Brussels, 08/02/2011 (Agence Europe) - Between 10 and 14 January, the other countries of the WTO examined the proposals on the table regarding the environmental plank of the Doha negotiations.
Three sub-chapters are under discussion: - the relationship between multilateral rules of the WTO and the multilateral environmental agreements (MEA). The general principles were discussed, as were issues relating to national coordination, technical assistance and reinforcing capability, and the special trade obligations listed in the MEAs; - cooperation between the WTO and the secretariats of the MEAs. On this chapter, the EU has put itself ahead by proposing to grant observer status to a number of MEA secretariats which already work with the WTO; - tariff reduction on environmental goods and services, the most interesting issue as regards content.
Liberalisation of trade in environmental goods and services. The member countries discussed various categories of products: the fight against atmospheric pollution, renewable energies, waste management and water treatment, environmental technologies and carbon capture and storage. The discussions stressed the need to trim the list and make it more targeted, as it currently contains 400 products, and start technical discussions to clarify the justification for given products from an environmental point of view. The talks also shed light on differences of opinion over the definition of an environmental good, for single or multiple end use. There are three approaches on how to identify environmental goods in contention: - the approach based on lists of products, supported by the developed countries (Australia, Canada, the United States, South Korea, Japan, Norway, New Zealand, Switzerland, Taiwan and the EU); - the approach based on environmental projects or activities, which is supported by the emerging countries (South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Egypt and India), with the idea being to identify businesses with environmental activities and granting tariff reductions on their imports, but the developed countries feel that this is too administrative and technically difficult to implement; - and the approach based on supply and demand. The delegations are continuing examination of their respective advantages, and looking into ways of using a combination of elements from the various approaches. The member countries also agreed to examine the question of the liberalisation of environmental services. Finally, the issue of special and differentiated treatment for the developing countries is also on the table.
Further consultations were carried out at the end of January and the beginning of January. Another week of discussions is scheduled for next week in Geneva. (E.H./transl.fl)