| CL 120/6
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| CL 120/6
|
Hundred and Twentieth Session |
Rome, 18 -23 June 2001 |
REPORT OF THE SIXTY-THIRD SESSION OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMODITY PROBLEMS |
Rome, 6 - 9 March 2001 |
REVIEW OF WORLD COMMODITY SITUATION AND OUTLOOK
a) World Commodity Situation and Outlook
b) Review of Reporting Activities on Conference Resolution 2/79 on Commodity Trade, Protectionism and Agricultural Adjustment
ACTIVITIES OF SUBSIDIARY BODIES
a) Recommendations of the Intergovernmental Commodity Groups including CSSD
b) Role and functioning of the Intergovernmental Commodity Groups
c) Other Commodity Consultations and Studies
a) Experience with the Implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture
b) Analysis of Further Trade Expansion Options
c) FAO Technical Assistance for the Multilateral Trade Negotiations (MTNs) in Agriculture
d) New and Emerging Issues Affecting Agricultural Commodity Markets
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 64TH SESSION
APPENDIX A - LIST OF DELEGATES AND OBSERVERS
APPENDIX B - OPENING STATEMENT BY MR. DAVID HARCHARIK DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL
APPENDIX D - LIST OF DOCUMENTS
APPENDIX E - MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMODITY PROBLEMS
MATTERS REQUIRING THE ATTENTION OF THE COUNCIL The Committee wishes to draw the attention of the Council to the following matters in particular:
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1. The Committee on Commodity Problems held its 63rd Session from 6 to 9 March 2001 at FAO Headquarters, Rome. Of the 98 member countries of the Committee for the biennium 2000-2001, 78 were present at the session. Eight Member Nations of the Organization, the Holy See, the Sovereign Order of Malta, six international organizations and six non-governmental organizations participated as observers. The list of participants is given in Appendix A.
2. The Committee elected Mr K. Kostov (Bulgaria) as Chairperson, Mr B. J. Allawi (Iraq) as First Vice-Chairperson and Mr Moussa Bocar Ly (Senegal) as Second Vice-Chairperson.
3. The statement of the Director-General, Mr Jacques Diouf, was delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Director-General, Mr David Harcharik. The statement of the Director-General is reproduced in Appendix B.
4. The Committee was assisted during the session by a Drafting Group composed of Afghanistan, Australia, Belgium, Chile, Ecuador, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand and the United States. The Drafting Group was chaired by Mr A. Gangotena (Ecuador).
5. The Committee adopted the agenda reproduced in Appendix C.
6. The Committee was appreciative of the informal briefings organized for delegates regarding (i) Market Developments in the Livestock Sector: Trends and Outlook and ii) FAO Programme of Technical Assistance on WTO and Trade-Related Matters.
7. The Committee reviewed the world commodity market situation and outlook on the basis of document CCP 01/7. Many delegates complimented the Secretariat on the documentation and the increased information provided. The extension of the analyses to include commodities other than basic foodstuffs was commended.
8. A number of delegates disagreed with the emphasis placed on the observed increase in petroleum prices as a factor influencing agricultural commodity markets, noting in particular that the price of raw petroleum was just one of many factors influencing the production costs of agricultural commodities, while fiscal charges and margins on refining and marketing could have a very significant impact. Most delegates noted that other macroeconomic factors as well as policies applied to the agricultural sector, also affect international commodity markets. Many delegates urged the Secretariat to take into consideration in its future analyses the effects, specifically, of movements in interest and foreign exchange rates, external debt of developing countries and subsidies and other government support provided to the agricultural sector.
9. Delegates stressed the need to undertake more forward looking market analyses; to balance the approach to analysing trade in agricultural commodities of developing countries by estimating their foreign exchange earnings from the export of agricultural commodities, in addition to estimating their food import bills; to explore the effects of government support to agriculture in high income countries on food security in developing countries; and to develop a price index for a basket of major food commodities to be used in evaluating food security developments. Some delegates also requested the Secretariat to review its classification of the Low Income Food Deficit Countries, which was extensively used in its analysis, by introducing qualitative criteria and income distribution variables. Several delegates referred to the possible market impact of the BSE crisis. Several delegates requested the Secretariat to analyze prospects in the meat market, taking into account animal health concerns.
10. The Committee noted with interest the electronic commodity information system which was being developed to provide up to date information on a regular basis, and the planned new approach to the Commodity Market Review which would supplement these market monitors with more in-depth analysis of commodity market and trade developments and issues.
11. The Committee reviewed recent developments concerning follow-up to Conference Resolution 2/79 on Commodity Trade, Protectionism and Agricultural Adjustment on the basis of document CCP 01/8. In response to the Committee's recommendation from the 62nd Session, the Secretariat provided a review of its reporting activities on the Resolution in light of the Uruguay Round Agreements and other developments since 1979.
12. The Committee expressed appreciation for the paper, and agreed that although many elements of the Resolution were no longer of topical concern or were monitored in other ways, three topics were of continuing interest, i.e. protectionism in agriculture, agricultural trade among developing countries, and agricultural International Commodity Agreements. The Committee encouraged the Secretariat to find ways of integrating its reporting on these issues with other substantively related agenda items. For example, reporting on protectionism could be integrated with reporting on the implementation of the WTO commitments and in reviewing the commodity situation and outlook for particular commodities. Similarly, reporting on ICAs could be done in the context of reporting on the Intergovernmental Groups.
13. With regard to agricultural protectionism, the Committee examined trends since 1979, reviewed the extent to which the monitoring could be broadened to cover developing countries, and discussed whether reporting needs have changed in light of the UR Agreements. Some delegates expressed concern over the rise of agricultural protection in many OECD countries in 1999 and of its negative effects on the developing countries' export earnings and food security. Others indicated that the domestic agricultural sectors of many developing countries face difficulties with the liberalisation of agriculture. The Committee noted that extensive reporting on levels of support in developing countries was not possible due to insufficient data.
14. The Committee discussed the relative merits of monitoring alternative measures of support and protection to agriculture, including the Producer Support Estimates (PSEs) analyzed by the OECD and of the Aggregate Measurement of Support (AMS) reported to the WTO and agreed that, although neither was a perfect measure, both indicators could be useful in analysing the extent of support and protection. Several delegates emphasized that tariffs, especially tariff escalation continued to discourage agricultural investment, diversification and value addition in developing countries. They also noted the existence of non-tariff barriers as another impediment to their access to commodity markets. In that connection, they urged the Secretariat to continue monitoring developments related to those aspects of protectionism.
