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Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA)
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Current FTAA Negotiations
Results of the 13th Trade Negotiations Committee Meeting - Puebla, Mexico, April 8-11, 2003
Summary of the TNC Guidance and Instructions
The 13th FTAA Trade Negotiations Committee (TNC) meeting was held in Puebla, Mexico, on April 8-11, 2003. It was the first TNC meeting since the Quito Ministerial, and the first under the Brazilian and U.S. Co-Chairmanship. The TNC provided new instructions to various FTAA negotiating groups and committees, which are consolidated in an official document titled “Guidance and Instructions to the FTAA entities” (FTAA.TNC/22). Based on a Canadian proposal, this document was derestricted and posted on the official FTAA website. The document outlines the key decisions made by the TNC during its 13th meeting. Notably:
The TNC agreed to a series of instructions that will help advance the quality of the draft text of the FTAA Agreement and further progress in the market access negotiations. -
The TNC also agreed to additional measures that will enhance the transparency of the negotiations and encourage greater participation of civil society in the FTAA process.
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The Consultative Group on Smaller Economies (CGSE) was instructed to advance the Hemispheric Cooperation Program and all FTAA entities were urged to better address the needs of the smaller economies.
On civil society participation:
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The Committee of Government Representatives on the Participation of Civil Society (SOC) was instructed to hold meetings on issues related to the FTAA process that would include civil society representatives. These meetings would take place on the margins of regularly scheduled meetings of this Committee and they would rotate among the FTAA countries.
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This Committee was also instructed to develop a document on best practices regarding outreach and consultation with civil society.
Regarding transparency:
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The TNC instructed the SOC to publish on the official FTAA website the contributions received in response to the Open and Permanent Invitation for civil society to provide input on the FTAA process.
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The SOC was also instructed to develop recommendations on enhancing the information provided on the FTAA web site and in public statements issued by FTAA entities.
And with respect to the Hemispheric Cooperation Program (HCP):
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The CGSE was instructed to develop and submit a plan of action for the convening of a meeting, involving a wide range of donor entities, by the July TNC meeting, to be held in San Salvador. The meeting with donor entities would be organized for the purpose of discussing issues related to the financing and implementation of the HCP. The first meeting with donor entities will be held in advance of the next FTAA Trade Ministerial, scheduled for November 20-21, 2003 in Miami.
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