Main Contributors

This PAIA is coordinated by the IDWG on Multilateral Trade Negotiations (MTN). The bulk of the work rests with the ES Department, in particular its ESC Division which is the main FAO unit involved with agricultural trade matters and follow-up to multilateral trade negotiations. The PAIA, however, brings together all units with trade-related activities (AGP for its work on PIC for pesticides in international trade; ESN for Codex; FI and FO for trade in respective products and TCA for overall policy assistance).

Objective

In the light of the conclusions of the Fourth WTO Ministerial Conference (Doha, Qatar), to support Members, particularly developing countries and countries in transition, with a view to increasing their capacity to participate effectively in international trade negotiations and to better integrate into global trade in food, agricultural, fishery and forestry products.

Priorities

1. regular analyses and facilitation of information flow regarding trade issues under negotiation and the implications of alternative negotiating proposals (particularly in 2004-05);
2. assistance to Members (with the period of major relevance indicated in parentheses) so that they:
3. have the knowledge and skills to evaluate their interests and formulate their positions in the negotiations (2004-05);
4. satisfy the technical requirements of the negotiations, such as the completion of country schedules of commitments and evaluation of other WTO members' schedules (2004-05);
5. comply with the commitments undertaken in the final agreements (2006-09);
6. take advantage of the trade opportunities offered by the new agreement (2006-09); and
7. assistance to countries for the adjustment and adaptation of domestic policies (throughout 2004-09).

[extract from MTP 2004-09]