natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
What this report seeks to offer is on the one hand, an overview of the key elements that allowed the Agreement to be reached, and on the other, an assessment of the negotiations which have followed, with a particular view to the forthcoming Hong Kong Ministerial Conference.
What this report seeks to offer is on the one hand, an overview of the key elements that allowed the Agreement to be reached, and on the other, an assessment of the negotiations which have followed, with a particular view to the forthcoming Hong Kong Ministerial Conference.
Given that ‘the way is made by walking’ those key elements are highlighted which we have every right to expect will lead to the final success of the Round and the achievement of free and fair trade for all.
Given that ‘the way is made by walking’ those key elements are highlighted which we have every right to expect will lead to the final success of the Round and the achievement of free and fair trade for all.
From Doha to Geneva via Cancún...
From Doha to Geneva via Cancún...
International trade’s capacity for contributing to development, economic growth and employment has been clearly demonstrated throughout the last half century.
International trade’s capacity for contributing to development, economic growth and employment has been clearly demonstrated throughout the last half century.
In this sense, the Doha Development Round was borne of the desire to conclude a far-reaching programme of reforming and liberalising international trade policy, particularly, in favour of the developing countries.
In this sense, the Doha Development Round was borne of the desire to conclude a far-reaching programme of reforming and liberalising international trade policy, particularly, in favour of the developing countries.
However, since the beginning, the Doha Development Programme (DDP) has been battered by storms.
However, since the beginning, the Doha Development Programme (DDP) has been battered by storms.
Undoubtedly, the most significant was the fact that the Cancún Ministerial Conference ended with no agreement whatever with regard to the content, which endangered the credibility of the DDP and the multilateral trade system itself (between January and August 2004, 21 new bilateral or regional agreements were signed and there are another 60 under negotiation, with a total of 206 agreements signed).
Undoubtedly, the most significant was the fact that the Cancún Ministerial Conference ended with no agreement whatever with regard to the content, which endangered the credibility of the DDP and the multilateral trade system itself (between January and August 2004, 21 new bilateral or regional agreements were signed and there are another 60 under negotiation, with a total of 206 agreements signed).
After Cancún, it was very obvious that the process which had started in Doha needed to be revived, and that above all, the WTO members had to make mutual concessions and abandon their entrenched positions.
After Cancún, it was very obvious that the process which had started in Doha needed to be revived, and that above all, the WTO members had to make mutual concessions and abandon their entrenched positions.
Given that a fresh setback could be fatal, Cancún ought to be a vaccination against any further failure.
Given that a fresh setback could be fatal, Cancún ought to be a vaccination against any further failure.
The Agreement reached in Geneva got the negotiations back on track and sets out the path to be followed, by seeking to achieve better integration of the developing countries into the global economy.
The Agreement reached in Geneva got the negotiations back on track and sets out the path to be followed, by seeking to achieve better integration of the developing countries into the global economy.
The latter are now much more actively involved in the negotiations and as a result, have a greater influence over decision-making.
The latter are now much more actively involved in the negotiations and as a result, have a greater influence over decision-making.
From the global perspective, there is no question that international trade needs to be refocused so as to make it fairer in both social and economic terms.
From the global perspective, there is no question that international trade needs to be refocused so as to make it fairer in both social and economic terms.
The legitimacy and credibility of the WTO both unquestionably depend on the extent to which all its members and civil society are able to feel that they are reaping the profits which flow from international trade.
The legitimacy and credibility of the WTO both unquestionably depend on the extent to which all its members and civil society are able to feel that they are reaping the profits which flow from international trade.
The issue is whether we wish to uphold the multilateral trade system, by linking the Development Round with the objectives of the Millennium Declaration, or whether on the contrary, we want to go back to a world of regional or bilateral agreements which embody no concern whatever for the development of the developing countries.
The issue is whether we wish to uphold the multilateral trade system, by linking the Development Round with the objectives of the Millennium Declaration, or whether on the contrary, we want to go back to a world of regional or bilateral agreements which embody no concern whatever for the development of the developing countries.
Key elements in reaching the Geneva Agreement
Key elements in reaching the Geneva Agreement
Geneva opened the way to preparing for negotiations which will both allow agreements to be reached and involve all those who are party to the process.
Geneva opened the way to preparing for negotiations which will both allow agreements to be reached and involve all those who are party to the process.