15. The Committee welcomed the information provided on growth in agricultural trade among developing countries and noted the positive contribution that regional trading agreements may have had. It was suggested that future reports on this topic could provide more information on trade flows within regional trade groups as well as between such groups. Several delegates suggested that information on trade should be provided on a more disaggregated commodity basis.
16. The Committee noted that most of the International Commodity Agreements (ICAs) that had been set up in the 1970s had either been dissolved or had lost their original commodity market management functions. However, it also recognized that several of the conditions that had favoured their establishment still existed, in particular fluctuating prices, occasional fears over sustainability of supplies, together with generally depressed prices, and the continuing reliance of millions of farmers on agricultural commodities earnings. The Committee recommended that the Secretariat should continue to monitor and report on the activities of ICAs and other forms of international cooperation on commodity problems.
17. The Committee endorsed the reports and recommendations of the 6 Intergovernmental Groups and 2 Sub-Groups, which had met since its 62nd Session1. It reviewed the range of activities of the Groups but noted the disappointing attendance at some meetings. The Secretariat was encouraged to continue with its efforts in stimulating greater interest and hence attendance, including through focus on multidisciplinary issues, organising exhibitions of special interest to commodity sectors, and holding IGG sessions in conjunction with other technical and private sector events.
18. In considering the report of the Intergovernmental Group on Bananas and on Tropical Fruits, the Committee was informed of developments regarding certain banana sector import-related policies in the EC.
19. With regard to Tropical Fruits, the Committee welcomed the establishment of the Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet), and noted that membership was open to all producing and consuming countries. The Committee also noted the concern of exporting countries to find an alternative to methyl bromide for treatment of tropical fruit exports.
20. In considering the report of the joint meeting of the IGGs on Grains and on Rice, the Committee took note of the request to advise on the extension of the mandate of the IGG on Grains to include roots and tubers. The Committee noted the economic and food security importance of the commodities concerned, and in view of the limited resource implications recommended that the commodity coverage of the IGG on Grains should be extended to roots and tubers.
21. The Committee noted the efforts by several Groups to expand demand, such as the intergovernmental action of the IGG on Tea through the `Tea Consumption and Human Health' project. The Committee was informed of the marketing strategy involving the internationally registered Tea Mark which was also being developed and which would be presented to the Group for endorsement. Other market development initiatives including work on `fair trade', production and marketing of organic products and biotechnology were also welcomed.
22. The Committee noted with appreciation that the IGG on Tea would be hosted by India in October 2001, while the IGG on Bananas and on Tropical Fruits would be hosted by Costa Rica in December 2001. It also welcomed the convening of a joint meeting of the IGGs on Grains, Rice, Meat, and Oilseeds, Oils and Fats in Rome in July 2001 back-to-back with an international symposium on biotechnology and basic foodstuffs.
23. The Committee endorsed the report of the Consultative Subcommittee on Surplus Disposal presented by the CSSD Chairperson. A number of delegates, notably from food exporting countries, reiterated their concerns about trade distorting and trade disrupting effects resulting from the provision of food aid by some countries and the negative impact such food aid has on the sustainable domestic development of recipient countries. They emphasised that food aid should be extended in grant form and be demand driven and should enhance the long term food security situation in the recipient country. The Committee noted the trend that an increasing portion of food aid was being distributed through private voluntary organizations and multilateral channels.
24. The CSSD was encouraged, within its mandate of monitoring food aid flows, to improve data collection and analysis, and to co-ordinate the use and availability of such data with the Food Aid Committee and the World Food Programme. One delegate suggested that a possible framework for international food stockholding be examined in order to complement existing food aid schemes.
25. Following the recommendations of its 62nd Session, the Committee examined the role and functioning of its Intergovernmental Group (IGG) system. Document CCP 01/9 was provided to assist the Committee in this task.
26. In undertaking this review, the Committee considered three aspects of the work of the IGGs: the adaptation of their work programmes to the World Food Summit Plan of Action; their role under changing international trading conditions; and modifications in their operational procedures and commodity coverage. The Committee welcomed the evolution of the IGG system of the past few years, and made recommendations aimed at further rationalizing and strengthening the Groups.
27. The Committee noted that some Groups had, following the World Food Summit Plan of Action, undertaken case studies on the impact of the production and trade of commodities in combating poverty and food insecurity. Some Groups had placed particular emphasis on the impact which the Uruguay Round Agreements have had on food security. While endorsing this work, which fell mainly within Commitment Four of the WFS Plan of Action, the Committee recommended that other Commitments should not be ignored, and urged in particular that Commitment Three on the pursuit of sustainable food, agriculture, fisheries, forestry and rural development policies and practices should also be taken into account in the work programme of the Groups.
28. The Committee welcomed the fact that the Groups had placed considerable emphasis on the enhancement of market transparency and on the increasing involvement of the private sector in their activities. Endeavours to facilitate a broader participation by holding sessions of Groups alongside or in conjunction with other events on the same commodity were also endorsed. The Committee appreciated also the analyses conducted by most Groups of the functioning of the world trade system, particularly in the light of policy changes arising from the Uruguay Round Agreements and its implications for developing countries.
29. The Committee noted that the commodities included in the analyses of its IGGs accounted for only a little more than half the value of global agricultural trade, and, with a view to expanding this coverage, it recommended that Groups should endeavour to include "value-added" semi-processed and processed items in their analyses. Noting that the Secretariat already included in its work programme analyses of the markets for dairy products and pulses, it recommended that the IGGs on Meat and on Grains respectively should seek to include these commodities in their future monitoring activities within their existing resource availabilities.
30. The Committee endorsed the increasing use by the Groups of e-mail and the internet as more effective means of disseminating regular information and to permit more interactive forms of communication, but it urged that these media should supplement rather than replace more traditional means of communication.
31. The Committee reviewed the evolution which had taken place in recent years in the structure and operating procedures of its Intergovernmental Groups, which had resulted in a streamlining of their activities and a notable improvement of their cost effectiveness. It endorsed the introduction of innovations which had included the convening of joint meetings of related IGGs; the holding of "back-to back" meetings; shortening of meeting procedures and shortening of documentation and reporting. It urged that further efforts be made to seek common ground between various Groups to permit joint meetings and other "interdisciplinary" activities.
32. Finally, the Committee noted that the Programme Evaluation Report of Food and Agricultural Policy (Programme 2.2.4) considered by the Programme Committee at its 83rd Session (document PC 83/4 (a) ) had, with respect to Sub-programme 2.2.4.2, acknowledged the achievements of the CCP and its IGGs.
