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0 9 /0 6
September 18, 2009

R NM U PD A T E
Com pl et in g t h e
Doh a Rou nd – T he
Pat h to 2 0 1 0
The future of the Doha Round has been at the forefront of
international discussion and has paralleled international
debate about the global financial crisis. As the crisis
deepened, fear of trade protectionism intensified.
Accordingly, need to open and expand markets became
even more urgent. The result has been an intensification of
the expression of political will amongst the international
community to ameliorate the global financial system
through trade liberalization and the completion of the
Doha Development Agenda.
The multilateral meeting of Ministers convened in New
Delhi India on September 3-4 2009 was meant to capitalize
on the resurgence of the newly catalyzed political resolve.
The design was to capitalize on the political will to agree
upon a plan of action or timetable to complete the Doha
Round within the year 2010. it can be argued that the
emphasis of the Meeting therefore was not on the
substance of negotiations but on the process.
The Mini-Ministerial did facilitate consensus on a roadmap
for multilateral engagement for 2009 through to 2010. The
participating Ministers agreed that Chief negotiators and
Senior Officials should meet in the week beginning
September 14, 2009 to draw up a process of
engagement through to the end of November. They
also agreed that officials should start to work with the
Chairs of the Negotiating Groups to prepare an overall
agenda of action.
However, it should be recognised that in order to
complete the round in 2010, political will would have
to transcend the rhetoric of sentiment and must be put
to the task of achieving compromise in both NAMA and
Agriculture negotiations.
Yet, breaking the Agriculture and NAMA impasse
continues to be elusive. Minister Sharma in his
welcome address to the meeting (available at
http://crnm.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task
=cat_view&gid=227&Itemid=120 ) recognised that “if
we look at the texts of modalities on NAMA and
Agriculture alone, it would be apparent that there are
still a few gaps and large number of unresolved issues.
In some instances, the architecture of a solution is not
fully in sight.” However, for Minister Sharma, the
solution to breaking the impasse is located in a

