Mike Moore's speeches Renato Ruggiero's speeches, 1995-99 1. A report of the Workshop is under preparation with the assistance of the four moderators and will be made available to delegations next week. In the meantime, I would briefly summarise my view on some of the main points emerging from the discussion at the workshop. The two day Workshop provided a valuable opportunity for exchange of information and ideas on the problems faced by developing countries in respect to the implementation and operation of the TBT Agreement. The discussion was practical and solution-oriented.
All countries have specific technical assistance needs and requirements.
It was noted that there was no one single model bureaucratic or administrative structure that all countries should follow. A number of speakers highlighted the importance of ensuring that solutions were targeted at the specific priorities and needs identified by individual or groups of developing countries that would allow them to effectively implement as well as benefit from the Agreement. However, it was emphasised that any solutions must be carefully tailored to take into account the specific situation of each country. The discussions also highlighted a range of common challenges faced by developing and least developed countries in the four subject areas discussed. The importance of securing political commitment to support the contribution that could be made at the technical level was underlined in this regard.