33. Based on its review of Document CCP 01/10 the Committee endorsed the work of the Secretariat in commodities not covered by Intergovernmental Groups, such as cotton, sugar, coffee, cocoa and cassava. Delegates pointed to this area as demonstrating an ability to go beyond the structures of the IGGs while streamlining the work of the Commodities and Trade Division within tight financial constraints. The co-operative analytical activities reported were regarded as providing valuable opportunities for the development of the Secretariat's regular programme of work. The Committee noted the benefits to member countries of joint work between the Secretariat and dedicated international commodity organisations such as the International Sugar Organisation, the International Coffee Organisation, and the International Cotton Advisory Committee. The synergies arising from the addition of FAO's broad-based commodity expertise to that of specialist individual commodity organisations were seen as particularly valuable. Several delegates encouraged the Secretariat to continue and expand this joint work with other organizations, including in root crops with key institutions in Asia.
34. The Committee noted that this work reflected the importance of these `non-IGG' commodities to developing countries and welcomed the broad-based approach being used to associate public and private sector representatives in consultations and analytical work on these products. Several delegations raised a concern regarding the resources devoted to work on the school milk programme and felt that the work on dairy might more appropriately be handled in the context of the WTO. The Secretariat explained that most dairy related work was performed at the behest of governments, or in cooperation with private institutions, and those latter groups almost always provided extra-budgetary resources to carry on the work.
35. The Committee endorsed the work in these non-IGG commodities and encouraged the Secretariat to build on existing productive cooperation with other competent organizations and institutions and to continue to explore the scope for further work in this area in the future.
36. The Committee reviewed the experience with the implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture on the basis of the document CCP 01/11. This document complemented the study on the Assessment of the Impact of the Uruguay Round on Agricultural Markets (document CCP 99/12) presented to its 62nd Session. In preparing the present study, the Secretariat had been guided by the conclusions of the Committee, namely that in view of the technical difficulties involved in separating the effects of the Agreement on Agriculture from those of other developments taking place simultaneously, the analysis should be based on qualitative information, such as the extent to which country commitments had been implemented.
37. The Committee agreed that the Agreement on Agriculture had a disciplining effect on the agricultural policies followed by most WTO Members, thus contributing to reducing distortions in global agricultural commodity markets. However, the reduction commitments had not been constraining so far in most cases. It was noted that it was difficult to quantify the extent to which the re-instrumentation of border and domestic policies might have impacted on agricultural commodity markets. Several delegates pointed to continued high levels of domestic support in some countries and expressed concern that this undermined potential gains from the reform process for others that did not subsidize their agriculture.
38. The Committee appreciated the Secretariat study on implementation experiences of the developing countries and endorsed the continuation of this type of work. Several suggestions were made for improving the content and analysis of future assessments. This required assessments of the impact of the reform process on food security, agricultural productivity, competitiveness and farm employment. In addition, these assessments needed to document implementation issues, notably difficulties encountered by developing countries in adapting domestic and border policies, especially in the food sector as pointed out in the 14 country case studies. Some delegates referred to the emphasis given in the World Food Summit Plan of Action on enhancing agricultural production also in low potential areas in order to enhance food security, and they suggested that the impact of the reform process on the agricultural sectors in such areas required close monitoring. It was stressed that in the analysis of global food security greater attention should be given to the situation of low-income food-deficit countries, for which separate indicators may be required. In addition, attention needed to be given to the implementation of the Marrakesh Decision on Measures Concerning the Possible Negative Effects of the Reform Programme on Least-Developed and Net-Food Importing Developing Countries. It was suggested that the Secretariat should also monitor the experiences of countries in transition.
39. In summary, the Committee recommended that the Secretariat continue to monitor the effects of the implementation of the Agreement on Agriculture, with special emphasis on consequences for food security. While commenting on the heavy reliance on OECD data for analytical purposes by the Secretariat, the Committee called upon the Secretariat to continue collaborating with other international, regional and national organizations undertaking similar analyses.
40. The Committee reviewed market access conditions for agricultural products and considered options for further trade expansion on the basis of document CCP/01/12. It noted that the incidence of tariff peaks remained high in agricultural markets, and that market access for certain products might also be impeded by other factors such as complex tariffs and insufficiencies in TRQ administration.
41. Many delegates felt that tariff peaks are an important factor affecting global agricultural markets, and that tariff escalation poses a particular difficulty to developing countries in their attempts to develop their domestic agricultural processing industries and to diversify their exports towards value-added products. It was noted that further analysis of market access was needed also taking into account the influence of non-tariff and other support measures such as domestic support. It was suggested that such analysis should take into account also other factors including supply-side constraints, exchange rate variation, environmental aspects and preferential market access provided to products of developing countries.
42. The Committee generally supported the technical analysis presented in the document, although some delegates questioned the definition of tariff peaks used in the study and requested more information on the methodology. As regards the relative incidence of tariff peaks in developed and developing countries, it was suggested that it would be more meaningful to carry out this analysis on an individual country basis rather than for broad groups of countries.
43. The Committee welcomed the initiatives being undertaken by some members designed to fully open markets to all products from LDCs, in particular for agricultural products. The Committee expressed the need for further progress in this regard. The Committee endorsed the continuation of analytical work on market access issues.
44. The Committee reviewed FAO's trade-related technical assistance activities on the basis of document CCP 01/12. The Committee was informed that since its last session FAO had implemented a broad programme of technical assistance on follow-up to the Uruguay Round Agreements and preparation for the new round of multilateral trade negotiations on agriculture, including analysis, expert consultations and symposia, and training activities. The Committee congratulated FAO for the trade-related technical assistance programme it had delivered in a very short time and with limited resources.
45. Some delegates requested a more thorough assessment of the results of the technical assistance programme, to identify ways to improve the programme. Several delegates urged FAO to improve the dissemination of its work to make the results of its analytical efforts more readily and systematically accessible. It was suggested by some delegations in this regard that the World Food Summit: Five Years Later might provide an appropriate opportunity to further the dissemination of the results of the programme. Some delegates observed that while the regional training workshops were useful, they were not sufficient to achieve the necessary level of in-depth technical capacity at the country level.
46. Several delegates indicated that there was a growing need for technical assistance in trade-related issues regarding biotechnology, plant varietal protection and the development of national technical standards. Others suggested that there was a need for technical capacity-building to enable countries to assess the competitiveness of their agricultural sectors and the potential impacts of further liberalisation.
