This global survey will ensure that the 14 governments engaged in plurilateral negotiations on environmental goods have access to the most recent and up to date intelligence on the current state of play. Announced in Davos on 24 January, the group of countries (including EU 28) plan to create a list of green goods that will be subject to tariff liberalisation.
The survey, launched at the request of policy makers in participating countries, will target supporters and commercial actors in the green energy industry as a means of better understanding the trade barriers they face in their markets. The results will be processed by trade experts at the Geneva-based think-tank the International Centre of Trade and Sustainable Development and translated into specific policy recommendations to the governments involved.
The governments are currently engaged in important preparations for the upcoming negotiations, such as reviewing the list of goods to be included in the agreement. Countries are also considering broader issues for inclusion ranging from trade in services and behind-the border measures. The process is being followed closely by additional countries, which may decide to join later on.
This is a unique opportunity for the SETI Alliance and its members to express our concerns and interests from the market place, directly to the negotiators, said Peter C. Brun, Managing Director for the SETI Alliance. It is also a win for negotiators to receive such direct and updated information from commercial players which are struggling on a day-to-day basis with real market barriers.
The valuable input we receive from the huge commercial network we have in the SETI-Alliance will undoubtedly prove to be a crucial resource for trade negotiators working on this landmark agreement.
Results of the survey are expected to be released no later than June 2014.
