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International cooperation for better quality and better trade
In today's globalized world economy QI systems cannot operate in isolation. Cross-border cooperation on QI can help governments achieve sustainable energy systems while helping companies along the solar PV value chain seize market opportunities and avoid unnecessary costs. International cooperation on QI takes different forms from mutual recognition and regulatory provisions in trade agreements to formal cooperation partnerships and regulatory harmonization. The most appropriate approaches in any given situation differ depending on the compatibility of regulatory environments and systems the sector type and degree of regulation already in place and the level of technical and institutional capacity of the countries involved among several other factors.
Mainstreaming trade to expand economic opportunities for poverty reduction
The United Nations General Assembly formally adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at a summit held in New York from 25 to 27 September 2015 which was attended by some 150 heads of state and government.
Introduction
La présente brochure préparée par la Division du commerce et de l’environnement de l’Organisation mondiale du commerce (OMC) vise à améliorer la compréhension du rôle du commerce et des règles commerciales s’agissant des questions environnementales. L’objectif est de répondre dans des termes simples à certaines des grandes questions du débat sur le commerce et l’environnement qui ont trait au système commercial multilatéral. Ainsi il ne s’agit pas de réaliser une analyse exhaustive des questions visées mais plutôt d’essayer de fournir des renseignements fondamentaux et des exemples pour répondre à certaines questions fréquemment soulevées concernant le commerce et l’environnement.
Since WTO rules do not prevent environmental action, what do they say?
When it comes to the environment the basic thrust of WTO rules is that environmental objectives should not be used as an excuse to protect domestic producers.
Building partnerships for trade, environment and prosperity
The world today is more interconnected than ever before. The sheer scale and scope of global value chains have created a new landscape for business and trade influencing how and where goods and services are produced and consumed. Countries are much more linked to one another and developing countries are playing an increasing role in international trade. In parallel the frequency and intensity of climate change and climate-related natural disasters has intensified at times causing disruptions to production networks.
Foreword
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the international community. Mitigating global warming and adapting to its consequences will require major economic investment and above all unequivocal determination on the part of policy-makers. With a challenge of this magnitude multilateral cooperation is crucial and a successful conclusion to the ongoing global negotiations on climate change would be the fi rst step towards achieving sustainable development for future generations. As we march towards Copenhagen we all have a responsibility to make a success of these negotiations. Climate change is not a problem that can aff ord to wait. It is a threat to future development peace and prosperity that must be tackled with the greatest sense of urgency by the entire community of nations.
Executive summary
Th is Report provides an overview of the key linkages between trade and climate change based on a review of available literature and a survey of relevant national policies.
Executive summary
The WTO is central to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which set targets to be achieved by 2030 in areas such as poverty reduction health education and the environment. The SDGs put significant emphasis on the role that trade plays in promoting sustainable development and recognize the contribution that the WTO can make to the 2030 Agenda.
Transparency and relations with other organizations
The provisions of the multilateral trading system with respect to the transparency of trade measures used for environmental purposes.
The solar photovoltaic industry and the Covid-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the most acute health crisis in generations and has sent shockwaves across economies worldwide. Renewable energies can play a dual role in helping the world to recover. First they can strengthen healthcare and other critical public infrastructures. Second when integrated into response plans and strategies to “build back better” (i.e. rebuild economies in light of the numerous problems which arose as a result of the pandemic) renewable energies can help mitigate the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting economic recovery boosting job creation fostering access to electricity and economic diversification and putting the world on a climate-safe path.
Relevant GATT/WTO provisions
The principle of non-discrimination has two components: the Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) clause contained in GATT Article I and the National Treatment principle contained in Article III. According to Article I WTO Members are bound to grant to the products of other Members treatment no less favourable than that accorded to the products of any other country. Thus no country is to give special trading advantages to another or to discriminate against it. Therefore all Members are on an equal footing and all share the benefits of any moves towards lower trade barriers. The MFN principle ensures that developing countries and others with little economic leverage are able to benefit freely from the best trading conditions whenever and wherever they are negotiated. A second component of non-discrimination is National Treatment. Article III stipulates that once goods have entered a market they must be treated no less favourably than equivalent domestically-produced goods.
Global value chains in the solar PV sector
Value creation along the solar PV supply chain involves a broad range of goods and services (Box 1). Some of these goods and services are supplied domestically but many others are traded across borders. This section provides an overview of global trade flows in selected goods along the solar PV value chain. Included in the analysis are machines to manufacture solar PV wafers cells modules and panels along with selected solar PV components such as PV generators inverters PV cells and where relevant the parts needed to produce some of these goods (see Appendix).
Annexes
Ministers meeting on the occasion of signing the Final Act embodying the results of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations at Marrakesh on 15 April 1994.
What are the links between trade and the environment?
The world economy has changed profoundly over the past decades as there has been a sharp increase in population and a near tripling of average income since 1960. During this period our economies have become ever more integrated due to advances in communication and information technologies along with lower barriers to global trade and investment.
Executive summary
The world is much more interconnected than ever before. The rise of production networks across countries has transformed the trade and business landscape influencing how and where goods and services are produced and consumed. Many developing countries are playing an increasing role in international trade but others remain excluded due to lack of financial resources knowledge and infrastructure.
Prefacio
En los últimos decenios el comercio ha impulsado enormes avances en el desarrollo económico en todo el mundo. A medida que la economía mundial iba creciendo sin embargo se han acentuado también los problemas ambientales que pueden a su vez socavar el bienestar el desarrollo la salud y el propio crecimiento económico.
Environment-Related disputes: An overview
Under the GATT six panel proceedings involving an examination of environmental measures or human health-related measures under Article XX were completed. Of the six reports three have not been adopted by GATT Contracting Parties. Under the WTO Dispute Settlement Understanding three such proceedings have been completed. The following provides a factual overview of these disputes.