47. The Committee expressed its appreciation for the technical assistance related to the multilateral trade negotiations on agriculture provided by FAO, with the important contributions of a number of donors and in collaboration with other international and regional organizations. The Committee expressed the view that there is a need to strengthen and enrich the activities carried out by FAO in this field, and encouraged FAO to speed up the delivery of these programmes. In this regard, the Committee suggested that additional resources - either from regular programme or from extra-budgetary funds - would be necessary for FAO to provide the requested assistance.
48. The Committee reviewed activities carried out by the Secretariat on "New and emerging issues Affecting Agricultural Commodity Markets" on the basis of document CCP 01/14.
49. One such area with growing potential for commodity trade concerned organic agriculture. The Committee noted the work undertaken in that field by the Secretariat, through its intergovernmental groups, as well as other relevant FAO initiatives. These include, in particular, the establishment of an inter-departmental working group on organic agricultural products, the endorsement by the FAO/Codex Alimentarius Commission of Guidelines for Production, Processing, Labelling and Marketing of Organically Produced Foods, the establishment of a web page on organic agriculture and the impending issuance of a questionnaire for collection of basic statistics on organic agriculture production and trade.
50. The Committee supported the work undertaken by the Secretariat on organic agriculture including the development of a database on production, consumption and trade in such products. It was noted, however, that the Secretariat document failed to reflect the work undertaken and the conclusions achieved on this subject in other FAO fora. While interest was expressed on assessing whether developing countries would have a comparative advantage in organic agriculture, several delegates observed that technical assistance was of utmost importance to allow these countries to engage actively in export markets, especially as organic agricultural products were subject to the same sanitary and phytosanitary requirements as applied to conventional products.
51. The Committee emphasised the need to monitor developments in the field of biotechnology and agriculture and to strengthen countries' capabilities to conduct risk assessment on GMO products. It called for an update of past studies analysing the relations between biotechnology and trade in agricultural products. Several delegates pointed to the need to have a closer study of the impact of biotechnology on human health, the environment and trade. They called for close co-operation with the Cartagena Biosafety Protocol and other relevant international agreements. The Committee noted that a new project on environmental biosafety assessment of GMOs in Asia will start as per the recommendations of the Asian/Pacific Conference held last year.
52. The Committee recommended that the Secretariat (i) continue analysing the economics of organic agricultural production, and trade, ii) continue monitoring biotechnology developments in particular in developing countries and (iii) undertake studies covering agricultural commodities to assess the impact of SPS and TBT on the foreign exchange earnings of developing countries. With regard to point (iii) some members expressed the view that they did not consider this work was of priority and FAO should concentrate on activities which more readily assist developing countries to meet their obligations and pursue their rights under the SPS and TBT agreements. In conclusion the Committee recommended that FAO provide technical assistance to developing countries in the areas outlined above and that the close collaboration with WTO should be further enhanced.
53. The Committee reviewed FAO's cooperation with the Common Fund for Commodities in commodity development, and the role of the Intergovernmental Groups in sponsoring and managing projects on the basis of document CCP 01/15. It noted that a further seven projects sponsored by the IGGs had been approved since the last CCP meeting. While supporting continued joint FAO/CFC efforts in formulating projects which were of importance to developing countries, the Committee expressed concern that no new conventional projects had begun implementation since its previous session. The increased emphasis on loan financing and associated delays were discussed. The Committee was informed that the CFC Board had clarified the roles of borrowers and guarantors in order to foster loan-funded projects in line with CFC policy.
54. The Committee requested that the IGGs continue to attach importance to their supervisory responsibilities, towards commodity development programmes of particular interest to developing countries. Attention was drawn to the need for full integration of CFC projects into national development programmes. The adoption of `orphan commodities' by the IGGs for CFC purposes was encouraged. The Committee urged intensified action by both organizations to reduce delays in the process of project approval and implementation. The importance of dissemination of the results of CFC-funded projects sponsored by the IGGs to all members of the FAO was stressed. The Committee also encouraged the Secretariat to provide more detailed reports to the CCP, so as to make an evaluation possible by the Committee of progress in CFC projects.
55. Observers from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the International Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO (ITC UNCTAD/WTO) informed the Committee about their respective activities of interest to the CCP. The UNCTAD observer reported on the programmes of cooperation and complementarity on trade issues of special interest to developing countries with other international institutions, including FAO. These activities include the UN Conference on LDCs, in which FAO has agreed to be the lead agency in organizing a session on enhancing production capacity in the agriculture sector; a brainstorming workshop among heads of the UN specialized agencies involved in agricultural development; and joint publications between UNCTAD and FAO. The ITC observer reported on its areas of commodity development work in which close cooperation was being pursued with FAO's International Commodity Bodies. He enumerated other activities including a report on the marketing prospects for organic fruit and vegetables in Europe, in conjunction with FAO, new product development initiatives involving coffee and the development of ITC services to enhance the information and marketability of less well-known products.
56. It was suggested by several delegates that it would be useful to have documents from the observers before the session for information by the Committee on existing synergies and future programmes of interest to member countries.
57. The Committee noted that the Director-General would set the date of the next session in consultation with the Chairman. Following the positive experience of the current session which concluded its debate earlier than scheduled, delegates requested shorter sessions to save time and resources, including more immediate scheduling of the drafting committee to lessen the time between the end of the session and the adoption of the report. It was decided that the Secretariat would consult the Bureau on the detailed arrangements for the next session, taking into account the views expressed by delegates.
MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE - MEMBRES DU COMITÉ- MIEMBROS DEL COMITÉ
Delegate
Abdul Razak AYAZI
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Délégué
Carlos Alberto AMARAL
Représentant permanent suppléant auprès de la FAO
Rome
Delegate
Paul ROSS
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Mrs Hedwig WÖGERBAUER
Head of Division for FAO Affairs
Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry,
Environment and Water Management
Vienna
Delegate
Mohammad MEJBAHUDDIN
Economic Counsellor
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Délégué
Christian MONNOYER
Ambassadeur
Représentant permanent auprès de la FAO
Rome
Suppléants
Jacques THINSY
Conseiller général
Direction de la Politique économique multilatérale
Ministère des Affaires étrangères
Bruxelles
René POISMANS
Ingénieur, Service des Relations Internationales
Ministère de l'Agriculture et des classes moyennes
Bruxelles
Mme Ilke BEYST
Premier secrétaire
Representation permanente auprès de la FAO
Rome
Delegate
Edilson GUIMARÃES
Director, Agricultural Economy
Ministry of Agriculture and Food Supply
Brasilia
Alternate
João Mauricio CABRAL DE MELLO
Second Secretary
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Krassimir KOSTOV
Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Délégué
Andé A. YAMÉOGO
Représentant permanent adjoint auprès de la FAO
Rome
Delegate
Stéphan GAGNÉ
Research Economist, Policy Analysis Division
Research and Analysis Directorate
Agriculture and Agri-food Canada
Ottawa
Délégué
Arnaldo DELGADO
Conseiller
Représentant permanent adjoint auprès de la FAO
Rome
Delegado
Ángel SARTORI ARELLANO
Embajador
Representante Permanente ante la FAO
Roma
Suplentes
Antonio PLAZA
Segundo Secretario
Representante Permanente Alterno ante la FAO
Roma
Francisco BAHAMONDE
Agregado Agrícola de Chile ante la Unión
Europea
Bruselas
Delegate
Shiqing MA
Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Alternates
Handi GUO
First Secretary
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Zhanlu WANG
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Shengzhi SUN
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegado
BernardoG. ZULUAGA BOTERO
Representante Permanente Adjunto ante la FAO
Roma
Delegado
Sra. Victoria GUARDIA DE HERNÁNDEZ
Embajador
Representante Permanente ante la FAO
Roma
Suplentes
Salvador MONGE
Director de SEPSA
San José
Sra. Yolanda GAGO
Ministro Consejero
Representante Permanente Alterno ante la FAO
Roma
Sra. Katia MELONI
Asistente
Embajada de Costa Rica
Roma
Delegado
Juan NUIRY SÁNCHEZ
Embajador
Representante Permanente ante la FAO
Roma
Delegate
Andreas ROUSHIAS
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Pavel SKODA
Counsellor
Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Kim HUNG RIM
Ambassador
Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Alternates
Hyon HAK BONG
Counsellor
Deputy Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Ri Hyong CHOL
Second Secretary
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegado
Arturo GANGOTENA
Embajador
Representante Permanente ante la FAO
Roma
Suplente
Carlos LARREA DÁVILA
Representante Permanente Alterno ante la FAO
Roma
Délégué
Mme Vilma DU MARTEAU
Ambassadeur
Représentant permanent auprès de la FAO
Rome
Suppléants
Mme Maria IGLESIA-GÓMEZ
Administrateur
Direction génerale de l'agriculture
Bruxelles
Mme Mariella CANTAGALLI
Administrateur
Direction générale du commerce
Bruxelles
Andrew BYRNE
Premier Secrétaire
Délégation de la Commission européenne auprès de la FAO
Rome
Delegate
Kimmo NÄRHINEN
Senior Adviser
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Helsinki
Alternates
Ms Ulla-Maija FINSKAS-AHO
Minister Counsellor
Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Martti ISOARO
Ambassador
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Helsinki
Délégué
Michel THIBIER
Conseiller scientifique
Représentant permanent suppléant auprès de l'OAA
Rome
Suppléants
Thierry PREVOT
Chargé de mission
Service des relations internationales
Ministère de l'agriculture et de la Pêche
Paris
Jean-Louis MULTON
Chargé de mission
Direction des relations internationales de l'INRA
Paris
Delegate
Karl-Josef WEIERS
First Counsellor
Deputy Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Alternate
Hagen R. STREICHERT
Deputy Head of Section, Ministry for Consumer
Protection, Food and Agriculture
Bonn
Delegate
Emmanuel MANOUSSAKIS
Expert Counsellor International Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Athens
Delegado
Acisclo VALLADARES MOLINA
Embajador
Representante Permanente ante la FAO
Roma
Suplentes
Sra. Rita CLAVERIE DE SCIOLLI
Ministro Consejero
Representante Permanente Adjunto ante la FAO
Roma
Sra. Ileana RIVERA DE ANGOTTI
Primer Secretario
Representante Permanente Alterno ante la FAO
Roma
Délégué
Mme Suze PERCY
Représentant permanent adjoint auprès de la FAO
Rome
Suppléant
Patrick SAINT-HILAIRE
Représentant permanent suppléant auprès de la FAO
Rome
Delegado
Sra. Mayra REINA
Representante Permanente Alterno ante la FAO
Roma
Delegate
Mrs Andrasne GROFCSIK
Senior Counsellor
Ministry of Agriculture and Regional
Development
Budapest
Delegate
Jon Erlingur JONASSON
Deputy Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Mrs Neela GANGADHARAN
Minister (Agriculture)
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
I. Nyoman ARDHA
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Mohammad S. NOURI-NAEINI
Ambassador
Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Alternate
Mehdi HAJIKAZEMI
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Mostafa JAFARI
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Bader Jassim ALLAWI
Ambassador
Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Tony DEVLIN
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Délégué
Gennaro PISCOPO
Ministère des Politiques agricoles et forestières
Rome
Suppléants
Alfredo MISURIELLO
Ministère des Politiques agricoles et forestières
Rome
Vincenzo PERRUZZA
Ministère des Politiques agricoles et forestières
Rome
Mme Anna DEL CIELO
Ministère des Politiques agricoles et forestières
Rome
Mme Isabella FONTANA
Ministère des Politiques agricoles et forestières
Rome
Delegate
Hirofumi KUGITA
Director
International Agricultural Organizations
General Food Policy Bureau
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Tokyo
Alternates
Masaki ARAI
Economic Affairs Bureau
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Tokyo
Yasufumi UEDA
International Cooperation Division
General Food Policy Bureau
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Tokyo
Mr. Hideya YAMADA
First Secretary
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Ibrahim ABU ATILEH
Assistant Secretary General
Ministry of Agriculture
Amman
Alternates
Muwaffaq AJLOUNI
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Talat ZANDAKI
Assistant Director Planning Administration
Ministry of Agriculture
Amman
Delegate
Samuel C. YEGON
Agricultural Attaché
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Alternate
Joseph K. BOINNET
Second Secretary
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
KIM KYEONG KYU
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Ms Fatimah HAYAT
Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Mrs Ines RANOOE
