Differentiation Between Developing Countries in the WTO
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FAO Fisheries & Aquaculture
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Fisheries and for a world without hunger Aquaculture Department Geographic profiles FAO Fishery and Aquaculture Country Profiles provide an overview of the Related information activities and trends in fisheries and aquaculture for individual countries. National Aquaculture Fishery and Aquaculture Country Profiles - fact sheets Sector Overview (NASO) fact sheets FAO Country Profiles and Mapping Information System National Aquaculture For aquaculture, FAO provides statistics and prepares information on the global Legislation Overview status and trends of the aquaculture sector, facilitating cooperation in the collation (NALO) - fact sheets at the global level of national and regional data from which it produces global assessments on the state of aquaculture and development trends. The Fisheries and FAO Country Profiles Aquaculture Department compiles National Aquaculture Sector Overviews and Mapping (NASO) and National Aquaculture Legislation Overviews (NALO) to Information System disseminate this information. Related links National Aquaculture Sector Overview (NASO) fact sheets National Aquaculture Legislation Overview (NALO) - fact sheets Regional fishery bodies (RFB) - fact sheets The fisheries sector requires the definition of boundaries at sea for statistical data- gathering, fisheries management and jurisdictional purposes. FAO Major Fishing Areas are arbitrary areas defined for statistical purposes, the boundaries of which were determined in consultation with international fishery agencies on various considerations. FAO Major Fishing Areas - fact sheetsRegional Fishery Bodies (RFBs) contribute to the international governance of fisheries, particularly for those exploiting highly migratory resources or managing resources straddling across exclusive economic zones (EEZs). Improving the global governance of fisheries requires increasing the number of RFBs and the associated areas of competence at sea for these resources. -
Malaysia's Development Challenges: Graduating from the Middle
bs_bs_banner BOOK REVIEWS In the Quest for Prosperity, Lin proposes that observing that countries will fail by investing so governments of poor countries can promote far from their comparative advantage to a govern- growth by providing the ‘hard’ (power, telecom- ment knowing what ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ infrastruc- munications, roads, etc.) and ‘soft’ (education, ture and provision of information will be of most financial, and legal) infrastructure necessary to use to certain infant industries. support the structural transformation that has to While being critical of Lin’s central thesis, I take place continuously for an economy to grow have to say that this is an enjoyable and instructive based on its comparative advantage. Moreover, book. The reader is treated to a wide range of its comparative advantage will change as the eco- developing country experiences drawn from Lin’s nomic structure changes. travel in his World Bank job. These experience are The new line in Lin’s thinking about the eco- used very well to illustrate important points about nomic growth process that may make some econo- the development process—especially about the mists uncomfortable is his emphasis on mistakes made by developing countries in government provision of the ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ attempting capital-intensive import substitution. infrastructure to reduce the transaction costs for There is also an excellent summary of the eco- new firms. The justification for such government nomic theory of growth (Chapter 5). However, it actions is that the process of industrial upgrading is a contentious book and hopefully will foster and structural transformation is beset by market much debate over the growth paradigm. -
Policy Commitments Made Under the Agreement on Agriculture
Order Code RL32916 CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web Agriculture in the WTO: Policy Commitments Made Under the Agreement on Agriculture May 12, 2005 Randy Schnepf Specialist in Agricultural Policy Resources, Science, and Industry Division Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress Agriculture in the WTO: Policy Commitments Made Under the Agreement on Agriculture Summary The Uruguay Round (UR) of multilateral trade negotiations, completed in 1994, represented the first significant step toward reforming international agricultural trade. Under the UR negotiations, domestic policies and trade policies were viewed as interconnected. As a result, WTO member countries committed to disciplines in agricultural support in three broad areas — domestic agricultural support programs, export subsidies, and market access — often referred to as the three pillars of the Agreement on Agriculture (AA). In addition, members also agreed to provisions concerning the handling of sanitary and phytosanitary measures, dispute settlement procedures, and the continuation of the reform process. Under the auspices of the UR’s AA, WTO member countries agreed to limit and reduce the most distortive domestic support subsidies — referred to as amber box subsidies and measured by the Aggregate Measure of Support (AMS) index. Several types of indirect subsidies were identified as causing minimal distortion to agricultural production and trade, and were provided exemptions — green box, blue box, de minimis, and special treatment — from WTO disciplines. Export subsidies were capped and subject to reductions in both value and volume. In addition, members agreed to improve market access for internationally traded agricultural products by converting non-tariff trade barriers (NTBs) into tariffs (a process called tariffication); binding existing tariffs at January 1, 1995, levels; and reducing tariffs from bound levels with the all-product average tariff being reduced faster than tariffs for individual products. -
