WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
WT/COMTD/76 
20 November 2012 
 (12-6377) 
Committee on Trade and Development 
 Original: Spanish 
 
 
 
LATIN AMERICAN INTEGRATION ASSOCIATION (LAIA) 
 
BIENNIAL REPORT TO THE WTO 
 
Information on Measures Taken by LAIA Member Countries under the 1980 Treaty 
of Montevideo (1 September 1999-31 August 2001 Period) 
 
  The following communication and attached re port were received from the delegation of 
Uruguay on 4 October 2012 for circulation to WTO Members. 
 
_______________ 
 
  The Latin American Integration Associati on (LAIA) member countries which are also 
Contracting Parties to the General Agreement he reby notify the World Trade Organization Committee 
on Trade and Development of the activities undertak en pursuant to the 1980 Treaty of Montevideo 
between 1 September 1999 and 31 August 2001. 
 
_______________ 
 WT/COMTD/76 
Page 2  
 
  CONTENTS 
 
Page 
 
I.  INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. .... 3 
II.  AGREEMENTS ESTABLISHED AND AMENDMENTS MADE DURING 
THE SEPTEMBER 1999-AUGUST 2001 PERIOD .................................................................. 5  
A.  T
RADE AGREEMENTS (ANNEX 1) ................................................................................................ 5  
B.  ECONOMIC COMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENTS (ANNEX 2) ....................................................... 6  
B.1. Additional pr otocols .......................................................................................................... .......... 6 
B.2  Signing of new agreements ..................................................................................................... .. 12 
B.3  Economic Complementation Agr eements rendered invalid ...................................................... 26  
C.  OTHER PARTIAL -SCOPE AGREEMENTS (ANNEX 3) ................................................................... 27  
C.1  Agreements signed under Article 13 of the 1980 Treaty of  Montevideo .................................. 27  
C.2  Agreements signed under Article 14 of the 1980 Treaty of  Montevideo .................................. 27  
D.  AGREEMENTS ON THE RENEGOTIATION OF THE CONCESSIONS GRANTED DURING 
THE 1962/1980  PERIOD (ANNEX 4) ........................................................................................... 28  
D.1  Additional pr otocols .......................................................................................................... ........ 28 
D.2  Extensions .................................................................................................................... ............. 29  
E.  REGIONAL AGREEMENTS  .......................................................................................................... 29  
F.  AGREEMENTS SIGNED BETWEEN ASSOCIATION MEMBER COUNTRIES AND  
NON-MEMBER LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES (ARTICLE 25 OF THE 1980   
TREATY OF MONTEVIDEO ;  ANNEX  6 HERETO ) ........................................................................ 29  
F.1  New agreements signed under Article 25 .................................................................................. 30  
F.2  Agreements rendered invalid ................................................................................................... .. 31 
III.  OTHER INTEGRATIVE MEASURES CARRIED OUT WITHIN THE LAIA 
FRAMEWORK DURING THE 1999-2001 PERIOD .............................................................. 32  
IV.  EVOLUTION IN TRADE ........................................................................................................ 34  
 Global fore ign trade ......................................................................................................... .......... 34 
 Intraregiona l expor ts ........................................................................................................ .......... 34 
 Global fore ign trade ......................................................................................................... .......... 35 
 Intraregiona l expor ts ........................................................................................................ .......... 35 
V.  RESOLUTION 54 (XI) OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF LAIA 
(11 AUGUST 2000) .............................................................................................................. .... 39 
 ANNEXES ....................................................................................................................... ...................... 41 
PROTOCOLS
 SIGNED  BETWEEN  1 SEPTEMBER  1999  AND  31 AUGUST  2001 ......................... 41 
ANNEX 1 TRADE AGREEMENTS ...................................................................................................... .... 41 
ANNEX 2 ECONOMIC COMPLEM ENTATION AGREEMENTS ......................................................... 43  
ANNEX 3 OTHER PARTIAL- SCOPE AGREEMENTS .......................................................................... 49  
ANNEX 4 RENEGOTIATION AGREEMENTS FOR CONCESSIONS GRANTED DURING 
THE 1962-1980  PERI OD ..........................................................................................................  51 
ANNEX 5 REGIONAL AGREEMENTS ...................................................................................................  53 
ANNEX 6 AGREEMENTS ESTABLISHED BETWEEN LAIA MEMBER COUNTRIES AND 
LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES NOT MEMBERS OF LAIA ........................................... 54  
  WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 3 
 
 
  I. INTRODUCTION 
 Pursuant to paragraph 4(a) of the Mini sterial Decision of 28 November 1979 regarding 
"Differential and More Favourable Treatment, Reciprocity, and Fulle r Participation of Developing 
Countries," the permanent delegations of the 12 La tin American Integration Association (LAIA) 
member countries submit, for consideration by the other World Trade Organization member 
countries, this report, which describes the trade which took place during the 1999 to 2000 period and 
summarizes the progress made in the last two y ears within the framework of the 1980 Treaty of 
Montevideo.  The previous report, submitted in October 1999, described the measures taken 
between 1 January 1997 and 31 August 1999, for which reason the current report discusses the 
progress made between 1 Septem ber 1999 and 31 August 2001. 
 
 During the period in question, the regional in tegration process continued to make progress, 
both as regards the consolidation of the agreements established and th e expansion of the existing trade 
liberalization process.  
 The progress of the regional integration pro cess during the period was chiefly demonstrated 
by the observance of the various gradual tari ff reduction schedules established in the economic 
complementation agreements signed in recent years.  Some of these agreements have, through compliance with the corresponding tariff reduction schedules, already resulted in free trade for 
practically all goods.  
 This furthering of preferential schemes was re flected in the dynamic trade relations between 
member countries.  The growing momentum of  intraregional trade picked up again during 
the 1999-2000 period.  The nature of intraregional tr ade, vis-à-vis trade with the rest of the world, 
should be highlighted, as intraregional trade is ch aracterized by higher leve ls of manufactured goods 
and intra-industry trade. 
 
 Worthy of note, as regards the expansion of the integration process, was the signing 
of 11 new economic complementation agreements, which were chiefly negotiated by Cuba with 
several member countries.  The agreements signe d by Cuba are primarily the result of Cuba's 
admission into LAIA as a member country (August 1999) and of the adaptation of its prior agreements, which were provide d for under Article 25 of the 1980 Treaty of Montevideo, to the 
economic complementation agreement model.  Wo rthy of note as well was the signing of a new 
economic complementation agreement between Chile and Mexico (ECA No. 41), also known by its 
signatories as the "Free Trade Agreement."  By means of said Free Trade Agreement, 
the two countries, invoking their respective rights and obligations with regard to the WTO and 
the 1980 Treaty of Montevideo, seek to strengthen their integration commitments by establishing a 
free trade area and incorporating regulations which are much more extensive and detailed than those 
previously in force.   In addition to discussing the characteristics of the new agreements signed, Section II of this report indicates the amendments ma de to other partial-scope agr eements signed among LAIA member 
countries and with other Latin American and Caribb ean countries.  Also discussed are the advances 
made in terms of regional agreements. 
  A notable event during the period in question was the 20th anniversary of the signing of the 1980 Treaty of Montevideo, which esta blished the Latin American Integration 
Association (LAIA) as the main institutional framewo rk and forum for Latin American integration.  
In commemoration of this anniversary, the 11th M eeting of the LAIA Council of Ministers took place 
and adopted the main lines of ac tion to be taken in the coming years.  Section III of this report 
provides a more detailed description of this course of action.  Section III also discusses the progress WT/COMTD/76 
Page 4  
 
  made in other areas, such as those related to the Reciprocal Credits and Payments System, customs 
matters, and scientific and technological cooperation. 
  Section IV reports on the evolution of trade in LAIA countries, both as regards trade with 
third countries and intraregional transactions. 
 
 Section V contains the text of Resoluti on 54(XI) of the LAIA Council of Ministers, 
which establishes a set of recommendations a nd guidelines for the Association's actions, 
which constitutes the guidance framework for the current integration process. 
 
 Lastly, the various agreements and protocols signed between 1 September 1999 
and 31 August 2001 are listed in a series of annexes to this report.  WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 5 
 
 
  II. AGREEMENTS ESTABLISHED AND AMENDMENTS MADE DURING 
THE SEPTEMBER 1999-AUGUST 2001 PERIOD 
 As evidenced in previous reports, during the fi rst half of the 1990s, the regional integration 
process was characterized by dynamism and by the si gning of a series of so-called "new-generation" 
partial-scope agreements, which go beyond tariff issues and contemplate other matters concerning 
market access, cooperation, and physical integrati on - matters which take the integration process 
beyond tariff preferences.   Fewer new agreements have been signed in recent years because, essentially, existing 
agreements have achieved nearly complete geogra phic coverage, and because of other factors related 
to the economic crisis and a particular ly unfavourable international climate. 
  During the period in question, 11 new economic  complementation agreements were signed, 
although it should be noted that only one of them (C hile/Mexico) fits in the category of so-called 
"new-generation" agreements, which further and st rengthen bilateral relations .  The agreement signed 
between Mexico and Uruguay (ECA No. 5) was significantly developed, and a new protocol 
incorporated free trade for nearly  the entire tariff universe.  The remaining agreements signed are 
known as "selective agreements," which are those whic h incorporate limited liberalization regimes for 
a small number of products.   The new agreement signed between Chile and Mexico (ECA No. 41) supersedes ECA No. 17, 
by which the liberalization programme had already established free trade for practically the entire 
tariff universe.  The new agreement signed consolid ates the structure of the free trade area between 
the two countries and establishes a new legal an d institutional framework aimed at, inter alia, 
stimulating the expansion and diversification of  trade in goods and services, promoting fair 
competition, improving investment opportuniti es, and establishing cooperation approaches. 
 
 As a result of Cuba's admission into LAIA as a full member, eight of the new selective agreements are adaptations of the agreements wh ich Cuba had signed, under Article 25 of the 1980 
Treaty of Montevideo, with most member countries prior to its membership.   During the period in question, MERCOSUR and the Andean Community continued 
negotiations to sign a free trade agreement between the two subregional associations.  Within this 
framework, and with a view to maintaining trade flows, an economic complementation agreement was 
signed between Argentina and four  Andean countries (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela).  
It bears noting that, in previous years, Brazil had already signed a similar ag reement.  The remaining 
MERCOSUR countries (Paraguay and Uruguay), together with their Andean counterparts, continue to 
successively renew the preferen ces established in the corres ponding bilateral agreements. 
  Various amendments were also made to agreem ents previously signed;  this report discusses 
the aim of said amendments.   The annexes to this report identify the partial- scope and regional agre ements established and 
in force.  Where such protocols exist, these annexes also identify the duly signed corresponding 
protocols of amendment.  A. T
RADE AGREEMENTS (ANNEX 1) 
 In recent years, as agreements contemplating full trade liberalization have been negotiated, 
trade agreements covering a reduced number of items  have gradually been rendered invalid.  In other 
cases, the preferences granted have been incorpor ated into economic complementation agreements, 
while in yet other cases, some countries have gradua lly dissociated themselves from such agreements. WT/COMTD/76 
Page 6  
 
   
 As can be seen in the attached annexes, on th e date of this report, only two trade agreements 
are in force, namely, Trade Agreement No. 5, Chemical Sector, and Trade Agreement No. 13, 
Phonographic Sector.  These agreements comprise bila teral schemes which apply exclusively to trade 
between Venezuela and Uruguay. 
 
 The signing of the Fifteenth Additional Protocol of ECA No. 5, which liberalizes trade for nearly the entire tariff universe between Mexico  and Uruguay, rendered invalid Trade Agreement 
No. 18 (Photography Sector) and Trade Agreement No. 19 (Electronics and Electronic Communications Sector) as of 1 March 2001. 
 
B. E
CONOMIC COMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENTS (ANNEX 2) 
B.1. Additional protocols 
 The member countries of the Association have  been engaged in multiple negotiation activities 
related to the signing of additional protocols whic h amend the economic complementation agreements 
in effect between 1 September 1999 and 31 August 20 01.  Some of these amendments essentially deal 
with extending the validity of the preferences negotia ted, or, in some cases, expanding liberalization 
programmes through the granting of new preferences.  The following economic complementation agreements have been amended in accordance with the foregoing: 
  - Ecuador and Uruguay (ECA No. 28); 
 - Ecuador and Paraguay (ECA No. 30); 
 - Brazil and Colombia;  Ecuador;  Peru;  Venezuela (ECA No. 39);  - Cuba and Venezuela (ECA No. 40);  - Chile and Cuba (ECA No. 42).  
 Various kinds of amendments were ma de to the agreements which follow. 
 
ECA/1 (Argentina and Uruguay) 
  The conditions which apply from 1 January 2000 until 31 August 2001, and which govern 
reciprocal trade in automotive-sector products betw een Argentina and Uruguay, were established.  
It was also decided that, upon the entry into force of the MERCOSUR Agreement on Automotive 
Policy, all the operative provisions of the agreemen t relating to trade in automotive-sector products 
would be rendered invalid (Sixth Additional Protoc ol of 30/12/99;  Seve nth Additional Protocol 
of 4/5/2000;  Eighth Additional Protocol of 3/7/2 000;  Ninth Additional Protocol of 31/7/2000;  
Tenth Additional Protocol of 29/8/2000;  Elev enth Additional Protocol of 29/9/2000;  
Twelfth Additional Protocol of 31/10/2000;  Th irteenth Additional Protocol of 30/11/2000;  
Fourteenth Additional Protocol of 28/12/2000;  Fifteenth Additional Protocol of 12/2/2001;  
Sixteenth Additional Protocol of 1/3/2001;  Seve nteenth Additional Protocol of 30/3/2001;  
Eighteenth Additional Protocol of 30/4/2001;  Ni neteenth Additional Protocol of 31/5/2001;  
Twentieth Additional Protocol of 29/6/2001;  and Twenty-First Ad ditional Protocol of 31/7/2001). 
 
ECA/2 (Brazil and Uruguay) 
 
 Successive additional protocols establishe d the vehicle quotas which, for 2000 and 
until 30 September 2001, are provided for in the agreement's automotive regime, which regulates 
reciprocal trade in the sector.  These conditions will cease to be valid upon the entry into force of the 
MERCOSUR Agreement on Automotive Policy.  This y ear, both the period of validity of ECA No. 2 
and the tariff preferences established thereby have  been extended monthly (Twenty-Fifth Additional 
Protocol of 29 December 1999;  Twenty-Sixth Additional Protocol of 14 January 2000;   WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 7 
 
 
  Twenty-Seventh Additional Protocol of 28 Ap ril 2000;  Twenty-Eighth Additional Protocol 
of 14 July 2000;  Twenty-Ninth Additional Protocol of 31 July 2000;  Thir tieth Additional Protocol 
of 1 September 2000;  Thirty-First Additional Protocol of 29 September 2000;  Thirty-Second 
Additional Protocol of 31 October 2000;  Thirty-T hird Additional Protocol  of 30 November 2000;  
Thirty-Fifth Additional Protocol of 20 Decemb er 2000;  Thirty-Seventh Additional Protocol 
of 1 February 2001;  Thirty-Ninth Additional Pr otocol of 31 March 2001;  Forty-First Additional 
Protocol of 29 March 2001;  Forty-Third Additional Protocol of 30 April 2001;  
Forty-Fifth Additional Protocol of 31 May 2001;  Fo rty-Seventh Additional Prot ocol of 29 June 2001;  
Forty-Ninth Additional Protocol of 31 July 2001;  Fifty-First Additional Protocol of 27 August 2001). 
 
