El Foro Público de este año es particularmente especial al coincidir con el 20º aniversario de la OMC. Con el tema "El comercio funciona", el Foro brindará la oportunidad de debatir y evaluar la contribución que 20 años de cooperación mundial en el marco de la OMC han hecho al fortalecimiento y la estabilidad de la economía mundial. Nos centraremos en cómo logra el comercio, a través del sistema multilateral, impulsar el crecimiento, sacar a las personas de la pobreza, aumentar el acceso a los bienes y medicamentos y promover relaciones pacíficas y mutuamente beneficiosas entre las naciones. Con la mirada puesta en los próximos 20 años, vamos a analizar también las esferas en que el comercio puede funcionar mejor y en las que la OMC puede hacer más.

Vídeos

 

Galerie de photos

“El comercio funciona!”

¡Sí, el comercio funciona! Es un hecho indiscutible. El comercio favorece el crecimiento, el desarrollo y la reducción de la pobreza. Ayuda a los países en desarrollo y los países menos desarrollados a integrarse en mayor medida en la economía mundial. Además, promueve las inversiones y la innovación, da margen a los países para formular políticas de salud pública y protección del medio ambiente, y protege la propiedad intelectual. También ayuda a crear mayores sinergias entre las necesidades de producción y la capacidad agrícola de los países. El comercio funciona para los más vulnerables, como las mujeres de comunidades pobres y marginadas, ya que contribuye a mejorar sus condiciones de vida y sus medios de subsistencia. Al reducir el costo de vida, el comercio puede contribuir a paliar las desigualdades. Las políticas comerciales influyen en los precios de los alimentos o del vestido. Pero sobre todo, el comercio funciona porque proporciona estabilidad política y económica. Como señaló Alexis de Tocqueville en su libro La democracia en América: "El comercio es el enemigo natural de todas las pasiones violentas". Sin embargo, no todos los países están en igualdad de condiciones, ya que algunos no tienen sitio en la mesa del desarrollo. ¿Por qué el comercio funciona para algunos países y no para otros? ¿Cómo se explica que algunos países hayan dado con la "receta del comercio" y otros no?
Tema

Antecedentes

Desde que se celebró por primera vez en 2001, han asistido al Foro Público más de 9.000 representantes de ONG, la sociedad civil, los círculos académicos y empresariales, los medios de comunicación, los gobiernos, los parlamentos y las organizaciones intergubernamentales.
Más información sobre ediciones anteriores del Foro Público

 

Foro público 2015

Programa

9:30-12:00

DEBATE PLENARIO INAUGURAL: Hacer que el comercio funcione de manera más inclusiva

Organizador: WTO
Sala CR

• Roberto Azevêdo, Director General de la Organización Mundial del Comercio
Discurso
Audio

• Lilianne Ploumen, Ministra de Comercio Exterior y Cooperación para el Desarrollo de los Países Bajos (oradora principal)
Audio

• Yuejiao Zhang, Miembro del Órgano de Apelación
• Susan Schwab, ex Representante de los Estados Unidos para las Cuestiones Comerciales Internacionales
• Amina Mohamed, Ministra de Relaciones Exteriores y Comercio Internacional, Kenya
• Anabel González, Directora Superior, Prácticas Mundiales de Comercio y Competitividad, Grupo del Banco Mundial

Moderador: Lerato Mbele, periodista de BBC Africa

Audio



El comercio en acción

 

12:00-12:40

PRESENTACIÓN DE UNA PUBLICACIÓN: WTO Accessions and Trade Multilateralism: Case Studies and Lessons for the WTO at Twenty (Adhesiones a la OMC y multilateralismo comercial: estudios de caso y lecciones al cumplir la OMC 20 años)

Organizador: WTO
Sala W

¿En qué han contribuido las adhesiones a la OMC al sistema multilateral de comercio basado en normas? ¿Qué han pedido los Miembros iniciales de la OMC a los gobiernos en proceso de adhesión? ¿Cómo les ha ido a esos gobiernos? En este volumen de ensayos se ofrecen visiones analíticas sobre el modo en que las negociaciones para la adhesión a la OMC han ampliado el alcance del sistema multilateral de comercio, no solo desde el punto de vista geográfico, sino también conceptual, aclarando las disciplinas y señalando el camino para fortalecerlas aún más en el futuro. Los Miembros que se han incorporado a la OMC desde su creación representan en la actualidad el 20% del total de los Miembros de la Organización. En la era de la globalización, es cada vez más necesario contar con un sistema universal de normas de comercio. Los gobiernos han utilizado las negociaciones de adhesión como instrumento para emprender reformas internas, y una de las lecciones del proceso de adhesión es que determinados contextos favorecen la obtención de resultados satisfactorios en las negociaciones comerciales multilaterales, incluso en el entorno económico del siglo XXI que se caracteriza por la complejidad y la multipolaridad.

 

• Roberto Azevêdo, Director General de la Organización Mundial del Comercio
Discurso
Audio

• Amina Mohamed, Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Kenya
Discurso

• Uri Dadush, Coeditor, Asociado Superior, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Discurso

• Kim Hughes, Editora Superior a cargo, Cambridge University Press
Discurso

Moderador: Chiedu Osakwe, Coeditor, Director, División de Adhesiones

Audio

 

Summary

Chiedu Osakwe, Director of the WTO Accessions Division and co-editor of “WTO Accessions and Trade Multilateralism: Case Studies and Lessons from the WTO at Twenty”, presented this book and thanked the high-level panel for their participation at the launch.

WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo thanked the 54 contributors for sharing their knowledge and practical experience in WTO accessions. He noted that if there was an area in which the WTO could claim success, it would be accessions. Further to this point, he noted that over 20% of WTO members are Article XII members. He acknowledged several accessions landmarks and commended Saudi Arabia on the 10th anniversary of its membership. He concluded that WTO accessions are the "health-check" of the Organization. He highlighted the role of accessions in facilitating domestic reform, boosting economic growth and strengthening the rule of law.

Amina Mohamed, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, commented that Africa is ready to contribute to the strengthening of the multilateral trading system and commended Liberia for its efforts to accede to the WTO. She expressed her pleasure at the imminent adoption of Liberia's Accession Protocol to the WTO at the Tenth Ministerial Conference of the WTO, scheduled for Nairobi in December 2015. She mentioned that 20 years of accession evidenced that Article XII members performed better than original members, and that WTO accession is a tool of good governance and poverty reduction. She concluded that the results from accession negotiations demonstrated that the WTO can deliver and should deliver even more at Nairobi.

Uri Dadush from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and co-editor of the book pointed out that the focus of the book is not on the WTO accession process per se, but chiefly on the outcomes. Accession negotiations resulted in rules clarification and enhanced trade performance. Furthermore, the WTO benefits from each accession as they have a "network effect" on the multilateral trading system. He added that accessions provided a platform for the most active negotiating agenda in world trade and acknowledged that the process could be improved and streamlined.

Kim Hughes from Cambridge University Press noted that the WTO – Cambridge publishing partnership began in 1995 and has resulted in a great number of publications. She pointed out the remarkable number of contributors made this one of the largest Cambridge – WTO publications in history. She concluded that the book provides a fascinating snapshot on why accessions negotiations could fail, stall or succeed.

13:20-14:30

Sesión de trabajo 1: Las adhesiones a la OMC, el sistema de comercio y la economía mundial

Organizador: División de Adhesiones de la OMC
Sala W

Los resultados de las negociaciones de adhesión a la OMC han tenido efectos profundos y de gran alcance en el sistema multilateral de comercio basado en normas. Han servido para actualizar las normas de la OMC en todos los ámbitos, mejorar el acceso a los mercados y, han brindado un marco para la gestión de la dinámica geopolítica en que se basan varias negociaciones de adhesión: a su vez los gobiernos que se han adherido han utilizado estas negociaciones de adhesión como instrumento para apoyar y respaldar sus reformas internas. El Director General de la OMC, Roberto Azevêdo, presentará el libro: "WTO Accessions and Trade Multilateralism: Case Studies and Lessons for the WTO at Twenty" (Adhesiones a la OMC y multilateralismo comercial: estudios monográficos y lecciones al cumplir la OMC 20 años". A continuación, se reunirá un grupo de alto nivel sobre "Las adhesiones a la OMC, el sistema de comercio y la economía mundial". Entre los ponentes invitados cabe mencionar a la Sra. Amina Mohamed, Ministra de Relaciones Exteriores y Comercio Internacional de Kenya; el Sr. Andrey Slepnev, Ministro de Comercio de la Comisión Económica Euroasiática; el Sr. Bernard Hoekman, del Instituto Universitario Europeo de Florencia; la Sra. Mona Haddad, del Banco Mundial y el Sr. Alexei Kireyev, del Fondo Monetario Internacional.

• Bernard Hoekman, Director del Área de Investigación "Global Economics" del Centro Robert Schuman, EUI de Florencia
• Andrey Slepnev, Ministro de Comercio, Comisión Económica Euroasiática
Discurso

• Amina Mohamed, Ministra de Relaciones Exteriores y Comercio Internacional, Kenya
Discurso

• Anabel González, Directora Superior, Prácticas Mundiales de Comercio y Competitividad, Grupo del Banco Mundia
• Alexei Kireyev, Economista Superior, Fondo Monetario Internacional
Discurso

• David Shark, Director General Adjunto de la Organización Mundial del Comercio
• Yi Xiaozhun, Director General Adjunto de la Organización Mundial del Comercio

Moderador: Mark Linscott, Representante Adjunto de los Estados Unidos para las Cuestiones Comerciales Internacionales encargado de las cuestiones relativas a la OMC y asuntos multilaterales

Audio

 

Summary

The panel described how twenty years of WTO accessions have contributed to strengthening the rules-based multilateral trading system through increased stability, openness and predictability in world trade, not to mention improved global governance.

WTO accessions play a major role in underpinning domestic reforms. The panel touched upon the role of global institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in helping countries sustain those reforms to increase their competitiveness.

Africa's growing population brings opportunities for development and growth for the continent as well as challenges like increased social and economic infrastructures. One way to help realize Africa's potential is for trade to flow more freely across borders – an objective enshrined in the new WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.

13:00-14:30

Sesión de trabajo 2: Cadenas de suministro y normas laborales: ¿cómo lograr que el comercio funcione para todos?

Organizador: Confederación Sindical Internacional (CSI)
Sala S1

Las cadenas de suministro son la forma en que funciona el comercio hoy en día. La UNCTAD ha demostrado que esas cadenas (comercio dentro de las empresas o entre ellas), generadas por empresas transnacionales, representan en torno al 80% del comercio mundial. Sin embargo, las grandes corporaciones obtienen beneficios gracias a niveles de sueldos bajos, condiciones de trabajo inseguras y la degradación del medio ambiente. El comercio funciona de forma carente de equidad y sus beneficios no llegan a los que están más abajo o a mitad de camino de las cadenas de suministro.

En vista de los debates que celebrará en 2016 la OIT sobre las cadenas de suministro, el movimiento sindical internacional ha preparado propuestas sobre la forma de poner fin a la avaricia empresarial y de reconfigurar las cadenas mundiales de suministro de tal forma que se garantice el respeto de los derechos humanos y los derechos sindicales y que se respete la seguridad en el trabajo.

 

• Olivier de Schutter, Profesor de la Universidad Católica de Lovaina (Bélgica) y del Colegio de Europa
• Elissa Braunstein, División de Globalización y Estrategias de Desarrollo, UNCTAD
• Neil Howard, becario Marie Curie en el Centro de Política Migratoria del Centro Robert Schuman de Estudios Avanzados

Moderador: Sharan Burrow, Secretaria General de la CSI

Audio

 

Summary

Sharan Burrow of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) moderated the discussion. In her opening remarks, she highlighted that trade cannot be only about business and profit: it should also address environmental issues, inequality and, most important, the hidden work force employed in supply chains. She stated that the current trade model (a model she perceived as favouring businesses) needs rule of law, transparency, institutions and governments that prioritise their citizens along with labour's fundamental rights. In her view, the current system cannot ensure these considerations, and thus needs to be revisited.

Oliver de Schutter of the Unviersité Catholique de Louvain (Belgium) and the College of Europe focused on explaining how trade and labour issues can be linked by connecting labour rights to trade policies. For example, he noted the option of imposing tariffs on products from countries that do not comply with labour rights, or introducing labelling schemes for such products.

The panel also highlighted the importance of transitioning from the informal to the formal economy in order to fight hidden work forces subject to different rules, and to ensure decent working conditions for all.

Elissa Braunstein of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) focused on global value chains (GVCs) and related challenges, particularly in terms of economic and social upgrading. These challenges include: the increasing power of large suppliers in large emerging economies; productivity gains used to gain price advantages rather than wage increases; insecurity; inequality; and the integration of women into the system, as most of women labour is concentrated at the bottom of value chain. In her opinion, the positive figures of economic growth and development are mostly due to financial-ization, not trade and GVCs. In closing, she urged for global coordination on workers' rights.

During the ensuing discussion open to all attendees, business representatives argued that while they respect and comply with fundamental labour rights, the integration of labour rights into trade or trade agreements must be done carefully because trade cannot always deal with such issues. These representatives asserted that domestic authorities were the correct parties to handle such issues, and that capacity building in poor countries could go very far in helping to remedy the issues (examples of Cambodia and the Philippines were provided). The discussion reiterated that GVCs do contribute to countries' development and consequently the improvement of working conditions. They also stated that the process of improving labour standards is ongoing, but that it will take time to complete.

The panellists disagreed with the views presented by the business community, and concluded by stating that labour rights, particularly in GVCs, must be revisited, and that the challenges of the fundamental rights and trading system must be tackled through collaborative efforts.

13:00-14:30

Sesión de trabajo 3: Utilizar los acuerdos comerciales para resolver las cuestiones que afectan al comercio de productos agrícolas

Organizador: FAO and TILPA (bufete especializado en comercio e inversión internacionales)
Sala S2

Esta sesión pretende resolver los obstáculos comerciales que afectan a los productos agrícolas. Un obstáculo público al comercio afecta a los productores (desde pymes hasta empresas multinacionales), que solicitan la intervención de su gobierno (expertos en agricultura). Entre los instrumentos de que se dispone para tratar de resolver esos problemas comerciales cabe mencionar los acuerdos de la OMC y los acuerdos comerciales regionales. La sesión abarca:

• El tipo de problemas con que se enfrentan las empresas y los gobiernos cuando hay un obstáculo comercial (etiquetado, medidas sanitarias y fitosanitarias, impuestos y otros).
• Estudios monográficos sobre la forma de resolver un obstáculo comercial (con o sin éxito).
• Mecanismos de que dispone la OMC y mecanismos previstos en los acuerdos comerciales regionales.
• Necesidad de que los equipos nacionales preparen sus posiciones y transmitan las solicitudes a fin de mejorar el acceso a los mercados.
• Importancia de la coordinación intergubernamental y de la creación de capacidad para los funcionarios y el sector privado cuando participan en la solución de cuestiones comerciales.

• Jorge Goldman Huerta, Director Gerente, TILPA, Derecho mercantil y de inversiones
• Joakim Reiter, Secretario General Adjunto de la UNCTAD
• Marco Tulio Molina, Ministro Consejero, Representante Permanente Adjunto ante la OMC, Misión de Guatemala ante la OMC
• Juan Millan, Representante Adjunto en funciones de los Estados Unidos para las Cuestiones Comerciales Internacionales encargado de la vigilancia y la observancia, Oficina del Representante de los Estados Unidos para las Cuestiones Comerciales Internacionales

Moderador: Ekaterina Krivonos, Economista, Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Alimentación y la Agricultura

Audio

 

Summary

Ekaterina Krivonos from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) introduced the topic at hand: the role of WTO agreements in the agricultural sector. She mentioned that the Doha Development Agenda is still a constraint for developing countries because of inequalities in implementation of the agreements. Market access is a large challenge for agriculture. The aim of this multilateral discussion is to understand how countries trading agricultural goods can benefit from trade agreements.

Jorge Goldman Huerta from TILPA (International Trade and Investment Law) addressed the question of “how big is the cake?”, or how many agreements are applied to trade in agricultural goods. He listed the following WTO agreements: first, the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS); second, the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM); third, the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT); fourth, the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS); fifth, the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS); sixth, the Anti-Dumping Agreement (AD Agreement); and seventh, the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA). Mr Huerta reflected on special provisions of free-trade agreements, partial agreements and measures to facilitate trade in agricultural goods, concluding by noting that their overall impact is fragmented.

Juan Millen from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) underscored the importance of market access as opposed to the Dispute Settlement Body (only 20% of total requests to the WTO are addressed to the DSB). Enforcement of existing agreements is the key area of USTR work. The number of issues raised in the Agriculture and SPS Committees has constantly risen since 2009, therefore he estimated that the agreements need to be enforced. Mr Millen also touched upon the role of governments in reforming agriculture-related strategies. He noted the following points for action: first, internal and external assessment; second, evaluation of exported products; and third, financial resourcing and profit targeting. Mr Millen asserted the view that problems in agriculture trade must be addressed through internal government coordination. One possible solution mentioned is the establishment of trade-related inquiry points to solicit and diffuse information among private and public stakeholders. He also recommended reinforcing bilateral relations with trading partners,

Marco Tulio Molina of the Guatemalan Mission to the WTO discussed challenges in using trade agreements. He pointed to the lack of internal procedures and budgetary resources to maximize the benefits of rules-based agriculture trade. Small and medium-sized enterprises face challenges in complying with export standards. Therefore, capacity building related to measures under the agreements, especially SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) measures, is necessary to ensure benefits of trade in agricultural products. The challenge is in the identification of the problem (for example, SPS issues) and finding a corresponding agreement instrument.

Guillermo Valles of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) provided statistics on disputes in agriculture. Overall, the agricultural issues raised are mainly non-tariff measures, with SPS and TBT the most prevalent categories. The legal base of non-tariff measures provides yet another impediment to trade.

During discussion, a representative of an East African farmers' organization argued that developed countries have created unfair conditions under which the developing world must decrease agriculture subsidies. An audience member queried whether antidumping measures would be strictly applied in developing countries. Mr Valles responded that no distinctions were made between developing and developed countries in the Uruguay Round. He also suggested that agricultural policy implementation should be resolved at the national level. A comment from the floor pointed to the fact that the FAO's work on the ground and its direct support of rural farmers has decreased. Ms Krivonos responded that the FAO is still equally engaged in a number of projects on inclusive agriculture as well as capacity building programmes for rural farmers.

The question on the role of political systems in the application of trade agreements was controversial in the context of the negotiation on free trade in agriculture goods.

Participants unanimously agreed that clarifying existing obligations under various trade agreements could reduce the number of disputes in agriculture.

13:00-14:30

Sesión de trabajo 4: Las políticas industriales y las normas de la OMC: problemas viejos y nuevos que afectan al multilateralismo

Organizador: Centro de Estudos de Integração e Desenvolvimento (CINDES) y BRICS Policy Center (BPC)
Sala B

La sesión tratará de: i) las principales tendencias de las políticas industriales de los países desarrollados y en desarrollo (objetivos, motivos, instrumentos); ii) los problemas que plantea la proliferación de medidas de política industrial para el sistema multilateral del comercio en el contexto de las normas existentes; iii) cuestiones que habrá que resolver para que haya un equilibrio entre los objetivos de someter a disciplinas las políticas industriales que distorsionan el comercio y dejar que los países respondan a sus preocupaciones no comerciales legítimas.

Entre las cuestiones que se abordarán en la sesión de trabajo cabe mencionar las siguientes:

• ¿A dónde nos ha llevado el debate sobre el margen normativo?
• ¿Cuáles son las principales nuevas tendencias de las políticas industriales, en los países desarrollados y en los países en desarrollo?
• ¿Qué relación guardan estas nuevas tendencias con las viejas, por lo que hace a los objetivos, instrumentos, etc.?
• ¿Bastan las disciplinas multilaterales existentes para hacer frente a los nuevos retos en esta esfera?
• ¿Cómo equilibrar, en el nuevo contexto, los objetivos de someter a disciplinas las políticas industriales que distorsionan el comercio y permitir que los países respondan a preocupaciones no comerciales legítimas?

 

• Jan Bohanes, Centro de Asesoría Legal en Asuntos de la OMC
• Johannes Schwarzer, Council on Economic Policies
• Peter Draper, Tutwa Consulting
• Leane Naidin, BRICS Policy Center
• Pedro da Motta Veiga, Centro de Estudos de Integração e Desenvolvimento

Audio

 

Summary

The session had as its aim the examination of how industrial policies are affected by WTO rules, and whether those rules should be changed to allow countries more policy space. This examination was conducted in the light of four emerging trends:

1. Climate change and green industrial policies

2. The rise of global value chains (GVCs)

3. Growing role of services trade in the economy

4. The emergence of China as the major manufacture centre and its use of state-owned enterprises.

Johannes Schwarzer from the Council on Economic Policies took note of the resurgence of the debate on the use of industrial policies, particularly the need for countries to develop a green economy. He underscored the difficulty of compiling a single definition of what constituted industrial policies, and of evaluating their impact. Past experience proves instructive. First, transparency matters. In concert, one must set performance targets and review the achievement of these targets. Second, evidence of the benefits of trade protection is inconclusive. Third, trade promotion is an important add-on which allows industrial policies to achieve their objectives. Fourth, foreign direct investment (FDI) mostly flows into growing sectors, so it is difficult to provide incentives for FDI in nascent industries. Fifth, sectors that should be favoured by industrial policies are those that have the most links to other sectors in the economy. He concluded that these lessons must be heeded to develop a green economy, since the green industrial sector is plagued by market failures and would benefit from government intervention.

Jan Bohannes from the Advisory Centre on WTO Law said that it was unrealistic in the current negotiating climate of the WTO to expect any changes in structure of the main rules that affect industrial policies (the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM), and the Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMS)). In any case, changes were not necessary or advisable for several reasons. First, some of these policies are horizontal and economy-wide, and therefore not covered by the SCM Agreement. Second, members are reluctant to challenge domestic subsidies, and in reality the use of countervailing measures is relatively low. Third, least-developed countries and some developing countries enjoy an exception from the export subsidy prohibition. Fourth, any changes to provide more flexibilities on the use of subsidies would mostly benefit richer countries. Fifth, it may be better to use waivers to cover some specific measures. Sixth, the prohibition of subsidies based on local content requirements may be economically justified. Seventh and finally, green subsidies are hardly ever used only for environmental reasons - they can also be protectionist.

Leane Naidin from the BRICS Policy Centre commented on Brazil's experience with the use of industrial policies. She said that these policies had been mostly used in the 1980s, with some success. They fell out of favour, and were dismantled in the 1990s and 2000s. Since 2004, amid concerns about deindustrialization, the issue again garnered some interest. However, multilateral and mostly domestic constraints have meant that there has been little in the way of concrete measures adopted. This is probably for the best since the rise of GVCs has changed the role of industrial policies. At the multilateral level, any change in the rules could generate a subsidy race that would benefit those countries that have financial capacity to the detriment of the poorest.

Peter Draper from Tutwa Consulting presented the South African perspective. He estimated that a combination of horizontal and vertical policies were more effective than just sectoral ones. Still, he underscored that there is little consensus that industrial policies work. The rise of GVCs is a key development: it put at the forefront the issue of who captures most of the value, and how to move it up the chain. Institutions are also fundamental in the implementation of any development policies. Governments need capacity to identify those industries that have better chances of success and that would provide the greatest benefit to the overall economy. Weak institutions also risk the policies being captured by narrow interests. When it comes to using policies such as raising tariffs, this should not be done on intermediate goods as it could affect downstream producers and hurt integration into GVCs. He concluded by saying that in the future the WTO can only move forward in rulemaking to address these new challenges on the basis of critical mass and plurilateral agreements.

13:00-14:30

Sesión de trabajo 5: ¿Considera usted que los derechos de propiedad intelectual en el comercio le benefician?

Organizador: Cámara de Comercio de los Estados Unidos y Centro Mundial de la Propiedad Intelectual
Sala E

Los derechos de propiedad intelectual, que antes no eran más que un punto en el radar del comercio, han pasado a ser uno de los grandes componentes y factores en todos los acuerdos comerciales modernos. Únase a nosotros en un debate sobre la evolución de los derechos de propiedad intelectual en el comercio moderno y sobre la forma en que unas sólidas normas de propiedad intelectual funcionan para los pacientes, los consumidores, las empresas y las economías. Los derechos de propiedad intelectual de alto nivel en el comercio mundial eliminan los obstáculos y hacen que se difundan los beneficios del acceso a los medicamentos y las tecnologías, y promueven empleos bien pagados, la innovación a nivel nacional y la inversión extranjera directa.

• Patrick Kilbride, Director Ejecutivo, Centro Mundial de la Propiedad Intelectual de la Cámara de Comercio de los Estados Unidos
• Andrew Spiegel, Director Ejecutivo, Global Colon Cancer Association
• Stan McCoy, Presidente y Director Gerente, Motion Picture Association (Europa, Oriente Medio y África)
• Salvador Behar Lavalle, Asesor Jurídico en comercio internacional, Embajada de México

Audio

 

Summary

The panellists provided views on the world of intellectual property (IP) from the perspectives of the public sector, the private sector and consumers.

Studies show that countries from all over the world have very different levels of intellectual property rights (IPR) protection. IP is a sovereign policy choice and therefore every country approaches it differently.

In the last twenty years, all markets have seen huge changes, including the digital and the theatrical markets, as well as drugs, which have impacted people the world over. In countries with strong IP protection, drugs are available much earlier than in those with weak IP protection. Films are generally made in international collaborations, and are often not produced at all if IP protection is not guaranteed. Businesses are wary of entering markets with weak IP protection.

Innovation should not be taken for granted. The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) sets an important minimal standard, and provides the necessary legal security for businesses. Since TRIPS was concluded twenty years ago, the standards set at that time may now be increased.

Protection should be improved on both the national and international levels. Since many countries face similar "viruses" (e.g. piracy), the best system can be created only in collaboration with each other. Political will is absolutely necessary to introduce changes and improvements. All existing tools should be used to advance the system: a multilateral setting, multilateral agreements and structural reforms.

The greatest challenges facing IPRs are to explore how to maximise innovative output and maximize access to innovation; how to connect entrepreneurs with investors; how to increase the role of science and research; how best to incentivise investors and therewith guide research and development in the necessary directions; and how to balance the interests of various stakeholders.

13:00-14:30

Taller 1: Consumo internacional: ¿qué es lo que funciona para los consumidores?

Organizador: Consumers' International
Sala D

Los consumidores hacen que el comercio funcione. ¿Pero cómo funciona el comercio para ellos? Cada vez más en las negociaciones comerciales se abordan políticas en nuevas esferas que tienen profundos efectos para los consumidores. Ahora bien, es raro que se oiga la voz de los consumidores en las negociaciones comerciales. Los participantes en el taller discutirán y elaborarán un programa práctico que responda a las actuales cuestiones comerciales y garantice

que los consumidores ocupen un lugar central. Al elaborar este programa positivo de los consumidores para el comercio, se insistirá particularmente en los alimentos y la salud, las cuestiones digitales y los servicios. Entre las cuestiones que se discutirán cabe mencionar: ¿qué aspecto tendrían las negociaciones y los acuerdos comerciales

si se centraran en las necesidades e inquietudes de los consumidores? ¿Cómo pueden hacer oír su voz los consumidores en las negociaciones comerciales? Si los consumidores participaran y pudieran aportar insumos y
hacer comentarios sobre la elaboración de los acuerdos y la política comerciales, el comercio funcionaría aún mejor.

• Guillermo Valles, Director, División del Comercio Internacional de Bienes y Servicios y de los Productos Básicos, UNCTAD
• Sophia Murphy, Asesora Superior, Instituto de Política Agrícola y Comercial
• Phil Evans, Presidente de Investigaciones, Autoridad de Competencia y Mercados del Reino Unido
• Hildegunn Kyvik Nordås, Analista Superior de políticas comerciales, Organización de Cooperación y Desarrollo Económicos (OCDE)

Moderador: Justin Macmullan, Jefe de Promoción y Campañas, Consumers International

Audio

 

Summary

Nowadays, trade is more focused on consumers because of their engagement with trade on a daily basis, for instance, when making online purchases or purchases abroad. Nevertheless, this relationship has not been addressed to its full extent. Moreover, a positive consumer policy agenda would be a very valuable component in the multilateral trading system.

Guillermo Valles of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) stressed the importance of hard law and soft law in the multilateral trading system. In order to strengthen the link between trade and consumers it is necessary to: first, use the new sustainable development agenda; second, strengthen trust in the tools provided by the multilateral system and by other international agreements; and third, use soft law that is at our disposal.

Hildegunn Kyvik Nordås from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) referred to the importance of the link between trade and consumers, due to the use of Internet and telecommunications. She underscored the importance of efficient rules for e-commerce so as to protect intellectual property rights and consumers. She also referred to the importance of efficient rules for consumer protection in general, taking into account the potential trade barriers that these rules may impose.

Sophia Murphy from the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy focused on food security, nutrition and food trade stability. She was of the view that the main challenge for the WTO is to strengthen the link between the WTO, its members and consumers. She also noted that another important challenge is to enhance trust in the WTO system, in particular through soft law. Other challenges included private standards, consumer information and nutrition, competition law, so as to address concentration of wealth, and the integration of trade in other policies.

Phil Evans from the UK Competition and Markets Authority referred to globalization and how it enhances the relationship between trade and consumers. He asked two important questions. First, how do we explain the benefits of the WTO to new generations (consumers)? He suggested pointing out the trade barriers that consumers encounter on a daily basis, and explaining how these can be addressed by the WTO and other international entities. Mr Evans' second question was about how to disrupt negotiations to get consumers engaged? Unfortunately there was not enough time to fully address this question.

13:00-14:30

Sesión de trabajo 6: ¿Cómo deberían ser las normas de comercio para que el comercio funcione?

Organizador: Our World Is Not for Sale (OWINFS) y LDC Watch
Sala S3

Los próximos meses y la próxima Conferencia Ministerial de Nairobi determinarán la suerte del mandato de Doha, incluidas las cuestiones de desarrollo que los países en desarrollo exigen desde hace tanto tiempo para resolver las asimetrías y desequilibrios en las normas vigentes de la OMC, sobre todo en lo que respecta a la agricultura y al trato especial y diferenciado. Se insistirá en las prioridades para Nairobi, como el acuerdo entre los Miembros de la OMC de encontrar una solución permanente a la seguridad alimentaria. También se abordarán las consecuencias que la liberalización de los servicios ante la posibilidad de una ampliación del Acuerdo General sobre el Comercio de Servicios y las negociaciones sobre el acceso a los mercados para los productos no agrícolas (AMNA) tendría en la política industrial y la creación de trabajos decentes. No obstante, hay muchos Miembros de la OMC que parecen querer abandonar el mandato central para pasar a una nueva agenda de acceso a los mercados. ¿Cuáles son sus verdaderas intenciones? Muchos integrantes de la sociedad civil piden que las negociaciones de la OMC cambien de rumbo para centrarse en las necesidades de los pobres a fin de que las normas de comercio funcionen para ellos, y también en pro del interés público. En esta sesión se darán noticias de última hora sobre la actual dinámica y la dirección de las negociaciones en curso.

• Frederick Njehu, Asesor de programas, Justicia social en el comercio; Comisión de Derechos Humanos, Kenya
• Jane Nalunga, Directora Nacional, Instituto de Información y Negociaciones Comerciales para África Meridional y Oriental, Uganda
• Sanya Reid Smith, Asesora Jurídica; Red del Tercer Mundo, Ginebra
• Daniel Bertossa, Director, Política y Gobernanza, Internacional de Servicios Públicos
• Deborah James, Directora de programas internacionales del Center for Economic and Policy Research (Estados Unidos); y Our World Is Not for Sale
• Aileen Kwa, Coordinadora, Programa Comercio para el Desarrollo, Centro del Sur, Ginebra

Audio

 

Summary

The panellists began by discussing where multilateral trade negotiations are in respect to the Nairobi Ministerial Conference in December 2015, and where they should be. They estimated that the negotiations should focus on the Doha Development Agenda, and in particular the question of domestic support, which was deemed to be the "elephant in the room".

The panellists estimated that the developed world has sidelined proposals from developing countries over the years.

In regards to the agriculture negotiations, the panellists noted that domestic support in Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries is currently higher than during the Uruguay Round. They discussed the statistic that, in per capita terms, China provides US$ 220 per economically active person in agriculture in comparison to the US, which provides US$ 57,000 annually. Therefore, the panellists estimated that the US should and must cut trade distorting subsidies, and not ask China and the developing world to do so until this is done.

The panellists were clear in their support for the continuation of the Doha Development Round after the Nairobi Ministerial Conference, given that there is a clear mandate for the talks to continue. They wished to make sure that the package up for discussion in Nairobi takes account of the interests of developing and least-developed countries.

The panellists suggested that the WTO could do more to support regional integration efforts in the context of trade governance, and for Africa in particular.

The panellists noted that trade can work when it promotes human development by increasing the number of jobs and thus removing hunger. They called upon the WTO to address growing inequalities across the globe.

 

14:30-16:00

DEBATE PLENARIO: Hacer que el comercio funcione para las empresas

Organizador: WTO
Sala CR

• Roberto Azevêdo, Director General de la Organización Mundial del Comercio
Discurso

• Harold McGraw, Presidente de la Cámara de Comercio Internacional
• Roland Auschel, Miembro del consejo de administración de Adidas responsable de las ventas mundiales
• Evelyn Nguleka, Presidenta de la Organización Mundial de Agricultores
• Gregory L. Domingo, Ministro del Departamento de Comercio e Industria (DTI), Filipinas

Moderadora: Lerato Mbele, periodista de BBC Africa

 

16:00-17:30

Sesión de trabajo 7: Reducir los costos del comercio: por qué es tan importante tomar rápidamente medidas legislativas respecto del Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del Comercio

Organizador: Unión Interparlamentaria y Parlamento Europeo
Sala S3

El Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del Comercio de la OMC, que se suele considerar el resultado más importante de la Novena Conferencia Ministerial de la OMC, celebrada en Bali, tiene por finalidad impulsar el comercio mundial agilizando el movimiento, el levante y el despacho de aduana de las mercancías. Para su entrada en vigor es preciso que sea ratificado por dos tercios de los Miembros de la OMC. En este sentido, los Parlamentos desempeñan una función clave. Es primordial que actúen rápidamente para ratificar el Acuerdo a fin de que los países -en particular los menos adelantados- puedan obtener los beneficios prometidos gracias al aumento del comercio y de la inversión extranjera directa. La sesión va dirigida principalmente a los parlamentarios, pero está abierta a todos los demás participantes en el Foro de la OMC, con sujeción a la disponibilidad de asientos en la sala.

• Joanmariae Louise Fubbs, Diputada de Sudáfrica
• Joseph Hyacinthe Owona Kono, Diputado del Camerún
• Emma McClarkin, Eurodiputada
• Paul Rübig,  Eurodiputado
• Siti Hediati, Diputada de Indonesia

Moderador: Bernd Lange, Presidente de la Comisión de Comercio Internacional del Parlamento Europeo

Audio

 

Summary

The panel focused the discussion on the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA). The TFA is the first multilateral agreement to be concluded since the foundation of the WTO, and it requires that two-thirds of WTO members complete domestic ratification for it to come into force.

Joanmariae Louise Fubbs, member of the South African Parliament, said that there must be a collective response from WTO members. The South African commitment to multilateralism is expressed through the coordination of agencies, economic cooperation and innovative infrastructure systems. Donor support and technical assistance is required for a structural transformation, which is more difficult than just ensuring market access. Ms Fubbs underscored that a new generation of trade agreements must respect national policy contexts and sustainable development goals.

Joseph Hyacinthe Owona Kono, member of the Cameroonian Parliament, estimated that the role of parliaments in international trade is to ensure that the interests of all stakeholders – the state, consumers and producers – must be heard and engaged. He noted that TFA ratification unleashes broader regulatory change with potential to boost the socio-economic development of adhering members. Finally, Mr Kono asserted that Cameroon is committed to conclude TFA ratification.

Emma McClarkin, member of the European Parliament, noted that the TFA equally benefits developing and developed members. Fourteen-and-a-half per cent GDP growth is expected to result from the TFA. In her estimation, the TFA is concrete evidence that trade does not only favour developed members. The TFA will accelerate the liberalization of trade in low-income countries. Forty-four members are currently working on concluding ratification of the TFA.

Paul Rubig, member of the European Parliament, advanced his opinion that consumers should be protected from trade issues such as tariff escalation. In his estimation, the TFA is a mechanism that benefits consumers, and will reduce overly protective measures.

Siti Hediati, member of the Indonesian Parliament, said that Parliament's role is to hold governments accountable for pursuing the goal of multilateral trade. She announced that Indonesia is committed to the TFA as well as to the promotion of broader trade reforms. The Indonesian government has undertaken to review and enhance 534 economic regulations, including the streamlining of export licensing and customs-related procedures. It has also committed itself to enhancing infrastructure, including the renovation of 200 KM of roads, 10 airports and 10 seaports, and facilitating more capital investment to support technical and human capacity.

During the discussion, a representation of the United Parcel Services (UPS) asked about strategies to ensure the same level of efficiency of TFA provisions worldwide. A UK Member of Parliament said that the European Union can serve as role model for newly open economies in this instance.

A Member of Parliament from Botswana queried about the modalities of TFA ratification and the delivery of relevant technical assistance. Responses highlighted the value of regional trading partners taking stock of each other's potential capacity needs, and the provision of best practice examples at all levels.

The Chair of the Economic Investment Chamber of Jordan asked about the implementation of the TFA in conflict zones. Similarly, Mr Owona Kono raised a related concern, that of refugees and their impact on the economy. Discussion concluded that efforts should focus on adapting national regulatory systems to meet the challenges of globalisation. 

Another query focused on the support of the business community for the TFA. Mr Kono cited the TFA as a powerful tool to fight goods smuggling, black markets and unfair competition. Discussion concluded that the private sector is ready to support the TFA to reap those benefits as well as smoother customs transactions and trade-related procedures. 

16:00-17:30

Sesión de trabajo 8: Facilitar el comercio gracias a instrumentos de facilitación del transporte de las Naciones Unidas ensayados y probados

Organizador: Unión Internacional de Transportes por Carretera
Sala W

Según algunas estimaciones, el 57% del tiempo se pierde en las fronteras a causa de procedimientos en frontera inapropiados. Hoy en día, los trámites, sobre todo en frontera, constituyen grandes obstáculos al comercio, el turismo y el transporte por carretera, y requieren medidas específicas para aumentar al máximo la utilización de los escasos recursos políticos, financieros y administrativos.

Mientras los vehículos y las tripulaciones del transporte por carretera pierden el tiempo en las fronteras, los consumidores, la sociedad y en última instancia, el medio ambiente pagan la factura impuesta por esos obstáculos que reducen la eficiencia de la economía mundial y retrasan el tan necesario desarrollo económico en las naciones menos favorecidas del mundo.

Según algunas investigaciones, un día de retraso en la frontera supone una disminución de casi el 1% de las exportaciones de mercancías del país originario. Este impacto es siete veces mayor cuando se trata del comercio de bienes en cuyo caso el tiempo es un factor.

En este grupo se discutirá de qué forma la facilitación del transporte impulsa el comercio; cuáles son los obstáculos que entorpecen un transporte y un tránsito sostenibles e ininterrumpidos; cuáles son las mejores prácticas de facilitación del transporte y qué funciones podrían desempeñar los convenios de transporte por carretera, como el TIR y el Convenio sobre la Armonización, facilitando el transporte y el comercio, y en particular los objetivos del Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del Comercio. Los participantes intercambiarán sus experiencias nacionales, regionales e internacionales en materia de facilitación del transporte y expondrán sus recomendaciones sobre la forma de promover el comercio gracias a la facilitación del transporte.

