WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION  
ORGANISATION MONDIALE DU COMMERCE  
ORGANIZACIÓN MUNDIAL DEL COMERCIO WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
25 July 2005 
 (05-3334) 
Trade Policy Review Body 
27 and 29 April 2005 Original:  English/Spanish 
                anglais/espagnol                 inglés/español 
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
PARAGUAY 
Minutes of Meeting
 
Addendum  
Chairperson:  H.E. Mr. Don Stephenson (Canada) 
 
 This document contains the adva nce written questions from Members.1 
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales 
27 et 29 avril 2005 
 
EXAMEN DES POLITIQUES COMMERCIALES 
PARAGUAY 
Compte rendu de la réunion  
Addendum  
Président:  S.E.  M. Don Stephenson (Canada) 
 
 Le présent document contient les questions écrites communiquées à l'avance par les 
Membres.1 
__________________________________________________________________________________  
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales 
27 y 29 de abril de 2005 
 
EXAMEN DE LAS POLÍTICAS COMERCIALES 
PARAGUAY 
Acta de la reunión
 
Addendum  
Presidente:  Excmo. Sr. Don Stephenson (Canadá) 
 
 En el presente documento figuran las pregunt as escritas presentadas anticipadamente por los 
Miembros.1 
                                                      
1 In English and Spanish only./En anglais et espagnol seulement./En inglés y español solamente.  WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
 Page 3 
 
 
 PREGUNTAS ESCRITAS PRESENTADAS ANTICIPADAMENTE POR LOS MIEMBROS 
  
CHILE
 
 
II. RÉGIMEN COMERCIAL Y DE INVERSIONES 
 
Párrafos 30-31:  Considera el Gobierno Paraguayo inco rporar en su agenda fu tura la continuación del 
proceso privatizador suspendido en el año 2002?  
Párrafo 32:  El incremento del impuesto a las remes as desde 5% al 15% parece ser contradictorio con 
el objetivo de atracción de inversión extranjera.  ¿P odría el Paraguay entregar más detalles sobre el 
objetivo de tal medida y su duración?  
III. POLÍTICAS COMERCIALES POR MEDIDAS 
1) P
ANORAMA GENERAL  
 
Párrafo 4:  Paraguay aplica un arancel consultar por efecto del visado obligatorio de documentos 
requeridos para la importación como la factura comercial, el certificado de origen o los conocimientos correspondientes a embarques marítimos fluviales, te rrestres, aéreos o ferroviarios.  ¿Cual es el 
fundamento para mantener este visado obligatorio vi sado consular, en circunstancias que la mayoría 
de los países han eliminado este tipo de exigencia?  
 Párrafo 7:  Paraguay señala que existen productos co mo los cueros de bovino que para su exportación 
están sujetos a autorización previa a fin de garantizar  el suministro a la industria nacional.  En 2003 se 
introdujo el mismo requisito para las exportaci ones de algunos metales.  ¿Significa esto qué 
eventualmente se puede prohibir la exportación ?  ¿Cómo se compatibiliza con las obligaciones 
establecidas por la OMC a este respecto?  
1) M
EDIDAS QUE AFECTAN DIRECTAMENTE A LAS IMPORTACIONES  
v) Otras cargas que afectan a las importaciones  
Párrafos 70-71:  Cuál es el fundamento para manten er los cobros de un der echo adicional equivalente 
al 7% del arancel consular para la financiaci ón del Instituto Nacional del Indígena (INDI)? 
 Respecto del arancel consular mencionado en el  párrafo 4 precedente y al derecho adicional 
equivalente al 7% del arancel consular menci onado en los párrafos 70 y 71 precedentes, ¿podría 
Paraguay señalar que tipo de medidas son estas y en qué fecha fueron notificadas a la OMC?  
 
vi) Prohibiciones, restricciones y licencias de importación 
 
Párrafo 73:  En relación a los procedimientos utili zados para el otorgamiento de las licencias de 
importación y su compatibilidad con los mecanismos establecidos en el marco de la OMC, podría 
el Paraguay entregar más detalles sobre los procedimientos? 
 
viii) Normas y otras prescripciones técnicas (con inclusión del MSF) 
 
Paraguay señala que la conformidad de los producto s con los correspondientes reglamentos técnicos 
se verifica en frontera.  ¿Qué procedimientos utiliza para evitar que los productos importados queden 
detenidos en las aduanas a la espera de la certif icación correspondiente del organismo competente?  
¿Existe la aceptación de los resultados de la evaluación de la conformidad extranjera en forma unilateral?  
 WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
Page 4  
 
 4) O
TRAS MEDIDAS QUE AFECTAN LA PRODUCCIÓN Y EL COMERCIO  
vi) Derechos de Propiedad Intelectual  
Párrafo 217:  En relación a los convenios internaci onales sobre DPI, ¿Podría el Paraguay indicar a 
cuál de los dos convenios para la protección de  las obtenciones vegetales (UPOV) ha adherido?  
 
Párrafo 219:  En relación a las patentes, ¿Podría el  Paraguay indicar si cont empla la ampliación del 
plazo de protección en los casos de demora in justificada en la concesión del registro? 
 Párrafo 249:  En relación a las medidas de frontera pa ra impedir el tránsito de copias piratas, ¿Podría 
el Paraguay indicar si su Dirección Nacional de Aduan as tiene la facultad para actuar de oficio cuando 
constata la comisión de estos delitos?  En el evento que la respuesta sea afirmativa, ¿Se extiende esta facultad para controlar la infracción de 
productos distintos a los productos piratas, como  por ejemplo marcas e indicaciones geográficas 
falsificadas?  
 
IV. POLÍTICAS COMERCIALES, POR SECTORES 
5) S
ERVICIOS  
ii) Telecomunicaciones 
 Párrafo 124 y 130:  En 2002 se suspendió el proceso de privatización de telecomunicaciones y se 
produjo la existencia de un “monopolio  económico de facto sobre los servicios de telefonía fija y local 
y de larga distancia nacional e internacional” ejer cido por COPACO.  ¿El Gobierno de Paraguay, ha 
considerado implementar una apertura futura de l sector de telecomunicaciones a la participación 
privada nacional e internacional?  
En el párrafo 114 del Informe de la Secretaria se se ñala que la participación del sector servicios como 
proporción del Producto Bruto Interno (PIB) se  mantuvo estable durante el periodo 1998-03 con 
alrededor del 55%.  En relación a ello, se observan escasos compromisos por parte de Paraguay dentro 
del marco del AGCS.  ¿Podría Paraguay entregar información acerca de su posición respecto a la 
actual negociación en servicio.? 
 
MEXICO 
 II. RÉGIMEN COMERCIAL Y DE INVERSIONES 4) R
ELACIONES INTERNACIONALES  
ii) Acuerdos comerciales preferenciales a) Mercado Común del Sur (MERCOSUR)  
 1. En relación con lo señalado en el pá rrafo 55, ¿podría el Paraguay indicar: 
 a) cuál es el procedimiento que siguen los comit és técnicos dependientes de la Comisión de 
Comercio para la elaboración de directivas, en pa rticular aquéllas relacionadas con el ámbito de 
aplicación del Acuerdo de Obstáculos Técnicos al  Comercio (AOTC) y del Acuerdo sobre la 
Aplicación de Medidas Sanitarias y Fitosanitarias (AMSF)?;    b) de qué forma el Paraguay da cumplimiento a las obligaciones previstas en el AOTC y el 
AMSF respecto de dichas directivas?, y 
 
c) cuál es el procedimiento de adopción de dichas directivas para convertirlas en disposiciones 
obligatorias a nivel nacional? 
  WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
 Page 5 
 
 
 2. El párrafo 66 señala que en 1997 los pa íses del MERCOSUR firmaron el Protocolo de 
Montevideo que apunta a la liberalización de los servicios en un período de 10 años.  Al respecto, 
¿podría el Paraguay indicar cual es el estado que gu arda la ratificación de este instrumento y, en su 
caso, cuáles han sido las razones para no hacerlo hasta la fecha? 
 
III. POLÍTICAS COMERCIALES, POR MEDIDAS 
2) M EDIDAS QUE AFECTAN DIRECTAMENTE A LAS IMPORTACIONES  
viii) Normas y otras prescripciones técnicas (con inclusión de MSF) 
a) Normas, pruebas y certificados  
 
3. Con respecto a las normas té cnicas que elabora el Instituto Nacional de Tecnología y 
Normalización, ¿podría el Paraguay: 
a) indicar si en los comités técnicos que elaboran dichas normas técnicas se permite la 
participación de personas (físicas y legales) extranjeras?;  
b) en qué órgano de difusión se publican l as normas técnicas para encuesta pública?, y 
 
c) en qué consiste el procedimiento por el cual los Ministerios concernientes dan a esas normas 
la “dimensión voluntaria nacional” (párrafo 108)?  4. En cuanto a lo indicado en el párrafo 106, ¿ podría el Paraguay indicar qué procedimientos se 
deben seguir para obtener una acreditación del Orga nismo Nacional de Acreditación y explicar si 
organismos ubicados fuera del terr itorio del Paraguay pueden obtenerla? 
 