The fundamental features are:
The fundamental features are:
- the technical preparatory work for the July meeting in Geneva;
- the technical preparatory work for the July meeting in Geneva;
- the decision to concentrate on negotiations on a reduced number of key issues;
- the decision to concentrate on negotiations on a reduced number of key issues;
- the political push provided both by the USA with the ‘Zoellick letter’
- the political push provided both by the USA with the ‘Zoellick letter’
USTR, Letter from US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick on the DDA , 11 January 2004. and especially by the EU, in the shape of the letter from Commissioners Lamy and Fischler advocating a ‘Round for Free’ for the developing countries;
USTR, Letter from US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick on the DDA , 11 January 2004. and especially by the EU, in the shape of the letter from Commissioners Lamy and Fischler advocating a ‘Round for Free’ for the developing countries;
COM, Letter from Commissioners Pascal Lamy and Franz Fischler o the DDA , 9 May 2004.
COM, Letter from Commissioners Pascal Lamy and Franz Fischler o the DDA , 9 May 2004.
- the new configuration of the world trade system arising from the springing up of different Groups, whether on the basis of shared interests or in defence of specific products.
- the new configuration of the world trade system arising from the springing up of different Groups, whether on the basis of shared interests or in defence of specific products.
The G20, the G90, the G33 or the Cairns Group, for example.
The G20, the G90, the G33 or the Cairns Group, for example.
To these factors, particularly after the failure of Cancún, could be added the fear that the international trade system could drift into the doldrums of bilateralism and regionalism.
To these factors, particularly after the failure of Cancún, could be added the fear that the international trade system could drift into the doldrums of bilateralism and regionalism.
Despite the specific weight of the FIPs (EU, USA, Australia, Brazil and India) in the agriculture negotiations, the developing countries, thanks to their Groups, have been involved to a greater extent in decision-making (above all the G20 countries whose self-affirmation approach took definitive shape under the now well-established slogan ‘Trade Not Aid’).
Despite the specific weight of the FIPs (EU, USA, Australia, Brazil and India) in the agriculture negotiations, the developing countries, thanks to their Groups, have been involved to a greater extent in decision-making (above all the G20 countries whose self-affirmation approach took definitive shape under the now well-established slogan ‘Trade Not Aid’).
Furthermore, this means that there is a prospect that a reconfigured multilateral trade system will emerge.
Furthermore, this means that there is a prospect that a reconfigured multilateral trade system will emerge.
Assessing the Geneva Agreement
Assessing the Geneva Agreement
The Agreement adopted lays down the framework for launching the final, decisive phase of the DDP negotiations, focussing on five of the basic issues of the Round: (a) Agriculture, (b) Market access for non-agricultural products (MANAP), (c) Development, (d) Services and (e) Singapore Issues.
The Agreement adopted lays down the framework for launching the final, decisive phase of the DDP negotiations, focussing on five of the basic issues of the Round: (a) Agriculture, (b) Market access for non-agricultural products (MANAP), (c) Development, (d) Services and (e) Singapore Issues.
This chapter is the real driving force behind the negotiations and three specific pillars are tackled: reducing domestic aid which causes distortion of trade, WTO discipline for all forms of export subsidies, and increased market access:
This chapter is the real driving force behind the negotiations and three specific pillars are tackled: reducing domestic aid which causes distortion of trade, WTO discipline for all forms of export subsidies, and increased market access:
- With regard to domestic aids which distort trade , these are to be globally subject to substantial reductions (by 20% in the first year of implementation).
- With regard to domestic aids which distort trade , these are to be globally subject to substantial reductions (by 20% in the first year of implementation).
Everything indicates that the EU will be able to cope comfortably with these reductions, particularly following the reform of the CAP.
Everything indicates that the EU will be able to cope comfortably with these reductions, particularly following the reform of the CAP.
For its part, the USA is apparently going to have greater difficulties in amending its current Farm Bill.
For its part, the USA is apparently going to have greater difficulties in amending its current Farm Bill.
- With regard to export subsidies , both the red box subsidies used by the EU, and the distorting practices of export subsidies both for food aid (USA) and for state trading companies (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc.) are to be eliminated.
- With regard to export subsidies , both the red box subsidies used by the EU, and the distorting practices of export subsidies both for food aid (USA) and for state trading companies (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc.) are to be eliminated.
However, the reciprocity of all the measures, and above all the date on which they are to be adopted, have yet to be specified.
However, the reciprocity of all the measures, and above all the date on which they are to be adopted, have yet to be specified.
- Finally, with regard to market access , there are also to be substantial improvements made by all members, with the exception of the least-developed countries, and with special and differential treatment guaranteed for the other developing countries.
- Finally, with regard to market access , there are also to be substantial improvements made by all members, with the exception of the least-developed countries, and with special and differential treatment guaranteed for the other developing countries.
