It will be important in relation to the treatment of these themes to define in the forum of the FTAA whether, and to what extent, the Parties wish to expand the commitments assumed in the Uruguay Round. An important issue is to define a method to equalize rules and procedures in an environment of 34 nations with unequal development and internal economic structures. Although almost all of them are members of the WTO, the precepts of the Organization already incorporated in their individual legislation are not being applied in a uniform manner. It is important to discuss mechanisms for resolving intra - FTAA disputes, through establishment of its own instruments, independent or not of those set up by the WTO, such as expert consultative commisions, perhaps even having supranational powers, which can serve as a forum for revision of internal decisions of the member countries. Another fundamental point is the question of the limitation or eradication of agricultural subsidies.
Agricultural trade is a key ingredient in the process of integration in the Americas.
The WTO and the Agreement on Agriculture limit but do not prohibit the use of these subsidies. Progress in relation to the commitments of the Uruguay Round would consist of revision and revocation of the subsidies that distort hemispheric trade in agricultural products, as well the definition of lines of action relative to nations outside the FTAA that have similar subsidies for agricultural production and trade.