5. Por lo que se refiere a la elaboración, m odificación y expedición de reglamentos técnicos, 
¿podría el Paraguay responder:  
 
a) ¿De qué manera da cumplimiento a lo dis puesto por el artículo 2.9 del AOTC y en qué 
momento lo hace?  b) ¿Cuáles son las razones que han impedido al Paraguay contar con un servicio nacional de información en materia de obstáculos técnicos al comercio y notificar los proyectos de reglamentos 
técnicos y procedimientos de evalu ación de la conformidad correspondiente? 
 
c) Si el desarrollo de un reglamento técnico im plica la elaboración de un análisis de impacto 
regulatorio como requisito previo a su expedición y,  en caso de ser así, informe si dichos análisis 
pueden ser consultados por nacional es de los Miembros de la OMC?; 
 
d) ¿Cuál es el plazo normal de consulta  pública de un reglamento técnico?; 
 e) ¿Cuál es el procedimiento al que son some tidas las observaciones que son remitidas por los 
Miembros de la OMC y sus nacionales y de qué manera se dan a conocer las respuestas a las mismas?;  
f) ¿Cuál es el plazo normal de entrada en vigor de un reglamento técnico y cuales son las 
excepciones a esa regla, así como los supuestos en los que se aplican?; 
 g) ¿Si existe alguna disposición legal que obli gue a sus Ministerios a revisar periódicamente el 
contenido de sus reglamentos técnicos?; 
 h) ¿Si los nacionales (personas y empresas) de Miembros de la OMC pueden participar en la 
elaboración, modificación o cancelación de reglamentos técnicos?  En este sentido, ¿cuál es el procedimiento a seguir para obtener ese derecho?; WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
Page 6  
 
  
i) ¿Dónde se encuentran disponibles (vgr. Ley, D ecreto, etc.) los procedimientos internos de 
cada Ministerio encargado de elaborar reglamentos técnicos y si los mismos son sometidos a revisión periódica?;  
j) Debido a que no existe un inventario exhausti vo de normas y reglamentos técnicos a nivel de 
fracción arancelaria ¿indicar qué acciones está llevando para atender problemas de transparencia que enfrentan los exportadores de terceros países a su mer cado, al tratar de identificar los reglamentos y 
normas técnicas que aplican a sus productos?;  
k) ¿Qué porcentaje del total de fracciones arancelarias incluidas en el sistema armonizado se 
encuentran reguladas a través de normas o reglamen tos técnicos y se verifican en las aduanas del 
país?, y  l) ¿Qué procedimiento siguen sus autoridades para  justificar las desviaciones de los reglamentos 
técnicos respecto de las normas internacionales y dónde puede consultarse esa información? 
 6. El Informe de la Secretaría no contiene in formación alguna sobre las disposiciones que rigen 
la elaboración, modificación o cancelación de reglamentos y normas técnicas por parte de las autoridades provinciales del Paraguay.  Al respecto, ¿podría el Paraguay describir qué ordenamiento(s) legal(es) describen tal procedim iento, qué principios deben observar dichas 
autoridades en la elaboración de reglamentos y norm as técnicas (vgr. Consulta pública, consenso, etc.) 
y, en su caso, describir brevemente tal procedimiento?  7. Asimismo, el informe carece de información detallada sobre los procedimientos para la evaluación de la conformidad de normas y reglamento s técnicos.  En tal virtud, ¿podría el Paraguay 
explicar: 
 a) si existen procedimientos de evaluación de  la conformidad a nivel nacional, dónde pueden 
consultarse dichos procedimientos y si lo s mismos se someten a consulta pública?;  
 
b) en qué casos la evaluación de la conformidad con lo s reglamentos técnicos puede ser llevada 
a cabo por organismos acreditados y en qué casos dicha actividad es llevada a cabo por las 
autoridades del gobierno?;  c) describir el procedimiento para la evalu ación de la conformidad de normas o reglamentos 
técnicos expedidos por el Instituto Nacional de Tecnología y Normalización o sus Ministerios, 
respectivamente, y 
 d) cuál es el procedimiento para reconocer una  norma extranjera o procedimiento de evaluación 
de la conformidad como equivalente y, en su caso , cuántas normas o procedimientos de evaluación de 
la conformidad han reconocido?  III. POLÍTICAS Y PRACTICAS COMERCIALES, POR MEDIDAS 2) M
EDIDAS QUE AFECTAN DIRECTAMENTE A LAS IMPORTACIONES  
viii) Normas y otras prescripciones técnicas (con inclusión de MSF) 
b) Reglamentos sanitarios y fitosanitarios. 
 
8. Por lo que se refiere a lo señalado en lo s párrafos 114 a 121, puede el Paraguay explicar? 
 a) de qué manera da cumplimiento a lo dis puesto por el párrafo 5 del Anexo B del AMSF 
respecto de sus medidas sanitarias y fitosanitarias?;  WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
 Page 7 
 
 
 b) si existe una base de datos u otro mecanis mo en el que se agrupen todos los reglamentos 
sanitarios y fitosanitarios vigentes en el Paraguay, así  como los análisis de riesgo elaborados respecto 
de cada uno de ellos?;  c) qué procedimiento siguen las autoridades f acultadas al efecto para elaborar reglamentos 
sanitarios y fitosanitarios, en dónde puede consultarse y cuál es el plazo normal de consulta pública de 
dichos reglamentos?;  d) cuál es el procedimiento al que son so metidas las observaciones que son remitidas por los 
Miembros de la OMC y sus nacionales y de qué manera se dan a conocer las respuestas a las 
mismas?; 
 e) cuál es el plazo normal de entrada en vigor de un reglamento sanitario o fitosanitario y cuáles 
son las excepciones a esa regla, así como  los supuestos en los que aplican?; 
 
f) si los nacionales (personas y empresas) de Miembros de la OMC pueden participar en la 
elaboración, modificación o cancelación de reglamentos sanitarios o fitosanitarios?, y  g) cuál es el porcentaje de medidas sanitar ias y fitosanitarias equivalentes o idénticas a las 
normas, guías y recomendaciones internacionales y de  qué manera se justifican las desviaciones 
correspondientes? 
 
9. El Informe de la Secretaría no contiene info rmación detallada sobre las disposiciones que 
rigen la elaboración, modificación o cancelación de medidas sanitarias y fitosanitarias por parte de las autoridades provinciales.  Al respecto, ¿puede el  Paraguay describir qué ordenamiento(s) legal(es) 
describen tal procedimiento, qué principios deben observar dichas autoridades en la elaboración de 
dichos reglamentos y, en su caso, descr ibir brevemente tal procedimiento? 
 10. ¿Podría el Paraguay describir el procedimie nto que sigue para reconocer zonas libres de 
plagas o enfermedades y zonas de escasa prevalencia de plagas o enfermedades? 
 11. En relación con lo indicado en el párrafo 121 , ¿podría Paraguay explicar  en qué consisten los 
esfuerzos que, a nivel del MERCOSUR, se están  llevando a cabo para ar monizar las medidas 
sanitarias y fitosanitarias, qué áreas están abarcadas en ta l esfuerzo y cuál será el referente para lograr 
esa armonización?  WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
Page 8  
 
 CANADÁ
 
 
III. TRADE POLICIES BY MEASURE 
(4) O THER MEASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE  
(iii) Incentives and Other Government Supports, Paragraph 184  
 
1. Tax Exemptions:  The Secretariat Report notes that Law Nº 60/90 lays doen the conditions for 
tax exemptions for both paraguayan and foreign invest ors in a number of areas, including fixed rural 
and urban telephony, mobile tele phony and data tansmission services.  Does any of the tax treatment 
in relation to these specific services distinguish betw een national and foreign investors or national and 
foreing investments?  If so, does it provide lesser treatment to foreign investors or investments?  
Could Paraguay please elaborate if this is, in fact, the case?  
IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
(5) S
ERVICES  
(i) Overview, Paragraph 116:   
 2. Paragraph 116 notes that Paraguay took minimal GATS commitments during the Uruguay 
Round of negotiations, limited to financial services a nd tourism. Could the Go vernment of Paraguay 
please comment on whether it intends to expand its commitments in the context of the current round 
of negotiations?  IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR (5) S
ERVICES  
(ii) Telecommunications,  Paragraph 121:  
 
3. FIXED TELEPHONE SERVICES: The Secretariat Report notes that the “level of 
development in the fixed telephone market infrastruct ure in Paraguay continues to be low” and that 
the telephone line density in 2003 was “still one of the lowest on the American continent, having 
remained at essentially the same level as in 1997”.  It also reveal that, while the connection cost for 
residential lines has decreased from $916 in 1997 to  $124 in 2003, connection times remain high and 
demand for such services has been “unsatisfied in so me areas”.  Could opening the sector to further 
competition, particularly by foreign telecom servi ces suppliers, provide what  seems like much-needed 
investment into the fixed line infrastructure and, in turn, improve Paraguay` record in relation to 
connection rates, connection time, and access? 
 
IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
(5) S ERVICES  
(ii) Telecommunications, Paragraph 122 and Table IV’s:  
 4. Canada is pleased to see that Paraguay’s reco rd is considerable better for mobile telecom 
services.  We note that mobile services, for example, grew significantly from 1997 onwards, giving Paraguay the highest density among MERCOSUR countries by 2003. Is this difference a result of 
great competition in the mobile market?  If so, could Paraguay describe the extent of such 
competition?  We note, for example, that Paragua y had four mobile suppliers operating by March 
2004 and that it had an additional two licensed by not yet operating by October of that year.  Are any 
of these foreign service suppliers?  Are there any r estrictions on the provisions of mobile services by 
foreign suppliers?  
 
   WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
 Page 9 
 
 
 IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
(5) S ERVICES  
(ii) Telecommunications,  Paragraph 130 and 131:  
 5. The Secretariat Report notes that COPACO  (formerly the National Telecommunication 
Authority) has a de facto monopoly for basic telecom services since, as of October 2004, it has held 
the only concession for the supply of basic services  in Paraguay.  Could Paraguay comment on the 
state of competition in the basic telecom market?  If the market is legally open for competition, what 
are the effective barrier in entry?  
6. If a company other than COPACO wanted to offer basic telecom services, how would 
CONATEL determine whether to grant the concession?  We note, in this respect, that there is “no 
explicit criteria for determining when a concession is  granted through a public bidding procedure or at 
the request of an applicant”.  Does this mean that there are no criteria at all for determining when such 
a concession is granted?  What sort of guidan ce do potential suppliers have in relation to the 
concession granting process? 
 
III. TRADE POLICIES BY MEASURE (4) O
THER MEASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE  
(iv) State trading, public corporations and privatisation, Paragraph 202 and;  
IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
(5) S ERVICES  
(ii) Telecommunications, Paragraphs 124 and 125:   
 7. We also understand that COPACO was the subj ect of a failed privatization process initiated 
by Law Nº 1.615 in 2000.  The privatization was to  complement another series of reforms aimed at 
making the National Telecommunication Authority (COPACO’s predecessor) more efficient.  One of 
the problems seems to have been criteria for the bidding process, which required prospective bidders 
to control net assets of USS100 million.  Even tho ugh the volume of capital in Paraguay’s banks and 
the statutory limits on loans made it impossible to obtain security of a loan from Paraguay’s bank for the amount.  There were also other considerations .  According to the Secretariat Report, “concern 
about possible job losses and claims regarding the constitutionality of the bidding process paralyzed 
the privatization process.  The privatization process was thus terminated by Law Nº 1.932 of 5 June 
2002, leaving Paraguay with no legal framework regulating the privatization process”.  We 
understand that one of the reasons given was a pr oblem with “public confidence” in the process.  
Could Paraguay please elaborate on these attempted reforms and the why the reforms were discontinued? 
 
8. The Secretariat Report notes that COPACO is pe rceived to be “an inefficient company” with 
“a low level of investment and poor profitability from its basic telephony operations”.  Would the 
efficiency and privatisation reforms envisioned by La w Nº 1.615 improve this situation?  What are the 
prospects for such reforms in the current climate?  
 
IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
(5) S
ERVICES  
(ii) Telecommunications,  Paragraph 125: 
 9. FOREIGN COMPETITION:  The Secretariat Report notes that, as of October 2004, “there 
was foreign participation in the offer of  telecommunications services in almost all 
telecommunications markets with the exception of  basic telephony”.  Could Paraguay describe the 
extent of foreign competition in this sector?  Does include the provision of telecom services by foreign supplies through the four modes contemplated by the GATS?  
 WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
Page 10  
 
 IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
(5) 
SERVICES  
(ii) Telecommunications, Paragraph 140, and 
Summary Observation, (1) Introduction, Paragraph 3 and (6) Sectoral Policies, Paragraph 31: 
 
10. The Secretariat Report notes that the cost of telecoms services remains “relatively high” and 
that “attracting investment to improve efficiency remains crucial”.  It also notes “this would be aided by enhancing the stability of the trade and investme nt regime which, in turn, could be achieved by 
expanding Paraguay’s multilateral co mmitments, particularly under th e GATS”.  Paraguay, however, 
did not participate in the post-Uruguay Round negot iations on basic telecommunications, and it has 
not made any telecoms commitments at all in the previous rounds of GATS negotiations.  Is this a 
reflection of domestic sensitivities specific to the telecom sector?  Does Paraguay agree that making 
telecom commitments could improve its telecommuni cations system?  Would there any difficulties in 
binding some of the openness and regulatory principl es in its current regime in the current phase of 
GATS negotiations?  
 
11. The Secretariat Report also notes that Paraguay’s GATS commitments are “modest, confined to certain activities in financial services and tour ism”.  Given the links between the telecoms and 
computer and related services sectors and the enabling role such services play in relation to other aspects of the economy, is there anything that prevents Paraguay from making computer and related services commitments in the current round of GATS negotiations?  
 
IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
(5) S
ERVICES  
(iii) Financial Services,  Paragraph 155: 
 
12. Could Paraguay please clarify what criteria must be met to obtain a `favourable opinion’ from 
the Superintendency of Banks (BS) by firms seeking to provide financial intermediation services?   
IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
(5) S
ERVICES  
(iii) Financial Services,  Paragraph 158:  
 
13. Paraguayan Law Nº 861/96 sets limits on the c ontrol of shares in financial institutions by 
individuals.  Particularly, banks are prevented from allowing an individual to own more than 20% of 
its tangible assets in loans and contingent instrume nts for persons resident in Paraguay and no more 
than 5% for persons resident outside of Paraguay.   These limits may be increased to 30% and 20% 
respectively by the Superintendency of Banks if  it can be demonstrated that the operation is 
guaranteed. 
 
(i) Could Paraguay please explain the justificati on for maintaining different ownership limits for 
residents and non-residents? 
 
(ii) Can Paraguay please outline what standards must  be met for the Superintendency of Banks to 
‘guarantee’ an operation? 
  WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
 Page 11 
 
 
 IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
(5) S ERVICES  
(iii) Financial Services , Paragraph 165: 
 
14. Paraguay has indicated that it has had an ti-money laundering legislation in place since 1996 
and established a Secretariat for the Prevention of Money or Asset Laundering in 1997.  It is 
understood that the Secretariat compiles information,  keeps statistics and i nvestigates possible money 
laundering activities in Paraguay.  (i) Does Paraguay have in place or intend to intr oduce comparable legislation for terrorist 
financing? 
 
IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
(5) S
ERVICES , Paragraph 221: 
 
15. This paragraph states that a draft law extending SENATUR’s functions under Law No. 1.388 
was under consideration.  What ne w functions are being considered? 
 
IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
(5) S ERVICES , Paragraphs 222-223: 
 
16. Paragraph 222 makes a distinction between trav el and tourist agencies (direct contact with 
consumers) and wholesale tour operators.   Paragraph 223 states that “Persons operating travel  and tourist agencies must be authorized by 
SENATUR. Branches of foreign travel and tourist agencies and wholesale tour operators wishing to 
become established in Paraguay must be register ed as wholesale tour operators with SENATUR.”  
 Please clarify if branches of foreign travel and tourist agencies are prohibited from selling directly to consumers.  Is this the reason why they must be registered as wholesale tour operators with 
SENATUR?  If yes, please explain how this corres ponds with Paraguay’s initial services offer of 
April 2003 that includes commitments for travel agen cy and tour operator services catering to tourism 
within the country.  This commitmen t appears to suggest that direct sale to consumers is allowed.  
 
IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
(5) S
ERVICES , Paragraph 228: 
 
17. Regarding Paraguay’s tourism commitments under the GATS, the Secretariat Report states 
that Mode 4 is unbound for both hotels and rest aurants and tourist guide services, except for 
specialists (defined as qualified persons exercising the profession of tourist guide).  For travel and 
tourist agencies, a market access Mode 3 limitation is in place.  Only tourist operators dealing with 
travellers from abroad have market access.  Ther e are no national treatment commitments for this 
mode.  With respect to travel and tourist agen cies, Mode 4 is unbound, except for specialists. 
 
On the other hand, Paraguay’s initial services o ffer of April 11, 2003 (TN/S/O/PRY) shows the 
following:  With respect to hotels and restaurants, Mode 4 is  unbound (without exceptions).  For travel agencies 
and tour operator services and those that cater to  tourism within the country, Mode 4 is unbound (in 
both market access and national treatment terms), ex cept for senior managerial personnel with staff 
training programmes.  For tour ist guide services, Mode 4 is unbound, except for specialists. 
 Please explain the discrepancies between what the Secretariat Report and Paraguay’s initial services 
offer in the current round of negotiations.  WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
Page 12  
 
  
ARGENTINA
 
 
III. POLITICAS COMERCIALES, POR MEDIDAS 
2) M EDIDAS QUE AFECTAN DIRECTAMENTE A LAS IMPORTACIONES  
viii) Normas y otras prescripciones técnicas   
Pregunta 1:   En el párrafo 110 el Informe de la Secretaria señala que a fines de 2004, existían unas 505 normas 
paraguayas, 22 reglamentos técnic os paraguayos basados en normas paraguayas, y 87 resoluciones del 
MERCOSUR (principalmente para la protección de la salud, los medicamentos y alimentos).  Sin embargo, el mismo Informe indica en el párr afo 107 que Paraguay no ha notificado su servicio 
nacional de información ni tampoco ningún reglam ento técnico adoptado desde su ultimo examen.  
¿Podría Paraguay informar si planea proceder a las notificaciones en el futuro próximo? 
 
