NAMA Sectorals are essential for balanced outcome.
Press Release Summary:
According to NAM's VP for International Economic Affairs, Frank Vargo, NAM has agreed that terms of Lamy paper were sufficient basis on which to move ahead with Non-Agricultural Market Access negotiations, but only if Brazil, China, and India agree to join on Annex Z indicating their willingness to participate in negotiating sectoral agreements. Without their participation in Annex Z, NAM sees little point in moving ahead because balance would not be possible.
Original Press Release:
NAMA Sectorals Essential For Balanced Outcome
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, July 28, 2008 - National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Vice President for International Economic Affairs Frank Vargo, in Geneva to advise on U.S. manufacturers' views in the Doha negotiations, made the following statement:
The NAM has agreed that the terms of the Lamy paper were a sufficient basis on which to move ahead with Non-Agricultural Market Access (NAMA) negotiations - but only if Brazil, China, and India agree to join on Annex Z indicating their willingness to participate in negotiating sectoral agreements within the negotiations.
We understand that most recently, China and India have shown a reluctance or refusal to participate in Annex Z. They are both huge players and global manufacturing powers, and must play a responsible role.
The NAM is not trying to take advantage of anyone. We are not seeking to gain at others' expense. We only seek balance. The "Swiss Formula" that advanced developing countries are entitled to use is so full of holes it is more properly called "The Swiss Cheese Formula." It severely imbalances the NAMA negotiations for the United States, requiring major cuts in U.S. tariffs but only minor cuts in the applied rates of the advance developing countries.
Balance in the NAMA negotiations can only come from significant sectoral agreements, and those are of little value without the participation of Brazil, China, and India. Without their participation in Annex Z, the NAM sees little point in moving ahead because balance just would not be possible. NAMA negotiations are on the knife edge, and China and India must act more responsibly. Together with sectoral agreements, robust participation in non-tariff barrier negotiations is also an imperative, but these appear widely accepted.
The NAM is pleased that U.S. negotiators have insisted China and India must sign on to Annex Z, along with Brazil - which is acting responsibly in accord with its major role here. We call on U.S. negotiators to continue to press this position firmly.
The National Association of Manufacturers is the nation's largest industrial trade association, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the NAM has 11 additional offices across the country. Visit the NAM's award-winning web site at www.nam.org for more information about manufacturing and the economy.
CONTACT: FRANK VARGO 1-202-465-6083