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Essam Mahgoub ZAWIA
Counsellor
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Roseley KHALID
Agricultural Attaché
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Délégué
Modibo Mahamane TOURÉ
Deuxième conseiller
Représentant permanent adjoint auprès de la FAO
Rome
Delegate
Francis MONTANARO MIFSUD
Ambassador
Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Denis CANGY
Consul and Representative of Ambassador
Paris
Delegado
Victor Hugo MORALES MELÉNDEZ
Representante Permanente Adjunto ante la FAO
Roma
Suplente
Sra. M. de los Angeles ARRIOLA AGUIRRE
Representante Permanente Alterna ante la FAO
Roma
Délégué
Ahmed AFAILAL
Représentant permanent adjoint auprès de la FAO
Rome
Suppléant
Jamila ALAOUI
Secrétaire
Ambassade du Royaume du Maroc
Rome
Delegate
Adriaan FRIJLINK
Department of International Affairs
Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and
Fisheries
The Hague
Alternates
Henny GERNER
Rural and Urban Development Department
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Hague
Jacco BOS
Second Secretary
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Simon DRAPER
First Secretary
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Gabriel G. LOMBIN
Minister
Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Dag BRISEID
Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Adnan BASHIR KHAN
Agricultural Counsellor
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegado
Horacio MALTEZ
Representante Permanente Adjunto ante la FAO
Roma
Delegado
Miguel BARRETO
Representante Permanente Alterno ante la FAO
Roma
Delegate
Noel DE LUNA
Deputy Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Marek GRELA
Minister Plenipotentiary
Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Pedro PINTO DA SILVA
Deputy Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Délégué
Ioan PAVEL
Représentant permanent adjoint auprès de la FAO
Rome
Délégué
Moussa Bocar LY
Ministre Conseiller
Représentant permanent adjoint auprès de la FAO
Rome
Delegate
Elio PACIFICO
Consul General
Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Milan PAKSI
Deputy Director
Ministry of Agriculture
Bratislava
Alternate
Lubomir MICEK
Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Danilo BELOGLAVEC
Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Ms Gerda VAN DIJK
Director, International Trade
National Department of Agriculture
Pretoria
Delegado
Javier PIERNAVIEJA NIEMBRO
Representante Permanente Adjunto ante la FAO y el PMA
Roma
Delegate
Wilhelm WOUTERSZ
Ambassador
Permenent Representative to FAO
Rome
Alternate
Deeptha KULATILLEKE
Minister Counsellor (Commercial)
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Mohamed Said Mohamed Ali HARBI
Counsellor (Agricultural Affairs)
Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Alternate
Yasir Ibrahim Ali MOHAMED
Second Secretary
Embassy of Sudan
Rome
Delegate
Ms Cecilia NORDIN VAN GANSBERGHE
Deputy Director
Ministry of Agriculture
Stockholm
Rome
Alternates
Anders DÖLLING
Head of Section
Ministry of Agriculture
Stockholm
Hans J. HOLSTEIN
Principal Adminstrator
Council Secretariat
Brussels
Ms Maria JOHANSSON
Swedish Board of Agriculture
Stockholm
Ms Gilberte VAN DEN ABBEELE
Official
Council Secretariat
Brussels
Michael ODEVALL
Minister
Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Ms Perpetua Mary HINGI
Agricultural Attaché
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Chao TIANTONG
Minister (Agriculture)
Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Alternates
Aroon AUANSAKUL
Chief, Natural Resources
Economics Research Division
Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives
Bangkok
Mrs Pranee SIRIPHAN
Director, Grain Division
Department of Foreign Trade
Ministry of Commerce
Nonthaburi
Ms Pornpunnee PINPOKINTR
Technical Trade Officer
Department of Foreign Trade
Ministry of Commerce
Nonthaburi
Délégué
Abdelhakim KHALDI
Directeur général
Observatoire national de l'agriculture
Tunis
Suppléant
Moez SINAOUI
Représentant permanent adjoint
auprès de la FAO
Rome
Delegate
Ahmet SAYLAM
Agricultural Counsellor
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegate
Ms Jean SUMMERS
EU International Division
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
London
Delegate
Besa KOTAI
Assistant Deputy Administrator
US Department of Agriculture
Washington DC
Alternate
Mrs Emiko PURDY
Assistant to Deputy Administrator
International Trade Policy
US Department of Agriculture
Washington DC
Mrs Lucy TAMLYN
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
Delegado
Julio C. LUPINACCI
Embajador
Embajada de la República Oriental del Uruguay ante la Santa Sede
Roma
Suplente
Sra. Laura GALARZA
Representate Alterno de la República
Oriental del Uruguay ante la Santa Sede
Roma
Delegado
Carlos POZZO BRACHO
Ministro Consejero
Representante Permanente Alterno ante la FAO Roma
Delegate
Ms Rudo Grace MANYARARA
Counsellor
Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
OBSERVERS FROM MEMBER NATIONS NOT MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE
OBSERVATEURS DES ETATS MEMBRES QUI NE SONT PAS MEMBRES DU COMITÉ
OBSERVADORES DE LOS ESTADOS MIEMBROS QUE NO SON MIEMBROS DEL COMITÉ
Delegado |
Delegate |
| Suplente Luis PRUDENCIO Ministro Consejero Representante Permanente Alterno ante la FAO Roma |
MOZAMBIQUE Delegate Ananias SIGAUQUE Second Secretary Alternate Permanent Representative to FAO Rome |
Délégué |
Delegate |
|
Delegate |
Delegado |
|
Delegado |
|
Suplente |
HOLY SEE - SAINT-SIÈGE- SANTA SEDE
E. Monsignor Agostino MARCHETTO
Nonce Apostolique
Observateur permanent auprès de la FAO
Vincenzo BUONOMO
Observateur suppléant
Lelio BERNARDI
Expert
SOVEREIGN ORDER OF MALTA - ODRE SOUVERAIN DE MALTE
- SOBERANA ORDEN DE MALTA
Giuseppe BONANNO DI LINGUAGLOSSA
Representative to FAO
Rome
REPRESENTATIVES OF UNITED NATIONS AND SPECIALIZED AGENCIES
REPRÉSENTANTS DES NATIONS UNIES ET INSTITUTIONS SPÉCIALISÉES
REPRESENTANTES DE LAS NACIONES UNIDAS Y ORGANISMOS ESPECIALIZADOS
Bertil BYSKOV
Chief
Market Development Section
Division of Product and Market Development
Abdelaziz MEGZARI
Deputy Director
Division on International Trade in Goods and Services, and Commodities
Jacob YARON
Senior Program Manager
Commodity Risk Management Group
George André SIMON
Head, Interfais
Rome
OBSERVERS FROM INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
OBSERVATEURS DES ORGANISATIONS INTERGOUVERNEMENTALES
OBSERVADORES DE LAS ORGANIZACIONES INTERGUBERNAMENTALES
COMMON FUND FOR COMMODITIES
FONDS COMMUN POUR LES PRODUITS DE BASE
FONDO COMÚN PARA LOS PRODUCTOS BÁSICOS
Parvidar SINGH
Chief Operations Officer
Amsterdam
ORGANIZATION FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT
ORGANISATION DE COOPÉRATION ET DE DÉVELOPPEMENT ÉCONOMIQUES
ORGANIZACIÓN DE COOPERACIÓN Y DESARROLLO ECONÓMICOS
Wyatt THOMPSON
Administrator
Division of Agricultural Trade and Markets
Paris
OBSERVERS FROM NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
OBSERVATEURS DES ORGANISATIONS NON GOUVERNEMENTALES
OBSERVADORES DE LAS ORGANIZACIONES NO GUBERNAMENTALES
ASIAN NGO COALITION FOR AGRARIAN REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
COALITION ASIATIQUE DES ONG POUR LA RÉFORME AGRAIRE ET LE DÉVELOPPEMENT RURAL
COALICIÓN ASIÁTICA DE ORGANIZACIONES NO GUBERNAMENTALES PARA LA REFORMA AGRARIA Y EL
