In a significant development for international trade, an Advanced Course focusing on the WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) began on October 10th at the WTO. This comprehensive two-week training program boasts the participation of 26 government officials from diverse member nations. The course’s primary goal is to equip attendees with the necessary tools and resources to play an active and effective role in enhancing the implementation of the SPS Agreement within their respective countries.
Edwini Kessie, Director of the WTO’s Agriculture and Commodities Division, emphasized the paramount importance of safeguarding human, animal, and plant health while simultaneously minimizing unnecessary trade barriers. In his remarks during the opening ceremony, he highlighted the role of the SPS Agreement in addressing contemporary challenges, particularly concerns related to food security.
Kessie articulated, “International trade flourishes when exporting and importing nations embrace a common set of principles aimed at eliminating unwarranted trade obstacles, preventing unexpected disruptions, and ensuring transparency when requirements evolve. The Agreement, therefore, lays out fundamental rules to ensure that sanitary and phytosanitary requirements are grounded in science, characterized by transparency, and do not unduly hinder trade.”
He further underlined, “The SPS Agreement strongly encourages member states to harmonize their domestic requirements with the pertinent international standards established by renowned organizations such as Codex, the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).”
Throughout the course, participants will engage in a dynamic learning experience, featuring lectures, participant-led presentations, roundtable discussions, and practical case studies. These activities aim to foster a deeper understanding of the SPS Agreement’s provisions and the functioning of its committee. Additionally, a crucial component of the program involves the development of action plans that participant will be tasked with implementing upon their return to their respective countries. These plans will address SPS challenges and facilitate improved market access.
Christiane Wolff, SPS Committee Secretary, emphasized the participatory nature of the course, encouraging attendees to fully engage and make the most of the opportunity. She noted, “You are expected to develop an action plan that will empower you to take the lead in effecting positive changes within your home countries. To assist you in this endeavor, you will receive guidance from coaches, in addition to benefiting from the expertise of our trainers.”
In addition to the valuable insights from WTO Secretariat officials, participants will have the privilege of drawing upon the expertise of key organizations such as the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), the Advisory Centre on WTO Law (ACWL), and the international standard-setting bodies (Codex, IPPC, WOAH). Furthermore, they will engage with the chair of the SPS Committee, as well as SPS delegates actively involved in the Committee’s work, and external consultants.
The commencement of this advanced training program signifies a significant step forward in promoting harmonious and science-based trade practices, ultimately facilitating smoother international trade relations.