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SADC Services Negotiations Recent Developments. Mauritius National Consultation Workshop on SADC Services Negotiation Port Louis, 16 th July, 2012 . Prepared by: Viola S. Nanyaro SADC Secretariat Gaborone, BOTSWANA. Introduction. Started in 2000 by developing a Protocol
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SADC Services Negotiations Recent Developments Mauritius National Consultation Workshop on SADC Services Negotiation Port Louis, 16th July, 2012 • Prepared by: • Viola S. Nanyaro • SADC Secretariat • Gaborone, BOTSWANA
Introduction • Started in 2000 by developing a Protocol • The “Draft Protocol on Trade in Services” was adopted by Ministers of Trade in July 2009 • Adoption by Council and signature by HoD/S to follow after clearance by MoJ/AGs • Nov. 2011 CMT decided that: • TNF Services should commence negotiations on liberalization commitment at its next meeting and; • Request MOJ to expeditiously clear the Draft Protocol for Signature by Summit
Introduction Cont. • MoJ considered the Protocol in June, 2012 • CoSO in April, 2012 amended the Draft Protocol to reflect the decision by CMT in Nov. 2011 • Divergence was on the provisions for amendment of the Protocol ( art. 26 adoption of Annexes without ratification?) • From the divergence it was agreed that…….. • TNF Services convened in April, 2012 • Developed a roadmap for the first round of negotiations
1stRound of Negotiation • Objective : • Each Member State will provide better treatment to SADC MS in each priority sector than is provided in their GATS schedule • No new restrictions to be introduced during the negotiations (“standstill”) • Plus: GATS Article V • Substantial sectoral coverage (~ 6 sectors) • And elimination of substantially all discrimination (~better than GATS commitments sufficient(?))
Timelines: 1st Round of Negotiations First phase: requests and offers Sector focus in the first phase: Communication Services Financial Services Transport Services Tourism Services Beginning of Negotiations Requests in at least 2 sectors Requests in at least 2 sectors Offers in at least 2 sectors Offers in at least 2 sectors end November 2012 end March 2013 end June 2013 end August 2012 April 2012