CRNM UPDATE is the flagship electronic trade newsletter of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (CRNM). Published in English, it is a rich
source of probing research on and detailed analyses of international trade policy issues and developments germane to the Caribbean. Prepared by the
Information Unit of the CRNM, the newsletter focuses on the CRNM, trade negotiation issues within its mandate and related activities. Its intention is to
provide impetus for feedback by and awareness amongst a variety of stakeholders, as regards trade policy developments of currency and importance to
the Caribbean.
http://www.crnm.org
technical undertaking to be executed by senior officials
before collective agreement on the way forward can be
found at the Ministerial level.
Conversely, it can be argued that as long as national
negotiating mandates remain the same, the technical
pursuit of Agriculture and NAMA modalities will continue
to yield the same results. What obstructs the completion
of the Round is not the absence of technical solutions per
se but the absence of political will to agree to a
compromise.
Even if Minister Sharma is correct in his conclusion about
the process ahead and the need for greater technical
work, from a technical standpoint, it is not clear that
there is consensus on a common starting for the
resumption of the Round. It is curious that in the
absence of formal political agreement on Agriculture and
NAMA modalities, prior to the Mini-Ministerial, work
commenced on scheduling – a process which entails
calculating and presenting projected future tariffs for
agricultural and industrial goods. However, during the
ministerial it was evident that some WTO members
remained divided on whether the modalities expressed in
the latest Draft Text published in December 2008 can be
considered a starting point for discussion regarding the
finalization of modalities.
From a CARICOM perspective, the agreed starting point
should not reflect any deviation from what has already
been agreed to in principle with respect to the flexibilities
reserved for Small Vulnerable Economies (SVEs).
Regrettably, during the Ministerial meeting, it was
evident that attempts were made to reopen issues which
were previously uncontested, including those pertaining
to flexibilities afforded to developing countries.
Reopening established principles in the negotiation at this
stage will further widen the gaps and undermine
prospects for conclusion in 2010. Furthermore, it is
worrisome that progress in other areas under negotiation
which must be attained may be compromised unless the
issue of modalities of Agriculture and NAMA is resolved.
CRNM UPDATE is the flagship electronic trade newsletter of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (CRNM). Published in English, it is a rich
source of probing research on and detailed analyses of international trade policy issues and developments germane to the Caribbean. Prepared by the
Information Unit of the CRNM, the newsletter focuses on the CRNM, trade negotiation issues within its mandate and related activities. Its intention is to
provide impetus for feedback by and awareness amongst a variety of stakeholders, as regards trade policy developments of currency and importance to
the Caribbean.
http://www.crnm.org
The Ministerial also did not yield clarity on the balance
of methodologies that should be employed to facilitate
the breaking of the impasse. The meeting did agree
that multilateral consultations should be employed to
help member states agree to adjust their levels of
ambition in order to attain a compromise. At the same
time, it was also acknowledged that other forms of
engagement such as the bilateral process could be
helpful. In the exercise of trade diplomacy, both
methodologies are useful. Multilateral approaches
better ensure inclusiveness and transparency of
process. On the other hand, whereas bilateral
consultative approaches can speed the negotiating
process along, they can be conduits for coercive tactics
and can exacerbate the vulnerability of weaker
countries, especially developing countries. The value of
the bilateral approach (favoured by the US especially)
in bridging multilateral compromise, therefore has
marked consequences for both the legitimacy of the
process and overall result of the Round.
Regardless of the technical acrobatics and the
negotiating tactics that may be employed to achieve
movement in the Round, the logical conclusion of the
negotiation must yield an agreement that is
commensurate with the underlying principle of the
Doha Round which is development rather than simply
trade liberalization. If the agreement reached does not
support a more effective integration of developing
countries of positive consequence to their
development, the Doha Round will be a resounding
failure.
The doubts surrounding discussion of the prospects of
the Doha Round are subsumed within wider concerns
about the overall state of global governance. Certain
expectations have emerged within the international
community – new leadership must assume the mantle
of determining solutions for global economic stability.
In this regard WTO Director-General (DG) Pascal Lamy
sees a role for what he refers to as the “triangle of
coherence” – a “triangle of global governance”
comprising the G20 group of countries; the member-
driven international organizations with expertise in
programming and policy; and the United Nations.
It is therefore anticipated that the G20 Pittsburgh
Summit which is scheduled to take place on September
24-25 2009 will in the words of DG Lamy present an
opportunity for the G20 to “throw their weight behind a
Doha Development deal” and to engender greater
political convergence.
After the results of the program of consultations and
meetings which have been convened during the week
beginning September 14 are collated, a clearer picture of
the state of play of the negotiations will be revealed. It is
likely that the state of play will likely be forwarded to the
Pittsburgh Summit for consideration so that G20
leadership on this matter may further refine the future
forward path. CARICOM and the rest of the international
community will continue to follow these developments
as they unfold.
CRNM UPDATE is the flagship electronic trade newsletter of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (CRNM). Published in English, it is a rich
source of probing research on and detailed analyses of international trade policy issues and developments germane to the Caribbean. Prepared by the
Information Unit of the CRNM, the newsletter focuses on the CRNM, trade negotiation issues within its mandate and related activities. Its intention is to
provide impetus for feedback by and awareness amongst a variety of stakeholders, as regards trade policy developments of currency and importance to
the Caribbean.
http://www.crnm.org
CAR IC OM -C anada
Trade Negot iations
In full swi ng Nov. 9 ,
2009
CARICOM and Canada have agreed to start the first
Round of formal trade negotiations on November 9,
2009. This decision follows the Ministerial meeting
between CARICOM Ministers of Trade and Minister of
International Trade of Canada, The Honourable
Stockwell Day, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on
th
Friday, September 11 , 2009. That informal meeting
had been convened to discuss preparations for the
negotiation of a CARICOM-Canada Trade and
Development Agreement.
This Ministerial audience, which was requested by the
CARICOM Member States, was deemed a necessary
precursor to the formal commencement of the
negotiation between the Parties. An informal meeting
of CARICOM and Canadian Principal Negotiators also
took place following the Ministerial meeting to
facilitate follow-up discussions pertaining to the
negotiations.
During the Ministerial and Principal Negotiators’
meeting, both CARICOM and Canada clarified their
perspectives on a number of matters pertaining to the
negotiations. CARICOM clarified its vision of the scope
and nature of the agreement and emphasized that it
should be a trade and development agreement
designed to enhance the sustainable development of
the region and to promote trade between the Parties.
The successful conclusion of this Ministerial marks the
conclusion of the exploratory phase of the discussions
between CARICOM and Canada on trade negotiations
which started seven years ago in March 2001. The
occasion also marked the beginning of the first order of
negotiation mandate. Such is the responsibility of the
business for Ambassador Gail Mathurin as the new
College. Also ahead of the commencement of the first
Director General of the Office of Trade Negotiations of
Round, CARICOM will convene a series of regional
the CARICOM Secretariat, and as the Principal
consultations designed to refine current negotiation
Negotiator of the CARICOM-Canada trade negotiations.
positions and strategies.
Prior to the November start of the negotiations, the
trade negotiations with Canada will be discussed at the
meeting of the CARICOM Council for Trade and ********
Economic Development (COTED) which will convene
October, 5-8 2009. In addition to reflecting on the
Ministerial discussions and the informal exchanges
between the Principal Negotiators, it is anticipated that
the COTED will also review and approve Ambassador
Mathurin’s selection for the College of Negotiators.
The simultaneous negotiation of several trade issues
throughout the CARICOM-Canada trade negotiation
will require thematic synchronization at the technical
level to ensure that the terms negotiated are
complementary and are consistent with the overall

