SADC Services Negotiation Workshop Insights - Port Louis, July 2012
The SADC Services Negotiation Workshop held in Mauritius on July 16, 2012, focused on advancing commitments for liberalizing services trade among member states. Key developments included reviewing the Draft Protocol on Trade in Services and establishing a roadmap for negotiations. The first round aimed for enhanced treatment for SADC member states in priority sectors, emphasizing a standstill on new restrictions. Sectoral focuses included communication, financial, transport, and tourism services, with critical timelines set for drafting requests and offers through mid-2013.
SADC Services Negotiation Workshop Insights - Port Louis, July 2012
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Presentation Transcript
SADC Services Negotiations Recent Developments Mauritius National Consultation Workshop on SADC Services Negotiation Port Louis, 16th July, 2012 • Prepared by: • Viola S. Nanyaro • SADC Secretariat • Gaborone, BOTSWANA
Introduction • Started in 2000 by developing a Protocol • The “Draft Protocol on Trade in Services” was adopted by Ministers of Trade in July 2009 • Adoption by Council and signature by HoD/S to follow after clearance by MoJ/AGs • Nov. 2011 CMT decided that: • TNF Services should commence negotiations on liberalization commitment at its next meeting and; • Request MOJ to expeditiously clear the Draft Protocol for Signature by Summit
Introduction Cont. • MoJ considered the Protocol in June, 2012 • CoSO in April, 2012 amended the Draft Protocol to reflect the decision by CMT in Nov. 2011 • Divergence was on the provisions for amendment of the Protocol ( art. 26 adoption of Annexes without ratification?) • From the divergence it was agreed that…….. • TNF Services convened in April, 2012 • Developed a roadmap for the first round of negotiations
1stRound of Negotiation • Objective : • Each Member State will provide better treatment to SADC MS in each priority sector than is provided in their GATS schedule • No new restrictions to be introduced during the negotiations (“standstill”) • Plus: GATS Article V • Substantial sectoral coverage (~ 6 sectors) • And elimination of substantially all discrimination (~better than GATS commitments sufficient(?))
Timelines: 1st Round of Negotiations First phase: requests and offers Sector focus in the first phase: Communication Services Financial Services Transport Services Tourism Services Beginning of Negotiations Requests in at least 2 sectors Requests in at least 2 sectors Offers in at least 2 sectors Offers in at least 2 sectors end November 2012 end March 2013 end June 2013 end August 2012 April 2012
