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 Introduction
The objective of the Agriculture Agreement is to reform trade in this sector and to make policies more market-oriented. This would improve predictability and security for importing and exporting countries alike. The original GATT did apply to agricultural trade, but it contained loopholes. For example, it allowed countries to use some non-tariff measures such as import quotas, and to subsidize. Agricultural trade became highly distorted, especially with the use of export subsidies which would not normally have been allowed for industrial products. The Uruguay Round produced the first multilateral agreement dedicated to the sector. It was a significant first step towards order, fair competition and a less distorted sector. It was implemented over a six-year period (and is still being implemented by developing countries under their 10-year period), that began in 1995. The Uruguay Round agreement included a commitment to continue the reform through new negotiations. These were launched in 2000, as required by the Agriculture Agreement.
Role of the CD/WTO
The role of the CD/WTO is to analyze the data and proposals of Egypt and its trading partners in order to formulate an Egyptian position in the agriculture negotiations (market access, domestic support, and export competition) that reflects Egypt’s economic and social interests. As the Secretariat for the High National Committee on Doha Negotiations, the CD/WTO organizes meetings of the Agriculture Subcommittee to relate progress in Geneva-based negotiations – often attended by CD/WTO staff – and to discuss and formulate Egypt’s position in the negotiations.
The CD/WTO also organizes public awareness workshops and seminars for associations and private sector companies to inform them of their rights and obligations under the Agriculture Agreement. The public awareness activities also allow the department to become familiar with trade barriers faced by Egyptian traders.
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