La sesión será organizada conjuntamente con CUTS International, que ha participado en todas las ediciones del Foro Público de la OMC de 2001 a 2014 y ha contribuido a organizarlas.

 

• Eva Molnar, Directora de la División de Transporte, CEPE
• Mohsen Naziri Asl, Embajador y Representante Permanente de la República Islámica del Irán ante la Oficina de las Naciones Unidas en Ginebra
• Jan Hoffmann, Jefe de la Sección de Facilitación del Comercio, División de Tecnología y Logística, UNCTAD
• Bipul Chatterjee, Director Ejecutivo, CUTS International

Moderador: Umberto De Pretto, Secretario General, Unión Internacional de Transportes por Carretera

Audio

 

Summary

The panel opened with a presentation showing the benefits of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA), not only as they pertain to global trade, but also to sustainable development.

Panellists then moved to a discussion of the 1975 Customs Convention on the International Transport of Goods under Cover of TIR Carnets (TIR Convention), which was elaborated under the aegis of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

The TIR Convention is a tried and tested mechanism. The benefits of this instrument are clearly visible. Success in Iran was mentioned as one example. In terms of current status, Pakistan has recently acceded to the TIR Convention, and there are expectations that China may also do so in the near future. Panellists paused on the case of India: should India join the TIR Convention framework, it is believed that it will reduce transportation time from Mumbai to St. Petersburg from 65 hours to 22 hours.

16:00-17:30

Taller 2: Facilitar el comercio: el supermercado como fuente de inspiración para la Administración de Aduanas de los Países Bajos

Organizador: Representación Permanente del Reino Unido de los Países Bajos en Ginebra
Sala F

En esta actividad paralela, la Administración de Aduanas de los Países Bajos (índice de desempeño logístico del Banco Mundial (Nº 2), índice de facilitación del comercio del Foro Económico Mundial (Nº 3)) dará a conocer sus opiniones sobre la manera en que una gestión moderna de las fronteras y los riesgos puede facilitar el comercio.

La Administración de Aduanas de los Países Bajos, que se ocupa de las corrientes transfronterizas en importantes puntos de entrada a Europa, entre ellos el puerto de Rotterdam y el Aeropuerto de Schiphol, coopera estrechamente con el sector privado y con representantes del sector académico para identificar las ineficiencias a fin de facilitar el comercio de manera aún más inteligente. Pueden servir de inspiración fuentes inesperadas, por ejemplo, los supermercados. ¿Qué pueden aprender la Administración de Aduanas y los comerciantes de la forma en que los supermercados tratan a su variada clientela? Y ¿cómo pueden ayudar estas experiencias a alcanzar un nivel más alto de facilitación del comercio?

• Dominique Willems – Policy Advisor FENEX (Netherlands organization for freight and logistics)
• Dirk de Man – Deputy Director CBI (Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries)

Moderador: Elsbeth Akkerman – Deputy Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the WTO

 

Summary

The first presentation was on the theme of "supermarkets as a source of inspiration for Dutch customs". A video explained how Dutch customs draws inspiration from supermarkets, accelerating customs processes by incorporating technologies such as bar code readers on trains for containers. Dutch customs also relies on "trusted traders": companies can join "the club" of trusted traders and shippers and enjoy many benefits. Transparency was a key theme of the session. "By obtaining access to confidential information, transparency is enhanced".

A round of questions was followed by a second presentation on the relationship between customs and business. The presentation launched a plea for strong cooperation between the two, and equally among all the customs partners and business groups involved. Customs officers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for any requests from business. Customs is fully aligned with business logistics, and is fighting illicit trade. Safety is a key pillar of customs, which is more than just tax revenue collectors and law enforcement.

Dominique Willems from FENEX (the Netherlands organization for freight and logistics) gave the next presentation. He sought to foster better understanding between business and customs by discussing the two key stereotypes: "corporate criminals and government idiots. … Traders are considered criminals and governments as idiots, putting red tape everywhere". Finally, Mr Willems called for thorough review before modernization of customs, because sometimes digitizing every process can be counterproductive. He suggested that the guiding principle should be optimization.

Dirk de Man from the CPI (Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries) discussed what needs to be done to help small- and medium-sized enterprises become exporters. He underscored that capacity building in developing countries can contribute to lowering the costs of trade and increased transparency. Finally, Mr de Man highlighted the need to boost trade compliance for small and medium-sized enterprises so they can better integrate into global value chains.

 

16:00-17:30

Sesión de trabajo 9: La adhesión a la OMC: un instrumento eficaz para que la política comercial se ajuste a los requisitos de la economía mundial - La experiencia de la República Democrática Popular Lao

Organizador: Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR and IDEAS Centre
Sala D

La República Democrática Popular Lao es Miembro de la OMC desde el 2 de febrero de 2013. En su proceso de adhesión, la RDP Lao introdujo amplias reformas internas en distintas esferas para adaptarse a las normas y requisitos internacionales, y también para incorporar las mejores prácticas internacionales a su marco comercial. Tras más de dos años como Miembro de la OMC, cabe preguntarse de qué forma la adhesión y las reformas comerciales han influido en las empresas y cuáles son las perspectivas si se tienen en cuenta los cambios que se han producido en el panorama comercial internacional.

La sesión abordará los retos a que habrá que hacer frente en el proceso de adaptación a las normas internacionales; habrá que hacerlo de forma que aporte beneficios y oportunidades a las empresas locales. A través de las experiencias de la RDP Lao se procurará exponer las perspectivas sobre la forma en que las reformas comerciales tienen un impacto considerable donde importa, es decir, en la comunidad empresarial, y lo que todavía hace falta para lograr beneficios tangibles de la pertenencia a la OMC y para mejorar la integración en los mercados mundiales.

 

• Khemmani Pholsena, Ministra de Industria y Comercio de la República Democrática Popular Lao
• Lu Xiankun, Profesor en el Instituto de Estudios sobre la OMC de China (Universidad de Economía y Comercio Internacional), Profesor invitado y Consejero Superior, NBS; miembro del Consejo en la Sociedad China de Estudios sobre la OMC; Investigador Superior en el SC-GTEG
• Simon Hess, Coordinador en la Secretaría Ejecutiva del Marco Integrado mejorado
• Nicolas Imboden
, Director Ejecutivo, IDEAS Centre
• Mr. Arif Hussain, former Director of the WTO Accessions Division

Audio

 

Summary

This session used the case of the accession of the Lao PDR to the WTO to explore how the WTO accession process can contribute to promoting internal reforms, and how post-accession challenges can be addressed.

Nicolas Imboden from the IDEAS Centre moderated the session. He announced that accessions play an important role for countries, particularly reforming countries.

Arif Hussain, former Director of the WTO Accessions Division, gave a general overview of the accession process in Lao PDR, which took 15 years, and explained why it was a unique experience. For the Lao PDR it was a "leap of faith" politically and economically because when they started the process in 1997, the WTO was a new and untested organization. Mr Hussain said that economic and legislative reforms are natural processes during accessions. He also stressed that the WTO has to be in metamorphosis all the time, constantly adjusting to changes in global trade and due to new cultures and mind-sets that newly acceded countries bring into the WTO.

Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Lao PDR, followed the entire 15-year accession process. She gave an overview of the process from the perspective of the Lao PDR, and reiterated that even though the process was time-consuming and difficult, it was a comprehensive, useful and necessary exercise that prepared the country for integration into the trading system. She advised acceding countries to question how to implement reforms in the best manner for their local needs. She also reported that the Lao PDR is still in the process of implementing these reforms, and raising internal public awareness about how to benefit from these changes. In her conclusion, Ms Pholsena stated that joining the WTO is not the end of the journey: the work on reforms must continue and be implemented.

Mr Imboden agreed with Ms Pholsena that, even though long, the 15 years were necessary and not wasted. During that time the Lao PDR was able to build up the processes and capacity needed for the integration process. He emphasised that laws by themselves are not sufficient: there must be tangible results and implementation.

Simon Hess from the Enhanced Integrated Framework Executive Secretariat was based in the Lao PDR Ministry of Commerce as an advisor at the time of accession. He commended the Laotian government's management of external resources and ability to channel them in the right direction. In his view, the government developed an effective mechanism for using technical assistance. He also supported the opinion that a gradual approach was the right one. Mr Hess briefed the audience on donor activities in the form of technical and financial assistance in the Lao PDR post-accession processes. Mr Imboden stressed that resources are available, but one should know how to manage them efficiently.

Lu Xiankun from the China Institute for WTO Studies stated that trade worked for all newly acceding countries, big and small. The reason is that they made substantial commitments and faithfully implemented them. He reiterated that it requires political will and domestic reforms that include all levels of society. He warned that the trading system is now in danger and the newly acceding countries would be the ones to suffer most if the system fails. That is why the Nairobi Ministerial Conference in December 2015 is critical. What can be done so that the system works for all members, large and small, should be decided. Everybody must make an effort to make the system more inclusive.

16:00-17:30

Sesión de trabajo 10: Principios para fomentar el comercio de medicamentos genéricos y biocomparables

Organizador: Alianza Farmacéutica Internacional de Medicamentos Genéricos (IGPA)
Sala S2

La industria de los medicamentos genéricos y biocomparables depende del comercio en sus esfuerzos por abastecer al mundo de medicamentos de alta calidad. En los dos últimos decenios, se han erigido muchos obstáculos que han repercutido adversamente en el comercio de medicamentos, en particular la adopción de disposiciones que van más allá de las del Acuerdo sobre los ADPIC.

Esta sesión de trabajo tiene por objeto reorientar el debate sobre los medicamentos y el comercio de tal manera que aumente más el comercio de medicamentos, abordando las necesidades de los fabricantes de medicamentos genéricos y biocomparables, los pacientes, los gobiernos y otras partes interesadas. Entre los temas que se discutirán cabe mencionar la convergencia reglamentaria, la política de competencia, la propiedad intelectual y los obstáculos técnicos al comercio. Además, un eminente economista de la salud dará amplia información sobre la industria internacional de los medicamentos genéricos y biocomparables.

La Alianza Farmacéutica Internacional de Medicamentos Genéricos (IGPA) se creó en 1997. Es una red internacional de asociaciones de medicamentos genéricos y biocomparables que se dedica a promover estos medicamentos y a intercambiar información a nivel mundial.

 

• Murray Aitken, Director Ejecutivo, IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics
• Jim Keon, Presidente de la Alianza Farmacéutica Internacional de Medicamentos Genéricos y Presidente de la Asociación Canadiense de Medicamentos Genéricos
• David Gaugh,Vicepresidente Principal, Ciencia y Asuntos Reglamentarios, Asociación de Medicamentos Genéricos, Estados Unidos
• Adrian Van Den Hoven, Director General, Asociación Europea de Medicamentos Genéricos y Biosimilares

Audio

 

Summary

This session used the case of the accession of the Lao PDR to the WTO to explore how the WTO accession process can contribute to promoting internal reforms, and how post-accession challenges can be addressed.

Nicolas Imboden from the IDEAS Centre moderated the session. He announced that accessions play an important role for countries, particularly reforming countries.

Arif Hussain, former Director of the WTO Accessions Division, gave a general overview of the accession process in Lao PDR, which took 15 years, and explained why it was a unique experience. For the Lao PDR it was a "leap of faith" politically and economically because when they started the process in 1997, the WTO was a new and untested organization. Mr Hussain said that economic and legislative reforms are natural processes during accessions. He also stressed that the WTO has to be in metamorphosis all the time, constantly adjusting to changes in global trade and due to new cultures and mind-sets that newly acceded countries bring into the WTO.

Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Lao PDR, followed the entire 15-year accession process. She gave an overview of the process from the perspective of the Lao PDR, and reiterated that even though the process was time-consuming and difficult, it was a comprehensive, useful and necessary exercise that prepared the country for integration into the trading system. She advised acceding countries to question how to implement reforms in the best manner for their local needs. She also reported that the Lao PDR is still in the process of implementing these reforms, and raising internal public awareness about how to benefit from these changes. In her conclusion, Ms Pholsena stated that joining the WTO is not the end of the journey: the work on reforms must continue and be implemented.

Mr Imboden agreed with Ms Pholsena that, even though long, the 15 years were necessary and not wasted. During that time the Lao PDR was able to build up the processes and capacity needed for the integration process. He emphasised that laws by themselves are not sufficient: there must be tangible results and implementation.

Simon Hess from the Enhanced Integrated Framework Executive Secretariat was based in the Lao PDR Ministry of Commerce as an advisor at the time of accession. He commended the Laotian government's management of external resources and ability to channel them in the right direction. In his view, the government developed an effective mechanism for using technical assistance. He also supported the opinion that a gradual approach was the right one. Mr Hess briefed the audience on donor activities in the form of technical and financial assistance in the Lao PDR post-accession processes. Mr Imboden stressed that resources are available, but one should know how to manage them efficiently.

Lu Xiankun from the China Institute for WTO Studies stated that trade worked for all newly acceding countries, big and small. The reason is that they made substantial commitments and faithfully implemented them. He reiterated that it requires political will and domestic reforms that include all levels of society. He warned that the trading system is now in danger and the newly acceding countries would be the ones to suffer most if the system fails. That is why the Nairobi Ministerial Conference in December 2015 is critical. What can be done so that the system works for all members, large and small, should be decided. Everybody must make an effort to make the system more inclusive.

16:00-17:30

Sesión de trabajo 11: OMC@20: normas de comercio y reglamentación interna ¿y ahora qué?

Organizador: Global Governance Programme, Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, Instituto Universitario Europeo, Centro Internacional para el Comercio y el Desarrollo Sostenible (ICTSD) y Foro Económico Mundial
Sala E

Cada vez más la integración del comercio consiste en tratar de que las políticas reglamentarias no provoquen la segmentación de los mercados nacionales. Las diferencias en la reglamentación entre mercados aumentan los costos que tienen que sufragar las empresas y de este modo constituyen un obstáculo al comercio. Para que el comercio siga funcionando para todos, la OMC tendrá que centrarse más en el interfaz entre comercio y políticas reglamentarias. Este grupo discutirá las ideas y las investigaciones actuales acerca de la forma en que está concebida la cooperación internacional en materia reglamentaria, los acontecimientos y las iniciativas que se han tomado recientemente a este respecto, la necesidad de que la OMC preste más atención a reglamentar la reglamentación, y hasta qué punto.

• Bernard Hoekman, Cátedra Robert Schuman, Director del Área de Investigación "Global Economics: Trade, Investment and Development", EUI
• Petros Mavroidis,Profesor de Derecho, Cátedra Edwin B. Parker, Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad de Columbia
• Beverley Postma,Directora Ejecutiva, Food Industry Asia
• Vera Thorstensen, Centro de Comercio Mundial e Inversión, Fundación Getúlio Vargas

Moderador: Ricardo Meléndez-Ortiz, Director Ejecutivo, ICTSD

Audio

 

Summary

Most of the products that we consume today are subject to regulatory cooperation. There is a direct linkage with regulatory cooperation and trade when the goods and services cross borders. This panel was interested in how regulatory co-cooperation can be ensured so that markets work in an efficient and robust manner. Many of the trade and investment arrangements such as WTO law – the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) in particular; bilateral and regional trade arrangements; and mega-regionals such as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), involve regulatory co-operation. In a modern economy, this is an absolutely critical aspect of governance.

Beverly Postma from Food Industry Asia gave the example of the food industry and noted that major players all sought the lowering of trade barriers. Bernard Hoekman of the European University Institute noted that the nature of trade policy itself is changing from tariffs to behind the border measures. He also noted that regulators have diverging mandates from those involved in trade policy. Petros Mavroidis from Columbia Law School distinguished two aspects of regulatory measures: substantive and institutional. He noted that generally likeminded preferential trade agreements, or “the clubs”, entered into regulatory cooperation. He thinks the WTO will be the information exchange forum for these likeminded countries. Vera Thortensen from the Fundação Getúlio Vargas stated that the lack of discussion of private standards related directly to the concerns of the “tyranny of consumers” raised by some developing members. Panellists concluded that much work needed to be done on the matter, and that mutual recognition of standards was more easily achievable than harmonization of standards. 

16:00-17:30

Sesión de trabajo 12: Pasar de las abstracciones a los acuerdos: propiciar el programa de trabajo de la OMC

Organizador: Cámara de Comercio Internacional
Sala S1

En vista de la situación de la economía mundial y de las actuales deliberaciones sobre el comercio internacional, la CCI transmite el mensaje de que el comercio genera crecimiento y el crecimiento genera empleo. El último informe encargado por la CCI al Peterson Institute for International Economics, titulado "From Drifts to Deals: Advancing the WTO Agenda", contribuye a demostrar a los gobiernos y al público en general cómo el aumento del comercio y de las corrientes de inversión mejoran los niveles de vida.

En esta sesión de trabajo se propondrán formas concretas de llegar a acuerdos comerciales que generen crecimiento económico y creen empleo. La CCI proporcionará análisis y recomendaciones respecto de cuestiones clave que los Miembros de la OMC deben incluir en su labor de aquí a la Décima Conferencia Ministerial de Nairobi, así como iniciativas que es preciso defender desde el punto de partida, es decir, las conversaciones plurilaterales, hasta el resultado final, o sea, la aplicación multilateral. Con estas recomendaciones, la CCI espera conseguir que tanto el público como las autoridades comprendan mejor el valor del comercio abierto.

 

• James Bacchus, Presidente, Comisión de la CCI sobre Políticas de Comercio e Inversiones; Presidente, Global Practice Group, Greenberg Traurig; ex Presidente del Órgano de Apelación de la OMC; y ex Congresista de los Estados Unidos
• Ulf Pehrsson, Vicepresidente, Comisión de la CCI sobre Políticas de Comercio e Inversiones; Vicepresidente, Ericsson, Suecia
• Clifford Sosnow, Miembro de la Comisión de la CCI sobre Políticas de Comercio e Inversiones; y Asociado en Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Canadá
• Gabriela Wurcel, Miembro de la Comisión de la CCI sobre Políticas de Comercio e Inversiones; Directora de Comercio Internacional, Philip Morris International, Suiza

Moderador: Nicolle Graugnard, Gerente de Políticas, Comisión sobre Políticas de Comercio e Inversiones, Secretaría Internacional de la CCI, París

Audio

 

Summary

The panel first discussed the WTO and its forthcoming Tenth Ministerial Conference in Nairobi in December 2015. They agreed that the Doha Development Agenda is the most visible part of the WTO, but the organization has other functions that are important to the private sector. Its rules create a safety net, in addition to its rule-enforcing mechanism. The lack of champion(s) guiding an effort to conclude the Doha Round was cited as a key factor in the current state of the Round. The panellists noted that the business community is very interested in the WTO and its negotiations. The private sector needs to reflect on the possibilities after Nairobi. The WTO has a pivotal role to play, given that it establishes equal rights and obligations for trade, and has levelled the playing field.

The panel then moved to a discussion of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA). The panellists noted that the TFA is an unfinished deal. Developing countries and LDCs will need assistance to implement the TFA, and the coming into force of the TFA will provide many gains. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation Development (OECD) estimates that least-developed countries will reduce their trade costs by 15%. It is important to note that TFA implementation will not happen overnight: full implementation will take many years. The existence of the TFA validates the multilateral approach to trade negotiations. Once the agreement is implemented there will be benefits for all.

Finally, the panel discussed the expansion of the Agreement on Information Technology (ITA). Information and communications technology (ICT) has a major role to play in achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. ICT is an enabler of innovation in all business sectors. The panel estimated that trade policy responses should take this role into account. By 2020 mobile users will increase from 7 billion to more than 9 billion. Eight-five per cent of these users will be on broadband networks (G3, G4), enabling access to the Internet via mobile devices. The panellists discussed several repercussions for trade policy. Sending data across borders involves private data that needs protection – but how to handle this legitimate privacy and security concern without imposing restrictions? The panel noted that the right balance between both is being addressed in many regional agreements.

The panel concluded with future perspectives for the WTO. They estimated that it is time for members to get serious about the WTO. The WTO is unique and successful because of the trade rules it espouses. The WTO helped create opportunities and reduce poverty over the globe. The best way of moving forward is to move forward on maximizing the world rules of trade. Further drifting away from the WTO could weaken the organization. There might be some challenges to the WTO in the future, in particular issues that are not discussed in the organization. Climate agreements will have to be addressed by the WTO, because there are no dispute resolution mechanisms in these agreements, and disputes will come to the WTO on these new issues.

 

 

16:00-17:30

Un libro y su autor

Presentación a cargo de la Librería y la Biblioteca de la OMC :Reconstructing the WTO for the 21st century (Reconstruir la OMC para el siglo XXI)
Atrio

• Kent Albert Jones ,Profesor de Economía, beca Babson de investigación, Babson College (Estados Unidos)

17:30-19:00

Sesión de trabajo 13: Participar o no en un acuerdo plurilateral o en un megaacuerdo: cómo articular los acuerdos exclusivos de integración profunda con normas inclusivas. La perspectiva de un país de bajos ingresos

Organizador: Centro para el Diálogo sobre Políticas (Bangladesh) y IDEAS Centre
Sala S2

Las normas son indispensables para que el comercio funcione. Si son inclusivas y no discriminatorias contribuyen a que haya igualdad de condiciones y a la integración de todos en la economía mundial. Aunque la OMC no tiene el monopolio en esta esfera, a través de sus Miembros, es un organismo normativo indispensable. No obstante, nadie puede negar que cada vez más las normas del comercio se dictan también al margen de la OMC, y en una configuración que excluye a muchos países. En la sesión se abordará el impacto de los grandes procesos de integración para los no miembros. Se invitará a los participantes a discutir si la OMC debería contribuir a limitar los posibles efectos negativos de esos acuerdos sobre sus Miembros más pobres y lo que puede, podría o debería hacer la OMC para que su papel de garante de un sistema de comercio multilateral inclusivo no pierda fuerza.

• Mustafizur Rahman, Centro para el Diálogo sobre Políticas, Bangladesh
• Ronald Saborio, Presidente del OSD en Sesión Extraordinaria
• Brendan Vickers, Economic Adviser (Regional Trade and Integration Issues), Trade Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
• Nicolas Imboden, Director Ejecutivo, IDEAS Centre
• Amina Mohamed, Ministra de Relaciones Exteriores y Comercio Internacional, Kenya

Audio

 

Summary

The panel determined that the stalemate in the Doha Round has pushed WTO members to seek alternative avenues to pursue their trade agendas, particularly through mega-regional and plurilateral trade agreements. Lack of participation and preference erosion are significant problems for all developing countries, particularly least-developed countries (LDCs). Mega-regional and plurilateral trade agreements offer WTO members opportunities to negotiate terms that they cannot negotiate within the WTO. The terms of these preferential agreements are likely to be "multilateralized" over time, ultimately resulting in multilateral trade rules that were not negotiated in a multilateral environment. The panel alighted on transparency in the negotiation of mega-regionals and plurilaterals as a key issue for all stakeholders.

While there may be positive aspects to regional trade agreements (RTAs) negotiated outside of the multilateral environment, the WTO members participating in these RTAs must craft the rules in such a way that the negatives, such as preference erosion, are minimized and the positives, such as standardization or deeper liberalization, are maximised. One way in which these trade agreements could do this would be to grant market access to LDCs on terms equivalent to those contained in the regional trade agreements. An alternative approach would be to create inclusive rules of origin that would enable LDCs (and perhaps other developing countries) to benefit from global and regional value chains that are developed in the context of the mega-regional and plurilateral trade agreements. Developing countries and LDCs need to communicate and cooperate far more closely both within and outside the WTO. The inclusion of developing countries in certain mega-regionals is likely to jeopardize the collective bargaining position of developing countries in the multilateral context.

Discussion after panel presentations led to a few interesting points being raised. First, mega-regional and plurilateral trade agreements are not the same animals, and should not be viewed in the same way. Indeed, even different regional trade agreements are incomparable in many cases, based on the volume and value of trade affected or the type of agreement. Second, WTO members are often not capable of simply joining the mega-regionals or plurilaterals, and even if they do, they are often not in a position to negotiate on equivalent terms with the bigger players involved in the agreement – certainly not on the same terms with which they can negotiate in the multilateral context. This impinges on the notion that non-participants can simply join the agreements in order to eliminate any negative consequences of those agreements. Finally, it is widely accepted that the ideal solution would be to address these issues through the Doha Development Agenda, and indeed to conclude the Doha Round. However, this is difficult in the current negotiating climate.

17:30-19:00

Sesión de trabajo 14: Del campo al mercado, en respuesta a un mandato social desde una perspectiva agroempresarial: la falta de un marco de habilitación. Cómo subsanan esta deficiencia las políticas comerciales

Organizador: Organización Mundial de Agricultores (WFO), División de Comercio y Cooperación Económica de la Comisión Económica de las Naciones Unidas para Europa (CP) y Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Alimentación y la Agricultura (FAO)
Sala W

Todos los caminos empresariales son largos y problemáticos. La agricultura, como sector económico, se enfrenta a diario con problemas de acceso a los mercados. Un buen acceso a la educación, la buena gestión de los nutrientes, los obstáculos al acceso a los mercados, el acceso a las finanzas, la mecanización, el acceso a la innovación no son más que algunos de los retos a que tienen que hacer frente los agroempresarios para tener éxito en el mercado.

Los agricultores soportan una pesada carga: tienen que alimentar al planeta bajo el reto del crecimiento demográfico, acompañado de un rápido cambio en los hábitos de comida mundiales. Cabe preguntarse si los agricultores podrán beneficiarse de esta explosión demográfica o si los precios de los alimentos simplemente aumentarán. Cómo racionalizarán los agricultores la utilización de insumos en sus campos o en sus graneros para equilibrar los costos de producción. Cómo podrían unas políticas comerciales favorables respaldar a los agricultores que soportan esta carga mundial. Estas son sólo unas pocas de las preguntas que se procurará abordar en esta sesión de trabajo.

 

• Evelyn Nguleka, Presidenta, Organización Mundial de Agricultores (OMA)
• Mika Vepsäläinen, Jefa de la Unidad de Normas de Calidad de los Productos Agropecuarios, CEPE
• Ahmad Mukhtar, Trade and Food Security Officer, FAO
• Luis Miguel Etchevehere, WFO Board member, Latin America

 

Moderator:Marco Marzano de Marinis, Secretary General, WFO

Audio

 

Summary

Evelyn Nguleka from the World Farmers' Organisation said that the farmers need to be heard, especially now that the world is looking to farmers to find solutions for food production in the face of increasing populations and less-than-ideal environmental conditions. She posited that farmers need to be treated as economic farmers, and that we should seek solutions to drive farmers as businesses.

Mika Vepsäläinen from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) underscored that farmers currently have to meet multiple standards, but their voice is not heard when these standards are set. He suggested that, to improve the situation, we need to discuss how can we increase efficiency for farmers so that they earn their livelihoods and develop their businesses, and how we can reach out to the farmers so they have the capacity to implement standards.

Marco Marzano de Marinis from the World Farmers' Organisation moderated the session. He stated that efficiency can be achieved when there is a facilitating framework, capacity building, the establishment of a number of partnerships with key players and the creation of fair rules.

Ahmad Mukhtar from the Food and Agriculture Organization discussed the trends in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2015-2024, including the decline in long-term real prices, the increase in the trade volumes of most products and changes in consumer demands. To face these challenges, the emphasis needs to be on the farmer, in order to bridge the gaps between food security and farmer security, and trade policy and agricultural policy.

Luis Miguel Etchevehere, a board member of the World Farmers' Organization, challenged the idea that the farmers’ capacity needs to be built. He proposed instead that we should focus on actually buying what farmers are selling. The current economic environment is making trade in food commodities more uncertain, and will have a negative impact on producer countries, including in Latin America. Mr Etchevehere called for policies which have the aim of increasing the trade in food, including: ensuring democratic and strong institutions; implementing policies aimed at improving competitiveness; implementing public policies aimed at boosting productivity of the agricultural sector; increasing investment in food producing countries to boost trade; and creating better and more transparent information systems.

Some key takeaways from the session were that we should improve efficiency of farmers; ensure international regulatory frameworks explore improving farmers’ livelihoods in addition to boosting production; shift from an emphasis on “poor subsistence farmers” to “agropreneurship”; and debate whether farmers should be supported through subsidies or let markets select the most efficient producers.

 

17:30-19:00

Sesión de trabajo 15: El comercio es negocio: la apertura del comercio ha cambiado nuestros sectores en los 20 últimos años

Organizador: Croplife International, Innovation Insights y Federación Internacional de la Industria del Medicamento (IFPMA)
Sala S3

En esta sesión, se informará a los asistentes de los motivos que hacen que, desde una perspectiva comercial, "el comercio funcione". Los ponentes explicarán cómo la apertura del comercio en los 20 últimos años ha configurado el panorama empresarial y ha acelerado el crecimiento, la creación de empleo y la innovación en sus sectores. Los oradores vienen del mundo de la agricultura, la salud, las tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones y las tecnologías verdes, y proceden de diversas regiones geográficas.

Los ponentes, con prolongadas carreras en sus respectivos sectores, y basándose en su experiencia de primera mano, demostrarán que los cambios en el sistema de comercio han fomentado la integración mundial de sus empresas, han creado oportunidades para que nuevos actores se integraran en las cadenas de I+D y de suministro, han estimulado la colaboración transfronteriza y entre sectores, han facilitado un acceso más amplio a soluciones de tecnología transformadora, han generado crecimiento y han creado empleo. Indicarán cuáles fueron los cambios de política impulsados por el comercio que configuraron el nuevo panorama empresarial y se referirán a la forma en que las iniciativas de la OMC y las iniciativas de comercio más libre han mejorado los resultados de desarrollo socioeconómico.

 

• Gordon Bacon, Presidente, Comité de Ciencia, Nutrición y Cuestiones Técnicas, Confederación Mundial de Legumbres
• Nilanjan Banik, Profesor asociado, Mahindra École Centrale; y Miembro de CUTS International
• Becky Fraser, Directivo Superior, Asuntos gubernamentales, Qualcomm

Moderador: Stuart Harbinson, Asesor Superior de Política Comercial independiente, Ginebr

Audio

17:30-19:00

Sesión de trabajo 16: Las cadenas mundiales de valor y la evolución del comercio con valor añadido en las economías en desarrollo

Organizador: World Trade Center Mumbai y Asociación Panindia de Industrias
Sala S1

Hoy en día las cadenas mundiales de valor han pasado a ser un aspecto integrante del comercio mundial. La mayoría de los productos ya no se fabrican en un lugar y cada vez se tiende más a situar distintas etapas de la producción en diferentes países. Todo el proceso de producir bienes, desde las materias primas hasta los productos acabados, se realiza cada vez más donde se dispone de los conocimientos y los materiales necesarios a un costo competitivo y de calidad. Las fuerzas de la globalización impulsan a las empresas de los países en desarrollo a reestructurar sus operaciones para aumentar el valor de sus productos. La capacidad de participar en cadenas mundiales de valor es decisiva para la integración económica, pero para beneficiarse de esas cadenas hace falta que un país cree valor en esas cadenas.

En la sesión se examinarán las nuevas tendencias en las cadenas mundiales de valor y los factores que influyen en las actividades de esas cadenas en los países en desarrollo. Se analizarán los efectos de las cadenas mundiales de valor sobre el comercio de valor añadido y la evolución de las modalidades de intercambios comerciales.

• James Bacchus, Presidente, Comisión de la CCI sobre Políticas de Comercio e Inversiones
• Oliver Wieck, Secretario General, CCI Alemania
• Ricardo Melendez-Ortiz, Director Ejecutivo del Centro Internacional para el Comercio y el Desarrollo Sostenible
• Vijay Kalantri, Vicepresidente, World Trade Centre Mumbai, Director del Consejo de Administración de la Asociación de los Centros de Comercio Mundial (WTCA) (Nueva York); y Presidente, Asociación Panindia de Industrias
• Ikuo Kuroiwa,Investigador Ejecutivo Superior, Centro de Investigación de Bangkok, JETRO Bangkok
• Luisa Santos, Directora de Relaciones Internacionales, BUSINESSEUROPE
• Javier Lopez Gonzalez, Analista de políticas, Dirección de Comercio y Agricultura, Organización de Cooperación y Desarrollo Económicos

Audio

Summary

Evelyn Nguleka from the World Farmers' Organisation said that the farmers need to be heard, especially now that the world is looking to farmers to find solutions for food production in the face of increasing populations and less-than-ideal environmental conditions. She posited that farmers need to be treated as economic farmers, and that we should seek solutions to drive farmers as businesses.

Mika Vepsäläinen from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) underscored that farmers currently have to meet multiple standards, but their voice is not heard when these standards are set. He suggested that, to improve the situation, we need to discuss how can we increase efficiency for farmers so that they earn their livelihoods and develop their businesses, and how we can reach out to the farmers so they have the capacity to implement standards.

Marco Marzano de Marinis from the World Farmers' Organisation moderated the session. He stated that efficiency can be achieved when there is a facilitating framework, capacity building, the establishment of a number of partnerships with key players and the creation of fair rules.

Ahmad Mukhtar from the Food and Agriculture Organization discussed the trends in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2015-2024, including the decline in long-term real prices, the increase in the trade volumes of most products and changes in consumer demands. To face these challenges, the emphasis needs to be on the farmer, in order to bridge the gaps between food security and farmer security, and trade policy and agricultural policy.

Luis Miguel Etchevehere, a board member of the World Farmers' Organization, challenged the idea that the farmers’ capacity needs to be built. He proposed instead that we should focus on actually buying what farmers are selling. The current economic environment is making trade in food commodities more uncertain, and will have a negative impact on producer countries, including in Latin America. Mr Etchevehere called for policies which have the aim of increasing the trade in food, including: ensuring democratic and strong institutions; implementing policies aimed at improving competitiveness; implementing public policies aimed at boosting productivity of the agricultural sector; increasing investment in food producing countries to boost trade; and creating better and more transparent information systems.

Some key takeaways from the session were that we should improve efficiency of farmers; ensure international regulatory frameworks explore improving farmers’ livelihoods in addition to boosting production; shift from an emphasis on “poor subsistence farmers” to “agropreneurship”; and debate whether farmers should be supported through subsidies or let markets select the most efficient producers.

17:30-19:00

Sesión de trabajo 17: ¿Deberían incluir las normas de la OMC nuevas cuestiones, como la competencia, las compras del sector público y las disciplinas sobre los impuestos a la exportación?

Organizador: Foro de la Sociedad Civil (ACP) y Consumers Association of Penang (CAP)
Sala D

En esta sesión se examinarán las consecuencias para los países en desarrollo y desarrollados de incluir en la OMC normas elaboradas durante las negociaciones sobre acuerdos de libre comercio, como el Acuerdo de Asociación Transpacífico (TPP) y el acuerdo sobre el comercio de servicios. La sesión se centrará en particular en el impacto de introducir disciplinas adicionales sobre los impuestos a la exportación, la competencia, incluidas las empresas propiedad del Estado, las compras del sector público y la posibilidad de transferir datos transfronterizos.

 

• Demián Dalle, Director Nacional del Centro de Economía Internacional del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de la Argentina
• Sanya Reid Smith, Red del Tercer Mundo
• Orador de la comunidad empresarial europea

Audio

 

Summary

The panel explored the implications for developing and developed countries if rules developed in free trade agreement negotiations such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) are brought under the aegis of the WTO. In particular they discussed whether additional multilateral rules would help developing countries reap the gains of trade and all countries to move up the value chain and encourage the creation of innovative products. The areas up for consideration were the impact of additional disciplines on export taxes; competition policy, including state owned enterprises; government procurement; and cross border data transfers.

Panellists noted that export taxes have played an important role in developing Argentinian industry, and have provided an important source of revenue for the state. They discussed that international competition may negatively affect national development, and that state-owned enterprises are supported because they have important roles to play in society. Panellists also discussed how government procurement can be used domestically to achieve several important industrial and social objectives, including in connection with the Millennium Development Goals. They called for protection and limitation of sensitive cross border data transfer, and asserted the view that internet governance should not be dealt with in international trade agreements.

The panel concluded by noting that countries should reflect carefully before limiting their policy space in all of these areas.

17:30-19:00

Sesión de trabajo 18: La protección del consumidor y el comercio mundial

Organizador: Gobierno de Ománn
Sala E

En la sesión se recalcará la importancia del bienestar y la protección del consumidor. Los consumidores son el objetivo de cualquier sociedad y su bienestar es responsabilidad del gobierno. Las políticas comerciales pueden desempeñar un importante papel en la promoción y protección de los intereses de los consumidores. La sesión  tratará de demostrar que las normas de la OMC, el sistema multilateral de comercio, propugnan y protegen los intereses de los consumidores medigonante la expansión y liberalización del comercio mundial. Podrían darse algunos ejemplos de normas concretas de la OMC que promueven los intereses del consumidor.

• Omar Al-Jahdhami,Vicepresidente de Servicios al Consumidor y Vigilancia del Mercado, Autoridad Pública de Protección de los Consumidores, Omán
• Juan Luis Crucelegui, Oficial Superior de Asuntos Jurídicos, Subdivisión de Políticas de Competencia y Protección del Consumidor, UNCTAD
• Arnau Izaguerri, Oficial Subalterno de Asuntos Jurídicos, Subdivisión de Políticas de Competencia y Protección del Consumidor, UNCTAD
•  Julien Grollier, Oficial Auxiliar de Programas, CUTS, Ginebra

Moderador: Alicia Greenidge, Presidenta y Directora Ejecutiva de Summit Alliances International

Audio

 

Summary

The panel session opened by discussing how Oman's Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) has been well-received by consumers and the public at large. The PACP recognizes the impact of the multilateral trading system on consumer welfare and deals with consumer protection. It seeks to protect their wellbeing from unfair practices, to preserve their rights and to raise awareness about consumption. The PACP has the authority to challenge unfair announcements, to promote fair competition and to fight unfair practices. It has four pathways for action: legislative action, monitoring, awareness raising, and educational and international cooperation.

Examples of legislative action include combating monopolistic practices. The PACP has monitored changes in the prices of basic commodities and the illegal importation of sweets from Europe and Asia. In the area of awareness raising, the PACP has worked to ensure that chemically treated herbs do not pose any harm to consumers, and to ensure that second-hand tyres are not sold as new. The PACP produces a free magazine to inform consumers of their rights, and conducts educational visits to schools and hospitals. In terms of international cooperation, the PACP has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Council of Arab Economic Unity, and belongs to several international organizations.

The panel then discussed the United Nations Guidelines on Consumer Protection, which provide a new framework for international consumer protection. The United Nations General Assembly is due to adopt the new guidelines in December 2015. Additions to these guidelines include ensuring that consumers are seen as individuals, underlining the importance of good commercial behaviour, calling for education and awareness-raising, introducing measures to protect the privacy of consumers, encouraging national policies for consumer protection (such as the PACP in Oman), introducing measures for multilateral dispute resolution and redress, addressing questions of e-commerce and financial services, protecting the financial practices of consumers, protecting and lowering the cost of remittances, underlining the importance of public utilities and tourism, and promoting cross-border cooperation among agencies.

Finally, the panel discussed a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) project on regional integration. It involves technical assistance for improving legislative frameworks on competition and consumer protection. The "Oman Project" is intended to reinforce regional capacities through a training centre for the protection of consumers, and activities reinforcing cooperation between agencies and ministries. There was a discussion with various countries – Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco - to develop a strategy adapted to their needs.

19:15-21:00

RECEPCIÓN Y PRESENTACIÓN DE UNA PUBLICACIÓN: Los 20 años de la OMC: una mirada retrospectiva

Atrio

Presentado por Xiaozhun Yi, Director General Adjunto de la OMC

9:00-10:30

Sesión de trabajo 19: Evaluación de la conformidad por organismos acreditados: lograr que el comercio funcione

Organizador: Cooperación Internacional de Acreditación de Laboratorios (ILAC), Foro Internacional de Acreditación (IAF) y Organización Internacional Independiente de Certificación (IIOC)
Sala B

Uno de los principios básico del IAF, la ILAC y el IIOC es facilitar el comercio mediante la eliminación de los obstáculos técnicos al comercio gracias a la aceptación mundial de informes, certificados y datos de pruebas.

