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Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) Study on National SPS Coordination Mechanisms in Africa – preliminary recommendations WTO Workshop on SPS Coordination at National and Regional Levels 17 October 2011, Geneva
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Background SPS management capacity and compliance depend on coordinated action by wide range of public, private and other stakeholders (PPP) National SPS coordination mechanisms (committees) (being) established in Africa - often driven by projects (e.g. PAN-SPSO), regional SPS frameworks (RECs)
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Objectives i.Analyse existing national SPS committees (survey, e-mail communication, interviews, desk research) ii.Identify practical recommendations to enhance development, performance and sustainability of SPS committees NB: Draft study prepared in collaboration with UK Natural Resources Institute (NRI) and to be finalized in 2011 taking into account discussions at WTO workshop
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Outcomes (1) Only one country (out of 17) rates SPS committee as satisfactory Unclear organizational mandates Out-dated legislation Limited SPS awareness at all levels Inadequate resources Lack of trust, transparency Difficulties in involving private sector (and academia, consumer organizations, etc.)
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Outcomes (2) High diversity in objectives, functions, scope, members, legal status, frequency of meetings, communication methods, funding, etc. No one size/type fits all solution Six preliminary recommendations
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1. Raise SPS awareness Organize high-level SPS stakeholder event (in collaboration with WTO, REC, other development partners, etc.) to define objectives and scope Show economic impact of potential measures on trade and wider economy
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2. Clarify organizational mandates Integrate SPS coordination in SPS policy and review/ update legislation Formalize SPS committees (where necessary and appropriate) NB: Lengthy process, should not be an excuse for putting coordination on hold
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3. Build on existing mechanisms Resource limitations Committees, working groups, taskforces on food safety, animal/plant health, specific sectors or commodities National Codex Committees Kenya Horticulture Taskforce Mango Taskforce in Mali Existing mechanisms facilitate private sector participation
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4. Follow good meeting practices Appoint Secretariat / Chair Establish terms of reference / operational procedures Prepare agenda, circulate documents before and after meetings, allow time for comments, prepare minutes, etc.
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5. Establish clear and effective communication strategy Use media and other existing tools (including SPS-IMS, STDF) Consider creation of web-based SPS information network/ portal connecting wide variety of stakeholders (NNA, NEP, Codex/IPPC/OIE contact points, private sector associations, etc.) (STDF/PG/19) Consider broadening scope to all standards affecting trade in agricultural products (including TBT / private standards)
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6. Promote sustainability Ownership and commitment Formalization of SPS committee Practical and workable design and structure Resources (government budget vs. external funds) Training / capacity building
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For more information: Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) World Trade Organization Centre William Rappard Rue de Lausanne 154 CH-1211 Geneva Switzerland STDFSecretariat@wto.org melvin.spreij@wto.org www.standardsfacility.org
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