ECA/5 (Mexico and Uruguay) 
 
 By means of the Fifteenth Additional Protocol of 29 December 1999, an important amendment was made to the preferences granted a nd to the provisions which regulated trade between 
Mexico and Uruguay.  This protocol rendered in valid the bilateral agreements signed between 
the two countries, including those termed "trade agre ements;" it also incorporated a new liberalization 
programme more extensive and deta iled than the one previously in effect.  As a result of this 
amendment, both countries now grant each other tariff preferences of 100% for nearly the entire tariff 
universe.  Exempted from said liberalization progr amme were a total of 716 items (NALADISA/93) 
from the tariff universe granted by Mexico, and 307  items (NALADISA/93) from the tariff universe 
granted by Uruguay.  For a total of 693 items  (NALADISA/93), Uruguay grants a percentage 
preference of less than 100% which ranges around an  average of 53.3%.  This protocol also 
introduces standards for market access, standards for the implementation of sanitary and phytosanitary 
measures, and rules of origin which are specific to this agreement and which, consequently, apply to 
bilateral trade between the two parties.  
 This agreement is applied in accordance with the principles of balanced exchange and equity 
of benefits, and as a result, provides for corrective me chanisms in the event of a contrary situation. 
  The Sixteenth Additional Protocol of 29 December 1999 establishes a dispute settlement mechanism by means of which both countries are to  endeavour to resolve their disputes through 
consultation.  Where such consultation does not lead  to a mutually satisfactory solution, the parties 
may refer the dispute in question to an ad group of experts for consideration. 
  Although both protocols constitute a new econom ic complementation agreement between the 
parties, it was established that said protocols would enter into force after both parties had met the corresponding legal and notification requirements, a nd that they would be valid until an agreement 
between Mexico and MERCOSUR was approved.  These requirements having been met, the new 
agreement entered into force on 1 Ma rch 2001.  As these legal requirements were not met in a timely 
manner, the Seventeenth Additional Protocol of 22 December 2000 extended the validity of the 
preferences stipulated in ECA No. 5 from 1 January until 31 March 2001. 
 
ECA/6 (Argentina and Mexico) 
  The corresponding lists of products with new ta riff preferences were incorporated into the 
liberalization programme.  It was also decided that the agreement would include new disciplines 
related to "technical standards, technical regula tions, and conformity assessme nt procedures" and to 
"sanitary and phytosanitary measures" (Twe lfth Additional Protocol of 13 March 2001). 
 
 With regard to technical regulations and st andards, both parties confirm their rights and 
obligations as established in the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade of the WTO.  In parallel, 
the new standard establishes that each country may set the level of protection which it deems appropriate in order to achieve its legitimate obj ectives, and that each country shall do everything WT/COMTD/76 
Page 8  
 
  possible to accept as equivalent the technical regulations of the other signatory country.  
The signatories also undertake to adopt, insofar as possible, the corresponding ISO/IEC guidelines 
and standards.   As regards sanitary and phytosanitary measures, the parties, with a view to facilitating trade 
in agricultural and agro-food products, undertake to  implement the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary Measures.   By means of the Thirteenth Additional Prot ocol of 13 March 2001, the Dispute Settlement 
Mechanism was signed.  This mechanism is aimed at dealing with disputes which might arise in 
respect of the interpretation of, application of, or non-compliance with the provisions of this ECA.  
The new regulations establish that consultation and direct negotiation be tween the parties are to be the 
first approaches taken to reach a mutually satisfact ory solution.  Where a dispute cannot be resolved 
by means of these approaches, the standard allows an y of the parties to request the establishment of an 
ad hoc group of experts, which w ill have a period of 90 days within which to issue its conclusions. 
 
 Also established were the quotas, tariff treat ment, product scope, and origin requirements 
which will regulate automotive-sector trade betw een the two countries (Fourteenth Additional 
Protocol of 13 March 2001).  
ECA/8 (Mexico and Peru) 
  It was agreed that new tariff preferences would be added to the agreement's liberalization programme.  Although these new tariff preferences c oncern a reduced number of items, in all cases 
they reach a level of 100% (Fourth Additional Pr otocol of 28 February 2000).  This protocol 
incorporates a dispute settlement mechanism which est ablishes consultation as the first resort in the 
case of any possible differences which might arise betw een the signatories.  As is the case for ECA 5, 
where a mutually satisfactory solution cannot be reached via consultation, the dispute in question may be referred to an ad hoc group of experts for consideration. 
  Lastly, the Fourth Additional Protocol amended the period of validity of the agreement, which 
will be in force until 30 June 2002. 
 
ECA/14 (Argentina and Brazil) 
  The parties decided to incorporate the Mutu al Agreement on Automotive Policy between the 
Argentine Republic and the Federative Republic of Brazil.  This agreement entered into force 
on 1 August 2000 and lays the foundations for auto motive integration between the two countries.  
Its validity was extended until 31 December  2005 (Thirtieth Additional Protocol 
of 29 December 1999).   The following tariff levels, which will replace the corresponding domestic tariffs, were 
established for imports from countries which are not members of MERCOSUR: 
 
- 35% for automobiles (up to 1,500 kg), buses,  trucks, road tractors, chassis, trailers, 
semi-trailers, and bodies; 
 
- 14% for farm tractors, harvesters,  and self-propelled farm equipment; 
 
- the levels established for automotive parts in the CET remain unchanged. 
  Exempt from this tariff treatment are temporar y preferences, temporary exceptions, and tariff 
reductions concerning sector products  not produced in the MERCOSUR  zone.  It was agreed that  WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 9 
 
 
  these exceptions to the common external tariff are to coincide with the aforementioned levels 
by 31 December 2005.   Free trade was established for bilateral trade between Argentina and Brazil, provided that 
there is compliance with the specific origin requi rements and special conditions established in the 
agreement, all of which will be  in force until 31 December 2005.  Trade between the two countries 
will be regulated by means of a complex system of trade management based on  percentage margins of 
flexibility.  An automotive committee with repre sentatives from each coun try was also created.  
The primary function of the committee will be to cen tralize and systematize information and to apply 
operational controls to the agreement.  The Committ ee will also examine and determine the levels of 
annual flexibility for the years 2004 and 2005. 
 
ECA/16 (Argentina and Chile) 
  Added to the agreement were new standards for the free marketing and transport of liquid 
hydrocarbons (oil and natural gas and deri vatives thereof) between Argentina and Chile 
(Twenty-Fourth Additional Protocol of 6 December 1999).  This provision establishes that the parties 
may not introduce new restrictions to the trade in  and transport of hydrocarbons between the two 
countries.  The parties also undertake to deploy e fforts to eliminate existing administrative obstacles 
to the free circulation of these products.  This regul ation supersedes the regulation introduced by the 
Eighth Additional Protocol relating to the "Standa rds Which Regulate the Transport and Supply of 
Liquid Hydrocarbons between the Argentine Republic  (Neuquén Basin) and the Republic of Chile." 
  Within the framework of the standards regul ating electrical interconnection and electrical 
power supply between the two count ries, added to the agreement through the Twenty-First Additional 
Protocol, an agreement was estab lished to develop a national information system for the electricity 
market and for oversight of agents of the sector (Twenty-Fifth Additional Protocol of 19 May 2000). 
 
ECA/18 (Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay-Uruguay) 
  As approved by the Common Market Council through Decisions No. 3/00 and No. 58/00, certain aspects of the rules of origin of ECA 18 we re adapted.  These origin-related amendments were 
basically aimed at facilitating trade operator procedures (Twenty-Fourth and Twenty-Seventh 
Additional Protocols of 20 November 2000 and 29 D ecember 2000).  The parties decided to extend 
to 30 September 2001 the deadline for the mandatory  use of the MERCOSUR certificate of origin 
(Thirty-Third Additional Protocol of 20 July 2001).  
 For all purposes of this agreement, it was established that MERCOSUR Common 
Nomenclature (MCN) would be employed.  The tariff classification of goods will thus be expressed in compliance therewith.  As established by this provi sion, the countries undertake to deploy maximum 
efforts to fully incorporate into  their respective legal systems th e amendments to the MCN and the 
common external tariff (CET).  To that effect, 1 July  and 1 January of each year have been established 
as the dates of entry into force in each country of the amendments which may be made over the course 
of six months (Twenty-Fifth Additio nal Protocol of 4 December 2000). 
  Standards applicable to special import cust oms procedures which countries may have adopted 
unilaterally were adopted.  These regulations est ablish the commitment to entirely eliminate, 
by 1 January 2006, all procedures which have been ad opted thus and which involve the total or partial 
suspension of customs duties which are levied on th e temporary or permanent import of goods and the 
objective of which is not the upgrading and subsequent re-export of the resulting goods 
to third countries.  Special customs areas are ex empt from this commitment (Twenty-Sixth Additional 
Protocol of 29 December 2000).  WT/COMTD/76 
Page 10  
 
   The parties agreed to adopt the World Trad e Organization Agreement on Technical Barriers 
to Trade as the regulatory framework for the applica tion of technical standards, technical regulations, 
and conformity assessment procedures in domestic trade, reciprocal trade, and trade with other members of the WTO.  To that end, the parties unde rtake to ensure that work  carried out to establish 
said technical aspects among ECA 18 signatory countri es is compliant with th e disciplines established 
in the aforementioned WTO Agreement (Twenty-Eigh th Additional Protocol of 29 December 2000). 
  The parties agreed to empower the MERCOSU R Trade Commission (CCM) to adopt specific 
exceptional customs-related measures under given conditions.  Said measures will be aimed at 
ensuring the regular and smooth flow of product su pply in the MERCOSUR zone.  The measures are 
essentially based on permitting the adoption of tariff ra tes lower than those granted in the ECA.  
These tariff reductions are authorized so long as the imports to which they are applied are subject to 
quantitative quotas and they are issued within a maxi mum of 12 months.  This authorization applies to 
a maximum of 20 products per country, in accordance with MCN codes (eight digits), and the import 
tariff applied to products from third countries sha ll not be lower than 2%.  In exceptional cases, the 
CCM may authorize the application of 0% im port levies (Thirtieth Additional Protocol 
of 29 December 2000).   The Cooperation and Facilitation Agreemen t on the Protection of Plant Varieties 
in MERCOSUR States was incorporated into ECA 18.  This agreement ensures that in the 
other MERCOSUR countries, the breeder's rights are recognized and protected as they are in the 
countries party to this ECA.  This equal treatment of protection will apply only in respect of those 
varieties whose genus and/or species may be protected  in the country of the applicant (Thirty-Fourth 
Additional Protocol of 23 August 2001).  
ECA/22 (Bolivia and Chile) 
  The countries agreed to add to ECA 22 a provision concerning the non-application of global safeguard measures, referred to in Article XIX of the GATT and the WTO Agreement on Safeguards, 
to imports of originating goods included in Annex I of this agreement and with the expansions and 
amendments established in the Seventh and Tenth Ad ditional Protocols (Eleventh Additional Protocol 
of 15 November 2000).  Chilean market access c onditions for certain Bo livian products were 
amended until 31 December 2002 (Twelfth A dditional Protocol of  8 February 2001). 
 
ECA/32 (Chile and Ecuador) 
 
The Second Additional Protocol of 24 August 20 00 established that the Regulations on Dispute 
Settlement Procedures would be incorporated into  the agreement.  Under these Regulations, both 
countries will aim to settle their di sputes by means of consultation and direct negotiation.  Where it is 
not possible to reach a mutually satisfactory settleme nt through these means, provision is made for the 
dispute in question to be referred to the Administrative Commission of the Agreement for 
consideration.  If, after 30 days, it is unable to settle the dispute, the Administrative Commission shall 
immediately designate an ad hoc arbitral tribunal wh ich shall issue a decision within 30 days of its 
establishment;  said decision will be final and binding on all parties. 
  Incorporated into the agreemen t by the Third Additional Protocol of 24 January 2001 was the 
Agreement on Cooperation and Coor dination in Matters of Plant Protection and Animal Health 
between the Department of Plant Protection and An imal Health of the Republic of Ecuador and the 
Department of Agriculture of the Republic of Ch ile.  This new provision concerns the principles, 
standards, and procedures related to the zoosan itary and phytosanitary requirements which will 
regulate trade involving animals, plants, products, byproducts, and inputs for agricultural use between 
the two countries.  The agreement itself establishes the following objectives:  facilitating trade in said 
goods so as not to pose a zoosanitary or phytosanitary  risk to the parties;  preventing the introduction  WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 11 
 
 
  and spread of pests;  and improving plant an d animal health in both countries by means of 
cooperation programmes.   As provided for in the new agreement, both pa rties undertake to ensure that the development 
of the zoosanitary and phytosanitary requirements for trade in animals, plants, products, and 
byproducts will take into account domestic st andards and requirements, as well as the import 
standards and requirements of each country.  Compliance with the WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measur es is also stipulated.  Moreover, both parties 
undertake, inter alia, to follow the guidelines and adopt the standards of the FAO Convention on 
Phytosanitary Protection in matters of plant health ;  to follow the guidelines and adopt the standards 
of the World Organisation for Animal Health in matters  of animal health;  and to follow the guidelines 
and adopt the standards of the Codex Alimentarius in  matters of food safety.  However, the parties 
provide for the possibility of adopting a sanitary or phytosanitary measure which differs from the 
international standard, so long as there is scientific support and justification for such adoption.  
ECA/35 (MERCOSUR-Chile) 
 
 The Fifteenth Additional Protocol of 20 September 1999 incorporated the Safeguard Measures Regime into the agreement.  This agreement, which entered into force 
on 31 January 2000, enables countries to apply safe guard measures to products on the various tariff 
relief schedules.  Once free trade has been achieved,  safeguards may be applied only with the consent 
of the other party.  The conditions , nature, and duration of these measures are also established.  Said 
measures may not be in force for more than two years.   The parties approved a procedure for corrective action and instructions for completion of the 
certificate of origin (Sixteenth and Seventeenth  Additional Protocols of 20 September 1999).  
Also approved were specific instructions for certific ation of the origin of electrical energy exported 
through transmission lines (Nineteenth Additional Protocol).   The Twenty-First Additional Protocol of 19 October 1999 provided for the approval of the 
dispute settlement mechanism of the agreement.  By  means of this mechanism, both parties shall aim 
to settle their disputes through direct negotiation.  Where it is not possible to reach a mutually 
satisfactory settlement through direct negotiation, provi sion is made for the dispute in question to be 
referred to the Administrative Commission of the Agreement for consideration.  When it deems 
appropriate to do so, the Commission may seek expert  advice in order to issue its recommendations.  
If it is unable to settle the dispute within 30 days of establishing a group of experts, the Administrative 
Commission shall immediately designate an arbitral tribunal, which shall issue a decision 
within 60 days of its establishment;  said decisi on shall be final and binding on the parties.  
This adjudication shall take place within a maximum of 30 days.  It bears noting that, because the General Secretariat of LAIA had not been notified of compliance with the domestic legal provisions 
for its entry into force, on the date of this report,  this protocol had not yet entered into force;  
however, the Twenty-Second Additional Protocol of  19 October 1999 approved a temporary dispute 
settlement procedure, to be in effect until the en try into force of the aforementioned mechanism. 
 