En la sesión se darán ejemplos de una variedad de sectores de economías desarrolladas y en desarrollo para demostrar que la acreditación y las pruebas, la certificación y la inspección por organismos acreditados han tenido un impacto positivo en el comercio.

• Marcus Long, Director Ejecutivo de la IIOC
• Jon Murthy, Ejecutivo de la ILAC y el IAF
Otros oradores por confirmar

Audio

 

Summary

The panel highlighted the growing demand for conformity assessments all over the world, manifested through an increasing number of requests for testing, inspection, accreditation and certification. The public sector has benefited from using conformity assessments and accredited services to meet policy objectives. Today, 113 countries have accredited bodies. A recently-launched website shows case studies of how government and regulators have used accredited conformity assessments as policy tools to deliver results: www.publicsectorassurance.org.

The panel acknowledged that cost considerations should be taken into account. However, case studies and research have shown outsized benefits to conformity assessments: reputation benefits; higher rate of returns; increased job creation in certified businesses; addressing asymmetric information issues; and promoting trade, especially for small- and medium-sized enterprises.

During the discussion, a question was asked about to what extent regulatory bodies have relied on internationally-accredited conformity assessments. Though there are no statistics yet, a survey carried out by International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation among accredited bodies all around the world shows that results issued by accredited laboratories are generally accepted.

Looking forward, participants in the discussion agreed that standards need to be up-to-date and established through consensus and checks and balances. They saw a need to engage more stakeholders in standard-setting and conformity assessments.

9:00-10:30

Sesión de trabajo 20: ¿Qué papel pueden desempeñar las zonas económicas especiales en la consecución de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible?

Organizador: UNCTAD
Sala D

En todo el mundo proliferan las zonas de elaboración para la exportación (o zonas económicas especiales), y cada una de ellas ofrece una combinación distinta de incentivos fiscales, reglamentarios e infraestructura para la inversión extranjera. Según algunos especialistas, han desempeñado un papel crucial en el desarrollo económico inducido por las exportaciones, pero otros cuestionan su efecto local y colectivo en el trabajo decente, la sostenibilidad del medio ambiente y los ingresos fiscales. El auge de las nuevas zonas económicas especiales se produce en un momento en que las posibilidades de ofrecer a esas zonas incentivos fiscales que se ajusten a las normas están disminuyendo entre los Estados Miembros de la OMC y en que los gobiernos de todo el mundo se declaran resueltos a alcanzar los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible de las Naciones Unidas. En vista de estas tendencias y compromisos internacionales, cabe preguntarse qué papel pueden desempeñar las zonas económicas especiales en la consecución de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible. ¿Cuáles son las nuevas estrategias y las mejores prácticas en gestión de zonas económicas especiales para bien del desarrollo sostenible? En esta sesión se presentará un informe de la UNCTAD sobre los resultados y el potencial de estas zonas para el desarrollo sostenible.

• Claude Akpokavie, Asesor Superior, Oficina de Actividades para los Trabajadores, Oficina Internacional del Trabajo (OIT)
• Jem Bendell, Profesor, Instituto para el Liderazgo y la Sostenibilidad, Universidad de Cumbria
• Bipul Chatterjee, Director Ejecutivo, CUTS International
• Anthony Miller, Centro de Coordinación sobre Responsabilidad Social de las Empresas, División de la Inversión y la Empresa, UNCTAD
• Raúl Torres, Consejero, División de Desarrollo, OMC

Moderador: James Zhan, División de la Inversión y la Empresa, UNCTAD

Audio

 

Summary

The panel noted that the importance of Export Processing Zones (EPZs) is growing. EPZs tend to have a bad reputation in public and with the media, linked to a lowering of environmental and labour standards in such zones. This is tied to a growing consumer awareness of good production practices. This awareness forces multinational companies to engage in best practices and focus on sustainability issues in global value chains.

Panelists highlighted that EPZs offer many benefits. They may include: exemptions from import duties, exemption from direct and indirect taxes, preferential pricing (water, energy), good infrastructure, reduced red tape and trade facilitation. The attractiveness of EPZs therefore lies beyond fiscal advantages such as tax reductions.

The WTO's stance is that, in general, specific subsidies are forbidden. However, some exemptions are made for special EPZs, but these exemptions will expire by the end of 2015.

The panel encouraged the audience to think more broadly about how to ensure the competitiveness of EPZs. A United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) study on a sampling of EPZs found that while EPZs are quite useful in providing services to  businesses, they often do not communicate their offerings properly. The panel estimated that EPZs offer the possibility to be centres of excellence, to transfer knowledge and to have a multiplier effect on the broader economy. Jem Bendell from the University of Cumbria noted that EPZs can function as laboratories for governments – in EPZs, governments learn new rules, and try to measure the effects of new regulatory frameworks.

Claude Akpokavie from the International Labour Office (ILO) raised the concern that EPZs are promoting a downward spiral in labour standards. Ninety per cent of workers in EPZs are female, and do not place great importance in material protection. He acknowledged that a cost-benefit analysis is needed to measure the benefits (job creation) against the costs (lowering labour standards), and noted that EPZs are still bound to the rules set forth in ILO Conventions.

9:00-10:30

Sesión de trabajo 21: Reformar las normas comerciales agrícolas con fines de seguridad alimentaria y proteger los derechos de los pequeños productores

Organizador: Comisión de Derechos Humanos de Kenya
Sala S3

En el África Subsahariana la agricultura representa en promedio más de la mitad del empleo total y una quinta parte del producto interno bruto (PIB), pero los precios más altos plantean problemas a los importadores netos de esos productos. Además, es motivo de creciente preocupación que actualmente la mayoría de los países en desarrollo tienen déficits alimentarios a causa del comercio desleal resultante de las importaciones de productos subvencionados que compiten con éxito con los productores nacionales. Aunque los programas públicos de constitución de existencias se consideren una práctica óptima a nivel mundial porque garantizan la seguridad alimentaria de los países en desarrollo, las normas vigentes de la OMC no permiten a los países en desarrollo mantener el apoyo interno por encima del 10% de su producción nacional (los llamados niveles de minimis). El programa de trabajo posterior a Bali, que incluye la agricultura, es una oportunidad para que África revise las políticas comerciales que podrían resolver la suerte de millones de pequeños productores que han sido agentes clave a la hora de satisfacer la demanda de alimentos.

• Biraj Patniak, Right to Food Movement, India
• Jane Nalunga, Directora Nacional, Instituto de Comercio, Información y Negociaciones para África Meridional y Oriental, Uganda
• Ekaterina Krivonos, Economist, Trade and Markets Division, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization
• Deborah Scott, Directora de Programas Internacionales, Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR); y Coordinadora, red Our World is Not for Sale (OWINFS)
• Jonathan Hepburn, Director del Programa de Agricultura, Centro Internacional para el Comercio y el Desarrollo Sostenible en Ginebra

Moderador: Fredrick Njehu, Asesor de programas, Justicia comercial y económica, Comisión de Derechos Humanos de Kenya (KHRC)

Audio

 

Summary

This session explored how trade rules can be reformed to address the growing concern by small-scale producers of the right to food, and how WTO members can design public stockholding systems in a more coherent, balanced way.

Frederick Nheju from the Kenya Human Rights Commission opened the session by stressing that agriculture is of great importance to developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs). He also expressed concern with current trade rules and issues, such as subsidies in developed countries, which disadvantage small producers, thus leaving them vulnerable.

Ekaterina Krivonos from the Food and Agriculture Organization gave an overview of new developments and trends in the global agricultural market as well as projections for the near future. According to her data, agricultural production has grown everywhere and will continue to do so, especially on the African continent, over the next 10 years. World prices for agricultural products will either remain flat or decline. She noted that it is not the same case for domestic prices, due to various other factors influencing local prices. Import volumes will strongly increase in developing countries.

Jonathan Hepburn from the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development briefed on the current situation around related trade negotiations. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that global trade rules and policies help deliver the sustainable development goals, in particular the right to food. He outlined the following challenges: participation of small producers in policy-making process in LDCs, weak safeguards in LDCs, climate change and high tariffs on agricultural products imposed by some developed countries. In the context of negotiations, Mr Hepburn estimated that issues of tighter disciplines on special and differential treatment, duty-free and quota-free market access, export competition, agriculture, domestic support and cotton could be included in a package to be discussed at the Tenth Ministerial Conference in Nairobi in December 2015. He also noted that even though there are real challenges and violations of the right to food, progress has been made.

Jane Nalunga from the Southern and Eastern Africa Trade Information and Negotiations Institute briefed on the effects and implications of trade rules on agriculture in Africa, emphasising that agriculture is a mainstay of their economy. She outlined challenges at the national level (limited value added, export of raw materials, limited government support) and at the global level (colonial legacy, WTO or global policies such as high subsidies by developed countries, high liberalization and weak safeguards of Africa). She also expressed the hope that agricultural subsidies and a safeguard mechanism will be included in the Nairobi package.

Biraj Patniak from the Right to Food Movement explained how public stockholding food programmes and the National Food Security Act work in India, as well as their importance. He emphasised that the objective of the programme is to support domestic consumers, not exports. That is why he estimates such support should not be considered forbidden under WTO rules and put into the "Green Box" category of the Subsidies Agreement (this is the G33's current proposal). 

Deborah James from the Center for Economic Policy Research and Our World is Not for Sale Network expressed support for Mr Patniak's views, and called public stockholding the best global practice to protect vulnerable small producers and poor or hungry people. She called on society and developed countries to prioritize food security and the right to food. She also stressed that such programmes should be allowed under WTO rules because they support domestic consumption.

The contributions of the panellists were followed by comments from the audience pointing out that challenges come from global rules and policies, but more so from the national level.

9:00-10:30

Sesión de trabajo 22: El sistema de solución de diferencias de la OMC desde una perspectiva asiática

Organizador: Gobierno del Japón
Sala S2

En esta sesión se procurará evaluar el actual estado del sistema de solución de diferencias de la OMC y se discutirán los problemas con que se enfrenta el sistema desde la perspectiva de los Miembros asiáticos. En particular, analizaremos cómo han utilizado este sistema los Miembros asiáticos y las cuestiones de fondo que actualmente son de particular interés para ellos.

Por ejemplo, podríamos discutir si hay diferencias en los criterios con que se enfoca la utilización de asesores externos en los procedimientos entre Miembros de Asia y entre Miembros de Asia y otros Miembros como cuestión práctica de las diferencias. Puede que también abordemos las características regionales, de haberlas, en la forma en que los Miembros tratan de preservar su "margen de política comercial" al tiempo que mantienen mercados abiertos para el comercio y el papel del sistema de solución de diferencias que los ayudan a equilibrar esas dos exigencias.

Mediante las presentaciones deseamos aclarar la forma en que los Miembros de Asia pueden contribuir al buen funcionamiento del sistema de solución de diferencias de la OMC.

 

• Todd Friedbacher, Asociado, Sidley Austin, Ginebra
• Niall Meagher, Director Ejecutivo, Centro de Asesoría Legal en Asuntos de la OMC (ACWL)
• Gabrielle Marceau, Consejera, División de Asuntos Jurídicos, Secretaría de la OMC
• Ryan Gener, from Philippine Mission
• Kazumochi Kometani, Director, Ministerio de Economía, Comercio e Industria (METI) del Japón
• Koji Saito, Director, Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores del Japón

Audio

 

Summary

The panel remarked that the success of the Dispute Settlement Mechanism is taking its toll on the system in the form of an unprecedented amount of work. Asian members are active in dispute settlement, and bring a significant number of disputes. Many of the factors that affect the decision to bring a case to the WTO are similar between Asian members and other members; however, the lack of institutionalized feedback from industry within Asia is problematic. This is augmented by the culture in many Asian societies of being non-confrontational and non-litigious.

The panellists highlighted that it is important to demonstrate the concrete benefits of the WTO's Dispute Settlement Mechanism to Asian industries. As an example, the panellists referred to the "EC – IT Products"dispute: despite 10 years of negotiations, the complainants had been unable to achieve the removal of the measures at issue, yet they were finally withdrawn following the Panel's decision. The success of the dispute settlement system does not only lie in the system itself: the knowledge that recourse to binding dispute settlement is a possibility often leads to a willingness to resolve issues informally, bilaterally or in committees, outside the context of dispute settlement. This is particularly relevant for members with a legal tradition of avoiding litigation.

There was a divergence of opinion on the importance of external legal counsel. While some panellists consider that the use of external legal counsel is a means for governments to participate in dispute settlement whilst avoiding confrontation and maintaining bilateral relations, others consider that only in-house legal counsel are able to comprehend the long-term strategic goals underlying a member's participation in dispute settlement. The discussion also offered avenues for reducing confrontation in the dispute settlement system. If WTO rules are perceived as rules of conduct and focused on common goals, litigation can become less confrontational.

Looking forward, the panel suggested that the particularities of the Asian approach to dispute settlement should be used to improve the system through the ongoing discussions of the Dispute Settlement Understanding reform and the Jara process, named after former WTO Deputy Director-General Alejandro Jara. They also recommended that while Asian members are active participants as parties to disputes, there is a need for more Asian panellists and staff working on dispute settlement within the WTO Secretariat. Effort to this end can be made by all concerned: the Secretariat can implement changes to improve participation by individuals from Asia (for instance by having more language editors), while those Asians who are interested need to show greater willingness to participate.

9:00-10:30

Sesión de trabajo 23: La desaceleración del comercio mundial

Organizador: Banco Mundial
Sala E

Después de la recuperación de la crisis financiera mundial, el crecimiento del comercio internacional se ha estancado. En esta sesión se examinarán las principales características de la desaceleración del comercio mundial y los factores a que obedece. También se discutirán las perspectivas comerciales de los próximos años, las consecuencias para el crecimiento económico y cómo pueden responder los responsables de las políticas.

• Aaditya Mattoo, Director de Investigaciones, Comercio e Integración, Banco Mundial
• Graham Slack, Economista Jefe, Maersk Group
• Alex Keck, Consejero, División de Estudios Económicos y Estadística de la OMC
• Michele Ruta, Lead Economist, Trade & Competitiveness GP, World Bank

Moderador: Robert Koopman, Economista Jefe y Director, División de Estudios Económicos y Estadística de la OMC

Audio

 

Summary

The panel agreed that a global trade slowdown was evident since the 2008 financial crisis, and discussed the drivers and possible solutions to this situation. Two key themes emerged in the discussion.

First, panellists cited a need to better understand trade in services. In the aftermath of 2008, a slowdown in trade in manufactured goods was evident, but this was not the case with services, which presented a more robust trajectory. New technologies provided new forms of interaction, and changes in demographics meant that the demand for services increased. Thus, trade in services could be an important driver for future growth, and deserves more attention. Given this rising importance, a panellist noted that much talk around trade facilitation refers to customs barriers; they suggested that this discussion should also address barriers to services and how they could be tackled.

Second, panellists discussed changes in global value chains (GVCs). They saw that growth in GVCs had been an important factor in boosting the growth of trade in the past. However, changes in the way GVCs are structured may have led to a perceived slowdown in trade. For example, China's rising participation in GVCs meant that it had "cannibalized" intra-Asian trade, as it consumed more and more of what it produced. Also, managers are increasingly concerned with the costs of managing supply chains, rather than just the local costs of production. This means that GVCs are undergoing a period of reorganization.

Panellists pointed to several possible solutions. A reduction of trade costs, such as through the entry into force of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation, could increase trade. Increased liberalization through new trade agreements could open markets. Better policies aimed at curbing protectionism could do the same. Domestic growth was floated as an option - research tells us that as income differences between countries narrows, trade between countries becomes more intense. Finally, the panel highlighted that multilateral liberalization had a greater enabling effect than regional trade agreements. Multilateral deals offer the potential to improve the extensive margin of trade; they provide a wider network – which empirically offers better trade growth; and trade costs fall more sharply if a market opens multilaterally rather than bilaterally.

9:00-10:30

Sesión de trabajo 24: El comercio funciona … SI - ¿Qué hay que hacer para que el comercio funcione en beneficio del desarrollo?

Organizador: Oficina del Grupo ACP en Ginebra, Roosevelt Institute y Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Geneva Office
Sala S1

El comercio puede ser un instrumento de crecimiento, desarrollo y reducción de la pobreza. Sin embargo, obtener los posibles beneficios que puede aportar el comercio no es automático ni fácil. El simple aumento de la integración en la economía mundial no tiene por sí solo un mayor impacto en el desarrollo. El comercio funciona SI los países en desarrollo pueden aprovechar plenamente las oportunidades que trae consigo y reducir al mínimo sus posibles desventajas. Los encargados de adoptar decisiones deben trabajar simultáneamente y de forma complementaria en una variedad de esferas normativas a fin de propiciar el desarrollo económico y social. En la sesión de trabajo se estudiarán las recomendaciones formuladas como parte de iniciativas que tienen por objeto lograr una distribución equitativa de los beneficios que aporta el comercio, como la iniciativa del G-7 sobre la cadena de suministro, el Grupo de Alto Nivel sobre las Corrientes Financieras Ilícitas Procedentes de África, la Comisión Independiente sobre la reforma de la imposición internacional a las sociedades, entre otras, así como otras propuestas para que el comercio funcione en beneficio del desarrollo.

• Hubert René Schillinger,Schillinger, Director, Oficina de FES en Ginebra
• Marwa Joël Kisiri,Jefe, Oficina del Grupo ACP en Ginebra
• Adam Hersh, , Economista Superior, Roosevelt Institute (institución académica)
• Dereje Alemayehu, Economista Superior, Roosevelt Institute (institución académica)

• Tausi Kida, , Directora Ejecutiva, Economic and Social Research Foundation, Tanzanía (institución académica)

Moderador: Nicholas Shaxson, periodista

Audio

 

Summary

Broadly, the panel discussed the effects of trade, and the fact that some benefit more than others. To remedy this, they suggested that complementary policies should be put in place to promote a fair distribution of income through interregional and international cooperation. The trade and development nexus can be applied to the implementation of sustainable development goals. 

In response to a question, journalist Nicholas Shaxson replied that the concept of tax justice is still a nascent tool in the development field, but that it could be further used for trade justice efforts. Illicit financial flows and capital flight are components of the taxation system which are detrimental to trade. 

In response to a question, Dereje Alemayehu from the Tax Justice Network Africa responded that mis-pricing means mis-invoicing of imports or exports to avoid taxes on imports. Tax authorities face significant losses because multinational companies sometimes pay less tax than the small-scale vendor in, for instance, Africa. Payment on intellectual property rights or patents and financial advising fees are deducted from the tax roll, which distort the tax portfolio. Transfer pricing in multinational corporations provides the biggest financial loss. 

In response to a question, Adam Hersh of the Roosevelt Institute noted that deregulation of capital flows is the main cause of inequalities. Rules, laws and institutions in trade matter for how much investment flows into the country. Trade rules are, however, not a stand-alone component shaping the trading system and should be reinforced through environmental, investment and educational policies. 

The panel was asked to point out the key producers of inequalities in trade flows. Responses highlighted that earlier in the global economy, effects were shaped under a single corporate roof. Today, this is different, since global value chains (GVCs) involve various stakeholders. This increasing fragmentation of global production and distribution has created a need for a rules-based system. Local policy-makers are often resistant to agreeing with the rules which drive out value added components. 

In response to a question about whether wages are part of how people share the benefits of trade, Tausi Kida of the Economic and Social Research Foundation (Tanzania) noted that GVCs are associated with increased employment and greater profitability. As regards Tanzania, it has received sufficient foreign direct investment in the mining sector, but job creation is quite low, and remuneration has not experienced a significant rise. Also, growth in trade has not led to a reduction of inequality in Tanzania. Six out of the 10 most unequal countries are in Africa. Nevertheless, trade benefits have been linked to poverty reduction.

The panel was asked to weigh in on whether misleading tax practices were a national or global responsibility. The advantage of classifying it as a national responsibility is that it is a way to involve people in development objectives. If countries are not participating in finding solutions for profit-shifting processes and transparent trade practices, they will not benefit from the outcomes. Today, African nations lose resources to the world: for every US$ 1 coming to Africa, US$ 3 leaves the continent. Capital outflow is caused by illegal business transactions and criminal activities, which are entirely a national responsibility. 

The panel was asked to provide examples of institutional change that can reduce poverty. They responded that policy interventions can impede efficiency and growth, and that the change must begin at the corporate level. Rules should assign responsibilities to entities that shape GVCs, and the tax system should be reformed to be redistributive and transparent. 

Finally, the panel was asked to what extent governments can cooperate with multinational corporations. They responded that multinational corporations should be treated as a unified entity according to the general underlying economic activities. Collection of revenues should ensure the provision of social benefits, not only income flows at the corporate level. Currently, official development assistance is the key source of financing for social and economic development. 

9:00-10:30

Sesión de trabajo 25: El comercio ilícito: combatiendo el lavado de activos en el comercio internacional

Organizador: Ministerio de Industria, Comercio y Turismo de Colombia
Sala W

A panel of experts will present and discuss the scope of illicit trade in international trade operations, the challenges and implications for economic development and propose concrete strategies to fight it. They will also assess the role that the WTO and other multilateral trade organizations can have to address this issue.

• David M. Luna, Director Superior, Seguridad Nacional y Diplomacia, Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos
• Tim Morris,, Director Ejecutivo, Servicios de Policía, INTERPOL
• Angeles Rentsch, Gerente, Observancia Fiscal, Philip Morris International
• Norbert Steilen,Director de Programas, Cumplimiento y Observancia, Organización Mundial de Aduanas

Moderator: Joost Pauwelyn,Profesor, Derecho Internacional, Instituto de Altos Estudios Internacionales y del Desarrollo (Ginebra)

Audio

 

Summary

Joost Pauwelyn from the Graduate Institute, Geneva mentioned that the goal of this event was two-fold. First, the session aimed to create awareness about illicit trade. He mentioned that this issue was not yet directly regulated under the WTO agreements. The second goal was to review collective strategies to fight illicit trade, both in import and export. The session had a particular focus on trade-based money laundering.

Gabriel Duque, Ambassador of Columbia to the WTO, characterised illicit trade as the "dark side of the expansion of economic integration". He underscored that the misuse of trade affected all jurisdictions. He mentioned that 3 per cent to 5 per cent of global GDP went lost annually due to illicit trade. Criminal bands were also financed through these transactions. He highlighted that for trade to work, WTO members needed to be sure that it would not affect their security interests and thus invited other members to engage together in the pursue of cooperative solutions.

Angeles Rentsch from Philip Morris International pointed out the significance of public-private partnerships to effectively confront illicit trafficking. She highlighted the role of Philip Morris in supporting governmental authorities through the conclusion of cooperation agreements.

David Luna from the U.S. Department of State mentioned that around 7 per cent of global merchandise consists of pirated and counterfeited goods and called upon states to implement the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA) promptly and engage in customs cooperation with other members' customs authorities. He also highlighted the role of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in promoting educational campaigns and fostering global dialogue to raise awareness and mitigate illicit trade.

Norbert Steilen from the World Customs Organization underscored the importance of customs data collection to monitor trade transactions and avoid over-invoicing, a typical money-laundering method. He also highlighted the need for international cooperation and the creation of post-clearance audits, mutual administrative assistance and legal access to books and payment records of international traders.

Michael Ellis from the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) highlighted the importance of international police cooperation against illicit trade. He also conveyed the need to strike a balance between effective controls, on the one hand, and the aim not to create extra barriers for legal traders, on the other hand. He mentioned that Free Trade Zones are vulnerable to illicit trade and regulation in this regard should be pursued. He commended Colombia for organising the first event, according to his knowledge, in which awareness and cooperation between INTERPOL and the WTO on this issue was discussed.

Questions from the audience focused on WTO case law on illicit trade, the scope for negotiation of rules against illicit trade in the Doha Development Agenda, the possibility of non-violation complaints against a WTO member that does not address illicit trade and the significance of the TFA in mitigating illicit trade.

9:00-10:30

Taller 3: El comercio mejora la vida. Estudio monográfico de África - Las mujeres que recolectan karité en Ghana, Burkina Faso y Malí

Organizador: Sidley Austin LLP and Global Shea Alliance
Sala F

El comercio funciona para las recolectoras de karité del África Occidental. En esta sesión se presentará un estudio monográfico sobre la contribución de las oportunidades comerciales al adelanto económico en las zonas rurales del África Occidental.

Tradicionalmente son las mujeres quienes recogen y procesan las almendras de karité. La creciente demanda de karité en el sector de los cosméticos ha mejorado las oportunidades que se ofrecen a los productores. Millones de mujeres de las zonas rurales del África Occidental han podido mantener a sus familias y contribuir a la educación de sus hijos recolectando y procesando karité para la exportación.

Sin embargo, a pesar de su creciente éxito en los sectores de los cosméticos, el comercio de karité ha hecho frente a obstáculos reglamentarios que limitan su utilización en la alimentación. Estos obstáculos se están reduciendo, a medida que los organismos nacionales de reglamentación aplican normas internacionales y resuelven otros riesgos, de conformidad con los principios de la OMC.

En la sesión se presentarán ideas prácticas de las recolectoras de karité del África Occidental y de sus clientes. También se expondrán ideas de los miembros de la comunidad de la OMC y se hablará de la forma en que las normas de la OMC garantizan que el comercio funcione en este mercado.

 

• Safia Alhassan Andani, Presidenta, Asociación Pagsung de Recolectoras y Transformadoras de Karité, Ghana
• K. Ntim Donkoh, Ministro (Asuntos comerciales), Misión Permanente de Ghana en Ginebra
• Joseph R. Funt, Director Gerente, Alianza Mundial del Karité, Ghana
• Rosie Akester, Responsable Superior de Compras del programa Community Fair Trade encargada de cuestiones relativas a los ingredientes, Reino Unido y África
• Kornel Mahlstein , Economista de Sidley Austin LLP

Moderador: Iain Sandford, PAsociado, Sidley Austin LLP

Audio

 

Summary

The panel introduced the topic at hand. Shea is a fruit that grows in the wild and unsupervised in trees across Africa. Its seeds are used for cooking, as well as for creams, oils, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and other uses. Shea is processed by removing the seeds, and shea collectors, mostly women, dry and preserve them. After sending the seeds to factories, they are mostly turned into butter which is then used for cosmetics to create creams and lotions.

The Global Shea Alliance is a non-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and empowering women shea collectors, to organize the many cooperatives that these women have formed in Africa, and to connect them with business and retail outlets such as "The Body Shop". They spread the word about shea, its benefits, and also about the working conditions of the shea collectors.

There is a need for support for the trade in shea. Safia Alhassan Andani from the Pagsung Shea Pickers and Processors Association (Ghana) mentioned that shea collectors have to go deep into the forest to collect shea. It is estimated that only 20% of shea is taken from the trees, a very low number, so capacity and training is needed for these collectors.

The government of Ghana supports women shea collectors. Ghana's Commercial Minister K. Ntim Donkoh underscored that the trade in shea empowers women and, with the right policies, protects tree populations. The women shea collectors manage to comply with many standards, like fair trade, and to guide the communities. Ms Alhassan Andai added that compliance with these standards is difficult and it is sometimes cumbersome to comply with them.

The panel concluded by noting that shea is essential for women in Africa, and that it is the most important source of income for more than 16 million people. They called for trade barriers and bans on shea to be lifted: the European Union lifted its ban in 2009, and the panel said that India should lift its ban on shea for chocolate production. They hoped that the WTO would aid in this effort so shea exports can flourish, along with the women and shea collectors of Ghana and Africa.

10:30-12:00

Sesión de trabajo 26: ¿Qué puede hacer el comercio para las empresas, los trabajadores y los consumidores?

Organizador: BusinessEurope y Federation of German Industries (BDI)
Sala E

La OMC es la "organización central" del comercio multilateral, guardiana de las normas que todos los Miembros han de respetar y aplicar. Como institución, tiene un papel que desempeñar no solo analizando las modalidades mundiales de comercio, sino también en la creación de normas modernas que se adapten a las necesidades de las empresas y de la sociedad.

En este contexto, nos gustaría estudiar más a fondo las siguientes cuestiones, entre otras:

• La Conferencia Ministerial de Bali dio un gran impulso a las negociaciones multilaterales. ¿Cómo se puede mejorar aún más el pilar de negociación de la OMC?
• La conclusión de la Ronda de Doha y el programa posterior a Doha - La realidad empresarial y las negociaciones multilaterales no avanzan al mismo ritmo. ¿Cómo se pueden salvar esas diferencias?
• ¿Cómo se podrían demostrar mejor los beneficios del comercio, sobre todo en los países en desarrollo?
• ¿Y cuál es el papel respectivo de la OMC, los gobiernos nacionales y las empresas a este respecto?

 

• Yonov Frederick Agah, Director General Adjunto de la OMC
• Ambassador Marc Vanheukelen, Representante Permanente de la UE ante la OMC
• Ambassador Michael Punke, Representante Adjunto de los Estados Unidos para las Cuestiones Comerciales Internacionales y Representante Permanente ante la OMC
• Mark van der Horst, Director de Asuntos Relacionados con la UE, UPS Europa
• Johannes Kleis, Jefe de Comunicaciones en la Oficina Europea de Uniones de Consumidores (BEUC)

Moderador: Stormy Annika Mildner, Presidenta del Grupo de Trabajo sobre la OMC de BUSINESSEUROPE y Jefa del Departamento de Relaciones Internacionales de la BDI

Audio

 

Summary

This session discussed what trade can do for wealth and welfare. Businesses' perception of trade is usually different than that of the public - what can we do to make trade benefit all?

The panel underscored that trade is a sensitive political issue. Many equate trade with globalization, but the panellists asserted that it is part of it, but not the same as it. They suggested talking about the ways in which trade makes people’s lives better, such as increased job opportunities. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the part of our society with the greatest potential from trade. The WTO has helped SMEs through the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA).

For consumers, trade leads to lower prices and a greater variety of products. There are 41 consumer organizations in Europe, but it is not enough to say that we need to support trade agreements: increasing trade is increasing risks for consumers - there seems to be little space for consumers to benefit. Consumers are worried about the dark side of globalization. One way to counter this fear is to put an increased emphasis on responsible supply chains.

From a business perspective, reducing the costs of trade is important. This is why the TFA is good as it addresses the main barriers to trade: the treatment of products pre-arrival, automatization and risk management.

The panel said that trade is a development policy tool, and we need to use it in conjunction with other policies. We need to assist countries to benefit from trade. They noted that through the Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility, we can provide support to countries.

Panellists said that organizations working with different aspects of globalization should work closely to form rules on these global issues such as the environment and climate because these might end up as disputes, and there are no rules for these areas under the WTO.

WTO Deputy Director-General Yonov Frederick Agah commented that the power of transparency is significant, and that this is visible in the WTO's day-to-day business. He highlighted that the Nairobi Ministerial Conference provides an opportunity to take decisions and to provide instruction for future work. Business needs to know what has happened, and what may happen. He encouraged business and civil society to be engaged with the WTO.

10:30-12:00

Sesión de trabajo 27: "Atribuírselo al comercio" - La función de la facilitación del comercio en la mejora de los medios de subsistencia de las mujeres del África Oriental

Organizador: TradeMark East Africa
Sala D

En el África Oriental las mujeres desempeñan una función decisiva en el comercio y podrían contribuir a impulsar el comercio en África como motor del crecimiento, el empleo y la reducción de la pobreza. En análisis efectuados en diversos países incluso se ha dicho que el desarrollo económico de los países se debe tanto a las mujeres como a las exportaciones.

No obstante, hay varios obstáculos no arancelarios específicos que obstaculizan mucho las actividades comerciales de las mujeres, entre otros, las bajas tasas de alfabetización, el desconocimiento de las reformas y los procedimientos de gestión en frontera, la información asimétrica sobre las normas técnicas, el acoso de los funcionarios de aduanas, la mala infraestructura, la carencia de redes formales y la falta de tiempo.

Como parte de su programa "La mujer y el comercio", el TMEA trata de aumentar los ingresos de las empresas propiedad de mujeres y de mejorar los medios de subsistencia de las mujeres comerciantes. Las intervenciones anteriores han ayudado a determinar lo que funciona y los modelos más eficaces para aplicar las diversas iniciativas de creación de capacidad.

Mediante presentaciones por parte de mujeres que se dedican al comercio transfronterizo y de pymes beneficiarias asociadas al TMEA, participantes en la ejecución y responsables de las políticas, en la sesión se darán ejemplos prácticos de la forma en que las iniciativas de facilitación del comercio han fomentado la participación de la mujer en la exportación y el comercio en el África Oriental. La sesión se centrará en las dimensiones de género de las reformas aduaneras y reglamentarias, las normas de productos y la infraestructura.

• Marren Akatsa-Bukachi, Executive Director, The Eastern African Sub Regional Support Initiative for the Advancement of Women (EASSI), Uganda
• Geoffrey Balamaga, Director del Organismo Fiscal de Uganda en la región oriental, Uganda
• Wanja Getambu-Kiragu, Directora de Operaciones, East Africa Online Transport Agency, Kenya
• Joanne Mwangi, Presidenta, Federación de Asociaciones de Empresarias, Kenya
• Jessie K. Umutoni, Directora Gerente, G-MART, Rwanda
• Dorothy Tuma, Directora/Consultora Principal de DMT Consultants Ltd, Uganda
• Frank Matsaert, Consejero Delegado, TradeMark East Africa
• Lisa Karanja, Directora Superior de Competitividad Empresarial, TradeMark East Africa
• Makena Mwiti, GAsesora en cuestiones de género, TradeMark East Africa

Audio

 

Summary

Frank Matsaert from Trade Mark East Africa opened the session with a presentation that discussed Trade Mark activities and projects in East Africa focused on trade facilitation. Trade Mark East Africa has been successful in the region, with tangible achievements in facilitating trade. Joanne Mwangi from the Federation of Women Entrepreneur Associations (Kenya) introduced the panellists, including three women entrepreneurs, one woman leading a non-governmental organization (NGO) advocating informal cross-border traders in the region and a customs official from Uganda.

The presentation continued with the presentations by the three women entrepreneurs, who shared their successful stories of trade facilitation. Wanja Getambu-Kiragu from the East Africa Online Transport Agency (Kenya) discussed her online business transport facilitation operation, Dorothy Tuma from DMT Consultants Ltd. (Uganda) discussed her online business marketing services and Jessie K. Umutoni from G-MART (Rwanda) discussed her chalk manufacturing company. All three highlighted the need for women in trade to be creative and innovative and the need for support to leverage entrepreneurs with good ideas. The main challenges for women entrepreneurs were cited as access to finance and information. Non-governmental organizations have been found to be important partners in addressing some challenges of women's informal cross-border trading (WICBT), particularly access to information, training in customs procedures, and advocacy.

The panel noted that governments in the East African Community are working hard with Trade Mark East Africa to streamline, harmonize and build new infrastructure to facilitate trade and customs procedures.

10:30-12:00

Sesión de trabajo 28: Subvenciones a la pesca: ¿cuál es el camino a seguir?

Organizador: Global Ocean Commission
Sala S3

¿Puede funcionar el comercio si las subvenciones a la pesca siguen distorsionando los mercados y contribuyen a la sobrepesca y a la desigualdad?

La semana antes de que se celebre el Foro de la OMC, los Jefes de Estado y de Gobierno habrán adoptado en

Nueva York la Agenda de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo Después de 2015 y sus 17 Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible. El Objetivo de Desarrollo Sostenible sobre los Océanos (ODS 14) contiene una meta específica relativa a las subvenciones a la pesca (Meta 14.6).

¿Cómo puede la OMC responder al mandato contenido en la Meta 14.6? ¿Representa una nueva oportunidad para que la OMC aborde la cuestión de las subvenciones a la pesca perjudiciales, cuestión que se ha paralizado desde que se inició la Ronda de Doha? O, se tratará de una promesa rota ¿Cómo pueden la OMC y las correspondientes partes interesadas evitar está última posibilidad?

 

• Vangelis Vitalis, Embajador de Nueva Zelandia
• Namita Khatri, Representante Permanente Adjunta, Fiji
• Alice Tipping, ICentro Internacional para el Comercio y el Desarrollo Sostenible
• Markus Knigge, Asesor Superior de The Pew Charitable Trusts

Moderador: Rémi Parmentier, Secretaría de la Global Ocean Commission

Audio

 

Summary

Rémi Parmentier from the Global Ocean Commission Secretariat introduced the topic. Fifty per cent of fish stocks in the last decade have disappeared. How can the WTO respond to the issue of fisheries subsidies?

Namita Khatri, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Fiji, stated that oceans are vital to small island nations. More than a trade issue, it relates to people's daily lives. The Fijian government's objective is ensuring long-term sustainability for future generations. She called on a fisheries deal to be part of the Nairobi Package at the Tenth Ministerial Conference of the WTO, scheduled for December 2015.

Alice Tipping from the International Center for Trade and Sustainable Development gave a historical overview of the fisheries subsidies negotiations. She noted that an agreement has stalled because of contentions related to allowable subsidies and special and differential treatment, as well as inclusion of the issue in the "single undertaking". In 2007, a draft text was prepared that was sophisticated but complex in weaving together allowable subsidies and special and differential treatment, and in 2011, convergence was seen in some parts of the text: prohibition of subsidies for illegal fishing, the transfer of old vessels to other countries and subsidies for overfished stocks. Now, in 2015, there is a change of approach - proposals are concentrated on a few issues. She said that it is too early to tell what the prospects are for the Nairobi Ministerial Conference.

Vangelis Vitalis, Ambassador of New Zealand, explored why there is not progress on a fisheries subsidies agreement. In discussing internal factors, he said that the issue itself is very complicated and involves many technical details, so much so that the main objective is easy to forget. Domestic lobbies want to keep fisheries subsidies, thus pressuring negotiators - reform is always difficult. In discussing external factors, Mr Vitalis noted that the WTO is the only serious forum to address fisheries subsidies, but this is complicated because "trade and environment" has not always been seen as a key issue. Now that this issue is important, including fisheries subsidies in a single undertaking where commitments must come with gains in exchange makes progress difficult.

Markus Knigge from the Pew Charitable Trusts presented the European Union's fisheries policy. He estimated that the proposal was initially good, but that it was watered down as it was discussed in Brussels. Concrete gains included more money for subsidies for data collection, research, control and enforcement, and the phasing-out of harmful subsidies such as aid for scrapping, aid for demolishing vessels and storage aid. However, many types of subsidies were brought back in the modified policy, such as engine replacement subsidies.

Mr Vitalis then discussed New Zealand's proposal on fisheries subsidies. The proposal prohibits subsidies for overfished stock, and illegal and unregulated fishing. It provides for special and differential treatment, and transitional arrangements. It calls for a cap – governments should not exceed what they are currently spending. And finally, it includes transparency provisions to show where governments are spending tax money.

In response to a question, Ms Tipping asserted that fisheries subsidies are an important part of the Nairobi Ministerial Conference's contribution to development.

