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Introduction to the WorkshopIntroduction to the Workshop

Nupur Chowdhury

1st – 3rd May 2006

Workshop on WTO-related Issues for Government Officials in SAARC Region

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TERI

TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute is a developing country institute that is deeply committed to every aspect of sustainable development.

Scope of Activities:• Environment-friendly solutions to rural energy problems• Regulatory policy of the Indian oil and gas sector• Global climate development change issues• Forest conservation efforts among local communities;• Researching and developing cross sectoral linkages on a wide

range of policy issues - on international trade, environment and sustainable

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Profile of GALT

• Both research (policy analysis) and capacity building:

• Environmental standards: Various Issues and Concerns for India

• Implications of eco-labeling requirements for environmental purposes on market access for Indian exports

• Technology Transfer within international trade and environmental regime.

• Trade liberalization - impacts & opportunities for SMEs in the textile, leather and seafood sectors

• WTO Training program for capacity building of SAARC officials.

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Introduction

• Training program on WTO-related issues for government officials in the SAARC region.

• Training Program has been initiated by TERI and supported by the British High Commission, India

• Comprehensive Training Program

– Basic Training Module

– Specific Training Module

– Advanced Training Module

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Objectives of the Programme

• To strengthen and build capacity of government officials within SAARC countries on WTO related issues.

• Government officials are drawn from different ministries (not only Ministry of Commerce) but also Ministry from agriculture, law,environment and others.

• Increase coordination between various departments of the government and also contribute to identifying potential synergies and building on them at a regional level.

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Training Modules

• Divided into three: Basic, Specific and Advanced

– Basic: Introductory WTO course - government officials at the under secretary level or newly joined officials.

– Specific: Issues which are unique to recent or aspiring WTO members.

– Advanced: focus on Current negotiations and possible outcomes - Senior level government officials (e.g. Joint Secretary)

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Issues addressed in the workshop

• Identification of issues : Three stage process– Extensive literature survey for identification of

issues– Qualitative survey of stakeholders in SAARC

countries– Brainstorming of Experts Advisory Committee

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Workshop Format• First Session: Inaugural Session• Second session: Key issues in DDA and its

implication for SAARC countries • Third Session: Specific Negotiating Agenda

• Trade Facilitation• Non-Tariff Barriers: Standards and Technical Regulations• Non-Agriculture Market Access• GATS• Agriculture

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Workshop Format (contd.)

• Session 4 : Development Issues in WTO

• Session 5: Regional Trade and Cooperation• Analytical and political issues: Special focus on GI and

tourism

• SAFTA negotiations

• Sessions have been divided into two parts• Key speakers – overall perspective – coverage of issues

• Country speakers – individual country perspective

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Thank You