. /.WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/AG/NG/W/72
30 November 2000
(00-5157)
Committee on Agriculture
Special SessionOriginal:  English
FOURTH SPECIAL SESSION OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE
15-17 NOVEMBER 2000
Statement by Jamaica on behalf of CARICOM
Market Access   (G/AG/NG/W/54)
On behalf of the Group of CARICOM countries we applaud the effort of Cairns countries
which have co-sponsored this proposal.  CARICOM members consider the paper a useful
contribution, particularly in so far as it recognizes the importance of "ensuring that existing access
conditions are not undermined".
While making a useful contribution to the negotiating process, it is regrettable therefore that
the paper stops just short of the mark in some respects.  Let me indicate some of these:
1. While recognizing the dichotomy which exists between market access opportunities for
agricultural and non-agricultural products, the paper has failed to draw attention to the
specific and substantial difference s which exist in market access  for developing countries,
including Small Island Developing States  and countries transitioning from preferential
arrangements .
2. By the same token we believe that a clearer recognition of the implications  for the
continuation of domestic reforms which distorted world markets  hold for countries seeking
to liberalize, including and perhaps particularly for the economies of Small Island Developing
States that are transitioning from preferential arrangements, would also have taken us further
in beginning to come to term s with the very real dilemmas confronting this diverse group of
developing countries.
3. We welcome the attempts by the Cairns Group proposal to address the concerns of
developing countries;  however, full account should be taken of the role of non-tariffs barriers
and as well measures equivalent in effect to export subsidies such as export credits and export
credit guarantees.
4. In addition, we believe that a range of other measures will be required if ... to quote the
proposal "developing countries are expected to participate fully and fairly in delivering
market access reforms".
5. While we have several more comments on this proposal, which we shall offer in due course,
we wish to indicate that while some elements  of this proposal are undoubtedly attractive at
first look, deeper analysis suggests that the proposal may be advancing some objectives which
might well be irreconcilable from the point of view of the interests of some developing
countries.G/AG/NG/W/72
Page 2
CARICOM members are heartened by a recognition of the need for a Special Safeguard
facility for developing countries.  However our position continues to be that such a facility should be
allowed on terms and conditions equal or better than those which presently exist under Article 5 (9)
and hence the further element of the proposal which attempts to limit the scope of application is quite
frankly not welcomed.
CARICOM members believe that the Cairns Group proposal has a number of positive
elements, and we are heartened by the increasing sensitivity which is being demonstrated towards the
special circumstances of developing countries.  We are particularly encouraged by the "inclusive"
language of the proposal such as the reference to "differential treatment and related modalities as
appropriate in the area of market access" under the sub-heading Special and Differential Treatment.
We are heartened as well by reference to "countries adjusting to change".  These are all positivesignals for us.  CARICOM is of th e view that the comments that we have offered here today, could go
some distance in enhancing a proposal that holds promise.
In conclusion let me indicate that we associate in form and substance with the statement by
the Delegation of Mauritius on this matter.  Mauritius we believe has identified a number of essentialelements which could well enhance the proposal in  a direction that the CARICOM delegations find
desirable.
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