CARICOM Ministers group photo. From left to right: Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of State within the Ministry of Legal Affairs,
Joanne Maureen Massiah; Barbados’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Maxine McClean; Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister
of Trade and Industry, Mariano Browne; His Excellency Edwin W. Carrington, Secretary General of the Caribbean Community
(CARICOM); Minister Day; Jamaica’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Marlene Malahoo Forte; and
Grenada’s Minister for the Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development, Michael Church. Source: Canada’s DFAIT
http://www.international.gc.ca

CRNM UPDATE is the flagship electronic trade newsletter of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (CRNM). Published in English, it is a rich
source of probing research on and detailed analyses of international trade policy issues and developments germane to the Caribbean. Prepared by the
Information Unit of the CRNM, the newsletter focuses on the CRNM, trade negotiation issues within its mandate and related activities. Its intention is to
provide impetus for feedback by and awareness amongst a variety of stakeholders, as regards trade policy developments of currency and importance to
the Caribbean.
http://www.crnm.org
 NE W S I T E M S

International News

G20 governments refrain from extensive use of restrictive measures, but some slippage evident
Secretary General Angel Gurria of OECD, WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy and UNCTAD Secretary General Supachai
Panitchpakdi, the heads of the OECD, UNCTAD and the WTO indicated in a joint report to G-20 leaders meeting in
Pittsburgh later this month that the global crisis is not over and rising unemployment will undoubtedly spark further
protectionist pressures in the years to come. They further expressed that Tariffs, non-tariff measures, subsidies and
burdensome administrative procedures regarding imports have been applied in recent months and these actions have
retarded global recovery.

Zimbabwe signs economic partnership agreement

Zimbabwe recently joined five other African countries in signing the Eastern and Southern Africa European Commission
(ESAEC) Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA). Six ESA countries that included Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius,
Comoros, Madagascar and Seychelles initiated the IEPA in 2007. Zambia and Comoros are yet to sign the agreement.

EU, West Africa Delay EPA Conclusion

Western African countries and the European Union acknowledged in June that more time was needed to conclude an
economic partnership agreement between the two regions. The parties had hoped to wrap up the negotiations in mid-
2009, but have now agreed to take the process forward in two stages. They aim to sign an agreement on market access,
development co-operation and certain trade-related issues by late October, and pick up other subjects, such as services, as
of January 2010.