EXTENDING DECOLONIZATION: How the UNITED NATIONS MIGHT HAVE ADDRESSED Kosovo
ARTICLES EXTENDING DECOLONIZATION: How THE UNITED NATIONS MIGHT HAVE ADDRESSED Kosovo Thomas D. Grant TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION .......................................... 10 II A PROBLEM OF UN POLITICS ............................... 12 m. A PROBLEM OF RIGHTS AND STATEHOOD ..................... 21 IV. DECOLONIZATION ....................................... 26 V. EXTENDING THE PROCESS OF DECOLONIZATION ................ 33 VI. THE RISKS ............................................. 39 VII. CONCLUSION ........................................... 52 GA. J. INT'L & COMP. L. [Vol. 28:9 EXTENDING DECOLONIZATION: How THE UNITED NATIONS MIGHT HAVE ADDRESSED Kosovo Thomas D. Grant* I. INTRODUCTION Use of force against Yugoslavia, initiated on March 24, 1999, raised vexing problems about international governance. This article identifies two problems in particular and suggests an alternative approach which may have averted them. The Kosovo crisis can be characterized as a crisis of self-determination. When a group of human beings achieves self-determination, it is manifested by the participation of the group in the governance of a state. Where there are no other groups in the territory of the state, this will mean a monopoly by the group over governance. Where more than one group lives within a state, (which is to say, in most states) self-determination means shared participation in governance either through democratic institutions constituting a unitary government or through sub-state territorial units possessing their own competencies such as "autonomy" or "self-government." An important incident of self-determination when expressed this way is the right of the state to maintain its territorial integrity. Not all groups however have achieved self- determination. Where a group has not achieved self-determination, it may later be achieved through a change in the organization of the state in which the group lives. -
Fact Sheet on the Kyoto Protocol
The U.S. View FACT SHEET ON THE KYOTO PROTOCOL t a conference held December 1–11, 1997, in Kyoto, Japan, the Parties to A the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change agreed to an historic Protocol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by harnessing the forces of the global marketplace to protect the environment. Key aspects of the Kyoto Protocol include weather, either of which could spike emissions targets, timetables for industrial- emissions in a particular year. ized nations, and market-based measures for meeting those targets. The Protocol • The first budget period will be makes a down payment on the meaning- 2008–2012. The parties rejected bud- ful participation of developing countries, get periods beginning as early as but more needs to be done in this area. 2003, as neither realistic nor achiev- Securing meaningful developing country able. Having a full decade before the participation remains a core U.S. goal. start of the binding period will allow more time for companies to make the transition to greater energy efficiency Emissions Targets and/or lower carbon technologies. A central feature of the Kyoto Protocol is a set of binding emissions targets for • The emissions targets include all six developed nations. The specific limits major greenhouse gases: carbon diox- vary from country to country, though ide, methane, nitrous oxide, and three those for the key industrial powers of the synthetic substitutes for ozone-deplet- European Union, Japan, and the United ing CFCs that are highly potent and States are similar—8 percent below 1990 long-lasting in the atmosphere. emissions levels for the European Union, 7 percent for the United States, and 6 • Activities that absorb carbon, such as percent for Japan. -
Chapter 4 Agricultural Policy Reforms in Asia
Chapter 4 Agricultural policy reforms in Asia: an overview of trends, issues and challenges21 by Sisira Jayasuriya22 I. Introduction The thirtieth anniversary of the beginning of Chinese agricultural policy reforms occurs at a time when the world economy is facing the daunting challenges of what may prove to be the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression. These developments are calling into question the globalization processes and policy reforms that in recent times facilitated the embrace of globalization and enabled rapid growth in China and other Asian economies (e.g. India and Viet Nam). In particular, there is a strong upsurge of protectionism, just when an open international trading environment and global economic cooperation have become essential to avoid a contraction of trade that could aggravate the downturn and hamper recovery. It is imperative that we look at the