4) O
TRAS MEDIDAS QUE AFECTAN LA PRODUCCIÓN Y EL COMERCIO  
v) Contratación publica 
 
Pregunta 2:  
En el párrafo 206 del Informe de la Secretaría se indica que la Ley de Contrataciones Publicas (Nº 
2.051 del 21 de enero de 2003) estableció los principios  que la rigen, a saber, la descentralización, la 
eficiencia, la participación abierta, la iguald ad y la libre competencia y la simplificación y 
modernización de los procedimientos.  Adicionalm ente, la LCP estableció detalladamente el proceso 
de licitación, redujo la discrecionalidad de las excepciones al proceso y estableció procedimientos 
específicos para al contratación de servicios de cons ulta.  Las autoridades notaron que, a principios de 
2005, se encontraban bajo consideración la prom ulgación de regulaciones adicionales para la 
contratación publica.  ¿Podría Paraguay indicar el estado actual y, en su caso, identificar dichas regulaciones?  
JAPÓN
 
 V. DEVELOPMENT OF TRADE NEGOTIATIONS ;  (Page 7 to 8, paragraph 26 to 28) 
 According to the Report by Paraguay, Paraguay’ s economy is highly dependent on agricultural 
products and Paraguay has been participating ac tively in the WTO Sub-Commitee on Cotton, an 
important agricultural sector.  At the same time, the report states that because of its geographical 
situation, Paraguay has high transport costs for th e import and export of goods, and a more efficient 
transport infrastructure is essential to overcoming this obstacle.  Under such circumstances, it is supposed that the liberalization of the transport services will contribute to promoting agriculture 
which is the main industry in Paraguay.  
1. Which industries including transport servi ces, does Paraguay consider will support the 
development of the agricultural sector?  2. Which specific measures is Paraguay taking for the liberalization of such service industries? 
 
Japan recognizes that efficient distribution services c ontribute to strengthening the competitiveness of 
the agricultural and manufacturing sector. 
3. Which specific measures is Paraguay taking for the liberalization of distribution services, in 
particular, wholesale and retail services? 
  WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
 Page 13 
 
 
 VI. INSTITUTIONAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK;  (Page 11, paragraph 48) 
 The Report by Paraguay states that external trade control procedures have been rendered more effective thanks to the rehabilitation of private ports and the upgrading of national ports. However, 
Japan recognizes that containers and vessels are not sufficient for the export of goods.  
 
4. Please indicate the prospects for enhancing the capacity of ports. 
 Page 12, paragraph 49;  Referen ce also to pages 34 to 36, paragraphs 16 to 24 in WT/TPR/S/146) 
 
According to the Report by Paraguay, the new cust oms code entered into force on 11 January 2005, 
replacing the previous code.  5. Please indicate the specific points of custom procedures to be improved in the new customs 
code, compared to the previous code. 
 
Pages 12 to 13, paragraphs 53 to 56, Reference al so to pages 58 to 59, paragraphs 116 to 119 in 
WT/TPR/S/146)  According to the Report by Paraguay, the Paraguaya n government is currently introducing changes in 
the organization and operational structure of the Mini stry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) and as 
a part of this process, the National Animal Qua lity and Health Service (SENACSA) and the National 
Plant and Seed Quality and Health Se rvice (SENAVE) were recently created. 
 6. Which standards and procedures for quarantin e are currently taken by these two new entities, 
in order to prevent the entry, establishment or spr ead of harmful pests and diseases such as foot and 
mouth diseases, cancrosis disease of cultivated citrus, mediterranean fruit fly? 
 VII. DIRECTIONS OF FUTURE POLICY;  (Page 13, paragraph 60) 
 The Report by Paraguay states that, regarding th e manufacturing sector, the Paraguayan Government 
will continue its efforts to improve the busines s climate and ensure conditions conducive to 
production.  Japan recognizes that enhancements  of the infrastructure of transport and 
communications, such as the realization of optical fiber networks, are quite important for improving 
the business climate and ensuring c onditions conducive to production. 
 7. Which measures is Paraguay taking to e nhance the infrastructure of transport and 
communications? 
 
WT/TPR/S/146 
II. TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIME (4) I
NTERNATIONAL RELATIONS  
(i) Preferential trade agreements;  (Pages 29 to 30, paragraphs 78 to 86) 
 8. Please specifically indicate the selection process of partners for Paraguay when the 
Government of Paraguay begins  to negotiate on an FTA. 
 
9. Which element is most important in selecti ng partners in the negotiations on FTAs for the 
Government of Paraguay or MERCOSUR? 
 
10. With which areas or countries does the Governme nt of Paraguay currently intend to begin the 
negotiations on an FTA? 
 
 WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
Page 14  
 
 II. TRADE POLICY BY MEASURE 
(4) O
THER MEASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE  
(i) Legal framework for business activity, including registration;  (Page 71, paragraph 172) 
 
11. How long does it take normally for a foreign company to set up an SA, an SRL or an SCI, or to establish a joint venture in or der to do business in Paraguay? 
 (vi) Intellectual property rights;  (Page 111, paragraphs 116 to 118) 
 
12. How long does it take normally to register trademarks in Paraguay? 
 
IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
(5) S
ERVICES  
(i) Overview ;  (Page 111, paragraph 116 to 118) 
 
With regard to the movement of natural persons, it is discussed in the Council for Trade in Services 
that common categories should be used in schedulin g commitments.  In the sch edule of Paraguay, the 
term “senior managerial personnel” is used in the mode 4 of travel agency and tour operator services. 
 
13. Which category does the term senior managerial personnel come under? 
 14. How long does it take normally to obtain or renew a working visa and residence permission? 
 (ii) Telecommunications ;  (Page 117, paragraph 140) 
 
Japan believes that further liberalisation of teleco mmunications will contribute to further growth and 
development in every WTO member including deve loping countries because the telecommunications 
sector is an important economic basis for every country.  15. Please indicate the reason why Paraguay has made no telecommunication commitments under 
the GATS and the background for this. 
 16. Please indicate the prospect for future telecommunication commitments by Paraguay  (iv) River transport ;  (Page 125, paragraph 193 to 194) 
 
Japan recognizes that Paraguay is an active player  in maritime services, for example by being a 
member of the IMO and working to ratify the Ag reement on the Paraguay-Pa rana River Waterway. 
 17. Please indicate the reason why Paraguay has made no maritime commitments under the 
GATS and the background for this. 
  WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
 Page 15 
 
 
 COMUNIDADES EUROPEAS  
 
1. T RADE IN GOODS  
 
Could Paraguay please indicate which sectors are curren tly being considered to be included in the 
process of diversifying production, and inform about the status of efforts to increase manufacturing of 
goods more generally?  In what way can Paraguay secure sustainable development when increasing the manufacturing of 
goods, i.e. how can Paraguay ensure adequate pr otection of the environment, while maximizing 
foreign exchange earnings?  Regarding EU investment in Paraguay , the EC is concerned about the representation law, which 
regulates relations between importing companies and th eir local representatives and distributors.  This 
law obliges importing companies to pay an indemnity if they decide to stop the relationship without a 
justified cause.  This seems to create a climate of uncertainty for foreign companies and to deter 
foreign investment in Paraguay. 
Could the government of Paraguay indicate whether ac tion has been taken to so lve this problem?  If 
not, does Paraguay expect to take action soon and how?  
Which economic fields has Paraguay identified to attr act trade related FDI?  And in what way do the 
Government plan to attract more FDI?  The report of the WTO Secretariat (paragraphs 146-148) describe the free zone regime and the 
"Maquila" (inbond processing) including the tax privileges (paragraph 149-155).  For both regimes it 
is stated in item 146 and 153 that sales from a fre e zone or from maquiladores to the national customs 
territory may not exceed 10% of the enterprises gr oss sales revenue in order to enjoy the tax 
privileges.   The EC should like to ask Paraguay to further cl arify this regime which could seem to imply the 
existence of an export requirement incompatible with Article 3 ASCM? 
 
The WTO report (paragraph 157) notes that the free-zone and maquila regimes have not been notified 
as providing export subsidies. Can Paraguay please indicate when it will notify these schemes?  
Agriculture 
 Is there a possibility that Paraguay will introduce diff erentiated export taxes again in the near future 
(as existed for bovine leather and soybeans in the past)?  Geographical indications; please describe how a dditional protection is granted by Paraguay’s 
legislation on wines and spirits. Please mention ot her types of products, if any, covered by this 
additional protection. 
 
Customs controls, fees and customs valuation 
 
According to the report of the Paraguayan authorities improvements of the structure of the customs 
system have made it possible to progress considerably in the area of customs procedures. 
 
Could Paraguay explain the functi oning of its new cross-check systems?  How will the satellite 
system to control transit of goods work?  Could Paraguay explain in more details what it means by 
“integrated control areas”? 
 WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
Page 16  
 
 According to the report of the Paraguayan author ities a new Customs Code came into force on 11 
January 2005.  What are the differences between the new and th e old regime? How is the new National Customs 
Directorate structured?  
 
