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Addressing poor coordination, information dissemination, and implementation issues in SPS matters to boost trade impact and revenue generation. Solutions include clear mandates, budget allocation, and fostering awareness among stakeholders.
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Breakoutsessions Outcome
Breakout Group: English Rapporteur: Chenai Majuru
Impact originating from poor coordination • Poor information dissemination to stakeholders (private and public sector) • Difficulties in developing and articulating country position on SPS issues • Inadequate implementation of the SPS Agreement • Duplication of efforts by several agencies – in a resource constrained environment • Lack of access to markets, rejection of goods at border • Foregone revenue
Causes of poor coordination • SPS issues not regarded as high priority • Lack of awareness of SPS obligations (private and public sector, incl. policy makers) • Limited participation of external stakeholders (ex. Industry associations) • Roles and functions not clearly defined among government agencies dealing with SPS issues (gaps & overlaps) • Lack of capacity to assess markets and undertake risk assessments • Lack of funding to run national SPS Committees
Solutions to improve coordination (1) • Review of regulatory SPS frameworks • Clear articulation of SPS mandate among agencies • Governments to prioritize and allocate budget for SPS activities • Alignment of SPS meetings (national, international) to facilitate effective participation in various regional and international SPS fora
Solutions to improve coordination (2) • Technical assistance to undertake risk and market assessment • Addressing gap between technical and policy level • Fostering political will to address SPS issues • Create SPS awareness among public and private sector • South-south co-operation on SPS issues (e.g. Twinning initiatives) *Note: Consider 6 recommendations from STDF study (which is to be finalized).
Who should be responsible for the implementation? • National Governments • Relevant SPS Agencies (e.g. Bureau of Standards) • SPS Sub-committees (e.g. for animal health, plant health and food safety) • Regional Bodies (e.g. Regional Economic Communities) • WTO (technical assistance in conjunction with national & regional institutions) • STDF (financial and technical assistance)