 The Convention on Cooperation and Recipr ocal Assistance between the Customs 
Administrations of the States Party to MERCOSUR and the Republic of Chile for the Prevention of 
and Fight against Customs-Relate d Offences was incorporated into the agreement.  Under the 
Convention, the parties undertake to provide recipr ocal assistance and cooperation in order to prevent, 
investigate, and suppress any customs-related offen ce, both in matters of common interest and in 
matters affecting only one of the countries (Twent y-Third Additional Protocol of 14 December 1999). 
  The parties modified Article 2 of the agre ement, amending the deadline for settling on the 
tariff treatment to be granted to automotive industr y products (Annex 4) for reciprocal trade between WT/COMTD/76 
Page 12  
 
  Chile and Paraguay.  It was decided that said pr eferences were to be approved by 31 December 2001 
(Twenty-Fourth Additional Protocol of 8 Ma y 2000 and Twenty-Fifth Additional Protocol 
of 29 December 2000).  
ECA/36 (MERCOSUR-Bolivia) 
  The parties agreed to amend the certificat es of origin specifically in accordance with 
Article 15 of Annex 9 of ECA No. 36 (Fifth Additio nal Protocol of 27 September 1999 and Thirteenth 
Additional Protocol of 19 June 2001).  The parties a pproved instructions for certification of the origin 
of mineral products which are exported via pipeline (Ninth Additional Protocol  of 19 June 2001).  
The parties established a new period, from 15 December 2000 to 30 June 2001, for the special 
origin-related treatment given to certain products  (products with non-originating materials which 
exceed 60% of value;  Tenth Additional Protoc ol of 19 June 2001).  The parties established a 
transitional origin regime for two items and a quota which Argentina grants to Bolivia with a 
preference of 85%, which will be in force until 31 December 2001 (Twelfth Additional Protocol 
of 19 June 2001). 
  Also approved was the dispute settlement mech anism, which aims to settle disputes which 
might arise in respect of the interpretation of, appli cation of, or non-compliance with the provisions in 
this agreement.  By means of this mechanism, th e parties shall aim to settle their disputes through 
direct negotiation.  Where it is not possible to r each a mutually satisfactory solution through direct 
negotiation, provision is made for the dispute in question to be referred to the Administrative 
Commission of the Agreement for consideration.   When it deems appropriate to do so, the 
Commission may seek the advice of experts or specialized organizations in order to issue its recommendations.  If it is unable to settle the dispute within 30 days of establishing a group of experts, the Administrative Commissi on shall immediately designate an  arbitral tribunal, which shall 
issue a decision within 60 days of its establishment;  said decision shall be final and binding on the 
parties.  This adjudication shall take place w ithin a maximum of 30 days (Eleventh Additional 
Protocol of 19 June 2001).  
ECA/39 (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela  
[Andean Community Member Countries], and Brazil) 
  Through the Third Additional Protocol of 8 August 2001, the parties extend 
until 31 December 2001 both the period of validity of the agreement and the tariff preferences, and 
also reaffirm their will to continue negotiations with a view to signing an economic complementation 
agreement between MERCOSUR and Andean Commun ity member countries in order to ultimately 
create a free trade area. 
 
B.2 Signing of new agreements 
 In total, 11 economic complementation agreem ents were signed in the two-year period 
between 1 September 1999 a nd 31 August 2001.  These ECAs are described below. 
 
Economic Complementation Agreement No. 41, 
Signed by Chile and México on 17 April 1998 
 
 This is a wide-ranging bilateral agreement signed by Chile and Mexico and known as the 
"Free Trade Agreement" by both parties.  It is regi stered as No. 41 at the Association.  This agreement 
was signed on 17 April 1998, entered into for ce on 15 September 1999, and rendered Economic 
Complementation Agreement No. 17 invalid.   WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 13 
 
 
   Through this agreement, the parties estab lish a free trade area, in accordance with the 
provisions of Article XXIV of the GA TT 1994 and of Article V of the GATS. 
  The main characteristics of the new agreement are described below.   Objectives 
 
 The basic objectives of this agreement, develope d specifically through its principles and rules, 
including those concerning national treatment, most -favoured-nation treatment , and transparency, are 
as follows:  to stimulate the expansion and diversifica tion of trade;  to eliminate barriers to trade in 
goods and services;  to promote fair competition in the free-trade area (FTA);  to increase investment 
opportunities;  to protect intellectual property rights;  to lay the foundations for cooperation;  to create 
mechanisms for settlement of disputes between the parties.  
 National treatment 
 
 Article 3-03 establishes that a signatory countr y shall accord to the products of the other 
country treatment no less favourable than that accorded to like products of national origin.  
Such treatment is applied in compliance with Article III of th e GATT 1994 and its interpretative 
notes, which are an integral part of the agreement.  
Tariff elimination 
  Through this agreement, the parties undertake to eliminate all customs tariffs on originating 
goods upon the entry into force of the agreement.  
 However, each country adopted a reduced list of products which are exempt from free trade 
and in respect of which the parties undertake to conduct consultation so as to accelerate the 
incorporation of said products into the FTA.  Both countries' respective lists contain lobsters, prawns, 
king prawns, powdered milk, cheese, apples, grapes, wh eat, barley, oil, sugar, cigarettes, petroleum, 
natural gas, and apparel.   Non-tariff measures 
 
 The parties undertake not to adopt or mainta in any prohibitions or restrictions on imports, 
except as provided for in Article XI of the GATT 1994.  The parties expressly understand that the 
rights and obligations under GATT 1994 prohibit export price requirements and import price 
requirements. 
 
 Agricultural export subsidies 
 
 The parties undertake not to maintain or introduce agricultural export subsidies as 
of January 2003.  As of said date, they waive their rights in respect of the use of subsidies which may 
result from multilateral negotiations on agricultura l trade within the framework of the WTO. 
 
 Rules of origin 
 
 Chapter 4 of the agreement establishes the appli cable standards respecting the qualification of 
the origin of goods traded between the countries. 
 WT/COMTD/76 
Page 14  
 
   In accordance with the provisions of Article 4-03, a good shall be deemed an originating good 
where:  
- it is obtained wholly or produced entirely in the territory of one or both of the parties, 
according to the definition in Article 4-01; 
 
- it is produced in the territory of one or both of the parties exclusively using material 
which qualifies as originating material  in accordance with this chapter; 
 
- it is produced in the territory of one or  both of the parties using non-originating 
material which meets a tariff classifi cation change requirement and other 
requirements, as specified in Annex 4-03,  and the good complies with the other 
applicable provisions in this chapter; 
 
- it is produced in the territory of one or  both of the parties using non-originating 
material which meets a tariff classifi cation change requirement and other 
requirements, and the good complies with a regional-content value requirement, as 
specified in Annex 4-03, and with the other applicable provisions in this chapter; 
 
- it is produced in the territory of one or both of the parties and complies with a 
regional-content value requirement, as specifi ed in Annex 4-03, and with the other 
applicable provisions in this chapter;  or 
 
- excepting goods included in chapters 61 to 63 of the Harmonized System, the good is 
produced in the territory of one or both of the parties, but one or more of the non-originating materials used in the production of said good do not meet a tariff 
classification change requirement because: 
 
(i) the good has been imported to the territory of one of the parties unassembled, 
but is classified as an assembled good acco rding to rule 2(a) of the General 
Interpretative Rules of the Harmonized System;  or 
 
(ii) the heading for the good is the same both for the good and for its components, 
which it describes specifically, and eith er said heading is not divided into 
subheadings or the subheading is the same both for the good and for its components, which it describes specifically. 
 
 A good shall be deemed an originating good provided that the regional content value of the 
good is not lower than 50%, where the transacti on value method is used, or not lower than 40%, 
where the net cost method is used, and provided that the good complies with the other provisions 
applicable to this chapter, unl ess the applicable Annex 4-03 rule under which the good is classified 
specifies a different regional content value re quirement, in which case said requirement must 
be applied. 
 
 The production of a good using non-originating ma terials which meet the requirements of a 
change in tariff classification and other requireme nts (Annex 4-03) shall take place entirely in the 
territory of one or both of the parties, and the re gional content value requirement of a good shall be 
met entirely in the territory of one or both of the parties. 
 
Annex 4-03, referred to above, contains the speci fic rules of origin with which the products 
listed therein must comply.   WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 15 
 
 
   Safeguard clauses 
 
 Chapter 6 of the agreement establishes the po ssibility of applying safeguard measures aimed 
at repairing or preventing the serious injury or threat of injury resulting from significant import volumes.  These measures may only be applied during the transition period established for duty relief 
for the goods exempted from the FTA.  The meas ures may be bilateral and shall consist of the 
following:  (a) a suspension of future reductions in  any tariff rates established;  (b) a tariff rate 
increase to previous levels.  Application of this sa feguard shall begin no later than one year after the 
start date of the procedure and shall be valid for a maximum of one year.  
 For the application of global safeguard measures, the parties shall conserve their rights and 
obligations to apply safeguards in accordan ce with Article XIX of the GATT 1994 and 
the WTO Agreement on Safeguards.  
 Sanitary and phytosanitary measures 
 
 Both countries undertake to prevent sanitary  and phytosanitary measures from constituting 
barriers to trade;  to that end,  they establish that each party sh all be governed by the standards, 
guidelines, and international recommendations in force in order to harmonize or make them 
compatible with those of the other party.  Howe ver, provision is also made for the possibility of 
adopting a sanitary or phytosanitary measure which pr ovides a level of protection different from that 
of the international standard, so long as there is scientific justification for it. 
  A party shall accept as equivalent the sanitary and phytosanitary measures of the other party, 
even where they differ from its own, so long as sci entific information is provided to prove that said 
measures afford the appropriate level of protection vis-à-vis  the other party.  Notification 
commitments were also adopted, and the Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, which 
is comprised of representatives from each party an d whose primary function is to coordinate and 
apply the relevant provisions  approved, was established. 
 
 Standards-related measures 
 
 As a general rule, the parties undertake to apply, in addition to the provisions of the 
WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade, the pr ovisions of this ECA.  Each party may set the 
level of protection it deems appropriate to meet its legitimate objectives, and may also develop, adopt, 
apply, and maintain the standards-related measure s which ensure the achievement of its legitimate 
objectives, as well as measures which ensure the application of and compliance with these 
standards-related measures, including authorization procedures. 
   The parties undertake not to adopt, maintain, or  apply standards-related measures which entail 
the creation of unnecessary barriers to trade.  
 In respect of technical regulations and standards, the parties established national treatment 
and treatment no less favourable than that accorded to  like products and to suppliers of like services 
from any other country.  A commitment to transpar ency was established, and the Standards-Related 
Measures Committee, whose ma in task is to ensure the monitoring, application, and administration of 
the relevant matters agreed upon, was created. 
 WT/COMTD/76 
Page 16  
 
   Services 
 
 The agreement is based on the principle of national treatment and of most-favoured-nation 
treatment.  It also establishes a commitment to adopting measures conducive to the liberalization of 
bilateral trade in services.  To that end, the parties undertake to ensure that negotiations on the 
liberalization of quantitative restrictions are carried out  on a periodic basis of at least every two years. 
  Each party shall prepare a list indicating the quantitative restrictions it maintains on a national, federal, or state level.  
 Future negotiations, to be convened by the Co mmission, shall further develop the degree of 
liberalization established in the various service sectors.  Commitments in these areas do not include the financial sector, air services, government procur ement, or subsidies or donations granted to a 
State-owned corporation.  
 Specific standards were established in respect of the treatment of telecommunications, 
professional services, air transport services, and the temporary entry of business people.  
 Policy in respect of competition, mono poly, and State-owned corporations 
 
 The parties agreed to promote the adoption of measures aimed at prohibiting business 
practices inconsistent with competition.  The pa rties acknowledge the impor tance of cooperation and 
coordination between their respective authorities in order to support the effective application of any 
legislation governing competition in the FTA.   In respect of the sale of goods and services concerning State-owned corporations, each party 
undertakes to accord non-discriminatory treatment to investment from the other party. 
 
 Other provisions 
 
 The agreement also contains provisions in respect of customs procedures, investment, 
intellectual property, and dispute settlement. 
 
 As explicitly stipulated by the parties, upon the entry into force of this agreement, the 
preferences and standards established by both count ries in ECA No. 17 were rendered invalid. 
 
Economic Complementation Agreements Signed by Cuba with ALADI Countries 
during the Period in Question 
 
 As mentioned in the last report, upon its co mpliance with the requirements for membership, 
Cuba became a full member of the 1980 Treaty of Montevideo in August 1999.  At the time of its 
admission into LAIA, Cuba had signe d partial-scope agreements unde r Article 25 of the 1980 Treaty 
of Montevideo with nine of the Association's 11 member countries. 
 
 The common feature of all the above-mentioned agreements was preferential treatment based 
on duty relief for a list of products for which trade liberalization was sought through preferential tariff 
treatment vis-à-vis  like products originating in third c ountries.  Five of these agreements 
(Argentina/Cuba, Brazil/Cuba, Mexico/Cuba, Uruguay /Cuba, and Venezuela/Cuba) were relatively 
simple, given that they exclusively contained provi sions related to the granting of tariff preferences 
and the relevant trade policy measures.   The four remaining agreements (Bo livia/Cuba, Colombia /Cuba, Ecuador/Cuba, 
and Peru/Cuba) contained somewhat more extensiv e commitments, since they were signed after the  WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 17 
 
 
  GATT Uruguay Round and, as a result, in addition to the traditional standards applicable to trade in 
goods, they incorporated subjects affecting economic  and cultural relations between the parties as a 
whole.  These four agreements, to varying degrees, provided for commitments in respect of services, 
intellectual property, investment, technical standa rds, and unfair trade practices.  However, the 
regulations governing these matters were not well developed and were almost entirely 
generically articulated. 
  As a result of the admission of Cuba as a LAIA member country, the aforementioned 
agreements were adapted to the economic comp lementation agreement model and updated and 
converted to NALADISA 96. 
 
 Beginning in August 1999 and until the date of this report, the governments of Venezuela, 
Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Ecuador, Bolivia, Colo mbia, Peru, and Mexico agreed to sign economic 
complementation agreements with Cuba.  These economic complementation agreements, having 
practically the same scope, render invalid and supersede the corres ponding partial-scope agreements 
signed under Article 25. 
  Economic complementation agreements were al so signed with Chile and Paraguay, countries 
with which Cuba did not have preferential arra ngements at the time of its admission into LAIA. 
  The economic complementation agreements signed by Cuba within the framework of 
the 1980 Treaty of Montevideo (TM 80) are as follows: 
 
- ECA with Venezuela:  Signed on 27 A ugust 1999 (Agreement No. 40);  superseded 
Agreement A25TM/28.  The information on th is agreement is included in the report 
covering the period from 1 January 1997 to 31 August 1999 and duly submitted to 
the WTO. 
- ECA with Chile:  Signed on 20 December 1999 (Agreement No. 42). - ECA with Brazil:  Signed on 22 December  1999 (Agreement No. 43);  superseded 
Agreement A25TM/25.  On 19 January 2001 , the First Additional Protocol, which 
expands the agreement's libera lization programme, was signed. 
- ECA with Uruguay:  Signed on 23 December 1999 (Agreement No. 44);  superseded 
Agreement A25TM/17.  On 28 December 2000,  the First Additional Protocol, in 
which the annexes containing the preferen ces granted are entirely superseded, was 
signed. 
- ECA with Argentina:  Signed on 30 Decem ber 1999 (Agreement No. 45);  superseded 
Agreement A25TM/4.  On 30 April 2001, the First Additional Protocol, which 
extended the preferences granted, was signed. 
- ECA with Ecuador:  Signed on 10 May 2 000 (Agreement No. 46);  superseded 
Agreement A25TM/32. 
- ECA with Bolivia:  Signed on 8 May 2000 (Agreement No. 47);  superseded 
Agreement A25TM/34. 
- ECA with Colombia:  Signed on 15 Se ptember 2000 (Agreement No. 49);  
superseded Agreement A25TM/33. WT/COMTD/76 
Page 18  
 
  - ECA with Peru:  Signed on 5 October 2000 (Agreement No. 50);  superseded 
Agreement A25TM/30. 
- ECA with Mexico:  Signed on 16 Octobe r 2000 (Agreement No. 51);  superseded 
Agreement A25TM/12. 
- ECA with Paraguay:  Signed on 20 November 2000 (Agreement No. 52). 
 All of the above are multisectoral agreements w ith fixed percentage preferences accorded to a 
list of products negotiated selectively.  In additio n to the traditional trade policy standards which 
accompany tariff preferences, all these agreements also include, inter alia , commitments relating to 
technical standards, intellectual property, services, investment, and unfair trade practices.  
 For illustrative purposes, below are the charact eristics of ECA No. 42, signed by Chile and 
Cuba.  In terms of the regulatory structure, the sco pe of ECA No. 42 is similar to that of the other 
economic complementation agreem ents negotiated by Cuba within the framework of TM 80. 
 