Could the government of Paraguay briefly expl ain the content of this new legislation?  
 The following customs fees are quoted in th e report prepared by the WTO secretariat: 
 
 A “valuation fee” of 0.5% on the cif value of all imports. 
 A tax of 7% is levied on the consular fees (co llected for document registration) to finance the 
INDI (National Indigenous Institute).  
 A fee of 1% is paid to the DCA on goods handled by this agency. 
 A fee between 0.75 and 3% is paid to the NSPA on goods handled by this agency. 
 A temporary import measure in the form of a 10% duty on the c.i.f. value. 
 It is explained that the first type of fee (the va luation fee) is applied on all imports and based on the 
c.i.f. value.  However, it is not explained in which cases the other fees are requested and if the 
percentage is also applied on the c.i.f. value of the products.  Consequently, some explanations would 
be necessary on these fees, considering that some of th em are high (i.e. 7% consular fees) and that the 
information provided is unclear (see contradiction betw een  p. 15 , page ix and p. 4 page 32:  the tax 
to finance the INDI is 7% of the value of the product or 7% of the consular fee?)  Explanations on the purposes or justifications of these fees would be welcome.  
Is the tax to pay the INDI applied only on imported goods?  
 What is the relationship between the INDI and import activities?  
 With the aim of “counteracting distortion effect s on the domestic economy and maintaining the 
competitiveness of domestic products” Paraguay has a pplied two different types of measures, one 
affecting the customs valuation of goods (appli cation of minimum specific import duties), and one 
implying a type of fee or over-duty of 10%)-page ix p.16.   The EC should like to Paraguay to provide an expl anation on the relationship between both measures 
as they seem different both in content and appl ied with the same aim?  Are these measure 
simultaneously applied on the same goods? 
 
Procedures for importation 
 
On page 33, para 14 in the report prepared by the WTO Secretariat it is said that all importers must 
register with the national Customs Directorate or through the SOFIA computerized system.  In order 
to register, importing companies must have a "business registration certificate". 
 Could the authorities of Paraguay please explain the c onditions to get this registration certificate, as 
regulated in the new Customs Code.  
The intervention of an authorised customs broker is also required to make payments of customs 
duties.  Simplified procedures are only foreseen fo r special customs regime (maquila).  Customs 
clearance requires finally the presentation of a list of documents, declarations, invoices, etc.   Explanations on the requirements and timing to comply  with this certificate + register + authorisation 
of the customs broker would be welcome.   WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
 Page 17 
 
 
  
Does the new customs code foresee any simplified pr ocedure for authorised importers as an element 
of trade facilitation?   
System of channels for customs release 
 
The report of the WTO Secretariat notes (page 35 - para 22) that the National Customs Directorate controls imported products through a system of channels.  Goods passing through the green channel 
are cleared immediately, without documentary, physical or value controls.   
Does it mean that the long list of requirements above mentioned are not applied in this case?  If there 
is no control at all, including value controls, s hould the valuation fee still be paid by importers? 
 Which are the criteria defined in the new Custom s Code to determine which goods pass through the 
green channel and which ones through  the red or orange channels? 
 
Is Paraguay considering modifying th e regulation concerning the consular  rate that is applied to the 
export documents of products to Paraguay?  Paraguay has introduced a law 194/06-07-1993 which pr ovides for regulation of the representation of 
foreign companies by local representatives.  
 
Does Paraguay intend to change the current law w ith a view to create a more open and transparent 
basis for foreign investments?   The international companies that tender for public  contracts in Paraguay must comply with the 
procedures under the Law of Public Contracting as well as other administrative requirements.  
 Does Paraguay foresee a revision of the current laws and practices opening the market to international 
companies? 
 
2. T
RADE IN SERVICES  
 
In the view of the EC other crucial sectors for improving development, include those of business 
services and not least telecoms and transport servi ces.  Noting the importance of liberalisation of 
services in promoting development, the EC should like to ask the following questions. 
The EC notes that the report of Paraguay has no section on trade in services, even though the 
establishment of a good fundament for development is also based on the building and strengthening of 
a market for e.g. transport, financial and telecommunications services.  Could Paraguay inform the EC how it sees the creat ion of a strong services sector in relation to its 
own development, and how Paraguay is envisaging to  work with strengthening its services sector in 
the short, medium and long run?  
Could the Government of Paraguay indicate of the stat e of play of Mercosur on services, if possible 
with some figures related to the developm ent of intra-Mercosur trade in services? 
 The Protocol of Montevideo, which establishes a list of commitments on services within Mercosur, 
was signed in 1997 but has not yet been ratified by Paraguay.  
 
Could the Paraguayan authorities inform about the state of ratification?  The EC has taken note of the findings of the WTO secretariat and should on this basis like to pose the 
following questions to Paraguay. WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
Page 18  
 
  
Does Paraguay apply specific restrictions to the cr oss-border supply of services in areas like other 
business services, computer services, distribution services, telecommunication services and environmental services?  Postal and courier  
How is the area reserved to the postal monopoly defined?  
 Are some activities or postal/courier services subjec t to licensing and if so what are he licensing 
requirements applied?  
 What is the status of express delivery services? Ar e they defined in some way in the internal 
legislation?  Are express delivery operators authorised  to deliver all items, including letters?  Are they 
subject to licensing and if so, what are the licensing requirements? 
 
Telecommunications 
 
Could Paraguayan authorities please provide more info rmation on the state of liberalisation in the area 
of telecommunication services, with particular refe rence to the provision of fixed telephony and 
international services? 
 
Is it possible for other operators to receive a concession for long-distance telephony?  Referring to the report prepared by th e WTO secretariat page 113, para 123:  
 
How is the amount that mobile network operato rs are paying to COPA CO for access to fixed 
telephony network determined?  Is it cost based and periodically revised?  Please explain if there any restriction on the number of licenses for mobile telephony?  (reference is 
made to page 115 para 130 of the report of the WTO Secretariat) 
 
Maritime and river Transport 
 
On the basis of the Paraguayan legislation, is it possible for a cargo vessel which does not belong to 
any of the signatories of the Hydrovia Treaty to su pply international maritime transport to Paraguay 
(for example from the EU to Paraguay)?  
3. T
RADE FACILITATION  
 
The EC notes that Paraguay cites Trade Facilita tion as one of its main concerns in the DDA 
negotiations and outlines some of the reforms undertak en with regard to Paraguay’s customs regime.  
 
What are Paraguay’s main concerns in the field of Trade Facilitation? 
 What is Paraguay’s experience of its Trade Facilitation reforms in practice? 
 What plans does Paraguay have for further reforms?    WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
 Page 19 
 
 
 More generally, as to trade facilitation measures , the EC is concerned by delays imposed on imports 
of Paraguay by the consular fee, which requests the stamping of certain documents at the closest Paraguayan consulate, a procedure that delays trade. 
Can Paraguay indicate whether this procedure still  applies and if so what does the government 
envisage to improve the situation in this respect? 
 
4. G
OVERNMENT PROCUREMENT  
 
The report  prepared by the WTO secretariat e xplains, on page 77 – para  208, that Paraguayan 
companies whose products have more than 50 per cent local content may be granted a margin of 
preference of up to 10 per cent. 
 Under what conditions can Paraguayan compan ies be granted this preference margin?  
 Is this rule of domestic preference applicable also on procurement of services? 
 
Furthermore, referring to page 78 and 79, para 211  and 214, it is explained about the methods of 
public procurement.  What are the statistics regarding the public tende ring process?  Information about the use of 
international public tendering is  of particular interest.  
 
The local public tendering seems to be the nor mal method of tendering in Paraguay (in terms of 
value).   Are there any plans to expand the use of inte rnational public tendering or making it the normal 
procedure for public procurement in  Paraguay (page 79, paragraph 212)? 
 
5. I
NTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS  
 
Referring to the section on patents in the report prep ared by the WTO secretariat page 82, para 221.  
By Resolution No 577 of 27 December 2004 the Pa raguayan Patent Office stated that patents for 
pharmaceutical products should only be granted after 1 January 2005, and that patents granted by this 
Office up to that date lack validity and do not produce the corresponding legal effects.   Could the Paraguayan authorities clarify the legal basis of this Resolution, in particular its compatibility with the TRIPs provisions? 
 
How do the Paraguayan authorities intend to preserve the rights of patent holders?  The EC has understood that Paraguay intends to e ffectively apply the above mentioned law and to 
provide the Headquarter of the Intellectual Prope rty with the necessary resources to ensure full 
implementation. What is the status of this process?  
 
The report of the Paraguayan authorities mentions that a new Law on Patents  was introduced that 
gives the possibility of granting patents to sectors th at had previously received no protection at all. 
 What kind of enforcement does the new Law on Patents provide for? 
 
Could the Government of Paraguay briefly expl ain the content of the new Law on Patents? 
 The report of the Paraguayan authorities explains th at considerable efforts have been made to improve 
enforcement of IPRs.  Since its last trade policy review in 1997 the Government of Paraguay has WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
Page 20  
 
 stepped up its searches and seizures in cases of viola tion of these rights within its territory.  In 
connection with the review of its IPR legislati on in the TRIPS Council in November 2000, Paraguay 
provided statistics testifying to its IPR enforcement efforts during the period 1998-2000.  The EC should like to ask Paraguay whether it can pr ovide more details on seizures in cases of IPR 
violations.  Can Paraguay furnish more recent stat istics?  What are the main products where IPRs 
have been violated?     
6. T
RADE POLICY STRATEGY  
 
The EC should like to ask the following questions  regarding Paraguay’s strategy for trade and 
development.   
Trade policies 
 
How is the issue of trade being dealt within Para guay’s national strategies?  Are the strategies based 
on the possibilities for advancing the country’s deve lopment objectives in the context of increasing 
globalization through trade?  A comprehensive reform and development plan coul d assist Paraguay in the upgrading of the capacity 
of the Government of Paraguay to undertake it’s ob ligations in internationa l trade related matters.  
Does Paraguay consider introducing an Action Program  to meets these aims, and which steps would 
be taken in order to attract c oordinated donor involvement in support of the steps envisaged? 
 The EC considers that the WTO and multilateral liber alization is the most certain way for small and 
medium sized countries to promote their interests.  
 