10:30-12:00

Sesión de trabajo 29: Conectarse a la cadena mundial de valor agrícola - Perspectiva de los países en desarrollo de Asia

Organizador: Instituto de Economías en Desarrollo, Organización de Comercio Exterior del Japón (IDE-JETRO)
Sala S2

¿Cómo puede el comercio funcionar mejor para que el sector agrícola de los países en desarrollo pueda conectarse a las cadenas mundiales de valor? El comercio agrícola es imperativo en el mundo en desarrollo porque genera crecimiento económico y crea empleo en las zonas rurales. En la sesión se indicarán los resultados de las investigaciones acerca del comercio agrícola de determinados países en desarrollo asiáticos (por ejemplo, Tailandia, Viet Nam, Myanmar y China) partiendo de datos sobre los casos de rechazo en los puertos y de investigaciones sobre el terreno. Para conectarse a las cadenas mundiales de valor y ascender en ellas, esos países tienen que crear capacidad y adoptar políticas y reglamentos eficaces que han de aplicar los sectores público y privado. Se necesita un esfuerzo concertado para mejorar las condiciones en que se desarrolla el comercio agrícola en Asia a fin de que aumente la participación en los beneficios. Los ponentes, funcionarios públicos, agentes de sectores industriales y de círculos académicos, discutirán las recomendaciones dirigidas a los gobiernos, los sectores industriales, los organismos de normalización y certificación, así como las organizaciones internacionales con objeto de hacer frente a los retos.

• Kaoru Nabeshima, Profesor Asociado, Escuela de Estudios de Asia y el Pacífico para Graduados, Universidad de Waseda; y ex Director de Investigación del IDE-JETRO
• Etsuyo Michida, SInvestigadora Superior, IDE-JETRO
• Lei Lei, , Grupo de Estudios sobre Empresa e Industria, Centro de Estudios Interdisciplinarios, IDE-JETRO
• Tin Htut Oo, Asesor Económico y Presidente, Consejo Consultivo para las Cuestiones Económicas y Sociales (NESAC), Oficina del Presidente, República de la Unión de Myanmar
• John Humphrey, Profesor, Instituto de Estudios sobre Desarrollo de la Universidad de Sussex
• Mr. Hasdan Hussin, Assistant General Manager, Quality Management, Loss Control And Risk Management Division, Aeon Co. (M) Bhd.

Audio

 

Summary

The panel asserted that agriculture is an important sector for development in Asia, and being part of the global production network is one way to accelerate that pathway. However, the agriculture sector in Asia faces many challenges in exporting its products. Import rejection is a major concern, as exporters are often stopped by food safety regulations. Exports are rejected for misinformation in the labelling, bacterial contamination or the issue of additives. In particular, China, Indonesia, Thailand and Viet Nam tend to have the most import rejections. The panellists agreed that it is important for East Asian countries to promote agrifood exports in order to foster economic development. However, they need to strengthen their compliance with standards.

In 1997, the GlobalG.A.P. initiative came to Asia. Exporters seek to be certified by GlobalG.A.P. in order to avoid being excluded from the agrifood market. However, due to differences between countries concerning GlobalG.A.P., exporters face different standards, resulting in complexities for farmers to comply with these different standards. In order to participate in global value chains (GVCs), suppliers need to comply with standards.

The discussion moved to specific examples. In Malaysia, capacity building programmes were provided under the Sustainable Supplier Development Programme to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) so that they could participate in the global value chain. In short, government support is important for SMEs in Malaysia. Myanmar exports chiefly within the region, and a significant percentage of exports are traded across the border. Furthermore, much informal trade occurs between regional countries. Public-private dialogue is important. Being part of a regional trade agreement such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is not enough. Asian suppliers need to assess which standards should be adopted. For instance, GlobalG.A.P. may be more important in some countries than others.

10:30-12:00

Sesión de trabajo 30: La agricultura y el comercio después de 20 años de OMC

Organizador: Unión Suiza de Agricultores
Sala B

Desde que se creó la OMC en 1995, se ha discutido ampliamente la cuestión de la agricultura y del comercio de productos agrícolas. Si bien durante las anteriores negociaciones del GATT la agricultura quedaba en buena parte excluida de los acuerdos, desde la Ronda Uruguay uno de los objetivos decisivos ha sido facilitar el comercio de productos agrícolas.

No obstante, los debates alcanzaron su punto álgido al iniciarse las negociaciones de la Ronda de Doha, que todavía no ha concluido. Incluso en la Conferencia Ministerial de Bali, en 2013, la agricultura fue la cuestión decisiva. Pero las conversaciones no se han hecho más fáciles, porque la estructura de la oferta y la demanda internacionales de alimentos ha variado considerablemente y los precios de los alimentos iniciaron un penoso aumento en 2008.

Para algunos países, la cuestión de la seguridad alimentaria ha pasado a ser una cuestión de estabilidad política. En esta sesión representantes de agricultores de distintas partes del mundo discutirán la influencia de los acontecimientos recientes y las perspectivas de las futuras conversaciones sobre el comercio agrícola.

 

• Evelyn Nguleka, Presidenta de la Organización Mundial de la Agricultura (OMA) y Presidenta de la Unión Nacional de Agricultores de Zambia
• William Rolleston, Vice President of the WFO, President of the Farmers’ Union of New Zealand
• David Wiens, Dairy Farmers of Canada
• Kristin Ianssen, Vicepresidenta de la Unión Noruega de Agricultores y Ganaderos
• Piet Vanthemsche, miembro del Consejo de Administración de la OMA y Presidente de la Unión Belga de Agricultores

Moderador: Beat Röösli, Jefe de asuntos internacionales, Unión Suiza de Agricultores

Audio

 

Summary

The session focused on how agriculture should be addressed in the multilateral trading system and trade rules discussion, taking into account the diversification of world agriculture in size and costs. The session also discussed the relationship between farmers and the WTO, specifically how the WTO should be able to help farmers at the national level with policy inputs to discuss with the Government to help them benefit from trade.

New Zealand experiences, shared by William Rolleston from the Farmers’ Union of New Zealand, showed that subsidies in agriculture have not helped.

David Wiens from the Dairy Farmers of Canada and Kristin Ianssen from the Norwegian Farmers’ Union shared the view that market regulations work in the Canadian and Norwegian dairy sectors. They also echoed the view of Piet Vanthemsche from the Belgian Farmers’ Union about the importance of food security, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, animal welfare and social contracts in agriculture production. They said that the WTO plays an important role in correcting and stabilising the market. They called for the WTO agenda to be comprehensive, for it will be side-lined if it neglects these issues. 

Specific to the relationship between farmers and the WTO, Evelyn Nguleka from the World Farmers' Organisation (WFO) and other panellists shared the view that farmers lack market power. Their voices are often not heard and there is a need to empower the position of farmers in the discussion of global value chains (GVCs).

The participants and panellists discussed in depth genetically modified organisms (GMOs), food security, the interaction between the global framework on food standards and the WTO, and the role of the WFO in policy-making at national and global levels.

The session concluded that trade rules need to allow all farmers to produce. Farmers should be able to speak for themselves, free of influence from politicians. Agri-food chains play an important role in ensuring cost efficiency and food safety. It is therefore important to facilitate inter-professional coalitions between farmer communities and food industries and to ensure the right balance of power in GVCs. The WFO will continue to play an important role in collecting views from all farmers and providing policy inputs to the trade rules discussion.

10:30-12:00

Sesión de trabajo 31: Cómo podemos lograr que las negociaciones comerciales funcionen mejor?

Organizador: Gobierno de Suecia
Sala W

Para lograr que el comercio funcione, las negociaciones comerciales deben funcionar. Desde hace varios años ha sido difícil lograr resultados en las negociaciones comerciales, sobre todo a nivel multilateral. En esta sesión se analizará por qué es así y se discutirán diferentes ideas sobre lo que podría hacerse para mejorar la eficacia de las negociaciones comerciales. El objetivo central serán las negociaciones comerciales multilaterales, pero puede que en el debate también se tengan en cuenta las experiencias adquiridas con otras negociaciones comerciales (plurilaterales, de "masa crítica" o regionales).

• Susan Schwab, ex Representante de los Estados Unidos para las Cuestiones Comerciales Internacionales
• Anabel González, Directora Superior, Prácticas Mundiales de Comercio y Competitividad, Grupo del Banco Mundial
• Karl Falkenberg, Asesor Superior, Centro Europeo de Estrategia Política
• Stuart Harbinson, ex Representante Permanente de Hong Kong y ex Presidente del Consejo General de la OMC
• Jörgen Halldin, Director General Adjunto, Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Suecia
• Per Altenberg, Asesor Superior, Consejo Nacional de Comercio, Suecia

Moderador: Daniel Blockert, Embajador y Representante Permanente ante la OMC, Suecia

Audio

 

Summary

Per Altenberg from the Swedish National Board of Trade presented his organization's report on global value chains (GVCs) and trade negotiations. He suggested that in the 20th century, negotiations worked well because export interests were mobilised to counterbalance import-competing interests. In the 21st century this has changed because of the proliferation of GVCs, which has had a direct effect on stakeholder interests by fragmenting them, and an indirect effect through a shift in the trade policy agenda from market access to behind the border issues. The general conclusions of the report are that reciprocity is still effective for market access liberalisation, GATT-style negotiations do not work for deep integration issues (which are becoming more important), and that trust- and confidence-building is increasingly important to push forward negotiations. Mr Altenberg concluded by saying that "we need to do things differently and it is time to do it now”.

The panel undertook a wide-ranging discussion. Among the points discussed, it concluded that the style of the negotiations has worked well in the 20th century, but less so in the 21st century because they need to take into account the changing environment and trends in international trade. They attributed the private sector attention deficit in the Doha Round to the fact that there is nothing happening at the moment, and noted that the private sector will participate if there are visible results. The panellists estimated that the approach of a single undertaking is not feasible, and that the WTO should rather address “doables” and then move forward to more difficult things step-by-step. They pointed out the need to establish communication between regulators and negotiators to facilitate trade negotiations.

The panel estimated that small- and medium-sized enterprises have the most to benefit from trade negotiations in terms of trade cost reductions. Anabel González from the World Bank Group said that aside from GVCs, Internet and social media have had a huge impact on trade negotiations through enhancing transparency and globalising the opposition. It is important to take account of labour unions and professional associations, the other important stakeholders in trade negotiations.

Capacity-building for transparency in developing countries was underlined as an important goal. Karl Falkenberg from the European Political Strategy Centre defended the multilateral approach, but warned that sometimes premature transparency can be an impediment to negotiations. Finally Stuart Harbinson, the former Permanent Representative of Hong Kong and the WTO General Council Chair, argued that there is no fatal institutional or procedural flaw in the Doha Development Agenda or in the WTO which prevents progress in negotiations. In his estimation, this has rather been due to the disagreement on the substance between some key players.

10:30-12:00

Sesión de trabajo 32: Las subvenciones a los combustibles fósiles: una perspectiva comercial

Organizador: Organización de Cooperación y Desarrollo Económicos (OCDE)
Sala S1

Hace mucho que se reconocen los problemas causados por las subvenciones a los combustibles fósiles, pero se trata fundamentalmente de los relacionados con el medio ambiente. Se ha hablado menos de los efectos de estas subvenciones en el comercio, por lo que los esfuerzos internacionales por vigilarlas y controlarlas han sido impulsados por otras instituciones y no por la OMC. Sin embargo, debido a sus normas establecidas sobre las subvenciones, parecería que la OMC estaría en excelente posición para controlar esas subvenciones. En esta sección se estudiará de qué manera la labor que se efectúa en la OMC podría complementar las actividades que se están realizando ya en otras partes y contribuir a la campaña mundial para reducir las subvenciones a los combustibles fósiles. De manera más general, también se discutirá el carácter de las subvenciones a los combustibles fósiles -su tamaño, distribución y especificidad- y sus efectos en el comercio, no solo en los combustibles fósiles, sino también en bienes y servicios que se ven afectados por estas subvenciones. Esta sesión se celebra en el momento propicio, en vista de que se están celebrando negociaciones para reducir las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero, a los que los combustibles fósiles tanto contribuyen.

• Jehan Sauvage, Analista de Políticas Comerciales, Organización de Cooperación y Desarrollo Económicos
• Vangelis Vitalis, Embajador de Nueva Zelandia ante la OMC
• Gabrielle Marceau, Consejera, OMC
• Mark Halle, Director de Comercio e Inversiones y Representante Europeo en el Instituto Internacional para el Desarrollo Sostenible
• Daniel Crosby, a partner at the Geneva branch of the law firm, King & Spalding

Moderador: Ronald Steenblik, Analista Superior de Políticas Comerciales, Organización de Cooperación y Desarrollo Económicos

Audio

 

Summary

The panel noted that fossil fuel subsidies (FFS) are costly, harmful and distortive. They are costly for national budgets, harmful for the environment and distortive since FFS have an impact on relative prices and change incentives for consumers. Therefore, monitoring and evaluation of FFS is needed in order to develop the means to countervail negative effects (by both hard law and soft guidelines). Eliminating subsidies is a multilateral issue.

The panel noted the challenges of measuring subsidies. The International Energy Agency uses a price-gap approach –it compares local domestic fuel prices with the international reference price. The problem with this method is that only price-related subsidies are considered, and all policies that have no impact on prices are ignored.

Today there is a trend towards fewer FFS, mainly due to Mexico forgoing its negative taxes. The panel said the role of the WTO in this issue is limited, but the Trade Policy Review Body helps countries to increase transparency in their FFS. The panel pleaded for FFS to be judged in terms of sustainable development issues, not only their impact on trade.

10:30-12:00

Taller 4: Valor añadido de los servicios en las cadenas de suministro de manufacturas en Asia

Organizador: Asia Trade Centre y Deborah Elms
Sala F

Los primeros datos disponibles de la base de datos OMC/OCDE sobre el comercio en valor añadido apuntan a nuevas fuentes de valor en las manufacturas-los servicios agregados o incorporados en el comercio transfronterizo de manufacturas. Sabemos que los servicios son un elemento importante de las corrientes comerciales transfronterizas y los totales sugieren que tal vez el 40% del valor de las mercancías podría considerarse no como tal sino como comercio de servicios.

Este grupo presenta los resultados de una serie de estudios exhaustivos de casos prácticos realizados por un equipo de expertos en toda Asia a fin de ayudarnos a entender mejor las complejas relaciones existentes entre las cadenas de suministro de manufacturas y el valor añadido de los servicios. En esos estudios se rastrea una partida concreta del inventario de una empresa, se considera el valor general de los servicios contenidos en la cadena de suministro, y se determina el carácter y el tipo de los servicios. Son de especial importancia los servicios que se producen a nivel interno y los que son de contratación externa. Muchos servicios se agrupan y el volumen de contratación externa parece depender, en parte, del tamaño de la empresa líder.

Habida cuenta de que los servicios pueden ser suministrados cada vez más a nivel mundial por empresas grandes y pequeñas, una mejor comprensión de los procesos de inclusión del valor de los servicios en las cadenas de suministro de las empresas asiáticas podría mejorar notablemente las políticas públicas encaminadas a atraer empresas y a estimular el crecimiento de sus empresas. Según los resultados preliminares de estos estudios de casos prácticos, las cadenas de fabricación no se pueden separar de los servicios. Los gobiernos que deseen mejorar las condiciones en el sector manufacturero también deben considerar la introducción de mejoras en los servicios.

 

• Patrick Low, Asia Global Institute, Hong Kong
• William Haines, Universidad Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona
• Deborah Elms, Asian Trade Centre, Singapur
• Sherry Stephenson, ICTSD, Ginebra

Moderador: Aik Hoe Lim, Director, División de Comercio y Medio Ambiente, OMC

Audio

 

Summary

This session identified lessons from in-depth case studies of how services contribute to manufactured goods. After examining the service contributions at the level of manufacturing firms for three products - a jacket, Scotch, and an automobile - the session concluded with some preliminary trends in the role of services as building value for products in global value chains (GVCs).

For a variety of products and industries within Asia, the average number of distinct service inputs is 39. And of those, nearly two-thirds are outsourced, many to local firms. Although many firms are export-oriented, there are varying degrees of familiarity with regional trade agreements, free trade agreements and particularly the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) for the East Asian region. On the whole, it is clear the way that services are built-in to the supply chain and that their connection with the final product is evolving. Understanding these relationships could hold the key to better policies that embraces the inextricability of goods and services and unlocks the potential for GVC growth.

10:30-12:00

Un libro y su autor : International Trade in the XXIst century: limits and challenges for trade defence (El comercio internacional en el siglo XXI: límites y desafíos de la defensa comercial)

Presentación a cargo de la Librería y la Biblioteca de la OMC
Atrio

• Felipe Hees, Diplomático, ex Director del Departamento de Defensa Comercial (DECOM) del Ministerio de Desarrollo, Industria y Comercio Exterior (MDIC) del Brasil
• Tatiana Lacerda Prazeres, Asesora Superior del Director General de la OMC
• Pedro da Motta Veiga, Director del Centro para el Estudio de la Integración y del Desarrollo (CINDES) y Socio Gestor en Ecostrat Consultores
• Vera Thorstensen, Profesora en la Escuela de Economía de la Fundación Getúlio Vargas y Jefa del Centro de Comercio Mundial e Inversión

12:00-13:00

PRESENTACIÓN DE UNA PUBLICACIÓN:The Invisible Enabler: A perspective on the role of low-cost, efficient shipping in making trade work (El facilitador invisible: una perspectiva sobre la función de un transporte eficaz y de bajo costo en el buen funcionamiento del comercio)

A.P. Moller – Maersk
Sala W

La aparición del contenedor -invento sencillo y de poca carga tecnológica- dio lugar a innovaciones en el ámbito de la tecnología, las comunicaciones y la educación necesarias para crear sistemas eficaces que permitieron a los fabricantes establecer medios de producción y distribuir sus mercancías en un mercado mundial. El transporte marítimo es la columna vertebral del transporte internacional e, indudablemente, del crecimiento en la mayoría de países en desarrollo. Una infraestructura portuaria eficaz tiene repercusiones positivas en la economía del interior. Sin embargo, el transporte de mercancías es invisible para la mayoría de los consumidores. Los contenedores se trasladan en terminales alejadas de la población, al contrario de lo que ocurría antes, cuando una multitud de estibadores manipulaba las cajas, los fardos y los bidones en puertos cercanos a los centros urbanos. La distribución de productos en alta mar o en tierra en unas redes en constante evolución y expansión se gestiona mediante sistemas complejos de tecnología de la información, con lo que se reduce el costo y el tiempo de llegada al mercado. Al hacer hincapié en las innovaciones fundamentales de los últimos 50 años, esta sesión ofrece una perspectiva de la importancia que tienen las industrias de transporte y de logística en el mercado mundial actual.

• Henning Morgen, Director General en comunicación e imagen de marca, Grupo A.P. Møller-Mærsk

Audio

 

Summary

Henning Morgen of A.P. Moller – Maersk said international trade would not have been realized without lower costs. The containerization of trade is one such area that has vastly contributed to this phenomenon. Without the container, manufacturing would have remained a local process.

From 1966, when containers were first introduced, there has been a major evolution in the way we trade. Quantities increased from 10 tonnes per hour to 350 tonnes per hour today; insurance costs saw a 90 per cent reduction, and the time to ship and handle shipping was reduced dramatically. Through containerization, one can realize economies of scale. Thousands of shoes can be put into a container, and thousands of containers can be put into a ship. This has resulted in the unit costs of trade for a pair of shoes as low as US$ 0.25.

Shipping and logistics services have indeed come a long way in enabling trade but more needs to be done. Whilst companies such as A.P. Moller - Maersk have traditionally focused on efficiency at the border (such as ports), "outside the terminal" issues such as IT and transport infrastructure have become important cost determinants as the efficiency of these networks affect the final price of goods.

AP Moller - Maersk is now assisting to ensure that roads and IT networks are sufficient to get products to the final consumer at a lower cost and time. Examples of linking these networks include the ports of Lagos and Accra. Other initiatives include its "Shipping Information Pipeline".

In response to a question about the future of shipping, Mr Morgen said that demand is not for bigger ships. Rather there is a need to ensure ships are more agile to meet the needs of South-South trade. Another question asked how Maersk sought to adapt to climate change. Mr Morgen said that fuel prices remain the highest cost. Slow steaming (sailing slower) is a technique being currently deployed as it saves carbon, but it also increases the time to trade. Maersk is also establishing standards to measure carbon per container.

13:00-14:30

Taller 5: Gestionar la relación entre las medidas de seguridad alimentaria y las normas de comercio: un instrumento de política interactivo

Organizador: Oficina Cuáquera ante las Naciones Unidas (QUNU)
Sala E

La seguridad alimentaria será parte decisiva de la Décima Conferencia Ministerial de la OMC. Los Estados Miembros de la OMC tienen una diversidad de sistemas agrícolas, tanto dentro de los países como entre ellos. El tema del Foro Público de la OMC "El comercio funciona" plantea muchas cuestiones importantes, en particular, por qué algunos países se han beneficiado más que otros del comercio, si el comercio puede funcionar por sí solo y de qué forma los países pueden integrar las oportunidades comerciales en otras políticas sociales y económicas, incluidas las relacionadas con la seguridad alimentaria. Hace falta comprender mejor la relación entre las medidas de seguridad alimentaria y las normas de comercio. En este taller se presentará un instrumento interactivo e informatizado que ayuda a los responsables de las políticas a gestionar la relación entre 60 medidas de seguridad alimentaria y normas comerciales. Les invitamos a que vengan a ver este instrumento y nos digan qué les parece para que podamos seguir desarrollándolo como instrumento que resultará útil y fácil de usar para quienes se ocupan de la seguridad alimentaria y el comercio.

• Susan H. Bragdon, Oficina Cuáquera ante las Naciones Unidas
• Jerome Bunyi, Agregado de Agricultura, Misión Permanente de Filipinas ante la OMC
• Isabel Mazzei, Agregada de Agricultura, Misión Permanente del Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia ante la OMC
• Dr. Jennifer Clapp, Profesora y titular de la Cátedra de Investigación del Canadá sobre seguridad y sostenibilidad alimentarias mundiales, Universidad de Waterloo, Canadá

Audio

 

Summary

The session explored and gave feedback on a food security policy tool developed by Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO). The tool is an interactive mobile app and web-based program that analyses over 60 food security policy measures. The purpose of the tool is to make it easier for small-scale farmers, trade policy-makers and negotiators to have access to information on how measures impact food security. It is a work in progress, with many additions to be made such as a "Wiki" function where users can post their experiences on food security-related policies that have affected them.

The session began with a presentation from QUNO, describing the purpose and the content of the tool. Afterwards, participants were invited to explore the tool on four laptops set up around the room. It presented a hands-on opportunity for the participants to learn about a policy tool.

13:00-14:30

Taller 6: La era de la servicificación: ¿los bienes son servicios? ¿los servicios son bienes? Analizar la necesidad de integrar la política, las perspectivas económicas y jurídicas (y posiblemente las disciplinas comerciales) respecto de los bienes y servicios

Organizador: WTI Advisors Oxford/Ginebra y Asia Global Institute, Hong Kong
Sala S1

Hace mucho que en general los bienes y servicios se consideran complementarios, pero conceptualmente diferentes. Puede que esto siempre haya sido cuestionable, pero ahora las realidades empresariales del siglo XXI lo impugnan directamente. El aumento de la servicificación, la aparición de cadenas de valor cada vez más segmentadas y la integración de tantos bienes y servicios en complejos productos tecnológicos significa que hoy en día gran parte de la generación de valor transfronterizo afecta tanto a los bienes como a los servicios, ya que su separación a efectos de adopción de políticas, reglamentación y análisis económico no suele ser deseable ni factible. De manera más general, la relación entre el desarrollo de los sectores de bienes y servicios -y en consecuencia entre el comercio de bienes y servicios-, es una de las principales preocupaciones que los responsables de las políticas, los negociadores y quienes diseñan los tratados no pueden ignorar.

Este taller, en un debate dirigido por un grupo pero abierto, tiene por finalidad abordar la cuestión de la coherencia y la convergencia respecto de la legislación, la teoría económica y la política de bienes y servicios, y tratar de dar ideas prospectivas y si procede creativas respecto de las posibles respuestas.

 

• Patrick Low, miembro del Asia Global Institute
• Emilie Anér, Asesora Superior, Consejo Nacional de Comercio de Suecia (Kommerskollegium)
• Lucian Cernat, , Economista Jefe, Dirección General de Comercio, Comisión Europea
• Rudolf Adlung, ex Consejero, División de Servicios, Secretaría de la OMC
• Daniel Crosby, Asociado, King & Spalding

Moderador: Hannes Schloemann, Director de WTI Advisors y Asociado de MSBH Bernzen Sonntag Rechtsanwälte

Audio

 

Summary

The panel touched upon the growing role of services in businesses worldwide – or servicification – now representing half of world trade, and the challenges this poses both in terms of production and consumption. The panel said that the recent measurement of trade in value-added (TiVA) highlighted the major role that services plays in world trade. The panellists called for a shift in mind-set and policy, particularly as services are often more protected and policy-hidden than goods.

The panel said that a recent approach suggesting a new indirect mode of services supply – "mode 5" – takes into consideration the services inputs in manufacturing sectors’ exports. This concerns 8 million jobs in the European Union. This approach was developed as the WTO's General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) does not cover this type of value-added trade.

Nowadays, technology blurs the distinction between goods and services. Barriers to the flow of services matter to the flow of goods and vice-versa. However, WTO agreements provide distinct rules for both. Could this be changed, the panel asked, making a call to adapt global trade rules to the technological reality. For example, how does 3D printing fit into the WTO rules on customs valuation or rules of origin? And could the WTO treat goods and services in a single investment chapter?

13:00-14:30

Taller 7: Intercambio de experiencias por parte de las Cátedras OMC

Organizador: Instituto de la OMC de Formación y Cooperación Técnica (ITTC) y Economic Research and Statistics Division of the WTO
Sala B

En esta sesión se revisará y discutirá cómo funciona el comercio desde la perspectiva de las Cátedras OMC, es decir, cuáles son algunas de las principales experiencias y lecciones aprendidas por las Cátedras y qué se puede hacer mejor. Cuáles son los principales retos con que se enfrentan las Cátedras. Cómo formulan recomendaciones y si estas se tienen en cuenta en las decisiones normativas. Qué otro tipo de apoyo pueden proporcionar las Cátedras OMC. Este grupo reunirá a Cátedras OMC y responsables de las políticas. Tras una breve introducción al programa de las Cátedras, estas expondrán sus perspectivas sobre la forma en que su labor es pertinente para las decisiones normativas. A continuación, ofrecerán sus perspectivas los funcionarios públicos, que son los usuarios de las conclusiones de las investigaciones y las recomendaciones de política, tanto en los países desarrollados como en los países en desarrollo. Además de las Cátedras OMC intervendrán en esta sesión embajadores y representantes de organizaciones internacionales.

• Fulbert Amoussouga Gero, , titular de la Cátedra OMC, Escuela Regional Superior de Comercio Internacional (HERCI), Universidad de Abomey-Calavi, Benin
• Haute École Régionale du Commerce International (HERCI) Benin
• Keith, Ronald Nurse titular de la Cátedra OMC, Director del Centro Shridath Ramphal de Derecho Mercantil Internacional, Política y Servicios, Universidad de las Indias Occidentales, Barbados
• Vera Thorstensen,titular de la Cátedra OMC, Coordinadora del Centro de Comercio Mundial e Inversión (CGTI) y Profesora de la Escuela de Economía de São Paulo, Fundación Getúlio Vargas, Brasil
• Pinar Artiran, titular de la Cátedra OMC, Universidad Bilgi de Estambul, Turquía

Moderador: Yonov Frederick Agah, Director General Adjunto de la OMC

Summary

During this session, WTO Chairs based in Brazil, Turkey and Barbados shared their experiences, and reviewed and discussed how trade works from their perspective. Yonov Frederick Agah, WTO Deputy Director-General and the moderator of this session, gave an overview of the WTO Chairs Programme. The purpose of the Chairs Programme is to enhance knowledge and understanding of the trading system among academics and policy-makers in developing countries through curriculum development, research and outreach activities by universities and research institutions.

Vera Thorstensen, WTO Chair from the Getulio Vargas Foundation, noted her biggest challenge was to convince people in Brazil that the WTO plays an important role. She has sought to do this through events, publications, e-learning (very successful), tratadoteca (treaties library), relaitura project (portal with all WTO legal texts and respective Appellate Body rulings) and activities on exchange rates and economic modelling.

Pinar Artiran, WTO Chair from Bilgi University Turkey, gave an overview of her project's activities. She established a Research Centre on International Trade and Arbitration, and cooperates with the WTO and Turkish academia to implement three pillars of the WTO Chairs Programme: curriculum development, research and outreach. Her biggest concern and challenge is the absence of such a field or specialization as WTO law and economics. She explained that as long as it is not recognised as a separate legal field and there is no potential for students to become full professors in the area, they will not be interested in studying the subject. Among other challenges she mentioned lack of coordination between different stakeholders in society as to how to raise awareness about the WTO, and language barriers and the need to translate WTO documents into more than three languages.

Keith Ronald Nurse, WTO Chair from the University of the West Indies (Barbados),represented the interests of the Caribbean region - particularly, small island developing states (SIDS). He briefed the audience on the main focus of his work and gave an overview of the current state of trade and the economy in SIDS. He explained that because Barbados has a trade-related educational track (the Master Program on Trade Policy), his work focuses on new areas of trade, such as the relationship of climate change and trade policy, tourism, global value chains, diasporic entrepreneurship, industrial upgrading and aid for innovation. He emphasised that trade plays a crucial role in SIDS, and that signing trade agreements is not sufficient to generate export potential. He stated that SIDS must change its approach from passive (foreign direct investment, trade liberalization, negotiating market access) to active (innovation, industrial upgrading, market entry programmes). He called on the global community to help foster such transitions.

Dr Thorstensensupported Dr Artiran's position on the need to recognize and establish a separate field – a specialization such as WTO law and economics - and admitted she had faced the same issue in Brazil. A representative of the WTO's Economic Research and Statistics Division expressed interest in potentially partnering with Chairs on such topics as trade and poverty alleviation, trade and small and medium-sized enterprises, trade and growth, and trade costs. They stressed the importance of creation of research networks and sharing experiences. In conclusion, Deputy Director-General Agah advised the Chairs to work closely with each other and to share results with civil society.

13:00-14:30

Taller 8: Alianza para la aplicación de la facilitación del comercio: asociación práctica entre el sector público y el privado

Organizador: Foro Económico Mundial
Sala W

El comercio funciona cuando a las empresas -grandes y pequeñas- les es fácil realizar actividades comerciales transfronterizas y compartir los beneficios que eso aporta. La aplicación de la facilitación del comercio hace que este sea más rápido, más fácil y más barato, y más accesible a todos.

La experiencia práctica con la cadena de suministro ha demostrado ser decisiva para eliminar los obstáculos y reducir las demoras. Como parte de un enfoque de las partes interesadas, el sector privado puede desempeñar una importante función prestando apoyo a los sectores más necesitados para que se llegue a los puntos de inflexión necesarios. Con esta nueva alianza para la aplicación de la facilitación del comercio se espera ayudar a las empresas multinacionales y a las pequeñas y medianas empresas de países en desarrollo a asociarse con los gobiernos para introducir reformas en la facilitación del comercio.

• ¿Cómo pueden los agentes internacionales de facilitación del comercio impulsar una colaboración más estrecha?
• ¿Cuál debería ser la interacción entre las empresas locales e internacionales y las actividades multilaterales y bilaterales?

• Fernando de Mateo, , Representante Permanente de México ante la OMC
• Steven Pope, , Representante Permanente de México ante la OMC
• Andreas Schaumayer, Jefe Adjunto de la División de Cooperación para el Desarrollo Relacionada con el Comercio, Ministerio Federal para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económico (BMZ)
• Matthew Wilson, Asesor Jefe del Director Ejecutivo, Centro de Comercio Internacional

Moderador: Sean Doherty, Jefe, Comercio e Inversión, Foro Económico Mundial

Audio

 

Summary

This workshop discussed how public-private partnerships can allow a successful implementation of the WTO's Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA). The panellists represented different actors and interested parties in the implementation of trade facilitation provisions.

Fernando de Mateo, Permanent Representative of Mexico to the WTO and WTO General Council Chair, explained how the implementation of the TFA in Mexico has helped develop its trade and benefits its population. Trade facilitation has provided opportunities to the poorest individuals (not only small- and medium-sized enterprises, SMEs) to obtain goods at a better price, and has benefitted SMEs in promoting growth through global value chains. He mentioned the importance of ensuring that a country can conduct business quickly, and the impact of customs dispatches and merchandise controls at the borders. Mr de Mateo also explained the importance of negotiations in this matter, and that Mexico was one of the first countries to put all goods under Category A of the TFA.

Steven Pope from DHL discussed DHL's cooperation with public-private sector representatives in order to encourage implementation of the TFA. It is in its best interest to continue to contribute in this process because its revenues depend on it. Thus, it has staff that work in the public sector of different countries to ensure that DHL shares and engages with administrations. DHL is interested in piloting any TFA efforts with the countries themselves. In a certain country, a cooperative project with DHL reduced trade costs by 50 per cent, and this resulted in price reductions for consumers. DHL benefited by doubling the volume of SMEs engaged in export. He concluded by saying that Bali negotiations and the TFA were very important for DHL. DHL supports such initiatives such as the Global Alliance of the public-private sector presented at the WTO during the Fifth Global Review of Aid for Trade.

Andreas Schaumayer from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) noted the importance of public-private cooperation for developing and least-developed countries (LDCs). The Global Alliance answers the need to combine businesses' experiences and public sector administration in the service of the private sector, consumers and the public. It seeks to raise awareness in developing countries, to give support to capacity building programmes, and to mobilize technical expertise to support alliance objectives - this is why they need also businesses on their side. Mr Schaumayer mentioned that this alliance is expected to work with 12-15 countries, along with several international organizations (the International Trade Centre, the World Economic Forum, and the World Customs Organization among others). The official launch of the Global Alliance is expected to take place during the Tenth Ministerial Conference of the WTO in Nairobi in December 2015.

Matthew Wilson from the International Trade Centre remarked that we are finally seeing collaboration between the private sector and the WTO. The Global Alliance will represent a platform to bring together all interested parties. A proper implementation of the TFA takes time, money and a lot of support. Therefore, it requires a coordinated effort among border agencies and businesses; the latter can help identify needs and contribute funding to the initiative. It is a matter of competitiveness: with a similar set of factors of production, those countries that have the simplest TFA system will succeed. In closing, Mr Wilson said that in order to build best practices you need to learn from what others have done, have a dialogue, and take what works in your own country and implement it.

13:00-14:30

Taller 9: La importancia de traer la gestión de la inversión a la OMC: retos y dilemas

Organizador: Confederação Nacional da Indústria (CNI) y Centro de Estudos de Integração e Desenvolvimento (CINDES)
Sala S2

La sesión abordará: i) la actual situación de la gestión internacional de la inversión, sus retos y dilemas (económicos y políticos); y ii) las cuestiones relacionadas con la inclusión de la inversión internacional como cuestión amplia en el programa de la OMC posterior a Bali.

Las cuestiones que se tratarán en la sesión de trabajo serán las siguientes:

• ¿Debería incluirse en el programa de negociaciones comerciales de la OMC posterior a la Ronda de Doha un acuerdo multilateral sobre la inversión?
• ¿Cuáles deberían ser los principales elementos de las negociaciones multilaterales sobre la inversión, en términos de alcance, objetivos e instrumentos?
• ¿Cómo deberían tenerse en cuenta las preocupaciones de desarrollo económico sin poner en peligro el objetivo de proteger los derechos de inversión?
• ¿Cómo deberían tenerse en cuenta las cuestiones sociales y ambientales sin poner en peligro el objetivo de proteger los derechos de inversión?
• ¿Cómo podrían influir en la perspectiva de incluir la inversión en el programa de la OMC posterior a Bali las negociaciones sobre inversión en el marco del TPP y de la ATCI?

 

• James Zhan, Director de Inversión y Empresa en la Conferencia de las Naciones Unidas sobre Comercio y Desarrollo (UNCTAD)
• Nathalie Bernasconi-Osterwalder, Responsable de los trabajos sobre derecho y política económicos del Instituto Internacional de Desarrollo Sostenible (IISD)
• Peter Draper,  Director de Tutwa Consulting
• Fabrizio Sardelli Panzini, PEspecialista en políticas e industria en la Confederación Nacional de Industria (CNI)

Moderador: Sandra Polónia Rios, DDirectora del Centro para el Estudio de la Integración y del Desarrollo (CINDES)

Audio

 

Summary

Sandra Polónia Rios of the Centro de Estudos de Integração Internacional (CINDES) presented bilateral investment treaties (BITs): what they are, criticisms from stakeholders and finally the issue of bringing investment to the WTO in a post-Doha Round agenda.

James Zhan of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) commented on the global investment decline. He attributed the slowdown of foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to the fragility of the global economy, policy uncertainty and escalation of geopolitical risks. Developing Asia became the largest outward investment region in the world, surpassing both the US and the European Union- a tectonic change. Mr Zhan noted that meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will require that resources be mobilized and channelled to SDG sectors so as to assure sustainable impact. This produces a dichotomy: on the one hand, countries seek to attract FDI, but on the other hand, countries are increasing measures restricting investment. He concluded: "Now we have an obligation to fulfil the SDGs, but those SDG sectors are the less liberalized (health, education). How can we ensure FDI flows to these protected areas so that they can produce accessible goods and services affordable for the poor?"

Nathalie Bernasconi-Osterwalder from the International Institute on Sustainable Development spoke about the Indian international investment agreement model, which is very different from the South African model. It includes home state obligations and investor obligations (the investor has to comply with home state law - if there is a violation, the investor loses the benefits of the treaty). Also, he addressed the European Union (EU) Commission proposal on an investment court for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP): a tribunal with 15 judges, five elected by the EU, five by the U.S. and five from other countries. The court would hear cases with a three-judge composition. Ms Bernasconi-Osterwalder concluded that bringing this question to a multilateral level would be difficult, as most countries are reluctant to even change a footnote of their international investment agreements.

13:00-14:30

Taller 10: La propiedad intelectual: un recurso comercial

Organizador: The International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI)
Sala S3

En este taller se discutirá la forma en que los derechos de propiedad intelectual (sobre todo las patentes, pero también las marcas de fábrica o de comercio y los dibujos o modelos) constituyen un recurso comercial, desde la perspectiva del impacto que tienen en el comercio internacional los derechos de propiedad intelectual y la innovación. Entre los temas concretos que se discutirán cabe mencionar los siguientes:

• el impacto de los derechos de propiedad intelectual en las economías en desarrollo y en las economías avanzadas, en relación con la colaboración entre innovadores en proyectos transnacionales y en relación con la salud pública en el marco del Acuerdo sobre los ADPIC;
• las marcas de fábrica o de comercio en el contexto de asegurar las identidades de los comerciantes en un mundo globalizado;
• un ejemplo específico de un país respecto del desarrollo de la política de propiedad intelectual.
• También se expondrá brevemente la labor de la Asociación Internacional para la Protección de la Propiedad Intelectual.

 

• Ivan Hjertman, Abogado especialista en patentes europeas, Estocolmo (Suecia). Presidente, Comité Permanente de la AIPPI sobre los ADPIC
• Catherine Mateu, LAbogada del Colegio de Abogados de París; Especialista en legislación sobre propiedad intelectual, París (Francia); Miembro del Comité Permanente de la AIPPI sobre los ADPIC; Copresidenta del Comité de Dibujos y Modelos del Grupo Francés de la AIPPI
• Manoj Menda, Abogado, abogado especializado en patentes y marcas de fábrica o de comercio, Mumbai (India). Copresidente del Comité Permanente de la AIPPI sobre los ADPIC
• Hosuk Lee-Makiyama, Director Ejecutivo, Centro Europeo de Economía Política Internacional (ECIPE)

Audio

 

Summary

Ivan Hjertman, Chair of the Association Internationale pour la Protection de la Propriété Intellectuelle (AIPPI) Standing Committee on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), introduced the AIPPI. It was founded in 1897 in the context of the industrial revolution in Europe, shortly after the Paris Convention came into being. Today it is one of the biggest professional intellectual property (IP) associations in the world, with over 9,000 members and national groups spread across all continents. Each year, the AIPPI chooses four working questions of substantive IP regulation for study. The resulting national reports on each question, as well as the AIPPI's resolutions on these questions, provide a rich resource of knowledge and factual information on national IP laws. Recent questions include trademark protection of goods in transit, plain packaging, source disclosure of patent application in genetic resources, and secondary medical uses in pharmaceutical patents. 