Economic Complementation Agreement No. 42,  
Signed by Chile and Cuba  
on 20 December 1999 
  The governments of both countries, invoking the will to deepen the economic and trade relationships between their countries, and ther eby strengthening the drive behind the regional 
integration process, agreed to sign an economic complementation agreement on 20 December 1999. 
 
 Objective 
 
 The agreement has the following objectives:  
(a) to facilitate, expand, dive rsify, and promote trade and all trade-related operations 
between the parties; 
(b) to ensure that bilateral foreign trade flows are established on harmonized and 
balanced bases; 
(c) to strengthen trade by means of the granting of tariff preferences and the elimination 
or reduction of non-tariff restrictions;  and 
(d) to adopt and develop the necessary measures to invigorate the integration process, to 
which end cooperation, investment, and economic complementation measures will 
be promoted. 
 Tariff preferences 
 
 The parties agree to grant each other tariff preferences based on a selective list of products 
contained in Annexes I and II to the agreement.   The aforementioned tariff preferences consis t of a most-favoured-nation tariff percentage 
reduction in the case of Cuba, and a percentage  reduction in the domestic tariff in force 
for third countries in the case of Chile.  The partie s may, by mutual agreement and at any time, amend 
the product lists and the preferences granted. 
  WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 19 
 
 
   The Parties shall grant tariff preferences of 100% on the charges applied to third countries.  
These preferences are established in NALADISA/96 and are comprised of 286 items for Chile and 879 items for Cuba.  
 Non-tariff restrictions 
 
 As of the entry into force of the ag reement, except for measures aimed at, inter alia , 
the protection of public morals, safety, or the prot ection of human, animal, and plant life and health, 
the parties shall not adopt or maintain rest rictions on the import of negotiated products. 
  Domestic tax treatment 
 
 In respect of taxes, fees, and other domestic ch arges, products originating in the territory of a 
party shall, in the territory of the other party, be accorded treatment no less favourable than that 
applicable to domestic products under like circumstances. 
 
 Rules of origin 
 
 In accordance with the First Additional Protoc ol, imports under the agreement shall be subject 
to the rules for determining the origin of goods wh ich are stipulated in the General Rules of Origin 
established by Resolution 252 of the LAIA Committee of Representatives. 
 
 Safeguard clauses 
 
 The parties may apply temporary corrective action where the import quantities or conditions 
of any of the products included in the agreement are such that they cause or threaten to cause serious 
injury to identical similar, or simply competing domestic goods. 
  A safeguard may last for up to one year, but may be extended by the same length of time where the causes for its application persist.  It sh all consist of a tariff increase which shall not exceed 
the lowest of the most-favoured-nation tariff in th e case of Cuba, and the domestic tariff in force for 
third countries in the case of Chile.  This increas e shall be applied when the measure is adopted. 
 
 Where, in accordance with Article XIX of the GATT 1994, one of the parties applies a 
safeguard to products in the liberalization programme  of the agreement, said party shall exclude from 
it imports from the other party which do not si gnificantly contribute to the constituting of 
serious injury. 
 
 Unfair international trade pr actices (dumping and subsidies) 
 
 In cases of dumping or subsidies, the par ties may establish and apply anti-dumping and 
countervailing duties in accordance with their respec tive national laws and in compliance with the 
relevant provisions of the agre ement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures of the World Trade 
Organization (WTO). 
 
 Trade in Services 
 
 In order to facilitate the rendering of services by one party to another, primarily in the areas of 
air and maritime transport, the Administrative Commission of the Agreement is empowered to 
initiate, within a maximum of one year, the meas ures it deems necessary in the area of trade in 
services, taking into account the General Agreemen t on Trade in Services of the World Trade 
Organization (WTO).  WT/COMTD/76 
Page 20  
 
   Technical regulations and standards, sanitary and phytosanitary measures 
 
 The parties undertake to apply the provisions  of the Agreement on Technical Barriers to 
Trade and the Agreement on the Application of Sa nitary and Phytosanitary Measures of the WTO. 
 
 The Administrative Commission of the Agreement will study the parties' industrial technical 
standards and regulations, public health requirement s, and phytosanitary and zoosanitary standards, 
and will recommend measures to prevent these c ontrols from becoming barriers to trade. 
 
 Intellectual property 
 
 The parties undertake to periodically review b ilateral relations in the field of intellectual 
property.  The parties undertake to ensure that me asures to protect intellectual property do not become 
barriers to trade.  Both countries shall be govern ed by the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of 
Intellectual Property Rights approved within the framework of the WTO. 
 
 Trade cooperation 
 
 The parties shall favour trade cooperation in order to make the best possible use of the 
preferences granted and of trade opportun ities.  Said cooperation shall concern, inter alia , trade 
promotion and dissemination programmes, custom s programmes, zoosanitary and phytosanitary 
standards, transport, communications, and other services. 
 
 Dispute settlement 
 
 Disputes which may arise in respect of the in terpretation of, application of, execution of, or 
non-compliance with the provisions of the agreement shall be resolved preferably through 
direct consultation.   The Administrative Commission was authorized to establish, within one year, a dispute 
settlement mechanism.  Otherwise, th e WTO mechanism shall be applied. 
  Administration and review of the agreement 
 
 The parties shall annually review the provisions  of and preferences granted by the agreement 
in order to ensure greater integrational pr ogress and equitable benefits for both countries. 
 
 The agreement shall be overseen by an admini strative commission.  In Chile, the Directorate 
General for International Economic Re lations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall preside over the 
commission.  In Cuba, the Ministry of Fo reign Trade shall preside over the commission. 
 
 Entry into force and duration 
 
 The agreement shall be in force as of the da te on which both governments have incorporated 
it into their respective legal systems.   The agreement shall be in force for a three- year period which may be automatically extended 
by the same length of time, provided that neither of  the parties expresses, at least 90 days prior to the 
period's termination, its intention not to effect such extension. 
  WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 21 
 
 
   Termination 
 
 Either party may terminate the agreement by  notice to the other party at any time.  
Such termination shall take effect 180 days after said notice.   Accession 
 
 The agreement shall be open to acc ession, upon negotiation, by the remaining 
LAIA countries.  
 The remaining agreements signed by Cuba are briefly described below. 
 
Economic Complementation Agreement No.43,  
Signed by Brazil and Cuba  
on 22 December 1999 
 
 Objectives 
 
 "[…] to dynamically promote growing and balan ced trade [...] and, taking into account the 
respective degrees of economic development, to estab lish concessions which enable the strengthening 
and stimulating of trade flows;  to ensure the greatest qualitative diversification of trade possible;  and 
to ensure the analysis, to the degree possible, of th e special status of certain products of interest to 
both signatory countries".  
 Market access 
 
 This agreement grants percentage preferences relating to the charges applicable to imports 
from third countries and on the national tariff in fo rce.  The signatories undertake not to adopt new 
measures or non-tariff restrictions on reciprocal trad e in the products negotiated in this agreement, 
and, except for such restricti ons as referred to in Article 50 of the 1980 Treaty of Montevideo, 
non-tariff restrictions on said products are eliminated.  
Economic Complementation Agreement No. 44,  
Signed by Cuba and Uruguay  
on 23 December 1999 
 
 Objectives 
 
 "To strengthen and stimulate the flow of trade [...], by supporting the inclusion of primary commodities and manufactured goods in such trade;  to  consider [...] the special status of certain 
products of interest to both count ries and to adopt and develop the necessary measures to stimulate the 
integration process in Latin America."   Market access 
 
  This agreement grants percentage preferences in  respect of the charges applicable to imports 
from third countries.  The signatories undertake not to adopt new measures or non-tariff restrictions on reciprocal trade in the products negotiated and not to maintain restrictions other than those 
provided for under Article 50 of the 1980 Treaty of Montevideo and under Articles XX and XXI of 
the GATT 1994.   The NALADISA/96 preferences granted by Cuba  comprise 200 items, with an average level 
of 84.8%;  those granted by Uruguay comprise 273 items, with an average level of 85%. WT/COMTD/76 
Page 22  
 
   
Economic Complementation Agreement No. 45,  
Signed by Cuba and Argentina on  
30 December 1999 
  Objectives 
 
 "To drive trade [...] through the reduction or elimination of charges and other restrictions applied to the import of products included in the [...] agreement [...]".   Market access 
 
 This agreement grants percenta ge tariff reductions or preferences in respect of the charges 
applicable to imports from third countries.  Except for such restrictions as referr ed to in Article 50 of 
the 1980 Treaty of Montevideo and in Articles XX and XXI of the GATT 1994, the signatories 
undertake to reduce or eliminate the charges and othe r restrictions applied to the import of products 
negotiated in this agreement.   The NALADISA/96 preferences granted by Argent ina are classified under 84 items, with an 
average level of 62.8%;  those granted by C uba refer to 27 items, with a level of 100%. 
 
Economic Complementation Agreement No. 46,  
Signed by Cuba and Ecuador  
on 10 May 2000 
 
 Objectives 
 
 Inter alia , "to facilitate, expand, diversify, and promote trade [...] and trade-related 
operations;  to ensure that trade flows [...] ar e established on harmonized and balanced bases;  to 
strengthen trade by means of the granting of tari ff and non-tariff preferences [...];  to stimulate 
development of joint investment [...]".   Market access 
 
 Percentage tariff preferences are granted in r espect of the charges applied to imports of 
negotiated products originating in Cuba and Ecuador.  With the exception of the restrictions under 
Article 50 of the 1980 Treaty of Montevideo a nd Articles XX and XXI of the GATT 1994, non-tariff 
restrictions for products negotiated in the agreement are eliminated. 
  Taxes, fees, and other domestic char ges are subject to national treatment. 
 
Economic Complementation Agreement No. 47,  
Signed by Cuba and Bolivia  
on 8 May 2000 
 
 Objectives 
 
 Inter alia , "to motivate the generation and growth of trade flows [...];  to adopt and develop 
the necessary measures to ensure greater integration [ ...];  to strengthen trade through the granting of 
tariff and non-tariff preferences between the two countries".   WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 23 
 
 
   Trade liberalization 
 
 Percentage tariff preferences are established in respect of customs duties and any other surcharges having equivalent effects on the import of  negotiated products originating in the countries 
signatory to this agreement.  The signatories ag ree to prevent the application of measures which 
hinder reciprocal trade and the non-application and e limination of non-tariff restrictions for the export 
and import of the products included in the trade liberalization programme.   The preferences negotiated comprise a tariff universe of 103 NALADISA/96 items.  The preferences granted by Bolivia cover 103 items , while those granted by Cuba cover 96 items.  
Ad valorem  percentage preferences for both countries reach 100%. 
 
Economic Complementation Agreement No. 49,  
Signed by Cuba and Colombia  
on 15 September 2000 
 
 Objectives 
 
 "To facilitate, expand, diversify,  and promote trade [...] and al l trade-related operations;  to 
ensure that bilateral foreign trade flows are es tablished on harmonized and balanced bases;  to 
strengthen trade by means of the granting of tari ff and non-tariff preferences between Colombia 
and Cuba."  With the exception of those under Article 50 of the 1980 Treaty of Montevideo 
and Articles XX and XXI of the GATT 1994, th e signatories also agree to immediately 
eliminate non-tariff restrictions for negotiated products.  
 Market access 
 
 Percentage tariff preferences are granted in respect of import charges on negotiated products 
originating in and consigned from the territory of th e parties.  Taxes, fees, and other domestic charges 
are subject to national treatment.   As regards preferences negotiated in NALADISA/96, Colombia grants 535 items, 
and Cuba, 980.  In the two cases, preference levels are 50% and 100%. 
 
Economic Complementation Agreement No. 50,  
Signed by Cuba and Peru on  
5 October 2000 
 
 Objectives 
 
  "To facilitate, expand, divers ify, and promote trade [...] a nd all trade-related operations;  
to ensure that bilateral foreign trade flows ar e established on harmonized and balanced bases;  
to increase and diversify trade through the grantin g of tariff and non-tariff preferences between the 
parties [...]" 
 
 Market access 
 
 Percentage tariff preferences are granted in r espect of the charges applied to imports from 
third countries, and non-tariff restrictions are elim inated for negotiated products.  Taxes, fees, and 
other domestic charges are subject to national treatment.   As regards preferences negotiated in NALADI SA/96, Cuba grants 513 items, and Peru, 192.  
The levels of preferences granted are 20%, 30%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, and 100%. WT/COMTD/76 
Page 24  
 
   
Economic Complementation Agreement No. 51,  
Signed by Cuba and Mexico  
on 16 October 2000 
  Objectives 
 
 "To facilitate and stimulate the flow of trade [...], to support the inclusion of primary commodities and manufactured goods in such trade;  to  consider [...] the special status of certain 
products of interest [...];  to adopt and devel op the necessary measures to stimulate the integration 
process in Latin America, for which economic comp lementation and cooperation measures [...] will 
be promoted;  and to drive and diversify trade be tween both countries [...] through the reduction or 
elimination of charges and other restrictions appli cable to the import of products" from both countries. 
 
 Market access 
 
The signatories agree to grant permanent, temporary, or seasonal differential percentage 
preferences which are subject to import quotas or  which may apply to products in one or more 
sections of NALADISA.  These preferences apply to pr oducts originating in and consigned from both 
countries and to the most-favoured-nation tariff.  With the exception of those under Article 50 of 
the 1980 Treaty of Montevideo and Articles XX and XXI of the GATT 1994, the signatories also 
agree to eliminate non-tariff restrictions fo r products negotiated in the agreement. 
  As regards preferences negotiated in NALADISA /96, Cuba grants preferences to products 
classified under 150 headings, and Mexico, to prod ucts classified under 322 headings.  There are 
four preference levels:  37.5% (Cuba);   50%;  75% (Mexico);  and 100%. 
 
Economic Complementation Agreement No. 52,  
Signed by Cuba and Paraguay  
on 20 November 2000 
 
 Objectives 
 
 "To facilitate, expand, diversify, and promote tr ade in goods [...];  to ensure that bilateral 
trade flows are established on predictable, transparen t, and balanced bases;  [...] to strengthen trade 
through the granting of tariff preferences and the re duction or elimination of non-tariff restrictions 
[...];  to adopt and develop the necessary meas ures to stimulate the integration process in 
Latin America [...]". 
 
Market access 
 
 Percentage tariff preferences are granted in r espect of the charges applied to imports from 
third countries, and non-tariff restrictions are elim inated for negotiated products.  To this end, the 
corresponding lists specify the products included in the liberalization programme.  Taxes, fees, and 
other domestic charges are subject to national treatment.   WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 25 
 
 
  Economic Complementation Agreement No. 48,  
Signed by Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela  
(Andean Community Member Countries), and Argentina 
 
 Objective 
 
 By signing this agreement, the parties undertake to establish fixed margins of preference as a 
first step toward creating a free trade area between the Andean Community and MERCOSUR. 
 