How does Paraguay judge the relative importance and weight of bilateral/FTA policies and further 
development of the WTO system in terms of  its own trade and development needs?  
How does Paraguay see the development of her trad e policies in the context of the multilateral 
system?  
According to the report of the WTO secretariat some  notifications to the WTO have still been pending 
as at October of 2004.   The EC should like to ask Paraguay which no tifications are currently still missing. 
 Relations with MERCOSUR  
A general source of concern in our bilateral trade relationship with Paraguay relates to the lack of 
reliability of the legal framework in Para guay for economic operators and investors. 
 As an introduction, the EC would like to  know how Paraguay intends to improve the reliability of the 
legal framework for economic operators and investors .  It particularly applies to the investment 
(Development of Paraguay’s FDI regime) and public procurement sectors.  The report of the WTO secretariat explains that unrecorded trade  accounts for approximately one 
third of Paraguay’s total trade flows.  According to the BCP, unrecorded trade consists mainly of 
smuggling, under-invoicing, and simulation of trade for tax evasion purposes. 
 The EC should like to ask Paraguay in more detail a bout the issue of unrecorded trade. Can Paraguay 
come up with a report on smuggling?  What measur es has the government taken to fight unrecorded 
trade?  WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
 Page 21 
 
 
  
How does the situation look like in the “Foz de Ig uacu” triangle?  Is there any co-operation in place 
with Argentinean and Brazilian authorities?   
Sustainable development 
 Paraguay is a developing country with high gr owth.  The EC welcome Paraguay’s emphasis on 
sustainable economic growth and sustainable deve lopment.  Looking at the overall policies of  
Paraguay:  
What plans does Paraguay have for adoption of po licy strategies in order to assure sustainable 
development?   The importance of linking trade with sustainable domestic policies, and in particular employment related matters and core labour sta ndards, was confirmed last year by the Final Report of the World 
Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalisation.  
 Could Paraguay please clarify how she intends to fo llow up the various programmes which have been 
implemented to increase employment and to assure that the core labour standards are followed? 
 The EC should like to ask how the issue of trade and sustainable development fits into Paraguay’s 
overall development strategies?  
 How does Paraguay assess the possibilities for increasi ng trade and development while ensuring 
environmental sustainability?  Does Paraguay cu rrently have a specific plan addressing this? 
 Technical Assistance  
We understand that according to the authorities, Paraguay requires further technical assistance in 
training negotiators in the different trade ne gotiation areas and experts in charge of framing 
multilateral and regional trade agreement policies and implementation progra mmes.  We have noted 
that Paraguayan officials have however participated in recent years to a number of training courses 
organised by WTO and other donors.  
 What are the perspectives / outlook to develop or create in the country a sustainable capacity to 
provide training on trade matters a nd trade negotiations in the country? 
 
 Is the involvement of local Univer sities or training centres adequate?  
 How do the Authorities identify current needs to set up such a domestic sustainable capacity? 
 How does Paraguay perceive the relationship betwee n trade and aid, and how does Paraguay see that 
trade component in relation to general development programmes? 
 
Are there areas where Paraguay has concluded that  development cooperation focusing on trade should 
be improved and/or reinforced?  We understand that in January 2005, Paraguay was designated as pilot country for Project 19 of the 
Standard and Trade Development Facility, a mech anism bringing together  five international 
organizations, including the WTO, which suppor ts developing countries seeking to implement 
international sanitary and phytosanitary standard s.  Project 19 is specifically geared towards 
improving the circulation of sanitary and phytosanit ary information, particularly between the public 
and the private sector, in order to enhance market access. 
 WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
Page 22  
 
 Has the project produced some concrete results?  
 What is the teaching which can be drawn so far? 
 
LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS
 
 
TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIME 
 
International Relations – World Trade Organization  
 
1. he Government Report states in paragraph 28 on page 7 that Paraguayan trade faces high 
transport costs because of its landlocked location.  The report asserts that improved customs and port 
procedures at home and in transit countries, and a mo re efficient transport infrastructure, are essential 
to overcoming this obstacle.  Pa ragraph 25 on page 6 of the Government Report indicates that the 
Doha Round Trade Facilitation negotiations are a priority for Paraguay. 
 
What specific outcomes from the trade facilitation negotiations does Paraguay believe must be 
achieved for these negotiations to be considered a success?  Trade-Related Technical Assistance
 
 
2. According to paragraphs 87  and 88 on pages 30 and 31 of th e Secretariat Report, Paraguay 
has participated extensively in WTO technical assist ance programs.  Paraguay’s targeted participation 
in the Doha negotiations suggests that so me of the assistance has been effective. 
 A) Which of the programs identified in the Secretariat Report were most beneficial?  Why?  TRADE POLICIES BY MEASURE 
 
Measures Directly Affecting Imports – Procedures, Registration, and Documentation
 
 3. Acording to paragraph 14 on page 33 of th e Secretariat Report, “the new Customs Code 
includes the requirement that all importers register with the National Customs Directorate, and in 
order to register, importing companies must be entered in the trade register with a business registration certificate ( Matrícula de Comerciante ).” 
 What are the requirements for obtaining a business registration certificate? 
 
Measures Directly Affecting Imports – Other Charges Affecting Imports
 
 4. Paragraph 70 on page 48 of th e Secretariat Report stated that Paraguay requires importers to 
obtain compulsory consular endorsement for import documents includi ng commercial invoices, 
certificates of origin, and bills of lading.  
 
A) Please clarify the consularization fees charged.  B) Please confirm that the consularization fee fo r imported cattle on the hoof is 0.15% of the 
commercial invoice value.  
 
Measures Directly Affecting Imports – Standards and Other Technical Requirements (Including SPS) 
– Standards, Testing, and Certification  
 5. Paragraphs 104 – 113 on pages 56 – 58 of the Secretariat Report describe a relatively 
extensive system of standards and technical re gulations.  We recognize the positive development,  WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
 Page 23 
 
 
 described in paragraph 107, that Paraguay notif ied the WTO in 2003 of the National Institute for 
Technology and Standardization's (INTN) acceptan ce of the code of good practice annexed to the 
WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade.  However, given Paraguay’s extensive system of 
standards and technical regulations, we are concer ned that Paraguay has not yet notified the WTO of 
its TBT enquiry point. 
 
When does Paraguay intend to comply with the terms of the WTO TBT Agreement and notify the 
WTO of its enquiry point?  Measures Directly Affecting Exports – Tax Con cessions, Free Zones, and Other Fiscal Benefits -
 
Maquila  
 6. According to Paragraph 154 on page 67 of the Secretariat Report, “Maquiladoras pay a single 
maquila tax of one per cent on the value added in Paraguayan territory … Maquiladoras are exempt 
from all other national, departmental or municipal taxes” and “the payment of VAT, tariffs and taxes 
on temporary imports is suspended.”  In paragra ph 153, the Secretariat Report noted that with few 
exceptions, the final products or services of maquiladoras must be exported.  According to paragraph 11 on page 33 and paragra ph 157 on page 67 of the Report, Paraguay has notified the WTO that it 
does not grant subsidies.  When does Paraguay intend to notify these incen tive programs to the WTO Committee on Subsidies 
and Countervailing Measures? 
 Other Measures Affecting Production and Trade – Incentives and Other Government Supports
 
 7. Paragraphs 183 through 185 on  page 73 of the Secretariat Report identify extensive tax 
incentives provided by Law 60/90 to foreign and domestic investors.  
 Are any of these benefits contingent upon exporting,  use of domestic inputs, or localization ratios? 
 8. The Secretariat Report identifies in paragr aphs 190 and 191 on page 74 and 75 an extensive 
array of tax and import-duty reduction incentives for au tomobile producers.  According to paragraphs 
192 and 194 of the Report, receipt of these benefits  depends, among other requirements, on the use of 
increasing local content.  Paragraph 193 of the Report notes that Paraguay has not notified this 
program to the WTO Committee on Trade Related Investment Measures (TRIMs).  A) Please explain how these measures are consistent with the WTO Agreement on Trade Related 
Investment Measures and Agreement on S ubsidies and Countervailing Measures. 
 B) When does Paraguay intend to notify th ese measures to the WTO Committee on Trade 
Related Investment Measures and the WTO Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures?  Other Measures Affecting Production an d Trade – Government Procurement
 
 
9. In paragraph 204 on page 77, the Secretaria t Report states that Paraguayan “authorities are 
working with various internationa l and non-governmental organizations to strengthen transparency in 
procurement procedures."    
Has Paraguay established a timeline for accomp lishing greater transparency in government 
procurement?    Other Measures Affecting Production and Trade – Intellectual Property Rights – Copyright and 
Related Rights  
 WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
Page 24  
 
 10. Referring to paragraphs 232-23 4 on pages 84-85 of the Secretariat Report, we understand that 
Article 53 of Law No. 1328/98 provides that a party may re-publish or translate a work without the 
consent of the author’s successors, if, 20 years afte r the author’s death, the successors have refused 
such publication and the would-be publisher/translat or obtains an order from a court.  An equitable 
remuneration is provided. 
 
