framework: Key Issues Agriculture Services Non-Agricultural Market Access (NAMA) Development Dimensions 1230-1400 Lunch 1400-1530 Session II Trade Facilitation The Scope and Definition Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Specific GATT 1994 Provisions Dispute Settlement Aspects 1530-1600 Tea/Coffee Break 1600-1730 Session III Transparency in Government Procurement Should transparency in government procurement be a policy priority for developing countries? What will be the future of TGP in view of the current July Framework? |
Consumer Unity & Trust Society (CUTS)D-217, Bhaskar Marg, Bani Park Jaipur 302016, Rajasthan, India Email: cuts@cuts-international.org
Phone: 91.141.228 2821-3 |
D–217, Bhaskar Marg, Bani Park, Jaipur 302 016, Rajasthan, India Ph: +91(0)141-228 2821-3, Fax: +91(0)141-228 2485 Hosted by: www.fullestop.com |