past to draw lessons that can help prepare for the policy challenges ahead. This paper reviews the agricultural policy reform process in the Asian region, focusing on major themes that have characterized policy reforms during the past three decades. It places the agricultural reforms in the broader setting of a strong shift towards pro-market and outward-oriented policy liberalization. Given the enormous diversity within Asia, any broad generalizations are hazardous and likely to mask pronounced intraregional differences. Nevertheless, some common elements and broad themes can be seen when looking at the region as a whole, though not all countries conform to any single generalization. This paper’s primary focus is on Asian policy developments outside of China because the Chinese experience is covered in depth in other papers. -
39 40 Industrial Countries 20 17 16
Human Capital and Economic Development* Simon Appleton** and Francis Teal 1. Introduction Health and education are both components of human capital and contributors to human welfare. One index of human welfare, which incorporates income, education and health, shows that Africa’s level of ‘human development’ is the lowest of any region in the world. In this paper we will frequently compare Africa with South Asia. While Africa’s level of human development is lower than that of South Asia, its per capita income is higher. Africa’s poor economic performance has been most marked in its growth rate which has been half that of South Asia. As Africa has found since 1980, slow economic growth severely limits the ability of governments and households to fund further investments in health and education. Low investments in human capital may impinge on already low growth rates of income. Such interrelations might be thought to imply a vicious circle of development, but this should not be overstated. Poor countries have considerable discretion over how much to invest in health and education. Since Independence, Africa has achieved a rapid growth of some aspects of human capital - particularly in the expansion of education - despite starting from a low level of income. The expansion of the human capital stock has not been matched by a commensurate rise in physical capital. The result has been low growth of incomes and low returns to the educational investment. This paper provides an overview of Africa’s achievements in the formation of human capital, and its impact on economic growth and welfare. -
Trade Negotiations and Discussions in 2020 44 Agriculture
Trade 4negotiations and discussions Changes to the rules of trade require the agreement of WTO members, who must reach a decision through negotiations. A meeting of the Trade Negotiations Committee in early March 2020. 40 Trade negotiations and discussions in 2020 44 Agriculture 48 Market access for non- agricultural products 48 Services 50 Trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS) 51 Trade and development 52 Trade and environment 53 Rules negotiations: Fisheries subsidies, other WTO rules 56 Dispute Settlement Understanding 57 Joint initiatives 64 Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender TRADE NEGOTIATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS Trade negotiations and discussions in 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic forced COVID-19 pandemic WTO negotiating bodies to adopt a variety of formats for work, including In mid-March 2020, in line with the Swiss virtual meetings. Government’s recommendations, the then Director-General and Chair of the Trade WTO members advanced negotiations on Negotiations Committee (TNC), Roberto WTO members fisheries subsidies, although progress Azevêdo, suspended all meetings at the expressed concerns was insufficient to secure a deal in 2020. WTO, in coordination with the General about export A high degree of engagement was seen Council Chair, until the end of April because restrictions on in the agriculture negotiations. of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the months medical supplies that followed, the WTO continued its and food. The joint initiatives continued to draw meetings through a variety of formats – interest from an increasing number in-person (with limited numbers of of members in 2020. Their processes delegations), fully virtual or hybrid. remained transparent and inclusive. -
Repaving the Ancient Silk Routes
PwC Growth Markets Centre – Realising opportunities along the Belt and Road June 2017 Repaving the ancient Silk Routes In this report 1 Foreword 2 Chapter 1: Belt and Road – A global game changer 8 Chapter 2: China’s goals for the Belt and Road 14 Chapter 3: Key sectors and economic corridors 28 Chapter 4: Opportunities for foreign companies 34 Chapter 5: Unique Belt and Road considerations 44 Chapter 6: Strategies to evaluate and select projects 56 Chapter 7: Positioning for success 66 Chapter 8: Leveraging international platforms 72 Conclusion Foreword Belt and Road – a unique trans-national opportunity Not your typical infrastructure projects Few people could have envisaged what the Belt and Road However, despite the vast range and number of B&R (B&R) entailed when President Xi of China first announced opportunities, many of these are developed in complex the concept back in 2013. However, four years later, the B&R conditions, not least because they are located in growth initiative has amassed a huge amount of economic markets where institutional voids can prove to be hard to momentum.The B&R initiative refers to the Silk Road navigate. Inconsistencies in regulatory regimes and Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road underdeveloped credit markets, together with weak existing initiatives. The network connects Asia, Europe and Africa, infrastructure and a maturing talent market all combine to and passes through more than 65 countries and regions with add further complexity for companies trying to deliver and a population of about 4.4 billion and a third of the global manage these projects. -
