Relationship between the wto and mea rules

There are over 250 multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) (deal) with various environmental issues which are currently in force. About 20 of these include provisions that can (affect) trade. For instance, they may (contain) measures that prohibit trade in certain species or products, or that allow countries (restrict) trade in certain circumstances.

A question that may (arise) is whether measures under a multilateral agreement are compatible with WTO rules. For example, a multilateral agreement could (authorize) trade in a specific product between its parties, but ban trade in the same product with countries that have not (sign) the agreement.

This could be (find) to be incompatible with WTO’s non-discrimination principle (know) as “most (favour) nation treatment”, which requires countries (grant) equivalent treatment to the same (or “like”) products (import) from any WTO member country. On the other hand, WTO rules do allow members (derogate) from their obligations in some cases, for instance where a measure is (aim) at the conservation of natural resources, provided certain conditions are (meet).

No formal dispute (involve) a measure under a multilateral environmental agreement has so far been (bring) to the WTO. However, the complexity of the relationship between environmental and trade rules was (highlight) in the “Chile — Swordfish” case.

Exercise 7. In this text from a special booklet you are going to learn about the 10 benefits of the WTO trading system; some are well-known, and others are not so obvious.

PART II

This booklet tries to reflect the complex and dynamic nature of trade. It highlights some of the benefits of the WTO’s trading system, but it doesn’t claim that everything is perfect — otherwise there would be no need for further negotiations and for the system to evolve and reform continually. Nor does it claim that everyone agrees with everything in the WTO. That’s one of the most important reasons for having the system: it’s a forum for countries to thrash out their differences on trade issues.

As the official site of the WTO suggests, the first step to understand the WTO is to talk. Essentially, the WTO is a place where member governments go, to try to sort out the trade problems they face with each other. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world’s trading nations.

But the WTO is not just about liberalizing trade, and in some circumstances its rules support maintaining trade barriers — for example to protect consumers, prevent the spread of disease or protect the environment.

The WTO says there are many over-riding reasons why we’re better off with the system than without it. Here are 10 of them:

1. The system helps promote peace;

2. Disputes are handled constructively;

3. Rules make life easier for all;

4. Freer trade cuts the costs of living;

5. It provides more choice of products and qualities;

6. Trade raises incomes;

7. Trade stimulates economic growth;

8. The basic principles make life more efficient;

9. Governments are shielded from lobbying;

10. The system encourages good government.

Exercise 8. Look at the highlighted expressions in the text. Which of them mean the same?

1. in a better situation

2. to successfully deal with a difficult situation

3. to make something easy to notice so that people pay attention to it

4. to gradually change and develop over a period of time

5. to discuss something until you find a solution or reach an agreement

6. more important than anything else

7. the essential or most vital part of something

Exercise 9. Go to the official website of the WTO to find this booklet. Choose any point of the 10 benefits the system gives and prepare to talk about it in more detail in class.

http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/whatis_e/10ben_e/10b00_e.htm

Exercise 10. Paraphrase the sentences using for-phrases with the Infinitive. Use the prompts in brackets.

1. I can’t comment further on this issue as both these matters are now before the courts. (It is not appropriate for…)

2. People can visit these centers as we provide their access in partnership with Papua New Guinea and Nauru. (We provide access for…)

3. The number acts as a pointer in order that DHS could access information while ensuring no outside parties have access. (The number acts as a pointer for…)

4. If you have the possibility to secure its release, another individual may also affect for you Customs clearance of a single, non-commercial shipment not requiring formal entry. (It is possible for…)

5. He opened his suitcase so that the inspector could check it. (He opened his suitcase for…)

6. If you want to know the exact rate of duty on an item you want to send to the US, please call your local port and ask to speak to an import specialist. (If it’s critical for…)

7. You needn’t pay any duty on this item. (There is no need for…)

8. You’d better consult a Customs broker. (The best thing for…)

9. A loose-leaf volume containing regulations was published and public could carry out customs laws. (A loose-leaf volume containing regulations was published for…)

10. The Customs authorities must deal efficiently with the increasing number of passengers. (It is important for…)

Exercise 11. In the table below you will find some idioms and their explanations. Do you have similar expressions in Russian? Make up sentences to use some of the idioms.

If you…	then you …
tighten your belt	spend less than you did before, because you have less money.
build bridges	help two people, groups, or countries who have disagreed to have a more friendly relationship.
applaud somebody’s efforts	express approval of them.
get to the bottom of something	find out the true cause or explanation of a bad situation.
come to terms with someone	make an agreement, or to end an argument with someone.
rack your brains	try very hard to remember or think of something.
add fuel to the fire	make a situation worse than it already is.
catch someone red-handed	catch a person in the act of doing something wrong.
give the green light	give permission for someone to do something or for something to happen.
fight a losing battle	try hard to do something when there is no chance that you will succeed.

Exercise 12. Complete the sentences with the idioms from the previous exercise. Mind the forms of the verbs.

1. Some people think that any government that tries to stop people from taking illegal drugs _______________.

2. Before China can obtain the large loan desired by the Nationalist Government for purposes of reconstruction and modernization, she must _______________ the Powers regarding old debts.

3. Should the government warn the public of terrorist threats, or ___ this merely __________?

4. All independent members __________ to the transaction last week.

5. He played a key role in ___________ between management and the unions.

6. It also allowed the government to get a search warrant and to carry out a controlled delivery that __________ the woman with the counterfeit goods _____________.