DESARROLLO RURAL
Mrs Cristina LIAMZON
Representative
ASSOCIATED COUNTRY WOMEN OF THE WORLD
UNION MONDIALE DES FEMMES RURALES
ASOCIACIÓN MUNDIAL DE MUJERES RURALES
Mrs Carmela BASILI
Permanent Representative to FAO
GLOBAL FORUM ON AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
FORUM MONDIAL DE LA RECHERCHE AGRICOLE
FORO GLOBAL DE INVESTIGACIÓN AGROPECUARIA
Hubert OMONT
Senior Scietist Commodity Chains
Montpellier
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATIVE ALLIANCE
ALLIANCE COOPÉRATIVE INTERNATIONALE
ALIANZA COOPERATIVA INTERNACIONAL
Lino VISANI
Permanent Representative to FAO
Geneva
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF HOME ECONOMICS
FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE POUR L'ÉCONOMIE FAMILIALE
FEDERACIÓN INTERNACIONAL PARA LA ECONOMÍA FAMILIAR
Mrs Francesca RONCHI PROJA
Permanent Representative to FAO
Rome
WORLD UNION OF CATHOLIC WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS
UNION MONDIALE DES ORGANISATIONS FÉMININES CATHOLIQUES
UNIÓN MUNDIAL DE LAS ORGANIZACIONES FEMENINAS CATÓLICAS
Mrs Carla ROMERSI
Permanent Representative to FAO
Paris
OPENING STATEMENT BY MR. DAVID HARCHARIK DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL
Chairperson, Distinguished Delegates,
Good morning, and welcome to this 63rd Session of the Committee on Commodity Problems.
Let me begin by congratulating Mr Kostov of Bulgaria on his election to the Chair of this meeting, as well as the two Vice-Chairpersons, Mr Allawi of Iraq and Mr Bocar Ly of Senegal.
I would now like to introduce the new Director of our Commodities and Trade Division, Ms Paola Fortucci. In spite of her new responsibilities, I am pleased to inform you that Ms Fortucci has agreed to also serve as Secretary of this Committee. I would also like to introduce Mr Hartwig de Haen, who is the Assistant Director-General of the Economic and Social Department.
As many of you will know, FAO has been undergoing considerable change and improvement over the last several years. We have, for example, reorganized, decentralized and downsized. Administrative efficiency has been increased, and costs have been cut. At the same time, we have succeeded in protecting our priority technical programmes, and we have also modernized and improved our communication system.
In particular, though, I should like to draw special attention to the new planning process that is now being used in the Organization. The process is based first and foremost on the Strategic Framework, which was endorsed by the FAO Conference in 1999, and which sets the course of the Organization's work for the coming 10 to 15 years. For the medium term, last June's Council session approved a new Medium-Term Plan for the years 2002 to 2007. The Strategic Framework and the Medium-Term Plan are the foundations on which the Organization's biennial Programmes of Work and Budget are now developed. This new planning process is the best that has ever been in place in the Organization.
As you know, one of the most important challenges of the 21st Century is to achieve an appreciable improvement in the conditions of the people who continue to suffer from hunger and malnutrition throughout the world. The World Food Summit of 1996 set a target to cut the number of undernourished to 400 million by 2015. Sadly, though, far too little progress has been made to bring about significant reductions in this number. If the world is to reach this target, the number of undernourished will need to be reduced by 20 million per year. However, in the 1990s the number declined by only 8 million annually.
As most of you already know, it is for this reason that the FAO Council agreed to the Director-General's proposal to carry out a high-level review of progress in implementing the World Food Summit Plan of Action five years after the Summit. The FAO Conference in November this year, to which Heads of State and Government will be invited, will be used as the forum for this review. It is hoped that the World Food Summit: five years later will give new impetus to accelerate the process of implementing the Plan of Action of the World Food Summit.
I should now like to turn to the important work of the Committee on Commodity Problems, and in particular to the agenda items you will be dealing with this week. In doing so, it is helpful to first recall that the role of this Committee is to review commodity problems of an international nature, to prepare a survey of the world commodity situation, and to develop appropriate policy recommendations for the Council.
Our current effort to survey the world commodity situation is taking place in an atmosphere of some uncertainty. While global economic conditions have improved immensely since the Committee's last session, this has not been fully translated into positive growth of demand. Last year, the international prices of many commodities remained near or below the depressed levels of 1999, and they have increased only slightly during the early months of 2001. While the low prices have conferred some benefits to consumers, including those in low-income food deficit countries, they have resulted in economic difficulties for farmers in many producing countries. The causes of the continued low prices despite economic recovery are an important matter for consideration by this Committee.
Because many prominent international and private organizations are discontinuing their efforts to monitor and analyse commodity market and policy developments, FAO's work in this field has needed to adapt and change. The Committee will have the opportunity to express its views on the new electronic version of the Commodity Market Review which is being designed to supplement the traditional printed version. The electronic version will also make it easier to provide timely updates throughout the year.
The Committee will also consider important trade policy issues. This is timely, as the international community has recently embarked on a new round of WTO negotiations on agriculture. A year of intensive work has been carried out during which countries and groups of countries have put forward proposals for the continuation of the reform process in agriculture. The evaluation of the impact of the Uruguay Round, including the consequences for food security in developing countries, provides important indications of the areas of progress as well as the challenges that need to be addressed in future negotiations. As requested by the Committee at its last Session, further analysis and information on this subject will be presented this week.
Based on work carried out by FAO and other organizations, it is clear that the WTO Agreement on Agriculture has had important disciplinary effects, with the potential to vastly modifying the conditions under which agricultural trade takes place. Our analysis of the experiences of developing countries reinforces the conclusions that further trade policy reforms need to take into account the concerns of these countries with regard to their food security and sustainable development. We anticipate that the deliberations of this Committee and its conclusions will provide guidance to member countries regarding the ongoing process of agricultural trade liberalization.
