Country Studies on Special Products and the Special Safeguard Mechanism: Evaluation, Feedback and Strategy
An ICTSD Informal Consultation

24 February 2005, Geneva, Switzerland

Description

WTO Members adopted, on 1st August 2004, the General Council Decision on the Doha Work Programme. Annex A of this Decision sets out a framework constituting the basis for the crafting of full modalities during the next phase of negotiations. Paragraph 41 of the framework clearly states: "Developing countries will have the flexibility to designate an appropriate number of products as Special Products, based on criteria of food security, livelihood security and rural development needs." The text also indicates that the criteria and treatment of special products will be further specified. In addition, paragraph 42 states that "A Special Safeguard Mechanism (SMM) will be established for use by developing countries", the details of which will be developed in the next phase of the negotiations.

In order to contribute towards a better of understanding of issues relevant to negotiations under Para 41 and 42, ICTSD has initiated a number of country studies on Special Products and the Special Safeguard Mechanism. The countries in question are Barbados, Honduras, Kenya, Pakistan, Peru and Sri Lanka. On 24 February, the country study experts were invited to come to Geneva to provide feedback on the study process and to informally discuss the issues relevant to these studies. The Geneva missions of the countries in which the studies are being carried were also invited.