Catherine Matheu, a member of the AIPPI Standing Committee on TRIPS, illustrated the broad application of IP across countries and business models, and emphasized the balanced view the association has taken on various IP issues. She provided examples of the trade-enabling role of IP from the fashion industry (TOMS shoes), the food industry (Café de Colombia), and the industrial joint venture (technology licensing in a Japanese-Egyptian desalination plant in Iraq).

Manoj Menda, co-chair of the AIPPI Standing Committee on TRIPS, gave an overview of the IP situation in India, and the related policy considerations the new Indian government has discussed since taking office one year ago. He highlighted the considerable efforts by India to reduce the significant backlog in patent and trademark applications, including the dramatic increase in numbers of patent examiners, which will reach an unprecedented 1,000 by 2017. A first think tank report released in January 2015 on the government-mandated development of an IP policy indicated an intention to foster respect for IP culture, sensitize inventors and creators on the importance of IP, counteract piracy and counterfeiting, create new IP benches of the appellate board, and create new special IP courts in the high courts of India.

13:00-14:30

Taller 11: Un sistema de comercio internacional basado en normas después de 20 años

Organizador: División de Asuntos Jurídicos de la OMC
Sala D

Con la creación de la OMC se fortaleció el marco jurídico del sistema multilateral de comercio. Desde entonces, los gobiernos han incorporado las normas de los acuerdos de la OMC en sus ordenamientos jurídicos nacionales. Además, periódicamente, los Miembros de la OMC han recurrido al sistema de solución de diferencias de la Organización a fin de que los órganos de la OMC examinaran si las medidas de otro Miembro eran compatibles con los acuerdos. De esta forma la "legislación de la OMC" ha pasado a ser un ámbito dinámico del derecho público internacional, y son muchos los especialistas y los organismos internacionales que remiten a las recomendaciones y los dictámenes del Órgano de Solución de Diferencias.

Aun así, el marco jurídico del sistema multilateral de comercio no está exento de problemas. La plétora de acuerdos comerciales regionales que se están concertando en todo el mundo, junto con las negociaciones en curso de acuerdos llamados "megarregionales" entre la Unión Europea y los Estados Unidos (ATCI) y entre los países del Océano Pacífico (AAT), traerán consigo normas jurídicas paralelas que regirán las relaciones comerciales regionales.

Siendo así, en esta sesión se hablará de la contribución de la OMC como organización basada en normas durante los 20 últimos años y se discutirá el futuro del marco jurídico del sistema multilateral del comercio.

 

• Georges Abi-Saab, Profesor Emérito del Instituto de Altos Estudios Internacionales y del Desarrollo de Ginebra, y ex Presidente del Órgano de Apelación de la OMC
• Frieder Roessler, último Director de la División de Asuntos Jurídicos del GATT; primerDirector de la División de Asuntos Jurídicos de la OMC y primer Director del Centro de Asesoría Legal en Asuntos de la OMC
• Thomas Cottier, founder and former managing director of the World Trade Institute
• Joost Pauwelyn, Profesor del Instituto de Altos Estudios Internacionales y del Desarrollo de Ginebra

Moderator: Harald Neple, Chair of the WTO Dispute Settlement Body and Permanent Representative of Norway to the WTO and EFTA

Audio

 

Summary

Georges Abi-Saab, former Chair of the WTO Appellate Body (AB), explored the interaction between WTO law and general international law. He pointed out that during the GATT era, the GATT was averse to lawyers and legal principles, but the adoption of the negative consensus rule, along with the creation of the AB in the WTO, brought about an improvement in consistency and adherence to the rules. He also shared his view that the WTO legal system was not a "self-contained" regime. The WTO is informed by public international law, as evinced by the AB's recognition and use of the customary principles of treaty interpretation and attribution. Dr Abi-Saab also observed that other systems of international law had incorporated WTO law, and offered as examples two dissenting opinions by judges of the International Court of Justice, where they cited WTO decisions.

Frieder Roessler, the last Director of GATT Legal Affairs; first Director of WTO Legal Affairs; and first Director of the Advisory Centre on WTO Law, highlighted a number of points on the transition from GATT-era dispute settlement (DS) to the present-day WTO dispute settlement system. He pointed out that the GATT-era model of DS was primarily based on conciliation rather than adjudication. Such emphasis raised concerns about the applicability of the model in a compulsory, adjudicatory system. In particular, the adaptation of this system to a compulsory system of adjudication raised concerns over: (1) potential gaps in the Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU - notably with respect to procedural matters); (2) the absence of checks and balances given the automaticity of report adoption through the negative consensus rule; and (3) the potential for highly politicised cases to be brought to compulsory DS. However, such concerns have failed to materialize, as a result of the interpretation of the relevant provisions by panels and the AB; and the agreements by the parties to the dispute agreeing on relevant rules, for example, to the principle of public hearings.

Thomas Cottier from the World Trade Institute pointed out that the effectiveness of WTO law depends on its status in the domestic legal systems and argued that the traditional distinction between monism and dualism is outdated and does not reflect reality. Instead, he considered the issue of direct effect as a matter of justiciability: whether the matter pertains to the province of the courts, or rather the political branches. Other panellists and members of the audience were more sceptical of WTO law having a direct effect in domestic legal systems, arguing that it could lead to fragmentation of WTO law and contradict the flexibility that had heretofore been key in the success of WTO law.

Joost Pauwelyn from the Graduate Institute, Geneva referred to the "unstoppable force" of regional trade agreements (RTAs) in the international trade negotiations agenda. He pointed out that the growing number of RTAs, including WTO-plus issues, contrasted with the lengthy and stalled WTO Doha negotiations. He also noted that around 67 per cent of RTA provisions were WTO-inconsistent, though only on one occasion have members brought a dispute to the WTO DS that shed light on the conditions under which RTAs and customs unions should be entered into by WTO members, (for example, "Turkey – Textiles"). Dr Pauwelyn also referred to recent decisions of the AB, and observed a need for new rules on the interpretation of conflicting preferential trade agreements, and clarity in the drafting and interpretation of forum-choice clauses.

13:00-14:30

Taller 12: La importancia de la participación de la industria local en la aplicación del Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del Comercio

Organizador: FIATA, Federación Internacional de Asociaciones de Expedidores de Carga
Sala F

La aplicación del Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del Comercio de la OMC es de suma importancia, es una labor histórica que requiere la participación de los sectores público y privado a todos los niveles. La FIATA es consciente de que las mejoras que se ha propuesto introducir en la interfaz reguladora con los proveedores de servicios de logística, los comerciantes internacionales y las autoridades podrían formar parte de los resultados de esta actividad. En términos de facilitación, la creación de comités nacionales y las funciones establecidas en sus mandatos, así como su composición, son cruciales para obtener resultados inmediatos y eficaces. En nuestra opinión, es esencial que esos comités estén formados por transitarios, proveedores de servicios de logística y agentes de aduana. Concretamente, la Organización Mundial de Aduanas (OMA) formuló observaciones sobre sus miembros (la administración de aduanas en las economías de los miembros) en cuanto a la creación de un comité nacional de facilitación del comercio para poner en práctica el párrafo 2 del artículo 23 del Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del Comercio.

Objetivo:

La FIATA alienta encarecidamente a las autoridades competentes de los países signatarios de la OMC (por ejemplo, la Administración de Aduanas, el Departamento de Comercio, el Departamento de Asuntos Exteriores, el Ministerio de Hacienda, etc.) a colaborar con la rama de producción de sus propios países para facilitar la aplicación rápida y eficiente del Acuerdo de la manera más amplia posible a nivel mundial. Los miembros de la FIATA están dispuestos a ayudar

 

• Mohammad Saeed Asesor Superior, Facilitación del comercio y políticas empresariales, ITC
• Milena Budimirovic, Responsable del Grupo de Trabajo de la Organización Mundial de Aduanas (OMA) sobre el AFC, OMA
• Nora Neufeld, Consejera, División de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales, OMC
• Donia Hammami, Jefa de tributación, aduanas y política de facilitación del comercio, Cámara de Comercio Internacional (CCI)
• Francesco Parisi, anterior Presidente de la FIATA
• Marco Sorgetti, Director General de la FIATA
• Jan Hoffmann, Jefe de la Sección de Facilitación del Comercio de la UNCTAD

Moderador: Christian Doepgen, Editor Jefe de International Transport Journal

Audio

 

Summary

The panel noted that despite the low number of ratifications received to date, business representatives at the meeting saw strong political support among governments for adopting and implementing the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA). One significant aspect of the TFA is the provisions related to information technology. Speakers highlighted the importance of harmonizing electronic notification and information exchange systems. The private sector will play a key role not only in providing the support to implement the TFA, but also in providing feedback to governments on any problems or bottlenecks encountered.

In regards to trade facilitation generally, business representatives identified differences in the application of rules of origin (preferential vs non-preferential) and the fixing of reference prices for customs valuation as key problems to address in the future. One speaker noted that, in regards to maritime trade, developing countries are now importing as much as they export, a clear sign of their growing integration into global value chains.

During the question period, several audience members commented on the importance of integrating customs information technology systems to facilitate electronic data exchange. The role of customs brokers - the most difficult issue in the final stages of the TFA negotiations – was also debated.

14:30-15:30

PRESENTACIÓN DE UNA PUBLICACIÓN: The Making of the TRIPS Agreement: Personal Insights from the Uruguay Round Negotiations

Sala W

El libro "The Making of the TRIPS Agreement" (La elaboración del Acuerdo sobre los ADPIC) presenta por primera vez las diversas versiones personales de quienes negociaron este Acuerdo comercial, verdaderamente único. Sus valiosas contribuciones ilustran cómo se encontró acomodo en el texto definitivo a perspectivas de política e intereses comerciales diferentes, y plasman por escrito cómo fueron cambiando unas alianzas que no se ajustaron a la acostumbrada separación entre países desarrollados y países en desarrollo. Se examinan en detalle cuestiones como el derecho de autor de los programas informáticos, las patentes de los medicamentos y el alcance que debe tener la protección de las indicaciones geográficas. Las personas que han contribuido al volumen comparten sus opiniones sobre el lugar de la propiedad intelectual en el conjunto de la Ronda Uruguay, las consideraciones políticas y económicas que marcaron las negociaciones sobre los ADPIC, el papel de los actores no estatales, las fuentes de las normas sustantivas y de procedimiento que se integraron en el Acuerdo sobre los ADPIC, y cuestiones futuras en la esfera de la propiedad intelectual. Al analizar cómo las negociaciones dieron lugar a un acuerdo duradero que ha servido de marco para la elaboración de políticas en muchos países, las diversas aportaciones ofrecen enseñanzas para los negociadores actuales y futuros. Quienes han contribuido al libro destacan el efecto positivo que puede tener un programa de negociación claro, y ponen de relieve las funciones de la presidencia, la Secretaría y, sobre todo, de los propios negociadores, todas ellas importantes, pero distintas.

• Roberto Azevêdo, Director General de la Organización Mundial del Comercio
Discurso

• Jayashree Watal, co-editor, author-contributor and Counsellor, Secretaría de la OMC (División de Propiedad Intelectual)
• Thomas Cottier, author-contributor and Professor of European and International Economic Law at the University of Berne
• Antonio Gustavo Trombetta, author-contributor and Ambassador of Argentina to Switzerland
• Thu Lang Tran Wasescha, author-contributor and IP Consultant and part-time Counsellor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property
• Hannu Wager, author-contributor and Counsellor, WTO Intellectual Property Division
• Adrian Macey, Asociado Superior, Instituto para el Estudio de la Gobernanza y las Políticas, Universidad Victoria de Wellington
• Antony Taubman, co-editor, author-contributor and Director, División de Propiedad Intelectual de la OMC

Audio

15:30-17:00

Sesión de trabajo 33: Cómo funcionan los derechos de propiedad intelectual relacionados con el comercio: aspectos económicos y jurídicos de la propiedad intelectual desde que se aprobó el acuerdo sobre los ADPIC

Organizador: División de Propiedad Intelectual de la OMC
Sala W

Sobre la base de pruebas empíricas, en esta sesión se examinarán los cambios económicos y jurídicos ocurridos en la esfera de la propiedad intelectual desde que se firmó el Acuerdo sobre los ADPIC en 1995, en particular: i) la evolución de las modalidades de participación en el sistema internacional de propiedad intelectual, con especial atención a las economías emergentes y a la creciente diversidad geográfica de quienes utilizan el marco del Acuerdo sobre los ADPIC; ii) lecciones y tendencias ilustradas por 20 años de notificaciones de los Miembros de la OMC acerca de sus distintas opciones jurídicas y normativas conforme al Acuerdo sobre los ADPIC; iii) esfuerzos internacionales por aprovechar el comercio internacional y el sistema de propiedad intelectual a fin de facilitar el acceso a los medicamentos e impacto de los ADPIC en la salud pública y el acceso a los medicamentos; iv) la evolución del marco jurídico internacional de propiedad intelectual desde el Acuerdo sobre los ADPIC, y diferencias en la adhesión a los principales tratados internacionales de propiedad intelectual debido al aumento del número de normas bilaterales y regionales y a su diversidad. El grupo de expertos discutirá el futuro de los derechos de propiedad intelectual en el sistema multilateral de comercio a la luz de estos acontecimientos y de otros, y publicará un folleto en la serie OMC@20 titulado "Economic and Legal Developments in Intellectual Property since TRIPS" (Acontecimientos económicos y jurídicos en el ámbito de la propiedad intelectual desde la aprobación del Acuerdo sobre los ADPIC).

Los ADPIC y las políticas públicas

• Keith Maskus. Profesor de la Universidad de Colorado
Presentation

• Adrian Macey, Asociado Superior, Instituto para el Estudio de la Gobernanza y las Políticas, Universidad Victoria de Wellington
Presentation

• Antony Taubman, Director, División de Propiedad Intelectual de la OMC
Presentation
• Thomas Cottier, Professor of European and International Economic Law at the University of Berne
Presentation

Moderador: Jayashree Watal, Secretaría de la OMC (División de Propiedad Intelectual)

Audio

 

Summary

The panel noted that the meaning of the words "world", "trade" and "organization" have changed since the creation of the WTO. The world is different due to geopolitical changes, a number of countries evolving as sovereign economies, the transformation of patent offices and a significant increase in patent activity. As regards trade, the general definition has moved beyond tangible goods to include the idea of intellectual property (IP) as a tradable component, and countries looking to promote this trade. The concept of organization as it pertains to the WTO has shifted. The WTO has been transformed by virtue of numerous accessions, regional trade agreements and other matters utterly changing the environment and creating an adequate framework for interoperability.

Looking at the world in terms of value chains, one sees that IP plays a significant role. The key intellectual property instruments before the WTO – the Berne and Paris Conventions – did not have a dispute settlement component. Today, the WTO's dispute settlement system appears to be satisfactory, at least in trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS)-related matters. Promotion of the most-favoured nation principle is an important phenomenon for IP, since it allows an increased "water level" with every single agreement concluded by the members.  

Looking forward, the panel noted that there is a need to move beyond fragmentation and to take a more holistic approach with regard to the IP legal body. The WTO TRIPS Agreement sets the minimal standard for IP protection, but if a comprehensive approach is taken, the limits could be defined. The panellists urged for a consideration of the concerns raised by developing countries, and to incentivize research in relevant areas, particularly in regards to TRIPS.

The forthcoming Paris Convention on Climate Change, which will be negotiated by policymakers in Paris in December 2015, will be a landmark because all countries will have to make a contribution. The panel noted that it is crucial to decarbonise the world economy, and pricing carbon emissions is a good start. Concurrently, the energy system must shift to renewable energy, which will be hugely influential, but massive investment is needed for this transition. The panel concluded by noted that it is hard to determine what role IP might play in this transition, but that it should be seen through the lens of technology.

15:30-17:00

Sesión de trabajo 34: Por qué las normas de origen importan

Organizador: Federación Mundial de la Industria de Artículos Deportivos (WFSGI)
Sala S1

La sesión de la Federación Mundial se dedicaría al papel que desempeñan las normas de origen para el sector privado y para el comercio mundial.

En una parte de la sesión se discutirían los beneficios de unas normas de origen simplificadas para los países menos adelantados. Además, los ponentes expondrían los problemas que plantean los acuerdos de libre comercio con normas de origen divergentes. Asimismo, se abordarán las normas de origen no preferenciales y el papel que cumplen en lo que respecta a las medidas comerciales correctivas.

 

• Stefano Inama, , Experto Superior, UNCTAD, Marco Integrado, Oficina del Coordinador para los Países Menos Adelantados
• Edwin Vermulst, Asociado de VVGB y Consejero de Comercio de la WFSGI
• Jonathan O’Riordan, Experto en asuntos gubernamentales, Puma
• Jeff Whalen, Consejero Jurídico Superior, Aduanas y Comercio Internacional, Departamento Jurídico de NIKE y Presidente del Comité de Comercio de la WFSGI

Audio

 

Summary

The session discussed the negative impact that non-harmonized rules of origin exert on global trade flows for the sporting goods industry. The panel made a strong call for harmonized, simplified rules of origin.

Stefano Inama from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) explained how WTO members were free to implement their own rules of origin in the absence of agreed multilateral disciplines, and how divergent schemes led to low uptake of preference schemes and trade distortions.

Edwin Vermulst from the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) discussed the interplay of rules of origin with anti-circumvention actions used in anti-dumping actions. This situation left importers in a grey area, and open to criminal sanction by customs authorities.

Jonathan O’Riordan from Puma gave a practical overview of the complexity in applying rules of origin, using examples of garments made in Viet Nam and Cambodia. He suggested that only duty-free schemes for least developed countries (LDCs) were large enough to influence manufacturing location decisions - the benefits being more marginal in the case of generalized system of preferences schemes for middle-income countries.

Jeff Whalen from Nike explained how complex rules of origin complicated Nike's global supply chain decisions. He suggested that rules of origin should focus on production steps, rather than final transformation, which would help sourcing from LDCs. He noted the compliance risk of claiming preferences.

15:30-17:00

Sesión de trabajo 35: Marco Multilateral de la Competencia: ¿Es un buen antídoto para luchar contra las distorsiones anticompetitivas de los mercados a fin de que el comercio funcione mejor?

Organizador: CUTS International
Sala D

En la sesión se discutirá la interfaz entre comercio y competencia y el papel de la OMC en la solución de las distorsiones resultantes de la competencia, a fin de que el comercio funcione mejor. Se tendrá en cuenta el creciente número de economías emergentes que adoptan leyes y políticas de defensa de la competencia y que cumplen una función proactiva en el comercio mundial. Se hablará de las medidas necesarias para mejorar la eficacia de las leyes y políticas de competencia a nivel nacional, de las disposiciones relacionadas con la competencia en los acuerdos comerciales bilaterales y multilaterales y de la necesidad de un marco multilateral de la competencia.

La sesión tienen por objetivo idear una hoja de ruta para que la OMC aborde las distorsiones del comercio relacionadas con la competencia interviniendo a nivel nacional, regional e internacional.

Participarán en la sesión expertos en comercio y en competencia que presentarán breves ponencias sobre temas específicos y a continuación habrá un debate del grupo e interacción con el público.

 

• Frank Matsaert, Consejero Delegado, Trade Mark, Kenya
• Robert Anderson, Consejero, División de Propiedad Intelectual e Inversiones, Organización Mundial del Comercio (OMC), Suiza
• Philippe Brusick, Presidente, CUTS International, Ginebra
• Kwame Owino, Consejero Delegado, Instituto de Asuntos Económicos, Kenya
• Debapriya Bhattacharya, Miembro Distinguido, Centro para el Diálogo sobre Políticas de Bangladesh
• Anthony Amunategui Abad, Consejero Delegado, Trade Advisory Group, Filipinas
• Harsha Vardhana Singh, ex Director General Adjunto de la OMC, Suiza

Moderador: Bipul Chatterjee, Director Ejecutivo, CUTS International

Audio

 

Summary

The session discussed the interface between trade and competition, and the role of the WTO in addressing competition induced distortions to trade, for trade to work better. Bipul Chatterjee from the Consumer Unity & Trust Society (CUTS) International introduced the session by recalling the history of related discussions in the WTO, and the changed environment today, given that the vast majority of emerging economies have now adopted competition law and policies, and play a proactive role in world trade. Measures needed to improve the effectiveness of competition law and policies at the national level, competition-related provisions in bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, and the need for a multilateral framework on competition were discussed.

Robert Anderson from the WTO Intellectual Property Division discussed past experiences of the work of the WTO Working Group on Competition Policy, elements of competition policy in existing WTO agreements, and developments in the past decade. Potential future areas of work, subject to the views of WTO members, could range from a mere policy dialogue over the revival of previous proposals for a multilateral framework on competition policy to a new and updated approach with greater emphasis on issues of apparent interest to developing countries such as export cartels.

Philippe Brusick from CUTS International (Geneva office) spoke about the particularly detrimental effects of abuses of dominance and a lack of merger control on developing country markets. Trade and competition were two sides of the same coin, and the WTO as a multilateral organization could provide a balanced forum for discussions for developing countries - particularly as compared to bilateral trade talks - while also ensuring effective and binding rules through its dispute settlement system.

Anthony Amunategui Abad from the Trade Advisory Group (Philippines) expressed his view that international and regional rules on competition policy were needed due to the increasing number of international mergers and related issues of jurisdiction of competition authorities, and the strong commercial links between countries. As a WTO panel member working on trade remedies, he saw the practical need for guidance on how to apply legitimate trade measures in ways that are conducive to adequate levels of competition in internal markets. This concerned markets of fundamental importance to the general population of his country, such as the market for rice as a basic foodstuff and staple.

Former WTO Deputy Director-General Harsha Singh emphasized the need for international regulation to take into account principles of competitive neutrality in the new emerging areas of trade in order to level the playing field between developed and developing economies. These included the digital economy, standard setting of private actors, and other novel areas of work currently addressed in bilateral and regional fora.

Debapriya Bhattacharya from the Centre for Policy Dialogue (Bangladesh) pointed out the challenges created by overlapping jurisdiction of regulatory and competition authorities for international regulation of competition issues. Given that the WTO faced challenges in concluding the Doha Round, now was not the time to resume work on a multilateral framework for competition policy. However, exploration of interfaces with trade rules and experience-sharing would help in particular least-developed countries.

15:30-17:00

Sesión de trabajo 36: ¿Qué es lo que propicia el derecho a la alimentación? Eliminar los obstáculos que entorpecen la seguridad alimentaria mundial durante la Conferencia Ministerial de Nairobi

Organizador: Unión Internacional de los Trabajadores de la Alimentación, Agrícolas, Hoteles, Restaurantes, Tabaco y Afines, Centre for Equity Studies, India y COAST Bangladesh
Sala E

Las normas de la agricultura estimulan el aumento del comercio agrícola, pero son muchos quienes consideran que no propician los medios de subsistencia de los agricultores, el desarrollo rural y el derecho a la alimentación. Cabe preguntarse si un sistema de comercio que permite a los ricos subvencionar la agricultura pero no a los pobres "funciona". ¿Cuáles deberían ser las normas del comercio agrícola para que garantizaran que los países pudieran cumplir sus obligaciones de derechos humanos de conformidad con el derecho a la alimentación? ¿Cuáles son las normas de comercio que permitirían a los países africanos introducir las transformaciones estructurales necesarias para el crecimiento y el desarrollo? ¿Conforme a qué régimen de comercio podrían los países pobres luchar contra el déficit alimentario estructural? ¿Qué alternativas se ofrecen a muchos países en desarrollo -asiáticos, árabes y africanos- que consideran que la constitución de existencias públicas es una estrategia eficaz para proteger a los pobres y salvaguardar la seguridad alimentaria? ¿Cómo podemos salir del actual punto muerto al que han llegado las negociaciones, de manera que los Miembros de la OMC puedan acordar en la Conferencia Ministerial de Nairobi una solución permanente respecto de la seguridad alimentaria? En esta sesión se analizarán también las negociaciones sobre la agricultura en la Ronda de Doha con miras a adoptar propuestas que beneficien a los más pobres y a los países menos adelantados, así como a los países en desarrollo que son importadores netos de alimentos y a los países exportadores.

• Adi.Dzulfuat, Primer Secretario, Misión Permanente de la República de Indonesia ante la OMC
• Edgar Odari, Oficial de Programas, EcoNews, Kenya
• Biraj Patnaik, Asesor Principal de los Comisarios del Tribunal Supremo en materia de derecho a la alimentación, India
• Peter Rossman, Director Internacional de Campañas y Comunicaciones, UITA
• Sylvester Bagooro, Oficial de Programas, Red del Tercer Mundo - África, Ghana

Moderador: Deborah James, red Our World Is Not for Sale (OWINFS)

Audio

Summary

The rapporteur noted that the discussions were complementary with those of working session no. 21.

Deborah James from Our World is Not for Sale moderated. She explained the relevance of this discussion by pointing out that the current WTO rules allow rich but not poor countries to subsidize agriculture under the Aggregate Measurement of Support (AMS). She stressed the need for a permanent solution for public stockholding for food security purposes to be reached by the end of December.

Adi Dzulfuat from the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Indonesia to the WTO gave an overview of several topics. He first discussed the G33 proposal, which is a programme to support poor farmers, and which he says should be put in the "Green Box" instead of the "Amber Box". He noted that an interim mechanism, such as a peace clause, does not work for all, but only for members with existing programmes. That is why there is a call for a permanent solution, such as the current G33 proposal, which he says will work for all.

Mr Dzulfuat noted the G33 proposal is important because it is the responsibility of the government to maintain price stability though public stockholding programmes by using an administered price. Current WTO rules are outdated since their reference price is from 1986 – 1988. He admitted that the G33 proposal has been met with resistance from developed countries and exporting developing members. Their concerns are that market price support will fall into the "Green Box", and also that there will be unintended consequences, such as the release of such products into the international market. He noted that negotiations would continue to aim at finding a permanent solution.

Biraj Patnaik from the Supreme Court of Commissioners on the Right to Food (India) explained how food programmes (public stockholding) and the National Food Security Act work in India, and their importance. He emphasised that the objective of the programme is to support domestic consumers, not exports – this is why he believes that such support should not be considered forbidden under WTO rules, and should be put into the "Green Box" in the Subsidies Agreement (G33 current proposal). He also stated that India's civil society has moved from the notion of "food security" to "food sovereignty". Food sovereignty is the right of peoples, communities, and countries to define their own agricultural, labour, fishing, food and land policies which are ecologically, socially, economically and culturally appropriate to their unique circumstances. It includes the true right to food and to produce food, which means that all people have the right to safe, nutritious and culturally-appropriate food, and to food-producing resources and the ability to sustain themselves and their societies. Food sovereignty means the primacy of individual and community rights to food and food production, over trade concerns. He stated that it would be politically unacceptable for India to compromise on this issue.

Edgar Odari from EcoNews (Kenya) provided an overview of the agricultural situation in Kenya, stressing the importance of this sector for the country. He stated that even though Kenya is currently allowed to maintain support programmes, the peace clause will not work forever, especially since the population has been growing rapidly, and consequently the volume of support as well. He also reiterated Mr Patnaik's point that it is not about security anymore, but rather sovereignty – governments should be able to address these issues.

Peter Rossman from the International Union of Foodworkers looked at the issue from the perspective of the food industry workers, emphasising the instability of their situation (the absence of legal and social protection, insecurity, working conditions, wages). He called on everybody to bear in mind that the fundamental right to food is a priority and governments, recognising that, undertook human rights treaty obligations which in legal terms should prevent them from signing any other agreements that undermine these fundamental human rights. He stated that the WTO stands between food availability and food entitlement.

In response to concerns and questions raised by the audience, the panel clarified that agriculture does need support, but it becomes an issue when export subsidies affect food security in importing countries. They concluded by stating that the current system does not work and stressing the need for a permanent solution to the issue.

15:30-17:00

Sesión de trabajo 37: Fomentar la participación de las microempresas y de las pequeñas y medianas empresas en los mercados regionales y mundiales

Organizador: Misión de Filipinas ante la OMC
Sala S3

La importancia de las pymes para los resultados de las economías nacionales es un tema que suscita cada vez más interés entre los responsables de las políticas públicas de los países y las instituciones internacionales, tanto en los países desarrollados como en los países en desarrollo. No es sorprendente que sea así, ya que, a nivel mundial, las pymes representan más del 95% del número total de empresas, les corresponde en torno al 50% del valor añadido y el 60% de todo el empleo y son importantes fuentes de innovación y creación de empleo, sobre todo para las mujeres y los jóvenes.

Los recientes adelantos tecnológicos y la disminución de los costos del comercio han hecho posible fragmentar la producción en distintas tareas, con lo que las empresas pueden especializarse en una parte de una cadena de suministro. Esa fragmentación de la producción o de las cadenas de valor mundiales ofrece a las pequeñas empresas la oportunidad de acceder a los mercados internacionales sin tener que producir todos los componentes de un bien o de un servicio, así como oportunidades de participar en el comercio, aumentar las corrientes comerciales y fortalecer la integración económica. El efecto nivelador de las nuevas tecnologías también ha sido un elemento clave en la internacionalización de las pymes.

Todo esto no solo ha hecho que aumente la importancia de las pequeñas y medianas empresas, sino que también ha permitido al componente más pequeño del sector de las pymes -esto es, las microempresas- participar en mayor medida en los mercados regionales y mundiales y tener más peso en los debates normativos. Si se analiza más a fondo el sector de las pymes, se observa que la mayoría de estas empresas son muy pequeñas. En un estudio realizado por el Banco Mundial y la Corporación Financiera Internacional (CFI) se puso de relieve que la densidad de las microempresas y las pequeñas y medianas empresas está aumentando a un ritmo más rápido

Como parte del tema general "El comercio funciona", la sesión tiene por objeto estimular el debate sobre: 1) las iniciativas que toman los gobiernos, las organizaciones internacionales y las correspondientes partes interesadas a fin de que el "comercio funcione" para el sector de las microempresas y de las pequeñas y medianas empresas; 2) la integración en las cadenas de valor mundiales de las cuestiones transversales que afectan a las microempresas y las pequeñas y medianas empresas; y 3) el fortalecimiento de los vínculos entre la OMC y otras organizaciones internacionales, en particular el ITC, la UNCTAD y el Banco Mundial, con miras a aumentar la coherencia en los debates relativos a las microempresas y las pequeñas y medianas empresas.

 

• Gregory Domingo, Secretario, Departamento de Comercio e Industria de Filipinas
• Arancha Gonzalez, Directora Ejecutiva, Centro de Comercio Internacional
• Anabel Gonzalez, Directora Superior, Prácticas Mundiales de Comercio y Competitividad, Grupo del Banco Mundial
• Joakim Reiter, Deputy Secretario General Adjunto, Conferencia de las Naciones Unidas sobre Comercio y Desarrollo
• Xiaozhun Yi, , Director General Adjunto, Organización Mundial del Comercio

Audio

 

Summary

The panel discussed the significance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). MSMEs are the backbone of many economies in the world, comprising the bulk of jobs and enterprises. They comprise more than 95 per cent of the economic tissue of any country. Many MSMEs are in the informal sector, such as the self-employed or rural workers. Addressing the informal sector is required to eradicate poverty. The panel highlighted MSMEs as key to unlocking the jobs and growth crises, which today are widespread.

MSMEs face constraints. They have fewer resources and less information about markets. Tariffs and non-tariff barriers prevent MSMEs from moving up the value chain. If they are connected to the global market, MSMEs are often integrated through intermediaries, which is not optimal because of the price gaps incurred. MSMEs also face internal hindrances: a lack of workforce and managerial skills, an inability to adapt to new technology, limited access to finance, and weak compliance with standards. They have low productivity when taken on a global level, contributing less than half of economic growth. In Brazil, a small company has just 30 per cent of the productivity of large companies. Global value chains (GVCs) have been the main initiative to get MSMEs to export. However, micro and small enterprises are less able to access GVCs - it is mostly the medium-sized enterprises that get integrated.

The panel then discussed ways forward. They determined that a large part of the answer is connecting MSMEs to markets through trade. Trade exposes them to larger markets, best practices and technology. MSMEs that participate in international trade are more productive and pay higher wages. Cutting down the cost of trade for MSMEs through trade facilitation is crucial. One way to advance this is to make sure that the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA) is implemented as soon as possible. The panel also noted that dedicated programmes for women entrepreneurs are needed. Helping MSMEs harness new technology and digital information, as well as addressing the information and communications technology gap, is another pathway: this is significant since equipped enterprises are well-placed and nimble to adapt to market developments, and because e-commerce allows MSMEs to jump onto the market more easily. Finally, the panel mentioned the importance of making sure compliance infrastructure is accessible and affordable for MSMEs (at customs, business registration, standards accreditation). Trade finance can help with these objectives.

The final segment discussed how coordinating the work of various international organizations can help MSMEs. The WTO is about the rule of law, and the rule of law always helps the weaker parties. The implementation of the TFA will cut business costs, and transparency commitments among members help MSMEs access information easily. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development has programmes to turn government processes into e-processes to cut red tape. The World Bank has programmes to help women entrepreneurs and the informal sector. The panel noted that there is room to work together and to share expertise.

 

15:30-17:00

Sesión de trabajo 38: Dificultades relacionadas con el comercio de productos del mar

Organizador: Association marocaine des Exportateurs
Sala B

El sector de la transformación de los productos de la pesca reviste gran importancia entre las actividades económicas del país, a causa del gran potencial que encierra en lo que respecta a inversión, empleo, exportación y creación de valor agregado. Sin embargo, muchos problemas relacionados con el comercio obstaculizan su desarrollo y reducen los resultados de exportación, además de los derechos de aduana. Los productos del mar marroquíes tropiezan con numerosos obstáculos, que convendría mencionar:

• reglamentos técnicos excesivamente estrictos y prohibiciones por razones técnicas;
• exigencias en cuanto a la puesta en conformidad de los productos;
• normas de origen;
• cuando las normas Codex se utilizan como instrumento de competencia;
• las normas privadas de seguridad sanitaria de los alimentos; verdaderas exigencias comerciales.

Las medidas no arancelarias representan obstáculos de gran envergadura para el comercio internacional y constituyen un gran desafío para los exportadores marroquíes de productos del mar. Sus efectos negativos y su diversidad y complejidad reducen los resultados de las exportaciones de productos del mar marroquíes y constituyen en su mayoría dificultades innecesarias que convendría eliminar.

• Lamia Znagui, Directora, Federación Nacional de Industrias Pesqueras (FENIP)
• Mohamed Idrisi, Federación Nacional de Industrias Pesqueras (FENIP)
• Mohamed Taoufiq, Federación Nacional de Industrias Pesqueras (FENIP)

Audio

 

Summary

Le secteur de la transformation des produits de la pêche revêt une grande importance parmi les activités économiques du pays en raison du potentiel considérable qu’il recèle en matière d’investissement, d’emploi, d’exportation et de création de valeur ajoutée. Aussi, d'importante mesures non tarifaires viennent entraver son développement et réduisent ses performances à l’export, en plus des droits de douane. Leurs effets négatifs et leur diversité et complexité réduisent les performances des exportations des produits de la mer Marocains et constituent pour la plus part des entraves non nécessaires qu’il conviendrait d’éliminer.

Ainsi, les difficultés liées au commerce des produits de la mer est une thématique très importante pour le Maroc, comme pour beaucoup des membres de l'OMC. Le secteur de la pêche du Maroc a saisi cette occasion pour lancer un appel à l’OMC pour procéder à une évaluation technique à la faveur des pays en voie de développement et des pays les moins avancés pour déterminer l’impact réel de ces obstacles au commerce. Il est aussi important de notifier, d'une part, la favorisation de l'implication des acteurs de la pêche dans les négociations à Genève, et d'autre part, la création de passerelles entre toutes les parties prenantes du secteur de la pêche par la mise en place des cadres de concertation plus élargie entre eux.

15:30-17:00

Sesión de trabajo 39: Los países en desarrollo y las cadenas mundiales de valor; razones, objeto y dirección

Organizador: Centro de Políticas Comerciales de África, Comisión Económica para África de las Naciones Unidas
Sala S2

Los enormes cambios que se han producido en la actividad económica mundial con la aparición de las cadenas mundiales de valor han planteado nuevos retos y oportunidades a los países en desarrollo. Ya no tienen que dominar todo un proceso de producción y ahora pueden especializarse en diferentes segmentos de la producción internacional para aprovechar su ventaja comparativa. Han conseguido integrarse mejor en las cadenas de valor, pero ahora el reto consiste en acabar de comprender los beneficios de una ulterior participación, los factores que la propician y sus consecuencias. Además, con el cambio tecnológico que transforma constantemente el carácter de la actividad empresarial mundial, es preciso enfocar esas cuestiones con un criterio orientado hacia el futuro. Esta sesión aprovechará la labor realizada recientemente por la OCDE y por el Banco Mundial, así como opiniones de representantes empresariales, académicos y responsables de políticas para tratar de aclarar el cómo y el porqué de la participación de los países en desarrollo en las cadenas mundiales de valor.

Trazará con mayor detalle cómo podría influir una evaluación del impacto en los derechos humanos sobre el diseño y la elaboración de un acuerdo comercial regional. La sesión irá seguida de una ceremonia y una recepción con motivo de la presentación del Informe Económico sobre África 2015. El informe está disponible en el siguiente enlace.

• Stephen Karingi, Director, División de Integración Regional y Comercio, CEPA
• Xavier Carim  Representante Permanente de Sudáfrica ante la OMC
• Marion Jansen, Economista Jefa, ITC
• Ayush Bat-Erdene, Jefe, Sección de Derecho al Desarrollo, Oficina del AltoComisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos (ACNUDH)

Moderadors: David Luke, oordinador, Centro Africano de Políticas Comerciales, CEPA, y
Hubert René Schillinger, Director, oficina de la Fundación Friedrich Ebert en Ginebra

Audio

 

Summary

The panel noted that the Continental Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) offers tremendous opportunities for African countries to develop, through the enlargement of intra-African trade. It is vitally important for Africa to pursue the CFTA given the context of the mega-regional trade agreements being negotiated elsewhere. Preference erosion and other factors will almost certainly lead to a decline in African countries' market access abroad, requiring that African countries' look to one another to develop new markets.

Panellists said that Africa's trade and development strategy should focus on industrialization and the growth of the manufacturing sector. Countries' trade policies should be integrated with their industrialization and development strategies. For substantial development and transformation to occur, trade policy should not only focus on industrialization but also aim to capitalize on regional and global value chains. A key aspect to the new trade policy for Africa is the development of, and investment in, infrastructure. Given the nature of trade and transportation, improved infrastructure would be critical for trade flows not only in the country in which the development takes place, but also for countries looking to transport to or through those countries.

The panel highlighted that liberalization of services cannot be underestimated in boosting intra-African trade flows. The CFTA offers an opportunity to increase services liberalization, which should be pursued by African countries. Tourism in particular can offer large benefits. The CFTA is aimed at encouraging development for the benefit of the people of Africa, and in this vein a human rights impact analysis would be a useful tool for policymakers as well as civil society. Such an analysis would not impose conditionalities in any way, but could enable policymakers and civil society to anticipate the implications of particular aspects of the CFTA.

15:30-17:00

Taller 13: Las normas privadas: ventaja u obstáculo para el comercio

Organizador: INMETRO
Sala F

En esta sesión se discutirán los problemas que las normas privadas podrían plantear al sistema de la OMC. Durante años las concesiones arancelarias han sido el principal instrumento comercial, pero hay nuevos obstáculos reglamentarios que están pasando a ser motivo de gran preocupación para el comercio internacional del siglo XXI. En consecuencia, en la sesión de trabajo se evaluarán el papel de las normas privadas, su impacto, su legitimidad y su conformidad con las normas de comercio internacional. Hasta el momento, los órganos de la OMC no han querido determinar si este tema debería formar parte de la jurisdicción de la OMC.

