Description
The
chair of the WTO Negotiating Group on Rules recently circulated
a draft text (TN/RL/W/213), which includes potential disciplines
on fisheries subsidies. The chair's objective was to 'stimulate
serious reflection on the broad parameters of possible negotiating
outcomes, and work on solving specific problems in the coming
months'.
As
part of the effort to facilitate discussion on the merits and
implications of the Chair's draft text, this workshop aims to
provide an opportunity for informal technical discussion and to
allow for elaboration and exploration of issues in a non-negotiating
context. The discussion will be conducted according to the "Chatham
House Rule"-i.e. the outcomes from the meeting will not include
the identity or affiliation of the speakers.
The day will consist of three sessions focused on: (i) the scope
of the draft text's proposed prohibition; (ii) the sustainability
criteria that the draft proposes to place as conditions to the
use of non-prohibited subsidies; and (iii) issues of special relevance
to the "special and differential treatment" of developing countries,
including access-related subsidies and "artisanal" fishing. Please
find attached the draft agenda for more information.
We
would appreciate if you could confirm your participation by giving
your name and contact details to Cecile de Gardelle at cdegardelle@ictsd.ch
or calling +41-22-917 8755.