Developing Countries in the Doha Round
Reforming the World Trade Organization Developing Countries in the Doha Round & Reforming the World Trade Organization Developing Countries in the Doha Round Published by D-217, Bhaskar Marg, Bani Park Chemin du Point-du-Jour 6 bis Jaipur 302 016, India 1202, Geneva, Switzerland Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.cuts-international.org Website: www.fes-geneva.org Researched and written by Faizel Ismail Head of the South African Delegation to the World Trade Organization Citation Reforming the World Trade Organization Developing Countries in the Doha Round Printed by Jaipur Printers P. Ltd., Jaipur 302 001 ISBN 978-81-8257-126-6 © Faizel Ismail, 2009 The views expressed here are those of the author in his personal capacity and therefore, in no way be taken to reflect those of CUTS, FES and the South African Government. #0911, Rs.200/US$20 Contents Foreword by Supachai Panitchpakdi.......................................................................... i Foreword by Rob Davies........................................................................................... iii Preface and Acknowledgements................................................................................. v Abbreviation and Acronyms ...................................................................................... ix Chapter 1: Introduction: Developing countries in the GATT and the WTO .... 1 1.1 Introduction ................................................................................... 1 1.2 Rediscovering the Role of Developing -
'A World to Gain: a New Agenda for Aid, Trade and Investment'
A World to Gain A World A World to Gain KampalaCapeTownLuandaTiranaBelgradeShanghaiPanamaCityBeijingAmmanTheHagueKhartoumIslamabadKievBernCopenhagenSofiaRomeBrasiliaBra A New Agenda for Aid, A New Agenda for Aid, Trade and Investment Agenda for Aid, Trade A New Trade and Investment A World to Gain A New Agenda for Aid, Trade and Investment April 2013 A World to Gain Table of Contents Summary 5 Introduction 9 1 Trends, developments and lessons learned 12 1.1 Shifts in global power relations 13 1.2 Increased global interconnectedness and interdependence 14 1.3 Changing patterns of poverty 14 1.4 Changing roles 16 1.5 Lessons learned 17 2 A new approach 20 2.1 Policy coherence 21 2.2 New forms of cooperation 23 2.3 New forms of financing, definition of ODA and transparency 24 2.4 Spending cuts 25 3 Changing relationships 26 3.1 Background 27 | 3 | 3.2 Global issues: international public goods (IPGs) 29 3.3 Aid relationships 34 3.4 Transitional relationships 40 3.5 Trade relationships 47 4 Cooperation 52 4.1 Bilateral relations with countries and regions 53 4.2 Civil society organisations 53 4.3 The private sector 54 4.4 Research institutions 55 4.5 The European Union 56 4.6 International organisations 57 5 Funding 58 5.1 Integrated budget for foreign trade and development cooperation 59 5.2 Cuts in development cooperation expenditure 59 5.3 Towards the 2017 budget 63 Annexes 66 Dutch Good Growth Fund country list 67 Abbreviations 68 References 70 | 4 | A World to Gain Summary The Netherlands wants to move forward in the world, and move forward with the world. -
Country Classification 2019 – As of 14 August 2019
COUNTRY CLASSIFICATION 2019 – AS OF 14 AUGUST 2019 This document, as well as any data and any map included herein, are without prejudice to the status of or sovereignty over any territory, to the delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries and to the name of any territory, city or area. Country Subject to Repayment Country Risk Tied Aid Minimum Term Category Classification Eligibility Concessionality Name ISO Methodology? Afghanistan AFG II yes eligible 50% Albania ALB II yes ineligible -- Algeria DZA II yes ineligible -- Andorra AND II no ineligible -- Angola AGO II yes eligible 50% Antigua and Barbuda ATG II yes ineligible -- Argentina ARG II yes ineligible -- Armenia ARM II yes ineligible -- Aruba ABW II yes ineligible -- Australia AUS I no ineligible -- Austria AUT I no ineligible -- Azerbaijan AZE II yes ineligible -- Bahamas BHS II yes ineligible -- Bahrain BHR II yes ineligible -- Bangladesh BGD II yes eligible 50% Barbados BRB II yes ineligible -- Belarus BLR II yes ineligible -- Belgium BEL I no ineligible -- Belize BLZ II yes ineligible -- Benin BEN II yes eligible 50% Bhutan BTN II yes eligible 50% Page 1 http://www.oecd.org/trade/topics/export-credits/arrangement-and-sector-understandings/financing-terms-and-conditions/ (14 August 2019) COUNTRY CLASSIFICATION 2019 – AS OF 14 AUGUST 2019 Country Subject to Repayment Country Risk Tied Aid Minimum Term Category Classification Eligibility Concessionality Name ISO Methodology? Bolivia BOL II yes eligible 35% Bosnia and Herzegovina BIH II yes ineligible -- Botswana BWA