REPORT by THE CHAIRMAN OF THE
NEGOTIATING GROUP ON MARKET ACCESS[1]
1 Introduction
1.1. In the last weeks, since the TNC
session of 6 February 2014, I had discussions with over twenty
delegations, and met the coordinators and focal points of the ACP Group, African
Group and the LDC Group. I also met with
ASEAN Members and a number of ALBA Members in separate sessions.
1.2. This report reflects initial
findings from my consultations. I would note at the outset that we are still in
a warm-up phase. Members are busy with the implementation of the Trade
Facilitation Agreement and are just starting to revisit NAMA issues.
Nonetheless, I was very pleased to note the engagement of Members.
1.3. At the TNC of 6 February, the
Director-General (DG) highlighted six parameters to frame the discussions on
the work ahead and in particular for addressing the tripod of Agriculture (AG),
NAMA and Services.
1.4. Indeed, the parameter on the interconnectivity of the big issues in the DDA was
mentioned regularly by Members in my consultations. The potential outcome in
NAMA is seen by many as being very much correlated to the one in AG. Therefore,
I heard many Members mention the need to adopt a parallel approach to tackle
AG, NAMA and Services.
1.5. Members seem also in full agreement
with the DG on the parameters of doability, creativity, inclusiveness and
transparency.
[1] This report was prepared for the General Council meeting of 14
March 2014 and has already been circulated as JOB/GC/62. One correction has
been introduced to this document as compared to the earlier version which is
that paragraphs 2.7 and 2.8 which were incorrectly split are now combined. This
has also had a consequence on the paragraph numbering.