Please explain how this provision is compatible wi th the Berne Convention, as incorporated into 
TRIPS Article 9(1), keeping in mind Berne Article  8 (translation), Article 9 (reproduction), and 
Article 2(6) (providing that the protection of the Convention extends not only to authors, but also to successors in title of authors). 
 
Other Measures Affecting Production and Trade – In tellectual Property Rights – Other Intellectual 
Property Rights  
 11. According to Paragraph 235 on page 85 of the Secretariat’s Report, Paraguay states that 
Geographical Indications are protected under th e Law of Trademarks (Article 57-60).   
 A) Are interested parties able to oppose the regi stration of a geographical indication, or to cancel 
any registration of a geographical indication?  B) Does a ground for refusing protection of geographical indications and for opposing and 
canceling a registration of a geographical indication in clude that the GI is likely to be confusingly 
similar to a trademark that is registered or th at has acquired rights through use in Paraguay? 
 C) How are the principles of priority and excl usivity applied in protecting trademarks and 
geographical indications?  Please provide details re garding grounds for refusal  of registrations of 
geographical indications. 
 Other Measures Affecting Production and Trade – In tellectual Property Rights – Enforcement of 
Intellectual Property Rights  
 12. The Secretariat Report advises in Paragr aph 247 on pages 86-86 that under Decree No. 
603/03 there is a compulsory registration requirement for certain classes of individuals and/or 
merchandise.  How is registration monitored and what, if any, are the criminal repercussions for failure to register? 
 
13. According to Paragr aph 249 on page 87, the Secretariat Report states that 11 million blank 
CD-Rs were seized in 2004.    Did any arrests and convictions result from these seizures?  14. Paragraph 249, page 87, of the Secretaria t Report states that in November 2003, Paraguay 
“reduced the number of border entry points for bl ank CD-Rs from 17 to 7, so as to exercise more 
effective control over cross-border trade.”  A) Please comment on the degree to which this tac tic has succeeded in reducing traffic in CD-Rs 
with false or questionable invoices. 
 
B) Please also describe any other efforts that Pa raguay is making to reduce the transshipment of 
CD-Rs through Paraguay.   
  WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
 Page 25 
 
 
 TURQUIA  
 
II. T RADE AND INVESTMENT REGIME ;  (1) OVERVIEW  
 
Paragraph 3 states that “Paraguay’s main concer ns are agriculture and special and differential 
treatment for landlocked developing countries with small and vulnerable economies.”  It would be 
appreciated if Uruguay could provide information on its policies and activities towards the problems 
of land locked developing countries w ithin the WTO and in other fora. 
 
(2) Trade Policy Formulation and Implementation 
 P.23 explains that “the government and the privat e sector are working together on a national export 
plan which is based on the concept of production ch ains and the streamlining of exports formalities 
through a single export window facility.”  Turk ey would appreciate if Paraguay could provide 
additional information about the works done so far by the government of Paraguay on this plan.  
 COSTA RICA
 
 
PREGUNTAS CON RELACIÓN AL INFORME DE LA SECRETARÍA  
 
III. POLÍTICAS  COMERCIALES,  POR  MEDIDAS 
2) M EDIDAS QUE AFECTAN DIRECTAMENTE A LAS IMPORTACIONES  
iv) Aranceles  
1. En la página 49, párrafo 56, se indica que en  virtud del sistema de Preferencia Arancelaria 
Regional de la ALADI, los miembros otorgan una reducción arancelaria preferencial del 20% a las 
importaciones procedentes de otros miembros con el mismo nivel de desarrollo, una reducción menor 
a las importaciones procedentes de miembros de mayor desarrollo relativo, y mayores reducciones a 
las importaciones procedentes de países de menor d esarrollo relativo.  ¿Paraguay, en su condición de 
miembro de menor desarrollo relativo, realiza revi siones periódicas para la aplicación de esta política 
de preferencia arancelaria? 
 
vii) Medidas de Contingencia a) Derechos antidumping y compensatorios 
 2. En el párrafo 80 se hace refe rencia a la imposición de derec hos antidumping definitivos para 
el caso de insecticidas en aerosol Baygón Verde Ultra y Baygón Azul Ultra, originarias de la 
Argentina y sobre las importaciones de cemento pr ovenientes de Brasil.  En ambos casos se hace 
referencia a una cantidad “específica” de dólares de los EEUU y no a un porcentaje sobre el valor de 
las importaciones.  ¿Cómo se calcula este nivel?  ¿Se trata de un nivel fijo calculado con base en el valor normal del producto investigado?   3. En el párrafo 82 se hace referencia a que las autoridades investigadoras deben dar a los 
usuarios de los sectores de producción de los pr oductos objeto de investigación y a las organizaciones 
de consumidores representativas, si el producto se vende al por menor, la oportunidad de presentar 
información pertinente.  En este caso, ¿cómo se toma en cuenta esta información a la hora de 
determinar la imposición o monto de la medida antidumping?  ¿Existe algún caso en el que estas 
consideraciones hayan tenido algún efecto en esta determinación? 
 
4. En el párrafo 86 se indica  que se podrá determin ar un derecho inferior al margen de dumping 
si éste es suficiente para eliminar el daño causado a la producción nacional, ¿Se ha dado este caso en algún momento? 
 
 WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
Page 26  
 
 viii) Normas y otras prescripciones técnicas (con inclusión de MSF)  
 
5. En el párrafo 107 se indica que Paraguay no ha notificado ningún reglamento técnico desde el 
último examen de política comercial.  ¿Qué acci ones está efectuando el Gobierno para mejorar el 
cumplimiento de sus obligaciones de notificación y transparencia de conformidad con el Acuerdo 
sobre OTC de la OMC? 
6. En el párrafo 110 se indica el número de re glamentos técnicos y normas que se encuentran 
actualmente vigentes.  ¿Qué porcentaje de estos instrumentos tiene como referencia las normas y 
directrices internacionales emitidas por las organizaciones internacionales de referencia como el CODEX ALIMENTARIUS? 
 
7. ¿Cómo toma en cuenta las normas o reglamen tos técnicos elaboradas por el Paraguay, las 
normas internacionales elaboradas por las organizaciones internacionales de referencia? 
 
3) M
EDIDAS QUE AFECTAN DIRECTAMENTE A LAS EXPORTACIONES  
iii) Prohibiciones, restricciones y licencias de exportación 
 
8. En el párrafo 133, se indica una medida de  prohibición sobre las exportaciones de madera, 
que inicialmente aplicaba a cuatro especies de madera tropical aserrada.  Sin embargo, se indica que “en 1994 se amplió la prohibición a la exportación de t oda la madera en bruto y semielaborada (rollos, 
trozos o vigas) de cualquier especie”.  Por otra parte, en la Sección IV (Políticas comerciales, por 
sectores), subsección 3 (Sector manufacturero), párrafo 78, se indica que las exportaciones fueron 
dominadas por tres industrias, una de ellas la indu stria de la madera.  ¿De qué manera afecta la 
mencionada medida de prohibición las exportaciones de esta industria? 
 
4) O
TRAS MEDIDAS QUE AFECTAN LA PRODUCCIÓN Y EL COMERCIO  
ii) Política de competencia y control de precios  
 
9. En el párrafo 180 en relación con el proyecto de ley de defensa de la competencia se indica 
que este incluye disposiciones de manera tal que las empresas de capital paraguayo con domicilio 
fuera del Paraguay estuvieran sujetas a las disposiciones provistas en el anteproyecto en la medida que sus actividades afecten la actividad económica a nive l nacional.  En este sentido, ¿Cómo se prevé la 
aplicación de esta disposición sin caer en acciones extraterritoriales? 
 10. En el mismo párrafo 180 se hace  referencia a que el proyecto de ley también permite acuerdos 
entre empresas que mejoren el nivel de vida de áreas  pobres, que mejoren la calidad de los servicios y 
que aumenten las exportaciones, siempre y cuando no  lesionen la competencia en los mercados.  ¿Se 
entiende entonces que con excepción de estos caso s las prácticas de acuerdos entre empresas son 
sancionables per se ?  ¿Se prevé el caso en que, a pesar de que posibles acuerdos entre empresas 
afecten la competencia del mercado, el beneficio social sea tal que amerite este costo? 
 
iii) Incentivos y otras ayudas gubernamentales 
 11. En el párrafo 190, se señalan los incentivos aplicados en virtud del Régimen Automotor.  
¿Existe algún compromiso u obligación para eliminar estos incentivos?  
 
v) Contratación Pública 
 12. El párrafo 206 del informe de la secretaría se refiere a las normas establecidas en la Ley de 
Contrataciones Públicas (LCP) de Paraguay.  ¿Podrí an indicar si dicha norma permite el uso de 
medios electrónicos para la publicación de los av isos de contratación y para la presentación y 
tramitación de ofertas?  WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
 Page 27 
 
 
 13. En el párrafo 214 del informe de la secretaría se hace referencia a la clasificación que hace la 
LCP de las licitaciones públicas en nacionales e in ternacionales.  ¿Podrían explicar si en las 
licitaciones públicas nacionales se establece simpleme nte una preferencia para los proveedores 
nacionales o del todo se prohíbe a los proveedores extr anjeros presentar ofertas y ser considerados en 
la contratación? 
 