 Trade liberalization 
 
 Both Argentina, on the one hand, and the Andean Community member countries, on the other, agreed to reciprocally grant a series of ta riff preferences for the import of the selectively 
negotiated products expressly included in the ag reement.  These preferences consist of fixed 
percentage reductions applied to the respective import  tariffs which are applicable to third countries 
(Annexes I and II to the agreement).  A special list of  products is also established;  by means of this 
list, Ecuador receives exclusive tariff preferen ces from Argentina (Annex III to the agreement). 
  In respect of recipro cal trade, the part ies agree not to maintain or introduce new non-tariff 
restrictions which may affect the products included in the agreement. 
  Rules of origin 
 
 The benefits derived from the agreement apply to products which qualify as originating in the 
territory of the signatory countries in accordance w ith the General Rules of Origin provided for in 
Resolution 252 of the LAIA Committee of Representa tives.  Annex IV to the agreement establishes 
specific origin requirements applicable to certain products. 
 
 National treatment 
 
 As regards national treatment, the agreement est ablishes that the parties shall be governed by 
the provisions of Article 46 of the 1980 Treaty of  Montevideo and Article III of the GATT 1994.  
The parties may take measures in accordance with  the commitments they have undertaken in the 
agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures of the WTO.  
 Valuation for customs purposes 
 
 The parties shall comply with the commitmen ts undertaken within the framework of the 
agreement and concerning the application of Artic le VII of the GATT 1994 and with Resolution 226 
of the LAIA Committee of Representatives.  
 Anti-dumping and countervailing measures 
 
 As regards these matters, the parties agreed to be governed by their respective domestic 
legislation.  Said legislation shall be consiste nt with the corresponding agreements in force at 
the WTO.  
 Safeguard clauses 
 
 The parties agreed to comply with the provisi ons of Resolution 70 of the LAIA Committee of 
Representatives as regards the products included in the liberalization programme.  However, it is 
stipulated that said provisions shall not hinder the due application of the Agreement on Safeguards of 
the WTO. WT/COMTD/76 
Page 26  
 
   
 Technical barriers to trade and sa nitary and phytosanitary measures 
 
 The parties undertake not to adopt, maintain, or apply technical regulations, conformity 
assessment procedures, metrological provisions, or sanitary or phytosanitary measures which 
constitute unnecessary barriers to trade.  To this e nd, specific provision is made to ensure that these 
matters are governed by the WTO Agreement on T echnical Barriers to Trade, the WTO Agreement 
on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, and the LAIA Framework Agreement for 
Trade Promotion through the Overcoming of Technical Barriers to Trade.   Dispute settlement 
 
 The agreement establishes a dispute settlement mechanism by means of which disputes which might arise from the execution of the agreement are to  be resolved through reciprocal consultation and 
direct negotiation which must take place with in a maximum period of 30 calendar days.  
Upon agreement by the parties, said period may be ex tended by an identical period.  Upon the lapse of 
the aforementioned periods, the parties shall refer the matter to the Administrative Commission of the 
Agreement for consideration.  The Commission shall meet to discuss the dispute, and after assessing the situation, shall issue, within 45 days, the relevant recommendations in order to settle the dispute.  
To that end, the Commission may call upon expert groups to provide the technical advice it deems pertinent. 
 
 Entry into force 
 
 The agreement entered into force on 1 Au gust 2000, valid until 15 August 2001, and 
renewable through the agreement of the parties.  In the event of the signing of an economic 
complementation agreement establishing a free trade area between MERCOSUR and the 
Andean Community, the agreement shal l be superseded by the new ECA. 
  The entry into force of this agreement rendered invalid the tariff preferences and associated 
standards included in the following:  Economic  Complementation Agreement No. 11 between 
Argentina and Colombia;  Economic Complement ation Agreement No. 21 between Argentina and 
Ecuador;  Economic Complement ation Agreement No. 9 between Argentina and Peru;  and 
Economic Complementation Agreement No. 20 between  Argentina and Venezuela.  However, it is 
stipulated that the provisions of these agreements  and of their protocols which concern matters not 
covered by the new agreement shall remain in force,  as will the provisions of these agreements and of 
their protocols which are not inconsistent with the new agreement. 
 
B.3 Economic Complementation Agreements rendered invalid 
 As mentioned in section B.2, the signing of ECA 41 between Chile and Mexico rendered 
invalid the preferences and binding standard s of Partial-Scope Economic Complementation 
Agreement No. 17 signed by the two parties.  
 The signing of ECA No. 48 between Co lombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela 
(Andean Community member countries) and Argen tina rendered invalid the tariff preferences and 
associated standards contained in the following economic complementation agreements:  ECA No. 11 
(Argentina/Colombia);  ECA No. 21 (Argentina/Ecua dor);  ECA No. 9 (Argentina/Peru);  and ECA 
No. 20 (Argentina/Venezuela). 
  WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 27 
 
 
  C. OTHER PARTIAL -SCOPE AGREEMENTS (ANNEX 3) 
C.1 Agreements signed under Article 13 of the 1980 Treaty of Montevideo 
Partial-Scope Agreement on Trade Facilitation (AAP.PC/5) Signed by 
Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay on 18 May 1994 
 Second and Third Additional Protocols 
 
 On 29 September 2000 the Second and Third Add itional Protocols were signed, approving the 
revised, ordered, and consolidated texts of the Reci fe Agreement and of the First Additional Protocol 
to the Recife Agreement.  
 The purpose of the Recife Agreement is to establish technical and operational measures in 
order to regulate integrated controls at signato ries' borders.  The First Protocol deals with the 
operational procedures for regulating customs controls.  
Framework Agreement for Trade Promotion through the Overcoming of 
Technical Barriers to Trade in LAIA Member Countries 
(AAP.PC 11 of 8 December 1997) 
 Protocol of Accession of Cuba 
  On 8 August 2001, the Republic of Cuba acceded to this agreement by signing the Protocol of 
Accession of the Republic of Cuba (ALADI/AAP.P C/11/Adhesión 2).  Upon the signature of the 
Protocol of Accession, the 12 LAIA member countri es became party to this partial-scope agreement, 
and under Article 6 of the 1980 Treaty of Montevid eo, the agreement became  a regional agreement. 
 
C.2 Agreements signed under Article 14 of the 1980 Treaty of Montevideo 
Incorporation of Various Regulations in the Le gal Systems of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil,  
Paraguay, and Uruguay in Accordance with the Regulatory Power Conferred by  
the Santa Cruz de la Sierra Agreem ent and its Additional Protocols  
(Paraguay-Paraná Waterway  Transport Agreement  
[AAP/A14TM/5]) 
 
 Pursuant to the provisions of the Santa Cr uz de la Sierra Agre ement, on 2 February, 
the following four regulations concerning th e Paraguay-Paraná waterway were registered: 
 
- Regulation on Freeboard and Stability for Paraguay–Paraná Waterway Vessels 
(ALADI/AAP/A14TM/5.R8) 
- Regulation on the Adoption of Common Enforceable Requirements for the 
Registration of Vessels, Registration of  User Agreements, and Exchange of 
Information on Registration of Vessels, Incorporations, Decommissions, and Modifications (ALADI/AAP/A14TM/5.R9) 
- Regulation on Searches, Inspections, and Safety Certificates for Waterway Vessels 
(ALADI/AAP/A14TM/5.R10) 
- Single System of Infringements and Pena lties for the Paraguay-Paraná Waterway 
(Port of Cáceres - Port of Nueva Palmira) (ALADI/AAP/A14TM/5.R11) WT/COMTD/76 
Page 28  
 
  Mining Cooperation Agreement between the Argentine Republic and the Republic of 
Ecuador (ALADI/AAP/A14TM/13 of 2 J une 1999 and 13.1 of 30 July 2001) 
 
 This agreement was signed in accordance w ith Article 4 of the Regional Agreement on 
Scientific and Technological Coope ration among LAIA Member Countries.  Its purpose is to promote 
the establishment of specific cooperation programm es and projects related to ore minerals, non-ore 
minerals, evaporites, and ore concentrates.  Such  programmes and projects concern both the sector of 
basic and applied research aimed at promoting innovation and developing  new products, and the 
establishment of production and marketing enterprises.  
 On 30 June 2001, the parties signed the First Additional Protocol to the Agreement, agreeing 
to establish a scientific and technical mining action plan.  
Agreement on Mining Cooperation and Inte gration between the Argentine Republic 
and the Republic of Peru (ALADI /AAP/A14TM/14 of 12 November 1999) 
 
 As is the case for the agreement previously d escribed, the purpose of this agreement is also to 
promote the establishment of specific cooperation pr ogrammes and projects related to ore minerals, 
non-ore minerals, evaporites, and ore concentrates.   Such programmes and projects concern both the 
sector of basic and applied research aimed at pr omoting innovation and developing new products, and 
the establishment of production and marketing enterprises. 
 
Agreement Applied to International Road Transport of Passengers and 
Freight between the Republic of Brazil and the Republic of Venezuela 
(ALADI/AAP/A14TM/15 of 4 July 1995) 
 
 The purpose of this agreement is to establis h the legal framework for the regulation of 
international road transport of passengers and frei ght between the two countries, both as regards direct 
transport and transit to third countries, and to  establish fundamental principles and principles of 
reciprocity which integrate and complement the leg itimate interests of the countries in this sector. 
 D. A
GREEMENTS ON THE RENEGOTIATION OF THE CONCESSIONS GRANTED DURING 
THE 1962/1980  PERIOD (ANNEX 4) 
D.1 Additional protocols 
Renegotiation Agreement No. 9 between Brazil and Mexico  
Seventh and Eighth Additional Protocols 
 
 Through these two additional protocols, th e parties agreed to incorporate a special 
liberalization programme for automotive-sector products into Renegotiation Agreement No. 9. 
  The Seventh Additional Protocol, which wa s signed on 9 May 2000, establishes the tariff 
treatment, quotas, and rules of origin which will regulate trade in automotive vehicles for 
the first two years of the protocol's validity. 
 
 In respect of the above, for the first year of validity, an 8% tariff for a reciprocal quota 
of 40,000 vehicles is established.  For the second year, the 8% tariff is maintained and the quota is increased to 50,000 units.  
 The Eighth Additional Protocol, of 13 March 2001, establishes the tariff treatment and rules 
of origin which will regulate trade between th e two countries in the automotive parts sector. 
  WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 29 
 
 
   Basically, three import tariff bands (0%, 3%, and 5%) are established for a list of 
automotive-parts-sector products.  The countries also agreed to establish the possibility of 
incorporating new products from the sector, at any ti me, into the category of negotiated items, as well 
as reducing the import tariffs of the produc ts already included in this protocol. 
 
D.2 Extensions 
 The remaining additional protocols of this ty pe which were signed during the period covered 
by this report refer to the extension of tariff prefer ences.  In order to maintain trade flows, most of 
these extensions are short-term (until 31 December  2001).  While these extensions are successive, the 
signatory countries continue their negotiations for the signing of agreements of broader scope.  
The attached series of annexes details the extensi on-related additional protocols corresponding to each 
agreement.  E. R
EGIONAL AGREEMENTS  
Framework Agreement for Trade Promotion through the Overcoming of 
Technical Barriers to Trade in LAIA Member Countries 
 
 Section C.1 herein discussed the accession of  Cuba to partial-scope agreement No. 11 on 
trade promotion, the Framework Agreement fo r Trade Promotion through the Overcoming of 
Technical Barriers to Trade in LAIA Member C ountries (AAP.PC 11).  In accordance with the terms 
of accession, Cuba assumes all the obligations an d commitments issuing from the agreement and 
acquires all the rights which the agreement grants its signatories. 
  On 8 December 1997, all LAIA member count ries except Uruguay signed this partial-scope 
agreement, which entered into force on 31 July 19 98, upon incorporation into the legal systems of 
three countries.  By the end of 1998, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru had incorporated the 
agreement into their national legislation.  On  3 March 1999, Uruguay acceded to the agreement. 
  With the accession of Cuba, the 12 LAIA member  countries became party to this agreement, 
and in accordance with Article 6 of the 1980 Treaty of  Montevideo, the agreement was registered as a 
regional agreement.  
 The objective of this agreement is to prevent the development, adoption, and application of 
technical regulations, technical standards, and conformity assessment procedures from becoming 
unnecessary technical barriers to intraregional trade.   By signing this agreement, the signatory countries reaffirmed the rights and obligations 
contained in the Agreement on Technical Barrier s to Trade of the World Trade Organization. 
 F. A
GREEMENTS SIGNED BETWEEN ASSOCIATION MEMBER COUNTRIES AND NON-MEMBER 
LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES (ARTICLE 25 OF THE 1980  TREATY OF MONTEVIDEO ;  
ANNEX  6 HERETO ) 
 After the accession of Cuba to the 1980 Treaty of Montevideo and once the various steps of 
this membership process were completed, only Mexi co, Colombia, Venezuela, and Cuba maintained 
bilateral links under Article 25.  Th is was because, in the case of Ar gentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, 
Peru, and Uruguay, only a single agreement under said instrument had been correspondingly negotiated, and said agreement was signed with Cuba .  As discussed in section B.2 herein, as a result 
of the accession of Cuba as a LAIA member country, all the agreements which had been signed under 
Article 25 were then adapted to the econo mic complementation agreement framework. 
 WT/COMTD/76 
Page 30  
 
   Between 1 September 1999 and 31 August 2001, three new agreements were signed under 
Article 25 of the Treaty of Montevideo:  Cuba/Guate mala (No. 36), Mexico/G uatemala (No. 37), and 
Brazil/Guyana (No. 38).   Lastly, the bilateral agreements signed by Me xico with the Northern Triangle countries 
(Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras) were rendered invalid. 
 
F.1 New agreements signed under Article 25 
Cuba–Guatemala (AAP/A25TM/36) , signed on 29 January 1999 
 
 This economic complementation agreement includes among its main objectives the granting 
of tariff preferences and the elimination of non-ta riff restrictions aimed at facilitating, expanding, 
diversifying, and promoting bilate ral trade on a predictable, transparent, and permanent basis.  
The signatories also seek to adopt and develop th e necessary measures to si mulate the integration 
process, for which they will promote econo mic complementation mechanisms between 
the two countries. 
  As regards market access, the parties gran t each other preferences or percentage tariff 
reductions on the charge applied to imports from th ird countries.  These preferences are applied to the 
most-favoured-nation tariff, in force on 1 January  1999.  Except for those provided for under 
Article 50 of the 1980 Treaty of Montevideo, the part ies agreed to eliminate non-tariff restrictions and 
charges for negotiated products. 
  The preferences granted by Cuba comprise 387 items , with an average preference of 97.28%;  
those granted by Guatemala comprise 254 ite ms, with an average preference of 95.9%. 
 
 Although this agreement was signed prior to Cuba's entry into LAIA, Article 35 thereof 
provides for its entry into force 30 working days af ter the deposit by Cuba of the instrument of 
accession to the 1980 Treaty of Montevideo, and stipul ates the countries' mutual notification of their 
compliance with the corresponding legal requirements.  
Mexico–Guatemala (AAP/A25TM/ 37), signed on 7 December 1999 
 
 This economic complementation agreement between Mexico and Guatemala was signed 
on 7 December 1999 and was to enter into force on th e date on which the parties notify each other of 
their compliance with their respective national legal requirements.  The agreement entered into force 
on 5 December 2000 and has a 30-year period of valid ity which is renewable by mutual consent. 
 
