Derestricted
FTAA.sme/inf/80
August 12, 2003
Original: Spanish
Translation: FTAA Secretariat
FTAA – CONSULTATIVE GROUP ON SMALLER ECONOMIES
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
HEMISPHERE COOPERATION PROGRAM
PRESENTATION OF PROJECTS OF THE NEGOTIATING GROUP ON MARKET ACCESS
(NGMA)
Introduction
- Project title
Strengthening of institutional and operational aspects of the Foreign Trade and
Treaty Management Agency of the State Secretariat of Industry and Commerce
(SEIC).
- Background
Commitments derived from the Agreements adopted within the framework of the
World Trade Organization (WTO), the launching, in Doha, of a new round of
multilateral trade negotiations, the objective of achieving the Free Trade Area
of Americas Agreement (FTAA), the free trade agreements signed with Central
America and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and other such treaties as may be
signed with other countries of the region.
- Rationale
Strengthening its integration into the international economy and active
participation in regional integration and free-trade schemes is the core
objective of the Dominican Republic’s trade policy. Giving expression to the
Dominican Republic’s policy and objectives calls for effective implementation
mechanisms in each of the areas involved in these processes
- Objectives of the Project:
- General
Build up the capacities of the staff of the Foreign Trade and Treaty Management Agency of the
State Secretariat of Industry and Commerce for the preparation of technical studies, reports,
and the establishment of trade rules for timely decision-making aimed at better use of the advantages
of the Trade Agreements signed by the Dominican Republic.
- Specific
Contribute to fully complying with the objectives of international-trade-related
treaties, conventions, and agreements with a view to promoting market
competition.
Provide the Agency with a trade-related database for monitoring trade flows and,
more specifically, to assist in monitoring tariff-elimination programs on a
product-by-product basis, in respect of all the trade agreements signed by the
Dominican Republic.
- Input: resources needed for the project
-
Specialized technical assistance (consultancy in the administration of
agreements, customs valuation, and administration of rules of origin)
-
Financial resources
-
Training (courses, internships) in preparing offers for the negotiations, and
methodologies for negotiating rules of origin.
- Expected results
-
Efficiency in the work of the Foreign Trade and Treaty Management Agency of the
State Secretariat of Industry and Commerce.
-
Organization and application of mechanisms for the implementation of Trade
Agreements.
-
Ability to obtain transparent and reliable information in a timely manner for
the public sector and private production sector.
-
Other relevant information
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