Cariforum-EC EPA Negotiations - Trade Related Issues (Malcolm Spence)

8/9/2019 Cariforum-EC EPA Negotiations - Trade Related Issues (Malcolm Spence)

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CRNM EPA Overview Workshopfor Regional Media

Barbados * 15th February 2008

EU-CARIFORUM

Economic PartnershipAgreement (EPA)

Trade Related IssuesIncluding: Government Procurement, Innovation

& Intellectual Property

Malcolm SpenceSenior Coordinator

Intellectual Property, Science and Technology





OVERVIEW

PART II, TITLE IV (Six Chapters)

COMPETITION

INNOVATION AND INTELLECTUALPROPERTY

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT

ENVIRONMENT

SOCIAL ASPECTSPROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA



COMPETITION

Targets anti-competitive collusion and abuseof dominant market position throughinformation exchange and enforcementcollaboration





COMPETITION

Provides for support over 5 year institutionalcapacity building transition period and 6 yearsconfidence building collaboration



COMPETITION

Recognises CARIFORUM “variablegeometry” integration commitments (e.g.CSME)Shelters public enterprises and other monopolies where necessary but promotestheir withdrawal from discriminatory

participation in competitive markets





INNOVATION AND

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Recognises relationship between level of development, innovation system capacity andlevel of protection of intellectual propertyAllows for the participation of CARIFORUMin EU framework programmes, specific

programmes and other activities



INNOVATION AND


Assures that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as to impair the promotion of access to medicinesProvides for the protection of traditionalknowledge and equitable benefit sharing fromits use





INNOVATION AND


Provides for priority cooperation in:Competitiveness and InnovationScience and TechnologyInformation and Communications TechnologyEco-innovation and Renewable Energy



INNOVATION AND


Provides for priority cooperation in:Reinforcement of Regional initiatives inIntellectual Property RightsPreparation of National laws and support for

National institutions in order to facilitatemeeting the obligations undertaken





INNOVATION AND


Provides for priority cooperation in:Identifying and protecting products usingGeographical indications, particularly whereGIs would protect local traditional knowledgeand biodiversity

The development by trade or professionalassociations of codes of conduct



INNOVATION AND


Provides a 6/7 year transition period for theIntellectual Property obligations, with the

possibility of extension taking into account thedevelopment priorities and level of development in CARIFORUM





INNOVATION AND


Provides a 13/14 year transition period for Haiti as an LDC with the possibility of extension taking into account decisions in theWTOEncourages the transfer of technology from theEU to CARIFORUMEncourages continued regional integration



INNOVATION AND


Improves protection of digital content andfacilitates access and delivery of licencesImproves the protection for GeographicalIndications for products other than wines andspiritsProvides asymmetrical obligations concerning

patent Treaties





INNOVATION AND


Facilitates the collection of evidence oninfringement and the enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights



PUBLIC PROCUREMENT

Provides that the public procurement process be transparent when the sum involvedEXCEEDS:

130,000 SDRs for supplies130,000 SDRs for services5,000,000 SDRs for works







PUBLIC PROCUREMENT

Provides for cooperation in the creation of aregional on-line facility for the effectivedissemination of information on tenderingopportunitiesIf, in spite of this cooperation, the capacity stilldoes not exist at the end of the 2 year transition

period, it can be extended by a further 3 years



PUBLIC PROCUREMENT

No commitment is undertaken to provideMarket Access





ENVIRONMENT

Encourages the trade in goods and services beneficial to environmentRecognises the need to regulate trade to ensurethe achievement of a Party’s justifiablesustainable development objectivesRecognises that CARIFORUM States might

need special measures



ENVIRONMENT

Provides a consultative process that precedesthat of the Dispute Settlement MechanismProvides for cooperation in the development of environmentally friendly CARIFORUM

products using CARIFORUM naturalresourcesProvides for cooperation in public awareness





SOCIAL ASPECTS

Encourages adherence to internationallyrecognised core labour standardsRecognises the need to regulate trade to ensurethe achievement of a Party’s social cohesionand development policies



SOCIAL ASPECTS

Provides a consultative process that precedesthat of the Dispute Settlement Mechanism

Provides for cooperation in the development of measures for the promotion of Decent Work Provides for cooperation in public awareness





PROTECTION OF PERSONAL

DATA

Encourages the transborder flow of personaldata for processing by maintaining effectivedata protection regimesRecognises the importance of cooperation inorder to facilitate the development of appropriate data protection regimes



Thank You

Please visit our Website:http://www.crnm.org

Contact :Malcolm Spence

[email protected]: +1246 430 1670 Fax: +1246 228 9528

Documents

Cariforum-EC EPA Negotiations - Trade Related Issues (Malcolm Spence)