February 2001 News

Mexico: Proposed Standards (February 12 to 23, 2001)

Singapore: Next WTO Director General Comments on Trend Toward More FTAs

According to February 21 Singapore press reports, visiting former Thai Deputy Prime Minister (and WTO director general-to-be) Supachai Panitchpakdi gave a general endorsement to Singapore's recent bilateral free trade agreement initiatives as having a "promotional" effect on multilateral trade liberalization, especially for ASEAN countries. Supachai is quoted as stating that, "We need linkages between the region and NAFTA," and adding: "Whatever (Singapore) does, it can generate spinoffs for ASEAN. It's a good thing." Supachai stated that regional free trade agreements (RTAs) are growing more popular, citing Japan, and also mentioned China's interest in a closer economic community in the region. Asked whether RTAs should be included on the agenda of a new round of multilateral trade negotiations, Supachai reportedly replied that the issue would have to be "discussed seriously," but did not state that they should be a subject for negotiation. According to the press, Supachai told journalists that bilateral or regional free trade agreements must be a building block, not a stumbling block, for multilateral trade liberalization, and that in this regard, there is a need to study RTAs to see what effect they are having.

Chile: U.S. Salmonid Egg Exports Resume

On February 9, 2001, the United States and the Government of Chile signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide U.S. salmonid egg exporters access to the Chilean market. Under the MOU Chile will recognize USDA's Animal Health and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS) for the next year to certify U.S. salmonid egg exports as disease free. During this time Chile will finalize its regulations bringing them into compliance with obligations under the WTO Sanitary Phytosanitary Agreement.

Saudi Arabia: Approval of "Negative" Investment List

On February 11, Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Economic Council (SEC) approved the "negative list" of economic sectors off-limits to foreign investment, as called for in the new investment law approved in April 2000. Foreign investment in commercial agencies would also be off-limits, except in cases of "special rights" where foreign investment would be limited to 49 percent. The press quoted both Prince Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki, governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority, and the SEC secretary general, Dr. Abdul Rahman al Tuwaijeri, as saying that the list would be reviewed annually with the aim of shortening it.

Trinidad and Tobago: Determination Under the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act

USTR has determined that Trinidad and Tobago is making substantial progress toward implementing and following the customs procedures required by the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act and, therefore, imports of eligible products from Trinidad and Tobago qualify for the trade benefits provided under the Act

Read the FR notice (off-site link)

Mexico: Proposed Standards (December 20, 2000 to February 9, 2001)

US: Subsidies Enforcement Annual Report to Congress

In a joint report to Congress, the U.S. Commerce Department and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative state that they are continuing to closely collaborate in monitoring and strictly enforcing the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. For an update on USDOC/USTR efforts to combat foreign subsidies, Read the Annual Report