In this context, the Committee will also be informed of FAO's programme of technical assistance related to the multilateral trade negotiations in agriculture. Under the World Food Summit Plan of Action, FAO is committed to assisting developing countries on trade issues, and this Committee has traditionally taken a keen interest in the way in which this is being done. Later this week, a briefing session will be organized to provide further details on this technical assistance.
Also during this week, a symposium will be held on recent developments and prospects in the livestock and meat sector.
Chairperson, there are a number of emerging issues affecting agricultural commodity trade which are briefly drawn to the attention of the Committee for guidance. In particular, the views of the Committee are sought on future areas of trade-related work on biotechnology, organic agriculture and the various impacts on trade of measures under the WTO Agreements on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and Technical Barriers to Trade.
This Committee is also responsible for overseeing the activities of its intergovernmental commodity-specific groups. i.e. the IGGs. In its past few sessions, the Committee launched several reforms of the work and procedures of its IGGs, and implemented a number of measures that have led to reducing meeting and documentation expenditures by about two-thirds. At the current session, the Committee will examine the extent to which its IGGs have adapted their programmes in the light of the World Food Summit and Plan of Action, as well as their role under changing international trading conditions. The views of the Committee are sought on how to further strengthen the cost-effectiveness of the Groups and to improve their relevance. Guidance is also being sought on a range of other commodity activities, not specifically related to IGGs.
Chairperson, you have a very interesting agenda before you. I think I should allow you time to begin to address it.
On behalf of the Director-General and myself, I wish you a successful meeting.
1. Organizational matters:
- Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons
- Adoption of Agenda and Timetable
2. Statement on behalf of the Director-General
3. Review of the World Commodity Situation and Outlook, including Follow-up to Conference Resolution 2/79 on Commodity Trade, Protectionism and Agricultural Adjustment
- World Commodity Situation and Outlook
- Review of Reporting Activities on Conference Resolution 2/79 on Commodity Trade, Protectionism and Agricultural Adjustment
4. Intergovernmental Action and other Commodity Consultations and Studies under FAO Auspices
- Recommendations of the Intergovernmental Commodity Groups including the Consultative Sub-Committee on Surplus Disposal
- Role and Functioning of the Intergovernmental Commodity Groups
- Other Commodity Consultations and Studies
5. Trade Policy Issues
- Experience with the Implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture
- Analysis of Further Trade Expansion Options
- FAO Technical Assistance for the Multilateral Trade Negotiations (MTNs) in Agriculture
- New and Emerging Issues Affecting Agricultural Commodity Markets
6. Activities of other Bodies
- ommon Fund for Commodities
- Others
7. Arrangements for the Sixty-fourth Session
8. Any other business
9. Adoption of Report
| Document No. | Provisional Agenda Item |
||
| CCP 01/1 | Provisional Agenda and Agenda Notes | 1 | |
| CCP 01/2 | Report of the 1st session of the Intergovernmental Group on Bananas and on Tropical Fruits (Gold Coast, Australia, 4-8 May 1999) | 4(a) | |
| CCP 01/3 | Report of the Joint Meeting of the 28th session of the Intergovernmental Group on Grains and the 39th Session of the Intergovernmental Group on Rice (Rome, 22-24 September 1999) | 4(a) | |
| CCP 01/4 | Report of the 13th session of the Intergovernmental Group on Tea (Ottawa, Canada, 27-29 September 1999) | 4(a) | |
| CCP 01/5 | Report of the Joint Meeting of the 31st session of the Intergovernmental Group on Hard Fibres and the 33rd session of the Intergovernmental Group on Jute, Kenaf and Allied Fibres (Rome, 12-15 December 2000) | 4(a) | |
| CCP 01/6 | Consultative Sub-Committee on Surplus Disposal: 38th Report to the CCP | 4(a) | |
| CCP 01/7 | World Commodity Situation and Outlook | 3(a) | |
| CCP 01/8 | Review of Reporting Activities on Conference Resolution 2/79 | 3(b) | |
| CCP 01/9 | Review of Activities of Intergovernmental Commodity Groups | 4(b) | |
| CCP 01/10 | Activities on Commodities not covered by Intergovernmental Groups | 4(c) | |
| CCP 01/11 | Experience with the Implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture | 5(a) | |
| CCP 01/12 | Analysis of the Current Market Access Situation and of Further Trade Expansion Options in Global Agricultural Markets | 5(b) | |
| CCP 01/13 | Report on Technical Assistance related to the Multilateral Trade Negotiations in Agriculture | 5(c) | |
| CCP 01/14 | New and Emerging Issues affecting Commodity Markets | 5(d) | |
| CCP 01/15 | Development in FAO's cooperation with the Common Fund for Commodities | 6(a) | |
Information series |
|||
| CCP 01/Inf.1 | Programme Evaluation of Food and Agricultural Policy (Prog. 2.2.4) | ||
| CCP 01/Inf.2 | Proposed Timetable | 1(b) | |
| CCP 01/Inf.3 | List of Documents | ||
| CCP 01/Inf.4 | Statement on behalf of the Director-General | ||
| CCP 01/Inf.5 | Statement of Competence and Voting Rights submitted by the European Community (EC) and its Member States |
||
| CCP 01/Inf.6 | List of Members of the Committee on Commodity Problems | ||
| CCP 01/Inf.7 | List of Delegates | ||
MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMODITY PROBLEMS
Biennium 2000-2001
(as at 7 March 2001)
| Algeria Afghanistan Angola Argentina Australia Austria Bangladesh Belgium Bulgaria Burkina Faso Brazil Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Chile China Colombia Costa Rica Côte d'Ivoire Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Cuba Democratic People's Republic of Korea Denmark Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Estonia Ethiopia European Community Finland France |
Gabon Germany Ghana Greece Guatemala Guinea-Bissau Haiti Honduras Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran, Islamic Republic Iraq Ireland Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Korea, Republic of Kuwait Lesotho Libya Madagascar Malaysia Mali Malta Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Morocco Netherlands New Zealand |
Nigeria Norway Pakistan Panama Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Romania Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal Sierra Leone Slovakia Slovenia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand Tunisia Turkey Uganda United Kingdom United States of America Uruguay Venezuela Zimbabwe |
__________________________
1 The First Session of the IGG on Bananas and Tropical Fruits (comprising the First Session of the Sub-Group on Bananas and 2nd Session of the Sub-Group on Tropical Fruits); joint meeting of the 28th Session of the IGG on Grains and the 39th Session of the IGG on Rice; 13th Session of the IGG on Tea.; and joint meeting of the 31st Session of the IGG on Hard Fibres and the 33rd Session of the IGG on Jute, Kenaf and Allied Fibres.