Furthermore, all members will be at liberty to display flexibility with regard to reduced liberalisation of their sensitive products, a special feature which means that the principle of Community preferences can be upheld.
Furthermore, all members will be at liberty to display flexibility with regard to reduced liberalisation of their sensitive products, a special feature which means that the principle of Community preferences can be upheld.
The cotton negotiations are, finally, and despite the opposition of the developing countries, to be included in the agriculture negotiations.
The cotton negotiations are, finally, and despite the opposition of the developing countries, to be included in the agriculture negotiations.
The framework adopted merely lays down that this issue will be dealt with in a far-reaching, rapid and specific manner, granting it appropriate priority, independently of other sectoral initiatives, with the setting up of a specific subcommittee which will meet regularly.
The framework adopted merely lays down that this issue will be dealt with in a far-reaching, rapid and specific manner, granting it appropriate priority, independently of other sectoral initiatives, with the setting up of a specific subcommittee which will meet regularly.
Success here will depend on the commitment of the EU and above all the USA.
Success here will depend on the commitment of the EU and above all the USA.
In any case, the trade measures need to be complemented by structural reform programmes for the sector in the EU regions affected, and development support measures for the developing countries on the part of the World Bank, the IMF, the UNDP and other international organisations.
In any case, the trade measures need to be complemented by structural reform programmes for the sector in the EU regions affected, and development support measures for the developing countries on the part of the World Bank, the IMF, the UNDP and other international organisations.
Following the Geneva Agreement, a global programme of work on the agriculture issue has been prepared; it includes many technical aspects deemed appropriate by the EU.
Following the Geneva Agreement, a global programme of work on the agriculture issue has been prepared; it includes many technical aspects deemed appropriate by the EU.
However, despite the negotiating paths opened up, little progress has been made.
However, despite the negotiating paths opened up, little progress has been made.
The EU’s image in this sector, following the CAP reform, has greatly improved.
The EU’s image in this sector, following the CAP reform, has greatly improved.
The abolition of export subsidies has been accepted in exchange for reciprocity on the part of the other members in the way they deal with their own export-distorting mechanisms, and their approach to domestic aids and improved market access, with very positive treatment granted to sensitive products , which will allow the EU to protect its market organisations.
The abolition of export subsidies has been accepted in exchange for reciprocity on the part of the other members in the way they deal with their own export-distorting mechanisms, and their approach to domestic aids and improved market access, with very positive treatment granted to sensitive products , which will allow the EU to protect its market organisations.
The framework adopted merely holds over for future negotiation most of the difficult decisions required for establishing detailed arrangements, without specific deadlines being set.
The framework adopted merely holds over for future negotiation most of the difficult decisions required for establishing detailed arrangements, without specific deadlines being set.
Here, it is essential to give specific shape to the stated wish of the 25 Trade Ministers attending the Davos meeting of 29 January 2005, that a draft of detailed agriculture and NAMA negotiating arrangements be available by July 2005, given their importance to the economic development of most WTO members.
Here, it is essential to give specific shape to the stated wish of the 25 Trade Ministers attending the Davos meeting of 29 January 2005, that a draft of detailed agriculture and NAMA negotiating arrangements be available by July 2005, given their importance to the economic development of most WTO members.
No less necessary is a specific definition of the concept of ‘sensitive product’ and the setting up of a special mechanism to protect and designate special products from the developing countries.
No less necessary is a specific definition of the concept of ‘sensitive product’ and the setting up of a special mechanism to protect and designate special products from the developing countries.
Furthermore, various developing countries are concerned by the possible box shift of domestic aids to blue and green boxes.
Furthermore, various developing countries are concerned by the possible box shift of domestic aids to blue and green boxes.
This means that the elements to be included in the content of these boxes needs defining; rigorous respect for what is set out in Annex A of the Agreement is equally called for.
This means that the elements to be included in the content of these boxes needs defining; rigorous respect for what is set out in Annex A of the Agreement is equally called for.
Also necessary, although not included in the July agreement, is the holding of an in-depth discussion of the issue of geographical indications , analysing what kinds of flexibility could be applied to it, and its possible extension to products other than wines and liquors.
Also necessary, although not included in the July agreement, is the holding of an in-depth discussion of the issue of geographical indications , analysing what kinds of flexibility could be applied to it, and its possible extension to products other than wines and liquors.
The EU needs to find new allies in this area.
The EU needs to find new allies in this area.
