SEVENTH Appraisal of the Trade policy review
mechanism
Report on the first dedicated session on IT tools of 8 June 2023
Chairperson:
H.E. Mr Saqer Abdullah ALMOQBEL (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)
1.
The Trade Policy
Review Body met on 8 June 2023 to hold the first of a series of
dedicated sessions on IT tools. The meeting was chaired by Ambassador H.E. Mr Saqer
ALMOQBEL (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), with the goal of discussing the IT
system, particularly the online Q&A tool. The Chair encouraged Members to
submit textual proposals on the basis of the revised summary note.
2.
Members identified
gaps and challenges with the online Q&A tool, and suggested some functionality
improvements:
·
Reduce the number
of duplicate questions;
·
Track the status
of questions through an online dashboard, e.g. questions received, questions
answered, number of questions received before and after the deadline, etc.;
·
Reduce the need
for manually reformatting questions and responses;
·
Amend the
standardized template with the ability to sort by topic, paragraph, Member
name, etc.; and
·
Add functionality
to:
o
distribute
questions to relevant ministries and officials in capital;
o
"piggyback"
onto other Member's questions (thus helping to reduce the number of overall
questions);
o
upload/download
questions and responses in bulk, rather than one by one;
o
upload/download
in both Word and Excel; and
o
create keyword
tags, and then sort and download questions and responses.
3.
Regarding the
current process, several Members mentioned the need to avoid a two‑track system
(i.e. submitting questions both through the online tool and Word
documents) in order to improve efficiency and reduce the administrative burden
on Members. One Member suggested that, for smaller Members, the Secretariat
could enter questions received from Members into the online tool for the Member
being reviewed.
4.
Members discussed
whether use of the online system should be mandatory, and noted that they first
needed confidence in the system. The goal for now should be increasing
familiarity with the tool, and working towards increased uptake in the future. One
Member suggested that there could be an incentive to encourage use of the IT
system, e.g. preference in order of speaking, or more time for responding
to questions.
5.
Members discussed
rewording the outcome statement from the Chair's and some suggestions were put
forward. The issue will be revisited in the next meetings.
6.
In terms of the next
steps to be taken, Members requested a demonstration of the system in its
current state, as well as an extended period for capital representatives to
test the system and provide feedback. It was decided that the Secretariat would
arrange the demonstration. Members also suggested that the Secretariat coordinate
with the TFA database expert to discuss that tool's functionality. The
Secretariat might also arrange presentations from other secretariats of
international organizations that are using similar IT tools.
7.
The Chair noted
that a taskforce on IT tools will be established. The taskforce will meet
regularly to discuss Members' requests for improved functionality and
efficiency, and how to make the system more user friendly and better serve
Members' needs. It was noted that establishment of the workforce would not
preclude Members from concluding the current Appraisal.
8.
The Chair closed
the meeting by indicating Members that the next meeting would take place on
Monday 19 June at 3 p.m. in room S3.
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