La evaluación de estos problemas y del impacto de las normas privadas en el sistema multilateral de comercio es una importante contribución para determinar si "el comercio funciona" sobre la base de las normas de la OMC. En otras palabras, en la sesión de trabajo se discutirá si las normas privadas son aliadas o enemigas de la OMC.

• Reinhard Weissinger, Experto Superior en investigación y enseñanza, Secretaría Central de la Organización Internacional de Normalización (ISO)
• Ulrich Hoffmann, Consultor, Foro de las Naciones Unidas sobre Normas de Sostenibilidad (UNFSS)
• Joseph Wozniak, Jefe, Programa "Comercio para el Desarrollo Sostenible", ITC
• Xinhua Sun, Primera Secretaria, Misión Permanente de China ante la OMC
• Vera Thorstensen, Presidenta, Comité Brasileño de Obstáculos Técnicos al Comercio

Audio

 

Summary

Private standards are increasingly being used, and are omnipresent in today's world of international trade. However, they are a double-edged sword. This session explored both the negative and positive aspects of private standards and ways to move forward.

Reinhard Weissinger from the International Organization for Standardization stressed the importance of fostering legitimacy in the standardizing procedure by involving relevant stakeholders as well as governments and by aligning the process with the WTO Code of Good Practice. He then identified negative (such as additional costs for producers) and positive (such as higher sustainability performance) aspects. He suggested multi-stakeholder dialogue, better coordination and cooperation as important ways in order to address the negative aspects.

Ulrich Hoffmann from the United Nations Forum on Sustainability Standards provided relevant data in this area. For instance, food, forestry and textiles are the three sectors which have more private standards. He also mentioned negative (such as consumer confusion) and positive (such as being the frontrunner for new regulations) aspects. He then stated that governments have an important role in order to address the challenges ahead. In particular, governments should focus on governance/standard setting, building capacity, devising flanking and support policies, assuring policy coherence and facilitating stakeholder dialogue.

Joseph Wozniak from the International Trade Centre (ITC) stressed the importance of dealing with the practical implications of private standards, specifically for producers and exporters. He described some of the programmes developed by the ITC in order to address these practical implications, including the Trade and Sustainable Development Programme and the Standards Map database. These programmes are aimed at providing the necessary information to producers and exporters and at connecting them with standardizing entities.

Xinhua Sun from the Permanent Mission of China to the WTO focused on challenges and ways to move forward. He stated that private standards contribute to the concentration of wealth as big companies are usually the ones developing these measures in order to increase their market share. He then explained how private standards could fall within the scope of application of the WTO-covered agreements. As a step forward, he suggested private sector dialogue and public supervision. Additionally, he stressed the importance of aligning private standards with the WTO Code of Good Practice so as to avoid issues in the WTO.

Vera Thorstensen from the Brazilian Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade stressed the importance of dealing with this matter in the WTO. She questioned the legitimacy of private standards and the role of private entities in the development of regulations. She described how these measures affect Brazilian producers. For instance, paper producers in Brazil cannot export to certain countries because they lack Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. As a way forward, she suggested dealing with this matter in different WTO committees and through dispute settlement if necessary.

15:30-17:00

Un libro y su autor: History of Law and Lawyers in the GATT/WTO

Presentación a cargo de la Librería y la Biblioteca de la OMC
Atrio

• Gabrielle Marceau, Consejera, División de Asuntos Jurídicos, OMC
• Scott Anderson, Socio cogestor de Sydley Austin
• Daniel Crosby, Partner at King & Spalding
• Atul Sharma, MAsociado, King & Spalding
• Niall Meagher, Director Ejecutivo, Centro de Asesoría Legal en Asuntos de la OMC (ACWL)

17:00-18:30

Sesión de trabajo 40: El comercio de servicios: ¿propician el interés público el AGCS y el TISA?

Organizador: Federación Internacional de Trabajadores del Transporte (ITF), Internacional de Servicios Públicos (PSI), UNI global union, the European Public Services Union (EPSU) y The Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO) Países Bajos
Sala S1

El comercio de servicios sirve para integrar los sectores de servicios en la economía mundial y abrir mercados a los proveedores transnacionales de servicios. En vista de la explosión de los servicios que se pueden contratar y entregar en línea, el aumento del comercio de servicios también puede servir para llevar nuevos servicios a los consumidores de una parte a otra del mundo. Al mismo tiempo, las disciplinas específicas de la reglamentación de servicios -tanto en el comercio interno como en el internacional- que figuran en propuestas tales como el TISA y la ampliación del AGCS en la OMC, también pueden limitar funciones legítimas como la adecuada reglamentación pública y la vigilancia del suministro de servicios privados, así como el suministro de servicios públicos asequibles y de calidad. Cabe preguntarse cuáles son las normas relativas al comercio de servicios que sirven para asegurar la estabilidad financiera mundial, la privacidad de los datos, la seguridad y la eficacia del transporte y garantizar los derechos laborales, incluidos los de los trabajadores migrantes; cuáles son las normas que funcionan -o que no funcionan- para garantizar los derechos humanos a la atención de salud, la educación, el acceso al agua y otros servicios públicos esenciales.

• Daniel Bertossa, Director de Políticas y Gobernanza, Internacional de Servicios Públicos (PSI) (Global Union Federation)
• Sarah Finke, Coordinadora de Políticas, Federación Internacional de Trabajadores del Transporte (ITF)
• Tetteh Hormeku, Jefe de Programas, Red del Tercer Mundo - África, Ghana
• Sanya Reid Smith, Asesora Jurídica, Red del Tercer Mundo, Ginebra
• Roberto Bissio, Director Ejecutivo, Instituto del Tercer Mundo, Uruguay
• Deborah James, Directora de Programas Internacionales, Center for Economic and Policy Research, y red mundial Our World Is Not for Sale (OWINFS)
• Hubert Schillinger, Director Geneva Office, FES" ET "
• Carlos Sossa, FFOSE, Uruguay

Audio

 

Summary

HubertSchillinger from the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung stated that the public is getting to be informed about the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA). Next Daniel Bertossa from the Public Services International (PSI) global trade union federation spoke about the nature of TiSA, which according to PSI is about removing restrictions for foreign multinationals to open shops in foreign countries, and dropping regulatory barriers for their service providers. "One person’s regulatory barrier is another person’s social safeguard,” he said. Mr Bertossa then dealt with public services and the "governmental services exception". This exception is limited as it requires services to be not provided on a commercial basis. Today many services are mixed, offered by both public and private entities (health, education).

Helmut Scholz from the European Parliament spoke about the debate on TiSA at the European Parliament and about the two blocs for and against the agreement. He noted that China is not in TiSA, in fact none of the BRICS are either. He stated that everybody should be included if they want to join, not just a group of countries that represent the biggest services providers. He also suggested that public goods should not be negotiated at all, which includes public services. Next, Sarah Finke of the International Transport Workers' Federation said that if implemented, TiSA will consolidate the power of the most powerful. She said that workers are not part of the conversation or topics being negotiated. Next, she raised specific examples from the maritime and air transport services sectors.

Roberto Bissio from the Instituto del Tercer Mundo (Uruguay) spoke about the importance of trade unions, which played a large role in pushing the Uruguayan government to abandon TiSA. Carlos Sossa from the Federación de Funcionarios de Obras Sanitarias del Estado (FFOSE labour union, Uruguay) read a heartfelt speech on globalization, corporations and TiSA. Tetteh Hormeku from the Third World Network – Africa explained the history of the negotiations on the General Agreement on Trade in Services.

17:00-18:30

Sesión de trabajo 41: El comercio funciona ¿en serio? ¿Podemos conseguir que funcione aún mejor?

Organizador: Cámara de Comercio de los Estados Unidos ante la UE (AmCham EU)
Sala S3

En esta sesión, la Cámara de Comercio de los Estados Unidos ante la UE (AmCham EU) quiere estudiar maneras de que el comercio funcione aún mejor. Se propondrán algunas ideas sobre la forma de que el comercio funcione para usted: cómo conseguir que las conversaciones y acuerdos comerciales den fruto con más rapidez. Cómo equilibrar la creación de empleo y la globalización: envejecimiento de la fuerza de trabajo, desempleo de los jóvenes, calidad de trabajo y pobreza. Cómo crear valor para todos. Súmese a este debate estimulante que demuestra cuáles son los beneficios de un régimen de comercio mundial inclusivo y abierto y qué es lo que se necesita para solidificar y reforzar este régimen en el futuro.

• Carsten Dannöhl, Gerente de Asuntos Gubernamentales, Unión Europea, Caterpillar
• Dennis Kredler, Director de Asuntos Gubernamentales para Europa, The Dow Chemical Company
• Laurel Vogelsang, Directora Ejecutiva de Política Pública Global, Merck
• Marcus Bartley Johns, Especialista en comercio y competitividad, Grupo del Banco Mundial

Moderador: Mark van der Horst (UPS), Presidente, Comité de Comercio y Asuntos Exteriores, Cámara de Comercio de los Estados Unidos ante la UE

Audio

 

Summary

The panel agreed that trade agreements need to be made more relevant to business and be concluded more quickly. They noted that patience with the Doha Round is wearing thin. One speaker said that while the multilateral approach is the preferred one, at some point a stage is reached where the business agenda moves on and the balance shifts in favour of bilateral and regional trade agreements. Also, issues of key importance to business these days, such as investment protection and harmonization of regulatory standards, are not being addressed at the WTO but are being covered at the bilateral and regional level.

The panel noted that the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA) can serve as a model for moving forward in the future. It sets out flexibilities so countries can adopt an approach towards implementation tailored to their capacity and needs. Other initiatives such as the talks on the Environmental Goods Agreement were also cited by some as a positive development, although some concerns were expressed about discriminating in favour of one product sector. Panellists noted that business is keen to support and provide technical assistance to make the TFA work.

17:00-18:30

Sesión de trabajo 42: Cooperación institucional sobre asuntos relacionados con el clima y la energía en los acuerdos de libre comercio - Lecciones para la ATCI

Organizador: Ecologic Institute
Sala b

En varios acuerdos regionales de comercio concertados recientemente se han introducido disposiciones sobre las energías limpias y la acción relacionada con el clima. Pueden traducirse en compromisos concretos de reducción de barreras arancelarias o no arancelarias o compromisos relativos a la colaboración institucional. Como tales, constituyen importantes oportunidades para que la política comercial contribuya de forma concreta y positiva a una expansión de las energías limpias y a promover las medidas relacionadas con el clima. En esta sesión se estudiarán las experiencias adquiridas con el Tratado de Libre Comercio de América del Norte, en particular el capítulo sobre el medio ambiente, así como sus disposiciones para la solución de diferencias entre inversores y Estados y también las adquiridas con acuerdos comerciales regionales más recientes, como el Acuerdo de Comercio entre el Canadá y la Unión Europea, el Acuerdo Económico y Comercial Global (AECG) y el Acuerdo de Libre Comercio entre la Unión Europea y Singapur. Partiendo de esto, se extraerán lecciones que pueden tenerse en cuenta al elaborar la próxima Asociación Transatlántica sobre Comercio e Inversión entre los Estados Unidos y la Unión Europea (ATCI). Esto se situará en el contexto de la gobernanza internacional del comercio energético.

• Lena Johansson, Secretaria General, CCI Suecia
• Christiane Gerstetter, Miembro Superior, EcoLogic Institute
• Markus Gehring, Director Adjunto, Centro de Estudios Jurídicos Europeos, Universidad de Cambridge
• Monica Hencsey, Head of Unit, European Commission *
• Ingrid Jegou, Directiva Superior, ICTSD

Audio

 

Summary

Markus Gehring from the University of Cambridge presented a study on green provisions in regional trade agreements (RTAs). He noted that the new generation of RTAs create a different level of trade rules to address climate change. RTAs have provided the main mechanism for collaboration and enhancing trade in climate-friendly goods and services.

Chrisitane Gerstetter from the EcoLogic Institute outlined six options where the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) can bring positive results for the green economy. They include addressing subsidies in fossil fuel and renewable energy, regulatory cooperation, climate-friendly procurement, services (such as engineering or financial services), trade remedies and provisions to bring positive environment and climate measures.

Lena Johansson from the International Chamber of Commerce (in Sweden) noted that the business sector supports the climate agreement and shares the urgency to address climate issues. The business community wants clear rules based on market solutions, and prefers global trade rules.

Jan-Gerrit Westerhof of the European Commission shared personal views on the environment and energy provisions in a number of European Union (EU)-led bilateral agreements. He noted that the EU is keen on promoting high environmental standards for its trade interests and for levelling the playing field.

17:00-18:30

Sesión de trabajo 43: Aprovechar los servicios para un desarrollo inclusivo y sostenible

Organizador: Permanent Mission of Australia
Sala S2

El objetivo de la sesión es profundizar los conocimientos que se tienen acerca de las posibilidades de que sectores de servicios específicos, como los de las finanzas, las tecnologías de la información y las telecomunicaciones y el turismo, impulsen el desarrollo sostenible de forma significativa. En la sesión se adoptará un criterio práctico y no solo se examinarán los sectores de servicios que más posibilidades ofrecen de tener un impacto positivo, sino que también se abordarán las limitaciones concretas de la oferta que obstaculizan el desarrollo del sector de los servicios y los problemas que plantea crear una capacidad de oferta en sectores específicos de servicios.

Entre las cuestiones cabe mencionar las siguientes:

• ¿Qué sectores de servicios tienen más posibilidades de generar un crecimiento económico sostenido e inclusivo, y por qué?
• ¿Cómo pueden los responsables de las políticas determinar los sectores de servicios con un potencial latente de exportación?
• ¿Cuáles son los obstáculos relacionados con la oferta más importantes en sectores de servicios específicos cuya exportación interesa a los PMA y a los países de bajos ingresos?

¿Cómo pueden los responsables de las políticas aumentar al máximo el impacto de las modificaciones de las políticas en los sectores de servicios al tiempo que reducen las perturbaciones económicas a corto plazo que pueden provocar esos cambios?

 

• Hamish Mccormick, Embajador de Australia ante la OMC
• Vinaye Ancharaz, Economista Superior especializado en Desarrollo, ICTSD
• Michael Wamai, Primer Secretario, Misión Permanente de Uganda
• Sherry M. Stephenson, Stephenson, Miembro Superior, ICTSD
• Mary Mbithi, Lecturer, Profesora, Universidad de Nairobi
• Nicholas Frank, ICTSD

Moderador: Darlington Mwape, Miembro Superior, ICTSD

Audio

 

Summary

The panel noted that services make an increasingly important contribution to economic development and to sustainable development. It is the "new frontier" for accelerating participation in international trade.

The session addressed some of the supply side constraints. It also noted the potential roles of Aid for Trade and investment policy as enablers. In particular, it considered how services sectors can be exploited to meet sustainable development goals, including in efforts to deal with a range of implementation challenges, and in taking advantage of preferences notified by both developed and other developing countries under the least developed countries (LDC) services waiver in the WTO.

The International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development is undertaking work to identify objective criteria linking services with sustainable development, both directly and indirectly, in both growth (such as income effects) and non-growth (such as health, education, environment) perspectives, through multiple channels and different types of indicators (development-specific, sector-specific, horizontal).

The history of developments under the LDC services waiver, including notifications responding to the LDC's Collective Request and following the High Level Meeting held in February 2015, are showing signs of progress. LDCs have been able to engage in a way that WTO members can respond to, by not focusing on restrictions and barriers, but rather on active consideration of where market opportunities (and jobs) might open up in the future for LDCs in services sectors of interest. Also due to digital technology advances, and assisted by better statistics on trade flows, LDCs can be more active players, including from capitals. In this area the future is "not bleak".

Discussion turned to the important role of the domestic regulatory environment as an enabler, particularly in regulation-intensive services sectors, and in designing and implementing the right type and intensity of regulations. There are demonstrated correlations between (1) having efficient services sector regulations and greater productivity in both the manufacturing and services sectors; (2) the strength of the rule of law and governance indicators and high levels of services trade; and (3) the degree of trade restrictiveness (and liberalising the discriminatory elements, which is not always the same as de-regulating) and increased services trade.

In short, restrictive services regulations not only have a negative effect on services imports, but also have a dampening effect on services exports because they result in a lower quality and less efficient services sector. The overall aim is for regulatory quality and strong institutions. There are challenges in terms of attracting investment, addressing the deficit of skilled labour, and in building (and regulating for) an efficient services sector capable of providing inputs into global value chains. There is also a critical need to target the logistics sector. This is associated with major problems with infrastructure, which is also relevant for other services sectors including information technology, finance and tourism.

17:00-18:30

Sesión de trabajo 44: El comercio funciona mediante asociaciones innovadoras para la consecución de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible

Organizador: Global Social Observatory (GSO)
Sala W

Se necesitan asociaciones innovadoras en que participen múltiples interesados para apoyar la aplicación de la Agenda para el Desarrollo Después de 2015 y, en especial, para aprovechar las posibilidades que ofrece el comercio como motor del crecimiento económico inclusivo y para hacer realidad los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible. En esta sesión se presentarán a título de ejemplo asociaciones orientadas hacia la agricultura sostenible, la seguridad alimentaria y la nutrición y la salud, en términos de su impacto en el empoderamiento de las mujeres y las niñas y con especial énfasis en sus vinculaciones con el comercio, las cadenas mundiales de valor y un entorno comercial basado en normas. Los participantes adquirirán un mejor conocimiento de las oportunidades y de los problemas que plantean estas asociaciones de múltiples interesados, en las que participan ONG y otros grupos de la sociedad civil, el sector privado, gobiernos y organizaciones internacionales, y su papel en lograr que el comercio funcione en favor de un desarrollo inclusivo y sostenible.

• Ricardo Meléndez-Ortiz, Director Ejecutivo, ICTSD
• Debapriya Bhattacharya Presidente, Southern Voice on Post-MDGs
• Thomas Bombelles, Jefe de Salud Mundial, OMPI
• Roberto Vega, Jefe de políticas sobre productos y pequeñas explotaciones, Syngenta
• Marcela Manubens, Vicepresidenta Mundial de impacto social

Moderador: Katherine Hagen, Global Social Observatory

Audio

 

Summary

The session focused on identifying trade dimensions in the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and how to foster innovative and holistic partnerships to ensure effective implementation, follow-up, review and accountability.

The panellists shared the view that trade has been articulated as a means of implementation and reflected in different dimensions of the SDGs, from expanding trade as an engine for growth to regulating trade to ensure sustainable development. The panel also discussed a wide range of partnerships that are required not only to effectively implement each and every SDG but also to connect various goals and to ensure cohesion. Such partnerships should go beyond the national level, also taking place at the sub-national level.

The question of how to engage smallholders (small-scale farmers) and to partner with the private sector was also discussed in depth, with cases stories presented by Roberto Vega from Syngenta and Thomas Bombelles from the World Intellectual Property Organization.  A number of important points were highlighted, including the potential contribution of smallholders in increasing agriculture productivity if they have better access to technology and markets; the important role of partnerships with the private sector in engaging smallholders along value chains; the need to have a mix of supply-driven and demand-driven reasons for engaging the private sector; and the importance of knowledge partnership.

Specific to partnerships in financing and trade mainstreaming, Ricardo Meléndez-Ortiz from the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development and Debapriya Bhattacharya from the Southern Voice on Post-MDGs (millennium development goals) referred to the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) as an aspirational partnership model for trade capacity building for least developed countries.

Monitoring South-South cooperation as part of the global partnership and ensuring accountability in long-term partnership arrangements were raised, with a specific question on how to create spaces in high-level dialogues to report on these partnerships and enforce the accountability.

Moving forward, panellists highlighted the need to create knowledge bases to share good practices of partnership. Partnerships should be built on clear objectives, transparency, accountability, checks and balances. Partnerships should also be periodically reviewed with a view to assessing if they are working to serve policy objectives and if they are carrying out their mandate.

17:00-18:30

Sesión de trabajo 45: Lista de medidas en favor de la economía digital mundial

Organizador: National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC)
Sala E

Internet modifica la forma en que un particular lanza una empresa, en que las empresas funcionan y en que las economías crecen. Las tecnologías de conexión modifican el comportamiento y las prioridades de grandes empresas, al tiempo que facilitan la formación de redes y plataformas mundiales que, cada vez más, permiten a miles de pequeñas empresas, empresarios individuales y organizaciones llegar al mercado internacional. Ahora bien, la participación efectiva en los mercados mundiales depende de un marco básico de política pública que facilite el movimiento de la información digital, así como el de los servicios y bienes físicos que la economía digital hace posible. Los participantes estudiarán la función que puede desempeñar la política pública facilitando -o complicando- el acceso a la economía mundial en la era digital.

• Alvaro Cedeno Molinari, Misión Permanente de Costa Rica ante la Organización Mundial del Comercio
• Andrew Crosby, Director Gerente de comunicaciones y estrategia, ICTSD
• Samuel Laurinkari, Directivo Superior, Relaciones Gubernamentales con la UE, eBay Inc.
• Anka-Lisa Schild, Consejera Superior de políticas, Políticas comerciales y Economía Exterior, Siemens AG
• Sarah Thorn, Directora Superior, Comercio Internacional, Walmart

Moderador: Jake Colvin, Director Ejecutivo, Foro de Innovación Mundial, National Foreign Trade Council

Audio

 

Summary

The objective of the session was to introduce the Policy Checklist for the Global Digital Economy, which aims to encourage economic growth in the digital age.

The panel noted that the Internet has changed the way individuals launch businesses, how companies function and how economies grow. Connected technologies have altered the behaviour and priorities of large companies while facilitating the formation of global networks and platforms that increasingly enable small businesses, entrepreneurs, and organisations to engage in the international market place.

The session examined steps that large companies such as Walmart, Siemens and eBay took in order to adapt to the changing behaviour of customers, to the modified rules of competitiveness and the further globalisation of markets. The National Foreign Trade Council and the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development developed a policy checklist as a response in order to encourage public policy and the private sector to seek growth on a sustainable and inclusive basis.

Calls were made for further dialogue within the WTO: the Agreement on Trade Facilitation, the Agreement on Information Technology and other negotiations need to take place in light of how the world operates in the age of digital commerce. A different perspective would be for members to focus on what could be gained by all sides from agreeing to provisions that favour digital commerce.

An interesting case story was depicted in the recent experience of Costa Rica, which has successfully made the transition from an agricultural society to a digital hub and service-oriented society. This was possible because of the country's focus on education, the establishment of free trade agreements and of openness to foreign companies.

The panel noted that the WTO has a role in the debate. It can help ensure that rules and regulations are compatible across economies, and support the participation of businesses and entrepreneurs in the global marketplace. The WTO can also help develop better tools to measure economic statistics and monitor government policies, and coordinate regulation and standard-setting across issues such as privacy and cyber security.

17:00-18:30

Sesión de trabajo 46: Impulsar la innovación: crear cadenas de suministro sostenibles

Organizador: Centro de Comercio Internacional (ITC)
Sala D

Para poder promover y apoyar el comercio sostenible, es necesario que participen en el proceso los actores en todos los niveles de las cadenas de suministro, desde las pequeñas y medianas empresas (pymes) hasta las grandes multinacionales y los gobiernos. Los miembros de los paneles que participarán en la sesión de apertura expondrán los puntos de vista del sector privado y del sector público sobre cuestiones relacionadas con la importancia de conectar a las pymes a cadenas de suministro sostenibles. Los oradores abordarán temas como los programas de rastreabilidad, las deficiencias de los mercados, la necesidad de creación de capacidad y de armonización de las normas voluntarias de sostenibilidad y cómo hacer que el comercio inclusivo sea la norma. En esta sesión, a la que seguirá un evento de un día en la OMM el 2 de octubre, se presentará un nuevo e innovador programa destinado a facilitar la rastreabilidad a nivel de las explotaciones en las cadenas de suministro de productos agrícolas, patrocinado por el Centro de Comercio Internacional, UN Global Compact y Global Standard 1 (GS1).

 

• Arancha González, Directora Ejecutiva, Centro de Comercio Internacional (ITC)
• Marc Vanheukelen, Embajador y Representante Permanente, Misión Permanente de la Unión Europea ante la OMC
• Carlos Rojas Amelunge, Presidente, Ingenio Azucarero Guabirá (IAG)
• Ramesh Kana, Consejero Delegado, grupo Emery Oleochemicals
• Johan Maris, Director Mundial, Certificaciones, Control Union
• Antonia Wanner, Jefa Mundial de adquisición de productos, Nestlé

Moderador: Lanre Akinola, Editor de African Business, IC Publications

Audio

 

Summary

Arancha Gonzalez from the International Trade Centre (ITC) presented a new initiative that the ITC is launching with the UN Global Compact and Global Standard 1 (GS1) called "Blue Number", which is a global registry for sustainable farmers. It allows interested farmers to share information about their work, to connect to global buyers who prioritize sustainable sourcing and to assess their compliance with national and international voluntary standards. The Blue Number marketplace, which will be launched during the first quarter of 2016, will support the implementation of two of the recently adopted sustainable development goals:  Goal 2 on ending hunger, ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agriculture, and Goal 12 on promoting sustainable patterns of production and consumption.

During discussions, it was noted that the role of sustainability standards and related certification schemes in contributing to addressing environmental, social and economic concerns is central. Where possible, panellists noted, it was important to address sustainability across the whole supply chain. However, the proliferation of standards was causing confusion among suppliers as well as consumers. Farmers needed support and training as well as customized approaches to meet sustainability requirements, which could in fact increase their production and profitability. Consumers expected further clarity and credibility regarding the logos they saw on products they purchased and this was where governments could possibly play a role, for example by auditing standard-setters.

 

17:00-18:30

Taller 14: Comercio, competitividad y gobernanza mundial

Organizador: World Economic Forum (WEF)
Sala F

Tanto el comercio como la competitividad son esenciales para estimular el crecimiento, la productividad y la creación de empleo. Si bien es cierto que la apertura del comercio es fundamental para la competitividad, debe ir acompañada de reformas internas destinadas a aumentar la productividad para contribuir verdaderamente al crecimiento. En un contexto en que lograr el reequilibrio de la producción y el consumo a escala mundial resulta cada vez más complejo, una de las prioridades fundamentales de los dirigentes de las economías tanto desarrolladas como emergentes debería consistir en promover la apertura a escala mundial, regional y nacional y, al mismo tiempo, potenciar los factores clave que aumentan la competitividad a nivel nacional. En el Libro Blanco "The Case for Trade and Competitiveness" (La defensa del comercio y la competitividad), elaborado por los Global Agenda Councils on Competitiveness and Trade and FDI del Foro Económico Mundial, se aboga firmemente por una política coherente en materia de comercio y competitividad para favorecer una recuperación sostenida de la economía mundial.

El éxito del Programa de Doha para el Desarrollo de la OMC contribuiría en gran medida a lograr ese objetivo, pero las dificultades encontradas en las negociaciones ponen de manifiesto que la reactivación del mecanismo de negociación de la Organización plantea un verdadero desafío. Mientras se negocian diversos acuerdos comerciales regionales y bilaterales en un contexto de transición política multipolar, un informe del Global Agenda Council on Trade and Foreign Direct Investment presenta razones estratégicas generales que explicarían su incapacidad evidente para lograr esa meta (o, mejor dicho, la incapacidad de sus Miembros para lograrla) y reafirma la importancia de la centralidad de la OMC en la gobernanza del comercio mundial.

Esta sesión del Foro Público de la OMC se dedicará a la presentación de estos dos documentos y a las principales lecciones que hay que retener.

• Anabel González, Directora Superior, Prácticas Mundiales de Comercio y Competitividad, Grupo del Banco Mundial
• Peter Draper, Investigador Superior, Programa de Diplomacia Económica, Instituto Sudafricano de Asuntos Internacionales
• Selina Jackson, WRepresentante Especial del Grupo del Banco Mundial ante las Naciones Unidas y la OMC en Ginebra
• Harsha Singh, Asociado Superior para investigación estratégica y análisis de políticas, ICTSD
• Margareta Drzeniek, Jefa de competitividad mundial y riesgos, WEF

Moderador: Jonathan Fried, Embajador del Canadá ante la OMC

Summary

The panel discussed the importance of a two-pronged strategy, focusing on both enhancing openness and creating the right conditions, to foster competitiveness. Ways discussed for countries to reap the benefits of global value chains (GVCs) were to implement competitiveness policies, to have institutions dealing with the matter, and to have both hard connectivity (infrastructure) and soft connectivity (knowledge flows and training) in place. Switzerland was cited as a pinnacle of competitiveness: in spite of economic shocks, the country shows great resilience thanks to its strong macro-economic factors.

The panel said that starting from the global financial crisis, regionalism has prevailed in trade agreements. Mega-regionals are creating parallel governance, which is likely to lead to a fragmented and exclusionary system, run by the old Quad (the US, the European Union, Japan and Canada). The WTO can restore its centrality through two tracks. "WTO 1.0 logic" calls for enabling and locking-in market access, and preventing obvious cheating in market opening, such as through subsidies. "WTO 2.0 logic" calls for members to help developing countries to commit to supply-chain and offshoring disciplines.

The panel cited the importance of both low and high politics to restore multilateralism, and discussed three future scenarios in detail. The first is "full success" through a restoration of multilateralism. The second is a "stumbling block" scenario, whereby there is agreement on "fuzzy" policies. Finally the third is a "crumbling block" scenario. The panel highlighted that in trade global governance, low policies are integrally connected to high policies.

The panel concluded by noting that a country can keep its strategic advantage through technology, appropriate policies and standards, the neutrality of government in state enterprises to preserve competition and industrial policies.

Questions were taken on a variety of subjects. The panel said that leadership was required to change the WTO's role, but that the most pressing issue for the WTO to address is agriculture. In terms of industrial policies, panellists said that targeting particular sectors is a bad idea, and that we should favour horizontal reforms. The panel agreed that institutions, openness and education are the three most important competitiveness variables. And finally, the panel emphasized that there is no one-size-fits-all recipe for how a country can move up the global supply chain.

09:00-10:30

Sesión de trabajo 47: El empleo en las cadenas mundiales de valor

Organizador: Council on Economic Policies (CEP)
Sala D

Las nuevas formas de medir las corrientes mundiales de comercio proporcionan una nueva idea de la forma en que funciona el comercio. A menudo, hay diferencias sustanciales entre los datos sobre el comercio en términos de valor añadido y los datos sobre el comercio medido en valor bruto. Las consecuencias de nuestra forma de entender cómo se relacionan el comercio y la política comercial con el desarrollo económico en general y con el empleo en particular, todavía no son claras. En esta sesión se examinará más a fondo el nexo entre comercio y empleo y se tratará de encontrar respuestas a la pregunta de saber cuáles son las consecuencias de la aparición de cadenas mundiales de valor para el empleo en los países.

 

• Lucian Cernat, Economista Jefe, Dirección General de Comercio, Comisión Europea
• Marva Corley-Coulibaly, Senior Economist – International Labor Organization
• Przemyslaw Kowalski, Senior Trade Economist , Economista Comercial Superior, Organización de Cooperación y Desarrollo Económicos
• Petter Stålenheim, Trade Policy Advisor , Asesor en política comercial, Consejo Nacional de Comercio de Suecia

Moderador: Johannes Schwarzer, Fellow , Miembro del Council on Economic Policies

Audio

 

Summary

Petter Stålenheim from the Swedish National Board of Trade presented an analysis of trade and employment in value chains in Sweden. He found that the number of persons indirectly engaged in employment is more than double that of direct support. He also found that intermediate services account for 62 per cent of direct and indirect exports. He thus stressed the importance of services in global value chains (GVCs), but concluded that restrictions in both goods and services directly impede employment.

Lucian Cernat from the European Commission presented an analysis of trade and jobs from a European perspective, essentially capturing the job creation effects along the value chain. He found that European Union (EU) trade with the rest of the world is significant - one in seven jobs is created through this process. He added that EU export-related jobs are better remunerated than non-exporting industries. Furthermore, Mr Cernat added that small- and medium-sized enterprises should not be overlooked as they employ the highest share in the EU, contrary to common assumptions. Also, in the EU, services play a significant role in trade creation.

Przemeylaw Kowalski from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development also analyzed jobs in GVCs and found that GVC participation boosts many performance indicators at the country-sector level. Offshoring decreases wage inequality by sourcing low skills and high skills along GVCs, essentially taking advantage of a country’s comparative advantage. Also, GVC jobs grew six times faster than other jobs.

Marva Corley-Coulibaly from the International Labour Office looked at the changes in global production patterns and impacts on enterprises and employment. She found that more jobs were created in global supply chains that increased women's participation, particularly in emerging economies. Most of these jobs were in the services sector. She recommended broad policies to balance social and economic benefits as well as social dialogue for better links between these benefits along global supply chains.

The panel concluded that the role of intermediate services along value chains was very significant as this creates many jobs for both advanced and emerging economies.

09:00-10:30

Sesión de trabajo 48: ¿Cómo pueden Rusia y las empresas rusas obtener los máximos beneficios de la pertenencia de Rusia a la OMC?

Organizador: Egorov Puginski Afanasiev & Partners y Stéphanie Noël Law Office
Sala E

En agosto de 2012, después de 18 años de negociaciones, la Federación de Rusia ("Rusia") pasó a ser Miembro de la OMC. La adhesión y sus consecuencias se estudiaron y analizaron ampliamente, pero no se llegó a un consenso claro respecto de los beneficios que Rusia y las empresas rusas obtendrían. Se ha dicho que el tiempo es un factor clave y que los beneficios a largo plazo prevalecerán sobre las desventajas a corto plazo.

Tres años después de la adhesión, los efectos de esta se han hecho sentir de distinta manera según cada sector. Algunos han notificado que han obtenido pocos beneficios, otros que están peor y algunos han llegado incluso a pedir que su país deje la OMC. En ese contexto, el taller propuesto tiene por finalidad abordar la cuestión de la forma en que Rusia y las industrias rusas podrían beneficiarse al máximo de su pertenencia a la OMC y disfrutar plenamente de los beneficios de la liberalización del comercio. Además Rusia ha participado activamente en el Sistema de Solución de Diferencias de la OMC, en particular en diferentes controversias relacionadas con el comercio de energía y de materias primas. Tanto las empresas como el Gobierno enfocan la solución de diferencias en la OMC con un criterio que sigue siendo sumamente controvertido.

Últimamente, Rusia ha anunciado a los cuatro vientos que es posible que presente una denuncia a la OMC por las sanciones impuestas recientemente contra ella; sin embargo, por distintos motivos, todavía no lo ha hecho.

Los ponentes -expertos en comercio, funcionarios rusos, miembros de la comunidad empresarial rusa- estudiarán la situación, tres años después de la adhesión, expresarán sus preocupaciones y expectativas y entablarán un debate abierto sobre la mejor forma de aprovechar las oportunidades resultantes de ser miembro de la OMC.

 

• Aleksey Portanskiy, Profesor, Facultad de Economía Mundial y Asuntos
• Marina Trunk-Fedorova, Investigadora Superior, Universidad de Kiel, Profesora Asociada, Facultad de Derecho, Universidad Estatal de San Petersburgo
• Ivan Smirnov, Socio Gestor, Egorov Puginsky Afanasiev & Partners, San Petersburgo
• Vladimir Talanov, SJefe, Grupo de Comercio Internacional, Egorov Puginsky Afanasiev & Partners, Moscú
• Wilhelmina Shavshina, Legal Director, Head of Foreign Trade Regulation, DLA Piper, Saint-Petersburg
• Alexey Aronov, Director Jurídico, DLA Piper, Moscú

Moderador: Stephanie Noël, Abogada Mercantilista Internacional

Audio

 

Summary

The session focused on improving dialogue between Russian government and the private sector in the context of the multilateral trading system.

Aleksey Portansky from the School of World Economy reflected on the three-year anniversary of Russia’s membership in the WTO. Uncertainty around economic policies and deterioration of trade conditions were identified as the two major obstacles in diversification of the national economy. These are also aggravated by a number of restrictions on foreign actors in domestic markets and financial services as well as export promotion through restrictions on imports.

Marina Trunk-Fedorova from the Saint Petersburg State University Law School stressed that one of the most significant benefits of WTO membership is access to the dispute settlement mechanism. She said that a number of WTO members view Russia as the source of numerous complaints, but that this is not borne out through an examination of complaints filed. She said that this assumption stems from a lack of transparency in trade procedures in the private sector, as well as the high cost of engaging with the dispute settlement process. Ms Trunk-Fedorova also touched upon the issue of national experts, and noted that there is an ongoing effort to increase capacity, including the introduction of a new Master study programme in WTO law.

Vladimir Talanov from Egorov Puginsky Afanasiev & Parters provided a legal overview of Russian participation in the WTO. He stated that notifications and trade concerns on technical barriers to trade are among the most frequent notifications. The majority of these concerns are linked to a lack of transparency.

Russia currently encourages interplay between the domestic legal system and international law on trade questions: the international treaty holds dominance over the national legal system. Russia has already guaranteed the enforcement of the WTO agreements in national courts where WTO rules are superior to the provisions of the Federal Law. This so-called “direct effect” of WTO law is rarely adopted and implemented by member states because of possible inflow of complaints at all levels of businesses and trading entities. In reality, a number of WTO legal provisions, such as intellectual property rights, were not granted to the Russian business community. Overall, the effect is that the practice is fragmented and applied selectively by Russian policy-makers.

Wilhelmina Shavshina and Alexey Aronov, both from DLA Piper (Saint Petersburg), discussed the application of WTO rules to customs procedures, in particular evaluations and notification services. Russia has specific customs obligations in its Customs Union with four other post-Soviet states that exceed the WTO bound tariff. Because of this, customs classification is extremely important to ensure compliance with the customs duty rate. Ms Shavshina and Mr Aronov noted that export customs duties comprise an important component of the national budget. The system of indicative values is often based on the good faith of trading actors that do not abide by international standards.

09:00-10:30

Sesión de trabajo 49: Cómo funciona el comercio para los agricultores, los consumidores, las zonas rurales y el empleo - Perspectiva de los interesados del sector agrícola

Organizador: European Liaison Committee for Agricultural and Agri-Food Trade (CELCAA) y Copa Cogeca
Sala W

La sesión demostrará cómo funciona el comercio para el sector agrícola. Si bien hasta hace poco la agricultura estaba protegida de la liberalización del comercio, el sector ha empezado a abrirse al comercio y de este modo ha contribuido al crecimiento y al empleo. En la primera presentación (Rabobank) se expondrá el impacto que la liberalización del comercio ha tenido para los asociados en el comercio y la forma en que la agricultura puede pasar a ser un motor de la economía. El comercio puede complementar las reformas internas en apoyo de la competitividad. Esto se demostrará en una ponencia relativa a la industria láctea y el comercio de la UE. El comercio también puede servir para que la agricultura promueva las zonas rurales y el empleo a través de distintos medios, entre otros la producción de productos de elevada calidad como las indicaciones geográficas, que será el tema objeto de la tercera presentación. En la cuarta presentación se darán ejemplos concretos del impacto positivo del comercio desde la perspectiva de un país en desarrollo. Por último, el grupo y los participantes podrán intercambiar opiniones y entablar un debate.

• Willy Schulz-Greve, Jefe de Unidad, Análisis del comercio y de las políticas internacionales, Dirección General de Agricultura y Desarrollo Rural, Comisión Europea
• Mansel Raymond, DProductor lácteo, Presidente, Copa-Cogeca Milk Working Group
• Ignacio Sanchez- Recarte, Secretario General, Comité Europeo de Empresas Vinícolas
• Evelyn Nguleka, President of the World Farmers' Organization

Moderador: Cédric Pene, Consejero, División de Agricultura y Productos Básicos, OMC

Audio

 

Summary

The panel discussed how agriculture is central to the Doha Round. No matter what happens at the Tenth Ministerial Conference in Nairobi in December 2015, they said agriculture will always be central to WTO negotiations. The state of play of the negotiations today is such that it does not appear that there will be any meaningful package on agriculture - it is not clear what will be achieved in Nairobi. Cotton is an essential commodity that needs to be discussed – in particular for many African least developed countries.