(b) Market access for non-agricultural products
(b) Market access for non-agricultural products
Here, the Geneva Agreement merely instructs the Negotiating Group to continue its discussions on defining the negotiating formula, the treatment of unconsolidated tariffs, appropriate provisions on flexibility for the developing countries, participation in the sectorial tariff component for defining the cover of products, and preferences; and, on the other hand, urges the developed countries and other members which so decide to grant duty and quota-free access to their markets for non-agricultural products from least-developed countries.
Here, the Geneva Agreement merely instructs the Negotiating Group to continue its discussions on defining the negotiating formula, the treatment of unconsolidated tariffs, appropriate provisions on flexibility for the developing countries, participation in the sectorial tariff component for defining the cover of products, and preferences; and, on the other hand, urges the developed countries and other members which so decide to grant duty and quota-free access to their markets for non-agricultural products from least-developed countries.
At the very end of February, the delegations accepted the proposal by the Chairman of the NAMA Negotiating Group, the Icelander Stefan Johannesson, that the holding of future discussions would use the agriculture negotiation format, i.e. separate meetings would be called to discuss specific issues like the tariff reduction formula or the negative effects on developing countries of preference erosion.
At the very end of February, the delegations accepted the proposal by the Chairman of the NAMA Negotiating Group, the Icelander Stefan Johannesson, that the holding of future discussions would use the agriculture negotiation format, i.e. separate meetings would be called to discuss specific issues like the tariff reduction formula or the negative effects on developing countries of preference erosion.
The members are divided into two groups: those (mainly G20) who want to produce a general reduced-tariff formula before tackling sectorial issues, and the others, headed by the USA and Canada, who would prefer to take a sectorial approach to liberalisation.
The members are divided into two groups: those (mainly G20) who want to produce a general reduced-tariff formula before tackling sectorial issues, and the others, headed by the USA and Canada, who would prefer to take a sectorial approach to liberalisation.
Many developing countries fear that the sectorial approach will leave them with higher tariffs in sectors important to them, since it is not clear how the sectors will be chosen.
Many developing countries fear that the sectorial approach will leave them with higher tariffs in sectors important to them, since it is not clear how the sectors will be chosen.
The developing countries remain doubtful with regard to the way in which the GSP is developing, with the countries which enjoy these preferences refusing to go ahead with the work on the formula and the sectors, with a view to focusing on special and differential treatment.
The developing countries remain doubtful with regard to the way in which the GSP is developing, with the countries which enjoy these preferences refusing to go ahead with the work on the formula and the sectors, with a view to focusing on special and differential treatment.
The ACP countries argue that customs preferences are indispensable to their economies, while some Latin-American countries have described them as discriminatory.
The ACP countries argue that customs preferences are indispensable to their economies, while some Latin-American countries have described them as discriminatory.
The ACP countries have undertaken to put forward proposals at the next meeting of the Negotiating Group, with a view to finding a solution to the erosion of preferential market access which would result from the global reduction of tariffs under the NAMA negotiations.
The ACP countries have undertaken to put forward proposals at the next meeting of the Negotiating Group, with a view to finding a solution to the erosion of preferential market access which would result from the global reduction of tariffs under the NAMA negotiations.
The EU’s needs in this area, for their part, require a global approach in order to respond properly to its extremely diversified industrial sector.
The EU’s needs in this area, for their part, require a global approach in order to respond properly to its extremely diversified industrial sector.
Negotiations in NAMA, in particular, need to be stepped up, to produce a definition of the adequate tariff reduction formula, while taking due account of the flexibility essential to the developing countries, including by means of reduction commitments which do not involve reciprocity, as provided for in Annex B of the Agreement.
Negotiations in NAMA, in particular, need to be stepped up, to produce a definition of the adequate tariff reduction formula, while taking due account of the flexibility essential to the developing countries, including by means of reduction commitments which do not involve reciprocity, as provided for in Annex B of the Agreement.
Here, two basic features need to be highlighted: special differentiated treatment (SDT) and technical assistance.
Here, two basic features need to be highlighted: special differentiated treatment (SDT) and technical assistance.
With regard to the former, it was recommended that all the proposals still outstanding be considered by July 2004 at the latest, and that all the other work on development still outstanding be tackled; and with regard to technical assistance , all that is said is that it should be stepped up, as should capacity-building.
With regard to the former, it was recommended that all the proposals still outstanding be considered by July 2004 at the latest, and that all the other work on development still outstanding be tackled; and with regard to technical assistance , all that is said is that it should be stepped up, as should capacity-building.
The text reflects the shaky agreement reached between the G20 and the G90.
The text reflects the shaky agreement reached between the G20 and the G90.
The G20 opposed the consolidation of least-developed country preferential access to developed country markets.
The G20 opposed the consolidation of least-developed country preferential access to developed country markets.