RESOLUTION OF SPECIFIC TRADE CONCERNS
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. WTO Committees and Councils are fundamental fora for discussion.
Members use these multilateral settings to raise trade concerns with respect to
measures which may affect their trade. These discussions can help ease trade
tensions by providing further information and clarification, working towards
mutually satisfactory solutions.
1.2. WTO Members use the TBT Committee to discuss Specific Trade Concerns
(STCs) related to specific laws, regulations or procedures that affect their
trade. Usually in response to notifications, members raise STCs to find out
more about the scope and implementation of each other's regulations in light of
TBT obligations. The discussion is mostly about measures still in the pipeline
(drafts) but can also be about implementing existing measures.
1.3. Expedited resolution of Specific Trade Concerns is essential for
maintaining the smooth flow of trade, preserving market confidence, reducing
costs, enhancing competitiveness, promoting trade growth, and preserving trade
relationships. It underscores the importance of proactive engagement,
cooperation, and adherence to established trade rules and regulations in
fostering a dynamic and resilient global trading system.
1.4. Noting the importance of fast-tracking resolution of STCs, Kenya
wishes to express her concern on the manner in which raised trade concerns have
been dealt with over the years, with members raising such concerns repeatedly
with little to no solution found.
2 PROPOSAL
2.1. Kenya proposes the establishment of a framework and a mechanism on
resolution of STCs with a view to:
a._