Introduction to the Workshop

1. Introduction to the Workshop Nupur Chowdhury 1st – 3rd May 2006 Workshop on WTO-related Issues for Government Officials in SAARC Region

2. TERI TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute is a developing country institute that is deeply committed to every aspect of sustainable development. Scope of Activities: • Environment-friendly solutions to rural energy problems • Regulatory policy of the Indian oil and gas sector • Global climate development change issues • Forest conservation efforts among local communities; • Researching and developing cross sectoral linkages on a wide range of policy issues - on international trade, environment and sustainable

3. Profile of GALT • Both research (policy analysis) and capacity building: • Environmental standards: Various Issues and Concerns for India • Implications of eco-labeling requirements for environmental purposes on market access for Indian exports • Technology Transfer within international trade and environmental regime. • Trade liberalization - impacts & opportunities for SMEs in the textile, leather and seafood sectors • WTO Training program for capacity building of SAARC officials.

4. Introduction • Training program on WTO-related issues for government officials in the SAARC region. • Training Program has been initiated by TERI and supported by the British High Commission, India • Comprehensive Training Program • Basic Training Module • Specific Training Module • Advanced Training Module

5. Objectives of the Programme • To strengthen and build capacity of government officials within SAARC countries on WTO related issues. • Government officials are drawn from different ministries (not only Ministry of Commerce) but also Ministry from agriculture, law,environment and others. • Increase coordination between various departments of the government and also contribute to identifying potential synergies and building on them at a regional level.

6. Training Modules • Divided into three: Basic, Specific and Advanced • Basic: Introductory WTO course - government officials at the under secretary level or newly joined officials. • Specific: Issues which are unique to recent or aspiring WTO members. • Advanced: focus on Current negotiations and possible outcomes - Senior level government officials (e.g. Joint Secretary)

7. Issues addressed in the workshop • Identification of issues : Three stage process • Extensive literature survey for identification of issues • Qualitative survey of stakeholders in SAARC countries • Brainstorming of Experts Advisory Committee

8. Workshop Format • First Session: Inaugural Session • Second session: Key issues in DDA and its implication for SAARC countries • Third Session: Specific Negotiating Agenda • Trade Facilitation • Non-Tariff Barriers: Standards and Technical Regulations • Non-Agriculture Market Access • GATS • Agriculture

9. Workshop Format (contd.) • Session 4 : Development Issues in WTO • Session 5: Regional Trade and Cooperation • Analytical and political issues: Special focus on GI and tourism • SAFTA negotiations • Sessions have been divided into two parts • Key speakers – overall perspective – coverage of issues • Country speakers – individual country perspective

10. Thank You