Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade - Chairperson's communication on upcoming TBT Committee meetings - Tenth triennial review - Proposal from Kenya

CHAIRPERSON'S COMMUNICATION ON UPCOMING TBT COMMITTEE MEETINGS

TENTH TRIENNIAL REVIEW

Proposal from Kenya

The following submission, dated 5 March 2024, is being circulated at the request of the delegation of Kenya.

 

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1  BACKGROUND

1.1.  The WTO Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) holds regular meetings with a view to provide a platform for members to exchange experiences on implementation of the Agreement with a view to make its implementation more effective and efficient. This discussion revolves around generic, cross-cutting themes, including transparency, standards, conformity assessment and good regulatory practice as well as discussions aimed at resolving Specific Trade Concerns (STCs).

1.2.  As an administrative practice, schedule for meetings is posted on the WTO official Website. Members, majority of which are developing and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Developing Countries still have difficulties effectively participating in these meetings due to inability to secure necessary approvals and clearances from Authorities.

1.3.  It is therefore crucial to put in place administrative mechanisms to facilitate such members who may require advance/early invitations and communication to enable them process the relevant clearances to travel for the TBT Committee meetings.

2  PROPOSAL

2.1.  Kenya hereby proposes the establishment of administrative mechanisms for issuing advance communication for meetings. This mechanism should enable the TBT Committee Chairperson to:

a._    Issue formal communication concerning upcoming TBT committee meetings at least two months prior to the meeting in order to facilitate members internal processes relating to their participation.

 

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