Willy Schulz-Greve from the European Commission noted that the European Union (EU) is a net exporter of agri-food products, a category which includes commodities. He mentioned that despite the Russian embargo on certain products, exports of agri-food have increased. However, certain segments of agri-food have declined in 2014-15. He noted that besides market access, there are other issues that need to be dealt with, including sanitary and phytosanitary measures, geographical indications, investment, services and public procurement. In conclusion, EU agricultural policy has reformed and improved competitiveness.

Mansel Raymond from the Copa-Cogeca Milk Working Group said that 75 per cent of European milk producers - 1.2 million people - earn their livelihoods solely from producing milk. He noted that the Russian embargo has hurt dairy products in Europe, which is now diversifying into markets in Egypt and the United States. European milk producers now require a level playing field on domestic markets. He said that sanitary requirements in many countries are not based on scientific studies, and that milk producers also want further protection of geographical indications to protect consumers from fraud.

Ignacio Sanchez-Recarte from the European Committee of Wine Enterprises noted that vineyards are generally based in rural areas. Sixty per cent of global wine production originates in Europe. The wine industry contributes 6 billion euros to the European Union's trade surplus. He said that wine producers want market access, and said that one hindrance was perhaps the definition of wine, which varies in different countries.

Evelyn Nguleka from the World Farmers' Organization noted that agriculture supports many other commodities. She asserted that trade is not only about the amount of money earned, but also the effects of trade on countering malnutrition. She called for perceptions of trade and aid-related issues to change, and a strong knowledge exchange to identify future challenges. With urbanization, people leave rural areas to earn their livelihoods. To her, trade must protect these people and provide them with satisfactory livelihoods. Trade should be a tool to mitigate urban migration.

09:00-10:30

Sesión de trabajo 50: Continúa el éxito: ¿qué política comercial hay que adoptar para que las cadenas mundiales de valor funcionen?

Organizador: EuroCommerce y Foreign Trade Association
Sala S2

El comercio mundial de bienes de consumo es el ejemplo más palpable de que el comercio funciona. Gracias "al comercio con el mundo", los consumidores tienen acceso a una variedad cada vez mayor de productos a precios asequibles; y la producción para los mercados mundiales es un motor del crecimiento económico y del progreso social en los países en desarrollo. La complejidad de las modalidades de comercio internacional, expresadas en el concepto de cadenas mundiales de valor, requiere normas sencillas y transparentes. Aun así, la actual "maraña" de procedimientos y normas contradictorios todavía entorpece seriamente el intercambio de productos.

¿Qué reglamento necesitamos para responder a las realidades empresariales en rápida transformación? ¿Cuál es el papel de la OMC y del Programa de Desarrollo de Doha? ¿Qué podemos esperar de la Conferencia Ministerial de Nairobi?

 

• Marc Vanheukelen, Embajador de la UE ante la OMC
• Katarina Maaskant, Directora de Asuntos Públicos, IKEA Group
• Ismat Jahan, Embajadora de Bangladesh ante la UE (tbc)
• Hosuk Lee-Makiyama, Director, Centro Europeo de Economía Política Internacional (ECIPE)

Moderadors: Ralph Kamphöner, Director de políticas, EuroCommerce, y Pierre Gröning, Jefe de Políticas Comerciales Internacionales, Foreign Trade Association

Audio

 

Summary

The panel noted that the existence of global value chains (GVCs) imply that the production of goods is more fragmented and as a result, GVCs have a strong impact on trade policy. Katrina Maaskant from IKEA illustrated how GVCs work at a regional level by giving an example of furniture produced by IKEA, which uses 30 different types of materials from 11 different countries. The panel also noted that GVCs face numerous challenges that could be addressed at the WTO level. For instance, there is an incredible delay in panel and Appellate Body procedures. If a dispute is left pending at the WTO, industries will incur losses. Issues such as different taxation systems and non-tariff barriers (NTBs) have also been mentioned as concerns that can make the life of economic operators, particularly retailers, very difficult. The Agreement on Trade Facilitation has a potential to address these NTBs, but it will only enter into force once two thirds of the members ratify it.

Looking forward, the panellists discussed the role of electronic commerce and the generalised system of preferences (GSP). In a globalized world, electronic commerce is becoming increasingly significant, but questions remain open on the privacy of data, national security and taxation. The panellists also mentioned that the GSP could be extended to individual companies which abide by different sustainability standards. Finally, the panel stressed the importance of the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA), and the Tenth Ministerial Conference in Nairobi in December 2015 in order to achieve sustainable development in GVCs.

09:00-10:30

Sesión de trabajo 51: Fomentar la integración regional mediante las cadenas regionales de valor: perspectivas del África Subsahariana

Organizador: Gobierno de Finlandia
Sala S1

Hay pocos ejemplos concretos de países africanos que se hayan integrado con éxito en las redes internacionales de producción. Ahora bien, al igual que el comercio regional puede ofrecer a un país la oportunidad de experimentar con el comercio y de reforzar su ventaja competitiva antes de aventurarse en la economía mundial, de igual manera, las cadenas regionales de valor pueden servir de trampolín a los países que desean conectarse a las cadenas mundiales de valor.

Las cadenas regionales de valor no se han documentado bien en el África Subsahariana, pero eso no significa que no existan. Además, las posibilidades de desarrollar cadenas regionales de valor en sectores concretos se han visto impulsadas por normas de origen en los acuerdos comerciales del África Subsahariana y por la esperanza de lograr un acuerdo de libre comercio panafricano. Se darán ejemplos de cadenas regionales de valor en el África Subsahariana y se explicará cómo se podrían aprovechar como instrumento de crecimiento inclusivo de la región.

 

• Päivi Kairamo, Representante Permanente de Finlandia ante las Naciones Unidas, la OMC y otras organizaciones internacionales con sede en Ginebra
• Mike Morris, Profesor, Universidad de Ciudad del Cabo
• Vinaye Ancharaz, Senior Development Economist, ICTSD
• Johanna Silvander, Economista Superior especializado en Desarrollo, ICTSD
• Ruben Phoolchund, Jefe, Oficina para África, ITC (por confirmar)

Moderador: Darlington Mwape, Miembro Superior, ICTSD

Audio

 

Summary

The panel raised some key points including that the impact of regional and global value chains on social development has yet to be fully understood. Their benefits and implications are not as clear and unconditional as many might assume. Panellists suggested that stakeholders and policymakers focus on two particular aspects of inclusiveness with respect to regional and global value chains: first, integrating small- and medium-sized enterprises into regional and global value chains; and second, enabling women to fully benefit from value chains. Preferential market arrangements are critically important for the development of strong regional and global value chains.

The panel noted that different types of value chains can have different outcomes, both economically and socially. Vertically-specialized value chains exist where value-added production occurs in parallel and not in linear form (different products being produced simultaneously and being incorporated together in a final product). This type of value chain predominates in Asia. Additive value chains are those in which value-added production is linear (value being added sequentially rather than simultaneously). Most value is added further down the production chain, outside the resource-rich country. These value chains predominate in Africa. Panellists summarized research showing the lack of a connection between "economic upgrading" (moving up a value chain), and "social upgrading" (improving human and workers' rights). Indeed, there is even evidence of "social downgrading" as a consequence of regional and global value chains.

With respect to gender, the panel noted that women have received some limited benefits from participation in value chains, such as increased job opportunities. However, many problems remain, particularly the reality that women remain predominantly in low-skilled jobs. Some reasons for women's inability to capitalize on the opportunities provided by regional and global value chains are: women's time is not their own (particularly due to an expectation of caregiving); women have less access to factors of production; and gender differences result from the distorting and discriminatory structures of markets and institutions.

The panel concluded by noting that there is a large scope for institutions, civil society and governments to both respond to the negative impacts or concerns generated by regional and global value chains, and to enable firms and individuals to take proper advantage of those value chains. In particular, Aid for Trade can play a part in facilitating firms' connectivity to regional and global value chains as well as in facilitating gender equality in the distribution of benefits that accrue due to regional and global value chains.

09:00-10:30

Sesión de trabajo 52: El Acuerdo sobre los ADPIC, la innovación y el acceso a los medicamentos: 20 años después

Organizador: Peoples Health Movement (PHM), Médicos Sin Fronteras (MSF) y Red del Tercer Mundo
Sala S3

El Acuerdo de la OMC sobre los ADPIC introdujo importantes cambios en las normas de protección de la propiedad intelectual. Desde entonces, han pasado 20 años. En esta sesión se evaluarán los acontecimientos que se han producido en los 20 años transcurridos desde que se aprobó el Acuerdo y se discutirán los problemas y las oportunidades de acceso a los medicamentos y a las innovaciones en el ámbito de la salud pública, resaltando las experiencias de determinados países. También se discutirá la Declaración de Doha sobre los ADPIC y la Salud Pública, acordada en 2001 en la Conferencia Ministerial de la OMC celebrada en Doha, ya que sigue siendo el mayor logro para abordar la relación entre la propiedad intelectual y la salud pública. También se examinarán las tendencias en materia de propiedad intelectual desde que se aprobó el Acuerdo sobre los ADPIC, así como las perspectivas de la innovación en materia de salud pública y acceso a los medicamentos.

• Sangeeta Sashikant, Third World Network (moderator)
• Mariangela Simao, Director of Rights, Gender, Prevention, and Community Mobilization department, UNAIDS.
• Ellen ‘t Hoen, Medicines Law and Policy.
• Hu Yuanqiong, Legal and Policy Advisor, MSF Access Campaign. 
• Michael Wamai, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Uganda
• Srikar Mysore, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India to the WTO

Audio

 

Summary

The session assessed developments in the 20 years since the adoption of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement and discussed the challenges and opportunities in the context of access to medicines and public health innovation. The session also discussed the Doha Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health agreed at the 2001 WTO Ministerial Conference in Doha, including the least developed countries' (LDCs) medicines waiver, as it remains a landmark achievement for addressing the relationship between IP and public health.

Moderator Sangeeta Sashikant from the Third World Network presented the challenges and opportunities of access to medicine, its importance, public health and research and development (R&D). She said that even though there have been developments and progress in terms of access to medicine (use of TRIPS flexibilities), large issues still remain, and that the current system may not work for R&D.

Mariangela Simao from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) presented her programme's activities. She said that TRIPS flexibilities are important in overcoming barriers to access to medicine, but that they are very difficult to use. She agreed that the current system must be revisited, and emphasized that innovation and access to medicines must be affordable and sustainable to governments.

Ms Sashikant highlighted the need for affordable second- and third-line drugs and an appropriate legal policy environment.

Michael Wamai from the Permanent Mission of Uganda provided the LDCs' perspective. He discussed the LDCs' request for extension of the medicines waiver, and its status at the WTO. He reported that most WTO members acknowledge the importance of the issue and are willing to support the LDC request to different extents. He highlighted the significance of this mechanism to LDCs and stated being able to exercise these flexibilities is a matter of life or death.

Ellen ‘t Hoen from Medicines Law and Policy also focused on the importance of the LDCs' medicine waiver, and its difference from the general TRIPS extension. She underlined that this special waiver has been widely used in procuring medicine and providing legal protection for LDCs. She called on WTO members to satisfy what she qualified as a modest extension request by LDCs, and stated that by rejecting such a request, they would be sending the wrong message as this mechanism is the most effective one for LDCs in the WTO. She noted access to medicine is a problem for countries at all levels of development.

Hu Yuanqiong from the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Access Campaign presented the MSF position on the issue. She asserted that competition from genericproducts s is a catalyst for drug price reductions. However, she noted that expanding the patent regime through the TRIPS Agreement has been an impediment to access to medicines. She explored the high cost of second- and third-line drugs in developing countries, as well high prices for new drugs for millions of people. She stated that the patent-centric R&D model has failed to deliver access to medicines and concluded by calling on global society to "set innovation free" and aim for "R&D for the poor".

Srikar Mysore from the Permanent Mission of India to the WTO explained the notion of non-violation complaints in the context of the TRIPS Agreement, the current state of play in the TRIPS Council and its potential harm. Currently, there is a moratorium on non-violation complaints under the TRIPS Agreement, and some WTO members have proposed to make the moratorium permanent because such a mechanism could lead to legal uncertainty and ambiguity, and undermine access to medicine.

09:00-10:30

Taller 15: Los países en desarrollo y las cadenas mundiales de valor; razones, objeto y dirección

Organizador: Organización de Cooperación y Desarrollo Económicos (OCDE) y Banco Mundial
Sala B

Los enormes cambios que se han producido en la actividad económica mundial con la aparición de las cadenas mundiales de valor han planteado nuevos retos y oportunidades a los países en desarrollo. Ya no tienen que dominar todo un proceso de producción y ahora pueden especializarse en diferentes segmentos de la producción internacional para aprovechar su ventaja comparativa. Han conseguido integrarse mejor en las cadenas de valor, pero ahora el reto consiste en acabar de comprender los beneficios de una ulterior participación, los factores que la propician y sus consecuencias. Además, con el cambio tecnológico que transforma constantemente el carácter de la actividad empresarial mundial, es preciso enfocar esas cuestiones con un criterio orientado hacia el futuro. Esta sesión aprovechará la labor realizada recientemente por la OCDE y por el Banco Mundial, así como opiniones de representantes empresariales, académicos y responsables de políticas para tratar de aclarar el cómo y el porqué de la participación de los países en desarrollo en las cadenas mundiales de valor.

• Javier Lopez Gonzalez, Analista de Políticas Comerciales, Organización de Cooperación y Desarrollo Económicos
• Sarah  F. Thorn, Directora Superior, Relaciones con el Gobierno Federal, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
• Mariam MD. Salleh, Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the World Trade Organisation
• Vu Lam, Chairman and CEO KMS-technology

Moderador: Daria Taglioni, Global solutions Lead for Global Value Chains, Trade and Competitiveness Global Practice, World Bank Group

Audio

 

Summary

Javier Lopez Gonzalez of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development discussed the latest trends in global value chains (GVCs). He said more developing countries are participating in GVCs, and that there are more regional value chains. Complementarity is important. Beyond trade policy (like tariffs), investment in hard and soft infrastructure is necessary, and such policies should seek to improve the supply chain.

Mariam MD Salleh, Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the WTO, shared the experience of a developing country in integrating into GVCs. She recounted that some countries' early experiences of trade is through colonial channels and later through regional trading areas which attract foreign investment for manufacturing. She asserted that paying attention to benchmarks and competitiveness rankings enables governments to improve the ease of trade across borders through reforms to customs and measures which increase attractiveness to investors, such as intellectual property protection.

Sarah Thorn from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. spoke about the requirements for developing country exporters to join GVCs. She noted that buyers look at price, value and reliability of exporters. Suppliers have to overcome complex requirements like barcodes, liability insurance, delivery costs and audit standards, which are often designed with larger factories in mind. She emphasized that exporting is hard for small producers, but that one way to penetrate GVCs might be to first enter the local value chain to understand the demands of the market. Finally, she noted that sourcing conditions set by some foreign trade agreements (for example, rules of origin or content requirements) further complicate the situation for exporters.

Vu Lam from KMS-technology presented the experience of his small business in GVCs. He concluded that GVCs sometimes benefit small businesses because they allow the firm to tap larger global suppliers for needed resources.

10:30-12:00

Sesión de trabajo 53: Comercio y desarrollo: el papel de las cadenas mundiales de valor, el impacto del comercio en las políticas fiscales y la experiencia de los países menos adelantados

Organizador: Grupo Evian
Sala W

El comercio internacional puede impulsar considerablemente el desarrollo. En esta sesión se estudiarán las experiencias de los países en desarrollo en lo relativo a integrarse en la economía mundial analizando el papel de los dirigentes empresariales cuando tropiezan con carencias institucionales de infraestructura o en las políticas de salud, educación y medio ambiente (el caso de Madagascar), la estrategia de China en la integración de las cadenas mundiales de valor, y las consecuencias macroeconómicas de la liberalización del comercio (por ejemplo, impacto en los ingresos fiscales). También se abordará la interacción entre los acuerdos de comercio (a nivel multilateral y preferencial) y los acuerdos no comerciales (tratados bilaterales de inversión y acuerdos fiscales internacionales).

• Michael Daly, , Asesor externo, Departamento de Asuntos Fiscales, FMI
• Marc Laperrouza, Profesor, Escuela Politécnica Federal de Lausana (EPFL)
• Jean-Pierre Lehmann, Profesor Emérito, IMD y Fundador, Grupo Evian en el IMD
• Fabrice Lehmann, consultor, Grupo Evian en el IMD
• Aluisio de Lima-Campos,, Profesor Adjunto, Facultad de Derecho de Washington, Universidad Americana

Moderador: Carlos A. Primo Braga, Profesor, IMD y Director, Grupo Evian en el IMD

Audio

 

Summary

The panel asserted that international trade is an important springboard for development, and stated that Kazakhstan's upcoming accession to the WTO will provide an opportunity to see which trade activities will develop in this country.

The panellists said it is important not to cut corners in development. For instance, an institutional framework and education are essential to help foster growth. If we take the example of Madagascar, a country where 94 per cent of the population is below the poverty line, institutional stability, education and health are important aspects for integration into the world economy.

Panellists discussed the possible impacts of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which some feared will fragment the world rather than unify it. They suggested the WTO could play a role by adopting new paradigms, new ideas and new processes of reform adapted to the 21st century.

The panel said that global value chains (GVCs) require cooperation between government and firms. They also said that it is important for countries to pay attention to what their neighbours are doing in terms of policy, as firms may choose to leave their home country and move to neighbouring countries, which provide incentives through lower taxes and lower energy and labour costs. Trade and tax are intertwined: taxes can be a major source of revenue, particularly in developing countries, and tax revenue losses owing to trade liberalization can be recouped by improving the tax structure.

10:30-12:00

Sesión de trabajo 54: Mirando hacia atrás y hacia adelante: la dinámica en evolución de las relaciones entre la OMC y la sociedad civil

Organizador: King's College London y King's University College at the University of Western Ontario, Canada.
Sala B

No cabe duda de que el comercio ha beneficiado a algunos, pero también ha dejado atrás a otros. Con frecuencia, se considera que las organizaciones de la sociedad civil desempeñan un papel crucial ayudando a mitigar la exclusión de los Estados más débiles, dando voz a las comunidades marginadas y planteando las inquietudes ambientales y de desarrollo en el marco del sistema de comercio. La politización y desmitificación del programa mundial de comercio por parte de la sociedad civil también abre la puerta a una serie de actores más diversos que influyen en las negociaciones comerciales. Este grupo estudiará la interacción entre la sociedad civil y la OMC en este contexto. Tratará de aclarar hasta qué punto la sociedad civil ha tenido éxito en sus objetivos y cómo ha evolucionado su relación con la OMC. Si bien la tristemente célebre Batalla de Seattle ensombrece las perspectivas, ahora, 15 años más tarde, este grupo estudiará cómo habría que caracterizar la relación actual, quién ha conseguido entrar y quién ha quedado al margen.

• Ricardo Meléndez-Ortiz, CEO, International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD)
• Deborah James, Director of International Programs, Centre for Economic and Policy Research, member of Our World Is Not For Sale (OWINFS)
• Rashid Kaukab, Director, Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS) International Geneva
• Bernard Kuiten, Head of External Relations, World Trade Organization
• Yvonne Theemann, Senior Program Officer for Trade and Development, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES)
• Rorden Wilkinson, PProfesor y Jefe del Departamento de Relaciones Internacionales, Universidad de Sussex

Moderador: Erin Hannah, King’s University College, Universidad de Western Ontario (Canadá)

Audio

 

Summary

Deborah James from Our World Is Not For Sale said the private sector is predominant in trade, drawing upon specific examples. She said a reason why there is no civil society participation in the WTO is because they do not see room for impact.

Rashid Kaukab from the Consumer Unity & Trust Society (CUTS) International said that over time, developing country members of the WTO came to realize that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) could be partners. He noted that while formal engagement in the WTO is limited to governments or inter-governmental organizations only, at the semi-formal level, there is some room for creativity. Mr Kaukab called on the WTO Secretariat to take the lead and propose initiatives beyond the Public Forum mandate. Finally, he called upon the WTO to give NGOs observer status.

Bernard Kuiten of the WTO said that the WTO is a member-driven organization and thus must engage as its members request. He drew the session's attention to the fact that NGOs are already engaging with the WTO, and that the Public Forum works well. He underscored the significant change in NGO opinion of the WTO from the Seattle Ministerial Conference in 1999 to today.

Ricardo Meléndez-Ortiz of the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) highlighted that the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) was of interest to the business community. He noted that his organization is trying to improve access to the WTO for all. He concluded that he hoped that the Nairobi Ministerial Conference in December 2015 sees a debate about the role of the WTO in global governance, particularly into questions such as the sustainable development goals.

Rorden Wilkinson from the University of Sussex mentioned that the Public Forum has become increasingly business-oriented, with a declining number of NGOs participating. He said that when the Public Symposium (precursor of the Public Forum) was held, it was very much a public education exercise, whose need was evident after the Seattle Ministerial Conference in 1999. He estimated that today the Public Forum is largely about securing positions, and called for a return to discussions on complex topics such as the link between trade and the sustainable development goals.

 

10:30-12:00

Sesión de trabajo 55: ¿Se necesitan más normas de inversión para que el comercio funcione?

Organizador: Norwegian Trade Campaign, Programme on Women’s Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (PWESCR) y PowerShift e.V.
Sala S3

En esta sesión se examinarán las últimas normas de inversión que se han negociado en tratados como el Acuerdo
de Asociación Transpacífico y que se proponen en nuevos tratados modelo bilaterales de inversión, así como las consecuencias de incluirlos en la OMC para los países desarrollados y para los países en desarrollo.

• Felipe Hees, Consejero, Misión Permanente del Brasil ante la Organización Mundial del Comercio y otras organizaciones económicas con sede en Ginebra
• Muhammad Takdir, Consejero, Misión Permanente de la República de Indonesia ante la Oficina de las Naciones Unidas y otras organizaciones internacionales con sede en Ginebra
• Malte Marwedel, , Investigador jurídico, Facultad de Derecho, Universidad de Friburgo, Alemania

Audio

 

Summary

Felipe Hees from the Brazilian Mission to the WTO discussed Brazil's new model for bilateral investment treaties, the Agreement on Cooperation and Facilitation of Investment (ACFI). It is hoped that this approach , which enhances institutional governance, will be tailor made to the needs of both countries party to the agreement, and will prevent disputes.

Muhammad Takdir from the Indonesian Mission to the WTO said that Indonesia is seeking a new regime of international investment agreements which balance out the rights and responsibilities of states and investors. Indonesia is currently undertaking a review of its bilateral investment treaties and free trade agreements, and looking towards a new bilateral investment treaty model with long-term benefits for states and investors.

Malte Marwedel from the University of Freiburg (Germany) said that the European Union (EU) has signed over 1,000 bilateral investment treaties with non-EU countries, comprising one-third of bilateral investment treaties worldwide. Key concerns in the investment treaties currently being negotiated by the EU include investor privileges and public interest regulation, the tendency of the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) system to favour investors, the unknowns of the ISDS system, and the lack of transparency in the ISDS. He proposed a new approach which safeguards rights to regulate, and a more predictable and less costly ISDS system.

10:30-12:00

Sesión de trabajo 56: Lograr que el comercio digital funcione para todos: aprovechar las oportunidades, resolver los problemas

Organizador: Centro Internacional de Comercio y Desarrollo Sostenible (CICDS)
Sala S2

Cuando se creó la OMC, la economía digital aún era incipiente. Veinte años más tarde, la digitalización ha tenido un profundo impacto en la forma en que funciona el comercio. Se utilizan soluciones digitales para vender y entregar productos y servicios y las empresas transfieren datos a través de las fronteras como parte integrante de sus operaciones diarias. ¿Cuáles son los principales obstáculos y limitaciones con que tropiezan las empresas de comercio digital? ¿En qué esferas podrían introducirse mejoras en el sistema mundial de comercio para resolver esas limitaciones y obstáculos? ¿Está la OMC, ahora que ya tiene 20 años, bien equipada para apoyar la creciente digitalización de la actividad económica y el comercio? Estas son algunas de las preguntas que se formularán durante la sesión, que incluirá relatos de primera mano por parte de empresas cuyo crecimiento depende de las tecnologías digitales, así como reflexiones de importantes expertos en la esfera del comercio digital.

• Arancha González, Directora Ejecutiva, Centro de Comercio Internacional (ITC)
• Rosa Delgado Experta en estrategias sobre TIC, VIP Consultants
• Michael Kende, Economista Jefe, Internet Society
• Julian Braithewaite, Representante Permanente del Reino Unido ante las Naciones Unidas en Ginebra
• Hosuk Lee Makiyama, Director, ECIPE

Moderador: Andrew Crosby, Director Gerente de comunicaciones y estrategia, ICTSD

Audio

 

Summary

The panel noted that digitalisation has profoundly impacted how "trade works". Digital solutions are now used to sell and deliver products and services, while businesses move data across borders as an intrinsic part of their daily operations. This was not the case twenty years ago when the WTO was established and the digital economy was still in its infancy. They then sought to explore the key barriers and constraints faced by businesses engaged in digital trade, possible remedies for these barriers in the global trading system, and whether the WTO is well-equipped to accompany the growing digitalisation of economic activity and trade.

Arancha González from the International Trade Centre said that the Internet represents a huge opportunity for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). For many people in developing countries, it represents the first pathway to connect to markets. Enabling efforts should be made at the levels of payments systems, hard and soft infrastructure, socio-political culture (understood here to mean customer service, the ability to interact with the government, change in education) and bridging the digital divide to enable productivity.

Rosa Delgado from VIP Consultants said that business and countries that do not connect to the Internet will be left out. Developing countries also need to engage in research for effectiveness, competitiveness and job creation. Emerging markets specialised in agricultural products must seek ways to engage digital pursuit. The way forward is investing in education despite its very high cost.

Michael Kende from the Internet Society highlighted the gap in Internet access, which is roughly 40 per cent globally. This is compared to 99.5 per cent of people who have access to a phone signal. For Internet access to be affordable, he estimated that it must be less than 10 per cent of a user's revenue. He also noted that local, relevant content increases traffic and consumption. Finally, the Internet can help producers to produce content.

Mark Matthews from the Permanent Mission of the UK to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva noted that the UK spends GBP 1 billion annually in Aid for Trade, some of which supports building and upgrading digital services and banking systems, both of which play a role in development and poverty reduction. Recent WTO agreements such as the Agreement on Trade Facilitation and the Information Technology Agreement are expected to provide many benefits.

Hosuk Lee-Makiyama from the European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE) highlighted that e-commerce is a colossal market, particularly in terms of data - it represents US$ 1.2 billion per annum, which equals Australia's GDP. The WTO must adapt to cover issues of digital commerce.

10:30-12:00

Sesión de trabajo 57: En vista de la amenaza que suponen los Acuerdos de Asociación Económica para la seguridad alimentaria del África Subsahariana, la OMC puede y debe mejorar sus normas en la esfera del comercio agrícola

Organizador: Red de Organizaciones de Campesinos y Agricultores del África Occidental (ROPPA), Brot fuer die Welt y National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS)
Sala D

Para que el comercio funcione para beneficio de las poblaciones rurales más pobres, las del África Subsahariana, sus normas deben tener en cuenta la desigualdad de los interlocutores. La Ronda de Doha, llamada la Ronda del Desarrollo, representó una gran esperanza para el África Subsahariana, pero la imposibilidad de concluir esa Ronda ha hecho que la Unión Europea negocie acuerdos de asociación económica que suponen una amenaza para los campesinos y las economías del África Subsahariana. La mejora de las normas contenidas en el Acuerdo sobre la Agricultura daría al África Subsahariana el margen del que antes disfrutaron los países desarrollados para poder hacer frente a los enormes retos que se plantean a mediano y largo plazo: aumento del déficit alimentario, amplificado por la explosión demográfica y el cambio climático. Unas políticas que garantizaran precios remunerativos y estables a los campesinos del África Subsahariana -que constituyen dos tercios de la población- impulsaría toda la economía y garantizaría a los países desarrollados y a los países emergentes la posibilidad de exportar a esa región productos y servicios de elevado valor añadido a mediano y largo plazo.

• Mamadou Cissokho,Presidente honorario, ROPPA, Senegal
• Bassiaka Dao, Presidente, Confédération Paysanne du FASO, Burkina Faso
• Jane Nalunga, CDirectora, Instituto de Información y Negociaciones Comerciales para África Meridional y Oriental (SEATINI) en Uganda
• Ken Ukaoha, Presidente, National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), Nigeria
• Peter Lunenborg, Centro del Sur, Suiza
• Cheikh Tidiane Dieye, Secretario Ejecutivo, ENDA-CACID, Senegal
• Francisco Mari en representación de Brot für die Welt
• Jacques Berthelot, Académico y Analista de políticas agrícolas de Solidarité, Francia

Audio

 

Summary

Le Cycle de Doha, dénommé Cycle du développement, a suscité de grands espoirs pour l'Afrique subsaharienne, mais l'incapacité de le conclure a conduit l'Union européenne à négocier des accords de partenariat économique (APE) qui représentent une menace pour les paysans et les économies de la région. L'APE demande plus de flexibilité et le secteur privé quant à lui demande une protection à l'agriculture. Une amélioration des règles de l'Accord sur l'Agriculture offrirait à l'Afrique subsaharienne la marge de manœuvre nécessaire, dont les pays développés ont bénéficié dans le passé, pour affronter ses immenses défis à moyen et long terme.

10:30-12:00

Sesión de trabajo 58: Comercio de servicios: hacer que funcione para los PMA y para los países de bajos ingresos

Organizador: CUTS International, Ginebra, International Lawyers and Economists Against Poverty (ILEAP) y Universidad de Sussex, CARIS
Sala E

Los servicios son de capital importancia en todo esfuerzo por lograr que el comercio propicie el crecimiento económico inclusivo y la reducción de la pobreza. Sin embargo, el fortalecimiento de la capacidad del sector para lograr esos objetivos tropieza con diversos obstáculos, en especial en los países menos adelantados y en los países de bajos ingresos. Para superar esos problemas hacen falta, entre otras cosas: i) tener acceso a datos fidedignos sobre el comercio de servicios y mejorar los conocimientos necesarios para analizarlos a fin de poder tomar decisiones bien fundadas; ii) mejorar los mecanismos de interacción entre instituciones y partes interesadas para respaldar la adopción de decisiones; y iii) crear capacidad para efectuar intervenciones que mejoren la competitividad.

En esta sesión de trabajo se examinarán las buenas prácticas en esas esferas, en particular para los PMA y los países de bajos ingresos y se recurrirá a diversos estudios transversales y por países que están efectuando ILEAP, CUTS International Ginebra y CARIS.

• Anirudh Shingal, Senior Research Fellow, World Trade Institute, University of Bern & Research Associate, CARIS, University of Sussex
• Julian Mukiibi, Senior Programme Officer, CUTS International, Geneva
• Abid Khan, Minister, Bangladesh Mission to the UN, WTO and Other International Organisations in Geneva
• Mina Mashayekhi, Head, Trade Negotiations and Commercial diplomacy Branch, UNCTAD

Moderador: James Baxter, Representante Permanente Adjunto de Australia ante la OMC

Audio

 

Summary

This session explored how low and lower-middle-income countries (LICs and LMICs, respectively) can better take advantage of trade in services. Case studies from Brazil, Viet Nam and Kenya were presented.

The panel noted that services are key in any effort to make trade work for inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction. While they are the backbone of advanced economies, services only contribute marginally to developing countries’ growth. Many LICs and LMICs have engaged in services trade negotiations at various levels (bilateral, regional, multilateral), but their success has been limited. This is due to the complex nature of services negotiations, which call for higher levels of technical expertise, often beyond their current capacity.

The panel noted that the main domestic challenges for least-developed countries (LDCs), LICs and LMICs in promoting trade in services include the lack of access to reliable data and the ability to analyse it, and improve institutional and stakeholder interaction mechanisms to support decision-making. Key recommendations to address these challenges were: promoting coordination between various government entities to address overlapping mandates; expediting key legislation and amendments addressing gaps and inefficiencies in the services sector; ensuring regulatory compliance with licensing requirements and universal access obligations; evaluating pertinence and the feasibility of local content provisions; and undertaking outreach activities.

10:30-12:00

Sesión de trabajo 59: Crear empleo en un mundo globalizado: ¿Qué políticas industriales funcionan?

Organizador: TWN Africa, Arab NGO Network for Development (ANND) y Unión Obrera Metalúrgica de la R.A. (UOMRA)
Sala S1

Las negociaciones para reducir los aranceles aplicables a los productos de la tecnología de la información o a los bienes ambientales repercutirán directamente en los trabajadores de esos sectores, así como en los consumidores de esos bienes. ¿Cuáles son las políticas industriales, en particular en esos dos sectores, que promueven el Trabajo Decente, según las normas de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo (OIT), así como productos asequibles y de calidad para los consumidores? Al mismo tiempo, muchas de las propuestas formuladas en la OMC durante las negociaciones sobre el trato especial y diferenciado, propuestas que los países en desarrollo vienen defendiendo desde hace casi 20 años, también influyen en la política industrial, en el empleo y en la creación de pequeñas y medianas empresas. ¿Cuáles son las políticas comerciales en las negociaciones sobre bienes de tecnología de la información y bienes ambientales, y también en la Ronda de Doha, que garantizarían que se obtuvieran resultados positivos respecto del trato especial y diferenciado para los países menos adelantados (PMA), los países africanos, las economías pequeñas y vulnerables, así como otros países en desarrollo, de conformidad con el mandato de Doha?

• Demian Dalle, Director, Director, Centro de Economía Internacional, Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Argentina
• Irmgard Nubler, Departamento de Análisis de los Mercados Económicos y Laborales, Organización Internacional del Trabajo
• Yorgos Altintzís, Oficial de políticas, Confederación Sindical Internacional (CSI)
• Mohamad Saadi, Arab NGO Network for Development (ANND), Marruecos
• Sylvester Bagooro, Oficial de programas, Red de Comercio para África (ATN), Ghana
• G. Manicandan, Foro contra los ALC, India
• Seyed Mehdi Shafaeddin, South Centre, Geneva
• Tetteh Hormeku, Jefe de Programas, Red del Tercer Mundo - África, Ghana

Audio

 

Summary

Les nombreuses propositions présentées dans le cadre des négociations sur le traitement spécial et différencié (TSD) à l'OMC, que les pays en développement soutiennent depuis près de 20 ans, ont un effet sur les politiques industrielles, l'emploi et la création des petites et moyennes entreprises. L'objet de la séance de travail était de répondre à la question suivante: quelles sont les politiques qui fonctionnent dans un monde globalisé? Les intervenants ont soulevé que les marges industrielles pour le développement ont été réduites, et qu'il faudrait poser la question si les politiques industrielles actuelles sont pertinentes pour le développement. Un autre point soulevé était que les préoccupations des pays en développement ne sont pas les mêmes que celles des pays développés. Ces derniers souhaitent une ouverture plus accrue des marchés des pays en développement. Les implications des approches actuelles (approche de l'OMC et de certaines institutions internationales) pour l'économie mondiale ont été abordées au cours de la séance de travail.

La philosophie néolibérale en matière de commerce a été évoquée, et selon les propos d'un paneliste, les règles parlent de libéralisation des marchandises mais pas de libéralisation concernant l'accès à la main d'œuvre. Il a souligné et démontré à ce niveau que les règles de l'OMC sont contradictoires. Ces règles prônent plus la libéralisation des marchés que l'aspect développement. Il propose une approche alternative à l'échec de la libéralisation, c'est-à-dire des politiques commerciales dynamiques adaptées à chaque situation. Il s'agit pour ce faire d'adopter des politiques mixtes (protection + libéralisme) qui évoluent et s'adaptent aux réalités du moment. Il propose aussi l'approche inverse aux règles de l'OMC pour rendre les règles plus flexibles et dynamiques pour une meilleure diffusion des technologies vers les pays en développement.

L'importance de l'espace politique dans le processus de développement économique avec des exemples de modèles et de cas a été évoquée au cours de la séance de travail.

 

 

10:30-12:00

Un libro y su autor: Rules of origin in ASEAN. A way forward (Las normas de origen en la ASEAN. Una vía de avance)

Presentación a cargo de la Librería y la Biblioteca de la OMC
Atrio

• Stefano Inama, Experto Superior, Conferencia de las Naciones Unidas sobre Comercio y Desarrollo (UNCTAD)
Other speakers to be confirmed

12:00-13:00

PRESENTACIÓN DE UNA PUBLICACIÓN: The WTO at twenty: challenges and achievements (La OMC cumple 20 años: desafíos y logros)

Sala W

El libro analiza cómo ha funcionado el multilateralismo en el comercio en los últimos 20 años y aporta diversas enseñanzas sobre su posible funcionamiento en el futuro. En él se describen los logros de la OMC en una serie de esferas clave, como el fortalecimiento de los fundamentos institucionales del sistema de comercio; la ampliación del número de Miembros de la OMC y el aumento de la participación; la profundización de la integración comercial a través de la reducción de obstáculos y el fortalecimiento de las normas; la mejora de la transparencia y el diálogo sobre políticas; el fortalecimiento del sistema de solución de diferencias; la ampliación de la cooperación con otras organizaciones internacionales; y el incremento de la divulgación. En ese análisis se muestra que, pese a sus dimensiones y su complejidad -o quizá precisamente a causa de esos factores-, el sistema multilateral de comercio es, probablemente, el mayor ejemplo de éxito de la historia en la esfera de la cooperación económica internacional.

• Roberto Azevêdo, Director General de la Organización Mundial del Comercio
Audio

• Susan Schwab, ex Representante de los Estados Unidos para las Cuestiones Comerciales Internacionales
• Harsha Singh, Asociado Superior para investigación estratégica y análisis de políticas, ICTSD
• David Unterhalter, former Appellate Body member, Senior Counsel at Monckton Chambers (by video link)

Moderator: Patrick Low, miembro del Asia Global Institute

Audio

13:00-14:30

Taller 16: El futuro de las zonas francas: instalaciones especiales o incentivos

Organizador: World Free Zones Organization n

(CANCELADO)

Sala E

En todo el mundo las zonas francas ofrecen un sinfín de ventajas. Cabe dividirlas en los "incentivos" (reducción o exoneración de derechos aduaneros e impuestos, normas financieras y corporativas diferentes, modificación de los reglamentos respecto de la inversión extranjera, el trabajo y la inmigración, etc.) y las "instalaciones" (mejor acceso a instalaciones físicas como puertos, terrenos y transporte o electricidad). Las zonas francas se utilizan ampliamente para ofrecer incentivos e instalaciones físicas ventajosas.

¿Cuál es actualmente la situación mundial en lo que respecta a las instalaciones e inversiones en infraestructura que respaldan el comercio exterior? ¿Cuál es el papel de las zonas francas en lo que respecta a alentar la infraestructura física, así como la reforma reglamentaria a fin de facilitar el comercio y el desarrollo? A menudo las zonas francas se construyen cerca de un puerto de mar o, recientemente, un aeropuerto, para respaldar el comercio internacional, tanto las importaciones como las exportaciones. Como las zonas francas representan un instrumento de desarrollo económico para potenciar el comercio exterior, cabe preguntarse si esas zonas deberían considerar nuevas inversiones para mejorar la disponibilidad de zonas de ese tipo y aumentar sus beneficios.