 The agreement establishes the regulatory frame work for the free participation of persons 
(natural or juridical) in the transport, distribution,  marketing, storage, export, and import of natural 
gas between Mexico and Guatemala.   The parties shall ensure that, two years after th e entry into force of the agreement, bilateral 
trade in natural gas supplied via pipeline systems is free of all tariff and non-tariff restrictions. 
 
Brazil–Guyana (AAP/A25TM/38), signed on 27 June 2001 
  The objective of this agreement is to promote the growth of bilateral trade flows through the 
negotiation of tariff preferences.  The agreement al so promotes cooperation in trade-related matters, 
as well as the growing participation of the private sector.   WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 31 
 
 
   As regards market access, the parties grant each other percentage tariff preferences on the 
charge applied to imports from third countries.  Annexes I and II to the agreement stipulate the 
products and tariff preferences negotiated.  
F.2 Agreements rendered invalid 
 Beginning in August 1999 and throughout 2000,  the Governments of Venezuela, Brazil, 
Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Boli via, and Mexico agreed to each sign economic 
complementation agreements with Cuba, which render  invalid and, having practically the same scope 
in most cases, supersede the corresponding partia l-scope agreements signe d under Article 25.  
This rendered invalid the following agreem ents signed by LAIA countries with Cuba 
under Article 25: 
 
- Cuba – Argentina AAP/A25TM/4 - Cuba – Bolivia AAP/A25TM/34 - Cuba – Brazil AAP/A25TM/21 
- Cuba – Colombia AAP/A25TM/33 
- Cuba – Ecuador AAP/A25TM/32 - Cuba – Mexico AAP/A25TM/12 - Cuba – Peru AAP/A25TM/30 - Cuba – Uruguay AAP/A25TM/17 - Cuba – Venezuela AAP/A25TM/28 
 As reported earlier, the bilateral agreements signed by Mexico with the Northern Triangle 
countries (Guatemala, El Salv ador, and Honduras) and listed below were rendered invalid. 
 
 - Mexico – Guatemala AAP/A25TM/10  - Mexico – Honduras AAP/A25TM/11 
 - Mexico – El Salvador AAP/A25TM/15 WT/COMTD/76 
Page 32  
 
  III. OTHER INTEGRATIVE MEASURES CARRIED OUT WITHIN THE LAIA 
FRAMEWORK DURING THE 1999-2001 PERIOD 
 A notable event during the period in question was the 20
th anniversary of the 1980 Treaty of 
Montevideo, which established the Latin American  Integration Association (LAIA) as the main 
institutional framework and forum for La tin American integration.  The 11th Meeting of 
the LAIA Council of Ministers also took place, and it adopted the main lines of action to be taken in 
the coming years.   The Council of Ministers is the Association's hi ghest body.  As such, it has the power to make 
decisions on the political direction of the regional in tegration process.  At the latest meeting, the 
Council of Ministers, through Resolution 54(XI);  (see page 43), adopted a set of specific mandates 
for action, which constitute the guiding fram ework for the current integration process. 
  In addition, in its Ministerial Declarati on, the Council reiterated the member countries' 
commitment to strengthening the multilateral trade system within the framework of the WTO.  
The Council also reaffirmed the willingness of ALAD I member countries to continue working within 
said framework for the launch of a new round of multila teral trade negotiations which have a balanced 
and equitable agenda, which ensure better market -access conditions, which contribute to greater 
certainty and the expansion of world trade, and wh ich are a means of improving economic and social 
development in our countries.  Lastly, in its decl aration, the Council expresses its commitment to 
further and expand integration in accordance with the principle of open regionalism. 
 
- Amendments to the Reciprocal Credit and Pa yments Agreement of LAIA (1999-2001 Period) 
 
 This agreement, to which the central banks  of all LAIA countries (except Cuba) and the 
Dominican Republic are party, has been continuously operative since it was signed in 1965. 
 
 Over the years, the agreement has been amended and expanded in  accordance with the 
requirements arising from the various circumstan ces to which it has been subject as a support 
mechanism for intraregional trade.    In 2000, two meetings took place (XL CAFM [Advisory Commission on Financial and 
Monetary Issues] and XXXVI CFM [Council for Financ ial and Monetary Issues]).  The latter meeting 
approved Resolution 92, which concerns measures to  adapt the Payments Agreement to the current 
economic situation.   In 2001, two other meetings were held:  XLI CAFM and XXXVII CFM.  These meetings 
analysed, inter alia , the issue of the Payments agreement and established Resolution 93, which 
concerns the amendment of Article 2 of the regul ations on the timely provision of information 
to SICOF (Information System for Future Commitments Undertaken). 
 - Advances made in scientific and technological cooperation 
 
 As will be reported in due time, the LAIA member countries signed the Regional Agreement 
on Scientific and Technological C ooperation on 19 October 1993.  Cuba  acceded to this agreement 
on 10 February 1995.  The objective of the agreemen t is the promotion of regional cooperation aimed 
at the creation and development of knowledge a nd at the acquisition, dissemination, and use of 
technology, ensuring the specialization, interdepe ndence, and complementing of the measures taken 
by member countries within the framework of regional integration. 
  During the period in question, two meetings of the Administrative Committee of the Agreement took place (Fourth and Fifth Meetings).  WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 33 
 
 
   
- Advances made in customs-related matters 
  In November 2000, the First Meeting of the LAIA Advisory Council on Customs-Related 
Matters was held.  The main objective of the meet ing was to assess the changes which have been 
taking place internationally as regards customs regu lations, taking into account the modernization 
process being undergone by the national customs admi nistrations of Association member countries.  
In particular, customs managers analysed the advant ages and costs of having a member accede to the 
International Convention on the Simplification a nd Harmonization of Customs Procedures, commonly 
known as the Kyoto Convention, given its revision in 1999. 
 WT/COMTD/76 
Page 34  
 
  IV. EVOLUTION IN TRADE 
THE YEAR 1999 
 
Global foreign trade 
 In 1999, after the drop experienced the previ ous year, exports from LAIA countries began to 
increase (6.9%) again.  This global situation hi des the divergent circumstances of intraregional 
exports and exports to the rest of the world.  While the former fell by 21.7%, the latter increased 
by 13%.  The fundamental reason for this is th at, while the region continued to experience recession 
in 1999 (0.2%), the world economy was already beginning to pick up (3.4%).  
 Essentially, the reason for the global growth of exports from the region is that export volumes 
from the region increased as the prices of primary commod ities (except oil) fell.  In 1999, the price of 
coffee fell by a quarter of its average value the prev ious year;  fish flour, by 40%;  sugar, by 30%;  
wheat, by 10%;  soy beans, by 17%;  cotton, by 16%;  and copper, by 5%.  
 The region's lack of dynamism in terms of exports hides important differences between 
countries.  Venezuela, benefiting from the increase in the price of crude (37%), was the country which 
experienced the most dynamic export performance (19.1%) in the region.  Mexico, far above the 
regional average, came in second (16.2%).  Next  comes a group of countries which experienced 
growth in foreign sales vis-à-vis  the regional average:  Bolivia, Ch ile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.  
Lastly, the four MERCOSUR member States were th e only countries which experienced a decrease 
in exports. 
  As a result of decreased domestic demand and the slowing down of activity in the region, 
LAIA country imports shrunk by 4.2% in 1999.  The drop in foreign purchases from the 
region (-17.8%) was much more pronounced than that in those from outside the region (-1.7%). 
 
 The decrease in imports spread to all LAIA  countries except Mexico, which, because of its 
relatively more dynamic economy (3.7%), increase d its foreign purchases (13.2%).  Not taking 
Mexico into account, regional imports decreased by 17.8%.   The varied evolution of exports and imports made it possible for the region's global trade 
deficit to drop from $33,942 milli on in 1998 to $4,547 in 1999. 
 Intraregional exports 
 Intraregional exports fell for the second consecutiv e year in 1999 (-21.7%).  This contraction 
spread to all LAIA countries without exception.  This was due to the recessive circumstances 
affecting the region.  The only country in the region which expanded its intraregional sales was 
Mexico (10.6%);  this was due to the country's relatively more dynamic economy. 
  The decrease in intraregional sales was particul arly large in the case of Paraguay (-41.5%), 
Mexico (-40.4%), Uruguay (-32.4%), and Venezuel a (-28.6%).  However, Argentina and Brazil, 
which experienced a shrinking of exports to the regi on similar to the regional average (21%), were the 
countries which, in absolute terms, most influen ced the overall decrease in intraregional sales.  
The two account for 58% of total shrinkage.   By channels of commerce, the trade flows most affected were the Intra-CAN (-26.4%), 
the Intra-MERCOSUR (-24.3%), and those of Mexico with Chile (-24.3%) and with 
the CAN (-21.7%).  In contrast, Chile's channels of commerce with the CAN and MERCOSUR 
experienced more moderate decreases (-9.9% and –5.4%, respectively).  WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 35 
 
 
   
 The structure of intraregional trade by cha nnels experienced some changes.  While the 
intra-MERCOSUR channel continued to have the gr eatest relative importance (43.6%) in the region, 
the CAN-MERCOSUR channel pushed out the in tra-CAN channel to occupy second place. 
 THE YEAR 2000 
 
Global foreign trade 
 In 2000, exports from LAIA countries grew somewh at more than 21%, the highest rate in the 
last five years.  All the countries registered increas es, which were almost always in the double digits.  
This situation is due to greater export volumes, boosted by the vigour of foreign demand, and also to 
the better prices obtained, although ther e are differences between countries. 
  The country which most contributed to the growth of regional exports was Venezuela.  
Venezuelan foreign sales grew by 57%, aided by the significant increase in the price of oil (56%).  
Mexican exports also grew (21.9%) more than th e regional average, which is explained by the 
economic dynamism of North America (5.1%), which is the principal target market for these exports.   Chilean exports benefitted from the improved pr ice of copper and wood pulp, its two main 
exports, which helped them grow by 16.6%.  Ec uador and Colombia, which also benefited from the 
improved price of hydrocarbons, e xperienced moderate growth as regards exports (8.9% and 12.9%, 
respectively). 
  Exports from MERCOSUR countries performed va riously.  While Argentina, Brazil, and 
Paraguay moderately increased their foreign sales (13.3%, 14.7%, and 17.6%, respectively), Uruguay 
registered the lowest grow th in the region (2.6%). 
 
 In LAIA countries, aggregate imports grew by  16.6% in 2000.  This growth is due to 
recovered levels of activity in the countries in  the region.  The overall regional GDP increased 
by 4.1%, driven by the vigour of the two main  economies, Mexico (7%) and Brazil (4.5%).  
In contrast, Argentina, which continues to be in  recession, was the only country which imported less 
than in the previous year (-1%).  Uruguay, which did not recover either, registered a scant increase in 
its foreign purchases (3.3%). 
  As a result of exports more active than imports , the region went from th e negative balance of 
trade registered in 1999 (-$4,547 million) to a positive balance of $6,964 million. 
 
Intraregional exports 
 In 2000, reciprocal sales between LAIA countries grew significantly, reversing the downward 
trend experienced since 1998.  This is how they reach ed a level barely lower than the level registered 
in 1997, the year of the record high.   The increase in intraregional exports spread to all the countries in the region to varying 
degrees.  The countries which most increased th eir foreign sales within the region were 
Paraguay (85.2%), Venezuela (46.5%), and Colombia  (31.6%).  At the other extreme was Uruguay, 
the intraregional exports of which grew only by 4.2%.   The increase in intraregional sales also spread to all the countries.  The most significant 
increases in terms of absolute value were in Braz il, Mexico, and Chile, which experienced significant 
growth in activity levels in 2000, and which, as a group, were the reason for the 58% growth in 
intraregional imports. WT/COMTD/76 
Page 36  
 
   
 As regards the trade which took place through th e main channels of intraregional commerce, 
it bears noting that, although all experienced grow th, the most dynamic trade relations were those 
between MERCOSUR and Mexico (45%), those intra-CAN (32.3%), and those between MERCOSUR and Chile (31.5%). 
 
 The structure of regional channels of comme rce underwent few changes.  Despite relatively 
less activity, the intra-MERCOSUR channel continues to be the most important in regional trade (41%).  Trade between Chile and MERCOSUR moved to second place, pushing CAN-MERCOSUR trade out of that position.  WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 37 
 
 
   
 
COUNTRY LAIA Rest of World Global LAIA Global LAI A Global
Argentina  10,266 13,043 23,309 12,423 13,987 26,410 21.0 7.2   13.3
Bolivia (1)  526  876  1,402 640 817 1,457 21.7 ‐6.7 3.9
Brazil  10,560 37,451 48,011 12,902 42,184 55,086 22.2 12.6 14.7
Chile  3,244 12,375 15,619 3,795 14,420 18,215 17.0 16.5 16.6
Colombia  2,261 9,356 11,617 2,975 10,140 13,115 31.6 8.4   12.9
Cuba (*) 
Ecuador   831 3,620 4,451 1,064 3,782 4,846 28.0 4.5   8.9
Mexico 2,172 134,219  136,391 2,725 163,483 166,208 25.5 21.8 21.9
Paraguay   350  391  741 648 223 871 85.2 ‐42.9 17.6
Peru   899 5,033 5,932 1,095 5,579 6,674 21.8 10.9 12.5
Uruguay 1,168 1,069 2,237 1,217 1,078 2,295 4.2   0.8  2.6
Venezuela  2,525 17,551 20,076 3,698 27,886 31,584 46.5 58.9 57.3
TOTA L 34,802 234,984  269,786 43,182 283,579 326,761 24.1 20.7 21.1
Source: Data provided by member countries. 
Prepared by:General Secretariat  of LAIA.
Note: Venezuelan  exports are estimates. 
(1): Official values at customs
Variation 2000/1999  (%)
COUNTRY   LAIA Rest of World Global LAI ARest ofWorld Global LAIA Rest of World Global
Argentina  7,742 17,766 25,508 8,658 16,585 25,243 11.8 ‐6.6 ‐1.0
Bolivia   832 1,003 1,835 951 973 1,924 14.3 ‐3.0 4.9
Brazil  9,990 41,816 51,806 12,327 46,605 58,932 23.4 11.5 13.8
Chile  4,454 9,439 13,893 5,919 10,702 16,621 32.9 13.4 19.6
Colombia  2,691 7,968  10,659 3,099 8,439 11,538 15.2 5.9  8.2
Cuba (*)
Ecuador 1,016 2,001   3,017 1,372 2  074 3,446 35.0 3.6  14.2
Mexico (1) 2,833 139,142 141,975 3,987 170,486 174,473 40.7 22.5 22.9
Paraguay   988  918  1,906 1,197 996 2,193 21.2 8.4  15.1
Peru 2,155 4,668   6,823 2,757 4,618 7,375 27.9 ‐1.1 8.1
Uruguay 1,701 1,655   3,356 1,785 1,681 3,466 4.9 1.6   3.3
Venezuela  (1) 2,398 11,157 13,555 3,294 11,292 14,586 37.4 1.2  7.6
TOTA L 36,800 237,533 274,333 45,346 274,451 319,797 23.2 15.5 16.6
Source: Data provided by member countries.
Prepared by: General Secretariat  of LAIA.
(1): FOB values 
(*)At the time of the drafting of this report, the information  on Cuban exports was not available
to the General Secretariat  of LAIA. 1999  2000LAIA 
GLOBAL IMPORTS  BY COUNTRY  
ACCORDING  TO LAIA ORIGIN ‐ REST OF THE WORLD 
1999‐2000 
In millions of dollars (CIF) and percentages  1999  2000 Variation 2000 /1999 (%)
(*) At the time of the drafting of this report, the information  on Cuban exports was not available 
to the General Secretariat  of LAIA.LAIA 
GLOBAL EXPORTS  BY COUNTRY  
ACCORDING  TO LAIA DESTINATION  ‐ REST OF THE WORLD 
1999‐2000 
In millions of dollars (FOB) and percenta ges
Rest ofWorld Rest of World
 
