Transcript Presentation to MoEF

Introduction to the Workshop
Nupur Chowdhury
1st – 3rd May 2006
Workshop on WTO-related Issues for
Government Officials in SAARC Region
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TERI
TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute is a developing
country institute that is deeply committed to every aspect of
sustainable development.
Scope of Activities:
• Environment-friendly solutions to rural energy problems
• Regulatory policy of the Indian oil and gas sector
• Global climate development change issues
• Forest conservation efforts among local communities;
• Researching and developing cross sectoral linkages on a wide
range of policy issues - on international trade, environment and
sustainable
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Profile of GALT
• Both research (policy analysis) and capacity
building:
• Environmental standards: Various Issues and Concerns for
India
• Implications of eco-labeling requirements for environmental
purposes on market access for Indian exports
• Technology Transfer within international trade and
environmental regime.
• Trade liberalization - impacts & opportunities for SMEs in the
textile, leather and seafood sectors
• WTO Training program for capacity building of SAARC
officials.
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Introduction
• Training program on WTO-related issues for
government officials in the SAARC region.
• Training Program has been initiated by TERI and
supported by the British High Commission, India
• Comprehensive Training Program
– Basic Training Module
– Specific Training Module
– Advanced Training Module
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Objectives of the Programme
• To strengthen and build capacity of government officials
within SAARC countries on WTO related issues.
• Government officials are drawn from different
ministries (not only Ministry of Commerce) but also
Ministry from agriculture, law,environment and others.
• Increase coordination between various departments of
the government and also contribute to identifying
potential synergies and building on them at a regional
level.
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Training Modules
• Divided into three: Basic, Specific and Advanced
– Basic: Introductory WTO course - government
officials at the under secretary level or newly joined
officials.
– Specific: Issues which are unique to recent or
aspiring WTO members.
– Advanced: focus on Current negotiations and
possible outcomes - Senior level government officials
(e.g. Joint Secretary)
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Issues addressed in the workshop
• Identification of issues : Three stage process
– Extensive literature survey for identification of
issues
– Qualitative survey of stakeholders in SAARC
countries
– Brainstorming of Experts Advisory Committee
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Workshop Format
• First Session: Inaugural Session
• Second session: Key issues in DDA and its
implication for SAARC countries
• Third Session: Specific Negotiating Agenda
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Trade Facilitation
Non-Tariff Barriers: Standards and Technical Regulations
Non-Agriculture Market Access
GATS
Agriculture
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Workshop Format (contd.)
• Session 4 : Development Issues in WTO
• Session 5: Regional Trade and Cooperation
• Analytical and political issues: Special focus on GI and
tourism
• SAFTA negotiations
• Sessions have been divided into two parts
• Key speakers – overall perspective – coverage of issues
• Country speakers – individual country perspective
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Thank You
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