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FTAA FIFTH MINISTERIAL They reiterated:
Progress and Next Steps The trade ministers noted the preparation of outlines of chapters for the FTAA by the nine Negotiating Groups (NGs) and progress on their work programs and instructed them to prepare drafts of their respective chapters for the next ministerial (in Argentina in April 2000). They instructed the Trade Negotiating Committee (TNC) to prepare a report on these texts indicating areas where their guidance is needed and to begin discussing the general and institutional aspects of the agreement. They also mandated three meetings of the TNC: in Guatemala in April 2000, and later in Barbados and Peru. Structure and Organization The ministers reaffirmed the central role of the TNC in managing the FTAA negotiations by guiding the negotiating groups and committees, ensuring transparency, overseeing administration, implementing business facilitation measures, addressing unresolved issues and ensuring that the NGs carry out their mandates and report to the TNC by December 2000. The ministers acknowledged and appreciated the work of the chairmen and vice chairmen of the NGs, committees and Consultative Group during the first 18-month period and published the list of new chairs and vice chairs for the next period. Business Facilitation The ministers agreed on a number of specific business facilitation measures, with initial work concentrating on customs procedures and transparency. New measures will be recommended by the TNC at the next ministerial. The IDB/IMF will finance technical assistance for implementation of the measures. Eight specific measures in the customs area will be implemented beginning January1, 2000. Transparency measures were included as an annex to the meeting’s declaration. Relationship between the FTAA and the WTO Support was extended for launching multilateral trade negotiations at the WTO Third Ministerial Conference in Seattle on December 3. The FTAA is consistent with WTO provisions and its negotiation will be pursued closely. The ministers agreed to work toward the following goals: agreement at the WTO Multilateral Negotiations on Agriculture on elimination of export subsidies; earliest compliance with all commitments under the Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture; and disciplines on other trade-distorting practices at the next WTO MNA. It was agreed that the interests of developing countries, especially small economies, would be furthered through enhanced attention to effective implementation of special and differential treatment so they might benefit from the WTO. Other Issues Commitment to transparency in negotiations was reaffirmed. The ministers noted the establishment of the Committee of Government Representatives on the participation of Civil Society and welcomed its report on a range of views. They also acknowledged the recommendations of the Fifth Americas Business Forum and thanked the Joint Government-Private Sector Committee of Experts on Electronic Commerce for its detailed report, encouraging it to develop recommendations for the next ministerial. The ministers also considered the report of the Consultative Group on Smaller Economies and agreed with the TNC’s acceptance of its recommendations for further work in the next stage of negotiations. The Tripartite Committee (OAS, IDB and ECLAC) was asked to disseminate an inventory of training opportunities in trade policy, explore opportunities for technical assistance to improve statistics and measures that affect trade in services, establish national contact points for information on national laws affecting this area, and maintain a calendar of deadlines established by NGs. Finally, the ministers expressed appreciation for the support provided by the member organizations of the Tripartite Committee (TC) and the logistical support of the Administrative Secretariat. They also appreciated the support of the government and people of Florida for the Secretariat and asked the TC to support the relocation and operation of the Secretariat in Panama when its stay in Miami is finished.
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