Speakers to be confirmed

 

13:00-14:30

Taller 17: El biocomercio en pro del crecimiento inclusivo: qué es lo que funciona y qué problemas persisten

Organizador: Centre for Socio-EcoNomic Development (CSEND) y Conferencia de las Naciones Unidas sobre Comercio y Desarrollo (UNCTAD)
Sala D

Las iniciativas basadas en la biodiversidad, como el biocomercio, son un ámbito reciente para el comercio transfronterizo y el crecimiento económico inclusivos. Los países que tienen una gran biodiversidad pueden beneficiarse de un sistema de comercio eficiente y previsible. Para desarrollar iniciativas sostenibles basadas en la biodiversidad es importante que el desarrollo local ofrezca oportunidades económicas a los marginados a fin de que puedan salir del cerco cerrado de la pobreza. Los ponentes hablarán del actual comercio mundial de biodiversidad: su panorama, su volumen, las cadenas mundiales de valor, las principales partes interesadas y los países que son participantes activos. Se abordarán los problemas que se plantean para el desarrollo y la expansión sostenibles de las industrias basadas en la biodiversidad y también se intercambiarán experiencias de éxito de los países. Se hablará de las diferencias y las incoherencias entre los regímenes comerciales y los acuerdos ambientales, sobre todo los relacionados con la biodiversidad (por ejemplo, el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biológica y la Convención sobre el Comercio Internacional de Especies Amenazadas de Fauna y Flora Silvestres). También se insistirá en la carencia de elementos que favorecen la integración de los sectores farmacéutico, de los cosméticos y alimentario en las cadenas mundiales de valor.

Presentatión

• Lichia Yiu, President, Centre for Socio-EcoNomic Development (CSEND)
• Lorena Jaramillo, Oficial de Cuestiones Económicas, Subdivisión de Comercio, Medio Ambiente, Cambio Climático y Desarrollo Sostenible, División de Comercio Internacional de Bienes y Servicios y de Productos Básicos, Conferencia de las Naciones Unidas sobre Comercio y Desarrollo (UNCTAD)
• Raymond Saner, Director, Centre for Socio-EcoNomic Development (CSEND)
• Claude Heimo, Asesor Superior, Centre for Socio-EcoNomic Development (CSEND) y ex Asesor Superior del proyecto de biocomercio en Viet Nam (2013-2014)
• Bernardo Calzadilla, Director, Subdivisión de Creación de Capacidad Comercial, Organización de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo Industrial (ONUDI)
• René Gómez-García Palao, Jefe, Unidad de Negocios Verdes, Banco de Desarrollo de América Latina (CAF)
• Ann Kathrin Zotz, Experta Asociada, Programa de Comercio y Medio Ambiente, División de Competitividad del Sector, Centro de Comercio Internacional (ITC)

Audio

 

Summary

Raymond Saner from the Centre for Socio-Economic Development (CSEND) said there is the issue of policy and coherence between the WTO agreements and the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD). There are overlapping policy regimes for biodiversity-based trade between the GATT–WTO and multilateral environmental agreements. He queried whether the trade or biodiversity regime should be given priority in policy matters.

Mariona Cusi from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) noted that by 2050, trade in sustainable goods is projected to be worth US$ 6 trillion. BioTrade is comprised of the collection, production, transformation and the commercialization of goods and services derived from native biodiversity under criteria of environmental, social and economic sustainability. She explained that the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) BioTrade initiative, established in 1996, encompasses seven dimensions: conservation; sustainable use; fair and equitable sharing of benefits; socio-economic sustainability; compliance with national and international regulations; respect for the rights of actors involved; and clarity about land tenure, use and access to natural resources and knowledge.

Frank Van Rompaey from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) said that services like calibration and the measuring of standards, process certification, testing and inspection should be targeted to the needs of users. He explored the cosmetics value chain by sharing a study about the Colombian cosmetics sector. UNIDO will come to an understanding of the most relevant mandatory and voluntary standards, with a focus on voluntary organic and bio-ethical standards. Next, Ann Kathrin Zotz from the International Trade Centre spoke about trade and investment support institutions, public-private partnership development, market intelligence and capacity building.

Claude Heimo from the Centre for Socio-Economic Development (CSEND) presented the BioTrade supply chain concept. BioTrade supply chains provide many benefits: they can improve livelihoods, and environmental conservation, support economic growth and promote exports. Key challenges include policy harmonization, increasing efficiency and effectiveness, emphasizing poverty reduction, complying with regulations, certifications and standards; private sector engagement; research and development; raising awareness; disseminating information; and non-tariff barriers. Next, René Gomez-García Palao detailed the role of the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) in training and capacity building, market access and sustainability to open doors for novelty foods and BioTrade.

Finally, Lorena Jaramillo from UNCTAD talked about the linkages between livelihoods and biodiversity. She urged companies to take advantage of BioTrade and biodiversity opportunities because consumers are now demanding healthy and natural products. In this manner, the promotion of sustainable production and consumption patterns can be strategic. She raised the concern of food labelling, which can sometimes become a problematic trade barrier, especially with private standards from supermarkets: many labels but little coherence.

13:00-14:30

Taller 18: Restablecer la cooperación multilateral comercial en una economía mundial multipolar: ¿cuál es el futuro de la OMC?

Organizador: Instituto Sudafricano de Asuntos Internacionales (SAIIA)
Sala W

En esta sesión se discutirán los nuevos reajustes estratégicos en el sistema mundial de comercio, a raíz del fracaso de la Ronda de Doha impulsado por una economía mundial cada vez más multipolar, que ha fomentado la creciente tendencia a los acuerdos de comercio bilaterales y regionales. Los países en desarrollo en general y los países africanos en particular, debe prepararse para un posible mundo posterior a los acuerdos megarregionales y deben evaluar en consecuencia sus estrategias comerciales, con especial referencia a la OMC. En la sesión se discutirán diversas maneras de salvar las diferencias entre los países desarrollados y los países en desarrollo Miembros de la OMC. Se reflexionará sobre la labor en curso de un grupo de alto nivel acerca de las consecuencias de las posibles alianzas en la OMC, que están enraizadas en una dinámica geopolítica más amplia.

• Peter Draper, Instituto Sudafricano de Asuntos Internacionales
• Richard Cunningham, Cordell Hull Institute, Estados Unidos
• Mustafizur Rahman, Centro para el Diálogo sobre Políticas (CPD), Bangladesh
• Xinquan Tu, Instituto de Estudios sobre la OMC (China), Universidad de Economía y Comercio Internacional, China
• Vera Thorstensen, Fundación Getúlio Vargas, Brasil
• Babajide Sodipo, Comisión de la Unión Africana, Etiopía

Moderador: Memory Dube, Instituto Sudafricano de Asuntos Internacionales

Audio

 

Summary

This session discussed the emerging strategic realignments in the global trading system, driven by an increasingly multipolar global economy which has encouraged the growing trend towards bilateral and regional trading arrangements. It also discussed various ways of closing the gap between developed and developing country members of the WTO.

Peter Draper from the South African Institute for International Affairs (SAIIA) introduced a new project, coordinated by SAIIA, called "Restoring Multilateral Trade Cooperation". It explores how multilateral trade negotiations can be revitalised to overcome both existing and emerging challenges. The motivation of the project is to explore the implications of WTO deadlock for developing and developed countries bypassing the WTO via mega-regional preferential trade agreements and plurilateral negotiations. His "diagnosis" is that a global power shift, widely-divergent interests, and the complexity of making decisions via consensus in a single undertaking is hindering progress. Responses to this deadlock have included new architecture, such as mega-regional agreements, and new and different responses from the WTO, such as the Bali Package. One of his ideas was to consider the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA) as a possible template, and also, on another note, perhaps try tackling agriculture in a plurilateral framework.

Richard Cunningham from the Cordell Hull Institute gave an overview from the US perspective. He called on the WTO to face the conceptual gap between its members by, among other things, paying proper attention to non-tariff barriers and global value chains and exploring specific issues such as the Agreement on Trade Facilitation. He also pointed out that lack of leadership in developed and developing countries as well as an absence of policy responses to mega-regionals in developing countries constitute a problem. He suggested moving beyond the Doha Round.

Vera Thorstensen from the Fundação Getúlio Vargas provided key insights from Brazil and other Latin American countries. In response to mega-regionals, she urged developing countries to bring these issues into the WTO (for example, start consultations on Art. XXIV). She also urged developing countries to bring the new issues, such as non-tariff barriers and global value chains, into the WTO, since tariffs are no longer an issue. She emphasised that the WTO is the only place to discuss these issues.

Xinquan Tu from the University of International Business Economics presented China's perspective. He urged everyone to consider the changed political economy within the WTO, and to evaluate whether multilateralism is still the best option, personally favouring the plurilateral approach. In his opinion, China is neither prepared for liberalization nor accession to the Agreement on Government Procurement. He stated his belief that the Chinese government should be in partial control of the economy.

Mustafizur Rahman from the Centre for Policy Dialogue (Bangladesh) identified issues faced by developing and least-developed countries (LDCs): political coherence, mega-regionals and discord among LDCs in the WTO. He briefed on the current status of LDC proposals at the WTO and noted that there is a frustration within LDCs, in the context of the forthcoming Tenth Ministerial Conference scheduled for Nairobi in December 2015, in regards to developed countries' commitments regarding Aid for Trade and the TFA. In his conclusion he urged members to bear in mind the development dimension when configuring the way forward for the WTO.

Babajide Sodipo from the African Union Commission began by asking whether development is a legitimate objective of the WTO. He stressed that only after agreeing on this fundamental issue, members can reach consensus. He noted that some members are reluctant to admit the existence of a development dimension to the WTO. He also highlighted that for Africa, it is not trade for the sake of trade, but it is trade for development. He also raised the issues of political coherence and a lack of firm leadership in negotiations.

13:00-14:30

Taller 19: Las comunicaciones por satélite y la conectividad como principales facilitadores del crecimiento

Organizador: EMEA Asociación de Operadores de Satélites (ESOA)
Sala B

En la sesión se examinarán los obstáculos a la conectividad en las regiones en desarrollo, en particular para facilitar la conectividad transfronteriza y la infraestructura de alojamiento y producción de contenidos locales. De eliminarse estos obstáculos, se reducirá el costo para los usuarios dentro de un país y se prestarán mejores servicios de telecomunicaciones. Eso a su vez ofrecerá a los países en desarrollo acceso al mercado mundial globalizado, y establecerá un mercado para el contenido y las aplicaciones generados localmente, lo cual creará empleo y ampliará las oportunidades económicas de toda la región.

Se darán ejemplos de la forma en que los servicios de comunicaciones por satélite pueden aportar beneficios económicos directos a los países en desarrollo. Gracias a estos ejemplos y estudios, se determinarán las mejores prácticas y marcos reglamentarios que pueden ayudar a esas regiones a beneficiarse del comercio y a participar plenamente en la economía de mercado mundial. También se destacará de qué forma las políticas restrictivas de acceso a los mercados pueden reducir el crecimiento económico y profundizar la brecha digital.

 

• Ania Helseth, Head of Public Policy at ESOA, EMEA Satellite Operators Association

• Cosmas Zavazava,
Chief of Department, Project Support and Knowledge Management, Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT)
• Yulia Koulikova, Regulatory Affairs Manager at Inmarsat
• Cecil Ameil, Chair of ESOA Regulatory Working Group

Moderador Fabien Gehl, TISA Negotiator, Directorate General for Trade (DG Trade), European Commission

Audio

13:00-14:30

Taller 20: Cómo los productos intermedios están cambiando el comercio

Organizador: Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA Europe) y European Services Forum (ESF)
Sala S2

En este taller se estudiará la forma en que los productos intermedios (por ejemplo, plataformas de comercio electrónico y proveedores de soluciones Telecom) actúan cada vez más de facilitadores del comercio internacional en cada modalidad de suministro y como creadores de mercados. En un debate interactivo con el público, los expertos en comercio discutirán de qué forma los negociadores comerciales pueden eliminar los obstáculos con que tropiezan los productos intermedios en esferas como los procedimientos aduaneros, el acceso a los mercados, las telecomunicaciones, el transporte, la protección en lo que respecta a responsabilidad y los derechos de autor.

• Marc Vanheukelen, Embajador de la UE ante la OMC
• Hosuk Lee-Makiyama, Director Ejecutivo, Centro Europeo de Economía Política Internacional (ECIPE)
• Tilmann Kupfer, Vicepresidente, Comercio y Asuntos internacionales, BT Group
• Pascal Kerneis, Director Gerente, European Services Forum (ESF)
• Samuel Laurinkari, Directivo Superior, Relaciones Gubernamentales con la UE, eBay Inc.

Moderador: Christian Borggreen, Director, Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) (confirmado)

Audio

 

Summary

This session addressed how intermediates such as logistics services, e-commerce platforms, telecommunications solutions providers increasingly act as the infrastructure for and facilitators of international trade, and the ways in which they are changing how markets operate. Panellists addressed how trade negotiators can remove barriers for intermediates.

Pascal Kerneis from the European Services Forum asserted that intermediate service providers need trade negotiators to secure nondiscrimation and global market access. He said it would be ideal if the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA) can be ratified during the Nairobi Ministerial Conference in December 2015, and for the second Information Technology Agreement (ITA II) and the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA) to make substantial progress.

Tilmann Kupfer from the BT Group said that communications providers such as BT offer trade and business solutions for globalized, multi-location businesses, yet their services suffer from lack of sufficient market opening, foreign investment restrictions and inadequate regulatory foundations. He urged trade negotiations to revive their efforts to solve these problems. 

Samuel Laurinkari from eBay Incorporated said that e-commerce platforms are changing the way small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) trade. They no longer rely on links with large companies, but now reach consumers directly. To succeed, SMEs need reliable and affordable Internet, competitive postal and shipping services, and simplified solutions for customs, value-added tax and product specification details.

Fabien Gehl from the European Union mission to the WTO said that negotiators are asking how to better address services within global value chains. He noted that negotiators need to get the basics right for infrastructure sectors, to focus on the liberalization of services linked with goods, and also to ensure that negotiations are comprehensive because of the many interlinkages.

Hosuk Lee-Makiyama from the European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE) stated that digitization has changed the logic of international trade, favouring specialization within the value chain, and hence new opportunities. Negotiators need to recognize that barriers to trade by emerging intermediaries and impediments to data flows, even if for legitimate policy reasons, can have hugely adverse effects on economic growth.

13:00-14:30

Taller 21: La innovación, el comercio digital y la OMC

Organizador: Digital Europe y Consejo de la Industria de la Tecnología de la Información
Sala S3

Cada vez más, las partes en los nuevos acuerdos comerciales regionales tratan de resolver los problemas comerciales del siglo XXI, incluidos el comercio digital y el comercio electrónico. Entre esos problemas del siglo XXI cabe mencionar los obstáculos al comercio de carácter localista, las restricciones a las corrientes de datos transfronterizos, las transferencias forzadas de tecnología y el trato discriminatorio de los productos digitales, los requisitos de divulgación y otros. ¿Cuáles son las lagunas en las normas multilaterales de comercio que se intenta resolver en estos nuevos acuerdos?

En esta sesión de trabajo se estudiará la forma de que la OMC establezca un sólido marco de política para apoyar la continuación del crecimiento de la economía digital mundial. Se discutirá si las normas de comercio existentes abordan como es debido los retos a que se enfrenta el comercio digital y las nuevas tecnologías y si brindan un marco jurídico apropiado para la economía digital mundial. Los ponentes harán recomendaciones respecto de la labor posterior a Doha en la OMC a fin de abordar el comercio digital.

 

• Torbjörn Fredriksson, Chief ICT Analysis Section, UNCTAD
• Peter Allgeier, PPresidente, Coalition of Service Industries
• James Messent, Analista de políticas comerciales, OCDE
• Nicholas Hodac, Ejecutivo de Asuntos Gubernamentales y Reglamentarios, IBM Europa
• Paolo Marini, Ccofundador de PRISMA Telecom Testing
• Edward Brzytwa, Director de políticas globales para la localización, el comercio y los asuntos multilaterales, Consejo de la Industria de la Tecnología de la Información (ITI)
• Patrice Chazerand, Director de Comercio y Arquitectura de nube, DIGITALEUROPE

Moderador: Michael Scaturro, enviado especial de Bloomberg BNA a Bruselas, periodista

Audio

 

Summary

The panel said we are facing a digital economy revolution, in which trade activities are increasingly moving online. As a result, businesses depend more heavily on moving data globally. However, international trading rules have not kept up with the latest advances in technology, causing a fragmentation of the market and gaps in the legislation. The information and communications technology industry sees this as a possible threat for advancement of digital trade.

Panellists argued that the existing trade rules are not satisfactory and are not working well, concretely in the sense that most e-commerce remains domestic rather than cross border. The panel also highlighted their impression that the growth of digital trade is being hindered by a lack of clarity in the rules, both domestic and international, and a lack of awareness on the part of governments of risks for the economies.

The panel said that negotiators of agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) are working on provisions to address these issues, and that many regional trade agreements already include a chapter on e-commerce. However, panellists were concerned that issues like data protection are not always covered. In the same vein, some governments already have elements of digital economy legislation, but these elements are not always fully implemented.

Facing this scenario, session panellists urged the WTO to include the digital economy in its agenda. They hoped that the WTO can become a meaningful forum to promote government-to-government discussion and to provide guarantees that digital trade can evolve. They also saw a need for the WTO to work on preventing barriers to trade by, for example, defining justified and unjustified measures to be covered by exception provisions of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).

Finally, they supported the continuation of existing working programmes, like the one on electronic commerce, and that the education of negotiators and policy-makers could be enhanced by hosting forums on the impact of the digital economy.

13:00-14:30

Taller 22: El multilateralismo importa: lecciones de Doha y de los acuerdos comerciales bilaterales

Organizador: Instituto de Política Agrícola y Comercial y Brot fuer Die Welt
Sala S1

Con la Ronda de Doha paralizada, algunos países industrializados son partidarios de un criterio multilateral. La mayoría de los países en desarrollo rechazan ese criterio. ¿Por qué? En parte ven las negociaciones del Acuerdo de Asociación Transpacífico (TPP) y del Acuerdo Transatlántico sobre Comercio e Inversión (ATCI) y les preocupa:

• que se creen nuevas normas mínimas sin que participen todos los países;
• que se dejen de lado los intereses del desarrollo;
• que no se trate tanto de comercio sino de "armonización reglamentaria".

Muchos países a quienes corresponde un porcentaje pequeño del comercio mundial dependen mucho del comercio. Todos los países necesitan un sistema transparente, basado en normas, inclusivo y ágil. La tesis de que una serie de normas funcionarán en todos los contextos no queda confirmada por la experiencia. Es preciso oír a todos los países en la mesa de negociación.

En esta sesión se examinarán el TPP, el ATCI y los acuerdos de asociación económica y se discutirán sus consecuencias para las regiones no incluidas. ¿Cómo pueden los gobiernos construir una institución multilateral inclusiva que responda a los retos del siglo XXI?

 

• Jane Nalunga, Instituto de Información y Negociaciones Comerciales para África Meridional y Oriental (SEATINI), Uganda, representante de ONG
• Sven Hilbig, Brot für die Welt, Alemania, representante de ONG
• Sophia Murphy, IATP, Canadá, representante de ONG/comunidad académica
• Roeline Knottnerus, Transnational Institute, Países Bajos, representante de ONG

Audio

13:00-14:30

Un libro y su autor: Diagnostics for a Globalized World

Presentación a cargo de la Librería y la Biblioteca de la OMC
Atrio

• Ruzanna Tarverdyan, Presidenta fundadora, Geneva Consensus Foundation
• Sten Thore, miembro Centennial emérito, IC2 Institute (grupo de reflexión de la Universidad de Texas)
• Marion Jansen, Economista Jefa, ITC
• Hubert Escaith, Estadístico Jefe, OMC
• Martina Lubyova Director, Directora, Instituto de Pronósticos de la Academia Eslovaca de las Ciencias y ex Directora, Oficina Subregional de la OIT para Europa Oriental en Moscú (por confirmar)

Moderador: Colaborador, IC2 Institute, Universidad de Texas en Austin (por confirmar)

14:30-15:30

PRESENTACIÓN DE UNA PUBLICACIÓN: The Role of Trade in Ending Poverty (La función del comercio en la eliminación de la pobreza)

World Bank/WTO joint publication
Sala W

La expansión del comercio internacional ha sido esencial el desarrollo y para la reducción de la pobreza, pero la relación entre el crecimiento económico, la reducción de la pobreza y el comercio no es sencilla. En esta publicación se aborda esta relación y se examinan las dificultades a las que se enfrentan los pobres para beneficiarse de las oportunidades comerciales. Elaborada conjuntamente por el Grupo del Banco Mundial y la Organización Mundial del Comercio, esta publicación analiza el comercio y la pobreza desde cuatro dimensiones: pobreza rural; economía informal; efectos de la fragilidad y los conflictos; y género. Se examina el modo en que el comercio podría contribuir en mayor medida a la erradicación de la pobreza mediante la intensificación de los esfuerzos destinados a reducir los costos del comercio, mejorar el entorno propicio, aplicar las políticas comerciales en conjunción con otras esferas de política, gestionar mejor los riesgos que afrontan los pobres y mejorar los datos utilizados para elaborar las políticas.

• Paul Brenton, , Líder de práctica comercial para la región de África, Grupo del Banco Mundial
• Roberta Piermartini, Consejera, División de Estudios Económicos y Estadística, OMC
• Axel Addy, Ministro de Comercio de Liberia
• Patrick Low, Vicepresidente de investigaciones, Fung Global Institute

Moderador: Marcus Bartley Johns, TEspecialista en comercio y competitividad, Grupo del Banco Mundial

 

15:30-17:00

Sesión de trabajo 60: Los acuerdos comerciales megarregionales y el comercio mundial en evolución. ¿Qué camino deben seguir África, los países en desarrollo y la OMC?

Organizador: Instituto de Información y Negociaciones Comerciales para África Meridional y Oriental (SEATINI)
Sala D

Las normas y acuerdos de la OMC/GATT proporcionan un marco en el que los países Miembros realizan actividades comerciales y mantienen otras relaciones comerciales entre sí. Esto ha contribuido a un cierto grado de estabilidad y previsibilidad y también ha proporcionado a África y a otros países en desarrollo oportunidades de influir en el sistema multilateral de comercio y de beneficiarse de él. Los acuerdos comerciales megarregionales están reconfigurando el panorama comercial mundial, lo que va a tener consecuencias de gran alcance para África, los PMA, el sistema multilateral de comercio, la Ronda de Doha y la Décima Conferencia Ministerial de la OMC. Todavía no se han comprendido plenamente las consecuencias que los acuerdos comerciales megarregionales tendrán para las aspiraciones de África a una integración regional acelerada a fin de promover el comercio intrarregional, el desarrollo sostenible y una mayor participación en el comercio mundial. Por ello, la sesión promoverá un mayor entendimiento de las consecuencias del panorama comercial mundial en evolución para África y otros países en desarrollo y además fomentará un entendimiento común a toda África y considerará una estrategia de respuesta.

• Brendan Vickers, Economic Adviser (Regional Trade and Integration Issues), Trade Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
• Sanya Reid Smith, Asesora Jurídica e Investigadora Superior, Red del Tercer Mundo
• Fred Njehu, Asesor de programa, justicia social en el comercio; Comisión de Derechos Humanos de Kenya
• Sophia Murphy, Asesora Superior en Comercio y seguridad alimentaria, Instituto de Política Agrícola y Comercial

Moderador: Jane Nalunga, Directora de País, SEATINI, Uganda

Audio

 

Summary

The panel discussed the nature of mega regional trade agreements (MRTAs), as they are an increasing part of the global trade landscape. They are characterized by their coverage of a large share of global GDP, trade and population. They are also generally very ambitious, including more commitments than those in the WTO ("WTO plus"). There are drawbacks: among others, new rules to adjudicate government-investor disputes may lead to curtailment of democratic principles, and close off policy space to manage development.

They noted that there are currently no African members in MRTAs. The implications of such agreements for Africa and developing countries are both positive and negative. On the positive side, MRTAs could enhance economic opportunities for non-members by increasing overall growth and harmonizing trade policies and standards among a greater number of economies. On the negative side, it could create a complex collection of overlapping rules and also lead to the erosion of preferences enjoyed by African economies.

The panel recommended fast-tracking negotiations for an African free trade area (currently targeted for 2017); deepening African integration by including services; developing an African productivity and export mix; encouraging regional value chains; using existing preferences; pursuing greater dialogue between MRTA members and non-members; and strengthening intra-regional channels for goods and services to lower costs.

15:30-17:00

Sesión de trabajo 61: Cómo puede la tecnología de la información contribuir a la puesta en práctica del Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del Comercio

Organizador: División de Estudios Económicos de la OMC (unidad estadística) y División de Acceso a los Mercados de la OMC
Sala B

El Acuerdo de la OMC sobre Facilitación del Comercio tiene por objeto simplificar el movimiento, el levante y el despacho de aduana de las mercancías y se espera que reduzca en un 10% o más los costos del comercio. Sin embargo, su aplicación depende considerablemente de la política del país. En esta sesión primero se destacarán las cuestiones de carácter general a que hacen frente los países en desarrollo al aplicar el Acuerdo. Posteriormente, se insistirá en algunas de ellas, utilizando como ejemplo la experiencia de un país. El programa SIDUNEA de la UNCTAD y la Unión Internacional del Transportes por Carretera demostrarán cómo la tecnología de la información y las comunicaciones y la automatización de las aduanas pueden contribuir a mejorar la puntualidad, los costos, la fiabilidad y la observancia de las normas.

• Robert Teh, Consejero, División de Estudios Económicos y Estadística, OMC
• Giuseppe di Capua, Líder del equipo de medición del rendimiento, Programa SIDUNEA, UNCTAD
• Khalid El Bernoussi, Consultor experto en comercio y desarrollo
• Philippe Grosjean, , Oficial Jefe de Información, Unión Internacional de Transportes por Carretera

Moderador: Andreas Maurer, Jefe, Sección de Estadísticas del Comercio Internacional, División de Estudios Económicos y Estadística de la OMC

 

Summary

This session highlighted how customs computerization can help to simplify the movement and clearance of goods, a point central to the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA). The panel noted that trade costs are substantially higher than customs duties. Automation of information and communications technology can speed up the flow of trade, possibly increasing customs revenue and reducing corruption in the process. The Automated SYstem for CUstoms Data (ASYCUDA), a reference in customs automation processes, allows measurement of performance and identification of workflow bottlenecks, as well as monitoring of customs agents. For road transport, the Transports Internationaux Routiers (International Road Transport) customs transit system will soon be fully operational. It is based on electronic document flow, including risk management.

15:30-17:00

Sesión de trabajo 62: El comercio funciona en el sector de los servicios: ¿Deberíamos pasar del AGCS al TISA?

Organizador: European Services Forum (ESF) y Insurance Europe
Sala E

En la sesión se dará información sobre la historia del comercio de servicios en el mundo y se evaluará si las decisiones de los gobiernos de liberalizar el acceso de los proveedores de servicios extranjeros a sus propios mercados (de forma autónoma y/o adquiriendo compromisos en acuerdos multilaterales o bilaterales de comercio) ha tenido un impacto en el desarrollo de su economía, en la exportación e importación de servicios y de bienes y en atraer inversión extranjera directa.

Los oradores examinarán diversos compromisos contenidos en acuerdos comerciales y analizarán si puede establecerse o no un paralelo entre el volumen del comercio y los compromisos de apertura del mercado.

A continuación, abrirán el debate sobre las consecuencias de las negociaciones sobre servicios, que se han paralizado, en el PDD de la OMC, y estudiarán si el acuerdo sobre el comercio de servicios (TISA) podría ser una forma de fomentar una mayor liberalización en los sectores de servicios de todo el mundo, en vista de que los obstáculos siguen siendo mayores que en el comercio de bienes.

 

• Pierre Sauvé, Instituto de Comercio Mundial (WTI)
• Hamid Mamdouh, Director, División de Comercio de Servicios, OMC
• Myriam Vander Stichele,Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO)
• Pascal Kerneis, European Services Forum
• Syed Tauqir Shah, Embajador del Pakistán ante la OMC (por confirmar)
• Helmut Scholz, Member of the European Parliament, European Parliamentary Committee on International Trade

Moderador: Cristina Mihai, Jefa, Asuntos Internacionales, Insurance Europe

 

Summay

Pascal Kerneis from the European Services Forum  said that services providers in Europe support the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) because it is an attempt to update the rules that govern trade in services, to expand liberalization and to adapt to global value chains (GVCs). He noted that given the current state of the Doha Round, the private sector will continue to support plurilateral preferential liberalization.

Hosuk Lee-Makiyama from the European Centre for International Political Economy explained that TiSA will not force any country to change its regulations, to privatize public services or to open up sectors which they consider to be sensitive. Although TiSA uses a "negative list" approach for market access, meaning that in every sector there will not be discrimination unless a country explicitly excludes a sector, the national treatment (NT) and most favoured nation (MFN) provisions will apply in a "positive list" approach, so countries can choose the sectors in which they will apply NT and MFN.

Myriam Vander Stichele from SOMO – Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations  - said that if services are liberalized in various WTO and non-WTO agreements, they would be subject to dispute settlement. For her, bilateral investment treaties mean investor-state dispute settlement, which she says must be taken into account in the discussion about TiSA. Ms Vander Stichele called for all stakeholders to be taken into account, balancing public interest with the corporate interest. She further discussed the consequences of privatization and the quality of employment available.

15:30-17:00

Sesión de trabajo 63: El comercio y los nuevos obstáculos reglamentarios: su impacto en los países emergentes y el papel de la OMC

Organizador: Center on Global Trade & Investments, Cátedra OMC, Brasil, Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) y Instituto de estudios sobre la OMC, Universidad de Economía y Comercio Internacional
Sala S2

El objetivo de esta sesión es discutir los problemas con que se enfrentan los Miembros emergentes en el comercio del siglo XXI, es decir, los nuevos obstáculos reglamentarios. La OMC ha procurado que las economías en desarrollo consideren el comercio internacional como instrumento de desarrollo. Sin embargo, los aranceles ya no son el principal tema que debe abordar la OMC. Los acuerdos comerciales preferenciales, las negociaciones para llegar a megaacuerdos y las cadenas mundiales de valor están acotando de otra forma el comercio internacional: el comercio y la integración mediante normas. En este debate muchos Miembros emergentes quedan marginados.

En esta sesión de trabajo se discutirá si la OMC y el comercio "funcionan" en este escenario. Es importante evaluar las opiniones de los países emergentes para determinar si la OMC es el foro apropiado para hacer frente a la fragmentación reglamentaria que se está produciendo. También habrá que determinar el impacto que tendrán en las economías emergentes los esfuerzos por lograr la coherencia reglamentaria en las negociaciones, o si este tipo de coherencia regional creará fragmentación en el comercio mundial.

 

• Vera Thorstensen, Presidenta, FGV, Brasil, institución académica
• Lucas Ferraz, FFGV, Brasil, institución académica
• Bipul Chattejee, Director Ejecutivo, CUTS International, grupo de reflexión
• Xinquan Tu, Instituto de Estudios sobre la OMC (China), Universidad de Economía y Comercio Internacional, Beijing, institución académica
• Peter Draper, Director de Tutwa Consulting, Investigador Superior, SAIIA, Sudáfrica

Audio

 

Summary

The objective of this session was to discuss the challenges, in the form of non-tariff barriers, faced by emerging members in the 21st century trade. Tariffs are no longer the main topic for the WTO. The panel cited preferential trade agreements (PTAs), mega agreement negotiations, and global value chains (GVCs) as new frontiers in international trade, and estimated that many emerging members are marginalized in this discussion. The panel sought to assess the views of emerging countries on whether the WTO is the appropriate forum to deal with the regulatory fragmentation and its impact on their economies.

Lucas Ferraz from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (Brazil) provided an overview of the situation from an economic perspective. He noted that there was a remarkable reduction in tariffs. A decrease in trade costs and the spread of technologies accelerated the development of GVCs. He saw that increased trade in intermediates incentivised the formation of PTAs, and that the growing intensity of supply chains led to a need for "deeper" integration. He asserted that developing countries will be negatively affected by mega-regionals such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Mr Ferraz said that although the WTO has been a success, it has to adjust to ongoing changes. He estimated that developing countries are stuck in the old negotiating paradigm of tariffs and agriculture, and advised that they should focus on such areas as services, investment and intellectual property rights under the framework of the WTO. He recommended integrating the ongoing discussions on these issues into agreements, and stressed that the world has changed and so should the WTO.

Bipul Chattejee from the Consumer Unity & Trust Society (CUTS) International presented a study on the impact of mega-regionals and their results. It concluded that, on account of tariff reduction, there was not much impact. However, in terms of non-tariff barriers, mega-regionals appeared to be quite strong. On the other hand, conforming with standards could open market access and incentivize increase in competiveness. He also addressed rules of origin, stating that negotiations of the same are going to have a huge trade distorting impact. He stated that there is a need for activities mitigating such impact, for instance, by making exporters more competitive.

Xinquan Tu from the University of International Business and Economics (Beijing) also highlighted the positive side of high standards, which is stimulating improvement in exporters' production capacity. He noted that the WTO is a good platform for "shallow" integration, not "deeper" integration. He stressed that transparency, capacity building and international cooperation in these areas are critical for developing countries in order for them to be able to adapt to such high standards.

Peter Draper from Tutwa Consulting reported on the implications of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), particularly its standards agenda, for African least developed countries (LDCs). The research revealed that the potential of African countries to comply with the standards is low, except regarding labour standards. He admitted that standards compliance is a costly arrangement for LDCs and that it should be mitigated through capacity building (such as Aid for Trade). He recommended that if an African country passes a conformity test in a TPP country, it should be applicable throughout the TPP countries. In regards to rules of origin, he expressed hope for liberal rules of origin extended through TPP space for Africa.

A lively discussion with the audience raised many issues, including that of private standards. The overall conclusions were that there must be international cooperation for regulatory standards; the WTO's design should be able to accommodate demand driven by new developments such as GVCs; and that the discussion of PTAs and their impact on third countries should be happening in the WTO, to ensure the availability of the results to everyone.

15:30-17:00

Sesión de trabajo 64: De cómo la innovación y el comercio de tecnologías móviles han impulsado el crecimiento inclusivo

Organizador: Innovation Insights y Boston Consulting Group
Sala S1

En esta sesión se intercambiarán resultados de investigaciones de vanguardia acerca del impacto económico mundial de las tecnologías móviles, y de la forma en que el comercio y la innovación contribuyeron a que eso fuera posible. Las investigaciones, realizadas por el BCG, tomaron ideas de investigaciones sistemáticas efectuadas en la India, China, el Brasil, Corea del Sur, los Estados Unidos y Alemania, y estudiaron el impacto positivo que ha tenido sobre el crecimiento inclusivo, el empoderamiento económico, la inversión en infraestructura, y la creación de empleo en pequeñas empresas.

La economía móvil es impulsada por el comercio, con una rápida cadena de suministro mundial, y facilitada por el comercio de bienes físicos, programas informáticos, servicios y propiedad intelectual. Se insistirá en que el comercio "ha funcionado" para las comunicaciones móviles y en que miles de millones de consumidores y de empresas se han beneficiado.

En la sesión se resumirán las principales conclusiones de las investigaciones realizadas por el BCG, y a continuación se reunirá un grupo que discutirá cómo el comercio y la innovación han favorecido las tecnologías móviles; también se hablará de las consecuencias de esto para seguir ampliando el impacto económico, especialmente de forma tal que potencie un crecimiento más inclusivo a nivel mundial.

 

• Antonio Varas, , Asociado, Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
• Kirti Gupta, Directora, Estrategia Económica, Qualcomm Incorporated
• Luc Savage, Vicepresidente de propiedad intelectual y licencias, Orange
• Samantha Akins, Director of Institutional Relations, Grameen Foundation

Moderador: Sacha Wunsch-Vincent, Oficial Superior de asuntos económicos, Sección de Economía, División de Economía y Estadísticas, OMPI

Audio

 

Summary

Antonio Varas from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) presented a survey on the theme "how mobile technologies drive a trillion dollar impact". The study found that the biggest winners from this equation were consumers in developing countries. It also concluded that there was a "leap-frog effect": most technology leaders came from emerging markets. Finally, standardization was found to be a crucial driver for economic growth in mobile technologies.

Luc Savage from Orange discussed how his company is promoting business innovation in Africa and the Middle East. He also noted how customers are very price-sensitive in the mobile sector.

Samantha Atkins from the Grameen Foundation discussed Grameen's initiatives to eradicate poverty through mobile technologies. Collecting information on farmers in developing countries provides an opportunity to shape business plans so limited resources can be best invested. One idea is to enable large multinationals to engage directly with producers with mobile technologies for urgent orders.

The panel noted that the challenge of deploying mobile technologies in developing countries is still great. Sixty-two per cent of the world's population does not have Internet access, meaning that the adoption of mobile worldwide is still limited.

In response to a question, Kiri Gupta from Qualcomm Incorporated said that international coordination can help tackle the challenges posed by new innovations.

15:30-17:00

Sesión de trabajo 65: Trade Facilitation Works—The Role of Public-Private Dialogue and Cooperation in the Implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement

Organizador: Confederação Nacional da Indústria
Sala W

En la sesión se estudiarán los beneficios del diálogo y de la cooperación público-privados para aplicar las medidas relacionadas con la facilitación del comercio. El nuevo Acuerdo de la OMC sobre Facilitación del Comercio brinda a las autoridades y al sector privado la ocasión de asociarse para obtener los beneficios que aportará su aplicación al comercio y al crecimiento. En la sesión se expondrá la satisfactoria experiencia del Brasil, que estableció una ventanilla única y un programa de operador económico autorizado gracias a la firme e ininterrumpida cooperación del Gobierno con los círculos empresariales. También brindará una oportunidad de discutir otros ejemplos específicos de países, así como las cuestiones más amplias relacionadas con el diálogo y la cooperación público-privados para reducir y eliminar la burocracia.

• Constanza Negri Biasutti, TGestora de Políticas Comerciales, CNI
• Arancha Gonzalez, Directora Ejecutiva, Centro de Comercio Internacional (ITC)
• Donia Hammami, Jefa, Políticas sobre tributación, aduanas y facilitación del comercio, Cámara de Comercio Internacional (CCI)
• John Mein, Coordinador Ejecutivo, PROCOMEX
• Luisa Santos, Asuntos Internacionales, BUSINESSEUROPE
• Lars Karlsson, Presidente, KGH Border Services

 

Summary

This session explored the engagement of the Brazilian government and private sector regarding Brazil's ratification and implementation of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA). The panel discussed how trade facilitation should not be solely left to governments. There is an important role for private sector engagement in the TFA. The private sector can play a role in supporting the TFA from "pre-signature" to implementation, from promoting the benefits of the project to identifying Category B provisions. Panellists asserted that as a major beneficiary of well-designed processes, the private sector should be willing to invest in these types of projects. But building trust between governments and the private sector is a crucial first step, which was facilitated in Brazil by a nonprofit intermediary that mapped existing processes, helped rework them and formulated implementation techniques.

The panel noted that while the TFA is positive for both government and the private sector, many businesses are unaware of the TFA and its benefits. Panellists highlighted that there is a need to educate businesses, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises, about what trade facilitation can achieve. Both governments and businesses could benefit from capacity-building exercises, and there is a demonstrated ability for developing countries to adopt a holistic customs approach. Where there are simple, effective customs procedures, compliance is natural, and trade is more inclusive.

 

15:30-17:00

Workshop 23: Made in the world? Are supply chains regional or global?

Organiser: Economic Research and Statistics Division of the WTO
Room S3

• Håkan NordströmIndependent Consultant-EKONsulting and Senior Associate with the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
• Hubert Escaith, chief Statistician, Economic Research and Statistics Division of the WTO