Regional News

Suriname-Brazil sign cooperation agreements

During an official visit of Suriname's Foreign Minister to Brazil, several agreements were signed to advance cooperations
between the two neighbouring countries. Bilateral talks between Minister Lygia Kraag-Keteldijk and her Brazilian
counterpart Celso Amorim were focussed on foreign policy, security, agriculture, trade, infrastructure, physical integration,
immigration and development of bio-fuel industry in Suriname. In a bid to expand bilateral trade the two delegations
argued that regular shipping connections between Brazil and Suriname need to be put in place. During the visit several
agreements in the field of education, police cooperation, agriculture, health and vocational training were signed. According
to the Suriname Ministry of Foreign Affairs both officials expressed their satisfaction over the bilateral relations, which are
improving since the official meeting of President Ronald Venetiaan and president Luis Inacio 'Lula' da Silva from Brazil in
December 2008 in Bahia, Brazil.

Trinidad providing unfair subsidies to manufacturers, JMA president says

Jamaica Manufacturers' Association (JMA) president Omar Azan has complained to the Jamaican Government about what
he says is an unfair energy subsidy being provided by Trinidad & Tobago to their manufacturing counterparts in the twin-
island republic. Azan stated his position at a luncheon hosted by Observer chairman Gordon "Butch" Stewart last week at
the Observer's head office in Kingston.

CRNM UPDATE is the flagship electronic trade newsletter of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (CRNM). Published in English, it is a rich
source of probing research on and detailed analyses of international trade policy issues and developments germane to the Caribbean. Prepared by the
Information Unit of the CRNM, the newsletter focuses on the CRNM, trade negotiation issues within its mandate and related activities. Its intention is to
provide impetus for feedback by and awareness amongst a variety of stakeholders, as regards trade policy developments of currency and importance to
the Caribbean.
http://www.crnm.org
 Upcoming Events

September 2009

21.09.2009 - 23.09.2009 InWent CARIFORUM-SADC exchange on the CARIFORUM-EU EPA, South Africa

22.09.2009 - 23.09.2009 OECS Trade Negotiating Group, St. Lucia

22.09.2009 - 25.09.2009 Fourth World Summit on Arts and Culture, South Africa

23.09.2009 - 25.09.2009 CARIFORUM/French Caribbean Overseas

Regions/European Overseas Countries and Territories TF on EPA, Martinique

23.09.2009 - 25.09.2009 CTA/CCST/NCST/UWI Caribbean Regional Science, Technology and Innovation

Workshop, Jamaica

24.09.2009 - 25.09.2009 OECS Ministers of Trade, St. Lucia

28.09.2009 - 01.10.2009 17th Session of the ACP PA and Inter-Sessional Meetings of the ACP-EU JPA, Brussels

October 2009

06.10.2009 - 06.10.2009 Meeting of Officials in preparation for the Twenty-eighth Meeting of the COTED,
Barbados

08.10.2009 - 08.10.2009 Twenty-eighth Meeting of the CARICOM Council for Trade and Economic Development,
Barbados

09.10.2009 - 10.10.2009 Convocation on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, Barbados

26.10.2009 - 27.10.2009 OECS/WIPO Validation meeting for Copyright Study, Dominica

28.10.2009 - 29.10.2009 OECS Consultation on TRIPS, Dominica

28.10.2009 - 29.10.2009 OECS Consultations on Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights Issues, Dominica

CRNM UPDATE is the flagship electronic trade newsletter of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (CRNM). Published in English, it is a rich
source of probing research on and detailed analyses of international trade policy issues and developments germane to the Caribbean. Prepared by the
Information Unit of the CRNM, the newsletter focuses on the CRNM, trade negotiation issues within its mandate and related activities. Its intention is to
provide impetus for feedback by and awareness amongst a variety of stakeholders, as regards trade policy developments of currency and importance to
the Caribbean.
http://www.crnm.org