However, before designing any system or approach, it is important that each country have the flexibility to design and operate programs that meet national needs. A multilateral system will require a certain level of negotiation. Developing a series of bilateral arrangements would provide a practical starting point. The experience gained and the structures developed would be invaluable in the development of a multilateral system. Enhanced co-operation should take these factors into account and apply them where possible, while recognizing that full harmonization may not be achievable in every situation, particularly in regard to criteria development.
Mutual confidence is established on the basis of the GEN Code of Good Practice.
Analysis of environmental criteria leading to mutual recognition. However, it should be recognized that full equivalence or harmonization of criteria will not always be possible or desirable, and that a system of enhanced co-operation may not always be able to include the fourth step. Nonetheless, most of the elements of this approach are not new and can be found in the multilateral and bilateral work already underway in various fora and on a variety of subject matters. The first step of any co-operative relationship, be it multilateral or bilateral, is the exchange of basic information on the operation of the programs. This should include policy objectives, existing product criteria, product selection and criteria development methodologies and marketing strategies.