7. She ___________ for a subject they could discuss without an argument.

8. We strongly support these provisions and _____________ the Committee's ___________ to ensure that these measures are enacted this session.

9. She was determined _____________ of what went wrong.

10. Things are beginning to cost more and more. It looks like we'll all have to ____________.

Exercise 13. Work alone. Watch some students’ presentations or videos devoted to the WTO and make an outline about the 10 benefits of the WTO trading system. Compare your list with other students’.

Exercise 14. With the help of a dictionary find out the meaning of the word umbrella from the following context: “The basic structure of the WTO agreements: how the six main areas fit together — the umbrella WTO Agreement, goods, services, intellectual property, disputes and trade policy reviews”.

What other words can be useful when speaking about International Agreements? Give your examples.

Exercise 15. On the site below watch the video and make your comments on it. Explore this page to find out more about the work of the WTO, opportunities for students and young professionals, and how trade is relevant to you and your country: http://www.wto.org/english/forums_e/students_e/students_e.htm

Prepare to talk about it.

Exercise 16. Do you know what common misunderstandings about the WTO are? Is it a dictatorial tool of the rich and powerful? Does it destroy jobs? Does it ignore the concerns of health, the environment and development? Think of these questions before reading the text.

PART III

Criticisms of the WTO are often based on fundamental misunderstandings of the way the WTO works.

The debate will probably never end. People have different views of the pros and cons of the WTO’s “multilateral” trading system. Indeed, one of the most important reasons for having the system is to serve as a forum for countries to thrash out their differences on trade issues. Individuals can participate, not directly, but through their governments.

However, it is important for the debate to be based on a proper understanding of how the system works. Here are the 10 common misunderstandings:

1. The WTO dictates policy;

2. The WTO is for free trade at any cost;

3. Commercial interests take priority over development …

4. … and over the environment;

5. … and over health and safety;

6. The WTO destroys jobs, worsens poverty;

7. Small countries are powerless in the WTO;

8. The WTO is the tool of powerful lobbies;

9. Weaker countries are forced to join the WTO;

10. The WTO is undemocratic.

It took Russia 18 years to complete the accession process. In his welcoming speech in 2011 Pascal Lamy, the then director-general of the World Trade Organization, said, “Joining the WTO will create new market opportunities for Russian businesses. Those businesses will very soon operate in a more predictable and transparent commercial environment than in the past. No longer can governments discriminate against Russian exports or arbitrarily raise access barriers to their markets. Should Russia feel its rights or interests have been compromised, WTO membership provides a trusted mechanism for defending those rights and interests. Importantly, Russia's population of nearly 150 million will gain significantly through lower prices and a greater selection of available goods and services.

Membership in the WTO will also make Russia a more attractive location for foreign investment. In applying WTO rules, Russia becomes a better place to do business. Foreign investors know this and have always viewed WTO membership as an internationally recognized quality seal of approval”.

Exercise 17. Look at the highlighted expressions in the text. Which of them mean the same?

1. a good opinion of someone or something

2. to put obstacles in one’s way

3. clear and easy to understand conditions

4. to discuss something until you find a solution or reach an agreement

5. the advantages and disadvantages of something

6. a reliable system for achieving a result

7. a better place to spend money.

Exercise 18. Go to the official website of the WTO to find this booklet. Choose any point of the 10 misunderstandings and prepare to talk about it in more detail in class.

http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/whatis_e/10mis_e/10m00_e.htm

Exercise 19. Read the following text. Make up the list of key words necessary to talk about Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC, is the premier forum for facilitating economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region.

APEC is an intergovernmental grouping that operates on the basis of non-binding commitments, open dialogue and equal respect for the views of all participants. Unlike the WTO or other multilateral trade bodies, APEC has no treaty obligations required of its participants. Decisions made within APEC are reached by consensus and commitments are undertaken on a voluntary basis.

APEC has 21 members - referred to as "member economies" - which account for approximately 40 percent of the world's population, approximately 55 percent of world GDP and about 44 percent of world trade. These Member Economies are Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Canada; Chile; People's Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Peru; The Republic of the Philippines; The Russian Federation; Singapore; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; The United States of America; Viet Nam.

Since its inception, in 1989, APEC has worked to reduce tariffs and other trade barriers across the Asia-Pacific region, creating efficient domestic economies and dramatically increasing exports. Key to achieving APEC's vision are what are referred to as the 'Bogor Goals' of free and open trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific by 2010 for industrialized economies and 2020 for developing economies. These goals were adopted by Leaders at their 1994 meeting in Bogor, Indonesia.

Free and open trade and investment helps economies to grow, creates jobs and provides greater opportunities for international trade and investment. In contrast, protectionism keeps prices high and fosters inefficiencies in certain industries. Free and open trade helps to lower the costs of production and thus reduces the prices of goods and services - a direct benefit to all.

APEC also works to create an environment for the safe and efficient movement of goods, services and people across borders in the region through policy alignment and economic and technical cooperation.

Exercise 20. Learn more about some related topics, such as APEC and Food Security, Energy, Human Security, and others on the site

http://www.apec.org/about-us/about-apec.aspx or http://www.youtube.com/

Prepare to talk about what you’ve learnt.

Exercise 21. Write an essay on one of the following topics:

1. The weighty matters of international economic cooperation.

2. The importance of International Agreements.

3. The heavyweights of the multilateral trade bodies.

4. The vital principles of the GATT.

5. Pros and cons of the WTO.