 WT/COMTD/76 
Page 38  
 
  LAIA 
STRUCTURE OF INTRAREGIONAL EXPORTS 
BY CHANNEL OF COMMERCE 
1999-2000 
in millions of dollars (FOB) and percentages 
 
CHANNEL MILLIONS OF DOLLARS % S/TOTAL LAIA % GROWTH 
2000/1999 1999 2000 1999 2000 
Intra - CAN 3,990 5,278 11.5 12.2 32.3 
Intra - MERCOSUR 15,166 17,713 43.6 41.0 16.8 
CAN - MERCOSUR 4,503 5,714 12.9 13.2 26.9 
CAN - Chile 1,767 2,165 5.1 5.0 22.5 
MERCOSUR - Chile 4,364 5,740 12.5 13.3 31.5 CAN - Mexico 1,689 1,997 4.9 4.6 18.2 
MERCOSUR - Mexico 2,119 3,072 6.1 7.1 45.0 
Chile - Cuba 987 1,257 2.8 2.9 27.4 Cuba - Rest of LAIA (1) 217 247 0.6 0.6 13.6 
 LAIA TOTAL 34,802 43,182 100.0 100.0 24.1 
Source :  Data provided by member countries. 
Prepared by:  General Secretariat of LAIA 
(1): Includes exports from LAIA countries to  Cuba, but not exports from Cuba to LAIA. 
  WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 39 
 
 
   
V. RESOLUTION 54 (XI) OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF LAIA 
(11 AUGUST 2000) 
RESOLUTION 54 (XI) 
 
ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY THE ASSOCIATION 
  
THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS, 
 
PURSUANT TO Article 30 of the 1980 Treaty of Montevideo, 
 
WHEREAS 12 August marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the 1980 Treaty of 
Montevideo, which established the Latin Am erican Integration Association (LAIA); 
 
IN VIEW OF The declaration adopted at the present meeting of the Council;  and 
 
IN VIEW OF The political will of the memb er countries to strengthen and enhance the 
regional integration process and establish the reco mmendations and guidelines which will set out the 
rules for the actions of the Association in the coming years;  
THEREFORE RESOLVES: 
 
1 - To ratify the validity of the mandates and priorities contained in Resolution 50 (Guidance 
on the Future Action of LAIA) and Resolution 52 (Str engthening of the Support System for Relatively 
Less Economically Developed Countries), adopted at the Tenth Meeting of the Council, which result 
from the evolution of the integration process in its  various stages, and which constitute the guiding 
framework for the Association' s annual activity programmes. 
  2 - To entrust the Committee of Representatives with the following: 
 (a) The performance of a study on the evolution of the bilateral, subregional, and regional 
dimensions of the integration process in the LAIA sphere;  said study shall assess the 
operation of the process and shall propose me asures to strengthen the role which the 
Association, as the main institutional framewor k for regional integration, may play in the 
coming decade; 
 
(b) The prioritizing, in the Association's Progra mme of Activities, of work aimed at reinforcing 
agreements, driving measures concerning transpor t and physical integration, stimulating the 
improvement of the integral information sy stem, and ensuring the adoption of a basic 
common nomenclature by the countries and blocs of the region which require it; 
 (c) The promotion, within the Association's Pr ogramme of Activities and in the context of 
Resolution 50 of the Tenth Council of Minister s, of the improvement and expansion of the 
common regulatory framework to continue advanc ing the integration process and to continue 
stimulating and supporting the articulation and convergence of the agreements signed within 
the LAIA framework, by means of the identif ication of measures and activities corresponding 
to the priorities established by the member countries; 
 
(d) The increasing of support for activities relate d to tourism, scientific and technological 
exchange, and cultural exchange within the fra mework of the agreem ents and institutional 
mechanisms already in place at the Associ ation or of others deemed necessary to WT/COMTD/76 
Page 40  
 
  strengthening integration in these areas, a nd the consultation of recognized specialized 
institutions on the matter; 
 (e) The addressing, as part of the LAIA agenda a nd in support of the efforts of member countries, 
of subjects which contribute to the strengthening of regional integration, such as the 
promotion of exports, e-commerce, the attracting of intraregional and extraregional 
investment, trade facilitation, access to inform ation technology, and support for small and 
medium businesses;  and 
 (f) The continued development of measures aime d at achieving the objectives established in 
Resolution 52 of the Tenth Meeting of the Council of Ministers. 
  3 - The Committee of Representatives shall inform the Council of Ministers, at its 12
th Meeting, on the activities established and progress made in the application 
of this Resolution. 
 
 
_______________ 
 
  WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 41 
 
 
   
ANNEXES 
 
PROTOCOLS SIGNED BETWEEN 1 SEPTEMBER 1999 
AND 31 AUGUST 2001 
 
ANNEX 1 
TRADE AGREEMENTS 
 
1980 Treaty of Montevideo, Article 10 
 
 Trade agreements are exclusively aimed to wards trade promotion among member countries, 
and shall be subject to the specific rules to be established for that purpose.  Resolution 2 of the Council of Ministers, Article Six (Regulations) 
  These agreements shall be subject to, inter alia, the following rules: 
 
(a) Their provisions shall have trade-related objectives, and shall not, therefore, contain 
commitments concerning the specialization of production; 
 
(b) they shall include nomenclature items which define the sector; 
 
(c) they shall include tariff concessions and commitments to eliminate or reduce non-tariff 
restrictions, and may include temporary concessions, per quota and mixed concessions, 
concessions on surpluses and shortfalls, and measures regarding balanced exchanges; 
 
(d) they shall give particular considerati on to the recommendations of the business sector;  
and 
 
(e) the concessions which they contain sha ll, without compensation, be automatically 
extensive to countries at a relatively less advanced stage of economic development, 
regardless of negotiation or accessi on to the corresponding agreement. WT/COMTD/76 
Page 42  
 
   
AGREEMENT and  
PROTOCOL No.Signatory  
CountriesSECTO R SUBJEC T Signature
AC 5.31 UR/VE CHEMICA L Extended until 30/6/2000 31/12/1999
AC 5.32 UR/VE  Extended until 30/9/2000 14/07/2000
AC 5.33 UR/VE Extended until 31/12/2000 29/09/2000
AC 5.34 UR/VE Extended until 15/08/2001 18/12/2000
AC 5.35 UR/VE Extended until 31/12/2001 01/08/2001
AC 13.18  UR/VE PHONOGRAPHIC Extended until 30/06/2000 31/12/1999
AC 13.19  UR/VE  Extended until 30/09/2000 14/07/2000
AC 13.20  UR/VE Extended until 31/12/2000 29/09/2000
AC 13.21  UR/VE Extended until 15/08/2001 18/12/2000
AC 13.22  UR/VE Extended until 31/12/2001 01/08/2001
AC 18 ME/UR PHOTOGRAPH Y Agreement rendered invalid  
as of 01/03/2001  
AC 19 ME/UR ELECTRONICS and
ELECTRONIC 
COMMUNICATIONS Agreement rendered invalid  
as of 01/03/2001  Additional Protocols Signed between 01/09/1999 and 31/08/2001  TRADE AGREEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
_______________ 
  WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 43 
 
 
  ANNEX 2 
 
ECONOMIC COMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENTS 
 1980 Treaty of Montevideo, Article 11 
 
 Economic complementation agreements are aimed, among other objectives, to promote 
maximum utilization of production factors, stimul ate economic complementation, ensure equitable 
conditions for competition, facilitate  entry of products into the in ternational market, and encourage 
the balanced and harmonious deve lopment of member countries. 
 
 These agreements shall be subject to the speci fic rules to be established for that purpose. 
 Resolution 2 of the Council of Ministers, Article Seven 
 
 Economic complementation agreements aim,  among other objectives, to promote maximum 
utilization of production factors, stimulate economic  complementation, ensure equitable conditions 
for competition, facilitate entry of products into th e international market, and encourage the balanced 
and harmonious development of member countries.   These agreements shall be s ubject to the following rules: 
 
(a) They may be based both on tariff cuts and industrial programming; 
 
(b) They may be sectoral or multisectoral; 
 
(c) They shall contain a tariff-cutting program for the sector or sectors involved, and they 
may contemplate the elimination or reduction of non-tariff restrictions; 
 
(d) They shall remain in force for a mini mum of three years and a maximum to be 
decided upon in each agreement; 
 
(e) They shall include measures aimed at  ensuring the balanced and harmonious 
utilization of their benefits to the particip ating countries, based on the three categories 
of countries and on procedures for the assessment and correction of imbalances;  and 
 
(f) They may include, inter alia, provisions regarding: 
 
(i) Harmonization of the treatment app lied to imports from third countries in 
respect of products contained in the agreement, as well as to raw materials and parts used in their manufacture; 
 
(ii) Coordination of programs and govern mental incentives to facilitate economic 
complementation and harmonization of the treatment applied to foreign capital 
and services associated with the products contained in the agreement; 
 
(iii) Rules aimed at preventing unfair trade practices; 
 
(iv) Regulation of balanced exchanges;  and 
 WT/COMTD/76 
Page 44  
 
  (v) Definition of other measures for the harmonization of instruments and policies, 
as well as the coordination of complementary measures in the fields of technological development, financing, physical infrastructure, and others 
deemed appropriate. 
  WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 45 
 
 
   
 AGREEMENT and 
PROTOCOL No.Signatory Countries Subject Signature
ACE 1.6 AR/UR Quotas and origin until 30/04/2000 30/12/1999
ACE 1.7 AR/UR Quotas and origin until 30/06/2000 04/05/2000
ACE 1.8 AR/UR Quotas and origin until 31/07/2000 03/07/2000
ACE 1.9 AR/UR Quotas and origin until 31/08/2000 31/07/2000
ACE 1.10 AR/UR Quotas and origin until 30/09/2000 29/08/2000
ACE 1.11 AR/UR Quotas and origin until 31/10/2000 29/09/2000
ACE 1.12 AR/UR Quotas and origin until 30/11/2000 31/10/2000
ACE 1.13 AR/UR Quotas and origin until 31/12/2000 30/11/2000
ACE 1.14 AR/UR Quotas and origin until 31/01/2001 28/12/2000
ACE 1.15 AR/UR Quotas and origin until 28/02/2001 12/02/2001
ACE 1.16 AR/UR Quotas and origin until 31/03/2001 01/03/2001
ACE 1.17 AR/UR Quotas and origin until 30/04/2001 30/03/2001
ACE 1.18 AR/UR Quotas and origin until 31/05/2001 30/04/2001
ACE 1.19 AR/UR Quotas and origin until 30/06/2001 31/05/2001
ACE 1.20 AR/UR Quotas and origin until 31/07/2001 29/06/2001
ACE 1.21 AR/UR Quotas and origin until 31/08/2001 31/07/2001
ACE 1.22 AR/UR Quotas and origin until 30/09/2001 04/09/2001
ACE 2.25 BR/UR Brazil grants vehicle quotas 29/12/1999
ACE 2.26 BR/UR Quotas and origin until 30/04/2000 14/01/2000
ACE 2.27 BR/UR Quotas and origin until 30/06/2000 28/04/2000
ACE 2.28 BR/UR Quotas and origin until 31/07/2000 14/07/2000
ACE 2.29 BR/UR Quotas and origin until 31/08/2000 31/07/2000
ACE 2.30 BR/UR Quotas and origin until 30/09/2000 01/09/2000
ACE 2.31 BR/UR Quotas and origin until 31/10/2000 29/09/2000
ACE 2.32 BR/UR Quotas and origin until 30/11/2000 31/10/2000
ACE 2.33 BR/UR Quotas and origin until 20/12/2000 30/11/2000
ACE 2.34 BR/UR Extension in force until 31/01/2001 19/12/2000
ACE 2.35 BR/UR Quotas and origin until 31/01/2001 20/12/2000
ACE 2.36 BR/UR Extension in force until 28/02/2001 01/02/2001
ACE 2.37 BR/UR Quotas and origin until 28/02/2001 01/02/2001
ACE 2.38 BR/UR Extension in force until 31/03/2001 01/03/2001
ACE 2.39 BR/UR Quotas and origin until 31/03/2001 01/03/2001
ACE 2.40 BR/UR Extension in force until 30/04/2001 29/03/2001
ACE 2.41 BR/UR Quotas and origin until 30/04/2001 29/03/2001
ACE 2.42 BR/UR Extension in force until 31/05/2001 30/04/2001
ACE 2.43 BR/UR Quotas and origin until 31/05/2001 30/04/2001
ACE 2.44 BR/UR Extension in force until 30/06/2001 31/05/2001
ACE 2.45 BR/UR Quotas and origin until 30/06/2001 31/05/2001
ACE 2.46 BR/UR Extension in force until 31/07/2001 29/06/2001
ACE 2.47 BR/UR Quotas and origin until 31/07/2001 29/06/2001
ACE 2.48 BR/UR Extension in force until 31/08/2001 31/07/2001
ACE 2.49 BR/UR Quotas and origin until 31/08/2001 31/07/2001
ACE 2.50 BR/UR Extension in force until 30/09/2001 27/08/2001
ACE 2.51 BR/UR Quotas and origin until 30/09/2001 27/08/2001ECONOMIC COMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENTS
Agreements and Additional Protocols Signed between 01/09/1999 and 31/08/2001  
 
 WT/COMTD/76 
Page 46  
 
   
 AGREEMENT and 
PROTOCOL No.Signatory Countries Subject Signature
ACE 5.15 ME/UR Supersedes text of agreement 29/12/1999
In force as of 01/03/2001 
ACE 5.16 ME/UR Dispute settlement mechanism 29/12/1999
In force as of 01/03/2001 
ACE 5.17 ME/UR Extension until 31/03/2001 22/12/2000
Invalid as of 01/03/2001
ACE 6.A.12 AR/ME Incorporates tariff preferences 13/03/2001
ACE 6.A.13 AR/ME Dispute settlement mechanism 13/03/2001
ACE 6.A.14 AR/ME Automotive sector preferences 13/03/2001
ACE 8.4 ME/PE  Incorporates preferences and dispute settlement 28/02/2000
ACE 9 AR/PE Agreement rendered invalid as o f
01/08/2000
ACE 11 AR/CO Agreement rendered invalid as o f
01/08/2000
ACE 14.28 AR/BR Automotive sector until 31/12/1999 19/10/1999
ACE 14.29 AR/BR Automotive sector standards for 1999 25/11/1999
ACE 14.30 AR/BR Automotive policy agreemen t 29/12/2000
ACE 16.24 AR/CH Hydrocarbon standards 06/12/1999
ACE 16.25 AR/CH Electricity market information agreement 19/05/2000
ACE 18.23 AR/BR/PA/U R Trans. validity period extension. 14/04/1999(*)  
ACE 18.24 AR/BR/PA/U R Adaptation rules of origin 20/11/2000
ACE 18.25 AR/BR/PA/UR Validity of modif. to MCN 04/12/2000
ACE 18.26 AR/BR/PA/U R Special customs procedures standards 29/12/2000
ACE 18.27 AR/BR/PA/U R Specific origin requirements mod. 29/12/2000
ACE 18.28 AR/BR/PA/U R Adoption WTO TBT Agreement 29/12/2000
ACE 18.29 AR/BR/PA/U R Not signed
ACE 18.30 AR/BR/PA/U R Authorizes CCM to adopt tariff measures 29/12/2000
ACE 18.31 AR/BR/PA/U R Not signed
ACE 18.32 AR/BR/PA/U R Extension origin until 30/06/2001 17/05/2001
ACE 18.33 AR/BR/PA/U R Extension origin until 30/09/2001 20/07/2001
ACE 18.34 AR/BR/PA/U R Plant breeder cooperation agreement 23/08/2001
ACE 20 AR/VE Agreement rendered invalid as o f 
01/08/2000
ACE 21 AR/EC Agreement rendered invalid as o f
01/08/2000
ACE 22.11 BO/CH  Non-application of safeguards 15/11/2000
ACE 22.12 BO/CH  Quotas and preferences until 31/12/02 08/02/2001
 
  WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 47 
 
 
   
 AGREEMENT and
PROTOCOL No.Signatory Countries Subjec t Signature
ACE 28.10  EC/UR  Extension until 30/06/2000 14/12/1999
ACE 28.11  EC/UR  Extension until 31/12/2000 29/06/2000
ACE 28.12  EC/UR  Extension until 31/08/2001 21/12/2000
ACE 28.13  EC/UR  Extension until 31/12/2001 29/08/2001
ACE 30.11  EC/PA  Extension until 30/06/2000 20/12/1999
ACE 30.12  EC/PA  Extension until 31/12/2000 29/06/2000
ACE 30.13  EC/PA  Extension until 31/08/2001 31/12/2000
ACE 30.14  EC/PA  Extension until 31/12/2001 30/08/2001
ACE 32.2  CH/EC  Dispute settlement regulations 24/08/2000
ACE 32.3  CH/EC  Plant protection and animal health agreement 24/01/2001
ACE 35.15  AR/BR/CH/PA/U R Safeguard regime 20/09/1999
ACE 35.16  AR/BR/CH/PA/U R Certificate of origin 20/09/1999
ACE 35.17  AR/BR/CH/PA/U R Certificate of origin 20/09/1999
ACE 35.18  AR/BR/CH/PA/U R Origin requirement for an item 20/09/1999
ACE 35.19  AR/BR/CH/PA/U R Certificate of origin electrical energy 20/09/1999
ACE 35.20  AR/BR/CH/PA/U R Item description modification 20/09/1999
ACE 35.21  AR/BR/CH/PA/U R Dispute settlement mechanism 19/10/1999
ACE 35.22  AR/BR/CH/PA/U R Dispute settlement procedure 19/10/1999
ACE 35.23  AR/BR/CH/PA/U R Customs cooperation convention 14/12/1999
ACE 35.24  AR/BR/CH/PA/U R Modification agreement article 2 08/05/2000
ACE 35.25  AR/BR/CH/PA/U R Modification agreement article 2 29/12/2000
ACE 36.5  AR/BO/BR/PA/U R Modification Annex 9, article 15 27/09/1999
ACE 36.6  AR/BO/BR/PA/U R Extension preferences with quota 30/12/1999
ACE 36.7  AR/BO/BR/PA/U R Extension rules of origin 30/12/1999
ACE 36.8  AR/BO/BR/PA/U R Extension dispute settlement 27/04/2000
ACE 36.9  AR/BO/BR/PA/U R Cert. origin products 
exported via pipeline19/06/2001
ACE 36.10  AR/BO/BR/PA/U R Extension rules of origin 19/06/2001
ACE 36.11  AR/BO/BR/PA/U R Approval dispute settlement 19/06/2001
ACE 36.12  AR/BO/BR/PA/UR Import quota until 31/12/2001 19/06/2001
ACE 36.13  AR/BO/BR/PA/U R Period certificate of origin 19/06/2001
ACE 39.1  BR/CO/EC/PE/VE Enhances preferences 15/11/2000
ACE 39.2  BR/CO/EC/PE/VE Incorporates products and enhances preferences 11/04/2001
ACE 39.3  BR/CO/EC/PE/VE Extension validity until 31/12/2001 08/08/2001
ACE 40.1  VE/CU Eliminates a preference 12/12/2000
ACE 41 CH/ME  FTA - indefinite duration 17/04/1998
 
 WT/COMTD/76 
Page 48  
 
   
 AGREEMENT and
PROTOCOL No.Signatory Countries Subject Signature
ACE 42 CH/CU  Duration three years 20/12/1999
ACE 42.1 CH/CU  Modifies article 25/07/2000
ACE 43 BR/CU  Duration three years 22/12/1999
ACE 43.1 BR/CU  Expands liberalization programme 19/01/2001
ACE 44 CU/UR  Duration three years 23/12/1999
ACE 44.1 CU/UR  Supersedes Annexes I and II 28/12/2000
ACE 45 AR/CU Duration three years 21/12/1999
ACE 45.1 AR/CU Extension preference validity 27/12/2000
ACE 46 CU/EC  Duration three years 10/05/2000
ACE 46.1 CU/EC  Enhances preferences 30/04/2001
ACE 47 BO/CU  Indefinite duration 08/05/2000
ACE 48 AR/CO/EC/PE/VE Duration until15/08/2001 29/06/2000
ACE 48.1 AR/CO/EC/PE/VE Extension until 31/12/2001 08/08/2001
ACE 49 CO/CU Duration three years 15/09/2000
ACE 50 CU/PE Duration three years 05/10/2000
ACE 51 CU/ME Duration until 27/05/2002 16/10/2000
ACE 51.1 CU/ME Commercial unit of measure of item 16/07/2001
ACE 52 CU/P A Duration three years 20/11/2000
(*) As this protocol was not included in the last report, it is being included herein.
 
 
 
 
_______________ 
  WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 49 
 
 
  ANNEX 3 
 
OTHER PARTIAL-SCOPE AGREEMENTS 
 1. 1980 Treaty of Montevideo, Article 13 
  Trade promotion agreements shall refer to non-tariff matters and tend to promote 
intraregional trade flows.  They shall be subject to the specific rules to be established for that purpose. 
 Resolution 2 of the Council of Ministers, Article Nine 
  Trade promotion agreements shall refer to non-tariff matters and tend to promote 
intraregional trade flows.   To this end, they may contemplate, inter alia, the following matters: 
 
(a) Rules on trade conduct: 
 
- Subsidies and countervailing duties - Unfair trade practices - Licences and import procedures 
- Other technical aspects of regional trade 
 
(b) Other rules on non-tariff matters: 
 
- Payments 
- Financial cooperation 
- Zoo- and phytosanitary cooperation - Customs cooperation - Facilitation of transport - State procurement 
 
2. 1980 Treaty of Montevideo, Article 14 
 
Member countries may establish, through the corresponding regulations, specific rules to 
conclude other types of partial-scope agreements. 
 
For this purpose, they shall take into cons ideration, among other matters, scientific and 
technological cooperation, tourism promoti on and preservation of the environment. 
  Resolution 2 of the Council of Ministers, Article Ten 
 
Member countries may establish, through the corresponding regulations, specific rules for the 
signing of other types of partial-scope agreements.  
For this purpose, they shall take into cons ideration, among other matters, scientific and 
technological cooperation, promotion of tour ism, and preservation of the environment. 
 WT/COMTD/76 
Page 50  
 
   
 
 
 
AGREEMENT Signatory Countries SUBJECT Signature
PC 5.2 AR/BR/PA/UR Revised, consolidated text of agreement 29/09/2000  
PC 5.3 AR/BR/PA/UR Revised, consolidated text of 1st Add. Prot.. 29/09/2000  
PC 11.ad.2 AR/BO/BR/CO/CH/EC/ME/PA/PE/VE Accession of Cuba, conversion into 
regional agreement 08/08/2001  
AGREEMENT Signatory Country SUBJECT Signature
A14TM 5.8 AR/BO/BR/PA/UR Regulation on freeboard - waterway 02/02/2000
A14TM 5.9 AR/BO/BR/PA/UR Regulation on registration of vessels 02/02/2000
A14TM 5.10  AR/BO/BR/PA/URRegulation on vessel searches - waterway 02/02/2000
A14TM 5.11  AR/BO/BR/PA/UR Regulation on infringements - waterway 02/02/2000
A14TM 13.1  AR/EC Mining cooperation 30/07/2001
A14TM 14 AR/PE Mining cooperation agreement 29/10/1999
A14TM 15 BR/VE International road transport of passengers 31/05/2001Agreements Signed between 01/09/1999 and 31/08/2001OTHER TYPES OF PARTIAL-SCOPE AGREEMENTS (PSAs)
1)  PSAs Signed under Art. 13 of TM80 (Trade Promotion Agreements)
Agreements and Additional Protocols Signed between 01/09/1999 and 31/08/2001
2)  PSAs Signed under Art. 14 of TM 80 
 
 
 
_______________ 
  WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 51 
 
 
  ANNEX 4 
 
RENEGOTIATION AGREEMENTS FOR CONCESSIONS GRANTED 
DURING THE 1962-1980 PERIOD 
 
Resolution 1 of the Council of Ministers, Article One 
 
 The Contracting Parties shall incorporate in to the new integration scheme established by 
the 1980 Treaty of Montevideo, signed on 12 August 1980, the concessions granted in national lists, 
lists of non-extensive advantages, and complementation agreements. 
 
 To that effect, they shall renegotiate said concessions by updating, expanding or eliminating 
them in order to further strengthen and balance trade flows.   The result of such renegotiation shall conform to the provisions and mechanisms set forth in 
the 1980 Treaty of Montevideo. 
 Resolution 433 of the Standing Executive Committee, Articles 1 and 2 (Regulations) 
  The partial-scope agreements on rene gotiation of preferences granted during 
the 1962/1980 period shall aim to incorporate into the new integration scheme established by 
the 1980 Treaty of Montevideo the results of the renegotiation provided for in Resolution 1 of the 
Council of Ministers.   The rights and obligations established in those ag reements shall be applicable exclusively to 
the countries which sign or accede to them. 
 
 The agreements referred to in the precedi ng article shall be based on the granting of 
preferences in respect of the cu stoms duties and/or other restrictions applied by the countries 
participating therein to the import of negotiated pr oducts originating in their respective territory. 
  The preferences recorded in t hose agreements may likewise, on a temporary or seasonal basis, 
be subject to import quotas, or apply to products of one or more sectors of the tariff nomenclature of 
the Association. WT/COMTD/76 
Page 52  
 
   
AGREEMENT Signatory Countries Subject Signature
R 9.7 BR/ME Preferential treatment vehicles
09/05/2000
R 9.8 BR/ME Preferential treatment 
automotive parts 13/03/2001
R 18.A.9 CO/PA Extension until 30/06/2000 27/12/1999
R 18.A.10 CO/PA Extension until 31/12/2000 30/06/2000
R 18.A.11 CO/PA Extension until 31/12/2001 20/12/2000
R 20.A.9 PA/PE Extension until 30/06/2000 27/12/1999
R 20.A.10 PA/PE Extension until 31/12/2000 29/06/2000
R 20.A.11 PA/PE Extension until 31/12/2001 19/12/2000
R 21.A.9 PA/VE Extension until 30/06/2000 31/12/2000
R 21.A.10 PA/VE Extension until 30/09/2000 27/07/2000
R 21.A.11 PA/VE Extension until 31/12/2000 29/09/2000
R 21.A.12 PA/VE Extension until 15/08/2001 19/12/2000
R 21.A.13 PA/VE Extension until 15/08/2003 16/08/2001
R 23.A.10 CO/UR Extension until 30/06/2000 30/11/1999
R 23.A.11 CO/UR Extension until 31/12/2000 30/06/2000
R 23.A.12 CO/UR Extension until 31/12/2001 20/12/2000
R 25.14  UR/VE Extension until 30/06/2000 31/12/1999
R 25.15  UR/VE Extension until 30/09/2000 30/05/2000
R 25.16  UR/VE Extension until 31/12/2000 29/09/2000
R 25.17  UR/VE Extension until 15/08/2001 18/12/2000
R 25.18  UR/VE Extension until 31/12/2001 01/08/2001
R 33.A.9 PE/UR Extension until 30/06/2000 27/12/1999
R 33.A.10 PE/UR Extension until 31 /12/2000 22/06/2000
R 33.A.11 PE/UR Extension until 31/12/2001 12/12/2000
R 38.A.8 ME/PA Extension until 31/12/2000 22/12/1999
R 38.A.9 ME/PA Extension until 31/12/2001 19/12/2000RENEGOTIATION AGREEMENTS
Additional Protocols Signed between 01/09/1999 and 31/08/2001
 
 
 
_______________ 
  WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 53 
 
 
  ANNEX 5 
 
REGIONAL AGREEMENTS 
 1980 Treaty of Montevideo, Article 6 
  Regional-scope agreements are those in which all member countries participate. 
  They shall be drawn up within the framework  of the objectives and provisions of the present 
Treaty, and may refer to the same matters a nd include those instruments set out for the 
partial-scope agreements established in the third section of the present chapter. 
 
AGREEMENT Signatory Countries SUBJECT Signature
AR.AR/BO/BR/CO /CH/EC/ME/
PA/PE/UR/VE/CUFramework agreement - overcoming 
technical barriers to tradeREGIONAL AGREEMENTS
Agreements Signed between 01/09/1999 and 31/08/2001
 
 
 
_______________ 
 WT/COMTD/76 
Page 54  
 
  ANNEX 6 
 
AGREEMENTS ESTABLISHED BETWEEN LAIA MEMBER COUNTRIES AND 
LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES NOT MEMBERS OF LAIA 
 
1980 Treaty of Montevideo, Article 25 
 
 Likewise, member countries may draw up  partial-scope agre ements with other 
Latin American countries and areas of economic integration, in accordance with the various 
modalities foreseen in the third section of chapter II of the present Treaty, and under the terms of the 
respective regulative provisions. 
  Notwithstanding the above, these agreements shall be subject to the following rules: 
 
(a) Concessions granted by participating memb er countries shall not be extensive to the 
others, excepting the relativel y less developed countries; 
 
(b) When a member country includes products  already negotiated in partial agreements 
with other member countries, concessions gr anted may be higher than those agreed 
upon with them;  in this case, consultation with the affected member countries shall 
be carried out in order to find mutually  satisfactory solutions, unless the respective 
partial agreements include clauses concer ning automatic extension or waiver of 
preferences contained in the partial agreemen ts referred to in the present article;  and 
 
(c) They shall be multilaterally assessed by th e member countries within the Committee 
in order to determine the scope of the agre ements drawn up and f acilitate participation 
of other member countries in same. 
  WT/COMTD/76 
 Page 55 
 
 
   
AGREEMENT Signatory Countries Subject Signature
A25TM 4  AR/CU Rendered invalid as of 28/01/2000
A25TM 10 ME/GU A Rendered invalid
A25TM 11 ME/HO Rendered invalid as of 01/05/2001
A25TM 12 ME/CU Rendered invalid
A25TM 13 ME/NI  Rendered invalid
A25TM 15 ME/ES  Rendered invalid
A25TM 17 UR/CU  Rendered invalid
A25TM 21 BR/CU  Rendered invalid
A25TM 35 VE/CU Rendered invalid
A25TM 36 CU/GU Indefinite duration 29/01/1999
A25TM 37 ME/GU ECA on supply of gas 07/12/1999
A25TM 38 BR/GU Y ECA 27/06/2001AGREEMENTS SIGNED UNDERTM 80 ART. 25 
 Additional Protocols Si gned between 01/09/1999 and 31/08/2001  
 
 
__________