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The terms of reference given to the CTE in Marrakech are, in part:
"To identify the relationship between trade measures and environmental measures, in order to promote sustainable development;
To make appropriate recommendations on whether any modifications of the provisions of the multilateral trading system are required, compatible with the open, equitable and non-discriminatory nature of the system..."
The Committee narrowed this broad mandate down to a 10-item agenda for work (see Box 3-1) and has used this agenda as its framework for discussions. Since 1996 the Committee has grouped the 10 items into two clusters for better focus: those items on the theme of market access (items 2, 3, 4 and 6), and those on the linkages between international environmental management and the trading system (items 1, 5, 7 and 8). Item 9, on trade in services, has not been much discussed, and item 10, on openness, sits in its own category.
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Box 3-1: Work program of the Committee on Trade and Environment
The CTE has an agenda of 10 items for discussion:
- The relationship between trade rules and trade measures used for environmental purposes, including those in MEAs.
- The relationship between trade rules and environmental policies with trade impacts.
- a) The relationship between trade rules and environmental charges and taxes.
b) The relationship between trade rules and environmental requirements for products, including packaging, labelling and recycling standards and regulations.
- Trade rules on the transparency (that is, full and timely disclosure) of trade measures used for environmental purposes, and of environmental policies with trade impacts.
- The relationship between the dispute settlement mechanisms of the WTO and those of MEAs.
- The potential for environmental measures to impede access to markets for developing country exports, and the potential environmental benefits of removing trade restrictions and distortions.
- The issue of the export of domestically prohibited goods.
- The relationship between the environment and the TRIPS Agreement.
- The relationship between the environment and trade in services.
- WTO's relations with other organizations, both non-governmental and inter-governmental.
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