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FTAA.ngsv/inf/25
August 12, 2003
Original: Spanish
Translation: FTAA Secretariat
FTAA – CONSULTATIVE GROUP ON SMALLER ECONOMIES
URUGUAY
REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE HEMISPHERIC COOPERATION PROGRAM
Introduction
With a view to a rewarding participation in the negotiation of the FTAA Chapter
on Services, on an equal footing with other delegations, Uruguay is requesting
support within the framework of the FTAA Hemispheric Cooperation Program to set
up a database of non-conforming domestic measures on services-related matters.
The database would strengthen Uruguay’s capacity to participate fully in the
negotiations on market access, which will begin in February 2003 with the
presentation of offers.
In that regard, we request financial assistance to conduct an inventory of
existing measures on services that restrict market access and national
treatment, as well as the non-discriminating quantitative restrictions in the
regulations currently in force.
- Project Title
Strengthening of Uruguay’s negotiating capacity for the negotiation of the FTAA
Chapter on Services.
- Background
Uruguay has participated actively in the NGSV. So far, the negotiations have
mainly addressed the regulatory framework of the Chapter on Services.
As stipulated by the TNC, countries must present their offers between 15
December 2002 and 15 February 2003 (FTAA.TNC/20).
Uruguay still does not have an exhaustive survey of all its non-conforming
measures, and it must complete this task shortly in order to make a proper
presentation of its offer.
The survey has not been conducted largely because of the lack of the financial
resources needed to engage technicians full-time to perform the task within a
specific period of time.
- Rationale
The mandate to present an offer on services within such a limited timeframe
makes it imperative to have the inventory of non-conforming measures and
quantitative restrictions ready.
Having the inventory will enable Uruguay to make a more ambitious offer and
technically improve its presentation.
- Objectives of the project:
- To strengthen the country’s capacity to implement and participate fully in
the FTAA.
- To conduct the negotiation of services efficiently, tackling and overcoming
the challenges effectively and maximizing the benefits associated with
liberalization.
- To present an offer that is consistent with the regulations currently in
force.
- Inputs
- Personnel:
Local technical experts1 : 1 specialist in services, 1 lawyer, 1 computer
technician, 1 document specialist, 1 data-entry clerk. Specialists for each
sector (i.e., financial services, telecommunications, etc.)
- Equipment:
1 PC with Internet access, 1 printer, database software
- Expected Results
Once the project is completed, we hope to have a database containing the
inventory of non-conforming measures and quantitative restrictions included in
the country’s regulations, for purposes of presenting Uruguay’s offer for the
FTAA Chapter on Services.
This will have a positive impact on our ability to respond to the challenges
that may arise from the liberalization of trade in services and from the
implementation of the FTA
1 We consider it necessary to hire local technical experts who are familiar with
the country’s internal regulations.
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