15. In the discussion on agenda item 7.1, delegations agreed to defer discussion on sanitary and phytosanitary measures, subsidies, countervailing measures and technical barriers to trade to agenda items 7.3, 8.1 and 8.2 respectively.
16. Under agenda item 7.2, many delegations expressed appreciation for the training carried out under the FAO project "Regional Workshop on Fish Technology and Quality Control" in collaboration with the INFOnetwork, generously financed by Denmark. They expressed their regret for the closure of this project in view of the continued need for training on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) programmes and related subjects.
17. In discussing the execution of FAO's umbrella programme for Training on Uruguay Round (UR) Agreements and Multilateral Trade Negotiations on Agriculture, delegates noted the relevance of issues covered under this umbrella programme to fisheries experts, in particular the implementation of the agreements on Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). The Secretariat and particularly FAO Representatives should ensure that information on the Training Programme be discussed with Fisheries Administrations. Delegates informed the Sub-Committee that a global fund had been established by the WTO for training purposes.
18. Regarding training funded by the FAO Fish Utilization and Marketing Service (FIIU), many delegations commended the involvement of the INFOnetwork in the provision of training under the FIIU budget. The Secretariat informed the Sub-Committee on details of the provisional programme.
19. Under agenda item 7.3, many delegates underscored the need for more rapid harmonization of standards as well as negotiation of agreements on equivalency in accordance with the rules of the SPS and TBT agreements. The introduction of HACCP programmes had led to an increased need for assistance in training and sharing of experience, especially between developed and developing countries. In addition, countries noted the financial costs for their industries to accommodate the need for multiple approvals of their HACCP programmes. Problems of artisanal fisheries in developing countries in complying with diverse food safety and sanitary requirements in importing countries was noted.
20. Several delegates highlighted the increased use of risk assessment and the implications thereof on the institutional capabilities of exporting countries and expressed that FAO had a role to play in risk analysis and should collaborate in particular with Codex in defining the approach to adopt.