IV. POLÍTICAS COMERCIALES, POR SECTORES 
2) Agricultura, Ganadería y Silvicultura ii) Objetivos de políticas para el sector 
 14. Con relación a lo descrito en el párrafo 27,  ¿podrían exponer con mayor detalle el método 
utilizado para la fijación del precio de referencia para ciertos producto s agrícolas y su cobertura?   
 15. En el párrafo 28 se señala que el Paraguay no  aplica contingentes arancelarios.  Sin embargo, 
se notifican medidas al amparo del Acuerdo sobre Licencias Automáticas.  ¿Cuál es la relación entre 
estas medidas?  
 
5) S
ERVICIOS  
i) Características generales  
16. Sobre el párrafo 119 ¿Tiene el Paraguay una f echa para aprobar internamente el Protocolo de 
Montevideo?  ¿En caso de que no se piense hacer, qu é normativa para el sector de servicios se estaría 
aplicando en el MERCOSUR?   
P
REGUNTAS CON RELACIÓN AL INFORME DEL GOBIERNO DEL PARAGUAY  
 
II. PRINCIPALES REFORMAS ECONÓMICAS 
 
17. Sobre el párrafo 7, ¿En qué consiste la refo rma a la Ley de Bancos que se estudia actualmente 
en el Congreso?   
IV. PERSPECTIVAS ACTUALES DE LA ECONOMÍA 
 
18. En relación con el párrafo 21, ¿Cuáles son lo s sectores que aún se encuentran sin privatizar?  
¿Podrían indicar si se está trabajando en un proceso en este sentido en algunos de esos sectores?  
HONG KONG, CHINO
 
 
Standards 
 
(WT/TPR/S/146, P. 57, Para. 110)  
1. We note that at the end of 2004, there were  some 505 Paraguayan standards.  22 Paraguayan 
technical regulations are based on Paraguayan standards and 87 are based on MERCOSUR 
resolutions.  We are interested to know to what ex tent the Paraguayan standards are in alignment with 
international standards.   
 WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
Page 28  
 
 Telecommunications 
 
(WT/TPR/S/146, P. x, Para. 33; and P. 112 -114, Paras. 120 - 125) 
 2. We note that Paraguay’s level of development in fixed telephon y continues to be low and the 
telephone line density was still one of the lowest on the American continen t in 2003, whereas there 
was significant market growth and the highest density among MERCOSUR members with respect to 
mobile telephony.  It is also noted that there was foreign participation in respect of the provision of 
almost all telecommunication services with the excepti on of basic telephony which is under a de facto 
monopoly by the State-owned operator.  We understand that with the suspension of the privatization 
of the State-owned operator on fixed telephony in 2002, the Paraguayan authorities are reviewing 
their policy objectives for the sector.  We would be grateful if Paraguay would share with us its 
preliminary ideas/plans to reform the sector.   3. Besides, we note that Paraguay has neither made any telecommunication commitments in its 
existing GATS schedule, nor has it included any ne w commitments in its initial offers.  Would 
Paraguay consider including new commitments on those more well-developed telecommunication 
services in its revised offers?  
Insurance 
 
(WT/TPR/S/146, P. 122, Para. 174) 
 4. It is noted that any firm seeking to offe r insurance in Paraguay must be set up as a public 
limited company or be a subsidiary of a forei gn company.  However, in Paraguay’s existing GATS 
schedule, it has undertaken full market access co mmitment for the commercial presence mode of 
supply in respect of insurance, reinsurance and retrocession services,  which means that Paraguay has 
undertaken not to, among others, adopt measures whic h restrict or require specific types of legal 
entity.  We would be grateful if Paraguay woul d advise us on the compatibility of its requirement 
imposed on insurance firms with its GATS commitments.   
Tourism 
 (WT/TPR/S/146, P. 130, Para. 222) 
 5. It is stated in the Secretariat’s report that no business with operations in the banking, financial 
or cooperative sector may provide tourism services.   We would like to know the reasons for such a 
restriction on the provision of tourism services.  We also note that Paraguay has undertaken GATS 
commitments for the commercial presence mode of s upply in respect of a number of tourism-related 
subsectors.  Would Paraguay please confirm whether the above-mentioned restriction is in line with 
its GATS commitments?  
BRASIL
 
 
1. The Secretariat’s Report WT/TPR/S/146, page  22, paragraph 39, states that Paraguay “has 
undertaken commitments under the General Agre ement on Services (GATS) only on financial 
services and tourism (Chapter IV(5)).”  The report considers Paraguay to have undertaken “modest” 
commitments under the GATS (paragraph 31, page 1), and stresses the fact that measures towards 
privatization of transport and communication have not  been forthcoming.  Considering, however, that 
those two sectors in particular have contributed sign ificantly to employment generation, together with 
agriculture (see table 1.1, page 2), has the G overnment of Paraguay assessed what the impacts on 
employment may be of improving its commitments in Services in those particular sectors? 
  WT/TPR/M/146/Add.1 
 Page 29 
 
 
 2. The Secretariat’s report (WT/TPR/S/146, page 76, paragraph 202) mentions that “In June 
2002, Congress enacted Law No. 1.932 of 5 June 2002 , which indefinitely suspended the effects o 
Law No. 1615 and the privatization process, citing pr oblems of ‘citizens confidence’ in the process 
(see Chapter IV (6)(ii)).  Consequently, at th e end of 2004, Paraguay had no legal framework 
regulating the privatization process.”  Could the Paraguayan Government further elaborate on the 
nature of difficulties faced in the privatization pro cess, as well as indicate if it has any plans to reenact 
Law No. 1.615? 
 
3. The Secretariat’s document (WT/TPR/S/146, pa ge 20, paragraph 30) affirms that foreign 
direct investment into Paraguay are not allowed in sectors reserved to the State.  Are there plans to 
abolish selective restrictions to FDI? 
 4. It is mentioned in the Secretariat’s Repor t (WT/TPR/S/146, page 19, paragraph 26) that 
”[S]ubsequent international agreements take preced ence over any existing international agreement.  
The WTO Agreements ratified in 1994 [] thus pr evail over the Treaty of Asunción, which established 
MERCOSUL in 1991, and all prior MERCOSUL rul es.  The WTO Agreements also prevail over 
MERCOSUL rules subsequently adopted by Executiv e decree.”  Could the Paraguayan authorities 
elaborate more on this subject, considering the diffe rent, but equally binding, obligations established 
under the WTO Agreements and under the Treaty of Asunción? 
 
5. In paragraph 32, page 11, of the Secretar iat’s report (WT/TPR/S/146) it is recognized that 
“[M]uch of Paraguay’s international trade comes from triangulation of trade (i.e. trade from one 
country to another via a third country through which the product transits) with Argentina and Brazil.”  
In paragraph 35, page 11, of that report there is mention of an increase in exports to Uruguay largely 
of goods in transit which would have more than comp ensated for decline in exports to the US market.  
In paragraphs 36 and 37 one learns that China has become not only a leading export market in Asia 
for Paraguay but, more significantly, it has become the leading Asian exporter to Paraguay in 2003, 
reaching 13.5% of overall imports into Paraguay in that  year up from a negligible percentage in 1999.  
“In 2003, the main Paraguayan imports from China were  office machinery and toys.”  Are there any 
plans for a readjustment of the Paraguayan econom y that would reduce significantly overtime its 
dependence on triangulation of trade and the distorting effects that this type of trade may bring about 
in the region? 
 
6. Paragraph 35 of the Secretariat’s Report notes that Paraguay has signed innumerous Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements with  its trading partners in the last ten years.  
Paragraph 37 mentions that Para guay allows international arbitration for the resolution of disputes 
between foreign investors and the Government.  No twithstanding this legal framework, much in line 
with mainstream economy thinking favorable to IPPA s and to public-private arbitration as measures 
for the attraction of FDIs by developing countries, on e learns from table 1.5, page 9, that FDI flows 
into Paraguay during the period under consideration ( 1997 to 2003) has been systematically negative.  
How does the Paraguayan Government evaluate and explain IPPAs not having reversed the negative 
flows of FDI in the last years? 
 
7. Does the policy objective to lower the cost of  air transport, adopted in November of 2004 
(paragraph 202, page 127, of document WT/TPR/S/ 146) include the intention of Paraguay to adopt an 
“open skies” policy? 
 
8. Considering that Agriculture has been the most dynamic sector of the Paraguayan economy 
and in particular the single most important sector in  terms of exports growth  and potential, how does 
Paraguay evaluate the importance for a developing la ndlocked country like itself of real and effective 
trade liberalization in Agriculture  in the Doha Development Round? 
 
9. Considering that Paraguay’s motor vehicle industry has its own special regime requiring 
increasing use of domestic components (paragraph 23,  page ix), wouldn’t Paraguay consider it 
important that developing countries be entitled to  broader and clearer flexibilities under the TRIMS 
Agreement? 
 
__________